The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:  Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  The first order of business will be the Election of a Chair for the 2021-2022 year.

ELECTION OF CHAIR:  Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Cheryl Mayberry as the Chair of the Selectboard for the 2021-2022 year.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Borden asked if there was any other discussion.  There was none therefore she called for a vote.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Ms. Mayberry abstained from the vote.  

OPENING OF SELECTBOARD BUSINESS MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry called this meeting of the Selectboard via Zoom to order at 6:32 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.  There are two guests present:  Mr. Ray Boas and Mr. Michael Rau, Road Agent.  This meeting is being filmed by FACT-TV.

Public Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall or by calling 603-756-3672.  She will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalesssio 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.

GRANITE CURBING ON ELM STREET:  Ms. Mayberry advised when the Selectboard first started talking about the Elm Street project about three years ago, Mr. Ray Boas had indicated an interest in purchasing granite curbing to be installed in front of his property.  He has now had discussions with his neighbors about extending the curbing.  Mr. Boas would also pay for granite curbing in front of the Church between his house and the Town Hall.  This year seems like a good year to install granite curbing when the Town will be doing this project.  There is interest in joining with him by some neighbors although he has no commitments.  He is still interesting in purchasing granite curbing from the Town Hall south to his driveway.  He will do his best to try to interest his neighbors to the south of him in doing the same.  Mr. Rau thought it was almost five years ago since they first talked about this.  He had indicated to the Selectboard that granite curbing is more of a nuisance; it does not make the road any safer for the Highway Department.  More plow equipment is damaged.  It does improve the aesthetics.  The road is narrow; it would be beneficial to widen it at least eight feet but to do this would take up a great portion of the green space between the road and the sidewalk.  Widening the road would improve the parking.  There is some curbing in front of the church.  They need to be realistic as the Town is growing.  They should plan on the future and be realistic.  People would like to keep the Town the same, keep the aesthetics.  He is not against the curbing but knows what it could do to their equipment.  Granite curbing looks good but there is another type of curbing that is known as Cape Cod curbing.  Highway equipment could ride up over it.  He is concerned with equipment damage.  Mr. Boas pointed out if anybody knows what is happening in the Common area, it is him.  He has lived here nineteen years.  A really tough spot is by the Town Hall.  In front of the Church and going south there is parallel parking that allows two cars to get by.  He does not know if eight feet is needed.  Three or four feet from the Town Hall down makes it easier but what do they do in front of the Town Hall.  Mr. Rau’s idea is to take all the granite out and have the parking spaces go right up next to the sidewalk with the paved curbing.  It would allow for easier clean-up of the sidewalk.  People could walk from their car right up to the sidewalk.  Mr. Boas asked about the trees.  Mr. Rau replied that most of the trees in front of the Town Hall are dying; there is a good tree in front of the church.  With the road being dug up, he is not sure that they will not damage those trees.  Mr. Boas agrees this is a good time to do things right but they have to figure out what is the right thing to do.  Mrs. Pschirrer is hearing good thoughts and observations and agrees the road needs to be widened but she would like to see a comprehensive plan they can all agree on.  Mr. Mark Houghton is very much involved in this water/sewer project.  The drainage work needs to be done and the road needs to be widened.  She is also concerned about installing curbing two or three houses south of Mr. Boas and then quitting.  Mr. Boas feels trees should be replaced tree-for-tree as they are taken out.  Re-planting trees has to be done in the right spot.  Mr. Rau would agree on replacing trees but some of them are too close together that is why they are not doing as well.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need to have a meeting and get Mr. Houghton involved in this planning so they can work out all the details.  Mr. Rau has kept Mr. Houghton informed of developments.  Mr. Boas asked about the Cape Cod curbing.  Mr. Rau said it is black; similar to paving on the road.  It is easier to repair.  Granite curbing costs about $125/foot to install it; asphalt is half that cost.  If the Town were to install the paved curbing, it would go all the way down the Common. Ms. Mayberry suggested they work on the next steps.  Mr. Rau has been working with Mr. Houghton.  They have been waiting for better weather to meet and walk the site.  Mr. Boas would like to be involved.  After the work session, they will bring a comprehensive plan back before the Selectboard.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the plan should include the water/sewer project, drainage, widening the road, parking, trees, curbing, etc.  They will have a public meeting before the project begins.  Mr. Rau feels they might be able to have a plan for the Selectboard to review in the next two weeks; Thursday, April 1^st is the target date.                                  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $115,776.70 for checks issued March 19, 2021.  This includes a check transfer of funds in the amount of $25,000 to the Highway Capital Reserve Fund Account per Warrant Article #7.  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. Dalessioand Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 13, 2021, in the amount of $31,113.49 for checks dated March 19, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,610.17.  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. Dalessioand Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 11, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 11, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from the vote as she was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 11, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 11, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from the vote as she was not present at this meeting.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 2, 2021;• Planning Board Meeting – March 9, 2021.

WARRANTS:

Recommittal Warrant for 2020:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2020 in the amount of $637,783.54.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that this is the first time the Selectboard has seen Recommittal Warrants.  Mrs. Downing replied it was required because a new Tax Collector was elected.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recommittal Warrant for 2020 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2020 Tax Liens in the amount of $74,151.83.  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.

Recommittal Warrant for 2019 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2019 Tax Liens in the amount of $34,978.66.  There is a typo on the percentage of this one.  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.

Recommittal Warrant for 2018 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2018 Tax Liens in the amount of $2,636.81.  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.

ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #012-019-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny the Abatement application requested by the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-019-002 as the application was not signed by the taxpayer as is required by the RSA.  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 2020-10 RENEWAL, MAP and LOT #018-018-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-10 RENEWAL for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #018-018-000 to construct a “12’ X 15’ Breezeway”.  The owner(s) is requesting this renewal as they have not completed all the work.  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 2021-11, MAP and LOT #008-088-002:  Mrs. Pschirrermoved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-11 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-088-002 to build a “26’ x 28’ addition 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, motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

South End of Common as Staging Area:  Mr. Dalessio received a request from E.E. Houghton that the south end of the Common can be used as a staging area to store equipment and supplies for the Elm Street project.  When finished they will reseed and do everything needed to restore the area.  Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry approved the request. 

North Walpole Library Lease:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported when the North Walpole Library Lease was received from Attorney Hockensmith, it had the wrong owner on it.  They should have the new lease next week.  She will send a copy of the lease to the North Walpole Commissioners.  

Town Hall Exterior Painting Purchase Order: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Purchase Order to Catamount Painting in the amount of $89,500 to do the Town Hall Exterior Painting.  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.

Second Floor Ceiling of Town Hall Restoration Purchase Order: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Purchase Order to Catamount Painting in the amount of $15,900 to do the second floor ceiling of the Town Hall restoration project.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio asked if this includes the work behind the curtain.  Mrs. Downing replied that it does include that area.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio received the report yesterday.  He will give it to Mrs. Downing for distribution to the appropriate people.  Fuss & O’Neill’s opinion is that it is a High Hazard Dam.  They will come back with various cost proposals.  Everything was submitted to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) but they have not responded.

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer is reviewing the Request for Proposals that will be sent out next week to interested contractors.  The abbreviated version is 340 pages.  On April 12^ththey expect to have contractors walking around the site before they submit a bid.  They are proposing to have the work done in July after the other projects are finished.          

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge:  These items will remain on the Pending Further Actions list until additional information is received.

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Liaison Assignments:  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Dalessio for starting the template for the Selectboard Liaison Assignments.  Following are the 2021 Assignments:

Departments:

Selectboard:  ​​​Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Finance:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Highway:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Police Dept.:​ ​​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Recycling:​​ ​Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Recreation:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Town Clerk/Tax Collector:​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Water/Sewer:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Welfare:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Boards:

Planning:​​ ​Mr. Steven Dalessio

Library:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Hooper:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio

Committee Liaison:

Conservation:​​ ​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

WRAP:​​​​ Open – Until a New Committee Meets

Projects:

Brownfield:​ ​​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Broadband:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Police Station​​​: Mr. Steven Dalessio / PL

Dams/Bridges:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio / HL

Elm Street:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio / L

Emergency:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry; Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio

TC Office Renovation:​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry; Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio.

TrueNorth Quote for Selectboard Office Internet:  Ms. Mayberry advised this is for a separate Broadband hook-up for the Selectboard office.  There is no monthly fee once installed.  The Equipment is $1,892.54; Labor is $2,119.00; Shipping is $25.00; Total is $4,036.54.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order to TrueNorth for a separate Broadband hook-up for the amount of $4,036.54.  Mrs. Sarah Downing is authorized to sign this Purchase Order.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio advised this is to hook-up Broadband to the Town Clerk’s office.   On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

NHRS Certification Forms:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the NH Retirement System forms for Officer No. 18-RI and Officer No. 19-JP.  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. 

Mill Pond Dam Inspection:  Mrs. Downing was asked to send the notice to Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, advising that the Dam Bureau needs to be contacted to set up a date and time for an appointment for the Mill Pond Dam Inspection and to let the Selectboard know in the event they want to take part.  

Community Power:  A Selectboard member from Harrisville called to see if Walpole wished to form a committee to work on Community Power.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they received information on this quite some time ago.  They felt they had enough projects to work on and were not able to take on another big one.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mr. Paul Looney might be interested in a renewal energy project such as this one.  Mrs. Pschirrer will approach him.  

Great Hydro River Steward Presentation:  Mrs. Downing advised Mrs. Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Conservation Commission, is very interested in this.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have the Conservation Commission schedule this Great Hydro River Steward Presentation at one of their meetings and the Selectboard will attend if available.

Oath of Office: Mrs. Downing reported that Walpole’s new Police Officer Joshua Parro needs to take the Oath of Office and sign it.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the Oath of Office for the new Police Officer Joshua Parro.  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.

FACT-TV:  Ms. Mayberry reported that this concludes the regular Selectboard meeting and thanked FACT-TV for participating.  

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  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 at 7:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:06 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:54 PM.  

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 18, 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, motion 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 8:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The latest scoop:

Hi, everyone,

At the Governor’s press conference today, the following dates were announced for the opening of vaccine registration for anyone who has not yet qualified:

Anyone aged 40-49 may register starting Monday, March 29.

Anyone aged 30-39 may register starting Wednesday, March 31.

Everyone aged 16+ may register starting Friday, April 2.

Onward!

Lucy

Rep. Lucy McVitty Weber

Cell: 603-499-0282
lwmcv@comcast.net

Starting at 6:30 PM via Zoom and may be live-streamed on FACT-TV

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $55,985.45 for checks issued 3/26/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $27,685.11 dated 3/26/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,249.67

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES•

Selectboard Minutes – March 18, 2021•

Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – March 18, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – March 17, 2021

REFUND• Map and Lot# 021-018-000

OLD BUSINESS•

Elm Street Water/Sewer and Repaving Project•

North Walpole Library Lease•

Village Bridge Joint Meeting•

Recycling Center Retail Sales

Pending Further Actions•

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam

NEW BUSINESS• MS-232•

Walpole Water Dept. Emergency Plan Guide•

Executive Councilor Invite to Meet•

Citizen’s Report Form re: Old Town Garage Property

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 MEETING ZOOM INFORMATIION – 25 MARCH 2021

by Ray Boas

The following was posted moments ago on the Town of Walpole’s website. This is the meeting you are strongly urged to attend3/25/2021 Selectboard Meeting Zoom Info 3/25/2021 Time: Mar 25, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89919468817?pwd=aVFhTEFFS2NRNXZsNi9EVWlQSjlsQT09

Dial by your location:     +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 899 1946 8817
Passcode: 928790

For connectivity issues, call the Selectboard Office at 603-756-3672.

The 3/25/21 Selectboard Meeting Agenda is at this LINK.

In addition I have contacted Fact8TV for information on how to view their transmission of the proceedings, and a link for when the meeting is posted. I have yet to receive a response, but do check – https://www.fact8.com/

Thank you for all the support forwarded in the last twenty hours, yours, Ray Boas, Publisher

A LOOMING PROBLEM — YOUR ZOOM PRESENCE IS URGED at the Selectboard Meeting Thursday Evening – March 25, 2021 

by Ray Boas

At Walpole’s Selectboard meeting, Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 PM, a proposal made by Walpole’s Road Agent to widen Elm Street along the Common by eight feet and remove trees forever will be challenged. The Road Agent works for, and is supposed to take direction from, your Selectboard. Everyone works for you, as a resident of Walpole.

You are urged to attend the Zoom meeting and express your opinion. In the past when I have wished to attend Town Zoom meetings, I have asked the Selectboard office to send me an invite. In fact, the Selectboard specifically sent me an email inviting me to attend last week. In my original writing of this email, I wrote “To get a Zoom invite to the Selectboard meeting on March 25, email Sarah at the Town Hall –sdowning@walpolenh.us – and ask her to send you an invite with the link. The office phone number is 603 756-3672. On late Thursday a link to the meeting should also be posted on the Town Website –https://www.walpolenh.us “

Because of the interest in this looming detrimental problem and interest in attending this meeting, Ms. Downing, just before 4 PM today, asked the Walpolean to post, “For members of the public that wish to attend Selectboard Meetings, the Zoom Meeting link and call-in information is posted on Thursdays  at 2 PM or later on the Town of Walpole website:  www.walpolenh.us under the Town News page. The agenda is also posted with meeting access information. If the public has access or connectivity issues, they are to call the Selectboard Office for assistance at 603-756-3672.” In my experience the links to the meetings are not posted in a timely manner.

I invite you to look at the stakes planted by the Road Agent on the west side of Elm Street just hours ago, today, Wednesday 24 March. Abutters to this project have yet to have any official notification of this project. Walpole residents are yet to have any knowledge to the desecration of the Town Common area. Mr Rau, in talking to a neighbor hours ago, stated his plans are to expand Washington Street next year.

No matter what means you use, get the link, attend the selectboard meeting, and comment. If you wish to email a Selectboard member, email me for individual email addresses.     The Road Agent, and our Town officials I anticipate will not like my words here. Please show your concern.

Thank you, RAY

Sarah asked that I post the following message because many have asked her to send them invites. I thought that was best but I guess I was wrong. – Lil

For members of the public that wish to attend Selectboard Meetings, the Zoom Meeting link and call-in information is posted on Thursdays at 2 PM or later on the Town of Walpole website: www.walpolenh.us under the Town News page. The agenda is also posted with meeting access information.

If the public has access or connectivity issues, they are to call the Selectboard Office for assistance at 603-756-3672.

Optic Fiber installation with Consolidated Communications

• Installation Costs – Consolidated has assured Walpole’s Broadband Committee that a client installing the new fiber service will NOT be charged for installation, (Note that Consolidated reserves the right to charge a small fee ($0.55/ft) for installations more than 150 feet from the pole. but in practice in our town they are not charging for those.) So if you get a bill for installation, give them a call and question it.

Lucy continues to keep us up-to-date. – Lil

Here’s the latest from NHDoT:

    March 22, 2021

    Road Work on Route 12 in Walpole-Charlestown

    Alternating one-way traffic and lane shifts will impact motorists.

    The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will resume work on the reconstruction and widening of three miles of NH Route 12, from the intersection of Main Street in North Walpole to the intersection of NH Route 12A in Charlestown on Monday, April 5, 2021.

    The work includes the reconstruction of Route 12 to widen the roadway towards the Connecticut River, which will provide 11-foot lanes and four to five-foot wide shoulders.  The widened roadway will be the result of an armored slope along the Connecticut River, updated drainage and storm water management, substantial utility relocation, and guardrail installation.

    Intermittent alternating one-way traffic will be in place during this project.  Motorists can expect delays due to lane shifts and construction equipment.  Message boards and signs will be used to alert motorists of current conditions.

    Most of the armored slope and utility relocation was completed in 2018, and 80 percent of the drainage improvements were completed in 2019.  Approximately two miles of road reconstruction, including a 6.5 foot by 8.5 foot box culvert and a 66″ diameter cross pipe, were replaced last year.

    Sargent Corporation of Stillwater, Maine is the contractor for the $14.8 million project, which has a final completion date of August 12, 2021.

    NHDOT Contacts:

    Mike Strozewski, P.E., Contract Administrator, (603) 496-0410

    Eileen P. Meaney, Chief Communications Officer, (603) 271-6495

    NH Department of Transportation

    P.O. Box 483 | 7 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302-0483

    http://www.nh.gov/dot/ | Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/NHDOT> | On Twitter<https://twitter.com/NewHampshireDOT>

Get real time traffic updates (via Twitter) from the NH TMC<http://www.nhtmc.com/twitter/index.html>.

Roll Call: Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc called out the names of every board member and alternate and each one said “aye” if present: Pauline Barnes, Don Sellarole, Dave Edkins, Myra Mansouri, Tom Murray and herself. Absent: Ernie Vose and Judy Trow. One board member was absent so alternate Don Sellarole was asked to take his place. Each attending member was in a separate location.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. This meeting is being recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the April 2021 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting Opened: Chair Jan Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm. 

Minutes: Ms. Mansouri said she was late to the February meeting because of “technical difficulties” – she couldn’t get into the meeting for 20 minutes. Ms. Barnes made two corrections. Last paragraph first page, make the last word rentals singular. On page 2, third to last paragraph change the paragraph to say “the owner of a short-term rental must leave a contact number for guests.” Mr. Murray made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected for the February meeting. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion, and in a roll call vote, the board unanimously accepted the amended minutes.

Old Business: Shaw’s signage. Signage for the supermarket in North Meadow Plaza is for four signs for designated parking spaces, a directional sign near the entrance to the Plaza and an illuminated sign on the building next to the grocery store name sign. The Zoom host displayed the signs on the screen.

Mr. Sellarole said that the four designated parking space signs had already been installed before getting permission by the zoning board. It’s like putting the cart before the horse, Mr. Sellarole said. There was some discussion about these signs.  Are they just parking space signs? Should these signs be treated like handicap or reserved parking space signs that didn’t need board oversight? Do handicap signs come under the category of governmental signs, which means the zoning board has no say in where they are placed or how large they are? A couple of members considered the signs more as directional signs and were simply showing people where to park to have their ordered-ahead groceries picked up. Should the company be notified that they shouldn’t have done this without ZBA permission? Mr. Sellarole asked. Ms. Leclerc said that the zoning board can’t do that. It’s up to the Select Board. There were mixed feelings about this, but board members wanted to know more about the rest of the signs that were going to be installed.

Discussion ensued over whether or not the signs were permanent or would they be removed after Covid conditions had been lifted. Most board members thought they were probably going to be permanent and it was part of the store’s business plan to continue this service for shoppers. After a lot of discussion, the board became more comfortable with the designated parking signs and discussion was more about the distance of the directional sign at the entrance to the Plaza. Is that sign too close to the Walpole Saving Bank sign or the marquee at the entrance than it should be? Also, the new sign on the facade of the building elicited some questions.

Since Shaw’s distributes a flier every week to local mailboxes, why does there need to be a new illuminated sign on the facade of the building telling people they can have their groceries delivered to their vehicles? Mr. Murray asked. The information could be in the flier. That’s not the board’s call. Mr. Edkins said. It’s up to the business.

The Board had other questions about signage and the board felt that they needed to talk to a representative from the sign company. Ms. Leclerc suggested that a representative of the sign company come in and answer all the board’s questions. The secretary said that she was told that their representative who goes to different towns to explain signage was attending a similar meeting elsewhere on the same night as the ZBA meeting and that they would be attending the Walpole Zoning Board meeting in April. Both Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Mansouri felt a variance for the sign on the facade of the building and possibly another one for the directional sign depending on the distance from another sign was needed. It was suggested that the secretary contact the company and make sure someone would be attending next month. 

New Business:

Sawyer Gravel Pit: Return gravel pit reclamation bond for Joe Sawyer. There has been a request that the bond money put up for permission to have a 3.6-acre gravel pit behind the Route 12 gravel pit be returned with interest. 

The secretary researched minutes of the 1990s and found the minutes that granted an Earth Excavation Permit for the 3.6-acre lot behind the Route 12 gravel pit. The Zoning Board of Adjustment minutes of February 22, 1999, state that the request for the Earth Excavation permit was unanimously approved pending the receipt of a $600.00 bond to be held by the Town of Walpole. That pit was officially closed in October 2019.

Mr. Edkins asked if the slopes were okay. Ms. Leclerc said they are 45 degrees or less. If you went in there you would barely know there was ever a gravel pit there. Should we make a perfunctory inspection? asked Ms. Barnes. I’m comfortable leaving it as is, said Ms. Leclerc. 

Mr. Murray and Ms Leclerc were the two zoning members who last inspected the pit in 2019. Ms. Leclerc said that Mr. Sawyer hadn’t taken any gravel out of that pit in the last couple of years and that the ground had pretty much grown up and covered then and basically reclaimed itself. Mr. Murray agreed that he felt the pit had been reclaimed. He said that even the embankment had some scrub trees growing. He made a motion to inform the Select Board that the zoning board voted that the pit had returned to the reclamation condition and the bond money with interest should be returned to Mr. Sawyer. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and it unanimously passed by a roll call vote of the board.

DADU -At the end of the ordinance 7. C. it says, “The property owner shall submit to the Select Board a signed and notarized “memorandum of adequate notice”, to be recorded at the registry of deeds at the applicant’s expense.

     “The notice shall identify the property on which the detached accessory dwelling unit is located by source deed and serve as a notice to successor owners that the accessory dwelling unit is subject to provision of this section of the zoning ordinance, and that owner-occupancy of one of the two units is required by this subsection. This notice shall be recorded upon issuance of a Building Permit.”

Basically, the town offices would like the ZBA to remind the owner of a person getting a DADU that they must follow these directions just as it does with reminding the owner to get a building permit. Ms. Mansouri said it should be put in bold. It cannot be put in bold until a whole new set of ordinances is printed.

Short-term rentals:

Ms. Leclerc received about half a dozen responses to her request from readers of The Walpolean to her questionnaire about an ordinance about short-term rentals. The Clarion will have some responses in its April issue and Tara Sad is also doing an online survey about the same topic. 

The Board recently received an inquiry about a possible short-term rental in Drewsville. The owner would live next door. Since there is no short-term rental ordinance now, and it doesn’t fall into the B&B category, what does the owner need to do about opening and advertising a short-term rental now?  Ms. Leclerc directed him to go to the Select Board.

Ms. Leclerc said according to the New Hampshire Municipal Association if Walpole’s ordinances are permissive it means that anything not specifically mentioned in the ordinances is not permitted. She is not sure if the Select Board would agree with that statement so she would like to consult the town’s attorney, Jeremy Hockensmith, about the matter. Ms. Barnes remembered a case in the NH Supreme Court about the same issue and she said it looked as if that town’s ordinance was structured similar to Walpole’s ordinances.  Others on the board agreed it would be a good idea to clarify the issue. The board awaits Mr. Hockensmith’s opinion.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Steven Dalessio called this Walpole Selectboard meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  He advised that Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer, Chair, was unable to attend this meeting.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, the other Selectboard member, is present.  The Selectboard members are in two 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 by the Town.

Public comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall or by calling 703-756-3672.  She will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $17,956.64 for checks issued March 12, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $3,476 to the Town of Chesterfield for Outside Agency Details.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 6, 2021, in the amount of $30,025.98 for checks dated March 12, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,843.28.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 4, 2021: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 4, 2021, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – March 4, 2021:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 4, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.   Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:• Conservation Commission Meeting – March 1, 2021.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2004-59 RENEWAL, MAP and LOT #009-023-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2004-59 RENEWAL, for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-023-000 toconstruct a “1.5 Story Barn and Seasonal Camp”. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2021-09, MAP and LOT #008-095-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-09, for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-095-004 to build a “32’ x 24’ Garage/Storage Building”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio, the motion was approved.

Permit #2021-10, MAP and LOT #021-036-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-10, for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #021-036-000 to add “23’ x 16.5’ Roof Mount Solar Panels to Garage”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio, motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Property Survey for 34 Elm Street – Town Hall:  Mr. Dalessio reported that they want to get this project started for the Water and Sewer Departments. Therefore. they need to identify where the property lines are before the Elm Street project begins.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Purchase Order in the amount of $2,000 for DiBernardo Associates to have the property survey at 34 Elm Street / Town Hall.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Library Lease:  Mr. Dalessio advised the North Walpole Library Lease will be ready for review at the next meeting.  Ms. Mayberry met with the North Walpole Village Commissioners again and explained that the Selectboard was asking them to pay for the installation of electrical outlets. They had agreed to do this.  They were looking for clarification as to what the impact would be for extended hours such as for heat, electricity, etc.  That was the primary reason for requesting a one year lease.  They want to assess what their costs would be and then do another lease for the following year.  Mr. Dalessio felt they could have a multi-year lease where the Commissioners could look at the costs at the end of every year.  Ms. Mayberry explained they do not want to have the Library move out at the end of a year but do have these concerns including maintenance costs.  Ms. Mayberry will send a note to Mrs. Amy Howard.  

Public Hearings for Summer Projects: Mr. Dalessio feels Public Hearings for Summer Projects is a good idea. The downtown will be dug-up between the Brownfields Project and Elm Street Project. Ms. Mayberry likes the suggestion that they might delay the Brownfields Project for a short period of time. Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Memorial Day Celebration is cancelled. There will probably be a wreath ceremony. In 2022, the Boy Scouts might take this over. The American Legion will probably be shutting down soon. Mr. Dalessio relayed this information to Mr. Mark Houghton as he would like to start the Elm Street Project in May. There will be a Public Meeting so everybody will know what is going to happen. There will be digging in the Common. They would like to use the south end of the Common for their staging area and keep the equipment there. He requested this be an agenda item for the next meeting so a vote can be taken. Another agenda item will be discussion on the granite curbing as they need to come to some conclusion. Ms. Mayberry noted Mr. Boas and the other neighbors need to decide if they are willing to pay for both the granite curbing and installation.

Pending Further Actions: Tax Deeded Property Sale

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio advised they should have a report next week from Fuss & O’Neill.  The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has all the information they need to make a determination.  

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio reported there will be a Pre-Permit Meeting in two weeks.  They will be getting that ready to go. It is moving along but still looks like a 2022 year project.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Spencer’s Place Expanded Outside Seating:   Mr. Dalessio believes the outside seating will not be expanded but rather located in the same space as last year.  They want to get rid of the hay bales and replace them with a temporary split rail fence.  They do not need an Open Container Permit because the Selectboard had said it would remain in effect until the Emergency Orders changed.  He would like to know that the property owner has agreed to the outdoor dining area.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out the Selectboard needs to talk about if this will become permanent seasonal arrangement after the Emergency Order is lifted.  They need to address outside dining in the Town of Walpole because it might be continued after the COVID-19 Pandemic has ended.  Guidelines will need to be met.     

Staff Meeting for March 18, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio would prefer to move the Staff Meeting out a week until March 25, 2021.   Next week they can establish the new Selectboard Chair and all the Liaison positions.  Ms. Mayberry agreed to postpone the Staff Meeting for one week.       

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio, the motion was approved at 6:51 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:38 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 11, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary