The Walpolean

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.

SCHOOL UPDATE – REMOTE LEARNING BEGINS NOVEMBER 30 by Ray Boas

At its meeting the evening of November 18, the Fall Mountain Regional School District School Board discussed the rise of COVID-19 in NH, and discussed the best alternative for all concerned. It was decided the district “will be moving to a remote model of instruction beginning Monday, November 30 and returning to schools Tuesday, January 19 [2021].” More information may be found at the district website – https://www.sau60.org/

Wear Your Mask – Socially Distance – Wash Your Hands
Stay Safe – and enjoy your holidays
RAY BOAS, Publisher

WALPOLE TOWN HALL CLOSED by Ray Boas

You may have heard that today, November 19, New Hampshire Governor Sununu enacted a mask mandate for the State of New Hampshire effective Friday, November 20. At this evening’s Walpole Select Board meeting, the following was decided: “The Town Hall will close November 24 until further notice.  The Selectboard will return to Zoom meetings, starting December 3.  No committee or public groups will meet in Town Hall. Appointments will still be accepted for individuals needing to make payments, register vehicles, get building permits etc.”

Any updates will be posted here. Encourage your friends to sign-up for CLARION posts, or to “like” the Walpole Clarion Facebook page to receive notices.

Wear your mask, and please stay safe. Your life (and mine) will depend upon that, thank you – RAY BOAS, Publisher

It is with sadness that the library announces the retirement of Fran Moses after 27 years of friendly and dedicated service.  An avid reader and crafter, Fran loves helping patrons find new books and particularly enjoys talking with the children who visit the library with their families.  Many of these young patrons are now parents who come in with their own children.  She is always willing to help with projects and anything else that is needed.  The staff will greatly miss her warmth, smile and terrific sense of humor. We expect to see Fran regularly as she and Bill will need to keep stocked up with reading material.  The library staff and trustees wish her the very best of luck and much happiness in her well-deserved retirement.  Fran’s last day will be November 27 so be sure to stop by and wish her well.  

Wanted to share the email I received from Tom Goins as a reminder to all that we have some tough times ahead. It’s important that we do our best to support our local businesses because they are our friends and neighbors. “Spread Kindness”. – Lil P.S. In this case you can also stay out of the kitchen.

Hi Lil,
Just wanted to let you know that today The Restaurant at Burdick’s upgraded our To-Go Menu.  We have added many new selections that typically can only be enjoyed when dining with us indoors.  Since we are no longer offering outdoor dining under our tent (but still have outdoor dining under the porch), we decided to enhance our To-Go Menu.  I think many of our loyal To-Go Menu customers will be pleased with these new selections.
Many thanks!