The Walpolean

Present: Board Members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray,  Ernie Vose, Pauline Barnes. Alternates Don Sellarole, Judy Trow and Dave Edkins.  

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

Roll Call: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as printed. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

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

Heather Dudok – Auburn, MA

Heather postponed the meeting until January. She does not have a revision of the new sign yet.

Delia Blanchard – Information about building a modular home on her property. Ms. Blanchard did not attend the meeting.

Chris Linkin – Discuss car detailing shop at 455 March Hill Road.

 Mr. Linkin explained that he was interested in purchasing the property at 455 March Hill Road for a car detailing business. He said he has looked elsewhere in Walpole, but has not found any other location for his business. This property is in the rural/agricultural district so it will need a Special Exception to operate a commercial business there. The building has previously been an automotive shop, a butcher shop and a bakery shop for pizza dough. According to the Walpole Zoning Ordinances a special exception in a rural/agricultural district needs the following:

C.  Special Exceptions

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

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

3. No industrial, manufacturing or commercial venture or use shall be permitted which could cause any undue hazard to health, safety or property values or which could be offensive to the public because of noise, vibration, excessive traffic, unsanitary conditions, noxious odor, smoke, or other similar reason.

4. Each proposed use shall provide adequate off-street parking, including loading customer vehicles. Additional parking may be required based on the size and nature of the business.              

6. All signs shall meet the requirements of Part D of the General Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

While the building has living space as well as space for his business, Mr. Linkin will not be living there so it won’t be considered a home business. Mr. Edkins asked if he had a diagram of the property, that it would be helpful. Mr. Linkin passed out a copy of the advertisement to sell the property. The advertisement had photographs of the 5,292 square-foot building as well as an interior shot of the work space and a map of its location. Mr. Edkins asked Mr. Linkin if he was going to do any painting of cars. Mr. Linkin replied no. Ms. Leclerc explained that he needed a recommendation from the Planning Board and then he had to come back to the Zoning Board for the Special Exception. Ms. Leclerc also asked if he was going to spend more than $10,000 on renovating the space. If so, he needed to get site plan approval from the Planning Board. Ms. Trow explained that meant the $10,000 was for construction or renovations of space. He doesn’t plan to make any improvements to the building.

So the timetable is as follows: Mr. Linkin will go to the Planning Board in January 2022 to ask for a Public Hearing for a recommendation to have a car detailing business at 455 March Hill Road in the rural/agricultural district. He fills out an application, abutters are notified of the public hearing and a legal notice appears in The Keene Sentinel. If the Planning Board gives their recommendation to Mr. Linkin, he returns in February to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a public hearing for a special exception to have a business in the rural/agricultural district.

Mr. Vose made a motion to hold a public hearing in February 2022 for a special exception to have a car detailing business in a rural/agricultural district after a recommendation from the Planning Board and completions of all the applications and fees. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. Ms. Mansouri noted that if Mr. Linkin intended to have a sign at the March Hill location, he needed to come back to the Zoning Board. The secretary will put him on the Planning Board agenda for January 2022.

Update on day care center – Maplewood Circle.

In November the Zoning Board discussed the 2008 minutes of a Zoning Board meeting in which there was discussion of the Home Away from Home Day Care, a child care center on Maplewood Circle Road. A homeowner, who lives across from the day care facility, complained that parents who had children at the day care facility were parking in her driveway and/or blocking her driveway so when she wanted to leave for work she couldn’t. She also complained about trash in her yard. The Board wanted to look at the original minutes in which the day care facility was discussed.

In the meantime, the Select Board, at its December 2^nd meeting, met with the person running the day care center, Ms. Jenny Laplante, to discuss parking and the location of their dumpster. The day care facility is in the commercial district because it is within 150 feet of Main Street. Day care facilities are permitted in commercial districts. At the Select Board meeting it was decided that the dumpster should be screened behind a fence or other structure. Ms. Laplante said she would screen the dumpster and the Select Board was agreeable to waiting until the spring for the change.

The recent Select Board minutes say “the road is two lanes and the cars are actually on her property. Their driveway has always been as it is now. Mr. Dalessio agrees that some cars are parked in the field. No ordinances says they cannot park across from the driveway. He had Police Chief Sanctuary look at the area; he indicated there are no violations. Two cars can pass each other and there is adequate room for emergency vehicles. Ms. Pschirrer asked about the zoning approval when she appeared before that Board (in 2008). Ms. Laplante said it was never their intention to park in the driveway. Their lot is plowed in the winter to allow for parking. There would probably be 5-to-6 cars parked there during a normal work shift. Mrs. Leclerc (chair of the Zoning Board) pointed out that in the meeting minutes Ms. Laplante stated that all cars would be parked on her property. The neighbor has to drive over a berm to get out of her driveway. Mr. Dalessio asked why all the cars could not park in the lot. Ms. Laplante explained that depending on the season the ground could be soft in spots/slushy. She worries about people falling.”

Amanda Raney is the person who made the complaint and she was at the Zoning Board meeting and was thinking about an appeal to what she thought was the Select Board siding with Ms. Laplante. She may file an appeal.

