The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, at the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There was one member of the public in attendance:  Mr. Ray Boas.  For the February Clarion Mr. Boas was hoping to get a date and place where the 2022 Annual Budget Hearing will be held. 

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present at his home; Peggy Pschirrer was present at her home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at her home.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $47,496.86 for checks issued January 21, 2022.  This amount includes a payment in the amount of $6,312.00 Innovative Municipal Products for the Highway Department.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 15, 2022, in the amount of $29,535.64 dated January 21, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,765.17.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 13, 2022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 13, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – January 13, 2022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 13, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee Reports:

• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – November 20, 2021;
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 1, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 28, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – January 4, 2022;
• Library Trustees Meeting – January 11, 2022;
• Planning Board Meeting – January 11, 2022.

OLD BUSINESS:

2022 Budget Hearing:  Ms. Mayberry reported they had singled out two dates:  Thursday, February 3^rd and Thursday, February 10^th, 2022.  They had discussed doing a Zoom meeting and the time to start.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that a decision was made to schedule it on Thursday, February 10^th, 2022, at 5:30 PM via Zoom but it never got in the meeting Minutes.  People will be able to get the link on the Town’s website, in the Clarion and on the Walpolean.      

Town Meeting Location: Ms. Mayberry was asked to check with the Fall Mountain Regional School District to see if we could once again hold the 2022 Annual Town Meeting at the Walpole Elementary School. It has been approved.  She needs to fill out the Building Use form.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the school did a terrific job for them last year.  It was well set up with great sound.  Ms. Mayberry offered to have everything cleaned/sanitized, but the Superintendent did not feel that was necessary.  

2022 Warrant Articles:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Mr. Kreissle put the 2022 Warrant Articles into the Town portal for the MS-636 which is the Town budget.  They need Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) approval.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the first Warrant Article deals with the Community Power Aggregation Plan and that involves no money.  A majority of the other Warrant Articles will be paid for out of the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Town Report Cover Ideas:  Mrs. Downing had put out an email earlier looking for some ideas for the Town Report Cover.  She usually gives the Selectboard four-or-five options to choose from. 

E & W Salvage Response Letter:  Ms. Mayberry felt the letter from Mr. Salvage was wonderfully written.  It was detailed and addressed the concerns of his neighbors.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write the response letter.

Pending Further Actions:

Wastewater Line under the Vilas Bridge, Generators, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood.

Various Projects – Coordinator:  Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Mark Houghton met with Mr. Leo Smith from MRI to get him started on what his responsibilities will be.  He will be the coordinator for the funding options, document requirements and deadlines of the projects.   

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported that they are still trying to put together a meeting with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Fuss & O’Neill about the Reservoir Dam.

NEW BUSINESS:

Savings Bank of Walpole Account Forms:  The Selectboard will sign the Savings Bank of Walpole account forms.  Mr. David Adams will be added and will also sign the forms.

2021 Landfill Post-Closure Report:  Ms. Mayberry advised that the yearly report from Mr. Kevin McKibben gets sent to the NH DES.  The methane levels are still high at one collection point.  Mr. Dalessio stated there was concern about a building on the property. It has no methane near it. 

SWRPC Winter 2022 Meeting:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the Southwest Region Planning Commission’s Winter 2022 Meeting will be held on February 8^th.  You may attend either online or in-person starting at 3:30 PM.  It will be held at Delegation Hall at the Historic Cheshire County Courthouse in Keene, NH. The presentation topic is “Promoting the Monadnock Region”. RSVP by February 7, 2022.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:47 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:08 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:08 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:45 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 20, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $267,490.30 for checks issued 1/28/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $23,847.60 dated 1/21/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,707.81

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – January 20, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – January 20, 2022
• Staff Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – December 21, 2021
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – January 11, 2022
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – January 19, 2022

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS

• Map and Lot# 005-018-001
• Map and Lot# 008-015-007

WARRANTS

• Property Tax Supplemental Warrant for Map and Lot# 005-018-001
• Warrant for Walpole Water Fees
• Warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees

Warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees

LAND USE CHANGE TAX WARRANT

Map and Lot# 003-004-000

TIMBER TAX WARRANT and CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES

Map and Lot# 005-011-000

OLD BUSINESS

• 2022 Budget and Meeting Date
• 2022 Warrant Articles
• Town Report Cover Samples
• Selectboard 2021 Recap Report
• 5-Town Meeting Agenda

Pending Further Actions

Wastewater Line under the Vilas Bridge, Generators, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, E & W Salvage Response Letter

NEW BUSINESS

• Burtco Wastewater Billing
• Recreation Revolving Fund Request

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

Topic: Walpole Community Power – Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) Pub Hearing
Time: Jan 26, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

At this public hearing, the Walpole Community Power Committee will be presenting information related to a warrant article and the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP). The public is encouraged to attend. This warrant will be voted upon at the Saturday, March 12^th Town Meeting.
 
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he First Congregational Church of Walpole will be sponsoring a drive by / drop off food drive for The Fall Mountain Food Shelf.  We are encouraging people to donate peanut butter and soups.   We will be there on Saturday, February 5th from 10:00-12:00.   We hope to see you.

Meghan made a revision to this list. There is a second Supervisor of the Checklist position open. – Lil

Notice to Walpole Residents

(Walpole, North Walpole, Drewsville)

Town Officers to be elected on Tuesday, March 8^th, 2022:

Number               Officer                                Term Length

1                            Selectman                          3 years

1                            Town Moderator              2 years

1                            Trustee of Trust Funds    3 years

1                            Treasurer                            1 year

2                            Zoning Board                    3 years

2                            Planning Board                 3 years

1                            Cemetery Trustee            3 years

1                            Supervisor of Checklist   6 years

1                            Supervisor of Checklist   2 years

3                            Library Trustee                 3 years

1                            Library Trustee                 1 year

1                            Library Trustee                 2 years

Filing period for these offices is January 19 through January 28, 2022.

Please file during office hours at the Walpole Town Clerk’s office.  Per state law the Town Clerk’s office will be open on Friday, January 28, from 3 pm to 5 pm, for filing only.

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NH

UPDATED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON 2022 ANNUAL BUDGET

February 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM

You are hereby notified that the Walpole Selectboard will host a public meeting on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM for a presentation of the 2022 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles. This meeting will take place virtually online via Zoom.

The Selectboard Meeting will follow 2022 Budget Hearing.

For Zoom invitation information, visit www.walpolenh.us/town-news for the online meeting link and dial-in phone number, meeting number and password.  For assistance assessing the meeting, call 603-756-3672 or email sdowning@walpolenh.us. If the public is unable to gain and maintain access, the hearing will be adjourned and rescheduled. Check walpolenh.us for updates.

Hybrid – In-person and Zoom

Present: Board members: In-person Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray,  Ernie Vose, Pauline Barnes was on Zoom at her home. Alternates: In-person Don Sellarole, Judy Trow was on Zoom at her home. Absent: Alternate Dave Edkins. Zoom technician Jeremiah Phaneuf was also at the meeting.

Recording: Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary. These minutes were recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February meeting for additions, corrections and/or omissions. 

Meeting Opened: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Minutes: Review minutes of December 2021 meeting. Ms. Barnes corrected the name of the owner of the day care center. It should be Jenny Plante. On page 4, paragraph 4, Ms. Barnes added the word “her” before the word “husband.” On page 2, last paragraph, Mr. Murray corrected the number 150 to 250 feet from Main Street as the commercial district. Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion passed by voice vote of the Board.

Old Business:

Signage: US Cellular. 48 Meadow Access Lane. Tax Map 12, Lot 55 13A, commercial district.

Heather Dudok – Auburn, MA US Cellular has canceled this project. The sign will remain as it is for now. 

Chris Lakin – 455 March Hill Road, Tax Map 11, Lot 54, rural/agricultural district. Update on car detailing shop at March Hill Road location. Chris is planning on going to the January Planning Board meeting to request a public hearing in February for a recommendation for a commercial business in a rural/agricultural district. He will be at the February ZBA meeting for a public hearing. Mr. Lakin decided not to purchase the property.

Update on day care center – Maplewood Circle. Ms. Leclerc said she and Ms. Mansouri went to the Select Board meeting in late December 2021 when the abutter attended. Ms. Leclerc was asked what she thought the Select Board should do. Ms. Leclerc suggested that the day care center, because of its expansion since 2008, needed a site plan. She and Ms. Mansouri also attended the Planning Board meeting on January 11, 2022 and Ms. Leclerc said Mr. Miller said he would call Ms. Plante about a site plan. He told an abutter of the day care center, who was at the meeting, that she would be getting a certified letter about a public hearing on the matter. 

Ms. Leclerc said one thing about this situation was that it reminded her of the Ruggiero situation. “We were told one thing and then it turned out to be something entirely different,” she said.

Ms. Leclerc said she had an email from Ms. Plante asking to meet her privately. Ms. Leclerc declined and invited her to come to this meeting. She responded that she didn’t want to discuss things in public. 

Discussion of 2007 zoning ordinance and discovery that parking was not part of the Special Exception criteria but part of the ordinance.  

Two errors have been found in the current 2019* Walpole Zoning Ordinances document.

In Article VI Commercial District, Special Exception there is a third criteria that should instead be labeled D.

The Article should read:

C.  Special Exceptions

​1.  Wholesale establishments, filling stations, automobile repair garages and used car lots under permit from the Board of Adjustment when said Board is satisfied that parking and loadng requirements are satisfied.​​

2. Industrial and manufacturing operations by Exception from the Board of Adjustment when   fulfilling the requirements set forth in Article VII.

There should be no No. 3. No. 3 is actually part D of the Commercial District ordinance and it should say:

D. If any proposed use is such as to attract vehicles, ample space shall be provided on the property to park and load such vehicles.

After looking at all the ordinances on their amended dates, it was discovered that this mistake was first found in the 2018 zoning ordinances document.

The second error was in Special Exception Rural-Agricultural District.

The current zoning ordinance document reads,

C.Special Exceptions​Industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations by Special Exception from the Board of ​Adjustment when fulfilling the following requirements: ​ ​Consideration of Planning Board recommendation on the project based on its determination ​following a Public Hearing that:       ​

1. Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is ​either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use; and the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.​​

2. Each proposed use must show that it will not infringe on the primary established use  of the district.

​There are five more criteria that follow. These are all correct.
The first criteria should read:

Consideration of Planning Board recommendation on the project based on its determination ​following a Public Hearing that:

​i) Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is  either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use; and

 ii) the proposed us is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.

Ms. Leclerc will be sending all board members and alternates copies of the entire document with the corrected pages. After the March warrant meeting, the corrections will be incorporated into an amended 2022 copy of the Walpole Zoning Ordinances.

​2.Clarion article No. 2: A second article that will appear in the February Clarion is about signs. There were two corrections to the committee’s draft. In the third paragraph Ms. Vose suggested changing “is” to “may be” possible and in the same sentence add “or a variance” before “after a public hearing.” Three board member collaborated on the article: Pauline Barnes, Ernie Vose and Myra Mansouri. Ms. Leclerc applauded them on their excellent job.

Zoning Map

Ms. Leclerc showed the board an enlarged zoning map of the town. It was originally printed in 1968 when zoning ordinances were first written for the town. Ms. Leclerc said that there should be something on the wall in the large meeting room of the first floor of the Town Hall that illustrated the town’s five zoning districts. Then different boards could refer to the map, if needed at a meeting. Because the map was printed in 1968, it didn’t have some of the information that is more current and that has been voted on since 1968. For example, Dearborn Circle and the Well Protection Overlay District are not shown on the map because both the subdivision and Well Protection District were created after 1968. It was suggested that there was another more current map created by Antioch University students, which is dated 2012 and which Ms. Mansouri said was created for the Conservation Commission. This map is also large but in color, which delineates the zoning districts more distinctly and, perhaps more importantly, it is more up to date. The secretary was asked to get a price on framing the map and Mr. Sellarole volunteered to ask Mr. Peter Palmiotto if there is a digital form of the map and if copies could be made from that. More to come on this matter. 

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Vose seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean.

Posted: Inside the Town Hall, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.

Next meeting: February 9, 2022.

Topic: Walpole Community Power – Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) Pub Hearing
Time: Jan 26, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

At this public hearing, the Walpole Community Power Committee will be presenting information related to a warrant article and the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP). The public is encouraged to attend. This warrant will be voted upon at the Saturday, March 12^th Town Meeting.
 
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Selectboard Present:​Cheryl Mayberry (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Peggy L. Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, at the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were three members of the public in attendance:  Mr. Joe Levesque, (Alstead Selectboard); Ms. Jenny Plante and Mrs. Lisa Bryan.  

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present at his home; Peggy Pschirrer was present at her home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at her home.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Alstead-Langdon Transfer Station re: Ben Hoy:  Mr. Joe Levesque had sent a request to the Walpole Selectboard regarding having Mr. Ben Hoy of the Walpole Recycling Center do some consulting work for them. Ms. Mayberry spoke with Mr. Hoy and the Selectboard and they have no concerns with him supporting the Alstead-Langdon Transfer Station when he is not working for the Town of Walpole.  Mr. Levesque explained their transfer station runs well on the day-to-day operation but they have no vision to improve it and to do a better job with recycling.  They are hoping Mr. Hoy can help them out.  He was impressed with the presentation Mr. Hoy made at the last Five-Town meeting.  If the Walpole Selectboard approves their request they will approach Mr. Hoy about scheduling some time from him to check out their operations.  Walpole is not open on Wednesdays but Alstead-Langdon is so that might be a good day for Mr. Hoy to check-in with them.  Mrs. Pschirrer had no problems providing Mr. Hoy works on his free time.  Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry agreed.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow Mr. Ben Hoy to work on his own time for the Town of Alstead at their Alstead-Langdon Transfer Station.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

Ms. Mayberry did speak to Mr. Hoy to gage his interest. He looks forward to supporting them.

Home Away From Home Timeline:  Ms. Mayberry asked Ms. Plante if she was present to acknowledge her letter.  Ms. Plante advised that Home Away From Home was on the agenda. Therefore, she felt she should be present to answer any questions.  Ms. Mayberry apologized stating that it was not meant to be on this agenda.  Mrs. Downing agreed that it was to be removed but it was on the original public agenda.  

Ms. Plante saw it on the Walpolean.

Lisa Bryan:  Mrs. Bryan was present just as a person in the audience.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $147,395.28 for checks issued January 14, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $75,511.44 to Primex. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 8, 2022, in the amount of $54,757.60 dated January 14, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $13,267.24.  This includes a vacation time buy-out for employees with an excess of 80 hours of vacation time for the previous year.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 13, 2022, as submitted.  The Agenda stated January 13, 2021, in error.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – January 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 13, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  The Agenda stated January 13, 2021, in error.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the agenda states the Selectboard Meeting Minutes were dated January 13, 2021, in error.  The correct date for both the regular Selectboard Minutes and the Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes should be January 13, 2022.

COMMITTEE REPORT:​

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

• Conservation Commission Meeting – January 3, 2022.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #012-013-004:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $4,523.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-013-004.  This Abatement is due to an error in the original data submission to Avitar.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Health Trust Updated Medical Coverage and Rates Transmittal:  Ms. Mayberry reported the Health Trust Updated Medical Coverage and Rates Transmittal now include the Domestic Partner Rider.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, to sign the Health Trust Updated Medical Coverage and Rates Transmittal to include the Domestic Partner Rider to be effective February 1, 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Former Brownfields Site Parking Lot:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Steve Rickerich from Ransom Consulting is our engineer on the Brownfields Site Project. They have been talking regularly about what kind of money is left in the EPA Grant.  Mr. Rickerich is communicating with the EPA in Boston. Mr. Mike McClusky, who represents the State Brownfields Grant and Mr. Rickerich both appear to indicate they are going to approve our using the extra money to pave the lot as well as the clean-up and planting of the green space where the former garage was.  He was preparing that budget right now to show that we can, in fact, complete the paving and everything else with the money we have left. They will give us a final approval. They will be doing it with grant money.  If they want to pave the current parking lot that will have to be done at Town expense as there would not be enough money left to do that.  Mrs. Pschirrer said that the Walpole Foundation is willing to pay for the electric charging stations. They are researching where they can be purchased and how.  A week from tomorrow, the Walpole Foundation is going to be meeting with a company out of Rhode Island who has been installing electric charging stations all over New England.  She expects the Town will not have an expense or create a warrant article for the installation.  Ms. Mayberry believes there is some funding out there to install electric charging stations. She will reach out to Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) to ask about putting them in and if there is funding for that.  As soon as she hears back from SWRPC, she will share that information with the Selectboard.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the company that the Foundation is talking to makes and installs the units.  She thanked Ms. Mayberry.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Notice of Submittal has been sent for the NH Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Permits.

Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an inquiry from Mr. Tom Hancock of Bensonwood as to the status of the Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood.  Ms. Mayberry stated this continues to be in the Town’s “Pending Further Actions”.  Mr. Dalessio suggested having Mrs. Downing send Mr. Hancock an email advising there are no new updates.

Vilas Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that he, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Mark Houghton met with Weston and Sampson Engineering out of Portsmouth, NH. They will prepare a Scope of Work and some cost estimates to go along with it.  They are very qualified so they will see what comes back.  This is all in moving the Town’s wastewater line from the Vilas Bridge and to send it in a different direction.  Ms. Mayberry noted that Weston and Sampson has been working with the Village of North Walpole on their water system for many years.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to change “Vilas Bridge” to the “Wastewater Line on The Vilas Bridge” so people will know they are not working on the Vilas Bridge.        

NEW BUSINESS:

2022 Draft Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed Draft No. 2 of the Warrant Articles: 2022 – Town Meeting, March 12, 2022.  

Mr. Dalessio suggested the following change: “Sidewalk Plow and Snow-blower”; they had agreed to take half of the cost from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve and half from the Unassigned Fund Balance.  Mrs. Pschirrer agreed to re-write this article.  She used the figure of $170,000.

Mrs. Pschirrer made the following change:  Left out “repair” for the front door at the Library.  It needs to be a “replacement” not a “repair”.  Mr. Dalessio feels the proposal they received looks reasonable.  

Mrs. Pschirrer is still waiting for Chief Sanctuary to get back to her on what the State is recommending for police cars this year.  Mascoma Bank is willing to lend the Town money again at a good interest rate of 2.65% for 36-to-38 months.

Mrs. Pschirrer had the Warrant Article for the Community Power Aggregation Plan.  She would like to place it close to the top when the most voters are attending the meeting.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Warrant Articles will be reorganized and revised as suggested.    

Edson Grout Associates Contract and Purchase Order:  Ms. Mayberry had several concerns one of which is there is no reporting element.  Would it be better to have a two year contract rather than “terminated by either party with 60 days written notice.” There is concern with No. 4 “All case files shall be filed at the Town of Walpole 90 days after a case has been closed”.  They have been paying the Welfare Director on a weekly basis. Mrs. Pschirrer went onto the NH Municipal Association website; some receive a stipend, some a small salary but in the cities, they are extremely well paid.  They have never discussed how many hours a week the Town of Walpole’s Director works.  Ms. Mayberry would like to see some accountability. How many people does she see?  Mr. Dalessio agrees because our spending is very low.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that for the last year-and-a-half, during COVID, people have been referred to requesting money from the State/other agencies.  Ms. Mayberry questioned but how many people did we help and how many were referred to other agencies.  There was a consensus to table this agenda item.     

Library Trustee Appointment Notice: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Erin Bowen, as a member of the Library Board of Trustees, for a period of three (3) months, January 13, 2022 through Town Meeting, March 2022.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

2022 Revaluation Meeting with Avitar and the NH Department of Revenue Administration:  Mrs. Downing advised this meeting is to finalize the 2022 Revaluation Meeting.  In 2023 the Town will need a new contract with Avitar or another agency.  The best time for Mr. Dalessio to meet would be the morning of Wednesday, January 19^th.  Mrs. Pschirrer is available during the day.  Ms. Mayberry is also available that day.  She asked Mrs. Downing to contact Ms. Loren Martin at Avitar to propose meeting with Avitar and the DRA on that date and time.  They can counter with another date if needed.     

City of Keene Invitation to Legislative Delegation Meeting: The Selectboard received an invitation to join the Mayor and City of Keene Council at their Legislative Delegation meeting on Monday, January 24, 2022 beginning at 6:00 PM with light refreshments – the meeting will commence at 6:30 PM in-person or via Zoom.  The meeting will be held in the old courthouse building at 12 Court Street.  The Selectboard will RSVP individually and plan to attend via Zoom.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:08 PM.  

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:03 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 13, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Clarify Dates for Meeting Minutes:  Ms. Mayberry reported that for the purpose of clarifying the dates of the Selectboard meeting and the Non-Public Selectboard Session previously approved at this meeting as January 13, 2022, the following motion was made to correct this date to January 6, 2022.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to clarify that the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting previously approved at this meeting be changed from January 13, 2022, to January 6, 2022, and that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session that were previously approved at this meeting be changed from January 13, 2022, to January 6, 2022.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional information.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $47,496.86 for checks issued 1/21/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $29,535.64 dated 1/21/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,765.17

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – January 13, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – January 13, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – November 10, 2021
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 1, 2021
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – December 28, 2021
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – January 4, 2022
• Library Trustees Meeting – January 11, 2022
• Planning Board Meeting – January 11, 2022

OLD BUSINESS

• 2022 Budget Hearing
• Town Meeting Location
• 2022 Warrant Articles
• Town Report Cover Ideas
• E & W Salvage Response Letter

Pending Further Actions

Wastewater Line under the Vilas Bridge, Generators, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

NEW BUSINESS

• Savings Bank of Walpole Account Forms
• 2021 Landfill Post-Closure Report
• SWRPC Winter 2022 Meeting

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

Hooper Trustees Meeting – January 6, 2022

HOOPER BUSINESS

• December 2021 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Educational Fund
• December 2021 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund

HOOPER NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

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