The Walpolean

COVID by the Numbers, September 20, 2020 Edition

The COVID-19 numbers are still confusing. 

Yesterday, DHHS reported a whopping 61 new positive test results.  We haven’t had that many in a single day since mid-June. There is a difference, though.  

On June 17, there were 1002 active cases of COVID in the state; of those, 56were in hospital.  And on June 17, just over 1500 people were tested.  

Yesterday, there were 318 active cases in the state;  8 of those were in hospital.  And last week’s average was over 3000 tests a day.  On a couple of days, over 5000 test results were reported. It’s hard to draw conclusions, as a certain number of the tests are retests, and some of the increase is associated with the reopening of colleges.  I have always looked to the number of hospitalized cases as the best indicator of what is happening in the state, as those numbers are the most solid.

Statewide, the 7 day average of new cases per 100,000 population is currently 2.6, up from 1.1 at the beginning of the month.  That is still 3rd best in the nation, after Vermont and Maine.

The best news is right here in Cheshire County.  In the past week, only 2 new cases were reported in the county.  And there are only 3 active cases currently, located in Keene and Winchester.  One of those cases is associated with Keene State College.  On the Harvard Global Health Initiative map, Cheshire is now colored green, because at a 7 day average of 0.4 cases per 100,000 population, we are currently “On Track for Containment.”  Sullivan County, to our north has 0.3 cases per 100,000, and Windham County VT, to our west, is now holding at a solid 0 cases per 100,000.  All this can change rapidly, and does, so be careful out there, and be more careful the further from home you go.

Wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, and keep well.

~Representative Lucy Weber

603-499-0282

lwmcv@comcast.net

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

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

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 call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:32 PM.  

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Non-Public Selectboard Session was recessed.  The Selectboard will reconvene later in the meeting to complete their business.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $71,284.88 for checks issued September 11, 2020.  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 totaling $16,721.06 for checks dated September 11, 2020, the Payroll Check Register totaling $17,664.41 for checks dated September 11, 2020, and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,047.91.  The Police have a separate payroll register.  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 – September 3, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 3, 2020, as submitted.  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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 3, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 3, 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.

OLD BUSINESS:

Houghton Brook Bridge and Fish Ladder:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and sign the letter of support on the Houghton Brook Connectivity Restoration Project to Mr. Michael Rau, Road Agent.  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.   

63 River Road, Map and Lot #007-011-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign this Agreement and Deposit Receipt for 63 River Road, Map and Lot #007-011-000, dated September 10, 2020.  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.

The closing date on this property was set for September 24, 2020, at 6:30 PM.

Westminster Entrance Ramp and Adding Railings: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that this is a follow-up to discussion during Primary Election Day.  They realized the Town is out of compliance because when you leave the side double doors on Elm Street there are no railings.  If there is money in this budget, it should be done soon.  The railing will need to hold-up in the weather.  Some people had trouble going down those steps on Primary Election Day.  The other concern is they will probably use the lobby space in the front of the Town Hall as voting space.  There were 16 voters outside and they had people dropping off their absentee ballots.  We will need handicapped access for voting in November. Therefore, we should look into renting a ramp.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to discuss having one there at all times.  Ms. Mayberry agrees; we should have something permanent.  There was a consensus to investigate the cost and what kind of material it should be.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the handicapped ramp at the other end of this building is disintegrating.  Mr. Dalessio suggested they talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about buying heated mats for this winter.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they will look into putting a permanent ramp out there because that entrance is used a lot.  

Town Streetlights:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a letter from a citizen in Town who has raised concern that they potentially discussed changing the streetlights to LED lights.  Mrs. Pschirrer contacted Mr. Steven Grenier, but he had no information for them at this point.  If the Town goes through with this project, this citizen would like her streetlight removed.  We also have another citizen who would like an added streetlight.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that they need to do some investigating as there is a good deal to consider.  After they receive more information, it will be more pertinent to discuss these requests.     

Pending Further Actions:

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  The Selectboard will discuss this after their Budget Meeting on Monday at 4:00 PM.  Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. John Peska will attend.

Recreation Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer will contact Attorney Hockensmith about when they should expect to receive the deed.

Flu Shot Letter to Employees:  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft this letter for the next meeting.

Letter to Attorney General’s Office:  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft this letter for the next meeting.  

NEW BUSINESS:

NH Association of Assessing Officers Ballot:  The Selectboard was asked to cast a vote for the NH Association of Assessing Officers.  

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, be authorized to sign the NH Association of Assessing Officers Ballot as she feels appropriate.  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.   

HealthTrust Public Hearing Notice:  A Public Hearing Notice on Rate Setting for Plan Years Starting in 2021 and Return of Surplus for FY2020 was received from the HealthTrust.  There will be two virtual sessions on September 24, 2020, at 9:30 am and 3:00 pm.  

8 Prospect Hill Sign Complaint:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a number of emails from a person objecting to the signage at 8 Prospect Hill Road.  There are a number of political signs in the yard.  The person living in that house is an artist who runs a business from his home in a residential area.  His sign on the barn is small and not a violation.  The political signs are considered temporary; they will come down eventually.  The person submitting the complaint is asking the Selectboard to support his interpretation of the ordinance that the signs should not be there.  Mr. Dalessio does not feel there is a violation of the Zoning Ordinance.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this resident can request an Appeal to the Zoning Board.  The Selectboard feels this is a matter of “Free Speech”.              

Sewer Bond Comment Letter:  A letter was received regarding the Sewer Bond.  Mr. Dalessio talked with Mr. Mark Houghton.  Right now we are charging one bond payment to one meter.  Consideration should be given to changing this so units with multiple residents would pay a higher fee for the bond.  This gentleman is bringing this to their attention because he feels it is not fair.  Mr. Mark Houghton is going to attend the Budget Meeting on September 14^th to discuss this matter further.  We may not be billing enough to cover the bond payment.  The water account is doing well, building a surplus. But, the sewer account is not.

2021 Annual Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that some people feel they should not have had their 2020 Annual Meeting last March when they did because COVID-19 had already started.  She started thinking about what they should plan on for the 2021 Annual Meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested they ask about using the Walpole School Gym.  It is a bigger space, people can spread out, it has bleachers and a large floor space.  It had been used in the past for Town Meetings and she would like to do that again.  Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio agreed.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write a note to Ms. Lori Landry to request permission to use the Walpole School Gym.  The Town will be responsible for all sanitizing costs.  Masks will be required.             

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  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 at 8:10 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:12 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION (Continued):

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Non-Public Selectboard Session will now reconvene at 8:13 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:44 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 10, 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.

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 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Thank you to Shirley Capron for forwarding these Minutes. – Lil

Board of Trustees Meeting

Walpole Town Library

Conducted on “Zoom”                                          

September 15, 2020 

Present were: Gail Lahaise, Fred Ernst, Amy Howard, Kate Nerrie, Jean Kobeski, Carole Cramer, Susan Johnson, Peggy Pschirrer, Jeanne Ramey, Shirley Capron.  

Library Staff:  Jane Malmberg, Chris Birchstead, Julie Rios. 

Formal votes were taken on two items approved over e-mail since the August Board meeting:  Hiring of Jane Malmberg and the approval of the updated Personnel Policies in reference to vacation time.  

Amy moved to hire of Jane Malmberg as Library Director.  Gail seconded the motion and all voted in favor (9-0).
A proposed change in the Personnel Policies to increase the vacation time from 1 to 2 weeks in the first year of employment, from 2 to 3 weeks after two years of service, and 3 weeks after five years of service. Amy referred the Board to her e-mail with the updated “Personnel Policy,” and it was determined that it was specific to any full-time employee.  
Amy moved to accept the changes to the Policy.  Kate seconded the motion, and all voted in favor of the change (9-0).Concluding Amy said copies of the updated policy will be sent to all.

Amy opened the meeting welcoming the new Library Director, Jane Malmberg.

Approval of Minutes:  Jean moved, Susan seconded, all approved (9-0) with one correction in the July Minutes. – Jeanne asked if paper copies of reports disseminated at and before Board meetings are being kept.  Shirley said she is keeping the Minutes as always and now, the Treasurer’s Reports along with them.  – Peggy said the Treasurer’s Report and Bills Report should be signed and kept.  Kate said she signs, and added that the Auditors need the Bills Reports.- Gail recommended, and Shirley agreed, that the Board Minutes should be posted in the “Walpolean.”  Shirley added she always sends the Minutes to the Library to be posted. The Minutes are now available on the Library’s website.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kate e-mailed Board members three reports prior:  “Monthly Expense Report,” “Library Bills” and “Library Administration and Operation” along with her comments re.  She said expenses were down and that they will certainly remain that way because there were no Adult Programs planned, nor a Volunteers Dinner, (re, it was said that there should be some sort of recognition for the Volunteers, if no dinner is possible), and because of the recent memorial gift of money received.    Kate sent a Thank You card to the memorial gift donors, Mike Plaisted and Maggie Knowles Webbert.- Kate then asked about a Thank You card the Library used in the past that had a picture of the Library on it.  Amy said she thought she had one and that it could be reproduced.- Jeanne moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Carol seconded, all approved (9-0).

Bills:  Kate said they were sent out and that nothing was unusual.  Re, a question was had about the subscription for the “Book Service” the Library uses.  Julie responded saying it was very good for the Library.  Gail moved, Jeanne seconded, all approved (9-0) the bills.- Kate said she will meet with Jane re the handling of bills.

Old Business:  

Amy said the Library is looking better in front and that it is not done yet.  Carol and Jeanne expressed thanks for the painting on the porch.  Carol said that lettering has to be done, and in the color white was agreed on.  Both Amy and Carol commented on needed improvement of the lettering.   Carol said the window will be worked on.  Materials were ordered for the Computer Desk that Barry will do.  Carol explained the area saying that a shelf will be built, and a table will be placed in the area. Peggy asked about the Bill going to the Town.  The Town has paid for some of the repairs to the building, and will not be billed for any more of the work.

Julie and Chris were asked about activity in the Library since School started.   They said that kids come into the Library only to get books and do not hang out, apparently because they are keeping in their own groups and also that they are with their parents.  There is no problem at this time.  

Jeanne spoke about the plaques that arrived and said it is very disappointing.  She and Chris said there were misspellings, and that not all staff were listed.  Jeanne said she will fix it. Amy suggested the Board look at the replacement.   Gail thoughtfully requested a plaque for Rose Werden, recently retired Librarian of forty years at the Branch.  Jeanne asked for help re the wording of it and Gail said she would help.  There will be an update re plaques at the next meeting.

New Director:  Jane will be starting her job on 9/21.  Amy met with Jane who is doing research about the Library on her own.   Jane met also with Chris and Julie about what her working hours would be like.  Amy encourages Board Members to meet her, letting her know she is welcomed.   Peg invited Jane to meet the Town Directors at their meeting next week.  Jane said she will definitely stop by.

Branch:  Amy asked if any Board Member wishes to chair the Committee to address the North Walpole Library and its needs.  Re the Library, Amy suggested getting input from patrons and others – particularly the Commissioners.  Discussion was had re the necessity of keeping the Library open and cataloging the collection.  Peg added that the Branch budget is still available.  Amy will set up a meeting with the Committee after Jane is settled.

Operations:  Julie’s report of Library Statistics for the year to date were sent by e-mail to Board Members.  Amy commented they were good comparisons and that they indicate breathing room to catch up. Jane asked for stats on “Hoopla” and other programs.  Julie said “Hoopla” did not work out and that it was cancelled, but that we still had some money to spend and once the money is gone the program will be shut down. Jeanne complimented Chris’ and Julie’s good work.

Building & Grounds:  Jeanne talked with Jennifer Burr and mentioned again the removal of plants bordering the stairs: They are to be removed.  Another plant will be moved to the back.  A Weeping Hemlock and another plant will be added.  Allen Brothers is donating a tree and Jeanne said maybe another one. 

Technology:  Amy said the purchasing of new computers will be revisited, once Jane is on board.

Friends:  Chris said the Plant Sale ends September 25.  Carol Malnati is to be contacted about donating materials for the Book Sale. Amy showed the Friends’ solicitation post card recently distributed, and suggested that Board Members donating would be meaningful to them.

Upon Julie and Chris’ departure, the Board went into Executive Session.  After much discussion, Gail motioned, Amy seconded, all approved (9-0) the meeting adjourn at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Capron, Secy. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $631,026.29 for checks issued 9/18/2020

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $34,533.80 dated 9/18/2020 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,671.66

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – September 10, 2020• Non-Public Selectboard Session – September 10, 2020

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Walpole Fire District Meeting – August 12, 2020• Planning Board Meeting – September 8, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – August 4, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – August 11, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – August 18, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – August 25, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – September 1, 2020

BUILDING PERMITS

2020-35, Matthew and Kathryn Beam, 688 Valley Road, Map and Lot# 011-036-000

2020-36, Harned & Turek Rev Trust, 119 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot# 017-011-000

OLD BUSINESS

Rec Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement

 63 River Road, Map and Lot 007-011-000

Westminster St. Entrance Ramp and Elm St. Entrance Railings

Houghton Brook Bridge and Fish Ladder

2021 Town Meeting

Sewer Bond Comment Letter

Pending Further Actions

 Reservoir Dam Repairs, Flu Shot Letter to Employees, Town Street Lights, Letter to AG

NEW BUSINESS

Two Recreation Rev. Fund Requests

Portable Stage for the Common

Town Hall Use Request

Thank You Note

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

 Hooper Trustees Meeting – September 10, 2020

HOOPER BUSINESS

August 2020 Reimbursement from Hooper Education Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole

August 2020 Reimbursement from Hooper Maintenance Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS – Session 2: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

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

More and more changes as we work our way through this pandemic. – Lil

OKTOBERFEST 2020 AT BURDICK’S 

In observation of the current climate, Burdick’s will be featuring an Oktoberfest Seated Dining Menu for 2 days in honor of this festival, on both September Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th for lunch and dinner. This menu is based on the same German-inspired food you have come to know and love! We will also have a selection of German-inspired beers and wines to compliment the menu.Burdick’s will only be taking seated reservations for both days. There will be no outdoor festivities nor will there be a large beer tent this year, due to restrictions on social gatherings, etc. Also, the regular Burdick’s lunch/dinner menu will NOT be available on these two days. We will have indoor seating and outdoor seating (weather permitting) and per the laws set forth by the State of New Hampshire reservations will be required. One can only make these reservations by contacting the restaurant. In order to keep social distancing guidelines intact we ask you limit your reservations to groups no larger than 6 guests. For those guests looking to make a reservation, please contact the restaurant directly at 603.756.9058. Thank you and we hope to see you there!

Saw on my WMUR update and after years of experience with school nurses I had to share. Their job has always been a demanding and thankless one but the added pressure of this year must be daunting. Thank you for all you do! – Lil

The Latest

How many times this summer did you have a scratchy throat or a cough and wonder, even for a moment, whether it was just allergies or COVID-19? Now, imagine you’re a school nurse with years of experience helping sniffling kids with colds or allergies, but now, you have to figure out if they have COVID-19 instead. That’s what school nurses are facing this year. They’re on the front line as many schools try to keep students in classrooms instead of switching to remote learning. They’re the ones who could stop a single case or two from becoming an outbreak, but they’re being placed in the tough situation of trying to determine whether a student might be infected with the coronavirus or just have allergies.

School nurses say there are ways to make their task easier. Parents can make sure their child’s school nurse knows whether they have a chronic condition such as allergies, and doctors could be proactive in ordering COVID-19 tests for any suspect cases. And all the precautions at schools could be wasted if students go home to communities where masks aren’t being worn and physical distancing isn’t taking place.

Would you believe? It is time again, and that time is going just too quickly. In spite of COVID-19 impacting and canceling events and activities that we have not been able to report to you, somehow through the summer, the CLARION has continued to have 24 pages in each issue with good reads and information for you.

But now I am starting to put the October issue together, and the closing date is a week from Tuesday – 22 September. Closing dates are selected so we can prepare the files for the printer, the printer has time for production, and then I deliver to the post offices so you have your CLARION by the first of the month. And, this one week notice is a reminder for you to send along by email your submissions – a news happening, past happening, or something you would like to share and have us consider for publication. 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  Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

WOW will be starting our 20-21 season with a gathering on the Walpole Common near the gazebo, this Wednesday September 16th at 2:00 pm.   Bring a chair, a snack and good weather if you like. We will be practicing social distancing and masks are encouraged. This has been a challenging time, but we hope to encourage all to:

•  enjoy some social time, 
•  dues will be gratefully collected ($35), 
• bring your GOOD news to share,

And plans on how we can go forward during this time will be discussed. Please feel free to invite a friend or two!

From the Board of Trustees for the Walpole Town Library

September 11, 2020

Please join us in welcoming Jane Malmberg as the new Library Director in Walpole.  Jane was selected from a competitive pool of candidates to lead the library.  Jane’s first day will be September 21^st.

Jane comes to Walpole with over a dozen years of leadership in libraries in Massachusetts and Illinois.  She has a track record of developing and implementing innovative programs and services. Her collaborative and thoughtful approach will serve her well in her role here in Walpole.

Jane received her Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Jane lives on the common in Walpole with her husband Richard and dog Fletcher.  They are thrilled to be back in New England close to their two grown children who live in the Boston area.

Jane will be reaching out to the community to get to know you and so that you can get to know her better.  Welcome Jane!

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