The Walpolean

As one of those neighbors that Ray refers to, I was very happy to have him share his experience. If you have not gotten your “shot in the arm”, I hope it will be helpful to you as well. – Lil

I got my first COVID shot this week, and in sharing the experience with others I wrote the following piece which will be in the March issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. But, that is a week away, so I am sharing my article with you now so you know what to expect. Stay safe and stay well, your, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Shot in Keene — In the Arm

On January 22, the email arrived that I could schedule my COVID shot through the CDC VAMS system. That initial email looked like a “phishing email,” so I ignored it, but then a friend emailed with a question. It was real, I went back and was able to schedule my first shot on February 17. I did act quickly. My shot date was way before others I know.

Neighbors wanted to know if the Keene shots would be given in cars, or if walking was involved. I promised to provide a report, and one neighbor replied, “Always good to know what to expect.” I always feel that way. Thus, so you know what to expect, here is what happened.

The night before my scheduled appointment, a VAMS email arrived with a questionnaire to be completed to save time in line. Basically “are you currently well,” but that link on the email can be hard to recognize. The Keene State Owl Athletic Complex at 110 Krif Road for your shot is easy to find. Entering the drive you become part of a single line queue of cars. My overall time on site was about an hour and a half. The time seemed to fly, but you may wish to bring a book. At the end I started watching YouTube instructional videos. Check in was along the drive by National Guard members. Even though I had my form printed out, all they wanted was my driver’s license to check in. Then you are routed around to the parking area, carefully directed, with three cars in a row bumper to bumper. A team, in time, arrives, and you receive your shot.

The two nurses administered my shot and then gave me a “I got my shot” sticker, but most important a card with the date, shot batch number, and return date, but no time. I asked about the time, and was led to believe I had to go back into the system to schedule it. Confusing, but I asked several times in different ways. You are told you may leave in 15 minutes if you feel fine, and no one will tell you when. While sitting there another lady came up with an iPad asking to see my card. “Let me get you a time,” she said. But the time slots for the day I was given were filled up. She got me a time for the next day, and when I got home a VAMS email was waiting for me confirming my second shot date and time.

Later phoning with a friend who got her shot the same morning, although an equally good experience, she got a date only, not a time slot. Later at night her VAMS email said to go back on line to schedule a time. Finally, again working through the system, she got a time, but a day after the date originally given.  

We both thought that a new State system would be moving New Hampshire residents off the CDC system. I emailed Representative Lucy Weber, and she confirmed on February 18, “As far as I know, to date there is no state system.  In early January, we were told that VAMS was not working optimally, but not to worry because the state system would be up in a week.  A week later we were told it would be up in two weeks.  Last week I heard the Governor say that it would be up and running for phase 2a.  Yesterday he said that phase 2a might start in April.”

I had a good experience, and hope I do not get conflicting rescheduling emails as Representative Weber received for her second shot. My recommendation, and additional reason for sharing, is to encourage you not to leave the Athletic Complex without both a DATE and TIME for your second shot. Once a State system is in place, any information will be provided by CLARION email updates.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  She announced that Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members are also present.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, is in the Walpole Town Hall, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, is by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting is being recorded.

Public comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall or by calling 603-756-3671.  She will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

Mrs. Pschirrer called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Cheryl Mayberry was present; Steven Dalessio was present and Peggy Pschirrer was present.  

Mrs. Pschirrer advised the following people called in and are attending this meeting:  Jody and Barbara Spivey, Ray Boas, Steve Grenier, Marcia Galloway, Jan Galloway Leclerc, Larry Leclerc, Attorney Gary Kinyon, Katie Beam, Quill and Shirley Gorton, Lucas and Ann Dunn.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

CLASS VI PORTION OF WHIPPLE HILL ROAD AND SNOWMOBILES:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Jody and Barbara Spivey requested to attend this meeting to discuss “snowmobiles using the Class VI portion of the road they maintain”.  Mr. Spivey read his following letter into the record:

“We live on the Class VI section of Whipple Hill Road and are the only home on that section, we have maintained the road since we built our home, including maintaining it in the winter months and pay $8,246 in taxes each year, are nice neighbors, and for the most part love where we live, but we are very upset at what we think is illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous use of our road by two people, and we come to the Board of Selectmen asking your help.

These same two people have reduced a berm that was put in when we were required to upgrade the road to Town requirement which was put in to protect the integrity of the section we maintain due to heavy storms and severe washouts, chipped away at shale to level the road and when asked what they were doing and letting them know all of that shale is going to wash into the culverts I was ignored.  They ride right up the middle of the road and basically all over the road and we just recently had two ladies with a stroller and an unleased dog come down the road in between their trips and shortly after that two ladies with an unleased dog.  This is a popular spot for people to walk.  This is a major safety concern, we need to get in and out, along with friends and family members, it is a one lane road and basically an extension of our driveway, thus the need to seek help.

Don’t want drastic measures like tickets or arrests, just communication from the Town or Fish and Game that their actions must stop.

We are coming here because we have issues about the illegal use of our road and have tried to reach out to law enforcement for quite some time now to no avail.  The two snowmobiles were down the road again today and I called NH F&G dispatch at 1 and was told I’d get a call.  Although only a couple hours went by without a call, I called again at 3:09 and Vivian (Dispatcher) stated Officer DeLisle told her there is nothing he can do.  The Town has designated it a trail.

This Class VI section of Whipple Hill has not been an approved trail since we have lived here.  Has it been approved? Who approved it? If so, when?  If approved, you can disallow as unsafe and destructive to road we maintain.

This is starting to have a negative effect on the value of our property and additional cost in maintenance for use, to say nothing about the effect on our health.  It will cause us to file an abatement.

The issue tonight is the two people and in large they are the only ones.  The lack of use on these unapproved trails supports this.  We are not looking to hassle the town any more than is necessary but to ask the Town to act regarding these two people on the section of Whipple Hill we maintain and the other roads.  It’s not legal – it is two rogue snowmobilers who are not only accessing the section we maintain to get to the approved trails, but they ride down a portion of Carpenter Hill Road, crossing County Road on a dangerous corner and down another Class VI (Pelsue Road), which is probably .8 of a mile illegally to access the trail system.  These same people were present at 12/10/20 SB meeting when Officer DeLisle spoke.  It is a privilege to have a registration and their use is illegal and for their recreational purposes only.  Again, we aren’t asking for drastic measures, we are asking that someone knock on their door and tell them to stop.  We understand we live in the country, but expect the law be followed.

These same two people approached us to use our field because they knew they couldn’t use the road.  We understand convenience of riding snowmobiles and ATVs anywhere because we own ATVs and once owned snowmobiles but we accept they can’t be ridden anywhere and we trailer them to legal trail systems.

To let these two continue only encourages others to think it is legal to use or that they can get away with illegal use.  Not fair to us.

If this were ever to be opened to snowmobiles it would be open to the world – more people moving into the area, vacationers, etc.  If these two people were allowed to use this access, then anybody who didn’t have legal access to the trail system could just start riding from wherever to connect to the trail system.  Done for 1, done for all.  It would set a bad precedent.

As a Class VI road, the Town is not liable for maintenance and repair for lawful use of this road.  But if Town continues to ignore illegal use of road, and injuries or collisions occur as a result, town will be exposed to claims for liability and if Town allowed snowmobiles on road that we maintain in the winter who would be liable?

Thank you for giving him the time to read this letter.  One last thing, I was returning from the SB office today and the road is a mess.  At 5:20 pm, 1 hr 20 min prior to the meeting a truck and a snowmobile met in front of their house.  They did not collide.  The truck backed all the way out and turned around on someone else’s property.”

Mr. Spivey is requesting a copy of the Minutes and an audio recording of this meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed he would receive this.  She advised that they do live on a Class VI road, a public road.  She did hear from Officer DeLisle today in response to her call because Mrs. Spivey told her that Officer DeLisle and the Walpole Police had not returned her calls but they stated they did return the calls.  She read what Officer DeLisle sent her and she would be happy to give Mr. and Mrs. Spivey a copy.  He also said Mr. Spivey had allowed a snow bank in the road to cause a safety hazard; it is a public road, the Town does not maintain it but Mr. and Mrs. Spivey agreed to maintain it when they bought that property.  She has a copy of that agreement.  Officer DeLisle stated “The Town opens roads to snowmobile use which are covered under the State Two (2) million dollar liability insurance policy should anything happen.  The snowmobile trail is signed.  The trail is properly managed by the snowmobile club.  The trails are patrolled by me”.  This road is not a trail but a Class VI road.  All trails are managed by the Snowmobile Club; Fish and Game are responsible for patrolling them.  The Town is doing nothing wrong and the Snowmobile Club is doing nothing wrong.  If Mr. Spivey wants the snowmobilers off the road Officer DeLisle suggests he should work with the Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club to create a trail on the private property to avoid the road.  Otherwise, Mr. Spivey chose to live on a Class VI road.  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged that there are several members of the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club at this meeting.  

Katie Beam appreciates the concerns.  She is the communication person for the club.  They have a lot of trails across this area and volunteers maintain them.  They address problem areas.  They value the ability to have their trails.  This area is a low impact area on their trail system. Everybody uses their trails; cross country skiers, horseback riders, etc.  There are probably more walkers than anybody else.  

Larry Leclerc advised their hill has land off Rapids Road.  He grooms the trail up to the Spivey land.  Many times he has to shovel it.  Mr. and Mrs. Spivey constantly take pictures of people.  They harassed Officer DeLisle, the police chief and other officers.  They are trying to intimidate everybody to stay away.  It is a Class VI road.  They chose to live there.  He has a house on a Class VI road and never stops anybody.  This is a farming community.  As Katie Beam said; everybody uses that road and the farmland for recreation.  They should realize this.  The 4-wheelers and snowmobiles are perfectly legal.  If it is a Class VI road a snowmobiler can go on it in this State as long as it is registered.  

Mr. Spivey would like to understand when the Town voted to allow snowmobilers to use these roads under RSA 215.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the RSA permits it.  Mr. Spivey asked when it was approved as a designated snowmobile trail.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it is a Class VI road and snowmobilers have the right to travel over them.  Mr. Spivey stated so nobody has approved it.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they did not have to approve it as the RSA allows it; they never disapproved it. Mr. Spivey pointed out that a week ago Officer DeLisle said there was nothing he could do.  There was an incident with the Police Department on County Road.  Mrs. Pschirrer said neither of those people are here tonight. Therefore, she could not speak to that.

Katie Beam pointed out that they have not updated their maps in a long time.  It is expensive.  They are willing to work with Mr. Spivey to put the trail in a better spot.

Mr. Spivey said they try to be good neighbors.  The snowplow goes past his driveway just like any other Class VI road in the Town.  Miriam Road is blocked off by the Town.  Mr. Rau said they used to plow to the Class VI section.  Mr. and Mrs. Spivey are not intentionally blocking the road from anyone they are clearing the road so they can get to their home.  He also wanted to address when they called the police Chief Paquette responded.  Mr. Spivey said he wanted to file a complaint because a tractor came up and just plowed the road and gouged the lawn that he takes care of.  When Chief Paquette called him back and left a message he said the tractor driver was trying to clear the snow pile so the lumber truck could get through.  This road is a mess and they deal with it on a daily basis.  

Mr. Spivey is trying to understand Officer DeLisle’s comment on the 6^th; when he said there was nothing he could do.  As long as they lived there, it was never a trail.  In fact, until it was opened to the pit, no snowmobiles came up there.  Why suddenly have things changed?  

Mr. Dalessio asked what part of RSA 215 he was referring to.  Mr. Spivey did not know.  Mr. Dalessio said they have to do some homework.  If they had the specific section it would be helpful.  There is a difference to him between a Class VI road and a snowmobile trail. The question tonight is if a snowmobile is allowed on a Class VI road.  Katie Beam pointed out that according to Officer DeLisle and Chief Paquette, snowmobiles are allowed on a Class VI road.  Mr. Spivey is suggesting that they are financially responsible for a little over 3/10ths of a mile from the Class V down to their home.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that RSA 215:C-8; Sections 9, 10 and 11 of that start to discuss snowmobiles. The Town has never prohibited snowmobiles from being on Class VI roads.  Mr. Spivey said they are expecting the Town to take action because it is not safe.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Town always wants to be in compliance.  It sounds like the Town is in compliance and that is supported by the NH Fish & Game and the Walpole Police Department.                        

Katie Beam asked if there is a dollar amount per year that Mr. and Mrs. Spivey would feel is fair that the Snowmobile Club would donate for trail maintenance.  They appreciate their landowners.  Mr. Spivey replied they appreciate the comment but he is not prepared to answer that.  

Mr. Larry Leclerc stated when Mr. Spivey called the police, it was not for the lumber truck. They were bringing in the 25-to-30 foot bridge and could not go over the snowbank.  Mr. Leclerc cleaned all that.  It was in the center of the Class VI road.  

Mr. Spivey asked if this meeting was being recorded by FACT-TV.  Mrs. Pschirrer said they are not recording this meeting.  Since the meeting began Tabatha Anderson, Meghan and Allen Roscoe, and an unknown person joined in.  It is being recorded by the Town.   

There were no other comments.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending and participating.

TOWN STREET LIGHTS:

Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Selectboard was considering changing the Town street lights to save money.  Mr. Grenier has done all the research for them on changing to LED lights.  Mr. Grenier advised about a year-and-a-half ago he was contacted by a customer who was going to make a change.  He looked at all the pricing and started the process to see what it would cost to do the Town over.  Over time, there would be quite a savings.  The Town of Walpole has about 200 streetlights. For $50/each,the power company will come in and swap them for LED lights.  Any lights that have been there for 23 years, the Town is responsible for paying the undepreciated value.  Total project cost is $21,166.27. There will be about a $15,000 saving a year to the Town. We will have cleaner light and a savings for the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned there are two residents in Town who are opposed as they feel the LED lights will be glaring in their homes but that is not her understanding.  Mr. Grenier explained they will be perceived to be brighter but rather than an orange/yellow color, the LED is a blueish/white color.  They would have the option to pick the temperature of the lights. Mr. Grenier noted that Burdick’s Chocolate Factory has privately paid for LED lights in their back parking lot; there is a private paid for light at 25 Reservoir Road and there is another one on Prospect Hill replaced by the power company.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the new lights on the Arch Bridge will be LED lights.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned having a lot of dark roads in Town; these lights will help make them safer at night.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Liberty Utilities contract to upgrade the Town’s street lights to LED lights with the $21,166.27 coming from the Highway Block Grant.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.   

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Mr. Grenier as they are grateful for the time he spent on this project. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $72,613.85 for checks issued February 12, 2021.  This includes a payment of $42,078.62 to the Village of Bellows Falls for wastewater processing and bondpayment.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 6, 2021, in the amount of $30,723.62 for checks dated February 12, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,990.32.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

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

2021 ANNUAL BUDGET and WARRANT PUBLIC HEARING:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the 2021 Annual Budget and Warrant Public Hearing of February 4, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Conservation Commission Meeting – February 1, 2021;• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – December 2, 2020;• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – January 13, 2021;• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – February 3, 2021;• Walpole Fire District Meeting – December 9, 2020;• Walpole Fire District Meeting – January 13, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX INTEREST FORGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #029-047-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Interest Forgiveness in the amount of $8.85 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #029-047-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refunds for the following owner(s).  These are all due to overpayments:• Map and Lot #012-019-002 – in the amount of $8.72;• Map and Lot #027-001-006 – in the amount of $142.13;• Map and Lot #013-044-000 – in the amount of $80.87.

Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT

MAP and LOT #008-009-007:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant a Veterans’ Tax Credit to the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-009-007.  This applicant served over 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-051-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant a Veterans’ Tax Credit to the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-051-000.  This is to update their PA-29 form due to a name change i.e. Revocable Trust.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:  

MAP and LOT #005-002-008:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-002-008.  This is to add 6.23 acres to their Current Use.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #013-060-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-060-001.  This application is for 12.2 acres.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2021-04 for MAP and LOT #019-002-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit #2021-04 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-002-000 to construct a “10’ by 16’ Two Story Addition (no bedrooms added)”.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2021-05 for MAP and LOT #001-003-005:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit #2021-05 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-003-005 to add a “22’ x 9’ Roof Extension with 20’ x 10’ Roof Mount Solar Panels to the New and Old Roof”.   Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Rescind Cease-and-Desist Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Selectboard were rescinding a Cease-and-Desist Letter previously sent to Ruggiero Processing Facility on January 22, 2021.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter to rescind the Cease-and-Desist letter send on January 22, 2021, for RuggieroProcessing Facility.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

Letter of Thanks and Reservoir Dam Repairs Question:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of the email of thanks and the Reservoir Dam repairs question received from Mr. Robert Grenier.  Mr. Grenier started the question on the Sewer Bonds and the Selectboard did some research and made a change.  Relative to the Reservoir Dam Repairs, Mr. Dalessio advised that all options are being considered. No final decision has been made.  Mrs. Pschirrer will relay this information.  

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Reservoir Dam Repairs, Town Employees and COVID-10 Leave:   These items will remain on the agenda pending further information.

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Boas heard that it would be cheaper to repair rather than replace the Reservoir Dam.  Mr. Dalessio advised that all options are being considered but no final decision has been made.  Right now they are going a 2-D model on the dam.  It will all go to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) for evaluation and it will be classified.  

Generators:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mark Houghton did talk to the Walpole Elementary School.  This is moving forward slowly..

NEW BUSINESS:

Elm Street Curbing:  Mr. Ray Boas had sent copies of past letters and a new letter regarding a possible donation of purchasing granite curbing to be installed from the Town Hall south to his drive during the upcoming project on Elm Street.  During one of his past discussions with Mr. Mark Houghton about the Water/Sewer project, they talked about the street being torn up. This is the ideal time to install the curbing.  He talked to the two neighbors south of him about the project and that they could make the same offer to the Town.  It will be a great addition on the Common and to the property owners.  Ms. Mayberry talked to Mr. Rau about this. The first question was the installation cost.  He did not feel they were qualified to install it. There are concerns about the drainage being moved and damage when plowing because sometimes it is difficult to see.  Mr. Boas feels it would be an improvement.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested talking to Mr. Mark Houghton to find out exactly what will happen in the road.  Mr. Boas had an estimate of between $2,000 and $3,000 for the installation from the Town Hall to his driveway starting from scratch. With this project the holes will be there. It is a matter of putting the curbing in.  Mr. Dalessio advised there will be a Construction Meeting.  They had one on Pleasant Street for that project and it worked out very well.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to wait to make a decision until they know more about this project and how they can work it in.  The meeting will be outside on the Common later in the spring.                

Letter to North Walpole Village District Commissioners: Mrs. Pschirrer had written a letter to the North Walpole Village District Commissioners asking that a lease be drawn up for the North Walpole Library. Both the Commissioners and Selectboard would have to approve the lease.    

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve sending the letter to the North Walpole Village District Commissioners requesting that a lease be drawn up for the North Walpole Library.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Vachon Clukay 2019 Audit Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer had asked Mr. Rich Kreissle to contact the auditors to ask for the 2019 Audit Report.  Although Vachon Clukay said they had done the 2019 audit they did not have a signed Audit Agreement.  An audit of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s office is being done at this time.   

