The Walpolean

On behalf of residents of Walpole and the Fall Mountain District, I would like to send a big thank you to Billy and his family. I understand and appreciate the hours and commitment to education and all it means for our future. – Lil

Greetings fellow Walpoleans and residents of the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

    Congratulations to Craig Vickers for winning the election for the position of Fall Mountain Regional School Board Representative Residing in Walpole. I enjoyed participating in a clean race and a fair election. I also enjoyed the time spent with him and his parents outside the town hall on election day. I wish him good luck during his upcoming term. He will certainly prove to be a credit to our town and school district. 

    My thanks to Principals Jacobs and Cassarino, as well as the other school administrators. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. To Superintendent Landry, Chief Financial Officer Fenn, Misty Bushee and all the rest of the members of the SAU staff, I have appreciated your patience and professionalism. You taught me so very much. It has also been an honor to work with my fellow school board members. You demonstrated the dedication and creativity necessary to guide our district through several of the most tumultuous years yet faced by our cooperative. 

    Finally, I would like to thank all of the residents of the Fall Mountain Regional School District, particularly the residents of Walpole, for allowing me to represent you on our school board. You have shown a passionate commitment to our schools and it has been an honor to serve you.

Good luck to all in the years ahead,

Billy Stahl

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 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.

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.

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.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION 1:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session 1 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:16 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Jody Spivey is in the audience and he responded by a voice confirmation.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION 1 (Continued):

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of February 25, 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $65,697.93 for checks issued February 26, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $43,310.15 to the HealthTrust.  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 20, 2021, in the amount of $36,792.22 for checks dated February 26, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,703.58.  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 18, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 18, 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 MINUTES – February 18, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 18, 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.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – February 18, 2021: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of February 18, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 17, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – January 26, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 2, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 9, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 16, 2021.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2021-07 – MAP and LOT #012-014-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-07 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-014-000 to build a “16’ x 16’ addition and 16’ x 20’ Concrete Pad”.  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 #2021-08 – MAP and LOT #005-004-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-08 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-004-001 to add a “24’ x 12’ Prebuilt Garage”.  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:

North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Letter re: Library Lease: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a letter from the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners about the Library Lease. She felt theSelectboard had offered to write a lease. The Board of Commissioners had advised that they will raise the rent to $1,100 for the year. However, that is not in the Walpole Library budget that was set quite a while ago. The North Walpole Library has not been used for over a year. Therefore, no expenses were incurred. Ms. Mayberry felt the Board of Commissioners was agreeable to having the Selectboard write a lease, but their concerns are the electrical upgrade and impact to their budget. We should share a definite plan with them. Mrs. Pschirrer clarified they want to put more computers in which is the need for more electrical outlets. Mrs. Amy Howard, President of the Library Board, had previously written to them about the Library’s plans. Mr. Dalessio suggested it might be helpful to have both Boards online at the same time to talk about this. Mrs. Pschirrer will ask the Town attorney to draw up a simple lease. Ms. Mayberry mentioned the Library has their main room plus their bathroom. Mrs. Pschirrer will speak to both Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Malmberg. Ms. Mayberry is available to work on the lease with both the Commissioners and Walpole Library Board.

Nerrie Adequate Notice for DADU:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated they just need to be sure the “Memorandum of Adequate Notice” for the construction of a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) is filed in the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds.  

Streetlight LED Conversion re: Blue Light:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of an article on Streetlight LED Conversion re: Blue Light.  It mentions the differences of blue light.  We are all on computers, cell phones, etc. and there is some thought that this disrupts sleep patterns plus there are other issues.  She is not sure how much effect the Town using blue lights on the streets will affect us.  From other articles she read it is from our other devices we use especially at night.  She forwarded this to Mr. Steve Grenier so he could read it as well.     

Q4 Water and Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard received a note from Mrs. Jodi Daigle that they are back on track for the Q4 Water and Sewer payments.  They are no longer running behind.    

Town Meeting Room Schematic and Warrant Article Assignments:  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if Mr. Jack Wozmak, Town Moderator, was planning to attend this meeting to discuss these items.  Mrs. Downing reported that Mr. Wozmak was attending another Zoom meeting; he intended to be here but must be running late. 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that someone just came into the meeting.  

Streetlight LED Conversion re: Blue Light (Continued): Mr. William White, a lighting designer, was present. He has been interested in this since he noticed it the first time it was proposed.  It is true that blue light can affect sleep and he can offer some clarity on it.  5600 degrees is referred to as daylight.  3,000 degrees is about the average of your incandescent light bulb.  4,000 degrees is toward that spectrum but is not going to affect people too much.  He requested from Liberty Utilities the specs as it was offered.  It appears the Town requested the 3,000 degree lights which should not have any effect on the change from the sodium to this, although it may be a little yellower.  He does not believe they will have any issues.  Mr. Dalessio stated that is very nice to hear.  Mr. White advised the gentlemen doing the work for the Town should be respected for what he has done.  He has the Excel spreadsheet that he will be happy to forward to the Selectboard.  The difference will be less bright in some of those places.  It is up to the Selectboard on how they want to proceed with that.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt Mr. Steve Grenier would be happy to talk with him about this project.  They appreciate the good news.  Mr. Dalessio suggested Mr. White contact Mr. Grenier directly.      

Town Employees and Mask Requirement:  Mrs. Pschirrer wanted to remind all Town employees that they still expect people to be wearing masks when they are in close spaces and are not able to socially distance themselves.  We expect when people walk into the Town Hall that they have a mask on as do a number of other places in Town.  Every department is expected to be wearing their masks.  Mr. Dalessio feels it is very important that everybody adhere to the mask requirement for the Town.  It is critical for the safety and health of everyone.  Ms. Mayberry agreed; it is important to have compliance.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that COVID-19 is still out there plus there are the variances.  We cannot be blasé about this at this.  We have an order in place and they intend to stick with it.  

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Reservoir Dam Repairs, Emergency Generators, Town Employees and COVID-19 Leave:  These items will remain on the agenda pending receipt of additional information.

NEW BUSINESS:

Junkyard Permits:  Mr. Dalessio advised this is the only Junkyard Permit in Town.  This is a renewal.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Junkyard Permit for E.W. Salvage for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.  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.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Junkyard Permit for E.W. Salvage for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.  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.

Town Meeting Room Schematic and Warrant Article Assignments (Continued): Mr. Wozmak was unable to attend this meeting. Therefore, this agenda item was rescheduled for Thursday, March 4th.     

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION II:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session II pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.   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 at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:10 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session II of February 25, 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:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  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, meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the 

Walpole Conservation Commission (via Zoom)

March 1, 2021

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Lewis Shelley, , Steven Dumont, Laura Hayes, France Menk, Jackie Kensen, Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Liason), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Member), Jean Kobeski (Secretary)

Members Absent: none

Alternate Present: None

Call to Order:  Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 

Review and Approval of Minutes: France moved, Lew seconded, and all voted to accept the February 1, 2021 minutes.

Public Business

Treasury:  ForestryAccount – $30,829.91

                 Conservation – $154,270.72

                 Walker Road – $3,363.95

​      

Report from the Chair:  Alicia reported that the WCC was under budget last year. No money was spent on trail expenses. $1550 of the available $2000 was spent, and no money was spent on maps.

Alicia collected the comments left in the box at the library.  When questioned how they use the Gateway, respondents replied: snowmobiling, dog walks, mountain biking, and walks. The suggestion was made to create a fenced-in dog park. Others asked where the trails are. Some requested better access for kayaking and a suggestion was made to put in picnic tables or benches with a view of the river.

Correspondence: Alicia reported she received a note from the NH Charitable Foundation with a check for the amount of $9159.70 from the Robert Hubbard Trust.

NH Fish and Game updated their trails handbook.

New Business

Annual Easement Monitoring: The Monadnock Conservancy notified the WCC that easements need  to be monitored. Alicia stated that the WCC should start annual easement monitoring of the Walpole properties.  Steven asked if there is a form to use when monitoring; Alicia said she would put it on Google Drive.  Jackie then offered to monitor Ballam Farm and France said she would do Fanny Mason.    

Invasive Species Woods Walk: Alicia was rereading Alex Barrett’s list of of things to do and he suggested an invasive species woods walk in the late spring. Laura agreed spring would be the best time because the invasives are just starting to appear. Alex said he would contact a local invasives expert to join the walk. Alicia said she would invite Michael Nerrie and Helen Dalbeck as well.

Management of Fanny Mason Forest:  Alicia talked briefly about getting Long View to harvest Fanny Mason Forest. Laura moved that the membership authorize Long View to harvest Fanny Mason. John seconded, and by a roll call vote, all voted in favor hiring Long View. 

Formation of Subcommittees within the WCC: A Trail Subcommittee has been formed with Steven, Lew, France, and several community volunteers. It was decided to form a second subcommittee monitoring boundaries and easement. Steven, Jackie, France, and Alicia volunteered to be on that committee. Cheryl suggested subcommittee reports become part of Other Business at monthly meetings.

Old Business

Trail Maps Update:  Lew enlisted Rick Brackett to do the trail maps. The plan is to start with the Mill Pond. One side of the map will be a “You are here” in Walpole; the reverse side will be a blow up of the trail. The map will contain information on elevation, use, etc. Lew said he would work with Rick to have a new template to present at the next trail meeting as well as an estimate once the template is done.

Steven asked what the process is for obtaining money for subcommittees. Alicia broke the monies down:7

$750 Trail Use

​$200  Maps and Charts

​$150  Miscellaneous

​$150  Tools, Equipment

There are also conservation savings account funds for Walker Road and Fanny Mason.

Cheryl said estimates should be brought to the WCC meetings. The membership can approve expenditures up to a certain amount. 

Other Business

Trail Subcommittee Report: There was a meeting to discuss the continuation of the Rail Trail past the Cold River to Bellows Falls. Wendy and Will Grossman, as well as members of the Selectboard participated.

John stated that Town Hall has received numerous requests for trail maps. He cautioned that the more information that is available to the public, the heavier the traffic on the trails will be. This will lead to more littering.  Lew stated that the plus side of this is, the more the trails are used by hikers, bikers, etc., the less undesirable usage there will be.

Reservoir Road:  John stated that Fuss and O’Neill designated the Reservoir Dam a high hazard dam.  Repairs will cost around $420,000 or more. He asked Peggy if the modeling report was in; she stated it was not. Once it is in (perhaps by next meeting) it can be sent to the WCC and the future of the dam can be determined.

John suggested beginning the grant process for dam removal. Peggy said it is important to read the report first.  Alicia suggested contacting the Connecticut River Conservancy and The Connecticut River Joint Commission for advice about dam removal.

Walker Road Bench:  Alicia asked if there was any interest in putting in a bench so people could sit and view the river.  Lew suggested building a Leopold bench; it is easy to construct. He said he would send a link to a website where members could see a picture. He suggested building the bench on the backside of the kiosk.

Membership Renewal:  Alicia reminded Laura, Lew, John, and Steven that they need to send letters of interest to serve on the WCC to Sarah.

Adjournment: John moved, Steven seconded, and all voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

*** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission on April 5, 2021.

COVID by the Numbers—March 7 Edition

Walpole had 8 active cases at the end of last week.  As of this writing, we are down to 5 active cases.  Last week we had 4 new cases of COVID in town; that number remained the same this week.

In Cheshire County, our seven day average of reported cases per 100,000 is going in the wrong direction.  The county went from an average of 23.1 cases per 100,000 last week up to an average of 24.8this week.  Congratulations …we have gone back to having the highest infection rate in the state.  The infection rate for the county which was 0.67 at the beginning of February, has been holding steady at about 1.00.  The infection rate reflects the average number of other people that each infected person passes the virus on to.  If it stays around 1.00, the numbers or new cases are likely to remain the same.  When the infection rate goes above 1.00, the numbers are likely to rise.  

Active cases in Cheshire County went from 149 up to 156.  One more COVID case was hospitalized this week, and we have lost one more citizen to the pandemic this week.

Statewide, the numbers are significantly better.  The seven-day average of reported cases statewide has gone down from 21.1 to 16.1.  Active cases have gone from 2,532 down to 2,062.  Hospitalizations have gone from 89 to 88.  We lost 16 citizens statewide last week; this week the number was 14.   As of this writing, 75,861 cases of COVID have been confirmed in the state.

The numbers in NH are still significantly higher than those in California, so we can still do much better.

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

Wear your mask, keep your distance-even when wearing a mask, wash your hands, and keep well.  

~Representative Lucy Weber

603-499-0282

Lwmcv@comcast.net

In front of the Post Office – 9:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, April 3rd. Benefits go the the 1st Congregational Church of Walpole. These are whole pies and if you remember the “good old days” of pie at the Band Comcerts , you know that these pies are really delicious!

COVID Vaccine Midweek Update

All of the information in today’s update comes  from the Governor’s press conference today.  Occasionally in the past, the press conferences have gotten out in front of the folks on the ground who have to administer the programs.  If that happens this time, please let me know, so I can pass the word, but kindly refrain from yelling at the messenger.  I took a lot of flak back when the Governor announced that primary care  providers would sign up medically fragile persons in Phase 1-b for their shots and it turned out that local providers had not heard about that program yet.  

All three vaccines have proved extremely effective at preventing hospitalization or death; you are not given a choice of which vaccine you will get.  

With the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine, and the contract for Merck to also manufacture the J & J vaccine under the Defense Production Act, vaccine administration is ramping up to the next level in NH.  According to the Governor’s press conference today, we got 42,000 doses of vaccine into the state this week, with more doses coming in through a federal program distributed in NH by the Walgreen’s chain.  

Phase 1-b:  The Governor said that everyone in Phase 1-b (that’s the 65+ group) who wanted to get their date moved up from April to March has been moved up, so if you are still scheduled for April and want an earlier slot, call 211 and they can reschedule you.  

Homebound folks:  Starting tomorrow, if you are homebound, you can sign up to get a shot administered at home, even  if you are not  signed up with a home health agency.  If you are a patient of a home health agency, and have not yet been contacted by them about your vaccine, call them to find out your options.  If you are not signed up with a home health agency, you can still get transport to a vaccine center, or can get a vaccine at home.  Call 211 to make those arrangements.  As always, expect to be on hold for some time when you call 211.  Have a book or a crossword or some other occupation available to help you pass the time while you are on hold.  Also, know that it will take some time to get to everyone who is homebound, so if you can manage to be transported to a vaccine site, you will probably get the vaccine significantly sooner than waiting for it at home.

Phase 2-A  Teachers, School Administration and Staff, and Child Care Workers: Having said very recently he will not move educators up on the list, the Governor now says that it is time for workers in this category to get into the mix.  Many educators will be vaccinated on-site by arrangements set up by their employers.  If your employer is not setting up arrangements for you to be vaccinated, you may register for vaccination starting on March 17^th, with appointments starting on March 22^nd.  The sign up is supposed to be via the new state registration system, referred to as VMS, as opposed to the problem-plagued VAMS.  No word yet how to connect to VMS, but let us hope the information will be up on the NH COVID web site, found here:  https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ .  That is where you go now to start the registration process.

Phase 2-b  People 50+:  If you are 50 years of age or older, registration starts on March 22^nd, with appointments starting on March 25^th, again via the new VMS system. 

Two more new cases in Walpole today; three so far this week.  Today, Cheshire County has the second highest 7 day average rate of infection per 100,000 in the state, at 24.2.  Only Grafton, at 28.3, is higher.  Sullivan County, right next door, is the lowest in NH at 9.9.  Hillsborough, usually at the top of the list, is at 17.8.  Windham County VT, just across the river, is at 8.1.  We have work to do.

Wear your mask, even while distancing.  Keep your distance, even while wearing a mask.  Wash your hands.  And keep well.

Lucy

~Representative Lucy Weber

603-499-0282

Lwmcv@comcast.net

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

March 4, 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 $50,499.91 for checks issued 3/05/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $34,763.26 dated 3/05/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,130.97

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – February 25, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session I Minutes – February 25, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session II Minutes – February 25, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – February 23, 2021

PROPERTY TAX INTEREST FORGIVENESS• Map and Lot# 008-022-000

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT• Map and Lot# 012-055-016

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION• Map and Lot# 008-117-000• Map and Lot# 009-058-000

OLD BUSINESS• Class VI Portion of Whipple Hill Road and Snowmobiles• Certificate of Authorization for Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant• Streetlight LED Conversion• Warrant Article Assignments and Town Meeting Room Schematic

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

NEW BUSINESS• Selectboard Office Computer Purchase Order• Cemetery Deed D504• Open Container Permit for Outdoor Dining at Burdick’s Restaurant• Westminster Street Travel Complaint

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

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

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

Staff Present:​​Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Lt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Meghan Hansson (Interim Town Clerk/Tax Collector) 

Excused:​​Michael Paquette (Chief Police Department)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting via Zoom to order at 5:00 PM.  The Selectboard members, Staff Department Managers and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are all in separate locations.  Mrs. Sarah Downing is in the Walpole Town Hall and is running this Zoom meeting.  This meeting was recorded by the Town.

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.  All Staff members listed above responded they were present during the voice roll call.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that an email was distributed that was apparently “hacked”.  It came to Jodi Daigle.  Mrs. Pschirrerwas not sure if other Staff received it or not.  It states it was from her but it is not her email address.  The subject line says “A Dispatch of Compensation for Pious Staffs”.  The entire email is not written in any way the same as one she would write to the Staff.  If anyone responded they need to be cautious of what might come back to them.  Let the office know because clearly it is a “hack” job of some kind.  It is not real.  They are getting a lot of similar emails.  Some phone calls are always asking for money.  She has turned the phone numbers over to the Police Department but they are looking for ways to “trip” people up because they hung up as soon as Lt. Sanctuary said he was from the Walpole Police Department.  Be on the look-out and carefully notice the emails.

Mrs. Downing also sent each of them a copy of the Warrant as they need to be prepared to discuss the Warrant Article that pertains to them.  The 2021 Annual Town Meeting is still scheduled for Saturday, March 13^th, 2021, at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Elementary School Gymnasium.     

Walpole Recreation Department:  Mr. Kraig Harlow submitted the following written report dated February 18, 2021:

Community Events:• We will be hosting online Trivia Night on February 26 and teams will be made from participants in each household.  We will be awarding prizes to the top three winners.• Over vacation we are asking children to build the Tallest Index Card Tower and send us a picture of their tower.  We will award prizes to the tallest tower in four age divisions.• Daddy and Me dance and winter basketball has been postponed/cancelled for the year due to COV

Improvements:• We will be adding a new handicap accessibility chair for the pool for this coming summer.• We are adding another shed at Whitcomb Park to hold equipment and provide additional storage for soccer goals and outdoor basketball equipment.  Our goal is to free up some space we’ve been using at the Town Hall and to keep everything down at the Rec Center.• With approval of Warrant Article 5, much needed repairs will be made to the meter pit down at the park.  This is work that has been delayed in previous years.• With approval of Warrant Article 13, we plan to repair the pool roof.  We were hoping to have this work done this past year and hopefully can get it done this spring.

Recreation Board:• Recreation Board will meet in March for its first 2021 quarterly meeting.

Recycling Department:  Mr. Ben Hoy submitted the following written report for February.• Received recoverable depreciation insurance check for old Reuse Center from Primex for $17,360 last week.  We had received a check for $29,134.82 last year for the actual cash value of the Reuse Center, which brings Walpole recycling a total of $46,494.82 in insurance money toward the cost of the Reuse Center.  The total actual cost to the town of Walpole for the building of the reuse center is $28,502.• The Reuse Center has brought in $4,263.00 since our grand opening on October 10^th.• The Friends of the Walpole Library has brought in $846.73.• Friends of the Walpole Library volunteers are helping to keep our bookshelves at the Reuse Center stocked with quality books.• Walpole recycling is now picking up Friends of the Library books from the library during our recycling route to keep new books circulating.• With the help of Walpole residents, we have begun recycling our newspaper, magazines, and office paper with Soundview Paper in Putney, Vermont.  We have not previously sorted (exclusively) magazines or office paper.  This has been separated from mixed paper, which does not currently yield any value-(mixed paper is recycled.)• Recycling truck has all new tires.  It is handling a lot better especially in the snow.• Warrant Article #9 paving area pictured.  It will help keep everything clean.

Mr. Hoy had of a notice from Northeast Resource Recovery Association with “Congratulations for being such active recyclers!” It lists “Recyclable Material” – “Amount Recycled in 2020 – Environmental Impact!  The recyclable materials listed on the sheet were sent to market to be remanufactured into new products through our non-profit recycling organization, the Northeast Resource Recovery Association.

Administrator of Finance:  Mr. Rich Kreissle submitted a written report as follows:

As he alluded to in our last gathering, December and January are a busy, busy time for him.  He thought he would give us a sense as to what activities he is required to do during this end of year (EOY) time.

1. Out with the old, in with the new.  Physically transfer files-2019 boxed and placed in the basement.  These files include all Accounts Payable, deposit/receipt records, bank statements, payroll records, and NHRS records.  Despite the use of computers, paper still rules in the accounting realm.

2. He uses a number of spreadsheets to keep track of ancillary data.  2021 spreadsheets are created and updated with any information pertinent to 2021.

3.. Budget – assist in the finalizing of the budget and warrant articles.  Enter this information into the Department of Revenue Administration’s (DRA) portal.  They then review the information, suggest/require corrections before they sign off of them and we can produce/post the MS-636

4. Only 310 days until Christmas.

5. Produce W-2’s, 1099’s, and 1095-B’s for 2020.  1095-B is an information return that reports to the government that all full-time employees had access to health insurance while they were employed by the town.  When received, no action is required on our part.  Though the accounting software automates these, they all have to be reviewed before submitting them.

6. Bring forward the benefit hours for all full time employees.

7. Enter in the 2020 wages/hours for our one retired employee.

8. Document/record the yearly interest on our various bank accounts.

9. File the year end unemployment report for 2020 with the Primex to assist them in their rate setting for the town.10. This year, he had the added duty of assisting our auditors with the tax committal audit of the tax collector’s office as a result of Sandy Smith’s retirement.

11. Most of these activities need to be completed by the end of January and while he performs his regular duties.

Looking ahead:

After the town meeting (March 13^th), he is required to enter the results of the town meeting into the DRA’s portal and then start prepping for the 2020 audit.  February ends up being a month where he can catch up on other projects that were less urgent to accomplish during January.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked if he normally gives each Department Manager a monthly report.  Mr. Kreissle replied that he does but this year he wants to do it differently.  He will use their budget as a basis; reports will go out monthly to the Department Managers who need to contact him if they see figures they disagree with.  Ms. Mayberry clarified he would include their budget figure plus the year-to-date expenditures so the Department Managers know where they are every month.  Mr. Kreissle agreed. 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck distributed a written report dated February 16, 2021.

School Programs and School Gardens:  School programs were fully remote until Feb. 1 when schools got back to the hybrid attendance model.  Becky Whippie and she are happily to be with their teachers and students again.  It is hard to say exact numbers of students that are fully remote vs hybrid as it changes frequently.  The Hooper lessons offer some normalcy, fun and really important science lessons, some of the only science they have for now.

Outreach and Marketing:  Facebook, the Clarion, Friends of Hooper Institute.  Both Jan and Feb editions had Hooper Institute articles.  January introduced their new logo (above), the February focus was the Friends of Hooper Institute and membership.  New letterhead has been created and next up is a new street sign at 165 Prospect Hill.

Facility and Land:  She checks on the building two times each week.  The driveway is being plowed and there is lots of evidence of people and dogs using our trails with some off trail snowmobiling.  Their fruit trees will be pruned on 2/26 by the NH Extension Service.  She plans to film this on their new I-Pad and post the demonstration.  In process is an estimate by EE Houghton for a new, more efficient heating system for the main building.

Administration:  Sue Nadeau’s board membership has been approved.  Town Report submission was made with photos.  Becky Whippie and she talk weekly.  They have planned an appeal letter from the two of them to support their education programs.  The virtual Friends of Hooper Institute annual meeting will be March 10, 2021 with the agenda and details to follow.  A ZOOM FORUM meeting with all frontline Hooper Institute community members will take place on March 16, 7 pm.

Public Programs:  They hoped for county wide fruit tree pruning workshop at the Hooper, taught by UNH Extension Service staff, will not be in person due to COVID.  She received an unusual offer from a youth circus organization, Flying Gravity Circus that she knows well, based in Wilton NH.  https://www.flyinggravitycircus.org/  They are offering the Hooper Institute an opportunity to host “Circus in the Woods” this spring, performances in our woods, on our trails and in our fields.  Hooper staff will meet with FGC directors 2/18 to begin program development; the performance date will be announced soon.  It will be a fundraiser.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked about fees.  Mrs. Dalbeck expects it will be $5.00/person or $25.00/family.  There will be no fee to the Hooper Institute.  It will be on Sunday, May 23^rd, 2021.  

They still have the Owl Program scheduled for May 22^nd in the Town Hall.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt the State rules may change by then on having events indoors.  Possibly having it on the Common under a tent is an option. However, Mrs. Dalbeck would prefer not to have the expense of renting a tent.  

Respectfully submitted and thanks to all for your support.  

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau submitted the following written report:

​Winter weather has finally arrived, with weekly storms and subzero temperatures.  The highway crew has been kept busy around the clock with plowing, salting, and post storm clean up.  The drivers (most of the time) begin their day when most of us are still sleeping and continue until the storm is over, at times this includes stopping for breakdowns, blown hydraulic hoses, broken chains, etc.  In between storm clean up, we have been working on repairs of equipment that takes a beating when used.  This consists of changing of plow blades when needed, changing fluids, ordering, waiting for, and installing parts, and so on.  Here at Highway, they are looking forward to spring.

​Mr. Rau had distributed copies of the 2021 Paving Schedule.  The big project will be Elm Street; it is a complete re-do.  Mr. Mark Houghton is going to re-do the water and some sewer.  The Highway Department will do the drainage so the whole street will be ripped up.  They will have to dig into the Common because that is where the drainage is now.  The drainage will be moved out of the Common and go back to the street.  They do not have a firm date yet but there will be some meetings with Mr. Mark Houghton, Selectboard, residents and Mr. Rau.  The meetings will be similar to what they did on Pleasant Street.  Mr. Rau would like to have it completed by July.  Their paving usually starts in July.  Mrs. Pschirrer expects the Brownfields area will be cleaned-up this summer but they do not have a date yet.  They need to coordinate things but there will probably be a period of time when they overlap.  The entire area will be disrupted.              

​He would like to again, thank the highway family for all the hard work and long hours they put into keeping the roadways, sidewalks, steps, public parking lots, town building parking lots, storm drains, etc. safe for public travel.

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg distributed a written report as follows:

February Update:

This month they are continuing with their 15-minute express browsing and curbside pickup.  They have had one patron so far take advantage of home delivery.  However, curbside requests continue to increase – 34 curbside pickups in January.

They have had trouble with leaking from the chimney in the office that was enclosed as part of the renovation.  This has caused damage to the ceiling in that room.  They have consulted with Barry Bellows and Tim Smith of Long’s Roofing as to the cause of the leakage and possible solutions

Staff Development:

She has joined the New Hampshire Library Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee.  She plans to attend their next meeting in March.

The library staff have an opportunity to participate in no cost training from ALA (funded by the NH Charitable Association) – Essentials for Library Workers.  The trainings consist of 4 webinars geared toward rural libraries that cover the topics of creating a welcoming environment for patrons with disabilities, fundamentals of diversity and tools for creating inclusive environments, essential principles of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights, and how to provide excellent customer service.  She plans to make watching these webinars one of the goals for all library staff this year.

Programming:

Facebook Live Story Times continue to be popular.  Julie is now on her third book for Book Bites, and she has a small but steady following.  They continue to have success with the Take and Make craft kits for kids and adults.  This month they offered make your own bird feeder kits with backyard bird spotting activities.  The virtual Bake Off started on the first.  They received 19 cake entries and 194 people cast their votes by noon on the first day of voting.  They plan to do a second Bake Off this Spring.  She is working with a member of the community to plan a parenting program via Zoom on March 10^th – it will be an IEP organization workshop.  She is a volunteer parent advocate and part of her responsibilities are to present these workshops to the public so it would be no charge to us outside of providing 3 ring binders for the attendees.

Technology:

She is working with their Playaway rep to find grant funding sources to help them to expand their children’s literacy offerings.  Playaway has new Reading Academy Launchpads with a 5-level guided reading system, (based on the Fountas and Pinnell benchmark assessment system), geared toward readers of all abilities.  They also offer audiobooks for all ages of children which are helpful to struggling and reluctant readers.  The tablets are approximately $160/each.  Mr. Dalessio asked how many would they need.  Mrs. Malmberg would like 10-to-15 to start.  There is some funding available through Dollar General if the town has a store which Walpole has.   

The library is now on Instagram.  You can follow them at walpoletownlibrary.  Mrs. Malmberg provided the January Monthly Library Statistics – 2021.

Walpole Town Clerk / Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson distributed a written report dated February 18, 2021:• Have hired a part time, temporary office assistant, Debra Lane.  She has been collating and organizing important documents, making them quickly accessible.• Have made 21 tax deposits since the last staff meeting.  This totals $317,605.00.• Barrington or delinquent notices have been sent out, and people are responding to that.  A couple came in today.• Tax training…came last day of January for the closing of the month and will be back for the closing of February.• Registered 393 vehicles between the last staff meeting and this one, bringing in over $66,000 for the Town.• Ballots have been ordered for March Election (3/09/21).• Only a few requests for Absentee Ballots so far. Office has undergone major cleanout and reorganization, becoming more streamlined and efficient, an ongoing project…new locks on some cabinets and drawers.• Basement storage is undergoing its own cleanout and reorganization.• They have 46 boxes ready for shredding on Thursday (today).• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has some training sessions scheduled in March, of which they plan to take advantage.  (Free).  

Mrs. Pschirrer asked how many ballots they order.  Mrs. Hansson replied that last year they ordered 1,200 but she ordered 1,300 for this year.  It is better to have more than enough than to run out.    

Police Department:  Lt. Justin Sanctuary reported they took advantage of the shredder being in town.  Recently they had some more sexual assaults (juvenile and adult) and they did search warrants in eight vehicles.  Last year they were limited with in-person training due to COVID-19 but the regulations have loosened up so they were able to do some training which was really good.  They are currently working through the hiring process.  They are working on the background of one applicant at this time.  This could take up to three weeks before they move forward to fill an open position.  This time next month they hope to have a new officer with them.  Both their hybrid cruisers had issues but they were warranty issues.  This has been taken care of.  They hope Article #10 will pass so they will be able to order another cruiser.  Lt. Sanctuary mentioned the Consolidated trucks are back in Town.  They will probably be here another three weeks or so.  In the next couple of months he would like to get the website up and running.  If anyone would like to volunteer to assist please contact the Police Department.        

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted a written report dated February 18, 2021, as follows:

Selectboard Office Projects:• Property Tax Map Archive:  Due to a right-to-know request, town property tax maps that had been stored in various areas of the Town Hall were moved to the main meeting room, sorted and assembled.  Property tax maps are to be kept forever by RSA.  The maps are in the process of being bagged and labeled for storage in the basement Selectboard Office cubbie.  Much thanks to Brad Nash who has spent quite a bit of time on this backburner project that moved up in priority.• Updated Phone System in Tax Collector/Town Clerk’s Office:  An updated phone system was installed by Brad Nash in the Town Clerk’s Office over the course of several weeks.  Thanks to Jodi Daigle with setting up the auto attendant.• General Basement/Office Cleanout:  Several boxes of paper are to be taken away from offices in the Town Hall.  Also, items were sent to the Reuse Center or to the metal pile.  Thanks to Shaena Hakey for taking these items off our hands.• Brownfields/EPA Grant:  Several meetings were hosted by the Town for a team meeting and planning session for the clean-up of the former Central Plating Site located near the Mascoma Bank parking lot.  Peggy Pschirrer is the Town Project Manager (TPM) and Ransom Consulting being the Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) for this grant funded project.• Town Report:  Has been sent to the printers on 2/16/2021 with a proof pending.  The report will be posted to the website for downloading.

Assessing Update:• Tax Abatement Application Deadline is March 1^st:  There is less than 2 weeks left for property owners to file their forms.• A-29 forms for elderly tax exemption, veterans’ tax credit, blind exemption and solar energy system exemption are due on or before April 15, 2021 A-10 forms for placing land into current use status are accepted through April 15, 2021.  Two applications were processed at last week’s Selectboard Meeting.• If property owners have questions about current use, property tax credits and exemptions, contact the Selectboard Office for assistance.

Town Meeting:• 2021 Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 13^thstarting at 1 PM at the Walpole Elementary School.  Department Managers should plan on attending.

Water and Sewer:• Water and Sewer payments for the fourth quarter of 2020 usage are being processed.  Payments a bit slower so far this period per Jodi Daigle with a 10% decline in payment time.• 4^th quarter water payments are due on Feb. 28^th.

2021 Town Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Jack Wozmakhave had questions on the 2021 Town Meeting.  At this point we are still holding it on Saturday, March 13^th, 2021, at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Elementary School Gym.  We can be spread out for distancing.  Masks are required.  There will be no food by the Walpole Grange.  It will be missed but food cannot be available this year.  In the Keene-Sentinel, many towns are moving their Town Meetings to April and May.  

She appreciates all their time and hard work the Department Managers do.  There are exciting things going on in our Town.  We are all moving along even though we cannot be out-and-about as much as we would like to be right now.      

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary