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 6:01 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 Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance from his home.

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

The Selectboard discussed various changes in the draft budget.

2022 MUNICIPAL BUDGET:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the 11^th draft of the Town of Walpole Budget for 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.

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 6:28 PM.  

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio, Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  He expects Ms. Mayberry, Chair, to arrive shortly.  The Selectboard members are in 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. Stanton Scott.

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BURTCO WASTEWATER BILLING:  Mr. Stanton Scott was representing his business, Burtco, Inc.  located in Westminster Station, VT.  About twenty-two (22) years ago he started a car wash and, at that time, he built a sewer system, extended it under the Connecticut River and connected to the Walpole Sewer System on Route 12; this enabled his sewer water to go to the Village of Bellows Falls Sewer Facility.  At that time he signed a contract with the Town of Walpole for the future use of Burtco and they were going to add the Community Feed Store and the Westminster Station Market/Gas which they did.  For the last ten years he noticed the sewer rate has more than doubled to the Town of Walpole.  In the last year-and-a-half, he has gone from paying not only the bond but an increase of usage in each quarter billing.  He is here to see if there is any sort of relief that can be accomplished whether for past or future payments to try to alleviate the cost he is now paying; sometimes it is five figures for four months of usage.  This is only for sewer.  He does not know what the bond is that he is paying for or who it benefits but he does know that over the past twenty-five (25) years he has had to fix, maintain, up-grade, etc. his own sewer system.  He does not know what he is paying extra for to the Town of Walpole.  

Mr. Dalessio explained some history and where we are today.  The user fee really has not changed that much but what did happen was the bond payment.  The Bellows Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant had to do significant improvements as mandated by the EPA and State of Vermont.  The users of the plant have to share the cost of those bonds.  Originally, they spread it out and charged everybody the same amount of money to pay those bonds. That is where the $90+ came from but that was not fair to the majority of the users that only used a fraction of the water.  Sewer is based on water usage so the people who were paying a base rate were being unfairly hit with the bond payment.  What they did was change it to a proportionate usage. That is what led to the large users of the water getting a higher bond allocation. In the first quarter of 2021 there was an anomaly in the data.  For some reason he used twice as much as in the last three quarters of 2021.  Mr. Scott noted the car wash is seasonal; the first quarter is usually the biggest.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned if they can do something about it or not being an extremely high water user is a utility discussion.  There will probably be another meeting with the utility people at the end of the first quarter in 2022.  They would review the rates and all these details.  For sewer, it is Walpole and North Walpole.  When the sewer system was put in back in the 1960s, it was written up that only the users pay for the sewer usage.  A majority of the Town is not on the system.  When they have their utility meeting, they can talk about caps for high users on the bond payments.  This discussion would be enough to put that on their agenda.  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about the contract.  There must have been a contract to allow that pipe to go under the Connecticut River as well. Back in the 1960s money should have been put away for the eventual use of maintenance, up-grades, etc.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they change some gallons over to cubic feet for Burtco.  Burtco sends the Town gallons.  They should do a little more investigation on that as well.  Ms. Mayberry said everybody’s is converted.  She added that even though North Walpole has a separate water system, everybody is based on the meter reading.  The Town of Walpole actually collects the water meter readings so it is all rated for the same usage.  The usage is based on the volume running through the pipe.  Their percentage of the bond is based on their usage.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that it will be 20-plus years before the bonds all go away.  Mrs. Pschirrer said that is assuming no more come along.  Mr. Scott advised this comes off his bottom line.  Ms. Mayberry noted none of them want to pay the bonds.  Mr. Dalessio stated the utilities people will be meeting with Mr. Mark Houghton, Water and Sewer Director, and Mrs. Jodi Daigle in April or early May. They can bring this up as a subject. Maybe something can be done and/or at least it will have been discussed.  Mr. Scott will appreciate that.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they might have to ask Mr. Scott for a copy of the original contract if it cannot be found in the Town office.  Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Scott for bringing this to their attention and they will see where it goes.  Mr. Scott will look forward to hearing back from the Selectboard.                                           