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the 2020 Letter of Audit Agreement for Vachon Clukay for the 2019 Audit Report.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

The Shopper Legal and Help Wanted Advertising:  Mrs. Downing wanted the Selectboard to know that the Shopper Legal and Help Wanted Advertising matter has been taken care of.

Staff Meeting – February 18, 2021:  There was a consensus of Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer to schedule a Staff Meeting via Zoom on February 18, 2021, at 5:00 PM.  It will be good preparation for the Annual Town Meeting.

Recreation Department:  Ms. Mayberry received an email from Mr. Kraig Harlow advising that he would like to hold a virtual trivia game this weekend or next weekend.  She will get the information to the Selectboard.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:28 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, meeting adjourned at 8:29PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Walpole Grange will host a meet the candidates night Zoom meeting for Walpole Town office candidates and school district candidates on February 24 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

All interested voters are welcome to participate. 

Walpole Grange NH Zoom Host is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Walpole Grange Meet the Candidates NightTime: Feb 24, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

February 18, 2021

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 $666,738.81 for checks issued 2/19/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $32,863.42 dated 2/19/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,623.78

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – February 9, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – February 11, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Planning Board Meeting – February 1, 2021• Library Trustees Meeting – February 9, 2021

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS• Map and Lot# UTIL-UTIL-01B• Map and Lot# 012-039-000

TIMBER TAX WARRANT• Map and Lot# 007-018-000

BUILDING PERMITS• 2021-06 for Map and Lot# 010-006-000

OLD BUSINESS• Class VI Portion of Whipple Hill Road and Snowmobiles• Vachon Clukay 2019 Audit Representations Letter• 2021 Road Paving List• Plow Route Areas

Pending Further Actions• Tax Deeded Property Sale, Reservoir Dam Repairs, Emergency Generators, Town Employees and COVID-19 Leave

NEW BUSINESS• 242 North Road Political Signage• Thank You from the US Census 2020

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES• Hooper Trustees Meeting – January 21, 2020

HOOPER BUSINESS• Appointment Notice for HI Institute Board• Dec. 2020 Reimbursement Request to the Hooper Trust Fund• Jan. 2021 Reimbursement Request to the Hooper Trust Fund• Dec. 2020 Reimbursement Request to the Hooper Maintenance Fund• Jan. 2021 Reimbursement Request to the Hooper Maintenance Fund• Acceptance of the 2021 Proposed Budget

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

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**

Conducted on “Zoom”                           February 9, 2021                           

Present were: Gail Lahaise, Amy Howard, Kate Nerrie, Jean Kobeski, Susan Johnson, Tim Lester, Jane Malmberg, Peggy Pschirrer, Shirley Capron.   Absent: Jeanne Ramey. 

The Meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m. with Amy doing a roll call of Board members present with a show of hands, and a declaration of attending by themselves alone from each member.    

Approval of Minutes:  The following corrections were made with Kathy’s and Jane’s verbal reports:   

    Treasurer’s Report:  As already approved, Kathy still may move some of the extra money in the Checking Account to the Town’s Account so that the Library will get more interest on its money. 

    Bills: Kathy said the bill from Jenn Burr is for work done last fall.  It is a lot of money but most of the invoice was for new plants and shrubs that she bought. 

     Branch:  Jane said that at the Branch presently, because of the size of the space, it is safe to open for Curbside Service now because of the Pandemic and she did not feel that opening for curbside would be beneficial for patrons. 

Tim moved, Sue seconded, all approved (7-0) the Minutes with corrections. 

Treasurer’s Report:, Kathy had e-mailed the Jan. 2021 report to all Board members.  She noted that since we did not receive Jenn Burr’s bill for work done last year until after the new year, it will appear that we will be over budget in landscaping for 2021, but it evens out because we are under budget in 2020. 

  She said, going forward, we need to make sure vendors get bills to us for work done in the current year by Dec. 1, if possible. 

Bills:   Jane had e-mailed her January ’21 Bills Report to all.  She mentioned the largest amount of $6,016 for New Computers. Also, about the shared subscriptions with the Plainfield Library, remarking that periodicals do get checked out.    She said that subscriptions to the “New York Times” and “Keene Sentinel” have been paused, and that she does not know if the “New York Times” subscription costing $2,000 on-line would get that much use.  She could pick up the Sunday paper at Jake’s instead and it would save on delivery costs. 

 Gail moved, Tim seconded, all approved (7-0) the Treasurer’s and Bills’ reports. 

Old Business:  Jane said she goes to Select Board and Public Services Meetings.  Not much was mentioned about the Library – mostly about Warrant articles.  The Town will provide Broadband service for the Library. Sue asked about Health Insurance in the budget.  Jane said hers is covered thru her husband’s.  Sue also asked why there is a listing of repairs for the Library.  Peg said the money noted there is to go to the Branch.  Jane said there were no questions on the 2020-2021 Budget. 

Plaques:  Gail questioned the disposition of the plaques. Amy said, after talking to Jeanne re, another source for them may be considered and she recommends moving on.  Jeanne, Amy and Gail will address the issue. 

New Business:  Jane had e-mailed her “February Update Library Report” and “January 202l Stats” to all.  Because of the Pandemic, there still is Express and Curb Side Service.  Jane added that it is too soon to open up because of the new COVID variant.  For home-bound patrons, there is more than one volunteer to assist.  Re, Jane does an article for the “Clarion.”  Gail suggested, and Jane agreed, putting info in it about Home Delivery Service. Amy suggested adding more information about COVID.  Jane said it is on the Library’s Facebook page. 

– Programs:   Jane said for the Virtual Bake-Off, nine cakes are had, and to look on the Website to vote.  

– A volunteer, Andrea Vickers-Sivret, will conduct a IEP (Independent Education Plan) workshop on Zoom in March.  Amy said to send her a Thank You note afterwards. 

– Staff Evaluations:  Jane met with two staff (narrative form conducted) and will be done with evaluations by the end of the month.   

–  There will be a “No Cost Training” opportunity on-line from ALA for staff. 

– Staff Sick Leave Policy was discussed at length: Issues of “Unused,” “Accruing,” and  “Pooling.”   In questioning the Town’s Sick Leave Policy, Peg said the Library is different and should set up its own Sick Leave Policy.  Jane said she would feel more comfortable having the Board vote on the adopted Policy.  Sue and Amy indicated Fred Ernst must have been involved previously and to confer with him re.  Amy said she will contact him.  Jean described a paper that Fall Mt. School provided about their Policy, adding that she will see what the School is doing presently and report on it at the March meeting.   

– An e-mail was received from Nancy Shepard’s nephew re a gift to the Library from her estate, but we don’t know the amount yet. Amy recommended talking to him re the gift.  Jane said she will call him.  

Branch:   Jane said that the books are still being worked on and that they are half-way done.  She is waiting to hear re the budget in order to make improvements. Because of Peggy’s strong recommendation, the Commissioners are being asked to consider a Lease. (Amy sent a letter to the North Walpole Commissioners to give an update on what is happening at the Branch). 

– Gail inquired about the extra electrical outlets needed at the Branch and Peggy said she asked about them in a letter to the Commissioners.  Some of the money in the 2021 budget is for improvements like outlets.  Peggy mentioned that the Town is willing to split the costs with the owners of the building.  

Building & Grounds:  Jane talked to Houghton’s Service about the needed exterior light replacement.  She took pictures of it and will take them to Aubuchon’s Hardware re.  Amy said she will talk to her electrician about the light, and Gail recommended talking to Lil DeCoste because she has one in her yard like it. 

Technology:  What to do with the Library’s old computers was questioned.  Brad knows of a place in Keene that will destroy their hard drives and recycle the computers. Jane said she will take care of the issue. 

Friends:  Jane met with Carole Malnati of the Friends re books at the ReUse Center, and asked her to get volunteers for a couple of months to help.  Presently there are plastic bins with lid covers and they can be put outside for recycling.  Jane added that it all seems to be working well. 

Personnel:  Jean said the Personnel Committee needs another member. She explained the procedure of evaluations. Sue offered to join the Committee.   Jean said it is hard to meet physically, so it could be done on Facetime or Zoom   Amy offered to set up Zoom concerning. 

The next Library Board meeting date in March will change to the 16^th because of the Town Meeting to take place on the same day the previous week. 

With no further business to address, Gail moved, Tim seconded, all approved (7-0) to adjourn with a show of hands. 

Faithfully submitted, 

Shirley Capron, Secy. 

COVID by the Numbers—February 14 Edition

And

Second Doses: The Continuing Saga 

Second doses—This Week’s Challenges:  For those who got their first dose before last Sunday, and who were therefore not given a second appointment with their first dose, scheduling continues to be a challenge.  Most slots were still too far out for the timing of the first shot.  Calls to 211 revealed that new time slots were being added daily, but that they could not all be added at once, because VAMS would not support that.  You still have to cancel the later appointment and hope that there is an eariler one, and most people have been able to rebook in an appropriate time slot.  But there is a new wrinkle.  After rescheduling, quite a number of people have received a followup email saying that they had cancelled an appointment without rescheduling, even though they had, indeed rescheduled.  Checking VAMs shows that the rescheduled appointments are still there in the VAMS system.  Go figure.

For those who should have gotten a second appointment with their first dose, again the reviews are mixed.  I was told that for a while, Keene had no white vaccination cards.  Some have been told what day to come back, but have been told to come anytime.  Some have been told to go to VAMS and get a specific time.  Some have been told to come back at the same time as their first appointment, but have been given no confirmation.  Still a few bugs in the system.

And the Numbers:  

Last week, Walpole had 1-4 active cases.  Then we went back up to 7.  As of this writing, we are at 6.  New cases are holding steady—5 again this week.

In Cheshire County, our seven day average of reported cases per 100,000 went from 20.2 down to 15.3 on the 10^th, and then back up to 19.2 as of today.  Active cases in the county went from 122 down to 101, then back up to127.  Sadly, we have lost another 3 citizens to the pandemic.  That is 1 more than last week.

Statewide, the seven-day average of reported cases has gone from 28.4 to 25.7.  Active cases have gone from 3,661 to 3,365.  Hospitalizations have gone from 186 down to 126.  The death toll has gone from 1104 to 1133.

A case of the South African COVID variant has been reported in NH, so there are undoubtedly others.

Please keep on taking good care of yourselves, and each other.  Don’t let down your guard.  Be careful out there.  The numbers are encouraging, but there is still work to do.

Keep well.

~Representative Lucy Weber

603-499-0282

Lwmcv@comcast.net

MARCH 2021 CLARION — DEADLINE 19 FEBRUARY 2021by Ray Boas

A week away and the March Town Meeting issue of the CLARION will close on Friday, 19 February, for all articles and advertisements. Once completed, the files will work their way to the printer, and then into your hands by the first of March.

I have already spent days in preparation looking at what I have received, and will be including for your reading enjoyment. Again, it appears sixteen pages may become the “norm” for awhile until activities may again safely resume and be reported to you.

So, here is your deadline warning, and if you have any questions, do email me – rayboas@comcast.net

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PUBLIC HEARING

2021 ANNUAL BUDGET and WARRANT ARTICLES

FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Public Hearing on the 2021 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles to order at 5:30 PM.  This meeting is taking place virtually online via Zoom.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations. This meeting is being live-streamed on FACT-TV and is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Cheryl Mayberry was present; Steven Dalessio was present and Peggy Pschirrer was present.  

Mrs. Pschirrer called for a voice roll call of the Staff members present as follows:  Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, is in the Walpole Town Hall; Meghan Hansson (Interim Town Clerk/Tax Collector), is in the Walpole Town Hall; Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, is by telephone at a separate location.  

Richard Kreisle, Administrator of Finance; Chief Michael Paquette (Police Department); Lt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director)

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Jack Wozmak (Town Moderator) and Mr. Ray Boas (a member of the community and Publisher of the Walpole Clarion) had accessed this Public Hearing.  

If anyone would like to ask a question, raise your hand to be recognized or go to the website and write your question in so that Mrs. Downing will bring it to their attention.  Mrs. Downing will display some documents as they are being discussed.    

Mrs. Pschirrer began by providing an overview of the proposed 2021 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing. Those of you who read the article in the Walpole Clarion will recognize that the Operating Budget is different than listed here tonight.  After January 22^nd when her article was due, some amendments were made.  The correct Operating Budget is $4,151,177 with all to be raised by taxes.  In addition, the Water Fund Operating Budget to be raised by user fees is $189,269.  The Sewer Fund Operating Budget to be raised by user fees is $476,569 and this includes $230,000 bond payments that will be collected over the course of the year.  The Total Warrant is $4,817,011.  For the most part this budget was flat lined by every department, but it includes increases in health care costs of 1.7% (original increase was to be 6.4%).  They received a refund from HealthTrust which they spread among all their users of the insurance plan. Therefore, after they received the rebate,the actual increase is 1.7%; New Hampshire Retirement costs will go up July 1^st, 2021.  This year that represents 25.87% (six months for non-police) and 19.16% for Police.  Salaries were generally increased 2% for all employees (some rounded up).  

