The Walpolean

June 10, 2021

Starting at 4:30 PM via Zoom. Visit walpolenh.us -Town News for access info

SELECTBOARD MEETING

AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS (ARF) DISCUSSION WITH SEN. JAY KAHN

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $76,675.40 for checks issued 6/11/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $30,115.41dated 6/11/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,706.88

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – June 3, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – June 3, 2021

EXCATION INTENTS• Map and Lot# 014-013-000• Map and Lot# 015-011-000

OLD BUSINESS• Economic Revitalization Zones – Hubbard Farms• Brownfields Clean-Up Contractor Bid Reading and Recording

Pending Further Actions• Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge,Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Avenue and Bensonwood

NEW BUSINESS• Town Hall Copiers• Municipal Utility Trailer• Thank You Card

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

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Selectboard Present:​Cheryl Mayberry (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Peggy 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, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were two members of the public in attendance:  Mr. Ray Boas and Mrs. Barbara Spivey.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present; Peggy Pschirrer was present and Cheryl Mayberry was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $58,441.83 for checks issued May 28, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $41,581.81 to HealthTrust.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 May 22, 2021, in the amount of $29,236.95 for checks dated May 28, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,624.98.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – May 20, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 20, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 – May 20, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 20, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Whipple Hill Road: Mrs. Barbara Spivey requested that the Minutes of the May 13, 2021, Selectboard meeting be corrected. She stated her husband, Mr. Jody Spivey, said “When they bought the property they were not completely aware of the fact that this was potentially a snowmobile trail”. He did not say “When they bought the property they were not aware of the fact that this was a road and not a trail”. Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Minutes of the May 13, 2021, meeting had already been approved by the Selectboard. This request for the correction by Mrs. Barbara Spivey will be so noted in these May 27, 2021, meeting minutes.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – May 20, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of May 20, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Ms.  Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 – May 19, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #003-082-C14:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $3,114.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-082-C14.  The non-profit submitted their paperwork on time for a 2021 Property Tax Exemption.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-015-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $4,675.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-015-002.  A property tax card correction during the tax warrant needs to be applied.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, themotion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:  

MAP and LOT #013-060-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-060-001.  This property is located near Cheney Hill Road with access through Alstead.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.    

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #004-003-005; MAP and LOT #010-006-000 and MAP and LOT #014-020-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the applications for Current Use for the following three properties:

Map and Lot #004-003-005;

Map and Lot #010-006-000

Map and Lot #014-020-000

These A-10 forms are for Hubbard LLC.  They are adding additional acreage into current use.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit No. 2021-24, MAP and LOT #017-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-24 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #017-011-000 to add a “16’ x 12’ Porch to the Home”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

American Rescue Funds for Clean Water:  The Selectboard will be meeting with Senator Jay Kahn on June 10th at 4:30 PM via Zoom to discuss this funding source.  Ms. Mayberry advised an invitation will be forwarded to Senator Kahn.  

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity:  The Selectboard agreed to table this agenda item; there will be discussion during the next regular meeting.

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date:  This meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021, at 4:00 PM.  Mr. Dalessio would prefer this be an in-person meeting in the Town Hall.

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common and Meeting Date:  A tentative date was set for July 8th, 2021, at 5:00 PM on the Common.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to schedule this date.

Senator Shaheen Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum: Ms. Mayberry pointed out that support letters are due tomorrow. Mr. Dalessio did not think they would meet tomorrow’s due date but will keep trying. Ms. Mayberry had been asked about the Three (3)-phase power. Would that fall under the economic benefit? Mr. Dalessio replied it does. We can state the economic benefits are limiting the Industrial Park and limiting the growth of one of our largest employers. Ms. Mayberry will complete a response to the business and follow-up with SWRPC.

Grange Awards Night:  At the previous meeting the Selectboard suggested having the Grange postpone their Awards Night until July 20th as the paving of Elm Street is expected to be completed by this date.  Mrs. Pschirrer notified them last week about moving from June to July but has not yet had a reply.  This will remain “on-hold” until the next regular Selectboard meeting.

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Boston Post Cane:  Mr. Dalessio reported there is nothing new to discuss on these pending items at this time.  

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer talked with Mr. Steve Rickerich of Ransom Consulting. They asked her to extend their deadline to June 9th not because of their bids but an issue came up with the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  They worked with Mr. Mike McCluskey at the Department of Environmental Services (DES) but another division had questions.  They need to answer the questions.  One question is how to label the contamination.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised everything will be pushed off a week.  The June 2nd meeting to open bids was pushed out to June 9th, 2021.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed D565:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot D565.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Economic Revitalization Zones:  A request was received from the State Division of Economic Development for the Town to approve five (5) areas owned by Hubbard LLC for a State Funded Tax Credit.  The Selectboard had no objections. Mrs. Downing advised that Michael Bergeron and Bridgett Beckwith will plan to meet with the Selectboard during their Zoom meeting on June 17th, 2021.  

