The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Mr. Steven Dalessio, a Selectboard member.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, a Selectboard member, will not be attending this meeting as she is not feeling well.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance.  This meeting is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer announced that everybody was asked to sign-in. There were 35 sign-in attendees.  A copy of this roster is attached to these minutes for the record.    

Because of the importance of this issue, it will be the first item on this week’s agenda.  We are here tonight to discuss the rules and regulations of ATV/Off Road vehicles.  The Selectboard invited Officer Jonathan DeLisle, who has been with the NH Fish and Game for almost ten (10) years.  The concerns began last spring when people in the community were aware of property damage on private property.  Off road vehicles were sold out all over Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire.  People are not following the rules and regulations.  Everyone will have a chance to speak.  Officer DeLisle will try to answer as many questions as people might have.  We have a new flat screen display where the RSAs are being projected.

Officer DeLisle reported that COVID-19 brought a lot of new stuff to this area and the State.  A recent stop he made on November 8^th is probably instrumental in having this meeting. The reason the stop was made on an ATV was because the operator was endangering a child passenger and that is a criminal offense. The ATV had what is called a special commercial plate; it goes through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  They have to have certain requirements to get these plates.  A special commercial plate is for farming, agricultural, maple sugaring, cutting wood, and industrial use.  It is not for recreational use.  This operator and passenger were basically joy riding on a road in Walpole with a special commercial plate.  Rather than issue a ticket, he made a decision to treat it as a learning experience for them and to educate them on the rules and regulations of what the special commercial plate is for so they would be able to use it properly.  

The laws are created by the State and he has to enforce them like any State Trooper or Town Police officer.  For 9, almost 10 years, he has only had issues with people damaging private property and/or operating where they should not be.   Fish and Game covers 20 towns.  When you get a special commercial plate through your Town, you get a sheet that has to be signed for with the “UTV Requirements for Special Commercial (Spec Comm) Plates/Road Use”.  When it is being abused, it hurts the people who are using them properly.  He does not control license plates.  These machines are allowed to be operated on the roads like any other vehicle.  The requirements for the equipment are for their safety as many people are not looking for them to be on the roads.  That is why lights, reflectors, etc. are required.  They are not used for recreation but rather transportation purposes. Under RSA 215, it describes OHRV use for recreational purposes.  How he enforces this is with discretion.  There are usually factors, circumstances; there is a reason.  He takes all that into perspective in how he enforces that rule.  It is not always “black-and-white”.  

He quite often gets questioned as to why one cannot ride ATVs all over like they do up north.  Up north some towns and cities have ordinances and have voted to allow ATVs on either all their roads or some of their roads.  In some towns the Selectboard can authorize the opening up of certain roads.  Up north anyone can come in from all parts of the country/world, unload their machines and they can ride on those roads. Those towns also have more ATV Clubs that get permission from private land owners.  It is similar to our local snowmobile clubs who work very hard to get permission to use private properties for snowmobile trails.  Up north the towns and cities are not the only ones doing enforcement, they are working with the Fish and Game, Sheriff’s Department and Border Patrol.  These agencies are equipped with machines for patrols, they are trained for enforcement, court documents, etc.  They are having an influx of people seven days a week.  People are bringing in their machines or renting machines and riding.  The question of the rail trails came up.  They are closed to motorized vehicles but they are open in the winter for snowmobiles.  The State and/or Snowmobile Clubs might use motorized vehicles to repair the trails, etc.  You can walk, hike, and ride a bike.  You can ride an electric bike on a rail trail unless it is 750 watts or more.  

Officer DeLisle opened up the discussion for questions / comments from those in attendance.

Mr. Tom Dupell lives on County Road.  He asked if they have a properly registered ATV, are they allowed to ride on Class VI roads in Walpole.  Officer DeLisle responded that if they are properly registered, they cannot ride on any public right-of-way and Class VI roads. The difference is recreational use vs transportation use.  Mr. Dupell said they can ride on the Class VI roads in Walpole with a registered truck or Jeep but they cannot ride on them with an ATV.  Officer DeLisle asked if he knew of anybody who got a ticket for this.  Mr. Dupell said “no”.  With proper registration can they ride on that road and the answer was “no” not in the Town of Walpole.  Officer DeLisle said you cannot ride for recreational purposes.  Mr. Dupell said if they have an off-road sticker on an ATV they cannot ride on a Class VI road.  Officer DeLisle said it depends on whether he is using it for recreational or transportation use.  Mr. Dupell said he can go over to Derry Hill Road and ride all over the place with his truck or Jeep.  He can ride on Class VI roads in Walpole but not with an ATV.  Mr. Dupell said the Town would have to make an exception for this.  Officer DeLisle noted if one wants to ride recreationally, one has to go to an area that is approved.  Derry Hill is a Class VI road.  Officer DeLisle is not aware of anyone getting a ticket for riding an ATV on that road as there are landowners who need ATVs for transportation to and on their property. The State laws state they cannot operate on a public right-of-way so he has to use his discretion. They cannot operate an ATV for recreational purposes.  Mr. Dupell said they can work with the Selectboard to put an ordinance in place.  Officer DeLisle said that would open it up to the entire country/world.  He is not aware of anyone getting a ticket for riding on a Class VI road.  

Mr. Dalessio questioned if Mr. Dupell owns a piece of property on Derry Hill. If so, he could drive up to his property in a legal way.  Officer DeLisle said “of course”.  Mr. Dalessio said by not being a landowner, it becomes recreational.  Mr. Dupell asked if he can have two registrations.  Officer DeLisle said he could. Visiting his friend would be recreational.  The only way to have recreational use on a Town road would be for the Selectboard to vote to open it to everybody.  It would put all enforcement solely on the Town and not NH Fish and Game.  

Mr. Gary Speed lives on Maple Grove Road.  He is also on the Conservation Commission.  This off road usage has been an issue for years.  There is a group from out-of-towners that goes over all these roads and they go up to High Blue.  It is not illegal. Mrs. Pschirrer advised they could present a warrant article by petition at Town Meeting.  RSA 215-A:6 includes a statement as follows: “IX. Pursuant to RSA 215:A:15, city or town councils and board of selectmen may authorize the use of sidewalks and class IV, class V or class VI highways and bridges, or portions thereof, for use by OHRVs.”  This would require a Public Hearing following a 14 day notice.  This is an alternative to an ordinance or going to Town Meeting.  It would be a majority vote by ballot.  They would have to talk about the implications as this would include the work load of the Walpole Police Department.

Mrs. Jan Galloway-Leclerc asked if the Town should decide to permit ATVs, it would be for anybody from anywhere?  Officer DeLisle said it would open it up to everybody.  It could be all Class VI roads or certain Class VI roads or portions of some Class VI roads.  Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc stated it could be a problem for property owners.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the RSA are clear the use of the roads could not be limited to local residents.                                  

Mrs. Kara Dexter advised that we are not limiting people from coming into Town using these roads.  It would not change anything.  Officer DeLisle said they are allowed to use the public-way.  With her motorcycle she can ride on any public-way.  Mrs. Dexter has a motorcycle with plates and a permit.  It is important to keep these class VI roads open.  She picks up a lot of trash town-wide.  When she goes into the woods on her motorcycle and finds trash, she does not have the proper vehicle to pick it all up.  She has friends with trucks and ATVs who can go in there and pick up the trash.  It is important to keep these roads open.  

Todd Patch lives on the Upper Walpole Valley Road.  He snowplows his own area plus a neighbors’ driveway, but he has to go on the road to get there.  Officer DeLisle replied that Mr. Patch is not using it recreationally or as part of a business; that is something he would not address.

Responding to a question Officer DeLisle said the Selectboard can open any roads or sections of roads not only Class VI roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that if they are interested in a change they should get together as a group and organize so they can come back and present something concrete that they would like to see happen.  The Selectboard can do all the publicity and call the public meeting.  If they come up with something, as a group, that they want, they will need to persuade the whole Town who will have the opportunity to vote.  They need to be willing to take on and defend the ordinance because it will increase the Town’s expenses.  The Selectboard will leave the next step to the people.

Mrs. Pschirrer noted that farm vehicles have great latitude in where they go.  However, we are not talking about those vehicles but rather the 4-wheel drive vehicles that go wherever they please.  Some are destructive.  In the north-country they opened up the roads to survive.  Officer DeLisle said the majority of people in this area are respectful of other people’s properties.  They have to use their plates in compliance with the State’s rules and regulations.  While people stay on the rights-of-way that is acceptable but once they leave and go onto private property and do damage that is something Officer DeLisle takes very seriously.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio thanked Officer DeLisle for attending.  They also thanked all the people present for coming into this meeting.               

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $60,424.22 for checks issued December 11, 2020.  This includes a $24,214.89 payment to the NH Retirement System.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 5, 2020, in the amount of $28,607.82 for checks dated December 11, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,510.47.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – December 3, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 3, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 3, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of December 3, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following committee reports:• Walpole Fire District Meeting – October 14, 2020;• Walpole Fire District Meeting – November 11, 2020.

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE WATER TAX LIEN:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Walpole Water Tax Lien in the amount of $1,534.89.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE SEWER TAX LIEN:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Walpole Sewer Tax Lien in the amount of $3,804.44.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER TAX LIEN:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien in the amount of $15,830.45.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #021-014-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $5,146.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #021-014-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #024-015-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $300.90 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #024-015-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #010-024-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $2,497.03 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-024-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #007-024-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Solar Energy Exemption in the amount of $13,200.00 for the new property owner.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

MAP and LOT #009-006-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-006-000 located off of Maple Grove Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #009-008-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-008-000 located off of Maple Grove Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #009-029-003 with #009-030-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lots #009-029-003 and #009-030-000 (two small lots) located off of French Road (Class VI).  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Travel Policy for Employees:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to put the Travel Policy for Employees “on-hold” until the next meeting.

Sewer Bond and Usage Fees:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with Mr. Mark Houghton and they decided to leave the sewer user rates the same but to modify the bond rate based on usage.  This will be effective with the first quarter bills generated in April 2021.  

Pending Further Actions:

Town Street Lights, Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge Repair and Reservoir Dam Repairs will remain on future agendas pending further action.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed D582:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot #D582.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Cemetery Deed D593:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot #D593.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Emergency Generators:  Mr. Justin Cassarino would like to discuss getting an emergency generator as the Walpole Elementary School has been listed as an approved shelter in the Walpole Emergency Plan.  Mr. Dalessio suggested Mrs. Downing contact Ms. Liz Gilboy of NH Homeland Security as she had mentioned that federal monies were available for this.  He also recommended that after the first of the year they should get Mr. Mark Houghton involved.  Mrs. Pschirrer will email Mr. Cassarino to let him know they will contact Ms. Gilboy.    

December Staff Meeting:  The Selectboard agreed to cancel the Thursday, December 17^th, 2020, Staff Meeting. The department managers have been working on their 2021 proposed budgets and will be meeting individually with the Selectboard tomorrow.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:41 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:03 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of the December 10, 2020, meeting will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Town Clerk and Tax Collector’s Office will not be open on Friday, 12/18/2020. However, the Town Hall will be staffed from 8 am to 4 pm. If someone would like to pay their taxes, they need to knock on the outside door and they can drop their tax payment off. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office will be open on Monday morning.

Just a reminder that Walpole does have a parking ban. If the snow out there isn’t enough to move, they don’t need cars as well. – Lil

Town of Walpole Parking Ordinance 2002-01: Under Section II, A, 1, d

No person, except a person operating an emergency vehicle, shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended,

(i)  at any place where and when parking has been prohibited during the winter season pursuant to a notice issued by the Board of Selectmen to facilitate snow plowing or snow or ice removal within the Town of Walpole, which notice has been published by order of the Board of Selectmen in a newspaper of general circulation and posted at the places where minutes of Selectman’s meetings are ordinarily posted (Prohibited Parking); or

(ii) for more than two hours during a major storm (which in the case of a snowstorm shall be a storm with a snowfall of six inches or more) (Prohibited Parking); and in order to facilitate such snow plowing or snow or ice removal, any vehicle parked in violation of this paragraph (d) may be towed by wrecker at the owner’s expense and risk whenever the Road Agent or police authorities so determine.

Hi, all,

Sorry I’m late, but sometimes I just can’t look at the numbers anymore.

~Lucy

COVID by the Numbers—December 15 Edition

Hello, everyone.  I’ve been told I’m overdue for a report.  I hadn’t realized I was putting out reports so regularly that one would be missed.  Fact is, that the numbers here and elsewhere are so overwhelming that it’s hard to keep looking at them.  The newly elected Speaker of the NH House died last week; his Speaker Pro Tem, the position I held, is seriously ill.  At least one State House staffer is also ill.  I attended Organization Day in person, on the field at UNH, and participated in the coin toss with Speaker Hinch.  I’m 14 days out from that event now, and none of the contacts I had actually count as “close contact, but I have kept away from people, just in case.  And now, the numbers…

As of December 14, Walpole was down to 5 active cases, and total cases in Walpole went from 18 to 22.

Cheshire County had 214 new cases last week; up from 143 the week before.  One dreadful day 69 new cases were reported, but I am assuming that was due to catching up on a backlog of tests.  The daily average for the week is just over 30 cases a day.  The Cheshire County 7 day moving average for number of daily cases per 100,000 is at 43.6 as December 13, up from 24.6 at the beginning of December. Currently, the county has 246 active cases, up from 160 on December 1^st.

Statewide, the 7 day moving average of daily cases per 100,000 is now 65.0, just above the national average of 64.0.  The state rate has more than doubled since December 1, when it was 31.1.  

Hospitalizations are at 252, down from a high of 258 on the 11^th.

38 lives were lost last week, so no change from the week before.

Current active cases by town:  Keene-100, Swanzey-39, Jaffrey-19, Rindge-17, Chesterfield-8, Dublin-8, Gilsum-6, Hinsdale-6, Marlborough-6, Fitzwilliam-6, Walpole-5, Troy-5.

Towns with 1-4 cases: Westmoreland, Alstead, Marlow, Stoddard, Gilsum, Richmond, and Winchester. Harrisville, Roxbury,

Sullivan alone is at 0.

In these, the darkest days, please be kind and gentle with one another.

It’s really easy to be grumpy—I know I am.

Wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands,

Keep well.

~ Representative Lucy Weber lwmcv@comcast.net 603-499-0282.

Rep. Lucy McVitty Weber
217 Old Keene Road
Walpole  NH  03608

Cell: 603-499-0282
lwmcv@comcast.net

JANUARY 2021 CLARION — CLOSING DATE — DECEMBER 22by Ray Boas

I realize you have enough to worry about with the holidays coming, uniquely coming while we must all avoid COVID, but it is time again, and I have begun my work on the January 2021 issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. Closing date is a week from Tuesday – 22 December.

Again during the pandemic there is a scarcity of happenings, both past and future, to cover on our pages. The important thing is that we all remain safe, and essentially isolated for everyone’s health and well being. But sufficient submissions have been coming in the past months to provide you with nice balanced reading. Hopefully this one week notice will prod you to send along, by email, your submissions. Something to share: a news happening, a past happening, an item of interest. And, new advertisers are always welcome. Many of my advertisers have been with me for years – their ads work, and they are supporting the CLARION as a community project.

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

And please, Wear Your Mask, Practice Social Distancing, and Wash Your Hands.
Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Please note that the email address on the Free Meal poster was incorrect. Cheri Watson alerted me that it should be:

fs-jhughes@sau60.org

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM.  She advised that the Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  This Zoom meeting is being recorded remotely by FACT-TV.  It is available for viewing on the internet via Facebook.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  

Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Downing will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $336,528.95 for checks issued December 04, 2020.  This includes two checks payable to North Walpole:  One check is for $188,061 which is the districts portion of 2020 taxes collected.  The second check is $35,692.13 for the second half of the PILOT monies owed from Great River Hydro.  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 November 28, 2020, in the amount of $30,574.52 for checks issued December 04, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,036.27.  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 – November 25, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 25, 2020, 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 – November 25, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 25, 2020, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 20, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 27, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 3, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 10, 2020.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #014-005-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $396.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #014-005-000.  This is due to the home condition being reduced.  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.

MAP and LOT #013-003-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $57.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-003-001.  This property had a lot line adjustment; the taxation will be pro-rated between the parties.  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.

MAP and LOT #003-082-CL4:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $5,965.00 for NHPR for Map and Lot #003-0820CL4.  A late submission of the A-9 form from a renter created a tax bill.  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.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #013-003-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant for the amount of $57.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-003-001.  This is related to the above Abatement to add all owners to the bill.  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.

MAP and LOT #005-002-010:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant for the amount of$9,764.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-002-010.  This is for a new home that was not included in the 2020 tax assessment.  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.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #008-061-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $1,310.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-061-000.  This credit is due to late approval of the Discretionary Easement for the Hooper Golf Properties.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-062-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $1,396.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-062-000.  This credit is due to late approval of the Discretionary Easement for the Hooper Golf properties.  Paperwork was submitted before the deadline date.  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.

OLD BUSINESS:

ATV/Off Road Vehicles on Class V and VI Roads:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that the ATV/Off Road Vehicles on Class V and VI Roads agenda item will be discussed during the December 10, 2020, Selectboard meeting that will be held in-person in the Walpole Town Hall at 6:30 PM because there are so many people expected to attend this meeting.  This will be the first item of business on the agenda.  Present will be Fish and Game Officer DeLisle.  Mr. Lew Shelley is also expected to attend.  He has done much research on Class VI roads over the years.

Pending Further Actions:

Sewer Bond Fees:  Mr. Dalessio is waiting to confirm the numbers with Mr. Mark Houghton before issuing the official report.  

COVID-19 Travel Policy for Employees:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that today at 3:00 PM the Governor and the State’s Epidemiologist discussed their recommended change in the Travel Policy.  In the past it has been fourteen (14) days; today they announced it would be ten (10) days.  They discussed the fact that they have COVID-19 escalating all over the State.  Also discussed was their Plan A for the vaccine that is expected the third week of December.  It will start with health care workers first.  They expect a limited supply but will get a new supply each week.  This information is available on the State website.     

NEW BUSINESS:

FMRSD Budget Meeting on December 7, 2020:  The Selectboard had been invited to participate in a Fall Mountain Regional School District Budget Meeting on December 7, 2020, with the Superintendent of Schools and Director of Finance.  They will be meeting with the Selectboards from the five towns between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer was told that 1:00 PM was already taken.  Mr. Dalessio suggested 10:00 AM and Ms. Mayberry agreed.  Mrs. Downing was asked to contact Misty at the FMRSD to let her know they would like to attend at 10:00 AM.  

FACT-TV:  FACT-TV ceased filming at this time as the regular Selectboard meeting had ceased.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 6:45PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 3, 2020, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Water & Sewer Users – Intent to Lien Listings:  The Selectboard had reviewed the Water & Sewer Users – Intent to Lien Listings.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Town of Walpole Water and Sewer Liens for the property owners that are on the Walpole Water & Sewer – Intent to Lien Listings.  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.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the 26 Sewer Liens for North Walpole users that are owed to the Town of Walpole.  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.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

SELECTBOARD MEETING

OHRV REGULATION AND RSAs• Conservation Officer Jonathan DeLisle

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $60,424.22 for checks issued 12/11/2020

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $28,607.82 dated 12/11/2020 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,510.47

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – December 3, 2020• Non-Public Selectboard Session – December 3, 2020

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Walpole Fire District Meeting – October 14, 2020• Walpole Fire District Meeting – November 11, 2020

WARRANTS• Walpole Water Tax Lien• Walpole Sewer Tax Lien• North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS• Map and Lot# 024-015-000• Map and Lot# 010-024-000

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION• Map and Lot# 007-024-000

TIMBER INTENTS• Map and Lot# 009-006-000• Map and Lot# 009-080-000• Map and Lot#s 009-029-003 with 009-030-000

OLD BUSINESS• Travel Policy for Employees• Sewer Bond and Usage Fees

Pending Further Actions

Town Street Lights, Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge Repair, Reservoir Dam Repairs

NEW BUSINESS• Cemetery Deed D582• Cemetery Deed D593• Emergency Generators• December 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**

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, Lewis Shelley, , Steven Dumont, John Peska, Laura Hayes, Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Liason), Jean Kobeski (Secretary)

Members Absent: France Menk, Jackie Kensen

Alternate Present:  Myra Mansouri

Visitors:  Maureen Jenkins, Kara Dexter

Call to Order:  Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 

Review and Approval of Minutes:  Lew pointed out in the minutes of 11/2 that the third heading under Old Business should read: Dates for Blazing Town Forest Boundaries. Steven corrected the first sentence by subsituting the word boundaries for trails. With these corrections Lew moved to accept the minues of 11/2, and John seconded. All approved.

Public Business

Treasury:  As of December 6, ForestryAccount – $30,819.37

                                                  Conservation – $142,748.08

​   Walker Road – $3,363.78

Invoices: 

Robie Speed – $450      Lew moved; John seconded; all voted to pay

NH Association of Conservation Commissions – $275 dues     Lew moved, Steven seconded; all voted to pay.

Old Business

Public Forum:  Alicia introduced Maureen Jenkins, the professional facilitator with whom she has been speaking about the organization of the public forum. Maureen introduced herself to the membership and explained her experience as a facilitator both here and abroad. She said she is available to lead the public forum and has successfully led meetings virtually.

Maureen’s biggest question to the group was what they plan to achieve with this public forum.

Alicia stated that the purpose is to solicit public input on what to do with the Walker Road property. Over the past year the WCC has heard some ideas and concerns and it is time to decide what to do. Maureen wanted to know which people have expressed these ideas and concerns. John answered that many people contributed money toward the purchase of the land and now the WCC is overwhelmed with public opinion on how to use it and make it accessible.

Lew explained that people need to understand what is permissible under the deed. Steven suggested an educational meeting for the public. Maureen recommended waiting at least until February; holding an in-person public forum as originally planned would not be appropriate due to the covid surge. John agreed and suggested setting a new date at the next WCC meeting.  

Laura stated that, with some thought, a Zoom forum could be productive. Myra expressed a concern that not all families are familiar with virtual meetings. Alicia shared Myra’s concern. Laura responded that, if they rule out Zoom, they may be looking at summer dates. Lew said this needs to be addressed before April. John stated the ground rules for use of the property could be pressented at Town Meeting. Maureen warned against assuming that Town Meeting will be held. Cheryl stated that Town Meeting 2021 is scheduled to take place in March in the Walpole Elementary School Gymnasium to allow for social distancing. She did say a virtual meeting is open for discussion.

Alicia brought up the comment boxes the WCC discussed at the last meeting. She asked how viable they would be, considering the places where they would have been put are closed. Steven said the box could still be put on the library porch (library previously agreed to having one) because it is protected. He also stated that people could go to the WCC Facebook page or Walpolian to record comments. Maureen said they should also have a physical address where the comment box(es) would be located. Cheryl also noted that the Clarion has a website that people use.

Maureen asked if the group wants the forum to take place before Town Meeting. John and Alicia answered yes. Maureen then outlined what a virtual forum should look like. It should be done in stages:

    1.  Presentation by WCC giving context to the meeting. It would also be the time to explain regulations outlined by the deed.

    2.  Breakout group of about 3-4 people for 10 minutes to discuss ideas, concerns, and formulate questions

    3.  Reconvene to listen to small group input

    4.  Second breakout group to discuss what they just heard

    5.  WCC response to what was discussed: “This is what we hear you saying.”

    6.  WCC states what they expect to get done in 2021

Lew said he thinks most people don’t know the pArameters of this property, and when they hear, comments should die down.

Alicia asked if the group felt ready to do this by mid-January. She said she would be in favor of postponing the event until Februaury. 

Steven said he doesn’t think there is enough time during WCC meetings to plan such an event. He suggested forming a subcommittee to plan outside of meeting time. Alicia offered to be part of the subcommittee; Lew volunteered as well. Steven and Laura stated that another Zoom meeting would be an efficient way to plan.

Maureen stated she would put her format in an email and send it to the group.

Alicia said the event will be rescheduled for February and it looks like they are headed toward a virtual event. Myra stated that maybe by February there could be an in-person meeting, perhaps at WES.  

Steven stated they should send an immediate message to the Walpolean and Facebook announcing the cancellation of the January forum. An email could be sent to the Clarion. John said that the date of the February public forum will be announced after the January WCC meeting.  Alicia said she would email the subcommittee.

Maureen asked if the group thought Fish and Game should be involved in the forum. Lew doesn’t think it is necessary. Cheryl agrees as long as ramifications are explained. Myra asked if something about that could be put in writing to be read at the forum  or maybe there could be handouts. Cheryl has a handout that includes the RSAs. Lew said he could work on a handout as well.

Lew thanked Maureen for her input and participation in the meeting. Other members added their thanks.

New Business

Logging Around the Fire Pond;  Alicia spoke to Alex of Long View about this logging and was told there is nothing the WCC can do. Steven said it is not designated a prime wetland, so there are no regulations against logging ouside the easement area. Laura stated the property owner, not Long View, is doing the logging. Long View has logged only on the Hooper easement.

John asked if the WCC gets Intent to Log documents. Alicia answered not always. Lew asked if they could get these documents in the future and Cheryl said that should be possible.

Old Business

Trail Maps: Alicia said the SW Regional Planning Commission “has gone dark.” She is not getting responses from them and doesn’t know if she will have the expenses before the end of the year. Steven said he would give them a call. Lew said he has more data to give Alicia.

Blazing Properties:  Steven, Alicia, and Kara walked the Great Brook Town Forest and couldn’t find any blazes. They saw some pins and ribbons and the Monadnock Conservancy corner pins. They painted the corners where they found those pins.

Steven said there are 9 more to do in the spring or fall. He said 3 people is a good number to do this work. He also suggested before going out again, they contact the Monadnock Conservancy for GPS data and have copies of the rapid assessments for taking notes. He also suggested having a gear bag containing waters, toilet paper, first aid supplies, more brushes. Lew recommended purchasing these supplies before the end of the year. He told Steven he would help determine what to buy for the gear bag. He moved that they purchase blazing supplies up to $100. John seconded, and all approved. 

Steven said he submitted an invoice for $56.23 to the selectboard office for the paint and brushes.

Reservoir Dam:  John, a representative from F&O, Mark Houghton, and John Fenton Henry met with the selectboard to determine how to proceed depending on the designation of the reservoir. Right now it is at the significant hazard level. It was determined that modeling should be done to make the final designation. If it remains significant, hardening of North Road at the bend, and repairs on School Street will need to be done at the cost of about $20,000. If modeling shows the reservoir to be high hazard, the culvert will need to be repaired, and necesssary work will cost $420,000. It was suggested that, if this is the case, the dam should be removed and the brook restored to its original state. 

Cheryl said community input will be necessary before any decisions are made. Alicia asked about the timeline for modeling, and John said it is TBD.  

John also stated that there are federal funds available for dam removal. Laura said there arenumerous organization that can help fund such a project, and Alicia said there are also climate resiliency funds. 

Other Business: 

Trail Maintenance:  Steven held a virtual meeting with 16 volunteers interested in being on the trail maintenance crew. They included mambers of the Hooper Hill Hoppeers, walkers, WCC, and mountain bikers. They will meet once each month before the WCC meeting and determine a maintenance schedule. They will serve as “eyes on the trail” to report when they spot something on a trail that needs to be addressed. They will maintain current trails and note possible future trail  locations. Steven will send Zoom initations to monthly meetings to WCC members.

Adjourment:  John moved;, Lew seconded, and all voted in favor of adjourning the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

The next Zoom meeting is Monday, January 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

*** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission on February 3, 2020.