Mrs. Raney said people picking up children at the day care, some park in her driveway or park so it blocks her car in the driveway. She’s complained about the problem and asked that it it not happen. Also, Mrs. Raney said the owner has expanded her space so she now has three  playgrounds instead of one. There is a field at the end of the property for parking where everyone can park. She stated that a couple of years ago one of her children almost got hit by a car while the child was playing in the driveway. 

Also she has found trash in her yard that has blown out of the dumpster, which is in the front yard of the day care property. Another complaint is that it’s sometimes 7 or 8 at night before children get picked up. Her children go to bed at 7:30 and it’s noisy. She showed the board members a video of the line of cars and some photographs that she had taken.

Ms. Raney said she has to get close to the cars to get our of the driveway to go to work or wait a couple of minutes while someone is trying to maneuver out of the line of cars to leave. The berm was put in by the town to direct water. 

Ms. Laplante runs the day care, Ms. Leclerc said. At the meeting the Select Board said they thought it was okay for the cars to park on the road because even though it’s a town right-of-way, it’s technically her property. And at the meeting, Ms. Laplante said she never said people could park in the driveway. Ms. Leclerc said that is the opposite of what is says in the 2008 minutes. Also, she currently has a total of 45 children, 24 of which are after-school placements. This is many more than the stated number of children mentioned in the 2008 minutes. At the recent meeting with  Laplante, the Select Board said that if anyone doesn’t agree with what they said that they could appeal to the Zoning Board. Ms. Raney doesn’t agree that the parking situation is okay.

Ms. Leclerc pointed out to Ms. Raney that if she files an appeal it will cost her some money. There is $150 for the application and $8 for each abutter. The day care facility has probably four or five abutters. So the total would be about $200. Then there would be a public hearing and Ms. Raney would explain her point of view and any members of the public could speak. Then the Zoning Board would make a decision. According to Mr. Edkins, the Select Board has to abide by the Zoning Board’s decision on the matter. There is also the matter of time. Ms. Trow pointed out that the Zoning Board Bylaws say that Ms. Raney had 30 days from when the Select Board made its decision. That would be January 2, 2022.

The abutters would be the abutters of the day care center not Ms. Raney, Mr. Edkins said. Mr. Edkins also asked about police equipment near the site. Ms. Raney thought it might be for counting cars. Ms. Raney said she has lived there since 2013. It’s a lot of traffic in and out, it’s noisy. She said she just wanted to come home and relax and not worry about cars. There’s trash blowing all over her yard. It attracts wild animals, Ms. Raney said.

The dumpster that is currently in the front yard has been taken care of, Ms. Leclerc said. There are 45 children enrolled in the day care facility. About 24 are for after school placements. Ms. Laplante said she had 24 children there at one time. Mr. Murray said that is about three-quarters more than she said in the 2008 minutes.

Ms. Leclerc wants to look at the 2007 zoning ordinances booklet to see if there is anything in the ordinances about parking in a commercial district. She thought there might be a typo and that all businesses had to have ample parking spaces for their employees and customers in a commercial district.

It was suggested that  Ms. Raney talk to husband about the appeal and then tell the secretary her decision. Ms. Raney said, “I’m not the only one having issues. I want it fixed.”

It’s complicated. It a commercial venture in a residential neighborhood, Mr. Edkins said. It never got to have a site plan because it complied with the zoning ordinance. But there have been many changes since 2008.

Ms. Raney asked if all the board members at the meeting would have a vote. Ms. Trow said there needed to be a majority of three votes of a five-member board to make a decision. Three members of the meeting that night were alternates.

It was finally decided that since Ms. Raney has never had a chance to tell her side of the story to the Select Board, she should attend a Select Board meeting and tell her story. That wouldn’t cost her anything and she could always go back to the Zoning Board.

Update on Clarion Article

Ms. Mansouri, Mr. Vose and Ms. Barnes have been working on an article for the Walpole Clarion to familiarize the public on what the Zoning Board does. Mr. Edkins said since the board is an appeals board, he would sign the article Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment, not just Walpole Zoning Board. He would also say the main purpose of the board is to hear appeals from the strict terms of the zoning ordinance or its interpretation by other boards. Others suggested informing the public on when and where the board meets.

Re-ups for next year. Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Mansouri have terms that finish in 2022.

Adjournment:

Mr. Murray a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Officials, The Walpolean

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

                                                                                   

Dear Library Community,

Due to the current surge of Covid cases in the area, the rise of the Omicron variant and staffing shortages due to illness, the Walpole Town Library will be making some changes to hours and services from now through the month of January.  

• Due to staffing, the Bridge Memorial Library will close early on Monday 12/20 & 12/27 and Wednesday 12/22 & 12/29 (at 5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm).  
• Due to staffing, the North Walpole Library will close early on Tuesday 12/21 &12/28 (5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm).
• Due to the holidays, both libraries will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25 as well as Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1. We plan to resume normal hours the week of January 3rd.
• Effective today through January 31, all in-person library programs are cancelled. We will offer the following virtual and take-home programs:
  • Community Conversation on Redistricting. Virtual Program. Monday, January 3, 2021, at 7 pm.  
    For more information or to receive a Zoom link, please call the library or email jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
  • Spark Joy Program. Virtual Program.
    There will be a link available to view the program anytime between Wednesday, January 5^th at 7:00 am and Friday, January 7^th at 7:00 am, with a live Zoom Q&A session on Thursday, January 6^th, from 5:00-5:20 pm. For more information or to receive a link to view the program, please call the library or email jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
  • Crafternoon will be a take-home program this month with kits available for pickup on Friday, January 14th at both library branches.
  • The Carolyn Show and Sneak Peak Saturday will start up once again the week of January 3^rd via Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.
  • Wiggle Time, Story Time and Pajama Story Time will be virtual on Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.
• We encourage you to stock up when you are here, just in case we need to close suddenly due to a library exposure risk or if we reach critical staffing levels. Just as we do for snow, we will announce last minute closures on our Facebook page and on our website.
• We also encourage you to request curbside service or our home delivery service. 
• Please keep your visits short, whenever possible, and be understanding that staff will not assist in close contact technology help at this time.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unpredictable times together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jane Malmberg
Library Director
603-756-9806
jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

For clarification:

The original notice did not mention that it is the Congregational Church Candlelight Service that is being cancelled. Neither they, nor I, noticed that. Thanks to the numerous people that have set us straight. – Lil

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Absent: Alternate Trevor MacLachlan. Also present was Travis Adams, a candidate to be an alternate.

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

Meeting coming to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at at 7 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Old Business:

Public Hearing: Liberty Utilities: Routine Maintenance on Scenic Roads:

Presenting was Heather Green, Program Manager, Vegetation and Inspection. With Ms. Green was Kelly Hoffman, Liberty Utilities Representative, Consulting Utility Arborist for ECI, Environmental Consultants, Inc. Walpole has two designated scenic roads – Farnum Road and Old Drewsville Road. RSA 231:172

Ms. Green was present to discuss the maintenance work on the two scenic roads in Walpole. It will begin in January 2022 and, depending on the pandemic, should last for about six months.  The planned work includes tree pruning, trimming, flat cutting and tree removal. The biggest concern is usually tree removal, Green said. Planned tree removal on Farnum Road includes three trees, a maple, a black cherry and a basswood. Tree removal on Old Drewsville road includes 11 trees: five maple trees, two white pine, one black cherry, one basswood, one popular and one ash. 

In addition to the trees that were mentioned in the report, Ms. Hoffman added 4 additional trees that are a threat to conductors. The one on Farnum Road is a 22” in diameter black cherry between poles 16 and 17. On Old Drewsville Road, there are a 35-inch white pine between poles 7 and 8, an 8-inch black birch between poles 56 and 57 and a 23-inch hemlock between poles 70 and 71. On scenic roads there is a little more sensitivity to cutting, Ms. Green said. The marks for removal of trees Liberty uses are blue and white markers or red markers. Currently the routine maintenance has been every four years. Liberty Utilities will now be on a five-year cycle due to the pandemic, work-force issues and budget.

The planned work can be categorized as follows: any and all trees over the 15-inch circumference limit will be pruned to remove dead/dying, weak and structurally poor limbs to conform to the clearances specified by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. In the handout that Ms. Green gave to the Board, it says: 

​

“PUC 307:10 Tree-Pruning Standards 

“a) With the land-owner’s consent, utilities shall prune trees adjacent to all distribution circuits     to the following minimum clearances on no more than a 5-year cycle:

​

​1) 10 feet below the conductors;

​2) 8 feet to the side of the nearest conductor; and

​3) 15 feet above the conductors, at time of pruning.”

Ms. Green continued that newer PUC 307.10 standards requires our clearance corridor to be wider than in the past. PUC makes a corridor of 8 feet. Liberty Utilities was doing a 6-foot corridor. This has required more vegetation work and tree removals and as a result, trees planned for removal are sometimes at an inventory state. Currently removals located along single-phase construction are being deferred. The removals will be performed as resources are available and will be prioritized by relative risk to other trees found in the inventory process. That is, we expect most of these planned and inventoried removal on the scenic roads to be deferred until a future date.

Ms. Green said they will follow the PUC guideline if it’s a good idea to follow it. Sometimes, she said, professionally, it’s not a good idea. If it’s an 8-foot shrub like a viburnum that won’t grow much higher, a better cut might be at 9 or 10 feet. It’s not a rigid 8-foot rule. Additionally you have to consider the electric conductors. You may have to be a little more aggressive so the electric conductor doesn’t fail. This will minimize outages. So following the states 231 RSA rule and because of budget we strive to do what is best. However, at this time Ms. Green said she expects to have the budget to remove the above list of trees.

Mr. Dalessio said that at a Select Board meeting the members were concerned about the “heavy-handedness” that has been going on. Some of trees looked like they had been carved away without any caring about the aesthetic of the tree. So the Board asked Liberty Utilities that trees be “lightly pruned.” This includes any trees on town property. They too should be “gently pruned”. By Mr. Dalessio’s house in Drewsville, the cutting along the Drewsville Common was terrible and the Board is very concerned about that. This also pertains to the scenic roads, Mr. Dalessio said. The Select Board wants it to look decent when they are done. Ms. Green said they would do their best but what Mr. Dalessio was asking is subjective. 

Mr. Dalessio then asked what do you do if a landowner refuses. Ms. Green said if it is definitely considered a fire hazard, there is a follow up with the landowner.  

Ms. Andros asked if a tree were pruned so that it is “super ugly,” is there a situation where the tree can be removed and another replanted in its place. Mr. Dalessio said the town is trying to hire an arborist to advise the Select Board on what trees to plant on the Walpole Common. Sometimes it’s more costly to try and keep a tree alive than it is to replace them, he said. 

Ms. Green said there are other trees that are marked so that they can be watched. The tree may not be growing upright and may go down in a windstorm. Or there might be a limb that might cause potential problems. Poplars are checked because they are prone to fail. A lot of trees are marked and kept as an inventory so that when funding becomes available, there is an opportunity to go back and check those first and then move out from there.

Ms. Green said Liberty Utilities wants to be a partners with its customers and offers other resources that may be found online. For example, there are several energy-saving suggestions. She demonstrated a typical cutting, which is on both sides of a pole. She also referenced a program where customers can get up to 100 trees for free in a town. 

Mr. Miller closed the Public Hearing and said that Liberty Utilities had fulfilled its obligation of the RSA and was all set for the maintenance cutting on Walpole’s two scenic roads.

Here are the remaining PUC guidelines.

“b.) Utilities shall implement measures such as mid-cycle reviews to identifying and mitigating elevated risk from tree exposure on circuits or sections or circuits that are significantly and/or continually experiencing tree-related interruptions, where it is practical to do so.

“c.) Utilities shall not be requires to prune to the clearance standards specified in (a) of this section where:

​1.) The land-owner has refused or restricted permission to prune.

​2.) A municipality or other local body, by ordinance or other official means, has refused ​or restricted permission to prune, or

​3.) Pruning to the standards specified in subpart (a) would be detrimental to the health ​of the tree, in which the utility shall adhere to the guideline provided in ANSI A300 ​Part1- 2008 Edition, available as noted in Appendix B.

“Trees under the 12-inch circumference limit and brush capable of growing into the energized conductors will be cut with landowner’s consent.

“Trees to be removed, based on clearance needs and risk assessment performed by Liberty Utilities and qualified foresters from Environmental Consultants, Inc (ECI) have been marked with red or pink flagging stapled to the trees. Removals are noted in the enclosed details as an activity = “Rmc,” a size = diameter class (ie 05-08”) and by land type distinction ( Unmaintained (UM). Rural (R) and Maintained (M) ).”

Goals and Objectives: No discussion. There will be a Planning Board workshop on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, with Lisa Murphy, a senior planner at Southwest Community Planning Commission.

Fees for voluntary mergers:

After a short discussion it was decided to raise the $25 fee for voluntary mergers to $50 to cover all the costs.

New alternate:

Travis Adams was at the meeting to observe an actual Planning Board meeting. At the end of the meeting Ms. Andros asked him to tell the Board more about himself and why he wanted to be on the Planning Board. Mr Adams said he and his wife live on Pleasant Street and have purchased a lot on County Road and plan to start working on a home in the spring. His wife’s parents live in Walpole. His parents are from Charlestown. He graduated from Fall Mountain High School in 2001. He has never been involved in any civic group before, but after listening to some of his neighbors and after tonight’s meeting, he said he was interested in being a member of the board. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Adams as an alternate member of the Planning Board. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Adams now has to go to the Town Clerk and be sworn in.

Re-up reminder. Dennis Marcom and Jeff Harrington’s terms are up in 2022. They can announce their candidacy at the Town Clerk’s office Jan. 19-28.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary 

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

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

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Workshop: Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Of Lessons and Carols

December 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the surge of new COVID 19 cases in our area, will only be accessible through Zoom out of an abundance of caution, due to larger expected attendance.

To join the Zoom service, use the link below.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

Regular Sunday worship will continue in person until further notice.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87236977806?pwd=YkxyK2FwY1oyTCt5cXYzREZwL1lxdz09

Only the choir, musicians, Candle lighters, liturgist and other readers who will be leading the service will be allowed in the sanctuary for this service. 

JANUARY 2022 CLARION – CLOSING DATE – DECEMBER 22by Ray Boas It snuck up on us again, and I know you have other things to think about, but with the closing date just a tad over a week away I need your inputs and ads Wednesday, December 22 – if not sooner. It is upsetting that COVID is continuing to cause disruption to our lives, shortening some, and changing others. I have decided not to get out and expose myself even having my shots and booster. But, life goes on, and I have started your January 2022 issue of the CLARION. I welcome your inputs (and any new ads) soon.If you have any questions, do contact me. The email address is at the top right of any page on the CLARION website. Stay safe and stay well, HAPPY HOLIDAYS.Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

LAST CHANCE TO COMPLETE ONE OF YOUR HOLIDAY CHORES!

ORDER SOME COOKIES FOR HOME OR FOR GIFTING.

Homebaked cookies from the folks at St. John’s Church are available this year by ordering our prepackaged boxes.  Whether to be enjoyed by you or given as a hostess gift, we hope you will partake of our holiday fundraiser.  Thank you.

1. The Adult Box with a wide variety of more delicate cookies for $12 per 1 lb. box.

2. The Kids/Hefty eaters Box with a smaller variety of more “familiar” cookies for $10 per 1 lb. box.

Order by Monday, December 13th

Place your order online at:   orders@stjohnswalpole.org.

Pickup on:     Saturday morning, December 18th from 9-12

St. John’s (Elm and Westminster St.)

Cash or Check

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were three members of the public in attendance; Mrs. Jan Leclerc, Ms. Jenny Plante and her daughter, Becca.

PUBLIC HEARING:  Ms. Mayberry called this Public Hearing to order at 6:31 PM.  She read the Notice of Public Hearing as follows:

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

December 2, 2021 at 6:30 PM

‘Pursuant to RSA 31:95-b the Selectboard will hold a public meeting to receive public comment concerning the acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated revenues from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 assistance for local government.

You are hereby notified that the Walpole Selectboard will host a public meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall to discussing accepting funds received from the State of New Hampshire under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

The public is encouraged to attend and provide suggested uses for the funds received.

The Selectboard Meeting will follow the public hearing.”

Mrs. Leclerc questioned what ARPA is. Ms. Mayberry explained the American Rescue Plan Act is funding provided by the Government, similar to an extension of the CARES Act.  This one focuses mostly on infrastructure improvements.  In some cases COVID related and some are not.  There is some flexibility in how the monies can be used.  They are still trying to find out all the potential uses for the funding but they would like to use it for infrastructure.  Mr. Dalessio said the Town received $55,771.83.  Mrs. Leclerc asked if some of it will be used for the damaged roads.  Mr. Dalessio said in the previous allocation they had to comply with the Clean Water Act; that was mostly with water and sewer lines.  This will probably be more in line with roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Town had a lot of damage this year.  It is probably where some of it will end up but possibly not all of it.  Mr. Dalessio advised there is a meeting with FEMA coming up.        

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard accept the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding in the amount of $55,771.83.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry announced that with no additional public comments the Public Hearing will be declared closed at 6:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting began at 6:34 PM.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Players and Poster Display:  Ms. Jenny Plante is on the Board of the Walpole Players.  They have a request related to the north entrance stairwell.  When she goes to various performances at other locations, she notices their displays of past performance pictures and posters.  The Walpole Players have about 30 years of history; they average about two plays a year.  She displayed some framed posters that are very light.  Would it be possible to hang them up in the north entrance stairwell?  They would have to be above shoulder height.  A lot of people in the community have been involved in their shows.  Ms. Mayberry asked how many do they have.  Ms. Plante said right now they only have a few framed pictures.  At this time they thought they would just present it to the Selectboard.  She would come back with an approximate number. Mrs. Pschirrer remembered when Mr. Boas came to them about this; he ended up putting them on moveable platforms upstairs.  They were only on display when people were in-house for a play.  Ms. Plante mentioned they could display them on the window sills. She was sure there was something they could do so it would not damage the walls or paint.  Mr. Dalessio’s question was about the mounting of them; they do not want holes in the wall.  No decision was made at this meeting.              

OLD BUSINESS:

Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint:  Ms. Jenny Plante was present to discuss the on-street parking and overflowing dumpster complaint from an abutter.  Ms. Mayberry asked Ms. Plante to explain the parking as they have an area for people to park off the street but they are choosing to park on the street.  Ms. Plante replied it is their property even though it is on the street.  About a year ago the neighbor asked that they not park across from her driveway.  She feels this has become a personal issue because the neighbor asked about child care three times but was told there were no vacancies at those times.  She had contacted Mr. Dalessio to question if they are not allowed to park on the street across from the neighbor’s driveway.  He replied it could become an issue if she does not have adequate parking.  She has adequate parking and displayed pictures of where the cars were parking on the side of the road.  Tires are not in the street.  Mrs. Pschirrer observed four cars that she felt were parked on the street.  Ms. Plante said there is 20-feet from where their cars are parked to the end of the neighbor’s driveway. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the dumpsters are at the very end of the driveway; they are usually put off the street and screened behind a fence or other structure.  Ms. Plante said the dumpsters have been there for 13 years and there never had been a problem with them.  She would prefer to have them out in the back. Unfortunately, they have to be where they can be emptied easily.  They are on her property.  There is plenty of room to get in-and-out of the driveway.  The road is two-lanes and the cars are actually on her property.  Their driveway has always been as it is now.  Mr. Dalessio agreed that some cars are parked in the field.  No ordinance says they cannot park across from the driveway.  He had Police Chief Sanctuary look at the area; he indicated there are no violations. Two cars can pass each other and there is adequate room for emergency vehicles.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked about the zoning approval when she appeared before that Board.  Ms. Plante said it was never their intention to park in the driveway.  Their lot is plowed in the winter to allow for parking. There would probably be 5-to-6 cars parked there during a normal work shift.  Mrs. Leclerc pointed out that in the meeting minutes Ms. Plante stated that all cars would be parked on her property.  The neighbor has to drive over a berm to get out of her driveway and she comes home from work several times a day.  Ms. Mayberry feels the pictures show they are parking off the roadway.  Mr. Dalessio asked why all the cars could not park in the lot.  Ms. Plante explained that depending on the season the ground could be soft in spots/slushy.  She worries about people falling. She will be happy to screen the dumpsters from public view.  The Selectboard was agreeable to waiting until the spring for her to make this change.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt Ms. Plante should have a copy of the original Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting minutes for her information.  Mrs. Downing will provide her with a copy.  Mr. Dalessio would like a copy of the Zoning Ordinance being used when Ms. Plante appeared before the Zoning Board.  Ms. Plante left the meeting.                   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $106,529.23 for checks issued December 3, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $43,310.15 to the Health Trust.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 November 27, 2021, in the amount of $31,109.41 for checks dated December 3, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,253.86.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – November 24, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 24, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION SELECTBOARD MINUTES – November 24, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 24, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

WARRANTS:

Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #003-020-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #003-020-000 for $500 due to a Veterans’ Tax Credit applied in error and should not have applied.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #029-036-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #029-036-000 for $500 due for a Veterans’ Tax Credit that was not due to this property.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds:

• Map and Lot #008-101-000 for $66.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #003-071-000 for $58.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #029-031-000 for $36.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lots #027-004-001 and #001-003-006 for $63.00.
• Map and Lot #030-072-000 for $93.30.
• Map and Lot #022-013-000 for $49.00.
• Map and Lot #019-003-000 for $40.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #004-021-000 for $18.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #004-002-000 for $46.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #012-022-000 for $64.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #006-013-001 for $43.14.  This vacant parcel was gifted recently to a family member.

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Map and Lots: #008-060-000, #008-061-000, and #008-062-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lots #008-060-000, #008-061-000 and #008-062-000 which are the Hooper Golf Course properties.  The Monadnock Conservancy has reviewed and approved the Forest Management Plan.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

South Street Drainage Issue: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mike Rau, Highway Department/Road Agent, spoke to Mr. Chas Street to advise South Street is a State road.  Mr. Rau will go there during a rain storm to check on it.

Tree Care and Replacement Plan for the Common:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of a proposal from Long View Forest.  The proposal does not provide for a determination of the condition of the trees.  We have a lot of residents who are concerned about preservation. Therefore, they still need to find an arborist. 

Pending Further Actions:

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

Vilas Bridge:  Ms. Mayberry talked to Mr. Tim Murphy at the Southwest Region Planning Commission. He was concerned that the State viewed the sewer problem as the Town of Walpole’s.  He thought there was some recourse; that the Vilas Bridge did not have to come off the Ten-Year Transportation Plan if the 93% was not approved.  There could be some leverage to keep it on the plan still at 50%.  We will just have to wait to see what happens with the Executive Counselors and decide if there is any further action that we could take. With infrastructure funding there could be a chance to move forward with the Vilas Bridge.  

Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall:  Mrs. Downing reported that nothing was done on the Wooden Chairs.  There was a question about selling them and, if so, for what price.  Should they go to the Recycling Center to see if they would sell there?  Ms. Mayberry felt they should think about it some more.

Walpole Players (Continued):  Mrs. Pschirrer thought it was about five years ago when Mr. Boas talked to them about posters, but they were bigger and much heavier.  The Selectboard told him they could put them up when they were having a play but then remove them.  They were upstairs on something with wheels (moveable) in the hallway and in the theatre itself.  The Selectboard did not want them permanently left on the walls. No decisions were made at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

FEMA Recover Scoping Meeting:  A FEMA Recover Scoping Meeting is scheduled for December 14^th, 2021, starting at 1:30 pm in the Town Hall main meeting room.  Mr. Dalessio, Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. Mike Rau will be attending.

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Brownfields Committee of Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) has used its grant and ran out of money.  They are applying for other funding.  She hopes they can start it up again.   

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.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:32 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:47 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.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:47 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:11 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 2, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $115,478.47 for checks issued 12/10/21

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $30,729.13 dated 12/10/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,895.20

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – Dec. 2, 2021
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – Dec. 2, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting – Nov. 16, 2021

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS & ABATEMENTS

• Map and Lot# 028-039-000
• Map and Lot# 028-120-000
• Map and Lot# 003-082-CL8

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

• Map and Lot# 029-010-000
• Map and Lot# 019-049-000

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION

Map and Lot# 009-048-000

OLD BUSINESS

• Tax Anticipation Note (TAN)
• Houghton Brook Bridge Permit Plans and Wetlands Permit Application

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

NEW BUSINESS

• PILOT payment to North Walpole Village
• Recreation Committee Appointment Letter and Notice
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Liaison Meeting Request

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

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 8:30 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There was one member of the public in attendance:  Mr. Ray Boas.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

There was no Accounts Payable Check Register due to the short week. 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending November 20, 2021, in the amount of $28,483.10 for checks dated November 26, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,588.34.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PHONE CALL With Executive Counselor Cinde Warmington:  This call is to discuss the Vilas Bridge and the Ten-Year Transportation Plan. Mrs. Warmington advised they conducted a hearing in Keene, heard feedback about the Vilas Bridge and the desire to have that bridge rehabilitated.  That item is currently in the Ten-Year Plan #41720. It was entered with a total cost of $17,786,000.  The problem is the assumption that New Hampshire (NH) would fund 50% of the bridge replacement and the other 50% would come from other sources presumably Vermont (VT).  She proceeded to have discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOT) about whether VT had agreed to fund this bridge at 50% and the response she got was “No, they had not”.  They believe that VT would be willing to fund the bridge at 7% based on where the state line is on their side of the River.  There is a significant gap between 50% and 93%; her question was how is this bridge ever going to be built if they do not increase the funding?  She thinks everyone she was talking to at the VT DOT felt like that was a legitimate question to ask. It did not seem like that 50% was forthcoming. Therefore, while this project was in the Ten-Year Plan, it was not going to get built.  She then asked for the historic documents documenting the original agreement for NH to maintain that bridge and also asked for the justification that the department is using for the 50% funding number.  She reviewed that information and then sat down with the department last week to say she really does not think there is any legitimate reason why NH is not funding this bridge at 93%.  There is no justification for the 50% number.  The department does understand.  They take the position that VT and Bellows Falls in particular, benefit from this bridge and has vigorously advocated for the bridge repairs. However, there is no legal reason why VT would be responsible for 50% of the funding for the bridge.  She asked why not now, while we have some additional funding in the budget, increase the allocation for funding the Vilas Bridge to 93%? They said they would be willing to put that in as a proposed change to the draft of the Ten-Year Plan. The way the process works is the department meets with the Executive Counselors who take into consideration all of the projects they want done.  There is a list with the changes that comes back to the counselors, and they are voted on.  If there is enough money to fund all the changes, there is a greater likelihood that the council will approve all changes, but not necessarily.  The council can opt to approve the changes all together or take them line-by-line.  Historically, Councilor Wheeler, who is Chair, has wanted to take them line-by-line.  If we ask for and are allocated additional money in the Ten-Year Plan, it will bring attention to this item and the Council will have the opportunity to vote on it; that result could be the item is taken out all together from the Ten-Year Plan.  That is the risk with proceeding to ask for full funding and it would be deleted all together from plan by a vote of the council.  That is likely if there is not enough funding to cover all of the projects that are proposed by all the Executive Counselors.  At the time she met with the DOT, she was the second counselor to meet with them.  They still did not know what the total cost would be of all the counselors’ preferred projects.  Her response was would they put it in there at least for the sake of calculating whether there is enough money or not and once they have met with all the Counselors would they contact her to let her know so she can make a final decision; it would give her the opportunity to discuss it with the Town of Walpole Selectboard to see what they want to do.  Her sense is it is good to have the Vilas Bridge in the Ten-Year Plan. However, if only funded at 50% it would likely never be built.  She thinks with the infrastructure money they have coming this is the best chance they have of getting 93% funding for this project. It is up to the Selectboard to decide whether or not they want to take the risk that it may get deleted all together from the plan.  It is much different than having it on the plan at 50% but she understands that people are glad to have it at least recognized in the plan.  It is up to the Selectboard to decide if they wish to move forward.  She wants their input on this question.  Would they like her to request that the full funding be in the Plan?  She does not yet know what the numbers are.  She would like to keep the sewer line separate for the moment. 

Mr. Dalessio advised that whether it is in at 93%, 50% or even 10%, he believes that Walpole should continue to look at the options of putting in a bypass sewer line or maybe even a permanent fix for that.  This is the biggest impact on that bridge.  If the sewer line fails, they would have a regional environmental catastrophe.  It would be an enormous burden for the people all of a sudden.  Ms. Mayberry noted the question Mrs. Warmington is asking is if they are okay with her putting it in at the 93% with the risk that it might come off the plan all together. 

Mrs. Pschirrer is in favor of Mrs. Worthington trying to put it in at 93% but, like Mr. Dalessio, if it goes in at 93% or if it gets dropped, their mission is to get those sewer pipes out from underneath that bridge.  The 93% demonstrates to Bellows Falls that they have made an honest effort to try to do something to restore that bridge.  As good neighbors they understand their desperate need to have this bridge repaired/replaced.  She knows at 50% it will never be done; at 93% NH might never repair that bridge. 

Mrs. Warmington stated there is infrastructure money now.  The NH DOT does not prioritize this bridge because they feel this bridge is redundant as there is another bridge a short distance up the road.  From a transportation perspective, they feel this bridge would not rise to the priority in competition with the many transportation needs in the state.  She agrees this would not be considered a priority bridge.  With the extra funding now available this may be the best time to try to get it funded.  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry all agreed with this statement.  Even with the risk, it may come out all-together. 

Mrs. Worthington began the discussion about the sewer line. She had some discussion with DOT, but they indicated the sewer line was not their problem.  The Town of Walpole needs to take care of that.  They said if they rebuild the bridge, the Town will have to re-route the sewer line anyway.  She asked them when they usually rebuild a bridge with utilities on it what do they do.  They said they could do a number of things including building a temporary bridge that just carries the utilities across the River while they do the bridge work and then put the utilities back on the rebuilt bridge.  Even if it gets funded it is scheduled for 2028/2029 construction at this time.  She does think there is money available for water and sewer infrastructure projects through ARPA and this new Infrastructure Bill.  It may be a good opportunity for the Town to take a look to see if there is any funding available that would allow them to reroute that sewer line a different way over to Bellows Falls. 

Mrs. Pschirrer asked for clarification.  When Mrs. Warmington said the people at NH DOT said this is not their problem but the Town’s problem, the Town will need permission from the DOT to go up Route 12 to move the line.  She does not have a problem with accepting this as the Town’s problem and finding the money to do it. Will DOT cooperate with the proper permitting?  In talking with folks, Mrs. Warmington feels it will be very difficult to reroute that line up to the next bridge.  She heard feedback about there being a lot of ledge, blasting, etc.  She asked DOT about what if it is cost prohibitive for Walpole to run that line up the road.  They asked if Walpole had done any engineering or looked at options and, if so, they would like to see that and work with them.  It is up to the Town to come up with the solution and then talk to them so it is too soon to say will they cooperate.  Mr. Dalessio replied that the Town has done survey work and is considering a bypass line.  As long as the Vilas Bridge line is capable, they would continue to use that line. Only if it should fail would they switch over to the bypass line.  There are other options to move that line in a permanent way.  That might be to move that line over to the railroad bridge that is next to the Vilas Bridge.  We are not at that phase yet, but they need to start looking for money to do the engineering phase.  They have been funding the survey work from surplus funds in the Sewer Fund.  It is not sustainable to continue doing that.  There is still a lot of engineering work to be done before they go to the DOT or whatever bureau they should go to.  Mrs. Warmington said there are funds available for the kind of engineering work he is talking about.  She does not know all the details of ARPA or the Infrastructure money.  She suggested going to Mr. Bob Scott at DOT next to ask for someone to work with the Town to look at what the options are.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they are looking to hire someone from the Municipal Resources group (MRI) to help the Town navigate through the opportunities.  Mrs. Warmington said it is the people who are ready that will get the funds.  Do not miss this opportunity to move forward.  In her district there are some projects that people are not in agreement on and that is frustrating.  They will miss the opportunity.  Mrs. Warmington will make the call to Mr. Scott.  The Selectboard would designate Mr. Mark Houghton, Director of Water and Sewer plus the Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief /EMS Director as the Town’s contact person.  If all five counselors’ projects add up to more money than they have available, do they still want to go forward with the 93%?  Vilas Bridge could be a target to be cut.  If they have enough funding, it is clear they should go forward.  If there is not enough funding do the Selectboard members want her to keep the Vilas Bridge in at 50% or go ahead with the 93% and take our chances?  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry stated to go ahead with the 93% and see what happens. The Selectboard thanked Mrs. Warmington for this information and wished her a happy holiday.                                                            

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 8:53 AM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:16 AM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 24, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Ray Boas left the meeting.  Mr. Richard Kreissle came into the meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 – October 19, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 26, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 2, 2021;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – November 17, 2021.

OLD BUSINESS:

2021 Preliminary Tax Rate:  Mr. Kreisslehad distributed information regarding last year’s decisions to the Selectboard.  He reviewed those calculations.  North Walpole has their own tax rate.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out that the Selectboard needs to make a decision on the Overlay for the Abatement amount and the fund balances so it can be sent to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  Mr. Kreissle noted the DRA will not allow spending more than what is voted on by the voters.  Mrs. Pschirrer said they are looking at the $1,832,805 figure.  She would not take any money out of the Unassigned Fund balance to reduce their tax rate because people should know what things cost.  The abatement requests come because people get their tax bills and they feel they are being taxed excessively. They sold a lot of property this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels the Overlay (Abatement) figure should be set at $65,000.  They over-spent the Highway Department budget because they had not included the $80,000 for paving Elm Street.  This amount will be taken out of other line balances.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned their responsibility is not to over-spend the total budget.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that last year they put in money to paint the Town Hall, etc. but they were not able to do all the projects so they are encumbering those funds.  What would they be doing next year that they potentially would have spent out of the Unassigned Fund balance?  The Library has chimney problems that need to be taken care of, a new roof is needed on the Town Hall, the Highway Department needs a new sidewalk plow and the Police will need a new vehicle. The pool repair is a potential as they do not know where that leak is coming from.  Tennis courts were repaired temporarily this year but eventually they will need to be replaced.  Mr. Kreissle advised the DRA likes towns to maintain the Unassigned Fund balance between 7% and 17%.            

Mr. Dalessio moved to make the following changes to the preliminary tax rate:  Change the Overlay figure (Abatements) to $65,000 and move $500,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance for Capital Projects in 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

Reservoir Dam Meeting Update: Mr. Dalessio reported the Reservoir Dam has been reclassified as a High Hazard Dam.  That requires certain modifications to the dam but there are options: 1) modify the dam structure in a way that they can reduce the level of the dam and still maintain the recreational properties.  That is what they are pursuing at this point; and 2) they contacted an engineering company; Fuss & O’Neill, who will work up a proposal and cost estimate to bring the Dam into compliance but keep the recreational aspect.  It will be determined by cost and what the voters will want to see happen.

Mill Pond Dam:  Mr. Dalessio advised the Town received the Letter of Deficiencies on the Mill Pond Dam.  It will be tied into the Mill Pond Bridge.          

Pending Further Actions:

Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Tree Plan for Common, Wooden Chairs in Town Hall

Bench On The Common:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned when the Selectboard was walking with Arborclimb they talked about where the bench would be placed.  A decision was made to put it on the far end of the Common near the Church in line with Middle Street; the bench will face the Common.  Following this meeting the Selectboard will meet with Mr. Brad Nash to put a stake in the ground where the bench will be placed. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Memo re: Drainage Deficiencies on South Street:  A memo was received from Mr. Chas Street regarding drainage deficiencies on South Street.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that South Street is a State road.  They repaved that street so should take care of this problem.  The Town now plows that street which is the State’s responsibility.  Ms. Mayberry noted he did send a copy to the State.  Should the Town follow-up with the State to advise it is their problem? Mr. Dalessio suggested they ask Mr. Rau to take a look at the area before contacting the State.         

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any other discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary