The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer, Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 18, 2022, in the amount of $31,294.66 dated June 24, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,476.40.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

There was no Accounts Payable Check Register this week.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 16, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 16, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 16, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 16, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Library Trustees Meeting – May 10, 2022;
• Library Trustees Meeting – June 14, 2022;
• Planning Board Meeting – June 14, 2022.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #003-074-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-074-001 in the amount of $1,037.00.  This is due to a payment from escrow of the prior owner.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

MAP and LOT #027-005-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #027-005-000.  This lot is located off of Route 12 that borders Charlestown.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.   

OLD BUSINESS:

Purchase Order for Tree Work on the Common:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Purchase Order #310813 for Hartmann Tree & Garden LLC for “Pruning, dead wood removal and 3 trees removed w/stump grinding for the not to exceed amount of $14,350.00.  ($4,735 to be billed for 3 tree removals / Remainder to be billed once work is completed.  Funding from Quinton Fund – an expendable Trust Fund).  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.   

Police Detail & General Fund Transfer:  Mr. Rich Kreissle reported that a recent analysis of 2022 police details revealed that $2,274.30 was transferred from the General Fund to the police revolving fund in error.  These invoices included charges for the use of outside police agencies.  He is requesting permission from the Treasurer to issue a bank check made out to the Town from the Police Revolving Fund to be deposited into the Town’s General Fund.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to transfer $2,274.30 from the Police Revolving Fund to the General Fund based on a recent analysis of 2022 police details.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ruggiero Processing Facility Application Update:  The Department of Environmental Services (DES) issued a letter to Rob Hitchcock, Engineer, SVE Associates, with a copy to the Town of Walpole, advising that the DES was unable to process the application for Type 1-B Permit Modification – Increase Weekly Capacity – Initial application received June 6, 2022.  This request may be submitted through a Type 1-A permit modification application.

Pending Further Actions:

Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

Mr. Dalessio reported that the Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) short application submitted by Fuss & O’Neill for Reservoir Dam funding is being considered but not approved. The Town was encouraged to submit a full application. The Cost Benefit Analysis will cost $20,000. The grant request would be for $500,000.

There are only two options per Mr. Dalessio. They are to take the dam down or to try to expand the bank. Since the dam has a high recreational value to the Town, we should consider trying to repair it first.

His suggestion is to use ARPA money and move forward with it to a maximum of $20,000.  If they realize it will not be successful, they will stop.  They have to agree tonight as to whether they want to continue with the application.  Mrs. Pschirrer does not believe they have a choice except to go ahead with the project. 

Mr. Dalessio had a spreadsheet that was done by Mr. Leo Smith that shows all the different projects going on right now.  One column has potential funding sources.  Whether they submit to each source or not is a different story.  Its purpose is to show the scope of ongoing projects.  It is a considerable amount of “stuff”.  He would say the FEMA work is their priority.  The Vilas Bridge is already on there.  The Police Station Project is on this list.  The Fire Department building is on that list but because it is for their district. It will be pulled off this list.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they are doing very well as far as applications go.  It is important to get all the terminology done right.  On Tuesday Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Mike Rau met with representatives from various agencies. They all have different umbrellas.  Focus areas are School Street, Butternut Brook and Mad Brook.  School Street includes all the way down to Main Street.  Mad Brook area is all the way down to the Main Street Bridge and a little beyond.  They have been talking to the agencies about what needs to be done and submitted.  They need hydraulic analysis done on every single project; the cost is high.  Fuss & O’Neill may have over-scoped the project so they will go back to do a reduced scope of work.  Mr. Dalessio will have an article in the July Clarion on where they are with the projects.  A lot of work is going on.  Mr. Dalessio gave Mr. Mike Rau a lot of credit for keeping all the information and documents submitted correctly.  He has done a great job.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Department – Pool:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that the Certificate of Insurance for the Brattleboro Swim Team was received.  They will be using the pool. There will be bathroom access while the floor work is being done.  This year they advertised “free” swim during the Old Home Days even though there probably was a $1.00 charge in past years. 

Old Home Days:  The Selectboard looked over the schedule for the Old Home Days events, parade and fireworks.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:04 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:18 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (b) Hiring.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:18 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:22 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 23, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

Staff Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

Excused:           Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson had submitted the following report dated June 16, 2022:

• Since last month (mid-May), the Town Clerk collected over $86,500 dollars, $65,428 of which belongs to the Town.
• Since our last meeting, they have registered 429 vehicles and 26 boats.  During the month of May 105 registrations were done online.  Also, 9 dogs had their licenses renewed online.  Attached is a monthly plot of registrations per month for the last two years.  They are only halfway through June; so, the June number (see green line) will continue to rise.
• So far this year (5 months), they have conducted $143,644 worth of business online….676 vehicle registrations, 62 dogs, and 8 vital records.
• Her Deputy, Vicki Gohl, and she each attended a one-day regional training session through the NH City and Town Clerk Association.  Speakers were from various State departments relevant to areas of clerk work, such as the head of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Secretary of State.
• The filing period is over for State Representatives.  Walpole had two people file their candidacy.
• Taxes collected to date on the Spring Warrant amount to approximately $1,668,000.  This is just under one third of the warrant.  No major mortgage companies have paid yet.
• No properties were deeded this year.
• There are $62,812 worth of liens on the 2020 warrants…15 owners, 17 parcels.
• There are $103,149 worth of liens on the 2021 warrants…29 owner, 36 parcels.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Walpole usually collects about 98% of their tax monies.  Mrs. Hansson has been trying to keep an inventory of supplies such as license plates, etc.  Keeping a spreadsheet has been a help.  Some towns have been running short and have been unable to register boats and campers.  

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg presented the following June 2022 Report.

Building:

Doug Phelps sent in a proposal for the chimney work.  She sent a copy of this to the members of the building repair sub-committee.  It was decided that she will follow up with Doug this week.

There has been a delay in starting work on their front door due to unavailability of the person contracted to make the door.

They have received the AED unit and six of their staff members, along with Jean Kobeski, have had CPR/AED training and are now certified.

Collection:

Julie has been working on packaging some of their older STEM kits and some of the new STEM materials she received into circulating kits.

They have begun to switchover of our fiction/nonfiction collection.  They hope to be finished this week.

Friends:

The Friends are planning to continue their plant sale at the Reuse Center through the summer at least.  They have started sorting books for the book sale the last weekend of October.  Dates/times for the public to donate books will be in August.

Policy:

She has drafted a policy for library programs to include a procedure/form for any challenges to a program.  She has also drafted some guidelines for volunteers.  She has sent these drafts along with their collection development and material challenge procedure/form to the town so that their attorney can look them over.  She will then send the new drafts to the library BOT for edits/approval.

Programming:

Their summer reading plans have been firmed up and sign-up starts on Saturday, June 18^th.  The program will run through July 30^th.

Monthly Library Statistics – Bridge Memorial Library and the North Walpole Library are available in the Selectboard Office.

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle submitted his report dated June 16, 2022.

• 2^nd Quarter’s benefit hours statements will be issued after the week ending 6/25/22.

For those employees whose vacation hours are greater than 80, he is including a note that they must be 80 or less hours at year end. Otherwise, they’ll lose those excess hours.

• Performed account analyses of key accounts.
• Started to upload documents for the 2021 audit.
• Completed an annual expenditure report involving the Brownfield Grant (SF 425).  Next step is to figure out how to load it up to the EPA’s portal;
• Submitted monthly report to department managers;
• Refined the monthly Hooper Cash Flow report submitted to the Hooper Trustees’ report.

Mrs. Pschirrer referenced the Brownfield Grant in that Mr. Steve Rickerich asked to be copied on all documents that are being sent to Mr. Steve Dyer.    

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that it is important for employees to look at the 2^nd Quarter’s benefit hours’ statement to make sure they agree with the figures.  It is the responsibility of the employees to check it.

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Kraig Harlow presented his report dated June 16, 2022.

Pool:

• The pool should be opening on June 15^th and will host Walpole School for their annual field day and open to the public the weekend of June 17^th;
• The pool repair process will begin in the fall and carry over into 2023;
• Stephanie is actively seeking to hire new lifeguards; they have seven (7) lifeguards returning.  They would like to hire one (1) more.

Pool House:

• Gerald’s Painting from Bellows Falls, VT painted the inside of the pool house for the cost of $2,000.
• Associated Concrete Coatings LLC will be adding a non-slip concrete surface (duraflex) the week of July 11^th at the price of $15,450.
• Walpole Recreation will be paying for these repairs through the warrant article we received for this year.

Basketball/Tennis Courts Repairs:

• Brad Nash painted the light poles down at the park;
• Mark Houghton will be down at the park to install the new LED lights for summer basketball;
• Recreation committee member, Brian Beckwith sanded and stained the picnic tables at the park to help preserve them;
• Both the tennis shed and equipment shed were painted this year.

Summer Basketball:

• Summer Basketball signups begin June 19^th at 6pm and will happen every Thursday for the next eight weeks with practices scheduled around the coaches time;
• They have four companies sponsoring teams: Lathan Electric, Cold River Materials; Bowman Dental, Chroma Technology;
• The program had 74 children sign-up for this program which generated roughly $1850 in revenue;
• They are looking to add both the junior basketball program which will be grades K-1 weekly practice and a 2-4 weekly practice and game.

Community Events:

• They held their first movie night at North Walpole Park, which showed Space Jam: A New Legacy;
• Roughly 70 members from the surrounding communities came out to watch the film;
• The North Walpole Fire & Rescue offered free cotton candy for the community;
• Diane Harty gave out free popcorn, water and candy for attendees;
• Their next movie will be Sonic the Hedgehog and was sponsored by Hubbard’s.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted this report dated June 16, 2022.

Old Home Days (June 22-26):

The Selectboard Office is sponsoring a “Rest Area” on the Common to the north of the gazebo on Saturday, June 26^th.  The Rest Area will feature antique wooden chairs/benches from the Town Hall for seating and free cups of water.  It will be a covered space for people to get out of the weather and to stay hydrated.  The wooden chairs and benches will be sold by donation with the proceeds being used towards purchasing replacement trees for the Common.

Thank you to Town departments who are supporting and participating in Old Home Days (OHD) such as the Highway, Police and Recreation Departments along with the Hooper Institute.  The Recreation Department will have free swimming.  The Selectboard will be in the parade and at various events.

Facilities Update:

A new “Silent Knight” Fire Alarm is to be installed in the Town Hall between June 22-24^th by Countryside Alarm.  The old fire alarm system has an old DOS operating system, and its operation life was shortened when it was hit by lightning.  The new fire alarm system will also resolve a noise and phone line issues in the Town Hall offices.

The Selectboard Office paint colors for walls and trim have been chosen.  During the summer when windows can be opened, Brad Nash will be painting the 4 rooms that comprised the Selectboard Office.  There will be wall repair, reorganizing, new rug flooring installed and other updates/repairs occurring during the process.  In May, the office received at no cost, three used but high-quality desk chairs through Cheshire County contacts.  They also received free dividers that are currently at the High Street Garage. 

Assessing:

The 2022 Property Revaluation process continues.  The field rep from Avitar visited properties in early June to finalize sales information.  In the late summer, property owners will receive letter with updated assessed values.  The opportunity to discuss assessments with an Avitar assessor will be done through scheduled phone calls.

Walpole Highway Department:  Mr. Rau was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted the following June 2022 report.

• Lines were painted in Walpole on Main Street, North Road, Wentworth Road, Old Keene Road, Watkins Hill Road, County Road, Maple Grove Road, March Hill Road, Barnett Hill Road, Valley Road, and Drewsville Road.
• Culverts were replaced on Hillside Acres Road as part of flood repairs as well as preparation for paving.
• Potholes throughout town have been filled with the use of the new asphalt hot box.  With the use of this equipment, they can use cheaper materials, less trips to the plant, and less waste of materials.
• 2021 Flood repairs continue.

Walpole Recycling Staff Meeting Report June:  Mr. Ben Hoy was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted this report. 

• New Paper shredder is up and running at Walpole Recycling!  The paper shredder is located near the cash register and scale.  Employees of Walpole recycling will perform shredding service for the public.  Shredding paper is .25 cents per pound, cash or check made out to the Town of Walpole.  Paper shredding only, no plastic inserts or bindings please.
• Their horizontal (cardboard) baler and compactor have been serviced by Recycling Mechanical.  The (trash) compactor was purchased in 1997, and could use replacement in the coming years.
• Town of Walpole plastic trash bags are projected to be ready for delivery on September 7^th.  He placed the order in March, which highlights the production, staffing, and trucking issues facing the plastic manufacturing industry.
• Friends of the Walpole Library helped create a new garden in front of the Reuse Center.  They have plants for sale at the Reuse Center to benefit the Friends of the Walpole Library.

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted this June 16, 2022, report.

School Programs and School Gardens:  Composting, soil prep, garden planning, weeding, planting and prepping for summer and fall crops.  In grade 2, the students designed unique and original farms and created beautiful books for an Author’s Tea.  Becky Whippie provided all of the refreshments using popcorn, rhubarb, herbs and blueberries from the Hooper’s school gardens.  It was a really fun celebration.  Watershed studies and river mapping in 6^th grade culminated in a one day canoe trip on the Connecticut River.  The weather kept them off the river for day two.  They will meet one more time to review the year.  The 5^th grade wrapped up with studying stream salamanders, migrating fish, fish anatomy and having both a Mill Pond field trip and a Village Cemetery white oak tree tour.  The 5^th grade also had a final garden day transplanting herbs and flowers for the summer CSA.

Summer Camps:  Registrations are now in.  Woodworking Camp has 11 students (July 18-21) and the other camps; Summer Day Camp (Week 1, 17 1^st and 2^nd grade and Week 2, 11 3^rd and 4^th grade).  Adventure Camp has one session only (July 5-8, 9 students 5^th – 8^th grade).  They have a few stragglers so numbers will go up a bit in the week to come.

High School Work Program:  Students were interviewed and five accepted into the summer program.  Paperwork is mostly in.  Next step is meeting with their new mentor.  The work sites are Malnati Farm, Walpole Veterinary Clinic, Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole Recycling Center and two Hooper Institute Day Camps.

Outreach and Marketing:  May and June Clarion submissions plus many Facebook posts; monthly school newsletter, posters for May and June events plus fundraising.  She presented at the May 18 “Women of Walpole” meeting, which felt like local outreach at its best.  Next big day is June 25, Old Home Days on the Common.

Walpole Community Garden:  There are 16 members and 43 beds in the community garden.  The group has decided to also have a tent at OHD, for outreach and exposure plus to support the Hooper mission and programs.  Membership fees are mostly in and the beds are looking good.

Administration:  Ann Monette attended their June Board meeting to try them out.  Ann is a longtime community gardener.  Seth Andrews joined them in May.

Special Events, Programs, and Friends GL Hooper’s Birthday Party was on Saturday, May 14.  It was a small but sweet gathering.  Bill Perron (George) gave a really nice speech; the two teams of Morris dancers were really fun, lots of singing, crown making and cake!  Thanks to all the bakers and flower donations, both of which helped make the day special.

The Flower CSA subscription forms are being organized and were publicized in June Clarion (plus posters).  She has eight subscriptions promised and she plans on selling 10, at $120 each for the season.  She is looking for some helpers on Friday mornings to cut and prep flowers and create the bouquets.

Development/Fundraising:  This is “The Year of the Hooper Institute”.  After a town wide mailing, donations have been made.  They have received $25,000 from The Walpole Foundation and two garden grants for $750.  So far, the Hooper Birthday Fund has received $44,700.  All large donor appeals have been mailed.  Two foundation letters are submitted.  She will continue to raise funds beyond the birthday fund and Old Home Days Alumni Tent with the 2^nd Annual Fall Festival, a Fall Annual Appeal, Giving Tuesday and an end of the year push for donations.

Other News:  The new Hooper Institute logo cloth tote bags have arrived, yours for a $20 donation.

The Year of the Hooper Institute: 2022 Calendar

February-Winter Fun Day 2/12/22 plus kick off of GH Hooper Birthday Fundraising Campaign.

April-Earth Day Celebration at the Hooper 4/23/22 9-10 am Woods Walk 10am – 12pm Crafting for Old

Home Day Alumni Tent; Opening Day Walpole Community Garden 1 pm 4/23/22;

Staff Meeting –June 16, 2022- Page 6

May – George Hooper Birthday Party 5/14/21 11am – 1 pm. Parking at the Watkins Inn and Tavern.

June-Birthday campaign will continue into July; Old Home Days Hooper Institute Alumni Display on June 25, Town Common; 6^th grade River Trip (June 10 only); 2 weeks Hooper Day Camp and 1 week Adventure Camp (overflow into July).

July- High Summer School Work Program; 1 week Woodworking Camp; 6 weeks Flower Bouquet CSA begins:  Presentation Night for HS Work Program (July 27, 7 pm) and Hooper Scholarship Recipients;

August – High School Work Program, Flower CSA;

September – Flower CSA ends; 2^nd Annual Fall Festival (September 24) kicks off their Annual Giving Appeal;

October –Garlic Saturday; Walpole Community Garden Closing Day and Gathering;

November – Thanksgiving Farmers Market; GIVING TUESDAY;

December –Wreath-making Workshops, End of Year Appeal.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio thanked everyone for attending this Staff Meeting.  He adjourned the meeting at 5:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall and via Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Voucher Request for North Walpole Village District
• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $695,090.13 for checks issued 7/01/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $33,181.41dated 7/01/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,812.83

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Staff Meeting – June 16, 2022
• Selectboard Meeting – June 23, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – June 23, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting – May 31, 2022

• North Walpole Village Commissioner’s Meeting – June 7, 2022

• North Walpole Village Commissioner’s Meeting – June 14, 2022

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT

• Map and Lot# 029-002-000

BUILDING PERMITS

• 2022-23, Map and Lot# 003-007-001
• 2022-24, Map and Lot# 019-050-000

OLD BUSINESS

• Representation Letter to Vachon Clukay & Company PC

Pending Further Actions

• Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam

NEW BUSINESS

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (c)

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Southwest Region Planning Commission senior planner Lisa Murphy was the facilitator.

Topic: Final four drafts of the Walpole Master Plan that the Planning Board has been updating for the last couple of years. The sections were: Land Use Analysis, Economic Development Chapter, Community Facilities and Services and Historic, Cultural and Recreational Resources. Each section or chapter had a map attached that highlighted the information for that particular section. For example, a zoning map was attached to the Land Use Analysis section; a job census map included locations of transportation routes and focused on the commercial and industrial districts were highlighted on the economic development map.

The group went through each of the four drafts one by one. 

In the Land Use Analysis section Jason Perron wondered if the numbers were correct in the 2010 & 2021 Comparison: Taxable Value graph on page 10 when it shows that Electric Utility almost doubled. Ms. Murphy thought that may be high and planned to recheck those numbers.

Regarding the 2.6 percent increase trend to put land into current use mentioned in that section Steve Dalessio asked if that was the trend in other Cheshire County towns that Lisa Murphy had worked in and she replied in the affirmative. A short discussion ensued about how current use and conservation land affect taxes.

In the Community Facilities section a few people still have to get back to Ms. Murphy with information. Mr. Dalessio said he would remind those people since they’ve had months to complete the work. In the same section he also wanted it emphasized that already the entire town of Walpole has high speed broadband available to anyone who wants it.

Mr. Perron suggested adding summer band concerts to the list of things happening in the Town Square section of Historic, Cultural and Recreational Resource. Ms. Murphy will do the Natural Features section.

What happens now? Jeff Miller said that he wanted all members to go over the drafts of the most recently written sections to find any errors or to add information. These will be discussed at the July Planning Board meeting and all suggestions or information added sent to Lisa Murphy. In a few months she will have totally completed all sections of the Master Plan document. When it is complete there will be a public hearing for the public to weigh in with their comments and suggestions.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

I am certainly glad I was not a judge. The floats were terrific. The tremendous amount of work that went into them made the parade such a great success. The fact that it started on time, didn’t hurt either. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen that happen. – Lil

Parade Winners:

Adult Most Memorable Float: Bowman Dental  “Murrays Restaurant”

Adult Most Memorable Non Float: NH Police Association Pipes and Drums

Youth Most Memorable Float: Walpole Village School ” The Hungry Caterpillar”

Youth Most Memorable Non Float: Mechanical Madness  4-H Robotics

Grand Prize Unforgettable:  Pinnacleview 4-H “The Village Milk Man”

A huge “Thank You” to everyone who made this  such a wonderful event.  The next Old Home Days will be the last weekend of June 2025. Please consider volunteering. Many hands make light work and make more events for everyone to enjoy!

A long time ago I learned to not try thank individuals by name because you always forget someone. So instead, I just say THANK YOU to everyone who worked so hard these past few days and during the weeks of preparation. You know who you are and the part you played in making the long-awaited Old Home Days 2022 such a big success!

Even those who simply participated should be thanked because our smiles must have been noticed and appreciated by those who did the work.

Sure, it was hot and humid, but would you have preferred cold and windy like the weekend before? Not me.

Way to go Walpole and all the past and present Walpoleans!

Lil

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:58 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, via Zoom.  Prior to this meeting the Selectboard had attended a Hooper Trustees meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $586,319.57 for checks issued June 17, 2022.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $529,226.92 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 11, 2022, in the amount of $32,843.35 dated June 17, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,022.51.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 9, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 9, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 9, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 9, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Walpole Fire District Commissioners Meeting – April 6, 2022;
• Walpole Fire District Commissioners Meeting – May 4, 2022;
• Conservation Commission Hybrid Meeting – June 6, 2022.

OLD BUSINESS:

Closed Landfill Methane Gas Monitoring Report:  Mr. Dalessio reported there was no methane gas found at the Recycling Center shed/garage on the closed landfill property.  The report was submitted to the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES).

Pending Further Actions:

Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam

Trees On The Common:  Mrs. Downing reported that the proposal on the trees was to arrive this week. However, it has not yet been received.

Streetlights:  Mr. Dalessio received the email about Pauline Barnes’ streetlight.  He will take a look at the streetlights over the weekend and come back with a report.  There is a question on the light by the Barnes property; can it be taken down or is it a safety issue?

Speeding Vehicles:  Mr. Dalessio got an email from Mr. Tom Winmill about the speeding on the road by his property.  Could speed bumps be used?  Mr. Dalessio will ask Mr. Rau to look at the area. They may put the speed unit out there again; there was no change after it was there the first time.  Maplewood Circle and Firehouse Lane came up again.  Should it be one way?  Mr. Dalessio advised that they will collect data and then make some decisions.  During the Planning Board meeting, Mr. Dalessio suggested they separate the Site Plan Review for Home Away From Home public hearing from the speeding complaints.    

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that they have final drawings from Ransom Consulting for the new parking lot.  Mr. Steve Rickerich, their contact, is away and had temporarily turned the project over to Mr. Dyer.  Their grant ends the 30^th of September, and he wanted an EPA extension which has been approved.  They now have to ask the DES for an extension.  They continue to move ahead.              

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DOT 10-Year Plan Projects: Ms. Mayberry reported that they have to write a letter to the Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) on the 10-Year Plan Projects which she volunteered to do.  The deadline is the end of July.          

Game Camera for BBQ Pit Area:  A game camera will be placed out of reach but pointed at the BBQ area.  The cost is $99.99.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve buying the Game Camera for the BBQ Pit Area.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:15 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:34 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 16, 2022, will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording

There will be two chances to see our production of Alan Bennett’s The Wind in the Willows during Walpole’s Old Home Days:  Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, June 25 at 8:00 PM.  You won’t want to miss this funny and charming story of Toad and his friends Mole, Rat, and Badger, and their adventures from the Riverbank, into the Wild Wood, and finally out into the Wide World. For adults and children alike, this adaptation has something for everyone! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Tickets are available at Galloway Real Estate on Main Street in Walpole, the Walpole branch of Mascoma Bank, online at TheWalpolePlayers.org, and at the door. All performances are in the Helen Miller Theater on the second floor of the Walpole Town Hall, located at 34 Elm Street.

The antique wooden auditorium seats that have been stored in the Town Hall basement are seeking new homes. If you would like to purchase a piece of Walpole history, consider buying by donation one or more vintage wooden seats to take home or gift to a friend or family member. These seats were used for a multitude of Town Hall events including Town Meetings, theater productions (including the 1993 Wind the Willows play), concerts, elections, parties, proms, and many other Town, church, school, civic and private functions.

The wooden seats come in three different styles: single, double and triple. There are two types of stain color for the single chairs.

Because there has been early interest in purchasing chairs, we are starting the sale as of today until they are all sold. Stop by the Selectboard Office to view and purchase before Saturday or stop by the “Rest Stop” on the Common this Saturday. For more information, call the Selectboard Office at 603-756-3672.