There were two changes in Department Heads.  Town Clerk/Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandy Smith retired as of December 31, 2020.  They gave her a nice Drive-By and Mrs. Meghan Hansson became, by statute, the Interim Town Clerk/Tax Collector who will remain in this job at the same salary as Mrs. Smith until she is elected in her own right which will be March 9, 2021.  At that time, she will have her own salary.  The Police Department will also see a change.  At the end of March, Chief Paquette, who is with us tonight, will step down.  In his place Lt. Justin Sanctuary will take over as the Chief of Police.  This means there are two positions in that department to be filled; this is reflected in the new budget.        

Warrants:    

The Town has an Unassigned Fund Balance that is close to $2,000,000.  From this Unassigned Fund Balance the Selectboard decided to take out $400,000 this year.  

Town Hall – $200,000:  This is set aside for building repairs.  It will include painting Town Hall.  If you drive by and look at Town Hall, you will think “why should we paint that building?” Once the snow melts, Mrs. Pschirrer is inviting you to take a walk around that building.  The back side is in terrible shape; the front side is not great.  They feel it is prudent to paint the building at this time and have bids.  To do all the preparation that includes removing mold, it will cost $89,000.  The Town Hall second floor ceiling has a sag in it.  Some people will remember when the first-floor ceiling had a sag and it collapsed.  They do not want this to happen so have included repairs in the $200,000.  Money is also set aside for the Walpole Library and North Walpole Library which has not had attention paid to it in quite a while.  They want to re-open the North Walpole Library as soon as possible.  This also includes changing the water meter at the Town pool.  This will come out of the Unassigned Fund Balance and not property taxes.

Highway Department – $200,000:  A rotation of purchasing trucks and equipment was started several years ago in the Highway Department.  The $200,000 for the new truck will be comprised of $100,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance and $100,000 from the Highway Block Grant.  It will not be paid for from property taxes.        

Police Car Loan:  Another rotation of cars is for the Police Department.  A loan was secured from the Mascoma Bank for $38,000.  The first payment is $13,225.76; all payments will come out of General Taxation.

Police Car Equipment:  The Police car equipment will cost $15,000 and will come from General Taxes.

Unassigned Fund Balance:  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that three more projects will come out of the Unassigned Fund Balance:  1) Addition to the Highway Garage in the amount of $60,000.  This is necessary for safety reasons; 2) Recycling paving and adding a concrete slab near the compactor – $35,000; and 3) The Pool House needs a new roof – $20,000.  

Capital Reserve Funds:      

Highway Department Capital Reserve Fund:  $25,000 will be put into this fund.  There is $88,000 in this fund but it costs at least $200,000 for a new truck.

Police Department Capital Reserve Fund:  $15,000 will be put into this fund.  At this time there is $15,000 in this fund.  There were more funds in this account. However, after an accident where the cruiser was destroyed, this money was used to replace that car.  There was another accident with a Police car late last night on the icy road when the officer was responding to a call.  Insurance will help cover this car.  In the Selectboard meeting following this Public Hearing, Mrs. Pschirrer will ask Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio to put the insurance money from the first accident back into this Capital Reserve Fund.  The $22,000+ is in the Town’s General Fund at this time.  

Non Budget Related Warrants:

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out there are Non Budget Related Warrant Articles:

Notice to Dog Owners: This is an amendment to an existing older ordinance that was first accepted in 1992.  The revised Notice includes fines.

Scenic Road:  A petition was received to designate Old Drewsville Road as a Scenic Road.

Carbon Pricing Legislation:  This petition was introduced by Tara Sad.  

Mrs. Pschirrer opened up the Public Hearing to questions, clarifications and/or comments from the public.

Mr. Wozmak did walk around the perimeter of the Town Hall and is glad to see that money budgeted because there are issues with deterioration of the wood near the bottom.  

Mrs. Hansson asked about the Notice to Dog Owners.  Does this elaborate further than the RSAs?  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that it does but it is very specific to Walpole.  The Police can verify the Town has had increased issues with dogs over the past year.  They decided there was a need to reissue that and to “up” the fines for people who are allowing their dogs to run free.  People have been bitten this past year.  Some people are not paying attention to the regulations already in place.  Mrs. Hansson said it would be nice to encourage more people to license their dogs so when someone gets bitten, it is easier to check the records. People coming in from other towns are quick to license their dogs.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Town Clerk always sends a list of Unlicensed Dogs to the Selectboard once a year.  There could be 100 people who do not license their dogs.

Mr. Boas asked if the Selectboard was going to go over the proposed budget line-by-line.  Mrs. Pschirrer said “no” because they do not usually do that.  Mr. Boas had highlighted some increases and decreases; there are some big percentages.  He would welcome an article on the Dog Ordinance for the Clarion.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that he would get one.

While walking around the back of the Town Hall, Mr. Wozmak was struck by all the tree moisture on the property line. It is a hefty area and should be opened up.  Mr. Dalessio said the neighboring property owner is steadfast about his property.  Mr. Wozmak noted it is on the Historic Register.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they will have a discussion with the property owner because there is not enough space to erect scaffolding or put up ladders on Town property.  They plan to have the Town property surveyed.  It will be interesting to learn about their actual property line.

Ms. Mayberry reported they worked hard on the Budget and tried to address safety concerns.  Some increases were necessary but basically the Budget is level-funded.  Mr. Dalessio said they are using the Unassigned Fund Balance in the way it was intended.  Mrs. Pschirrer added this was the second year they used this Fund; there is enough money left in the event of a catastrophe.  Replying to a question Ms. Mayberry said the recommended retained balance by the Department of Revenue Administration is 16%.

Relative to the addition to the Highway Garage, Mr. Rau explained they are running out of room.  It will be an extension of the parts and tools room; it will make the garage a safer place with more functional space.  In past years they have just put a roof on the garage.  It will make it a better place to work in.  Mr. Dalessio noted they are putting in heat detectors.  Mr. Rau said at the moment they have no fire protection so they are working with Mr. Mark Houghton on safety features to be added this year.

Mr. Ben Hoy reported they will be paving in the work area. It will make a difference with dust and the new pavement will make it a nice surface to work on.  The concrete will allow them to move the trailer overflowing with trash bags.  Both items are important to the operation of the Recycling Center.

Mrs. Jane Malmberg advised they are working on getting the North Walpole Library open soon.  They plan to expand the hours and the children’s area for programs.  They want to brighten it up with new carpeting and curtains.  Make it welcoming and more of a community center for North Walpole.    

Mrs. Pauline Barnes joined the meeting.  She stated that given the difficult year we have had are there any unexpected positives to the year plus were there any negatives.  Mr. Dalessio advised the extra money they needed to spend for the safety of the employees came from the Federal CARES Act.  Mr. Kreissle said these were for costs over and above our Operating Budget.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted it was all 2020 money.  Mrs. Barnes thought there was another funding program that was passed toward the end of the year.  Mr. Kreissle replied under the Biden Package, the report has funds that will be allocated but the final document has not yet been worked out or passed by Congress.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out there is a CARES allocation for education at this time.  

Mrs. Barnes had some questions on the Brownfields Project.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that is an entirely separate budget.  It is represented by the EPA Grant of $500,000; $100,000 will come from the DES and when the Town bought the property they negotiated $175,000 which they hold in escrow from the seller of the property.  It will affect the 2022 Town Budget as they will be asking for money to pave that new parking lot.  There will also be a green space with benches where the old red shed sits.  There will also be electric stanchions in the parking lot.  Mrs.Barnes hopes it will be a permeable type of paving.

Town Ballot:

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Articles #2 and #3 on the Warrant will either be voted on at the polls on March 9^th or voted on by absentee ballots.  They are requests to separate the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector.  These were combined in 2002.  As the Selectboard evaluated the office of Mrs. Sandy Smith they realized how many extra hours she was working doing extra work by one person with Mrs. Hansson as an assistant.  The Selectboard felt the two positions should be separated.  They will be asking voters to vote “NO” on Article #2 so they can be separated but the RSAs are specific that they cannot be separated until the next election in 2024.  They are asking voters to vote “YES” on Article #3 because it gives the Selectboard the authority to appoint a Tax Collector but not until after 2024.  The Selectboard feels there is enough work for two full-time positions.  They also feel the Tax Collector should be more in-line with the Administrator of Finance because they work together all the time.  It is a complex job.  There will be an article in the next Clarion edition in March.          

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending this meeting.  She also thanked everyone including the department managers who have been working on this budget for several months.  

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Public Hearing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, Public Hearing adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Roll Call: All Planning Board members and other participants are in separate locations. This meeting is being recorded. Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Zoom Host Jeff Harrington, Jeff Colley, Joanna Andros and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio.

Also present at the meeting were Bill Carmody, who is running in the March election for the open two-year Planning Board seat; Robert Kasper, owner of Walpole Creamery; Jim Clifford, representing NGP Management Dunkin’ . 

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

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

Minutes: Correct spelling: One owner of Watkins Tavern and Inn on Prospect Hill is Steven Lederman. His name was misspelled in the minutes. Mr. Marcom asked that his last name in the Roll Call be corrected from Miller. On page 3, paragraph 5, Mr. Marcom changed he’s to he’d. Mr. Marcom made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed. 

Old Business:

Public Hearing:

Walpole Creamery Site Plan: Owner Rob Kasper, 532 Main St., Map 12, Lot 14, commercial district. Remove north side building and four containers. Replace demolish building with same size 16-foot-by-16-foot storage area. Build a 20-by-13-foot enclosed milk trailer bay and extend the east-side roof 6 feet, 30 feet along the east side of the building to cover the existing equipment. The net effect will be to greatly reduce the current northern setback non-conformance created by the containers and vastly improve the exterior appearance of the building. Also, the noise level of the current exterior freezer will be removed and replaced by modern roof-mounted compressors that are more energy efficient. 

Mr. Kasper explained the site plan. He will be removing three 40-foot trailers and one other trailer and demolish the little building to which the trailers are attached. He is replacing the building and will also build a covered milk bay, which is less area than all the trailers combined. This will eliminate some of the non-conforming setback issue and eliminate the huge noise level from the freezers. The noise and blast are towards the apartments in the back of the building, he said. The new freezer will go inside the building and the new compressor is roof-mounted. It is quieter and more energy efficient. A loading dock that moves up and down to load the trucks will be built on the back wall. There will be a 6-foot extension of the east roof creating an overhang. Also in the back of the building, the chicken coop and the building that houses the water tank will be removed and replaced with a concrete pad. This will clean up the look at the back of the building, Mr. Kasper said.

Mr. Dalessio said he liked what Mr. Kasper was doing but he thought Mr. Kasper might need a variance because he was out of compliance with the north setback.

Kasper said the project will be less out of compliance than before because he was removing the trailers. Mr. Dalessio asked if the old building had ever had a variance. Mr. Kasper said he had no idea and that it was before his time. Mr. Perron asked if the new building creates a new setback. Mr. Kasper said that the new plan is on the same footprint. We are rebuilding the building, not expanding the building. Mr. Perron stated that he was staying on the same foundation. Mr. Kasper agreed. 

Mr. Marcom asked about his neighbor JJ Automotive. Do they know what’s going and are they aware of what’s actually happening? he asked. Mr. Kasper said they did and are actually happy about the removal of the trailers because of the noise. All the abutters have been notified. The site plan is actually staying with the frame that exists. With removal of the trailers, especially the one that sticks out,  improves the setback issue slightly. The foundation of the building is the same. Mr. Kasper is owner of the building. It’s the aesthetics that are such an improvement. 

Other visual presentations were elevations of the building from all directions, the parking lot and an aerial view. Scully Architects did the drawings.

Mr. Miller asked if there were any other questions. There being none, he closed the hearing. 

He asked for a motion to discussion. Mr. Marcom said given the discussion on the setback issue and given that the abutter does not have an objection, his concerns were allayed. Both Mr. Miller and Mr. Dalessio said that at some future point Mr. Kasper might want to clean up the setback issue. Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the site plan as presented. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dalessio reminded Mr. Kasper he needed to get a building permit.

Public Hearing  (Postponed until March on request of the surveyor.)

Subdivision: Jay Landry two lots into four lots, Map 17, Lots 5 and 5-1, land between Old Keene Rd. and Wentworth Rd. All lots have required 200 feet road frontage and 40,000 square feet, Residential A district. 

The new lots would be:

​ Lot 5.1 – 2.19 acres with 200 feet road frontage on Wentworth Road; 

​ Lot 5-2 – 1.67 acres with 200 feet road frontage on Wentworth Road; 

​ Lot 5-3 – 1.15 acres with 200 feet road frontage on Wentworth Road;

​ and 5-4 – 6.22 acres with 203.61 feet road frontage on Old Keene Road and Wentworth Road.​ ​48.5 feet road frontage on Wentworth Road.

Mr. Miller had a conversation with Walpole’s road agent Mike Rau and Mr. Rau said he is well aware of the subdivision and saw no dramatic impact on the current situation. Also, future owners of the lots in the subdivision have to get a driveway permit from him. Mr. Miller also talked to Surveyor Joe DiBernardo who said that Mr. Landry has hired a hydrologist to address abutters’ concerns. In addition, Cushing & Sons have been contacted about water flow issues and checked on gallons per minute at neighboring sites.

Regarding extending the water and sewer up the hill, Mr. Miller said capacity is not the problem. The cost of putting in a pumping station to get water and sewer to that area is cost prohibitive. Mr. Dalessio added, “it’s not a matter of water capacity or system capacity, it’s just the cost of doing it would be astronomical.” It’s also user-based Mr. Dalessio said. You would need a hundred houses up there to make it cost effective. 

But, Mr. Miller said, the positive thing is that Jay Landry and Joe DiBernardo recognize the concern of abutters  and they are doing everything they can to give the Planning Board and abutters any information regarding the impact on others of the subdivision. 

Mr. Marcom said he also followed up on Mr. Gohl’s remarks with Mark Houghton, who is in charge of the water and sewer departments. Walpole is not out of water, Mr. Marcom said. The problem is elevation – the elevation of the reservoir is the same and is across from the elevation of the subdivision. So gravity won’t do the job. 

Ms. Andros asked if the Planning Board had to consider how much space is taken up with driveway, buildings, paved area impact, when considering runoff.

It was decided that all these types of question should be held until next month at the public hearing.

Request for letter to DES

Jack Franks of Avanru Development requested that the Planning Board send a letter to the NH Department of Environmental Service so his company could have an extension on the Alteration of Terrain permit on the Abenaki Springs project instead of having to apply for a new one. Mr. Franks said regarding Phase 3 of Abenaki Springs about 80 percent of the site work had already been completed. That includes water, sewer and drainage. A letter to DES would mean that Mr. Franks did not have to reapply for a new Alteration of Terrain permit as the extension period for his current permit will be up fairly soon. 

Mr. Miller agreed to write the letter.  Mr. Frank will send Mr. Miller the specifics of the language that is needed. Mr. Dalessio was also fine with Mr. Miller writing the letter.

Request for information: There has been a request for about 10 years of minutes from an individual. Often there is a person in the same room with the individual reading the requested minutes. But with 10 years of minutes, this could be a lengthy time and during Covid, how and where can this be done?. It was decided that the person could read the minutes in a space directly outside of the Town Offices one binder at a time. The minutes were not be removed from the building. The person was to make an appointment with Town Office personnel.

New Dunkin’ : Mr. Jim Clifford of NGP Management said his company operates the Dunkin’ in the Jiffy Mart on Route 12. Mr. Clifford said it was doing well enough to move the business out of that building and have a free-standing building of its own. The company, headquartered in North Reading, MA,  is also in the process of buying the 9-acre parcel of land adjacent to and south of Shaw’s and the Savings Bank of Walpole buildings. The plan is to build a 5,000 square-foot free-standing Dunkin’ at the corner of Route 12 and Upper Walpole in the southern corner. The company is also planning a few smaller retail spaces.

That leaves a lot of space left. How should it be used? One consideration the company is exploring is a solar farm, however Mr. Clifford said the company is not wedded to this idea if the town is dead set against it. At this time, development of Phase 2, development of the entire parcel, is only in the consideration phase.

Mr. Clifford has already approached NHDOT about a curb cut from Route 12 and he said they suggested one as far away from the light, or entrance to North Meadow Plaza, as possible. 

Mr. Marcom asked about how the building might look and suggested Mr. Clifford look at the entire site plan, especially appendix B, when thinking about architectural approaches to the new building. He also mentioned the Savings Bank of Walpole as an exemplar example of what a building should look like. Mr. Clifford said he is aware that communities want a say on local design. In New England there are 125 Dunkin’ and all had a different requirement. We are involved in doing it right and want it to look nice and don’t have a generic box design. New England Dunkins’ have as many varieties of architecture as there are buildings. Dunkin’ doesn’t have one design that it puts in every community. He said he was open to what the town wanted.

Mr. Miller suggested that if there is more building on that parcel of land he may want to connect it with the North Meadow Plaza parking lot. Mr. Clifford said he is planning on getting in touch with the owner.

Mr. Dalessio suggested he also have a conversation with Mark Houghton about water and sewer. The waste water might have some quirks, he said. 

Mr. Clifford said he’d love to hear some feedback on what residents would like to see in that space and how it could be used.

Mr. Dalessio said a gym but Mr. Clifford said a gym is not a red hot business right now. 

Mr. Perron said he should get in touch with the Clarion and maybe through the monthly newsletter he would get some input on what the townspeople wanted.

Workshop: Regarding a workshop, Mr. Miller said the next workshop should be on the Master Plan, but he has to check with facilitator, Southwest Region Planing Commission planner,  Lisa Murphy

Ms. Andros made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom second the motion and the motion carried.

Next meeting March 9, 2020.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

February 11, 2021

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 $72,613.85 for checks issued 2/12/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $30,723.62 dated 2/12/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,990.32

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – February 4, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – February 4, 2021• 2021 Budget Public Hearing – February 4, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Conservation Commission Meeting – February 1, 2021• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – December 2, 2021• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – January 13, 2021• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – February 3, 2021• Walpole Fire District Meeting – December 9, 2021• Walpole Fire District Meeting – January 13, 2021

PROPERTY TAX INTEREST FORGIVENESS• Map and Lot# 029-047-000

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS• Map and Lot# 012-019-002• Map and Lot# 027-001-006• Map and Lot# 013-044-000

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT• Map and Lot# 008-009-007• Map and Lot# 008-051-000Re

CURRENT USE• Map and Lot# 005-002-008• Map and Lot# 013-060-001

BUILDING PERMITS• 2021-04 for Map and Lot# 019-002-000• 2021-05 for Map and Lot# 001-003-005

OLD BUSINESS• Class VI Portion of Whipple Hill Road and Snowmobiles• Town Street Lights• Rescind of Cease-and-Desist Letter

Pending Further Actions• Tax Deeded Property Sale, Reservoir Dam Repairs, Emergency Generators, Town Employees and COVID-19 Leave

NEW BUSINESS• Elm Street Curbing• Letter to North Walpole Village District Commissioners• Vachon Clukay 2019 Audit Agreement• The Shopper Legal and Help Wanted Advertising• 2/18/2021 Staff Meeting

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**