Mr. Dalessio reported that Ms. Mayberry came into the meeting during the above discussion. Therefore, he turned the meeting over to Ms. Mayberry, Chair.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $267,490.30 for checks issued January 28, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $188,429.00 to the North Walpole Village District for 2021 taxes collected on the district’s behalf.  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 22, 2022, in the amount of $23,847.60 dated January 28, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,707.81.  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 20, 2022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 20, 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 – January 20, 2022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 20, 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.  

STAFF MEETING – January 20, 2022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of January 20, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee Reports:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 21, 2021;

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – January 11, 2022;

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – January 19, 2022.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #005-018-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $37.74 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-018-001.  This is due to a tax bill being sent to a prior property owner.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-015-007:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the denial of this Property Tax Abatement for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-015-007 as recommended by AvitarAssociates.  The comparable properties given did not support the abatement as did 2020 sales for comparable properties. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANTS:

Property Tax Supplemental Warrant for Map and Lot #005-018-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this Property Tax Supplemental Warrant for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-018-001.  This is to bill the new owner of the property abated under Property Tax Abatements as shown above.  This property is in Current Use which is why there is a low amount of taxes due.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant for Walpole Water Fees:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $43,392.44.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $77,698.91.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio; Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

Warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $64,053.78.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

LAND USE CHANGE TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #003-004-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Land Use Change Tax in the amount of $720.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-004-000.  This parcel is no longer connected with a parcel with 10 or more acres.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT and CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES:

MAP and LOT #005-011-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Timber Tax Warrant in the amount of $1,492.60 and the Certification of Yield Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-011-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

OLD BUSINESS:

2022 Budget and Meeting Date:  Ms. Mayberry reported they changed the 2022 Budget and Meeting Date to Wednesday, February 9^th, 2022, at 5:30 PM.  This change was needed as the Fall Mountain Regional School District changed their 2022 Deliberative Budget meeting date to Thursday, February 10^th 2022.  Mr. Kreissle had sent out a revised budget last week.  Ms. Mayberry checked the calculations and they are correct.  Mrs. Pschirrer went over the proposed budget line-by-line and came up with some possible changes that were approved.  Mr. Dalessio did not want the increase in the budget to go over 5%.  He felt they took care of the employees and the most important needs of the Town.  Ms. Mayberry will discuss these changes with Mr. Kreissle.    

2022 Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard felt the 2022 Warrant Articles were ready to go to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) for their approval and/or comments.  Mr. Kreissle needed to make one change to Article #13.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the sooner they go in to the DRA, the sooner they will get their reply.  

Town Report Cover Samples:  Mrs. Downing had sent several Town Report cover samples to the Selectboard for their review.  They agreed to use the pool and the map.  The Selectboard approved one of the recommendations for the dedication.      

Selectboard 2021 Recap Report:  Mrs. Pschirrer volunteered to do the Selectboard 2021 Recap Report.  When finished she will email a copy to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry for their comments. 

Five (5)-Town Meeting Agenda:  The next meeting is Friday, January 28^th, 2022.  Superintendent of Schools Lori Landry had offered to speak about the Proposed 2022 School Budget.  It is 146 pages long.  A few of the 5-Town Meeting members are also members of the FMRSD Board.  There was discussion relative to what those attending want to talk about.  There needs to be a meeting agenda.  Mrs. Downing was asked to contact the Town of Charlestown to let them know the Town of Walpole would prefer not to have the FMRSD 2022 Budget discussed at this meeting.  Mrs. Downing said the Great River Hydro had been mentioned as an agenda item.  The Walpole Selectboard would like to know what issue on the Great River Hydro they want to discuss.  Mr. Dalessio does not mind hosting the meetings but it might be good to rotate the responsibility for organizing the meetings.  Mrs. Downing was asked to send out a notice tomorrow about this meeting to be held on Friday, January 28^th, 2022, at 4:30 PM.

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.

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer is working with the Brownfields Project people.  She hopes to have a report next week.

Power Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer had sent the email received from Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) to the other Power Committee members.  Ms. Mayberry reported that SWRPC has some funding available.

NEW BUSINESS:

Utilities Committee:  Mr. Dalessio advised that he, Mr. Mark Houghton and Mrs. Jodi Daigle, the Utilities Committee, try to meet once a year.  He is concerned about the budget.  Water is breaking pretty even, but sewer is generating a small amount.  This is operational; no maintenance.  Right now, they are waiting for the first quarter to come through and then they will take a look at the numbers.  Mrs. Pschirrer is okay with that.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  The Walpole Recreation group would like to request the use of $1,031.51 for the use of purchasing T-Shirts for their winter basketball program.  They have sponsors lined up and will be reimbursing $941.51 of the amount.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Walpole Recreation’s request to purchase T-Shirts for their winter basketball program from their Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Recreation Group’s Request for a Daddy and Daughter Dance:  Mrs. Pschirrer felt this was a premature request.  She preferred to wait a month or two.  It could be a spring event.  Right now she would say “no” based on the Covid numbers.  Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry agreed.  Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to Mr. Kraig Harlow about this.

Highway Department:  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Highway Department will have all their trucks and equipment ready for the weekend storm.  They will have some part-time help available.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  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 7:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:55 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 27, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer 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 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 7:59 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 $104,889.34 for checks issued 2/04/2022

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $28,633.36 dated 2/04/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,671.28

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 27, 2022

 Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – January 27, 2022

 Selectboard Meeting – January 31, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS•

North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – January 18, 2022

Town of Walpole Safety Meeting – January 20, 2022

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS

Map and Lot# 005-018-001

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Map and Lot# 021-028-000• Map and Lot# 028-121-000

TIMBER TAX WARRANT and CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES

Map and Lot# 027-008-000

DEMOLITION and BUILDING PERMITS

2022-01 Demolition Permit, Map and Lot# 020-037-000

2022-02 Building Permit, Map and Lot# 020-037-000

OLD BUSINESS

E & W Salvage Response Letter• MS 636• 2022 Warrant Articles

2022 Budget Meeting

Edson Grout Associates PO and Contract

Staff Meeting Training

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• Appointment Notice

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES• Hooper Trustees Meeting – January 20, 2022• Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session – January 20, 2022

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

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

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

Staff Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

Excused:                       Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief)

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Staff Meeting via Zoom to order at 5:00 PM.  The Selectboard and Staff members are at various locations.  This meeting was being recorded.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of everyone present:  Steven Dalessio was in the Town Hall; Peggy Pschirrer was at home in Walpole; Cheryl Mayberry was at home in North Walpole.  Sarah Downing was in the Town Hall; Richard Kreissle was at his home; Helen Dalbeck was at home in Wilton; Jane Malmberg was in her Library office; Mike Rau was at the Walpole Town Garage; Ben Hoy was at the Recycling Center; Meghan Hansson was in the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office; Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, was at home.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy presented his Walpole Recycling Staff Meeting Report.  The Town of Walpole bags were received from the new supplier Boxes and Bags Unlimited out of Lewiston, Maine.  The bag delivery came just in time to keep us from running out, as our old supplier Wastezero could not fulfill orders due to production issues/staff shortages.  Bag/box quality is excellent, and represents the same logo, size, yellow color with drawstrings, and Town of Walpole insignia. Town of Walpole trash bag sales reached an all-time high of $123,274 in 2021. This indicates more recycling could be done.  

Mr. Hoy attended an NRRA meeting (he is on the Board of Trustees) in which USDA southern NH area director Jon Muise discussed rural development grant monies available to municipalities serving less than 20,000 people.  Recycling centers with equipment/infrastructure improvements can be covered at 55% up to $50,000.00 maximum. There are a few projects that the Town could align with.  It would be nice to have better storage containers for recyclables and their bags.  Mr. Dalessio asked if the grants would cover the shredder they want.  Mr. Hoy is going to talk to Mr. Muise about this.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned money is available but they need a match.  Mr. Hoy said that is correct.  The money is available now through August.  He feels applications are approved as towns apply.        

Cardboard prices are dropping a bit lately, and wait times are increasing to ship cardboard to  APC paper in Claremont as they are backed up with inventory.  We made $27,573.51 in recycled cardboard revenue in 2021.  We ship 36 bales of cardboard on each trailer to APC Paper.  Each bale weighs between 1175 and 1350 pounds, keeping each truckload around 45,000 pounds.  This weight keeps the truck within the legal weight limit on the road.  Other than this they are trying to keep sand on all the ice.  It is an open area with a lot of people walking around. 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck, Executive Director, submitted the following report. 

School Programs and School Gardens:  December was a really busy time teaching in the schools.  They are now back after the Holidays.  For 5^th grade, she taught soil studies plus water conservation/use. Mrs. Dalbeck heard from Peter from the sign company; it is almost finished so that is good news.

Botany classes began for 6^th grade with moss-fern-conifer life cycles.  For Becky and her dedicated teaching, lessons included seasonal crafts; balsam fir sachets to conifer table arrangements, beautiful centerpieces and pine cone door wreaths.  The New Year brings us to winter wildlife, adaptations, tracking in all grades plus winter botany in 6^th grade.

Outreach and Marketing:  December, January and February Clarion submissions plus many Facebook posts; monthly school newsletter, posters for February events.

Facility and Land:  The new sign is almost ready and will be installed this January.  The building’s water/heat was shut off December 21.  She will be checking on the building twice a week.

Administration:  They are looking for new board members.  She met with the Hooper Trustees, 12/10/21.  The 2022 budget was adjusted and approved.  Hooper Board meetings meet first Tuesday each month.

Special Events, Programs, and Friends:  Planning is in full swing for the Winter Fun Day, February 12, 2 pm – 5pm.  Outdoor activities will be at the Hooper Golf Course, sled making and nearby indoor warming area with refreshments at the Hooper Institute.  The Walpole Parent and Teacher Group will join us bringing with them school families, staff and friends.  Event description below:

“The Year of the Hooper Institute” introducing the George Levi Hooper Birthday Fund!

Winter Fun Day on Prospect Hill, February 12, 2-5 pm.

There will be sled-making and sledding, snowshoeing, sunset watching and more with hot drinks, popcorn and cookies offered by our staff and volunteers.  George Levi Hooper will be our special guest to tell us stories about his life in Walpole and of his vision, long ago, for the Hooper Institute.  The afternoon will kick off our fundraising campaign in George Hooper’s honor, raising funds to support our education and scholarship programs.  Please join us, in donating and enjoying the Hooper Institute’s Winter Fun Day!  All outdoor activities will take place at the golf course, 166 Prospect Hill with indoor fun and sled-making at the Hooper Institute, 165 Prospect Hill Rd.  Hosted by Hooper Institute and the Walpole Parent and Teacher Group.   

Development/Fundraising:  This is “The Year of the Hooper Institute”.  Planning, letter writing, marketing and more is in full swing.  February 12^th is the roll out for a town-wide and beyond fundraising campaign.  A birthday celebration for George Levi Hooper at the Hooper Institute will be on May 24, 2022, and the birthday campaign itself will be wrapped up in June.  They will continue to raise funds beyond the birthday bash with a Fall Annual Appeal, 2^nd Annual Fall Festival, Giving Tuesday and end of year push for donations.  Their goal is to raise $100,000 to help secure the future of the Hooper Institute’s education and scholarship programs.

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; Opening Day Walpole Community Garden;

May – George Hooper Birthday Party 5/14/22;

June – Birthday campaign will wrap up June 4 (16 week campaign); Old Home Days Hooper Institute

     Alumni Display; 6^th grade River Trip; 2 weeks Hooper Day Camp and 2 weeks Adventure Camp;

July – High Summer School Work Program; 1 week Woodworking Camp; 6 weeks Flower Bouquet CSA begins: Presentation Night for HS Work Program and Hooper Scholarship Recipients;

August – High School Work Program, Flower CSA;

September – Flower CSA ends; Fall Festival kicks off Annual Giving Appeal fundraising efforts;

October – Garlic Saturday; Walpole Community Garden Closing Day;

November – Thanksgiving Farmers Market; GIVING TUESDAY;

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

This calendar will be published in the Clarion.

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg provided the following December 2021 Report:

December statistics continued to be strong despite the need to curtail programs due to staffing issues and the surge in Covid cases.  Visits to the library in December totaled 833, vs. 412 in 2020 and 598 in 2019.  While their numbers were lower this month than in November, they are higher than 2020 and 2019.  Physical checkouts of materials totaled 1,683 vs. 1,191 in 2020 and 916 in 2019.  Downloadable material checkouts also showed an increase over 2020 and 2019 figures.  YTD these figures crept closer to 2019 totals and showed increases over 2020 totals.  They are moving in the right direction despite the many Covid setbacks.

Budget:  Mrs. Malmberg met with the Selectboard regarding the budget vis Zoom in late December.  They have requested an increase in Julie’s hours to full-time.  There will be a line item for a new full-time position in the proposed budget and the amount for part-time staff salaries will be reduced to reflect the change in Julie’s status.  The repairs needed to the library’s chimney and front door will be included in a warrant article for the library.  Thanks to Brad Nash the street light outside of the Library is working properly.

Library Board:  The Selectboard has appointed Sarah Mann, a Walpole library patron, and Erin Bowen, a North Walpole patron, to the library’s Board of Trustees to fill out the remainder of the two vacant positions.

Outreach:  At present the Walpole public schools remain open and Julie has continued her visits to the Walpole Village School and the Pre-Kindergarten for story time.

Policy:  Due to the increase in challenges to library materials nationwide, it was recommended that all public libraries in the state have an updated policy and procedures in place to handle these challenges.  She drafted a policy for Challenged Materials along with a Materials Reconsideration Form which the board voted to accept.  The policy will be added to that section of their website and will also be available in print at the library, along with the reconsideration form.

Programming:  In December, due to the surge in Covid cases in Cheshire County, they decided to suspend in-person programming for the month of January, supplementing with virtual program options and take-home kids.  They will be continuing with this plan through February as well.  Their Zoom program, Community Conversations on Redistricting was quite successful with 17 people participating.  It was to explain the process.  Representative Lucy Weber was the presenter of the information.  They offer Wiggle Time and Story Time programs via Facebook/YouTube.      

Mrs. Malmberg also distributed “December 2021 Monthly Library Statistics – Bridge Memorial Library” and “December 2021 Monthly Statistics – North Walpole Library”.

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle presented his January 20, 2022, report.

Just as January represents a new year, it also represents the start of a new set of accounting records.  It is a chance to do some things differently based upon feedback on 2021.  Hence, it’s a very, very busy time.

• W-2’s and 1099’s are due 1/31/22

W-2’s have been processed and should be on their way.

• Beginning benefit hours need to be brought forward in our accounting system (AccuFund)

This always a challenge – AccuFund tends to do funky things with these figures being brought forward so it always takes a fair amount of tweaking.

• New for 2022:  Related to benefit hours, He will be issuing quarterly reports showing the number of hours employees have taken for each category (vacation, sick, personal), in the case of vacation, the number of hours accrued along with the ending balances for each.
• Budget and Warrant Articles:  Once the budget is finalized and the warrant articles are written, he needs to put them into the Department of Revenue Administration’s (DRA) portal to produce a form called an MS-636.

The DRA reviews everything, “suggests” changes and finalizes it.  This is the official report to the DRA on our proposed budget for the forthcoming year including special warrant articles.

• A note about 2021 Transactions:

He will not be posting any more transactions against the 2021 budget.  We’re in the 3^rd week of January of the new year and he stopped seeing invoices dated from 2021 so he feels now is a good time to close 2021.

It’s one of the more intense times during the year because of the high level of detail involved in each of these tasks.

Selectboard Office: Mrs. Sarah Downing had submitted the January 20, 2021, Selectboard Office Report.

Assessing:

2022 Revaluation:  The Selectboard met with the NH DRA and Avitar Associates on 1/19/22 for a kick-off informational meeting regarding the final year of property revaluation cycle.  Audits for tax credits and exemptions will be conducted.  Property owners receiving property tax credits and exemptions will be required to complete verification forms.  This summer, representatives from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and Avitar will be visiting properties for sales and data verification.

Abatement, Veterans’ Tax Credit, Elderly Tax Credit and Solar System Exemption application forms are being accepted.  The deadline to file a property tax abatement is March 1^st.  All other forms have a deadline of April 15^th.  Forms are available on the Town website or by the tax map in the Town Hall.

Town Meeting:

Scheduled for Saturday, March 12^th starting at 1 PM.  Department managers are expected to attend.  The meeting location will be the Walpole Elementary School Gym to allow for social distancing.  As with meetings held in the Town Hall, masks are required.

Department recap of the year reports for the 2021 are due on or by this Friday, January 21^st.  Thank you to those who have already sent in the word documents.

The 2022 Budget Public Hearing date is to be set at tonight’s Selectboard Meeting.  Department managers should plan on attending and be available to answer questions related to budgets and warrant articles.

Human Resources:

A Domestic Partner Rider has been added to the Town’s health care insurance policy.  An open enrollment period will begin on Feb. 1^st for 60 days.  A notice has been placed in the new year benefits update packet for employees.

Health Trust Coverage Overview is available as a recording.  It can be accessed through the SEP (secure access portal for employees) on the Health Trust website.  For those that missed the healthcare coverage presentation in December, this on-demand video is available for viewing to learn more about your health and wellness benefits.

Future Trainings during Staff Meetings:  The Selectboard has requested that training occur during future Staff Meetings.  A catalog of training topics available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was sent earlier.  We are seeking feedback from managers as to what topics they feel would be beneficial.  She would like to start scheduling something for next month. 

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau had submitted their January 2022 report.

            Summer floods:  More detailed reporting of damage is being worked on to be submitted to FEMA.  FEMA requires a breakdown of each location, a detailed description of all damage, estimation of cost of repair, photos, etc.  After the date that this information is due, they will move on to the next phase, which will be a more organized breakdown of each site that will include hours of manpower, machinery, and materials.  He hopes to submit more detailed information by the end of next week.  He has until February 12^th to get the Damage Inventory List in.  Then they will move onto site visits, equipment, materials, etc.  They would like to get some money from FEMA to off-set the Town’s costs.  There is still a lot more work to be done.   

            Winter Storm call outs:  11/26, 11/27, 11/29, 11/30, 12/2, 12/8, 12/9, 12/11, 12/18, 12/19, 12/21, 12/22, 12/24, 12/25, 12/26, 12/28, 1/7, 1/8, 1/9, 1/11, 1/17, 1/18.  Not only has there been snow but a lot of ice which makes it difficult to clean-up with these cold temperatures.   

            Truck repairs:  They have had multiple truck/equipment breakdowns since the beginning of winter.  Luckily, most minor repairs are able to be quickly resolved at the shop with their skilled and talented crew.  However, though they do their best to resolve most issues in house, they do need to send out larger ones for repairs.  This at times causes the fleet to be short making storm clean ups lengthier.  They take this clear weather to repair equipment.  All of their trucks except for the new one are 8-to-14 years old so they break down quite a bit.  He has been working on the Town Report; it will be handed in tomorrow.  Ms. Mayberry asked where we are with the new truck.  Mr. Rau said the plant where the truck was sent has closed their facilities so it is now getting sent to Canada to their main plant to be finished.  He hopes to see it in the next couple months.  Mr. Rau said they had the one ton that was ordered two years ago; last year was the big truck.  The next truck will be on a Warrant this year or next year.  If it does not pass they are under no obligation to buy it.       

Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson presented the following report dated January 20, 2022.

• Renovation is almost complete.  Their contractor will be in one more time to install a late-arriving cabinet to go under the countertop.  Also, some hardware needs to be installed for the drawers and cabinets.  Painter will finish last few spots that were previously not accessible.  People have noticed and are complimenting the space. 
• Motor vehicle work is going as expected.  They have had good turnout so far with people getting dogs licensed early this year (38 so far).
• On tax bills they asked the public if they would like the option of being able to use a credit card to make payment on their taxes.  Due to the necessity of processing payments quickly, they have not yet compiled the results of that inquiry, but later this month she hopes to have some figures describing the public’s response.
• On the Fall tax warrant they have collected $5,140,840 and have $591,573 left to collect.
• She has posted announcements for the filing period for the upcoming Town Election.  The filing period goes from Jan. 19 to Jan. 28^th.  The 28^th is a Friday; so, she will be in the office for filing only from 3-5 pm only.

Recreation Department:  Mr. Kraig Harlow was unable to attend this meeting due to a conflict with a make-up basketball game however he did submit an Update dated January 19, 2021.

Winter Basketball:

• They have roughly 50 children signed up for basketball from grades PK-6^th grade.
• The program generated about $1,350 through registration and sign-ups.
• They currently have a one PK team, two 1^st grade teams, two 2^nd grade teams, two girls 3/ 4 teams, two boys 3/ 4 teams, and one girls 5/6 team.
• Games will be held on Saturday mornings at Walpole Elementary School from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and at North Walpole School from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Practices will be held at North Walpole School for one hour between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• They have Diamond Pizza, McGill Woodworking, Houghton, Pauquette & Sons, ServPro and Craig Vickers Insurance sponsoring teams this season.

Shed:

• Walpole Recreation just purchased a 10ft. by 20 ft. shed from LaValley’s for $6,094 from the revolving fund to store recreation equipment.
• The shed was delivered on January 5^th to Whitcomb Park and was placed on the back end of the park.

Hockey Rink:

• Walpole Recreation just purchased an EZ Ice Rink for Westminster St. Field for $4,311 from the revolving fund.  The rink is 30 ft. x 60 ft. and they can purchase additional rink walls to increase its size if it becomes heavily used.
• Thank you to the Fall Mountain JV Basketball team for helping clear snow and ice from the ground and Brad Nash for helping build the rink and putting the first 3,000 gallons of water in.

Community Events:

• Currently, they do not have any community events scheduled until after January.

OTHER BUSINESS – Training Requests:  Ms. Mayberry excused everyone expect Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Borden.  Ms. Mayberry’s intent was not necessarily to have someone come in to train.  She would like to see everyone have the same vision.  They talked about the training and how they want to move forward.  Mrs. Pschirrer has a lot of experience with training.  She is willing to do some training; the ones she did the most were on communications.  “How do you work with other employees?”  “How do they talk to one another?”  “Listening Is Important”.  They could design their own trainings.  Mr. Dalessio would like to have one on the “Importance of Communication” and/or another on. ”How to Write Certain Types of Emails”.  Ms. Mayberry wants to be sure the employees still have opportunities to interact.  Maybe next time they could do something from the list Mrs. Downing distributed.  It would give Mrs. Pschirrer a chance to work on the training she will present.  Ms. Mayberry feels they all have different skills they can share with the managers. 

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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.