The Walpolean

The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s and Selectboard Offices remain open to the public by appointment.

The Walpole Town Hall is closed for large group and committee/board/commission meetings starting on Monday, Nov. 30^th. The Selectboard will be meeting via Zoom starting on Dec. 3^rd.

To reach the Town Clerk/Tax Collector, call 603-756-3514. For those interested in online vehicle registration renewals, visit walpolenh.us and visit the Town Clerk/Tax Collectors webpage to find the EReg icon and link.

The Selectboard Office’s phone number is 603-756-3672 for questions and scheduling appointments.

Note that water/sewer and property tax payments can be dropped off anytime during business hours without an appointment. Knock on the door and/or call in order to hand off these payments.

Present: Board members: Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray, Ernie Vose, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Judy Trow, Dave Edkins.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the December 2020 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions. 

Meeting Opened: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. 

Roll Call: A full board was present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Murray made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Cindy Westover: Bed and Breakfast. Ms. Westover was at the meeting to inquire about a bed and breakfast at The Tavern at Hooper Golf Club on Prospect Hill Road. She has a client who is interested in opening one there. The closing on the property is Jan 15.  

The couple are going to live in one of the apartments and are going to update the floor plan. They plan down the road to add a bar and weekend meals. The couple wanted to know if there were any restrictions. The Zoning Ordinance for Bed and Breakfast establishments in Article 4, Section L states:

“L.   Bed and Breakfast Establishments

So called “Bed and Breakfast” establishments for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests, may be maintained as home occupations in all zoning districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four and further provided that breakfast shall be the only meal provided and that only to bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other building to a “bed and breakfast” shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board. Off-street parking for one car per rented room plus space for owner parking shall be provided.”

There were several questions and comments. Since it was a bed and breakfast years ago could it be grandfathered or has too much time elapsed? People have been living there recently. Does that qualify for being grandfathered. What about rooms and meals tax? They will need a liquor license. Ms. Trow said that the site plan will require answers about other things like lighting. Approval from the fire department would also be needed.

Ms. Westover left with a site plan application and planned to attend the December Planning Board meeting. 

Possible request for signage in the commercial district – 48 Meadow Access Lane. Ms. Shannon Miller, who emailed the secretary for information, never followed up on a request to attend last night’s meeting for signage at this address.

Old Business:

Temporary signage. Feather flags. Ms. Barnes and Ms. Mansouri met twice to write two ordinances that will go on the 2021 March warrant for the townspeople to vote on after approval by the Planning Board at a Public Hearing. 

The objective was twofold, Ms. Barnes said. The first was to respond to a Select Board letter and there was also the consideration of the US Supreme Court’s decision on signage with guidance on that decision from the New Hampshire Municipal Association. That decision recommended the shorter and less detailed verbiage the better.

The replacement ordinance deals with feather flags and temporary signage and was written in response to an April 2020 letter to the ZBA from the Select Board suggesting the Board “prepare an amendment to the sign ordinances in commercial zones to prohibit feather flags, as well as define temporary signs.” It would be Article IV Section D3 – Limitations, second paragraph.

“Inflatable signs; wind-activated signs like feather flags; oscillating, rotating, flashing, neon or other tubular gas signs; or signs with blinking, changing or moving illumination are not permitted. These prohibitions do not apply to signs used for public safety purposes by a government entity.”

It replaces “Oscillating, rotating, flashing, neon or other tubular gas sings are not permitted except when used for public safety purposed by a government entity.”

The second ordinance deals with temporary signs. It will be number 9 in the signage ordinance in Article IV. D. The current number 9 will become number 10. The new ordinance reads:

“9. Temporary Signs

A temporary sign is any sign not permanently attached to the ground, a wall, or a building that is intended to be displayed for a short and limited period of time.

Examples of temporary signs include announcement signs; real estate signs; community or civic event signs; political campaign signs pursuant to RSA 664; garage or yard sale signs or signs for other special events that occur for a limited period of time.

All temporary signs shall be removed within ten (10) days following the event or activity being promoted.

The rest of the board was pleased with the work done, keeping in mind the Supreme Court’s decision about content in signs. Mr. Vose made a motion that these two ordinances be presented to the Planning Board next month. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Short-term rental meeting: Chair Leclerc attended the Planning Board meeting in November to discuss an article for placement on the warrant in March 2021.

The main comments were: “why do we need that? What’s the difference between renting for two, or three months vs. for one person renting for three years?  Ms. Leclerc told the board that if her neighbors were going to make their residence into a short-term rental, she would like to know that there could possibly be new neighbors living next door every weekend, maybe going to a wedding or parking on my lawn vs one neighbor for three years. She also said that because a site plan review is required for an owner-occupied bed and breakfast it made sense to have a site plan review for short-term rentals where no owner might be there. In that case neighbors would know who was living next door and would have some input. 

The Planning Board wasn’t sure how they felt about short-term rentals but agreed to have a hearing, so next December 8 there will be a Public Hearing on short-term rentals. The short-term rental ordinance was attached to the bed and breakfast ordinance with a few changes. It reads:

“General Provisions Article IV, Section L. Bed-and-Breakfast and Short-Term Rental Establishments. So-called bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental establishments for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests may be maintained in all districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four and that breakfast may be the only meal provided, and only to bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other building to a bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental establishment shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board.”

There was a long discussion on whether or not the short-term rental ordinance should be attached to the current bed and breakfast ordinance or if there should be a separate ordinance and whether or not the short-term ordinance should have regulations attached to the ordinance.

The main argument for doing it now was spurred by the suggestion of town counsel, Jeremy Hockensmith, to get something on the books now. Short-term rentals are increasing in the state and, according to Mr. Murray’s check on the Internet, there are already at least eight (8) in Walpole. Ms. Barnes, who attended a workshop at the NHMA virtual conference in November said the presenters recommended getting an ordinance on the books as soon as possible and noted there are lodging organizations trying to get legislation to favor short-term rentals in all zoning districts and restrict any regulations.

Ms. Mansouri said after reading some of the information that was sent for this meeting and seeing the Hockensmith letter, she personally thought the ZBA needed a separate ordinance for short-term rentals and that ordinance should be thought out very thoroughly. “I think we should try for next year,” she said. 

The NHMA conference addressed some of the items that were brought up at the Planning Board meeting and directly refutes them, Ms. Barnes said. A short-term term rental is not a residential use, it’s a commercial use. A bed and breakfast is a residential use. The NH superior Court agrees with this statement.

Ms. Leclerc said the reason she thought the ZBA should amend what we have now is that Walpole favors less regulations than more regulation. Also this would get something on the books about short-term rentals where there would be some oversight. Ms. Trow thought we should go forward with it. It’s going to go for a vote, she said and if people don’t want it then we can maybe work on something else, she said. 

Ms. Mansouri said maybe it should be presented differently. The reason we are doing it is to protect the public. Ms. Leclerc responded, “I don’t feel it was slapped together.” Ms Leclerc said because the Zoning Board has talked about this topic quite extensively. It’s at least a good start and if the town feels the ordinance needs more, the Board could enhance it.

Mr. Murray said many short-term rental places already exist without the town’s knowledge. Mr. Murray googled Walpole Airbnb and found eight (8) places. One of the biggest was advertised as eight-person occupancy, he said. People buy houses with no intention of living in them, a board member said. 

Ms. Barnes said that those with short-term rental businesses are trying to push through legislation that would exempt towns from having any control. A senate bill was presented to the legislature last term but was defeated. 

A site plan review is a normal process dealing with any potential problems such as parking, lighting, egress, another Board member said.

Mr. Edkins presented three scenarios – one was having grandma stay for three months; a second was renting to a campaign worker for three months, which is what he did this summer; and a third was renting out your house when you are going on vacation. A board member said these are not short-term rentals. First of all, grandma is a house guest. The second and third are one-time rentals and not a year-round commercial situation. Mr. Edkins thought there was no need to regulate them and that, in general, there were too many regulations.

Short-term rental is pretty broad, Mr. Sellarole said. It could be up to 30 days or less. Is it vague on purpose? 

Ms. Mansouri said again that she thought the ordinance should include that a bed and breakfast is owner-occupied and a short-term rental does not have to be owner-occupied. That’s why there should be two separate ordinances. 

Mr. Murray mentioned a short-term rental on School Street, Mr. Edkins said. “What difference does it make?” he asked. Ms. Mansouri replied “neighbors.” Most people want to know who their neighbors are.

Ms. Barnes said you’re making the case for what was addressed at the conference. Short-term rentals have to be taken seriously. They degrade the value of property in a neighborhood. There is an economic impact on a town with a lot of short-term rentals because local families run into a problem of finding housing to rent. Having a lot of strangers coming and going in the house next to or near you could be disconcerting.

I have a hard time with that, Mr. Sellarole said. “I wouldn’t want my neighbor to have turnover every couple of weeks.” “That’s the reason for the ordinance,” Ms. Barnes said. 

Someone asked does a short-term rental pay more in property taxes because of the “revenue stream?” No one on the board seemed to know.

In the end the discussion was moot because a public hearing is already scheduled for December, Ms. Leclerc said. The board has to go ahead with what she already gave to the Planning Board. She will go ahead and see what happens.

Signage – Prospect Hill: The final correspondence between Ms. Leclerc and Mr. Jones was passed around. Mr. Jones continued to be unhappy that the ZBA couldn’t hear an appeal because he has no “standing” in the matter. The correspondence will be filed.

December meeting: Ms. Barnes asked if the next meeting could be held by Zoom because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the region and in the state and the warnings from the state epidemiologist Dr. Chan about meetings and gatherings at this time. Discussion followed about who could be a host. The chair or the secretary can’t do it because they are actively doing other things. No one stepped forward. Ms. Trow suggested that since the Board didn’t have anything on the agenda for next month that the Board cancel the December meeting. 

​

Adjournment: Mr. Vose made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine 

ZBA Secretary 

Did you lose your wedding ring or do you know someone who has lost one? If so, please read this email I received. Sure hope this works. – Lil

Hi Lil:   I don’t know if you can help, but I found a man’s wedding ring yesterday on the common across from the entrance to the Congregational Church…if anyone has lost it they can contact me at 756-3985. thanks Bonnie Caserta

COVID by the Numbers—November 21 Edition

The number of COVID-19 cases in the state is exploding.  

At the end of last week, Walpole had 0 active cases of COVID-19, and had only 2 cases, total, since the start of the pandemic.  

Today there are 7 active cases here in Walpole.

In the past week, there were 72 new cases in Cheshire County, up from 35new cases in the first week of November, and 48 new cases the second week.  As of today, here are the numbers of active confirmed cases in each town:  Keene-43; Rindge-33; Jaffrey-15; Chesterfield-10; Swanzey-9; Walpole-7; Dublin-6; Fitzwilliam-5.   Nine towns have 1-4 active cases:  Westmoreland, Hinsdale, Winchester, Richmond, Troy, Marlborough, Nelson, Sullivan, and Gilsum.  Currently, six towns have 0 active cases:  Alstead, Marlow, Surry, Stoddard, Harrisville, and Roxbury.

The 7 day moving average of cases per 100,000 in Cheshire County has gone from 3.0 at the beginning of the month to 18.0 as of November 19.

Statewide last week the total number of new confirmed cases was 2088, for an average of 298 new cases a day.  This week, there were 2994 new cases, and the daily average jumped to 428 per day.  There were 529 new cases on the 19^th alone.

Hospitalizations, which were at 38 at the beginning of the month, have ballooned to 116.  

The statewide 7 day moving average of cases per 100,000 is at 41.0, up from 4.5 on November 1.  New Hampshire has gone from having the 3^rd or even 2^nd lowest rate per 100,000 in the United States to being 31^st out of 51.  

Massachusetts and Vermont are open to NH residents only for essential travel, which includes travel for work. Currently we are still allowed to travel to Maine for leisure travel without quarantining, but that won’t last long, as Maine’s 7 day moving average of cases per 100,000 is even lower than Vermont’s at 14.1.  

Nationally, the 7 day moving average of cases per 100,000 has doubled from 24 to 50 since November 1.  At 41.0, we are not far below the national average.

The seriousness of the situation has led the Governor to issue a mask mandate when indoors or withing six feet of others outdoors, though our mandate is still weaker than those of surrounding states.  It has significant loopholes, and no penalties.  We have also been advised not to gather with family or friends outside our immediate households this Thanksgiving.

None of this is good news.  And it is likely to get significantly worse before it gets get better.

Wear your mask.  And if you breathe with that nose, wear your mask over your nose.

Keep your distance—a full six feet.  Measure it out again; it’s still further than you think.

Wash your hands. 

Be incredibly careful if you meet with friends and loved ones who are not members of your household.

And keep well.

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

Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299 has lost their meeting place due to the closure of the Town Hall . Daniel Webster Council which controls us is still open .We would like to keep the boys involved but can’t without a place to meet.        

     We would like to ask people in the Walpole and North Walpole Communities if anyone has a space that we could use every other Tuesday evening from 6 to 7pm to hold our meetings ? This could be a church , barn or any other kind of building just so we are in out of the dark and the cold. 

Hopefully this would be just temporary until the Town Hall reopens . We would need a space big enough to Social Distance  4 Dens . Number of people including adults is roughly 20 .           

If anyone has a space we can use please contact Deb Pawelczyk Cub Scout Pack 299’s Committee Chair at 603 445-5475

Library Services Return to Express Browsing and Curbside Pickup

In light of the Walpole Public School’s decision to return to virtual learning and the closure of the Walpole Town Hall, beginning Monday, November 30^th, the Walpole Town Library will be open for Express Browsing and Curbside Pickup of materials only.  We will admit each person/family one at a time for 15 minutes of browsing/selection of materials from our front Reading Room first come, first served.  No appointment necessary.  There will be a computer available for accessing the library catalog and patrons may use the copier and fax machine.  Staff will be available to retrieve items from the stacks.  Hold items and ILL requests will also be available to checkout during your visit or they can be delivered curbside.  

Hours for browsing and curbside pickup will be as follows:

Mondays:  10 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm

Tuesdays:  1 pm – 5 pm

Wednesdays:  10 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm

Thursdays:  1 pm – 5 pm

Fridays:  1 pm – 5 pm

Saturdays:  9 am – 1 pm

To place a pickup order and set a pickup time: – call the library during curbside hours at 

603-756-9806

OR

email the library at walpolelibrarycirc@gmail.com

Downloadable Books, Audio Books and Magazines are available 24/7 through the Libby app. Online access to New England Newspapers is available on our website through Newsbank under digital resources. Virtual Programs such as story time are available on our Facebook page. Please call us at 603-756-9806 or email Jane at jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org or Julie at jrios@walpoletownlibrary.org with any questions.

Selectboard Meeting of Nov. 26, 2020

moving to Weds., Nov. 25^th

Starting time: 9:00am

No new public agenda items – The meeting will open and move into Non-Public for first agenda item.

The public is welcome to attend public session to follow.

Change due to Thanksgiving Holiday

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance.  There were seven members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

ATV/OFF ROAD VEHICLES ON CLASS V AND VI ROADS:  Mr. Peter Graves, Mr. Tom Dupell, Mr. Ronnie Kingsbury, and Mr. Justin Kingsbury came into the meeting.  Mr. Dupell advised their main question is that they want to understand what the vehicle requirements on Class VI roads are in the Town of Walpole.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that, in accordance with recent emails, off highway vehicles are managed and controlled by the NH State Fish & Game.  The Town of Walpole does not do this.  Mr. Dupell said right now on Class VI roads you can drive on them with a vehicle, a snowmobile, a dirt bike, a motorcycle.  Side-by-side vehicles are not allowed even if they are registered.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted Fish & Game controls off road vehicles.  What is that definition?  Mr. Dupell said Fish & Game is saying the Class VI road is restricted.  This was brought up before.  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that since the COVID-19 virus some people have been complaining about damage being done to private property.  Mr. Dupell noted it is not fair to shut down the roads to one utility vehicle.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the State controls off highway recreational vehicles; the Town has not taken any action.  Mr. Graves said utility vehicles can be driven on all the other Town roads; they come in to the Village to gas-up at the local gas station.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard will recheck but are quite sure there are no Town ordinances.  The Town has not gated any Class VI roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt they should invite the Fish & Game officer to attend a meeting.  Mr. Graves asked where the laws come from because in the northern part of the State these vehicles run all over.  Mr. Dalessio advised it comes down to who is responsible for enforcement.  Off Highway vehicles on Class VI roads fall under the enforcement of Fish & Game.  Mr. Dupell explained this all started when his wife got stopped in a fully registered vehicle on the Class VI road and could not get home.  She had started out on Scovill Road and took a left turn.  Mr. Dalessio explained that homes can be built on Class VI roads, but the owners have to sign waivers from liability that have to be recorded and they maintain the road themselves.  There was discussion relative to various types of MV plates, Class VI roads and emergency lanes.  Mr. Dupell said not all the Town’s citizens tear up the roads, so the privilege should not be taken away from them.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Town does not have an ordinance. The Selectboard will have a conversation with Fish & Game and she will read all the RSAs that are pertinent to these roads and vehicles.  The State makes regulations.  TheSelectboard cannot give them an answer tonight at this meeting.  Mr. Dalessio advised if the Town passed an ordinance, the Town’s Police Department would be responsible for enforcement.  Ms. Mayberry advised that the Town can make stricter rules than the State but not less than the State.  As far as enforcement, Fish & Game officers are spread out but they have become more aware of these issues; that is why they are more visible.    

Replying to a question from Mr. J. Kingsbury about if the Selectboard was to put in a requirement about utility vehicles operating on Class VI roads, Mrs. Pschirrer replied if there is an ordinance it has to go to Town Meeting for the voters to make the decision.  If the Town of Walpole had over 10,000 people,the Selectboard could make the decisions.  Replying to a question about Emergency Lanes, Mr. Dalessio explained the Selectboard usually follow the recommendations from Mr. Mark Houghton at the Fire Department and the EMS crew. 

Mr. Graves brought up the issue of the Police Department doing special detail work. Mr. Dalessio explained the Town charges a fee for use of the cruiser and the officer.  These projects do not cost the Town any money.  This is an unusual year.  Consolidated Communications was doing the Broadband project.  We could go years until we have another big infrastructure project.

Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard will do some research and respond to the people who attended this meeting within a few weeks.  The conservation officer will be invited to attend a Selectboard meeting to present his comments.                      

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $60,268.59 for checks issued November 13, 2020.  This includes a payment of $30,217.98 to the NH Retirement System.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  Therewere none.  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 7, 2020, in the amount of $33,741.01 for checks dated November 13, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,151.34.  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 motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – November 5, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Ms. Mayberry requested a clarification change under Old Business in 2020 Preliminary Tax Rate to change 14% to 5%.  

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Amendment.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Amendment was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes, as Amended, of the Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2020.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any other questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 5, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 5, 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.  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:• Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting  – November 2, 2020;• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – November 4, 2020.

OLD BUSINESS:

2020 Preliminary Tax Rate:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the 2020 Preliminary Tax Rate was received from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) late this afternoon.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the 2020 Tax Rate submitted by the Department of Revenue Administration and that the Selectboard will sign the Tax Warrant tomorrow afternoon.  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.

Mrs. Sarah Downing will work on the Tax Warrant tomorrow morning.  The Selectboard agreed to come back tomorrow afternoon to sign the Tax Warrant.  Mrs. Sandra Smith, Town Clerk – Tax Collector, will get the tax bills out by the middle of next week.    

MRRTC Support Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and to sign the letter of support for the Monadnock Region Rail Trail Collaborative (MRRTC).  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 motion was approved.

Pending Further Actions:

Sewer Bond Fees:  Mr. Dalessio continues to work on the Sewer Bond Fees.

Town Street Lights:  Mr. Stephen Grenier continues to work on this project.

Tax Deeded Property Sale:  This item will remain on the Pending Further Action on the agenda.

Houghton Brook Bridge Repair and Grant:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Town received the ARM Grant for $250,000 for this project.  The paperwork is being processed.

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio advised there is an existing purchase order still open for $10,000 on the Reservoir Dam Repairs.  Fuss & O’Neill would like to have the Town close this purchase order out and create a new purchase order for $25,000 to cover the two-dimensional work that has to be done.  This money would come out of the PDIP account.

Mr. Dalessio moved to close-out the existing purchase order for $10,000 and create a new purchase order for $25,000 to cover the two-dimensional work for Fuss & O’Neill.  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 motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Moose Plate Grant’s Certificate of Municipality:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Moose Plate Grant’s Certificate of Municipality and to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign this document.  It benefits the Walpole Historical Society.  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 motion was approved.  

Promotional Items re: COVID-19 Education:  Dr. Charles Shaw and Ms. France Menk came into the meeting.  Dr. Shaw spent over an hour today on the NH Health Officers Association update on the COVID-19 virus in New Hampshire.  They are all worried about the virus in the months of December, January and February.  The CDC said masks not only help the people wearing the masks but the other people as well.  The incubation period can be as long as two weeks.  The City of Manchester does their own contact tracing.  Westminster has had no cases, Walpole has had under five cases, surrounding small towns have low counts.  The timing for the promotional/educational products is good.  Hopefully they can get them out by the end of the month.  Ms. Menk displayed revised sketches.  She distributed quotes from a local printer for the magnets, pins, yard signs and T-shirts. It was noted there are three schools and a field for the signs.  Signs will also be placed on the village commons and several miscellaneous locations.  Ms. Menk suggested ordering a small amount of T-shirts at $8/each; maybe start with 50 at a time.  See how well they sell.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize using up to $1,200 from the Welfare account for pins, magnets, yard signs, T-shirts that will be used as promotional / educational items for wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distances that all deal with COVID-19.  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 motion was approved.      

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that last week the Selectboard talked about their concerns of continuing to have meetings in this large meeting room.  Perhaps they should go back to Zoom meetings in another month or so.  Dr. Shaw felt they should consider going back to Zoom meetings.  During the meeting he attended today on COVID-19, the presenter from the City of Manchester discussed five main points:  Masks, Distances, Wash Your Hands, Stay Outdoors and Avoid Large Gatherings.   Activities, offices, and sports are shutting down again.   Dr. Shaw and Ms. Menk left the meeting.

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 roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:17 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 12, 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, 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.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Town Hall will be closed starting on the 26th, not the 24th.