The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  She expects Ms. Mayberry, Chair, to arrive shortly.  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 two members of the public in attendance:  Mr. David Adams and Ms. Jenny Plante.  Ms. Mayberry arrived at the Zoom meeting.

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:

Appointment Notice for Treasurer:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the Selectboard had asked Mr. David Adams if he would be interested in being appointed as the Interim Town Treasurer due to the resignation of Mr. Thomas Goins.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Mr. Adams had met with Mr. Goins.  Mr. Adams replied they would meet next Tuesday.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Rich Kreissle have provided quite a lot of information to Mr. Adams. Therefore, he will be better prepared with his meeting with Mr. Goins. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Town of Walpole Selectboard approve the appointment of Mr. David Adams as Treasurer for a period of three (3) months, January 2022 through Town Meeting in March 2022.  He must be elected to fill the uncompleted term of Mr. Thomas Goins; that term will extend to 2023.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was unanimously approved.

Ms. Jenny Plante:  Ms. Mayberry asked Ms. Plante if there was something specific that she would like to discuss.  Ms. Plante responded that she did not. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $580,656.76 for checks issued January 7, 2022.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $529,226.92 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  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 1, 2022, in the amount of $29,082.41 dated January 7, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,766.20.  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 – December 30, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 30, 2021, 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 – December 30, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 30, 2021, 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.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #009-012-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $149.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-012-002.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refunds for the owner(s) of the following properties:

• MAP and LOT #015-002-000 in the amount of $41.00;
• MAP and LOT #002-005-000 in the amount of $101.99;
• MAP and LOT #029-019-000 in the amount of $8.00;
• MAP and LOT #003-007-002 in the amount of $10.45;
• MAP and LOT #027-001-006 in the amount of $168.78   

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:

Power Committee Public Hearing:  Ms. Mayberry reported the date for the Power Committee Public Hearing is Tuesday, January 25, 2022.  Mr. Dalessio said that is not a good date as there is a Planning Board Workshop and they are working on the Master Plan.  Mrs. Pschirrer said every other date is filled-in as well.  She will check with the other members of the Power Committee to see if Wednesday, January 26, 2022, is a good date for them. 

Health Trust Domestic Partner Rider:  Ms. Mayberry advised this was discussed last week.  This Health Trust Domestic Partner Rider will become effective February 1^st, 2022.  Mrs. Downing was asked to share this information with the other employees.

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Tree Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Department of Environmental Services (DES) was going to begin working on the permitting package.  Fuss & O’Neill will be sending in a contract format. 

They should be meeting on January 11^th at 9:30 AM to talk about the Water and Sewer projects. 

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio advised they are trying to coordinate a meeting with the DES and with their new hire the Project Manager.  There will be a lot of material coming out in the next week or so.

NEW BUSINESS:   

Request for ACH Payments for Property Taxes:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of a letter from a property owner regarding a request for ACH payments on property taxes.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like the sentiment of the Selectboard but she is happy to write to the property owner.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should consider ACH payments; they are different than credit card payments.  It is usually convenient for businesses.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted someone will have to speak to Mr. Rich Kreissle about doing the research as to what is required.  Ms. Mayberry believes there are some transactional things that need to be worked out.  She does not see it as a burden but if there is a request for it and/or a need, she sees a request for that.  She would like to know how many people are asking about ACH payments other than the one they are aware of.  There are more details to be documented.  It has to be done correctly.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if they charge a fee property owners might not be that excited about it.  She will speak to Mr. Kreissle about ACH payments.         

Air Quality Issue on North Road:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of copies of the email Mr. Merklein sent to the NH DES Air Resources Division about his complaint.  Has anyone else noticed it in Walpole? Mrs. Pschirrer lives a block away and has not seen anything.  Mr. Dalessio followed up with Mr. Eric Merklein on that whole conversation. At first it looked like ice pellets.  Mr. Merklein said it is hard to see in the grass but it shows up in his water troughs.  That is a big concern with his horses.  He also said it was on Mrs. Pauline Barnes property as well.  Mr. Dalessio felt with all the construction going on it might be some sort of material that got blown around in the strong winds.  It looks like some type of plastic pellet.  It is getting some attention from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).   

Parking Ordinance:  Last week Mrs. Pschirrer had agreed to work on the Parking Ordinance text.  Unfortunately, she did not have time to do it this last week. Therefore, this agenda item will be tabled for another week.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested it be added to the “Pending Further Actions” and she will let them know when it is completed. 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  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 6:58 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:01 PM.

Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Dave Adams and Ms. Jenny Plante for sitting through this meeting with them.

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 7:02 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:40 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 6, 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.

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 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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 Power Committee in attendance:  Mr. Paul Looney, Mr. Dennis Marcom and Mr. Andrew Dey.

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:

Power Committee Presentation:  Mr. Looney presented the following:

“Walpole Community Power Aggregation Plan”

Summary

What is Community Power?

The State of NH has enacted laws that allow towns, cities, and counties to buy power in bulk for their citizens and businesses.  A requirement from the state is that a municipal Aggregation Plan be created.

The typical home uses about 10 kilowatt-hours (k Wh) in a year.  Collectively our town uses about 2,600 times that or 26,000 megawatt-hours.  If we pool our buying power – and potentially pool it with other towns – our buying power grows considerably, as does the potential for lower electrical costs.

The Aggregation Plan asks the Selectboard to find and contract with suppliers/vendors to deliver cheaper power and provide more options for power from more sustainable sources.  Additionally, it asks the Selectboard to do this for all residents, including those that produce power at their location (Through net metering often used by solar array owners).

It allows (but doesn’t require) the Selectboard to join with other New Hampshire communities to buy electricity together for more buying power, resulting in lower prices for everyone.

Liberty Utilities will continue to deliver power and bill us, but the “Power Service,” the actual charge for the electricity, will be based on a contract entered into by the Selectboard for the town residents.

Residents and businesses can opt out and continue to buy their power directly from Liberty.  Residents that already purchase power from a source other than Liberty can continue to do so or opt into Walpole Community Power if and when their agreements allow.

Why Community Power?

• A primary reason to create the Aggregation Plan is to provide less expensive electricity, give Walpole citizens more choice, and potentially allow us to buy power from renewable providers.
• Long-term, it could present opportunities for new options such as time of day use and battery storage.  These are just a few options as examples.

What’s Next?

1. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must issue rules for implementing Community Power.
2. A warrant will be presented at Town Meeting to allow the Selectboard to implement this plan, if and only if they can find an option that provides power at a lower cost or is at least competitive with the Liberty default rate.
3. If approved in the upcoming 2022 Town Meeting, a Request For Proposal (RFP) would be issued for implementing the Walpole Aggregation Plan to vendors for competitive bidding.
4. Review the options and the Selectboard recommended vendors at a public hearing.
5. Execute a contract with the recommended vendor to implement Walpole Community Power.
6. Notify the residents of the expected rate 30 days before implementation, including instructions to opt out if they choose.

What the Walpole Community Aggregation Plan is Not!

It is not a commitment/contract to work with any specific organization/vendor.

It is not a financial burden to taxpayers.  It will not incur a financial commitment for the Town or taxpayers other than incidental costs such as the recently completed town survey, minimal office supplies, and a final legal review.

Mr. Looney reviewed the summary as presented above.  He asked if anyone had questions about this.

Mr. Dalessio referred to the six steps.  How can they present the Warrant if the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) does not publish their rules by that time?  Mr. Looney replied that Harrisville has already had their Aggregation Plan approved.  It is a good question. 

Ms. Mayberry asked for people that do not already have Liberty Utilities is there a cost to switch over.  Mr. Looney replied “no”.  The Town buys it from a third party.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that Eversource does not deliver in Town.  Mr. Looney said there are some third party suppliers for businesses.  He displayed a website of New England and explained some information on it.  Right now a megawatt of power costs $38.29.  Some lines indicated the power needed yesterday and others what is being used today.  We paid $8.36; $83 per megawatt.  The rates change every fifteen (15) minutes. 

Mr. Dalessio said when he read the plan, he felt like we should put a cap on it.  Mr. Looney reached out to two contacts about the cost.  We would not be involved in that cost at all.  Once CPCNH and Walpole had an agreement, any costs would be handled by the vendor that they choose.  Mr. Dalessio stated the Town would need a budget for this.  Would the cost be $2,000 or $20,000?  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned we were never told it would cost that much.  Walpole already paid Attorney Hockensmith because he read the contract one time.  We would want him to read any new contracts that possibly could come out of the regular legal expenses.  They never were led to believe there would be other costs.  Mr. Looney thinks there is only one contract.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that in the next year, the Town is going to be faced with many infrastructure projects.  In the contract they talk about sustainable and renewable energy.  What if community nuclear is one of the best options?  Mr. Looney wanted to talk about this.  Most of the other towns have a Sustainability Committee and they have goals.  Harrisville has green power as a future goal, as does Nashua and Keene.  The Walpole Committee had talked about sustainable resources.  Mr. Dalessio felt if it was going to be something that affected all the taxpayers in Town, then they need more input.  Mr.  Dey said the goal is to bring the lowest cost energy into Town.  People are putting community nuclear plans in place out west now.  Each individual buyer has the option to choose.  A lot of groundwork has already been done by other towns. 

Mr. Dalessio read through the document and it looks like the Power Committee has to maintain this program somehow.  He has concerns with longevity and changes of people on the Boards.  If three Select Board members no longer feel this is worthwhile, they can turn the key and that is the end of it.  Mr. Looney felt the Joint Powers Agreement was set up so it would survive changes in Selectboards.  The final contract they would sign has to take this into consideration.  Our community felt it important to reach out to other vendors when the get down to implementing this.  Mrs. Pschirrer said that is what they talked about.  Mr. Looney displayed a powerpoint he had on his computer.  There was information about a coalition and how a great deal of money was saved in Ohio.  There is other information on a cooperative going up $17.05 on December 1^st.  One of the pros of the CPCNH models is that Walpole would be able to calculate their reserves. 

Mr. Looney said since he got involved in this committee, he also became interested in climate change.  Going after sustainable energy is a good idea.  Mr. Dalessio feels options are good.  Walpole’s water and sewer users’ biggest cost is electricity.  Locally we are using old technology.  They should be looking at newer technology going forward.  Mr. Looney said Peterborough has a solar field and works with a company.  Right now most of our power is generated by natural gas. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Walpole Selectboard approve the Warrant for the Walpole Power Committee to bring the Walpole Community Power Aggregation Plan to Town Meeting in 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.     

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to save the Meeting Room for a Public Hearing on Monday, January 10, 2022.   Mr. Looney, Mr. Marcom and Mr. Dey left the meeting.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 25, 2021, in the amount of $33,572.50 for checks dated December 31, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,659.18.  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 – December 23, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 23, 2021, 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 – December 23, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes of December 23, 2021, 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:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 23, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 30, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 7, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 14, 2021;
• Planning Board Meeting – December 14, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #019-063-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $41.21 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-063-000.  This is due to the property being sold in the last 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. 

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #003-034-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement as recommended for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-034-001.  The record data was correct for the 2021 tax 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.

OLD BUSINESS:

Purchase Order for MRI Wage and Classification Study: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order dated January 1, 2022, to MRI for the Wage and Classification Study, for a down payment in the amount of $5,000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Purchase Order for MRI Professional Consulting Services:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order dated January 1, 2022, to MRI for Professional Consulting Services in the amount of $50,000.  This will be in the Emergency Management 2022 budget.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion was approved.  

Town Hall Use re: Covid-19:  A private group, Tai Chi, asked if the Selectboard would be keeping the Town Hall open for use considering Covid-19.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt this was a good question given the increased number of cases.  Mr. Dalessio stated if they shut it down, it would be for everybody.  Zoom meetings could be a hardship as some boards/committees which do not have a technician to run them.  The Tai Chi class is a small group. Therefore, there was a consensus to let it continue as is for now.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they would have to continue wearing masks and keep a distance.       

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint Letter:

Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint Letter:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with Mr. Jeff Miller about this complaint that was brought before the Selectboard.  At this time, Ms. Plante is writing a letter to the Selectboard.  Mr. Miller plans to discuss scheduling a Site Plan Review with Ms. Plante.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the five packages the Town had were sent back to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  Now they are waiting to hear from the NH DES.  

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio noted they are still trying to put together a meeting to discuss what the DES will approve and not approve.  They do not want to do the engineering work and then not have the DES approve it. 

FEMA:  February 10^th, 2022 is the FEMA cut-off date for everything that has to be submitted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Appointment Notice for Library Trustee:  A notice was received from the Library Trustees recommending the appointment of Sarah Mann.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Sarah Mann to fill the vacancy on the Library Trustees Board for a period of three (3) months, January 1, 2021 through Town Meeting, March 2022.   She will run for the remainder of the term in 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.

Appointment Notice for Recreation Committee:  A notice was received from the Recreation Committee recommending the appointment of Marilou Blaine.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Marilou Blaine to the Recreation Committee for a period of three (3) years, December 2021 through Town Meeting, March 2024.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Treasurer Resignation Notice:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the resignation of Mr. Thomas Goins as the Town Treasurer as he is planning to move.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised he was a terrific Treasurer and extra-ordinarily helpful to the Selectboard.  They will miss him.  It will be an open position in March 2022.  They would consider appointing someone for three months.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Downing put a vacancy notice in the February issue of the Clarion. 

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.  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 7:32 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:03 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 30, 2021, 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.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

HealthTrust:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to add a Domestic Partner rider to the Town’s HealthTrust agreement.  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 discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Roll Call: Present were Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Bill Carmody, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio and Alternates Trevor MacLachlan and Travis Adams. Board member Joanna Andros was absent. Mr. Miller asked the board’s new alternate member, Travis Adams, to sit in for her.

Also present were Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri and an abutter of the day care center in Maplewood Circle, Amanda Raney.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. Meeting minutes are recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 2022 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting coming to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Minutes: Mr. Harrington had a question about a sentence in the second paragraph on page two. The second sentence reads “Currently removals located along single-phase construction are being deferred.” He wanted to know what the sentence meant. Mr. Marcom said he thought single-phase referred to single-phase power. There being no other questions Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Recommendation for a Special Exception: Chris Lakin is interested in purchasing a building at 455 March Hill Road for an auto detailing business. Tax Map 11, Lot 54, rural/agricultural district. It is a commercial enterprise in a rural/ag district. Ordinance Article VIII, C Special Exceptions.

Mr. Lakin did not attend the meeting.

Discussion of day care center in Maplewood Circle, Home Away From Home. Commercial District.

For the last couple of months the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been discussing the day care center in Maplewood Circle because there was a complaint from an abutter about too many cars parked in the road making it difficult for her to get in and out of her driveway.

Mr. Miller said he received an emailed letter from the owner of the children’s day care facility and noted that the Select Board has also been discussing this matter. The letter and Select Board minutes, as well as the original minutes approving the day care facility,  were sent to Planning Board members. Mr. Miller then asked Mr. Dalessio, the Select Board representative, if he wanted to comment. Mr. Dalessio said there has been discussion with the owner of the day care center and an abutter. The business has more then doubled in size since 2008, when it opened, and at that time there was no site plan. But since the business has increased in size, it seemed appropriate to bring it to the Planning Board to see if there is indeed a need for a site plan.

Mr. Miller added that the information he received is that it is in a commercial zone. The owner has not changed the footprint of any building and her state license is for 27 children. The owner told Mr. Miller that the information that has been circulating that she is not abiding by her occupancy capacity is not accurate and could be a danger to her business. Mr. Miller said he had two grandchildren that attend the day care center and they’ve been there for a couple of years. “As I’ve gone to pick them up, I’ve never seen a problem,” he said. “Sometimes it gets busy but it’s over in two or three minutes.” He has been there several times and it is very much open. According to my personal knowledge, Mr. Miller said, it’s nothing. Usually with a site plan you have to have changed the footprint. Now that she is aware of the situation, she has recognized that there could be a problem eventually so she is doing everything to accommodate the neighborhood. Administratively Mr. Miller didn’t think there was any reason to have a site plan now.

Mr. MacLachlan said what he noticed was that since 2008 there has been an increase of the staff. Before it was a couple of employees, one to 3, and now it’s one to 6. 

Mr. Carmody said that from his experience a business should have a place for all the employees to park.

Mr. Miller said the owner recently designated a place on the property for employee parking. In the original document it said the driveway would be used. But it’s been part of one of the playgrounds.

Ms. Leclerc said in 2008 Ms. Plante said she was licensed for 27 but she also said she had 18 children and during the summer there might be 24. She might have 27 but she has 45 children registered and up to 24 to 27 every day. Now while her license hasn’t changed, the number of children she has there every day has nearly doubled. At any one time she has up to 6 employees as to when in 2008 she up to 2.  So she didn’t get a different permit, but she did grow her business and she purchased the lot next door. The amount of children and the parking are the problem and the parking has been on the street. The area where the children are dropped off and picked up, as well as the employees, that’s something Ms. Leclerc thought the planning board ought to consider since it’s part of a site plan.

Mr. Miller said, “the parking now is off street and in the last four years in my personal opinion there hasn’t been a problem.”

Ms. Leclerc said she didn’t need a special exception or a site plan review when she came to the zoning board in 2008 because it was considered a home business size operation. But with the changed increasing number of children, as well as now using the house and garage for the children and adding to the size of the property, that changing a lot of things. She originally proposed parking for employees and picking up children with the use of the driveway, which she didn’t use. Because it’s in the commercial district, Ms. Leclerc thought that the Planning Board ought to take a look at the operation. She didn’t need a special exception or a site plan when she came first came to the zoning board. But she did need zoning board approval to get her license and it is not the same as it was in 2008. It’s much larger. If she said at the time everyone was going to park in the road, she would never have gotten approval.

Mr. Miller said, “They are not parking in the street.”

 Ms. Leclerc said, “No, but what’s is there to stop them from going back to that next week if nobody says anything.”

Mr. Perron said normally there should be some kind of change of use. But he doesn’t see it in this situation.

Mr. Marcom said he had been thinking about this a lot and looking at the criteria for requiring a site plan. He went to the Site Plan Scope of View on page 3. This section cites the reasons for a site plan.

1. If the proposal involves new construction of non-residential or multi-family development.

2. If the proposal involves a change of use category, e.g., from residential to commercial or from single

family to multi-family or change of use within the same category.

3. If the proposal involves external modifications or construction including parking lots (except for single family or duplex housing).

4. If the proposal involves expansion of a building or intensification of use that would result in a change in traffic volume or patterns in the area, noise, parking, lighting, etc.

5. If the proposal involves a property that has never received Site Plan Review from the Planning Board for previous non-residential or multi-family use.

Mr. Marcom said sections 4 and 5 refer to intensification of use that result in traffic volume or patterns and if the proposal involves a proper site plan that has never received Site Plan review from the Planning Board for non-residential use. Mr. Marcom said since there is an increase in number of children attending, there is more traffic and the site has never been reviewed by the Planning Board, these seem to apply to this situation. It has intensified.

Mr. Miller said, “they are working within the same footprint as when they started.”

But there is a change in volume of traffic to the area, Mr. Marcom said.

That’s what started all this, Mr. Dalessio said.

We do have an abutter here, Ms. Leclerc said.

Another board member said he hadn’t been following it but based on what he read in the 2008 minutes and what was described as the number of kids going there now, it’s intensified.

Ms. Mansouri said, the day care center is in a commercial district and you need onsite parking for all your employees.

Mr. Carmody said in the last six weeks there’s been a lot of rain so parking on the grass may have been difficult. It was suggested that maybe putting some like gravel on the grass would make it less muddy.

 What are we trying accomplish here? Mr. Harrington asked. Mr. Marcom answered we’re trying to decide if there should be a site plan of the day care center.

Mr. Adams said it mentions the affected party. Who is the affected party here? Is it the Select Board?

Mr. Dalessio said as far as the Select Board’s position is is that the business has intensified since 2008. There has been parking in the right-of-way on the road side. He’s driven by there a number of times and it’s always been that way. Parking is a question. Employee parking has been on the roadside. He thinks the Planning Board should take this up.

Mr. Miller said he will call Jenny Plante, the owner of the day care facility, to see if she wants to come in for a site plan.

Mr. Marcom asked if the board needed to vote on it. Mr.  Miller said no.

Copy of Recommendation for a Special Exception and the web site.

Mr. Marcom said he noticed that the copy of the Application for a Recommendation for a Special Exception in a rural/ag district that was sent to the Board by the secretary and was different than the copy of the web site. Also, on page 2, it says to go to page 4. There was no page 4.

The secretary said she had printed out a copy of the application just that afternoon and that page 4 had the criteria on it. She read the first criterion. “Criterion # 1: Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use.”

Then Mr. MacLachlan showed the secretary his copy and the number 4 was at the top of the page and on the original the number was at the bottom. His printer had moved the page over one page. Mr. Dalessio called it a formatting problem.

Ms. Leclerc asked how do you put it on the website. Mr. Dalessio said send it to Sarah Downing and she will send it to the person who does that for the town.

Criterion # 2: The proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.

Workshop:

 Mr. Miller said he would contact Lisa Murphy and check and see if she could come this month or next to work on the Master Plan. He would then let them know the results.

Site Plan

Mr. Miller told Ms. Raney that there would probably be a public hearing in March and she would get, as an abutter, a certified letter inviting her to the meeting.

Adjournment

Mr. Marcom made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted, Marilou Blaine

Ray, please don’t take this personally but it seems like you keep coming back again and again very quickly. It’s just because time flies as you age – not because we are neccessarily having fun doing our best to stay well. – Lil

Another month has sped by, and the closing date for the February CLARION is just a tad over a week away, Friday, January 21. Thought I would give you an extra day, so you could work on your submissions while trying to stay warm as the next cold spell arrives.

I have received a few articles already, and Eloise continues to provide fascinating pieces. Her February, “The Nature of Walpole” is a great read and learning experience. I have another “first in Walpole” to share for my history article, “Did You Know That…” and other pieces are in the works. And “thank you” notes are in to be shared with our giving community.

COVID and OMICRON still raise questions impacting future events, and meetings have returned to at home ZOOM on-screen interactions. But you may still have organizational or personal news to share, so do get your inputs in to me as soon as possible- the earlier before the deadline the better, and always best for our layout work. And, if you something you would like to share in an advertisement – do contact me.

Stay safe and stay well – shots, masks and distancing – I for one am erring on the side of extra caution. Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $147,395.28 for checks issued 1/14/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $54,757.60 dated 1/07/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $13,267.24

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – January 13, 2021
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – January 13, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Conservation Commission Meeting – January 3, 2022

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS

OLD BUSINESS

• HealthTrust Updated Medical Coverage and Rates Transmittal
• Home Away From Home Timeline
• Former Brownfields Site Parking Lot
• Houghton Brook Bridge
• Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

Pending Further Actions

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Reservoir Dam, Parking Ordinance

NEW BUSINESS

• Alstead-Langdon Transfer Station re: Ben Hoy
• 2022 Draft Warrant Articles
• Edson Grout Associates Contract and PO
• Library Trustee Appointment Notice
• 2022 Revaluation Meeting with Avitar and NH DRA
• City of Keene Invitation to Legislative Delegation Meeting

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

Members Present: John Peska, Laura Hayes, Steven Dumont, Peter Palmiotto

Members Absent: Alicia Flammia (chair), France Menk, Lewis Shelley

Seating of Alternates: Kara Dexter

Visitors Present:  Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Co-Liason), Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary, Alex Barrett of Long River Forest

Call to Order: John called the remote meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  This meeting was being recorded.

Review and Approval of Minutes: Kara asked that the December 6 minutes reflect that Annie Ewaskio and Guest were visitors to the meeting.  With that addition, Steven moved to accept the December 6 minutes.  Laura seconded, and all voted to approve the minutes. 

Public Business:  There was no report from the chair, treasury report, or correspondence this evening. 

New Business:  Town Property Recommendations – Alex Barrett

Hooper Forest:  Alex Barrett of Long River Forest gave updates on the Hooper and Fanny Mason Forests. Alex reported that he has done a walk-through of the Hooper Forest. He wrote a proposal for work to be done, which was signed by Alicia.  He stated that a forest inventory should be done first to determine trees and their quality, as well as invasives to address.  He said the inventory should take 1 1/2 days of field work and would be done in the next 2-3 weeks. Then a management plan would be created.

Alex asked what the goal of the Hooper Institute is, and Cheryl explained that it is their hope that a timber harvest would be done so that revenue could then be used to support programs at the Institute.  Alex said he does not know right now what harvesting opportunities are there but will have a better idea in a few weeks. John asked Alex for a possible timeline for the work. Alex promised in the proposal that a management plan would be finished within six months, which would mean June.  Based on that plan, a timber harvest could be scheduled.  He suggest putting the proposed work out to bid to maximize returns.  Alex said a red pine harvest could be done in early summer and white pine in the late summer.  Work should be done by the winter of 2022-2023.  He said if the work needs to be done sooner, he could probably do that.  John asked Cheryl if there was an urgency to get the work done.  She said the Hooper board is hoping for a summer harvest, fall at the latest. They would like to have some sort of return before the end of 2022.  She said that this is their goal but they want to do what is best for the forest.

Laura had a question about how funding works. She said that the Friends of the Hooper could apply for NRCS funding for the invasives.  That would take a great deal of time and might not be possible this year. Would it be possible for the Conservation Commisssion to vote to fund the invasives work once they get an estimate from Alex?  Cheryl said the WCC can decide how they want to spend their money. It would be “awesome” if the WCC could fund invasive work without reimbursement. That way, the Institute could save that money and it would not be taken out of the timber harvest revenue.  Laura said it would be a great way for the Commission to help the Hooper Instutute.  Cheryl suggested that once the Commission has an estimate on the invasives work, they could have a conversation and vote on whether or not to help the Hooper. Laura stated that, if it’s within $3,000 – $4,000, that should be doable and would speed up the process. 

Peter cautioned that, from what Alex has said so far, there may not be a lot of timber value from red and white pine out there. He suggested waiting until the management plan comes in, then reassess at that time.  He said he looks forward to Laura’s proposal to the Commission about funding the invasives work; it sounds like a valuable step the Commission could take.

Steven asked if Alex’s management plan will give an estimate of revenue from each of the species or levels of harvest. He also wants to know if Alex will meet with the Hooper Institute board and WCC to talk about use of the forest (recreation, money, etc.) to determine the level of harvest. Alex said that is a necessary step. 

John asked if the invasives and logging can be coordinated.  Alex said invasives first then logging in early June.  Taking care of invasives first would make logging easier, and it would be less that the loggers would need to deal with.  John also asked where pricing of lumber is right now.  Alex said it is very strong, at least until spring of 2022.  Because it was a wet summer, a lot of logging did not take place;  therefore mills are “very hungry.” 

John also asked if the Hooper Institute has goals in writing.  Cheryl said it does not because stewardship of the forest was turned over to the Conservation Commission.  The Commission will therefore take the lead on the management plan but the Institute board wants to set a priority of the timber harvesting.  John asked if the Institute board is aware of Alex’s rapid assessment. Laura said they have been given a copy.

Steven said he thinks the Institute should take the lead on setting goals – how the land should be used. Laura said that some members who attend Commission meetings also regularly attend Hooper meetings, so there is frequent communication between the two groups.  Alex suggested the Commission host a walk-about of the Hooper property before any work is done.  Timber harvesting will create a dramatic change to the property and he thinks the community should be aware of it.

Fanny Mason Forest:  Alex has walked the trails with Peter and Lew in order to determine area to buffer, harvest, and expand trails.  He said they need to plan out and mark trees for harvest.  John asked Alex if he has data from the previous harvest. He said he has the previous management plan only.  John asked Peter if they have the data;  Peter said they would only have the cut forms.  He said they could be looked up.

Alex said an aggressive invasive clearing would be necessary before harvesting.  Peter asked for a timeline for Fanny Mason work.  Alex said it would be this winter or early spring, depending on snow cover.  He said it would be best to backburner Mason Forest because Hooper seems to be the priority right now.

Alex commended the Commision on the Gateway Walk-about.  He thought it went very well. The Commissioners thanked him for his participation. They also thanked him for tonight’s presentation.

Old Business

Nelson Town Forest: John asked Cheryl if there was an update since this topic was discussed at a Selectboard meeting. She said she believes the police are looking at it but has no further information.

Walpole Gateway Walk-About: There was agreement that the Walk-about went very well, and John stated that Alicia wrote a very good summary of it for the January Clarion. 

Other Business

Walpole Trail Subcommittee: Steven reported that the committee notified Wendy Grossman that she was voted to be the Walpole representative to the Monadnock Regional Rail Trail Committee.

Steven has submitted an estimate request to Curry Printing for the printing of the maps.  At present there are 6 maps;  another map of the Table Rock Trail will be added.  Steven said Curry uses regular printing paper for this type of work.  It looks like waterproof paper will most likely be cost prohibitive, but they will include an estimate for that as well.  Steven will forward the estimate when he receives it. John suggested putting a sheet of plexi-glass over the maps on the kiosks if regular paper is used.

Property Monitoring:  Steven has begun work on the sign-up chart.  He will contact Laura for some information he needs to include on his chart.

Reservoir Road:   John has nothing new to add other than he is still waiting for some information from Mark Houghton.  Mark is supposed to contact Fuss and O’Neill about possible alternatives to completely repairing or removing the dam. Cheryl stated she has not heard anything new but added that the Selectboard added a budget line for the Reservoir Dam in the Conservation Commission budget to address this engineering work. John stated it would be good to include this topic in Town Meeting for public input but he doesn’t think it can happen this year.

Other:  Kara concluded the meeting by stating she did some clean-up work at Mill Pond and enjoyed watching the eagle downtown!

With no further business, Peter moved to adjourn the meeting;  Steven seconded.  John adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.

The next meeting will be virtual on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

*** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the February 7, 2022 meeting

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $580,656.76 for checks issued 1/07/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $29,082.41 dated 1/07/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,766.20

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – December 30, 2021
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – December 30, 2021

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

• Map and Lot# 015-002-000

• Map and Lot# 003-007-002
• Map and Lot# 027-001-006

OLD BUSINESS

• Appointment Notice for Treasurer
• Power Committee Public Hearing

Pending Further Actions

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

NEW BUSINESS

• Request for ACH Payments for Property Taxes
• Air Quality Issue on North Road
• Parking Ordinance

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

Hooper Trustees Meeting – December 16, 2021

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

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

Town Hall Hybrid – In-person and Zoom 7 pm

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes: Review minutes of December meeting.

New 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.

Delia Blanchard – Information about building a modular home on her property. Emailed that she didn’t feel well on the night of the meeting and thought it best that she did not attend.

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.

Update on day care center – Maplewood Circle. Discussion of 2007 zoning ordinance and discovery that parking was not part of the Special Exception but part of the ordinance.

Clarion article feedback – Any feedback?

Re-up;

Jan and Myra have to re-up this year. Announce your candidacy at the Town Clerk’s office Jan 19 – 28.

New hours of Town Clerk:

Monday 7-12, 1-6

Tues. 9-12, 1-7:30

Wed. 9-12, 1-5

Thurs. 8-12, 1-4:30

Next meeting February 16, 2022.

7 pm Town Hall

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes: Review minutes of the December meeting.

New Business:

Recommendation for a Special Exception: Chris Lakin is interested in purchasing a building at 455 March Hill Road for an auto detailing business. Tax Map 11, Lot 54, rural/agricultural district. It is a commercial enterprise in a rural/agricultural district. Ordinance Article VIII, C Special Exceptions.

Re-up reminder. Dennis and Jeff Harrington’s terms are up in 2022. Announce your candidacy at the Town Clerk’s office Jan. 19-28.

New Town Clerk hours are:

Monday 7-12, 1-6

Tues. 9-12, 1-7:30

Wed. 9-12, 1-5

Thurs. 8-12, 1-4:30

Next Meeting: February  8, 2022

Workshop meeting with Lisa Murphy, January 25, 2022. Land Use Analysis.

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:  Mrs. Jan Galloway-Leclerc and Mrs. Myra Mansouri, from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Mrs. Amanda Raney.

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:

Home Away From Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint:  Mrs. Amanda Raney lives at 16 Maplewood Circle, Walpole.  She attended the Zoning Board meeting on December 15^th, 2021, and has a lot of issues she would like to address about the Day Care at 11 Maplewood Circle, Walpole.  It affects her family each day.  She has a small berm at the end of her driveway; it gets difficult when you have to back up to clear some cars parked on the edge of her driveway on the road.  She either has to back in each night or maneuver multiple times to back out of her driveway so she does not hit one of those cars.  Recently they had a couple of UPS drivers drive on their lawn as not everybody can make it through.  It is getting crazy and is a nuisance.  The noise has also picked up a lot at that property.  Ms. Plante has picked up a lot more kids than she had in 2008.  Mrs. Raney has a copy of the 2008 Minutes.  A lot of things that were said and agreed upon to open the day care. They are not what it is now.  They have a field they could park in; she does not know why they do not park there.  It would just be easier for everybody that lives on the circle, especially at pick-up and drop-off times.  Sometimes she has to wait for people picking up their kids to exit the driveway.  She gets out of work at 5:00 PM, picks up her kids and gets home by 5:20 PM; at times has to wait to get into her driveway.  Mrs. Raney knows that Ms. Plante thinks there is a personal issue between the two of them because she had previously asked about day care.  There were no hard feelings because Mrs. Raney knows there is a waiting list for day care.  She was trying to get closer to her home.  Mrs. Raney has an issue with the parking, the traffic flow, the noise and the trash.  Numerous times the trash was not picked-up for two months.  Mrs. Raney called Dr. Chuck Shaw who met with Ms. Plante. He stated the trash needs to be picked-up more frequently.  It is horrendous during the summer.  She has three kids under seven that she worries about with COVID.  In 2014 when her little boy was two, he was playing in their driveway; Mrs. Raney was gardening when one of the parents almost hit her little boy when he was backing up.  She talked to Ms. Plante then about not using her driveway as a turn-around.  All Ms. Plante said was that he stated he had not been told that he could not park across from her driveway.  That is when Mrs. Rayne began having issues with Ms. Plante and the day care.  Mrs. Raney has asked Ms. Plante several times to please not park right across the road from her driveway.  She worries when the plows come down the road in the winter; there are snowbanks and blind spots.  Kids do not always stay with their parents as they do run around the cars, etc.  In the ZBA meeting minutes of 2008, Ms. Plante was going to have parking inside the gate, but they do not park inside the gate.  It is now a playground area.  Behind the house and also the field are play areas.  She is extending too much in a residential area.  She lives here and some days just wants to come home and relax but the noise is extremely loud.  Mrs. Raney bought her house in 2013, she never noticed any issues until they did not see eye-to-eye.  She would love for Ms. Plante to have respect for the people who live there as she just wants the neighborhood to be peaceful and nobody fighting.  Mrs. Raney does not feel she can talk to Ms. Plante anymore because it does not get her anywhere.  Yesterday she had to go out three times during the day so had to load and unload her kids.  Ms. Plante was standing on her porch just laughing about it.  Sometimes she does not feel like coming home until she knows they are gone.  She feels she is getting pushed out of her house that she made her home.  She does not appreciate being filmed.  Mrs. Raney has taken pictures because she was asked to take pictures. She does not approve of her kids being on someone else’s camera.  She does not know what that is about. Therefore, she contacted the Walpole Police Dept. about the issue; she is not comfortable or safe anymore when her husband is not around.  She wrote a letter to the Selectboard as she is nervous. 

Ms. Mayberry noted the Selectboard appreciate her coming before them to let them know about what is going on in her neighborhood and community.  She asked Mrs. Leclerc to talk a little about the 2008 Zoning Board meeting and what is happening now.  Does she have any opinions?  Mrs. Leclerc’s observation is that the business has practically doubled in employees, number of children and the size of the property since Ms. Plante has acquired the lot next door.  At the Selectboard meeting, she indicated everything is bigger.  When she came to the Zoning Board in 2008, at the State’s request, it was for her to be able to have a day care.  What she presented then was fine because it conformed to the zoning.  Her thought is, because it has more than doubled for a business, perhaps it is time for a Site Plan Review as it is in the commercial district.

Mr. Dalessio agreed with Mrs. Leclerc.  When any business significantly changes from what was previously approved, it should come back for an updated site plan.  This would be a reasonable request of the Planning Board.  If they applied the current standards for commercial activity, parking and trash would come up.  Mrs. Leclerc does not believe there was a Site Plan Review in 2008.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the issue of noise and filming should be addressed between the two parties.  They are outside the jurisdiction of the Selectboard.  Mrs. Raney did right by contacting the Police Department because if they feel it should be pursued, they will do so.  She can also contact her attorney.  The bump in her driveway was put there to prevent water from getting into her property.  Mrs. Raney said that is correct.  The Town had put that in before they bought the property.  Mr. Dalessio drove by, and cars were parked in the field.  Mrs. Raney advised that some cars have been parking in the field, but some are on the street; she wants it permanent.  Mr. Dalessio noted that pick-up and drop-off of the children will be a part of the Site Plan Review.  They have 45 kids registered but only 24 go to the day care at any one time.  Mrs. Leclerc said in 2008, Ms. Plante felt there would be 27 kids registered but only 15 would be in the day care at any one time.  Mrs. Raney said 6-to-7 cars are parked there daily.  In the 2008 meeting Minutes, she said 1-to-2 cars a day.  Mr. Dalessio explained that any business can grow over time, so the question is if the space is still appropriate for that size business.  His recommendation is that they apply to the Planning Board to have a Site Plan Review.  Mrs. Pschirrer agreed; she was on the Zoning Board in 2008.  Ms. Plante recently indicated to them that she had increased the number of employees and children.  There has been a natural growth.  The space may not be able to accommodate it all.  Mr. Dalessio noted Ms. Plante has the field that could be used for parking; it might have to be paved for use in bad weather.  He is concerned about the drop-off and pick-off times; that is an issue the Police Department might have to look at. 

Mrs. Raney advised they are never notified when the day care is going to hold a special event.  Sometimes they last until 7:00 PM in the summer.  The day care was only to run until about 5:30 PM.  To let the neighborhood know what is going on would be great.  She has to have more consideration.  They will have plays outside; sometimes until 8:00 PM.  This neighborhood has changed in the last five years.  There are more small kids, so it does get rowdy and noisier.  Mr. Dalessio summarized that parking and trash are the two issues.  They do not have an ordinance in Town that says you cannot park on the side of the road for a concert, BBQs, etc.  The answer is to go back to a Site Plan Review.  Mrs. Leclerc does not believe they had a Site Plan in 2008 so this would be a new one. 

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard will ask the Home Away From Home Day Care to go to the Planning Board for a Site Plan Review due to the increase in size and scope of their business.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.                                                          

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $121,723.54 for checks issued December 24, 2021.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $39,802.08 to the Health Trust.  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 December 18, 2021, in the amount of $27,438.73 dated December 24, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,269.15.  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 – December 16, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 16, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – December 16, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 16, 2021, 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 REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 15, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #014-008-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $6.86 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #014-008-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approver. 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER: 

MAP and LOT #009-006-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-006-000.  This is a lot off of Maple Grove Road.  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 #009-008-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-008-000.  This lot abuts the lot previously approved off of Maple Grove Road.  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:

Zoning Board of Adjustment:  Mrs. Jan Leclerc advised that in the process of reading the minutes from the 2008 Day Care issue they discovered the typographical error in the commercial zone of the Zoning Ordinance.   The NH Municipal Association replied that everybody has to comply with how the Town voted. Mr. Dalessio reminded everyone that until it gets to the Town Clerk, it is not official. 

MRI Contract for Project Coordinator:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Town and Selectboard is looking to do some major infrastructure improvements in the Town.  Realizing a number of different funding sources, they would like to bring on-board a Project Coordinator to monitor all the projects and deadlines as well as assist the Selectboard.  They have a contract from Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI)

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, to sign this MRI contract for a Project Coordinator.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

MRI Contract for Wage and Classification Study:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this contract was discussed last week. Mrs. Carol Granfield, who has previously done work for the Town, has sent them a proposal for a complete review of all their positions, job descriptions, salaries, etc.  It will take about four months to complete.   Materials will be sent to her next week that includes a list of all positions in Town. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, to sign this contract for a Wage and Classification Study to be conducted by MRI.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

Power Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Power Committee has requested being on the agenda for the December 30, 2021, Selectboard meeting.  They would like to present the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) that they have been working on which is suggested by the Committee for Power Coalition of New Hampshire that we joined some months ago.  They need to fill in the date that this Selectboard used to accept it.  This is a lengthy and complex plan.  Mr. Paul Looney will prepare the pertinent questions that they have addressed and pertinent material so they can synthesis it because it is really quite long.  They have scheduled a public hearing for a Wednesday in January.  It will be at least a 15-minute presentation.  Then they will present a warrant that they would like to use for Town Meeting.

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters:

Vilas Bridge:  Ms. Mayberry advised that Mr. Mark Houghton will talk with Mr. Jeff McClure about ideas regarding the Vilas Bridge.  Mrs. Pschirrer has been following these emails.  It is a positive step for moving forward.  She thanked Ms. Mayberry for referring them.  Ms. Mayberry is hoping opportunities will open up for the North Walpole Village water as well.  They would like a water source back-up well.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mr. Mark Houghton is exploring many sources of funding for Walpole projects.          

NEW BUSINESS:

Purchase Order for Reuse Center Propane Heater:  Ms. Mayberry had both the purchase order and bill.  Mr. Hoy is over this budget line with this purchase, but it is within the bottom-line amount. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Purchase Order #35186 for the Reuse Center Propane Heater in the amount of $4,157.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Police Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer said this is Chief Sanctuary’s request as he feels many people read the Selectboard meeting Minutes.  He wanted everyone to know they are operating at 50% due to a staffing shortage.  The officer who was involved in the incident on December 4^th is still out and will be out for some time. They are down one person.   He wanted her to express his concern about this and that they would only be handling emergency orders or critical issues.   For example: there will be some complaints coming into them that they will be unable to handle.  He asked that the residents be patient and understand their dilemma. 

ESSER III Survey:  Ms. Mayberry advised that on the SAU60 website there is an ESSER III Survey.  If you have any interest in where they spent the $4.4 million dollars, fill out the survey to express your opinion.  There are several choices on the list.    

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 7:27 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:19 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 23, 2021, 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.

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 adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary