At 7 PM on Friday, June 5th we will gather on the Walpole Common
8 minutes and 46 seconds “kneel in” for racial justice
Six feet and masks please
Planning Board Meeting Cancelled
Marilou Blaine wanted to be sure that everyone realizes that this month’s Planning Board Meeting has been cancelled due to the Governor’s continuation of the stay-at-home order.
Walpole Recreation Park
I guess this says it all. No need for comment. – Lil
Walpole Graduation – 6/4/20
The Walpole 8th grade graduation is this Thursday, June 4th at 6:30. It is being held at the WES soccer fields. Sam Jacobs would like to have a parade afterwards around town to celebrate the graduates. The fire and police departments on board to lead the parade. It would be great to get community members to stand outside too congratulate the graduates. Only immediate family is allowed to attend the graduation ceremony so this would be our chance to show these young people that we are proud of them.
The exact timing if the parade is uncertain because it depends on the length of the ceremony but it should be around 7:30 or 7:45. After all, parades seldom seem to begin on time!
For your information, here is the parade route.
This post was forwarded to me by my friend, colleague and fellow Cheshire 01 Representative, Paul Berch of Westmoreland.
~Rep. Lucy Weber
About Absentee Voting
Representative Paul Berch
This will be a non-political post about voting. No matter whom you support, I encourage you to vote in our Primary in September and the General Election in November. But, due to COVID-19, it is likely to be more complicated this year. I recently “attended” a Zoom conference with State experts on this subject – and I expect to provide more information as events progress.
We are all familiar with the usual processes – modest lines at our Town Halls; some folks registering and voting at the same time; voters showing ID and otherwise identifying themselves and some voting by absentee ballot. If we are going be operating under our social-distancing rules, these practices will be more difficult. Registering to vote at the polls usually takes some time with face-to-face conversation, production & inspection of documents, etc.; showing a drivers license or other ID usually means being close enough for the ballot clerk to check the ID; lines will need to space individuals six feet apart.
That brings me to absentee ballots – which are going to make the process much easier on everyone IF they are widely used. The Secretary of State and the State Attorney General have issued a policy statement – supported by the Governor – which states anyone can vote by absentee ballot if they are concerned about exposing themselves or others to COVID-19 in the voting process. It is expected that large numbers of individuals will choose this method, as opposed to potentially exposing themselves, their neighbors and ballot officials to possible infection. AND – if you want to vote the traditional way, you certainly will be able to do so.
Two final notes for today: (1) It is important that you decide what to do as soon as possible – if you are going to apply for an absentee ballot, the sooner the better. Be in touch with your Town Clerk. I am posting some additional information below; (2) we are in a changing environment. What is true today may not be true in September. You can be in touch with your Town Clerk, the Secretary of State’s Office ( on-line or by phone) or by contacting your local State Representative.
Paul
Items Needed
The First Congregational Church UCC is looking for an executive-style wooden desk and chair for the pastor’s study. Please contact Pat Kingsbury, Office Administrator, 756-4075. Also welcome would be area rugs for the parsonage.
Update from the Library Director
Dear Patrons,
First, let me say that we miss you. The library staff miss seeing you and talking about books and movies with you. We’re doing the best we can to keep our community safe, and that requires following recommendations from Governor Sununu, the New Hampshire State Library, the New Hampshire Library Association, and the New England Library Association.
Because the Governor has extended the Stay at Home Order for the State through June 15th, we will not be able to open for daily curbside services as planned. Our Phased Reopening plan is based on factual, measurable data and those are the Governor’s orders, including the Stay at Home order and orders about gatherings of no more than 10 people. We will continue twice weekly curbside services until the Stay at Home Order is lifted.
Until Stay at Home is lifted, we will offer curbside pick up services for books, audio books, DVDs, and magazines on Tuesdays from 10am until 2pm and on Wednesdays from 1pm until 5pm. We will not accept returns yet. As soon as we are able to accept returns, we’ll share our plan with you.
Thank you for your understanding, flexibility and support during these unprecedented circumstances.
Stay well,
Justine Fafara
Library Director
—
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/21/20
Selectboard Present:Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30PM. She advised that the Selectboard members are in three separate locations. This meeting is being recorded remotely by FACT-TV. It is available for viewing on the internet. Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.
Mrs. Pschirrer advised there will be no public comments at this meeting. Comments are being 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.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $660,204.54 for checks issued May 22, 2020. This includes a $615,204.54 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD). Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was 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 May 16, 2020, in the amount of $26,680.42 for checks dated May 22, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,361.67. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the First Responders Payroll Register totaling $14,914.27 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $2,896.20 for checks dated May 22, 2020. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrerreported this is a one-time payment rather than spreading it out over eight weeks. This amount will be refunded to the Town as part of the CARES Act.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MINUTES – May 14, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 14, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – May 14, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 14, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was 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:
• Library Trustees Meeting – May 12, 2020.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:
MAP and LOT #003-056-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $834.00 for Map and Lot #003-056-000. An additional tract of land was added to a corrected deed. The new owner is to be billed with a Supplemental Tax Warrant. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #019-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $327.86 for Map and Lot #019-013-000. Temporary depreciation is being applied while repairs are occurring. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #026-006-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $276.83 for Map and Lot #026-006-000. A shed was removed and there were topography changes to the tax card. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:
MAP and LOT #003-056-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this Supplemental Tax Warrant for Map and Lot #003-056-000. The new owner of this vacant lot will be billed. This is related to the above Property Tax Abatement. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
TIMBER TAX WARRANT:
Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed:
MAP and LOT #002-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept this Timber Tax Warrant for Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for Map and Lot #002-012-000 for a lot located off of County Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy for Map and Lot #002-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept this Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy in the amount of $161.80 for Map and Lot #002-012-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:
MAP and LOTS #014-013-000 and #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Gravel Tax Warrant in the total amount of $3,934.22 for Map and Lots #014-013-000 and #015-011-000 for Eurovia Atlantic Coast LLC, DBA Cold River Materials. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
NOTICES OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
MAP and LOT #014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Map and Lot #014-013-000 for a location with access from Brewery Road (Cold River Materials). Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Map and Lot #015-011-000 for a location with access from Brewery Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
BUILDING PERMIT:
PERMIT #2020-14, CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 51 Ramsay Hill Road, Map and Lot #008-084-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-14 for Christopher Miller, 51 Ramsay Hill Road, Map and Lot #008-084-000 to build a “32’ x 24’ Storage Building”. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Cemetery Deed for Lot 117-1/2: This Cemetery Deed is a revised deed to correct a name misspelling. The Selectboardhad previously approved this revised Cemetery Deed for Lot 117-1/2. It has now been rewritten to correct a name misspelling. The Selectboard will sign it again this weekend.
Letter from Town Counsel re: Cruiser Bank Loan: Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard needs to acknowledge this letter from Town Counsel regarding the Police cruiser bank loan. This is a follow-up to a Warrant Article approved on March 14, 2020. The attorney will need to sign it as corrections have been made and send it to the Mascoma Bank.
Houghton Brook Fish Ladder: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of recent communications from Fuss & O’Neill about this project. We have the costs and they have applied for a Grant that will pay for about half of the project. Mr. Dalessio advised they submitted the ARMS Grant for pre-approval but there are some questions on the design of the bridge. We are still maintaining the bridge is structurally sound. There are options so discussions will continue. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned it is not a heavily travelled bridge but has been on the Red List for years. Mr. Dalessio believes it will go back to the DES and Fish and Game. They will discuss a different design. He does not know if there is an Appeal process but will ask Fuss & O’Neill next week. Mr. Rau has also talked to Fuss & O’Neill. Mr. Dalessio said let us wait to see if we get pre-approved for the grant. Otherwise, we might have to wait another year. It cannot be done this year; it will be at least 2021. Currently the Town has three separate projects: 1) Mill Pond Bridge and Dam; 2) Reservoir Dam project and 3) the Houghton Brook Fish Ladder and Bridge.
Town Deeded Properties: Mrs. Downing had done some research. The NH Supreme Court has determined the excess proceeds from sales are to be returned to former owners of tax deeded properties. Mrs. Pschirrer was aware of this. Mr. Dalessio said we have to keep accurate costs carefully documented.
Pending Further Actions:
The following Agenda items will remain on this pending list as there is no new information available at this time.
• NH DOT Letter re: Lighting on Arch Bridge;
• Recreation Area Parking Lot: Lot Line Adjustment and Deed with Letter;
• Westmoreland-Walpole Boundary Survey.
NEW BUSINESS:
Liquor Endorsement Request: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of a letter from the State of NH Liquor Commission advising that Family Dollar Inc. has made application for a Combination Beverage/Wine license under the provisions of RSA 178:18. This establishment is located at 543 Main Street on the west side of Route 12.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Family Dollar, Inc. request for the Combination Beverage/Wine license. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry recommended the Walpole Police Department be notified of this new license.
Recreation Revolving Fund Request: A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino and the Recreation Committee to purchase two windscreens to replace the two that have ripped and three new benches. Two for the tennis courts and one for the pickleball court.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the request of the Recreation Committee to purchase two windscreens and three new benches from Putterman Athletics LLC for $1,055.30. These funds to be taken from their Revolving Fund account. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
In-Kind Agreement for Walker Road “Gateway” Property: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that this In-Kind Agreement for Walker Road “Gateway” Property and Mr. Christian Gowdy is for a haying agreement with Brookfield Farm which he owns. Mrs. Pschirrer has communicated with Mrs. Alicia Flammia of the Walpole Conservation Commission about this In-Kind Agreement. Mr. Gowdy can take care of the property in exchange for taking away the hay. Ms. Mayberry noted this is a mutual benefit for both parties.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this In-Kind Agreement between the Walpole Conservation Commission and Mr. Christian Gowdy for the maintenance of the Walker Roadproperty. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that this is an In-Kind Agreement; no money is being exchanged.
Derry Hill Road: Mr. Rau spoke to the farmer who is having a problem with off-road vehicles damaging the road above the emergency lane portion of Derry Hill. Mrs. Pschirrer advised these off-road vehicles are licensed and this is a Class 6 road. Therefore, the Selectboard is unable to provide any enforcement or assistance. Ms. Mayberry noted this is a difficult situation in that the farmers have trouble navigating the road when it is damaged.
Thank You Note: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Thank You note from Our Place for the Town’s donation.
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 was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:09 PM.
FACT-TV: Mrs. Pschirrer announced that this concludes the regular Selectboard and Hooper Trustees meetings. The Selectboard will be entering into a Non-Public Session. FACT-TV ceased filming and left the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (b) Hiring and (c) Reputations. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. On a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:43 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 21, 2020, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. 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 was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 5/21/20
Hooper Trustees Present: Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:06 PM. She advised that the Hooper Trustees are in separate locations. This ZOOM meeting is being recorded remotely by FACT-TV.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – May 14, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of May 14, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
April 2020 Hooper Educational Fund Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the April 2020 transfer of Hooper Educational Fund Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $7,310.88. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
April 2020 Maintenance Expense: The small maintenance expense will be held for another month since it was under $10.00.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Clarion Now On-line
The June issue of the CLARION is now on-line, and again twenty four pages, in spite of the lack of past events to report on, and lack of events in June. Sadly, Old Home Days, which we would have been enjoying the end of the month, was rescheduled to 2021.
But, on this month’s pages are some fun articles for you to enjoy (I hope).
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE THE June 2020 ISSUE
Feel free to share this post and issue with friends, neighbors, and out of town family and friends. THE WALPOLE CLARION is also on Facebook, and updates occasionally posted, so “Like Us” there. And, I encourage all to sign up on the CLARION website to receive post updates. In addition, I encourage you to visit The Walpolean.org and sign up there also for emails with area information.
Thank you, stay home or keep a “social distance” and be well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher
The Walpolean 
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