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Zoning Board of Adjustment:  Mrs. Jan Leclerc, Chair, and Mrs. Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair, of the Zoning Board of Adjustment asked to be admitted to the Zoom meeting.  Mrs. Leclerc had forwarded an anonymous complaint letter to the Selectboard.  Somebody thought there was too much “junk” on a property.  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter but did not comment because the letter was anonymous.  Mrs. Leclerc requested that Mr. Steven Buckley at the NH Municipal Association provide them with an opinion as to how they should handle this complaint.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Mr. Buckley said it is the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance but they do not have an ordinance in Town to cover this.  There is nothing they can do.  The Planning Board has to generate new ordinances.  Mrs. Pschirrer has driven by this property; there is some old farm equipment.  Mrs. Leclerc mentioned some farmers on occasion have a scrap pile but they wait for the prices to go up before they sell.  There was a consensus that this complaint is now closed.

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.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:56 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:18 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 27, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote 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 discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Notice to the Public that the Town of Walpole, NH is Seeking Oldest Resident

The Walpole Selectboard is seeking nominations for the oldest resident who shall be the honorary holder of Walpole’s Boston Post Cane. 

For more information, contact the Selectboard Office at 603-756-3672 or email sdowning@walpolenh.us

COVID by the Numbers—End of May Edition

What a difference a month makes.  The biggest news is that this is the first day in months that DHHS has said there are 0 currently reported cases of COVID here in Walpole.

Statewide, the seven day average of reported cases per 100,000, was 17.4 as of May 1.  Today the statewide seven day average is 4.8, an over 75%decrease.  The number of reported currently active cases in the state was 2,459 on May 1.  That number fell to 476 today.   Hospitalizations in the state declined from 84 on May 1 to 40 as of this writing.   There were 49 deaths in the state this month, down from 58 in April.

In Cheshire County, the average of reported cases was 16.0 on May 1.  The county average dropped to 8.6 as of today.  We are still third highest in the state, but we were #1 for a good part of the month, so that is better.  There was only 1 new death in Cheshire County this month, the same number as April.  There were 5 new hospitalizations this month, which is actually up from April, when there was only 1.  Current active reported cases in the county were 111 on May 1.  Today, that number stands at 32.

In Walpole, our total number of cases went from 138 on May 1 to 144 today for a total of 5 new cases this month..  There were 8 new cases in April.  

Please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other.  Remember that even when fully vaccinated, there is a small chance that you might contract COVID, and if so, you could pass it on to others, especially if you have an asymptomatic case.

Enjoy your travel, and your gatherings, and may your Zoom sessions grow ever less.

~Representative Lucy Weber

lwmcv@comcast.net

603 499-0282

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

Staff Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Regina Borden (Recording Secretary

Staff Excused:               Chief Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director)

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Staff Meeting via Zoom to order at 5:00 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded by the Town.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present (at home) and Cheryl Mayberry was present (at home).  Steven Dalessio is expected but will be late.

Ms. Mayberry also called for a voice roll call of the Staff members present.  All Staff Members responded that they were present and provided the location.

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle, Administrator of Finance, submitted the following report:

            Life in the bean-counting office has been dominated by pulling transactions for our auditors, Vachon, Clukay out of Manchester.  There is less emphasis on the tax collector’s office as they did a tax committal audit required by law because of Sandy Smith’s retirement so that’s lessened the load a bit.

            Audits are an exercise in determining the risk that an entity is exposed to due to their safeguarding of resources (i.e., assets).  The greater the strength of the controls involved in accounting incoming resources and those involved in the disbursement of those resources.  And by resources it all comes down, in the end, to how the cash of the entity is accounted for.  Cash is the oil of any entity that keeps it lubricated and allows it to continue to run.  It should come as no surprise then that billings and receipts are closely looked at, disbursements of cash are also examined closely, and the reconciliation of bank accounts are also examined.  We’ve developed a good track record of controlling these three functional areas but still they ask us to pull a number of specific records (i.e. source documents) to be ever vigilant in their efforts.

            Fortunately, they don’t ask for every record but rather a sample and make a determination of the veracity of the overall financial position of the town based upon those samples.  Therefore, the completed audited financial statements do not purport to testify that the financial statements are 100% accurate but instead state that they are a reasonable representation of the financial position of the entity as of the time period that was audited.

Printers & Copiers:

Mr. Kreissle contacted four outside vendors to bid on replacing the printers and copiers in the town hall and is happy to report that all four have expressed interest in bidding.  The copier in the Selectboard office is getting increasingly cranky and it’ll be nice to have machines with features that we currently don’t have with the current machines.

Elm Street:

Work on Elm Street has started requiring a careful tracking of the costs so we can pull the correct amount out of the water/sewer surplus that has built up over the years.

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Kraig Harlow provided the following report:

Basketball Camp:

• The recreation department hosted a week long basketball camp from April 26 to April 30.
• Walpole Primary School has allowed us to use the gymnasium to host the event.
• The camp had 25 children total and generated roughly $600.

Pool:

• The recreation department is preparing to open the pool for June 10^th.
• They are looking to hire a couple more lifeguards for the summer season.
• Ralph has taken off the pool cover and started treating the pool on May 2^nd.
• The pool cover will be needing a repair this summer due to general wear and tear.
• The select board has rewarded Eric Franklin the contract to repair the pool roof at the cost of $15,200.

Walpole Summer League:

• The select board has approved the recreation department to host the annual summer basketball league.
• In 2020, the league was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
• The grades 5-8 basketball will be played at Whitcomb Park with a 5/6 B team and a 7/8 A team.  Teams are co-ed.
• The league is 8 weeks long and will include guaranteed 2 playoff games.
• They have added two basketball programs for younger kids.
• Kids finishing K-2 program will meet once a week to teach the fundamentals on Monday nights and kids finishing grades 3 and 4 will play in a 3v3 league.

Tennis:

• Wilson and Lawrence will be repairing the tennis courts this spring.
• They have an estimate from last fall of $5,796 dollars from the fall and have encumbered the funds from last year’s budget.
• The courts may need additional repairs due to new cracks and damages from winter.

Sport Camps:

• The recreation department is working with local coaches to help host multiple week long daily camps which include volleyball, football, and soccer.

Community Events:

• The Hooper Institute will be hosting an owl event on May 22^nd down at Whitcomb Park.
• The recreation department just purchased an outdoor movie screen to host events once a month during the summer. 

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned movie night will be in collaboration with the Library. Mr. Harlow replied that after talking with Mrs. Malmberg, they learned that their contract is for movies to be shown at the Library. He will try to work with another company.  Mrs. Malmberg mentioned having Mr.  Harlow talk to her because they might have movies on DVD at the Library that can be shown.           

Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson submitted the following report:

• Have deposited $181,598 of property taxes since the last staff meeting.
• Intent to Deed Notices were sent out to owners with accounts two full years delinquent.  (5 for 2018, 2 should have been deeded in 2017).  Of the five, one has cleared.  One has cleared the 2017 but is still working on 2018.
• Redemption information will be sent to Cheshire County Registry of Deeds for 7 liens.
• Waiting for approval of tax pre-payments.
• Tax Collector needs to be involved in decisions involving unusual scenarios…payment plans, deferrals, unusual PID assignments, etc.
• Tax Collector has different viewpoint from assessing regarding outcome.
• Tax bills are now out in the mail. 
• Deputy Vicki Gohl is now doing MV renewals, E-registrations, and dog licensing.
• Registered 578 vehicles between the last staff meeting and this one.  Of the $106,682 collected, about 80K belongs to the Town.
• Have registered 23 boats between the last staff meeting and this one.
• Have licensed 325 dogs (had licensed 264 by this date last year – COVID year).  Maximum number of dogs ever licensed was 514 two years ago.  (445 last year)
• Have sent a couple of dog licensing reports to the Police Dept for their use.  I have sent them information on a service that our software provider offers that allows police departments to access the Clerk’s dog database.

Ms. Mayberry asked what the cost would be for the Police to have access to the dog database.  Mrs. Hansson said the software company could do a live demo if the Police express an interest.  At that point they could discuss cost.  Ms. Mayberry feels it is a good thought for future consideration.     

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg provided the following report:

Circulation of materials continues to increase which is encouraging.  They are open their regular hours now with one small change: instead of closing between 12 noon and 1 pm on Mondays and Wednesday, they are open from 10 am – 7 pm both days.  They continue to require masks and try to main social distancing as much as possible in the library.

North Walpole Library:

Their biggest news is that they are planning to reopen the North Walpole on Monday, June 14^th.  It will be a soft opening as they will still need to require masks and distancing.  They plan on having a bigger celebration in the Fall when they can open both libraries for programs inside.  Technology-wise it is looking good.  The new hours for the North Walpole branch will be Mondays 1 pm – 4 pm, Tuesdays 3 pm – 7 pm, Fridays 10 am – 1 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm.  They will have materials for adults, teens and children.  They hope to have story times and other programs soon.

Museum Passes:

They have renewed their museum passes for patrons.  They have the following available to check out: American Precision Museum, Brattleboro Museum, Currier Museum, Eric Carle Museum, The Fells, Montshire Museum and Vermont Institute of Natural Science.  They are adding a new pass this year: MASS MoCa (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art). She just ordered it; they should have it in a week or so.  (Mr. Dalessio came into the meeting).

Programming:  Their Talking About Race was successful with 11 attendees from Walpole and surrounding communities.  They will be meeting again (without the guest presenters) to discuss possibilities for further discussion/action.  Round 2 of their Virtual Bake Off was disappointing with only two entries from adults and three from kids.  Since they didn’t have enough entries to vote on, they gave prizes to all who entered.  She thinks the time of year was most likely a factor, winter seems to be a better time for this type of contest.

Their seed library is well stocked with seeds from Walpole gardeners and donations from Seed Savers.

Their Friends of the Library are once again holding a plant sale on the front porch of the library.  There is a good variety of plants available. The sale will continue through the summer.

Summer Reading plans are underway.  It will be an online program again this year for all ages.  The program runs from June 16 through August 8.  Details will be forthcoming on the website and on Facebook soon.

Outreach:

The library participated as one of the locations for the Walpole Chick Scavenger Hunt during the Walpole Parent Teacher Group’s screen-free week activity.   They handed out 59 activity bags to students who stopped by to look for the chick.  They were able to sign up 17 new adults and kids for library cards that week.  They were also a location for a display for the Hooper Institute that was part of their activity for the scavenger hunt.

The library had hoped to be able to provide a site license to show movies outside this summer with the Recreation Department.  Unfortunately, they found out that the license only covers movies shown on library premises.  Hopefully, the Rec Department can get its own license to cover the summer movie showings.  The library has offered to provide copies of the movies on DVD for each showing.

Policy/Procedures:

They now have a new Collection Development policy for the library.  It has been posted on the library website.

Monthly Library Statistics were also attached to the May 2021 Report.

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck submitted the following report:

“The work that they do at the Hooper Institute is informed and inspired by their mission to provide educational and scholarship programs to the youth and citizens of Walpole in the following focus areas: Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Soils and Environmental Science”.

School Programs and School Gardens:  Right now, the gardens are the focus of a variety of lessons throughout the grades with lots of composting, garden planning, some planting and mulching of beds at all 3 schools.  They are keeping drought conditions in mind.  The 6^th grade canoe trip over 2 days is happening in June and to prepare, there have been river and watershed lessons.  Regular Hooper science classes continue daily, mostly outside in the field, pre-K through 6^th grade.

Outreach and Marketing:  Ongoing, on all fronts; Facebook, the Clarion, Friends of Hooper Institute, posters, Walpolean, school newsletter, the library, friends and more.  Program announcements posted in The Shopper, Monadnock Shopper News, and local newspapers promoting Eyes on Owls on May 22 and Circus in the Woods, May 23.  She also utilized her connections in the youth circus community in NH and VT to spread the word.

Facility and Land:  Connecticut Valley Landscaping was hired to clean up front lawn debris and two fir trees, cut downed by wind, the other pillowed and going.  Our building has been cleaned including all of the old wainscoting and woodwork.  She takes care of the gardens and beds around the Hooper Institute.

Administration:  Joni Cormier and Kim Anderson are their newest board members.  FOHI members have begun to plan a Fall Festival at the Hooper Institute on September 11.

Public Programs:  Circus in the Woods on May 23 is sold out.  (200 people over four shows).  She is getting lots of calls and inquiries about the live owl program and is expecting a good crowd on Saturday.

Camps:  Yes, camp is happening during the last two weeks of June (Hooper Day Camp and Adventure Camp) and the week of July 19 (Woodworking).  They could use more campers week 1, June 21-24 in both camps.  Please spread the word.  Campers that week are entering grades 1-2 and grades 5-8.

High School Summer Work Program:  She has six mentors (including Hooper Camp counselors) and has interviewed 10 students.  She plans to accept them all. She has a few more calls to make, then acceptances will go out, work forms signed, processed and we are off to the races.  She expects many will begin to work on June 21 and will stay on the job until August 21 or whenever they complete the hours that they were granted through their program.

Walpole Community Garden:  The WCG (with FOHI) is hosting four garden talks/presentations this year.  The first one was May 15.  “No-Till Gardening” with Jackie Caserta.  Seven people attended.  Next one is July 31 on “Pollinators” presented by her.    

Scholarship Program:  Mrs. Dalbeck would like to schedule the Scholarship Program for July 28^th.  This is when the college students come back to make reports on the Hooper scholarships they received. 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted the following report:

The Spring Tax Warrant was approved by the Selectboard on Thursday, May 13^th.  The signed warrant was handed over to the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office.  The warrant is the document that directs the tax collector to bill and collect the tax as set forth on the list taxable property.  Three copies of the listing of properties and associated tax were printed.  The first copy is given to the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office.  A copy for public viewing is kept in a binder on a shelf under the maps in the Town Hall hallway.  The last copy is archived in the basement storage area.

The spring tax Warrant normally has over 30 days payments to be received.  The warrant must be created and signed by May 15^th by RSA with taxes being due on or after July 1^st, also dictated by RSA.

Looking ahead, with the Brownfields clean-up grant remediation beginning, there will be at least two public meetings via Zoom.  One will be on June 2^nd for identifying and reading the bids for cleaning up the site.  The second will be a public hearing on July 6^th with all the stakeholders and any interested public visitors.

The summer of construction has begun with the removal of pavement from Elm Street and the replacing of water/sewer lines.  The Town Offices have managed to get by without water for several days.  The group will be very happy and appreciative once the bathrooms and kitchen are once again functional.

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau provided the following report:

The Elm Street project has begun.  All utilities have been marked prior to construction.  The old asphalt has been removed and trucked away.  Things seem to be moving along well.  Chloride was put on it yesterday to keep the dust under control.  While they wait for the next phase of Elm Street, crews have been busy replacing insufficient culverts and ditching roadsides in preparation for paving.  Routine mowing of town properties has also begun for the season.  On Monday they have a project scheduled at North Main Street and Drewsville Road to help some drainage problems.  There will be some disruption to traffic for a few days.  Hopefully they will have a good paving season in July.  They will be graveling all the dirt roads they did not get to last year and will put chloride down to help control the dust.  They have all the equipment to do this.  Everything seems to be going well at the Highway Department.  Paving on Elm Street should be done by mid-July. 

Selectboard Notes:  

CDC Guidelines:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned it is summer and there will be nice weather.  With the CDC guidelines changing they feel more will open up in a few weeks.  As of right now the Selectboard has not made any changes to mask requirements or social distancing.  The Selectboard will keep them updated. 

Vacations:  It is also time to schedule vacations.  Make use of this time.  The Selectboard has not talked about a carry-over waiver this year.  Some employees have a lot of vacation time.  They want people to manage their stress.  Make sure your staff is using their vacation time.  If you have any questions, contact the Selectboard or Mrs. Downing in the office. 

Mission Statements:  At the last meeting they asked everyone to come back with their Mission Statement.  Everyone now has another month to prepare for this.  It will be expected for the next meeting.

Drive-By – Police Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that on Thursday, May 27^th, at 1:00 PM the Police Department is planning a Drive-By Salute for former Police Chief Michael Paquette who is retiring on May 31^st from the Police Department after at least 20 years of service in the Town of Walpole   They have invited Police Departments and Fire Departments from numerous communities; it will be a big parade.  They are asking everybody to gather at the Fire Station and/or across the street in E.E. Houghton’s parking lot.  Because of all the construction they will be coming down only Main Street.  The Library has graciously agreed to position Mike and others on the Library steps.  The parade will come up Main Street, past the Library, go back down South Street and out to Route 12.  As many of you as possible are invited to attend.                     

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry thanked everyone for attending this meeting.  She adjourned this meeting at 5:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:      Cheryl Mayberry (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Peggy 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, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were three members of the public in attendance:  Mr. Jody Spivey, Mr. Ray Boas, and Ms. Kathy Urffer.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present; Peggy Pschirrer was present and Cheryl Mayberry was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $663,867.34 for checks issued May 21, 2021.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $604,559.42 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 May 15, 2021, in the amount of $28,095.39 for checks dated May 21, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,365.24.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – May 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 13, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 – May 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 13, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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:

• Planning Board Meeting – May 11, 2021;
• Library Trustees Meeting – May 11, 2021.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT: 

MAP and LOTS #014-013-000, #015-011-000, NH Rt. 12 Project 14747:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant in the amount of $4,137.88 for Map and Lots #014-013-000 and #015-011-000, NH Route 12 Project 14747.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #009-006-000, #009-029-003 and #009-030-000, #002-012-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Timber Tax Warrant in the amount of $416.19 for the owner(s) of Map and Lots #009-006-000, #009-029-003, #009-030-000 and #002-012-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER: 

MAP and LOT #002-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #002-011-000 for a property located off the County Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

BUILDING AND DEMOLITION PERMITS:

Permit No. 2021-22, MAP and LOT #019-068-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Demolition Permit #2021-22 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-068-000 to “Remove A Barn” that has been removed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit No. 2021-23, MAP and LOT #012-057-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-23 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-057-001 to add an “61’ x 24’ Equipment Building” at Hubbard Park.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Spivey Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to Junius and Barbara Spivey in response to their two letters dated April 13, 2021 and April 27, 2021.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Spivey had three questions:

1.  Are OHRVs allowed on Class VI roads in the Town of Walpole?  Mrs. Pschirrer replied they have not specifically approved them as they did snowmobiles.  Ms. Mayberry noted we have not specifically allowed them.  Mr. Spivey said so they are illegal.  Ms. Mayberry responded those that are not in compliance with the law will probably disregard it.

Mr. Spivey again asked “Are OHRVs allowed on Class VI roads in the Town of Walpole”?  Ms. Mayberry replied the answer is “no”.  Mr. Spivey stated that answers his other two questions.  Ms. Mayberry summarized that if Mr. Spivey has questions after he receives the letter let them know.

Senator Shaheen Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum: 

Mr. Dalessio reported these requests are due tomorrow.  Hopefully the support letters can be sent later.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Chair of the Selectboard, Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, to sign the Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum to Senator Shaheen.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry will call Senator Shaheen’s office to see if they can have an extension because they got the Request Form and Addendum late.  Mr. Dalessio feels they need eight weeks to get letters of support, etc.  Mrs. Pschirrer said there will be other opportunities for funding but we do not know when because they are not very clear.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the 3-Phase Power is only a bill.  The utility companies will take care of everything.  They could not do Bensonwood alone; they would have to include the Industrial Park.  These forms they just filled out are no guarantee of anything. 

Connecticut River Conservancy:  Ms. Kathy Urffer is the River Steward for the Connecticut River Conservancy.  They have been trying to protect the Connecticut River for 65 years.  For the past ten years they have been working on the relicensing of Wilder, Vernon and Bellows Falls Dams.  She thanked the Selectboard for supporting them.  Last year they sent out a resolution to all the towns along the river that was then sent to FERC.  She had offered to do a presentation in these towns to update them on where they are at with the relicensing; she will be speaking to the Walpole Conservation Commission on Monday, June 7^th.  Great River Hydro, who owns these dams, has put forth a plan that will be positive for the River.  The term of their license could be 30-50 years. She works in Vermont and New Hampshire.  The recreational economy in the Connecticut River Valley is important.  She mentioned the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail and campsites along the River.  It could bring tourism money into the communities.  An obstacle is the portage along the Bellows Falls Dam.  They are planning a Portage Parade to educate the public and bring attention to the needed upgrade to the portage trail around the Bellows Falls dam.  The idea would be to start at the Pine Street take-out.  Have a short press event/statements there and then portage (dragging canoes and kayaks on wheels) with signs, etc. from there along the portage trail along Route 12 south to the put-in below the dam.  Options would be to have a service that will transport the people and equipment to the put-in location and/or another would be to have the portage go around Bellows Falls.  They feel the portage should be addressed under this new relicensing.  They are planning this parade on Saturday, July 17^th, some of them would paddle from Herrick’s Cove to Pine Street, take out their boats there and have a short event.  She had reached out to the town to find out if any permits are needed and wanted to alert the towns that they were planning to do this.  Her guess is they would have maybe 20-to-30 participants but not all with boats.  They would stay on the sidewalk; not be on the roads. The public will be invited.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt they should have police escorts because of the heavy traffic.  She did not feel a permit would be required as long as it had been noticed.  Ms. Mayberry summarized that the Selectboard are recommending there be a police escort at the base of the Bridge as they are crossing to Route 12 heading south.  Ms. Urffur felt they would be at Pine Street at about 10:30 AM and it would be about 11:30 AM when they arrive at the portage area.  Mrs. Pschirrer will speak to Police Chief Sanctuary about this.  Ms. Mayberry asked if erosion along the bank in North Walpole came up during these negotiations.  Ms. Uffur replied that they did come to an agreement on how they will operate under their new license.  It is a significant change.  Under the new operating scenario instead of holding the water back they will be letting the water through all the time and generating all the time.  They will see the River with less fluctuation behind the dam.  They are asking Great River Hydro to monitor this.  After July there will be a public comment period on this final application.  Ms. Mayberry will provide information on contacting the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners.     

American Rescue Funds for Clean Water:  Senator Jay Kahn wants to provide an update on the American Rescue Funds for Clean Water.  Mr. Dalessio feels they need to be clear with everyone about what they are trying to accomplish. Our efforts should be on moving the sewer line off the Vilas Bridge.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they indicated support for the Village of Bellows Falls/Town of Rockingham, VT for the Vilas Bridge.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned Mr. Mark Houghton is not available after 5:30 PM.  There was a consensus to schedule the meeting with Senator Jay Kahn for June 10^th at 4:30 PM.  It will be a Zoom meeting because of the construction on Elm Street and the Common. 

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity:  Ms. Mayberry was not prepared to talk about this National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity at this meeting.  There was a consensus to table it for a week.  They need to determine if they want to take advantage of it.

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date:  Mr. Dalessio advised they need to put a couple of meeting dates out there.  He suggested Wednesday, June 23^rd or Wednesday, July 14^th.  This is to review the plan to be sure there are no changes.       

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Boston Post Cane, Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common (have not heard back from Arborclimb).  Mr. Dalessio is concerned that the list is getting longer.

Tax Deeded Property Sale:  Mrs. Downing will work on this soon.

Mill Pond Dam Inspection:  Mr. Dalessio noted they are waiting for a date to be set by the Department of Environmental Services (DES).

Boston Post Cane:  There will be an advertisement for the oldest Walpole citizen.

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio talked with Fuss & O’Neill this morning.  He is not happy about measuring the water level from the ground to the first floor of the houses.  He will get back to Mr. Dalessio soon.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  This is now in the design phase. 

Generators:  Mrs. Pschirrer will check with Homeland Security because at one time they were told there is funding available.

Arborist:  Mrs. Downing is waiting to hear from Arborclimb.  This is their prime time of the year.  She will follow-up with them.

NEW BUSINESS:

SWRPC Annual Meeting Invitation:  The Southwest Region Planning Commission Annual Meeting will be held on June 15, 2021.  It will be a Zoom meeting starting at 3:30 PM.  Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer plan to attend.  Mr. Dalessio will try to attend. 

Opening Town Hall Use for Civic Groups and Rentals: Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Walpole Grange would like to use the Town Hall for their Awards Night.  They would like to have an in-person event.  It will be held on Tuesday, June 15^th at 7:00 PM.  Ms. Mayberry would approve this but ask that they keep the distancing guidelines.  Mrs. Pschirrer agrees and would say “no” to individual packaging of food.  Ms. Mayberry asked if Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio are in favor of opening up the Town Hall. 

It was noted that both the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission held meetings there.  Mr. Dalessio advised if the Grange delays their meeting until July 20^th, there will be better parking on Elm Street.  It is usually well attended.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact the Grange tomorrow. The Selectboard made a decision to open the Town Hall for Civic Groups and Rentals on September 1^st, 2021.      

Recycling Center:  Ms. Mayberry advised that DeCamp Trucking picks up the trash in North Walpole.  He reached out to Mr. Ben Hoy about doing a direct drop-off.  He would like to pick-up the trash in North Walpole and drive it directly to Naughton.  Mr. Hoy is ok with doing this.  It will drop some of our transportation costs.  The requirement is that it still has to be in Walpole bags.  North Walpole is still paying the tipping fees.     

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.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:37 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:41 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:24 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 20, 2021, will be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Visit walpolenh.us -Town News for access info

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $58,441.83 for checks issued 5/28/21

PAYROLL

Payroll Register totaling $29,236.95 dated 5/28/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,624.98

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Minutes – May 20, 2021

Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – May 20, 2021

Staff Meeting Minutes – May 20, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting –May 19, 2021

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT

Map and Lot# 003-082-Cl4

Map and Lot# 008-015-002

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 013-060-001

CURRENT USE

Map and Lot# 004-003-005

Map and Lot# 010-006-000

Map and Lot# 014-020-000

BUILDING PERMITS

2021-24, Map and Lot# 017-011-000

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Funds for Clean Water

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common Meeting Date

Sen. Shaheen Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum

Grange Awards Night

Pending Further Actions: Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge,Generators, Boston Post Cane

NEW BUSINESS

Cemetery Deed D565

Economic Revitalization Zones – Hubbard Farms

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

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

RETIREMENT PARADE – Thursday 27 May – CHIEF MIKE PAQUETTE

by Ray Boas

There will be a parade, Thursday 27 May honoring Chief Mike Paquette for his 20 years of dedicated service to Walpole Police Department and the Community.  His last day of Service is May 31, 2021.

The drive-by parade will start at 1:00PM from the Walpole Fire Station on Main Street.  It will continue up Main Street into Walpole Village and past the Walpole Town Library where Mike will be standing on the steps. If anyone would like to be in the parade, we are forming at the Walpole Fire Department at 12:30 PM. We would love to see Walpoleans out on the streets waving and showing recognition to him as well.

For more information regarding the parade, contact Janet Clough at the PD for details at 603-445-2058.

Thank you much, Janet Clough

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:31 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were five members of the public in attendance: Mr. Leroy Watson, Mrs. Cheryl Watson, Mr. Ray Boas, Mr. Jody Spivey and Mrs. Barbara Spivey. 

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present; Peggy Pschirrer was present and Cheryl Mayberry was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual

Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $76,498.52 for checks issued May 14, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $31,543.51 to the NH Retirement System.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  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 May 8, 2021, in the amount of $31,471.16 for checks dated May 14, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,110.08.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs.  Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 6, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms.  Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer; Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 MINUTES – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of May 6, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 MINUTES – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of May 6, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Walpole Fire District Commissioners Meeting – March 10, 2021;
• Conservation Commission Meeting – May 3, 2021. 

WARRANTS:

TAX COLLECTOR’S WARRANT FOR SPRING 2021 PROPERTY TAXES:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Warrant for Spring 2021 Property Taxes for $5,928,859.00.  Taxes are due on or by July 1^st, 2021.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #015-007-OMH:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #015-007-OMH.  This is to abate a tax lien for a mobile home that was removed in 2019.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-117-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $597.02 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-117-000.  A garage assessment was adjusted to remove an apartment area.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-120-000 and #008-118-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lots #008-120-000 and #008-118-002.  Several small buildings were removed from both properties and the view value was adjusted on the residential property.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-061-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-061-001.  Temporary depreciation was added and increased since the cost to cure was higher than the prior depreciation.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX FORGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #013-003-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Forgiveness for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-003-001 in the amount of $68.80.  This is for a pro-rated portion of taxes not paid by the prior owner.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #001-009-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Elderly Property Tax Exemption for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-009-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #008-015-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-015-003.  This is for a merged lot that now meets the Current Use acreage minimum.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-118-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-118-002.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-120-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-120-000.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-120-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-120-002.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit No. 2014-10 Renewal – MAP and LOT #012-013-004: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2014-10 Renewal for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-013-004 to construct the “Third Apartment Building at Abenaki Springs”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit No. 2021-21 – MAP and LOT #010-049-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-21 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-049-000 to add a “54’ x 13’ Ground Mount Solar System”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.     

OLD BUSINESS:

Executive Councilor Warmington – Rescheduling Walk in Walpole:  Ms. Mayberry reported the new date to meet with Executive Councilor Warmington is Friday, July 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM.  She will meet with the Selectboard to do a Walk in Walpole and then come back to the Town Hall.  Ms. Mayberry has invited the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners to attend.  Mrs. Downing was asked to notify the owners of the businesses they plan to include in the Walk.

Brownfields Project Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported they had a good session today.  They had nine companies represented who are interested in doing this clean-up project.  They came to walk and look at the site from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Mr. Steve Rickerich and Mr. Jay Johonnett from Ransom Consulting were present.  A couple of abutters also attended including the Walpole Foundation.  Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. Michael Rau were present to answer questions.  Mrs. Pschirrer and the Highway Department discussed having them take down the fence at the beginning of July, cutting the grass and taking down small trees but not disturbing the roots.  They need to be careful in that they do not disrupt the soil at all because all of the soil is contaminated.  They expect the building will be the first thing to come down.  Any concrete that can be saved from that building will be ground up and used for fill in the big hole after all the contamination is removed.  They have a sign-off from Mascoma Bank because there is a strip of land between Central Plating and the parking lot that they own.  They have given permission to have it tested and included as a part of the clean-up.  Mrs. Pschirrer is continuing to negotiate with Mascoma Bank to give that strip of land to the Town. 

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Arborclimb would like a date to come to meet on the Common with the Selectboard.  She feels it is a good vision to look out for five years.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned their proposal was well thought out.  Mrs. Pschirrer looked at their website.  They will make every effort to save those trees if possible.  The Selectboard want to know what their cost will be.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Mrs. Eloise Clark told her some of the trees were Norway Maples which are an invasive species. They are illegal to sell in NH at this time.  Ms. Mayberry noted if they are cut down, they will not be replaced with a similar tree. 

Whipple Hill Road re: OHRV Signage Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Spivey asked her if she felt Off Road Recreational Vehicles (OHRV) had a right to be on Class V roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied “yes” but then contradicted herself when reading the amended RSA 215:A that states “the Town Selectboard has the right to authorize whether or not all of these vehicles can use Class 4, 5 and 6 roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer wanted to correct that.  The Town has made no decision about OHRVs with this amended RSA 215:A.

Library Request for Town Hall Space:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Library used the Town Hall before for the same wildlife presentation with small animals.  There is space on the first floor.  All animals are caged.  They do not have a definite date yet. but it will be in late June or early July.  Ms. Mayberry asked if we will have any limit on the number of attendees in the building.  Mrs. Pschirrer is not sure what COVID regulations will be at that time.  Mr. Dalessio had attended the program and identified the animals that were on display.  The Selectboard was in favor of approving this request.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH Thank You:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Thank You note from Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH for the annual donation.

Whipple Hill Road:  Mr. Jody Spivey asked if the amended RSA 215:A would change things.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt it would depend on the type license they have.  Mr. Spivey read a portion of RSA 215:A.6 He asked if they disagree with riding down the Main Street of Walpole; OHRVs are not allowed.  He referenced Minutes of a meeting with Officer DeLisle. There is confusion on his part.  Mrs. Pschirrer was just reading from the 2021 amended version of RSA 215:A, Chapter 6, from “A Hard Road To Travel”.  She replied to Mrs. Spivey; if someone petitions, they pay for notifying all the abutters and other costs incurred for the public meeting.  Mrs. Spivey said this little section of road is no different than any Class V road.  It needs to be regulated.  They are not asking to stop what is legal but rather stop what is illegal.  She referred to emails from Mr. Lew Shelley to Officer DeLisle, from Officer DeLisle to the Selectboard and Officer DeLisle at the Selectboard meetings.  Mr. Spivey noted they have been discussing this since May 21^st of last year. Mrs. Spivey said they are getting nowhere.  The Walpole Conservation Commission is concerned about Class VI roads.  This road is not any different than other roads but it is not maintained by the Town.  Mr. Spivey mentioned they understand about signing the waiver; they have upheld their responsibilities. They maintain their section of the road, but people damage it all the time.  He questioned if he calls the local police will they stop violators?  Mrs. Pschirrer stated it is a public road, but they have the right to petition a Warrant Article to ask the Town to accept it as a Class V road.  Any Class VI road being changed to a Class V road must be done by a vote of the Town.  Mrs. Spivey stated there needs to be an end to this.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Spivey if he saw anywhere in the Selectboard meeting minutes where they voted to allow snowmobiles and OHRVs on Class VI roads.  Mr. Spivey has read many meeting minutes but did not see anything like that.  They need a resolution.  Ms. Mayberry understands an issue is enforceability.  Are they going to be able to issue tickets?  Mr. Spivey said when they bought the property, they were not aware of the fact that this was a road and not a trail.  There was a discussion on the different licenses for OHRVs.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that a Class VI road is a public way; it is not a trail.  Mrs. Spivey advised they are still waiting for a response to their letters of April 13, 2021 and April 27, 2021.  They are not being unreasonable or asking for a special privilege.  Ms. Mayberry asked if their letters contain all of the items they want resolved.  They will look at those letters again to see if they can give them a resolution.  Mr. Spivey stated they are asking the Town to rescind the section of the road they maintain.  Mr. Dalessio respectfully asked to cease the discussion at this point.  Mrs. Spivey asked about the signs.  They will purchase them if they can put them up.  They will get a photograph of the sign showing the wording and pass it around.  They want to protect their property against the constant abuse.  Mr. Spivey requested a copy of these meeting minutes.                      

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Boston Post Cane, Parking and Dog Fines re: Appeal Process

Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY2022:  Mr. Dalessio reported they will move forward with this form submitted by US Senator Shaheen’s office.  He will take the lead on the Vilas Bridge.  This is to move the sewer line off the Vilas Bridge and onto the new Arch Bridge.  It is due May 21^st.  He will send out a draft copy for review the first of the week.  They can only put one project on each application.

Three Phase Power:  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about three phase power and the cost.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they had requests for this service from Bensonwood for several years.   

American Rescue Plan:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the amounts have been changed on the American Rescue Plan.  They dropped the amount the State of NH will be getting.  The regulations have not been announced for towns under 50,000 population.   It sounds like a big reduction.

Vilas Bridge/ Sewer Line:  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton tomorrow about the Vilas Bridge.  His initial indication was that it will not cost that much to move the sewer line.  The new pump has come in.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Grant Committee: Mrs. Beth Colley reached out to Mr. Dalessio as she would like to help the Town find grants to help fund projects.  Maybe they can create a mini-team to help?  He thought this was a good idea.  A suggestion is to start a matrix including the sewer pump stations, Vilas Bridge, generators. It would be a list of 10-to-12 items.  There is money out there, but we need to find it.  Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer agreed it is a good idea.    

Police Department Revolving Fund Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Police Department Revolving Fund Request to purchase five (5) Cradlepoint Devise and Antenna (Cruiser, Wi-Fi and GPS) for $4,050.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Department Revolving Fund Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Police Department Revolving Fund Request to purchase two (2) AED Plus for $3,400.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Conservation Commission Reappointment Requests:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request to reappoint Mr. John Peska and Mr. Steven Dumont to the Conservation Commission.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Emergency Operation Plan Committee meeting date is in the process.  He will check with Mr. Mark Houghton. 

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity:  Ms. Mayberry advised this is a non-binding letter of interest.  It is due June 14, 2021.  Walpole was specifically named.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt if there is money available we could use it to develop Walker Road as a recreational site.  People want access to the Connecticut River.  Mr. Dalessio suggested sending it to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Ms. Mayberry will do some research; check with Mr. J.B. Mack at Southwest Region Planning Commission.     

Walpole Town Hall Rental Clean Up Agreement:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that renters are not getting this Rental Clean Up Agreement up-front when renting the Town Hall.  Mrs. Downing confirmed that renters pay a security deposit.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard that all agreements be taken care of up-front.

Staff Meeting:  The Selectboard announced that there will be a monthly Staff Meeting via Zoom on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 5:00 PM.

Visitors:  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Watson for attending this meeting.

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.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8 10 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 13, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer 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 were any questions.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary