Selectboard Neeting Ninutes – 2/27/20
Selectboard Present:Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There were five visitors in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
LOWER NORTH ROAD SNOW PLOWING AND DRAINAGE: Mr. Eric Merklein lives at 82 North Road. He advised this has no reflection on the road crew as they are always courteous and do a good job. His concern is still what the winter plows are doing by the round-about. They are scraping away vegetation. One problem is the plow blades are humungous. This continues year-after-year. He distributed and explained recent pictures of the triangle area. After the heavy rains yesterday the area was all clogged up. Mr. Rau, Road Agent, explained some of the damage is caused by the way drivers are driving. The area around the culvert has been blocked from flowing as it should due to a property owner who has blocked the flow of water. He went up to the area today but could not find the culvert. He asked two Highway Department employees to dig the area out but they were confronted by Mr. Stevens. The water does flow out but very slowly. The problem is they keep putting up a berm to stop the flow of water into the property. Mr. Rau talked with Mr. Stevens today who said he would talk to the Selectboard. He was unavailable to attend this meeting. Stopping this flow of water has been an on-going problem for years. One way to ease this problem is to slope the property. Mr. Merklein mentioned his previous drainage problems; he had some work done on his own. Mr. Rau pointed out that when you are in the plow truck everything happens within a few seconds. They have to get the snow off the road. They try to avoid narrowing of the roads. Near Mr. Merklein’s neighbor there is an area where the Highway Department will do some work in the spring. Mrs. Pschirrer advised it is very difficult to plow around this “configuration” the State had originally put in. The Selectboard should request the State remove it. Mr. Merklein is concerned the road will concave in going down Main Street due to the flooding. The pictures distributed by Mr. Merklein were reviewed and possible options mentioned. Mr. Rau said the edge of the road should never be higher than the road. The more room we give people the more they will cut the corners. They cannot do anything with this until the end of winter. They could talk to the property owners about putting up some reflectors. Mr. Dalessio summarized that Mr. Rau will have the plow damage fixed in the spring; he will clean out the drain and talk to the property owners.
Ms. Mayberry mentioned that Ms. Celeste Aumand, North Walpole Commissioner, wanted Mr. Rau to tell the Highway crew that they are doing a great job with plowing. Mr. Rau got a call from Mrs. Melissa Colburn, North Walpole Commissioner, about a sink hole on Church Street. He will return her call to advise that is a State problem. There was discussion relative to the drain in the Northwest Walpole Village parking lot by the Fire Station. Ms. Mayberry confirmed it is Village property. Mr. Dalessio suggested Mr. Rau take a look at it to see how big a project it is. Mr. Rau said if it is a minor project they will take care of it; he will report back to the Selectboard. Mr. Rau advised that Rice Tree Service took down the big tree and he has the $800 bill. Mr. Dalessio mentioned the bill should go to Mr. Kreissle.
PETER SMITH: Mr. Smith asked about the status of the easement on Huntington Lane. Mr. Dalessio apologized. When the attorney contacted him and said the easement documents were complete, Mr. Dalessio thought the attorney would obtain all the signatures. However, the attorney thought Mr. Dalessio would obtain them. There are a lot of signatures; he will start the process again. He anticipated it will take another week or two. In the meantime, Mr. Smith will check in with Mr. Mark Houghton.
AIRBnBs – SHORT TERM RENTALS: Mrs. Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Mrs. Marilou Blaine, Secretary, did some research into what other towns are doing with AirBnBs. Following are a few findings: Marlboro has a section “Home Base Business”. Laconia has “Short Term Lodging”. In Westmoreland they can be in the “Rural Residential District with a Special Exemption”. Chesterfield is beginning their study. Alstead has a Bed and Breakfast ordinance but it states having someone living there. Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc distributed copies of Walpole’s Article IV General Provisions and her legal response received from the NH Municipal Association. Mr. Buckley from NH Municipal Association felt the Walpole Zoning ordinance could cover AirBnBs. Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc said they felt where their ordinance says “Bed and Breakfast” establishments they could put a slash and add the language that would say “and Short TermRentals” establishments. That would make it clear, defined and would cover them. Mrs. Jan Galloway-Leclerc said all the towns have their own definitions; some have their own wording and some do not have any language. Ms. Mayberry’s concerned are constant turn-over of renters, number of people staying there and parking issues. It takes away from the residential neighborhood. The Selectboard was in favor of having Mrs. Galloway–Leclerc contact Attorney Hockensmith and move forward with this AirBnB establishment ZBA issue. Mr. Dalessio mentioned they should look into having a “Violation in Zoning” Ordinance.
MR. MERV STEVENS: Mr. Dalessio provided a brief update in that Mr. Merklein was at the meeting earlier. They talked about the flooding and Mr. Merklein provided some pictures. Mr. Rau said the flooding is caused by damming on Mr. Stevens property. Mrs. Pschirrer said a berm stops the flow. Mr. Stevens said there always was a problem with drainage in that area. The design of that turn-around has caused more water to go into the flow. Many years ago Mr. Jack Pratt, Mr. Sawyer and he shook hands on a repair to the area but when he came back it was the same. About 20 years ago the Town dug a hole (8-to-10-feet deep) and put gravel in it. The water would come out of the culvert and go into that hole. The sediment from up-stream keeps filling that up and it over-flows. The real option is to connect a pipe at that culvert, go across the road and link it into the drainage. Mr. Dalessio advised that earlier in this meeting they had asked Mr. Rau to take a look at all this and come back with some recommendations and options including having the triangle removed. The triangle was put in by the State when those were State roads. They will notify Mr. Stevens when the options are presented.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $47,695.37 for checks issued February 28, 2020. This amount included a $39,749.60 payment to the Health Trust. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 22, 2020, in the amount of $27,313.22, for checks issued February 28, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,556.23. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – February 20, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 20, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of February 20, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORT:
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes – February 19, 2020.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS:
MAP and LOT #010-020-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $2,257.27 for Map and Lot #010-020-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #011-043-005: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $75.42 for Map and Lot #011-043-005. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #008-021-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Abatement request for Map and Lot #008-021-000 based on the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement request. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #015-015-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Abatement request for Map and Lot #015-015-000 based on the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement request. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #008-068-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $2,558.26 for Map and Lot #008-068-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there were any questions. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Q4 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date: Mr. Dalessio reported that Total Receipts for Q4 2019 Billing is $94,892.37 or 59.29%. Total Left to Collect for Q4 – 2019 Billing is $65,368.16. These figures are average. The next Quarterly billing is due on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 4:00PM.
Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of this Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison submitted by Mrs. Jodi Daigle.
Town Deeded Properties: Mrs. Downing will continue to work on the Town Deeded Properties packets. Some documents have been created and are being proof-read.
Pending Further Actions:
Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham, VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project: Mr. Dalessio did not receive any additional communication on this project.
Joint Meeting Request from the Village of Bellows Falls Board of Trustees: A Joint Meeting date and time has not yet been received from the Village of Bellows Falls Board of Trustees.
NEW BUSINESS:
Police Cruiser: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Police Chief Paquette. He informed them that their 2013 Ford SUV cruiser has had major engine problem,s and is currently out of service. The estimate to repair this cruiser is between $6,000 to $8,000. This cruiser is eight years old and has rust issues. His recommendation is to use money from their cruiser emergency fund to replace it. Most of their expensive equipment can be moved over to the new cruiser but there will still be a need for items to be replaced. The Selectboard will request that Chief Paquette get a full estimate.
Coronavirus and Town Hall Facilities: Mrs. Pschirrer had talked with Mr. Brad Nash, Mrs. Jodi Daigle and Mr. Rich Kreissle relative to taking safety precautions in the Walpole Town Hall for the Coronavirus. It is an active building and there will be many people attending Town Meeting. They will talk to the election workers about wiping down the pens periodically during the Voting Day. They talked about replacing the paper towel dispensers in the restrooms with automatic dispensers and have signage to wash hands. Face masks will be ordered. Mrs. Pschirrer will ask that any employees who are sick to please stay home. The flu is still active around the country.
HealthTrust Public Hearing Notice: A Public Hearing Notice was received from the HealthTrust inviting the Selectboard to join them on March 5, 2020, at either 9:30 am or 3:00 pm in Concord, NH.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:05 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:30 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 27, 2020, will be sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:42 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
_________
Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 2/27/20
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:32 PM. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 20, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 20, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – February 20, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 20, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER INSTITUTE BOARD:
Logo: Ms. Mayberry reported they are still discussing the logo. Mrs. Dalbeck is working on it. The members agreed to discuss the logo again at another group meeting.
March Program: The Hooper Institute Board March program is on owls.
Walpole Principal Interviews: During the Walpole Principal Search interviews, Ms. Mayberry spoke to two candidates about the Hooper Education Program in the Walpole Elementary School.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 3/2/20
Members Present: Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Jackie Kensen, France Menk, Lewis Shelley, Laura Hayes, Steven Dumont, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative, Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
Members Absent: None
Alternates Present: Myra Mansouri, Duncan Watson
Guests: Alex Barrett, Sam Locke
Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
Review and Approval of Minutes: Steven moved: John seconded, and all approved the minutes of February 3, 2020, as corrected.
Public Business
Treasury Report: Conservation Account $142,508.34
Forestry Account $35,328.08
Walker Road Account $3,554.38
Correspondence: Grant from the Robert Hubbard Conservation Commission Fund of the NH CharitableFoundation is $9,150.64.
New Business
Alex Barrett of Long View Forest Management gave an update on rapid assessments. He has completed 8 (combined March and Nelson); Bertin Forest remains to be done. Lew asked when he thought he might complete that. Alex said ASAP, perhaps within a week. On his written report Alex stated he has 19.75 hours to be invoiced ($1,481), but he did not have the invoice with him.
Alex presented a Rapid Assessment Results Summary (2018-2020) chart, which listed proposed activities in each forest, a recommended a year in which to do the work, the level of priority, whether each was an investment or revenue source, and scale of cost. He defined Small scale as less than $1,000, Medium as $1,000 – $10,000, and Large as over $10,000.
Duncan asked which invasive species Alex spotted the most. He said Glossy Buckthorn, Oriental Bittersweet, and Barberry. Alex recommends the use of herbicides, in particular, glyphosate. He said bushwhacking and mowing are ineffective. He said that the invasive plants can be cut back, then when they start to grow back, the herbicide can be applied. July – September is the best time to apply herbicides. France asked how the herbicide will affect birds that eat the berries and leaves of plants to which the herbicide has been applied. Alicia stated that glyphosate, which is carefully controlled, can be very effective, and it is one of the most benign herbicides. Duncan expressed concern about pollinators and proposed that the group stipulate that no herbicide harmful to pollinators be used.
After reviewing suggested activities on Alex’s chart, Alicia said that the group could repaint property line blazes in 2020. Jackie, Steven, and France expressed interest in doing this and will discuss it. Steven said it is best to paint the new markers under the old to retain proof of the original property line.
Steven asked Alex to tell the group what should be done first. Alex answered Mason Forest and the Watershed. He suggested investing money to harvest timber in the Watershed then use some of the money made from the harvest to work on Fanny Mason. He also said that invasives in the Hooper and Watershed could be harvested this winter. Alex would need to know within the month if that is going to be done.
Alicia asked if Alex saw any place that needs tree planting. Alex stated that none of these forests need trees. He did suggest underplanting, planting a diversity of shrubs, to knock out buckthorn. Both Alex and Laura suggested various shrubs that would be appropriate for this purpose. Laura also suggested planting shrubs by the memorial at the Great Brook roadside.
Steven suggested creating a map identifying trees in town. Laura and Alex suggested using I-Naturalist to do this. Helen Dalback of the Hooper Institute said that 70% of the trees are Norway Maples.
Laura suggested giving Mike Rau a crash course in identifying trees that need to be cut down. John said that would be unnecessary because the town, Liberty Utilities, and Asplundh locate these each fall.
Alicia reported that Ray Boas presented his tree planting idea to the Selectboard and received their approval. He will head the effort to plant one mature tree in town each Old Home Day.
Lew reported that he has scheduled a trail building workshop with Distant Hill Gardens around May 23rd.
Old Business
The wetlands and streams subcommittee is taking a look at wetlands to see what was done in 2005. If they can get some designated as prime wetlands, the NH DES will then take them over.
Steven said that, at the present, there is no residential setback site plan review for the zoning board.
Lew reported that he is starting to create trail maps for the Walker Road Kiosk. He stated the Leave No Trace sign is in place, but they need to get a No Fires and No Camping in place, as well.
France printed out the survey responses she received. Members can access the list on Google Docs. It was suggested that the survey be mentioned in the Clarion again next month.
John reported that the selectboard met with Fuss and O’Neill, who will do the permit work for the DEA. The next step is to determine the depth of the reservoir. John will talk to Mark about doing that. Once done, the information will be sent to Fuss and O’Neill, who will then apply for the permit for the culvert work.
Sam Locke of the CRJC and Cold River Local Advisory Committee attended the meeting to learn more about the WCC and determine in what ways the groups could collaborate. Perhaps they could do joint fundraising and education. John suggested she look into Trout Unlimited for new funding for the Cold River.
Other Business
Lew showed some sample maps he has created of the Mill Pond. He also reported that there is a huge washout near the causeway with a massive silt deposit.
Lew is starting to make trail signs. He reported that he believes the Champion Black Oak fell. He will confirm that then notify Steven, who will contact the signmaker.
Lew said there is work being done on the pond below the Hooper Golf Course. This work must have Houghton’s permission because the golf course can draw down just a certain amount of water. The rest is reserved for the fire department.
Steven proposed that the commission discuss and act on Alex’s rapid assessments and priorities at the next meeting. Alicia suggested planning another trail maintenance.
Jackie wanted to know if she should talk to the Gowdys about haying. It was decided she should have them sign a maintenance agreement.
John asked if there is a color-coded system for trails in Walpole. Lew said no. He suggested using colored tags rather than painting trail markers. Lew will price out tags for the next meeting.
John moved; Laura seconded, and all agreed to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
The next meeting is Monday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
*** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission on April 6.
Planning Board Agenda – 3/10/20
WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD AGENDA
TOWN HALL
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
7 pm
Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.
Minutes – Review minutes of the February meeting.
Old Business:
Public Hearing No. 1.
Greg Gay, Site Plan for Office Building. Greg Gay proposes a 30-by-70-foot-office building at 8 Len-Tex Lane, North Walpole, Map 27, Lot 8-1, Industrial district. The building will have six offices, a bathroom and room for inventory.
Public Hearing: Site Plan: Robin Sanctuary and Chad Thurston at 73 Main Street, former American Legion building. Mixed Use. A real estate office is going in on the first floor of that building. Recently two apartments constructed on the second floor. Tax Map 20, Lot 52, Commercial District. Awaiting decision of ZBA regarding Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use.
New Business:
Hubbard Farms: Site Plan for a new chicken house. Request for a Public Hearing. Scott Hunter is representing Hubbard Farms.
Workshop: Tuesday, March 24, 7 pm in the basement conference room.
Next meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/20/20
Selectboard Present:Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer, Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There were no visitors present.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $654,242.46 for checks issued February 21, 2020. This amount includes a $615,232 payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 15, 2020, in the amount of $30,059.52, for checks issued February 21, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,744.36. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. She reported it is higher than some weeks because it includes all the Election Day workers. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
BROADBAND PUBLIC BENEFITS MEETING – February 12, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Broadband Public Benefits Meeting of February 12, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
BROADBAND PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF A BOND MEETING – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Broadband Proposed Issuance of a Bond Meeting of February 13, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
2020 ANNUAL BUDGET AND WARRANT ARTICLE HEARING – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the 2020 Annual Budget and Warrant Article Hearing of February 13, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
CHARLESTOWN WITHDRAWAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Charlestown Withdrawal Informational Meeting of February 13, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there wasany discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of February 13, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 13, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORT:
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee Report:
• Planning Board Meeting – February 11, 2020.
ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS:
WATER and SEWER ABATEMENT FOR MAP and LOT #024-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Water and Sewer Abatement for Map and Lot #024-006-000 as follows: Water – $490.92 and Sewer – $657.96. There was an issue with the rolling of numbers on the meter. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
BUILDING PERMIT:
Permit No. 2020-05, GARY and MARIE SHERER, 242 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #008-014-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No 2020-05 for Gary and Marie Sherer to “Build 2 Car Garage with attached lean-tos” at 242 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #008-014-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Pending Further Actions:
Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham, VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project: Mr. Dalessio had nothing new to report on the lights.
Joint Meeting Request from Bellows Falls Village Board of Trustees: The Bellows Falls Village Board of Trustees has not yet set a date and time for this Joint Meeting.
Town Deeded Properties: Mrs. Downing will complete the Town Deeded Properties packets as soon as the Town Report is finished.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:45 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 20, 2020, be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:03 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 2/20/20
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:22 PM. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 13, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 13, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
Hooper Institute Education Trust January Reimbursement of Expenses to the Town of Walpole: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the reimbursement of expenses from the Hooper Institute Education Trust to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $8,313.31 for January 2020. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Appointment Notice: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Joseph “Joe” Coneeny to the Hooper Institute Scholarship Committee for a period of three (3) years, March 2020 through Town Meeting, March 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:25 PM.
The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 8:02 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 20, 2020, be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Fall Mountain Warrant
This letter was sent to all Walpole as school parents. Realizing that many of the subscribers here are not parents of school age children, I asked Sam Jacobs if I could share the information with you. – Lil
Information from the Walpole Site Based Committee
Important School Vote on March 10
On March 10, the Fall Mountain Regional School District will be voting on the following issues. The Walpole School Site Based Committee would like to share information and our recommendations with you, so you might feel more informed when voting in the upcoming election. We encourage you to bring this document with you to the polls. The Walpole Town Hall, St. Peter’s Church in North Walpole, and the Fire Station in Alstead are all open for voting from 7 AM – 7 PM. Thank you for taking the time to vote on Tuesday, March 10.
Article 1 – Shall the Fall Mountain Regional School District raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $32,428,708? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $31,933,862, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Fall Mountain Regional School District or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. (Majority vote required.) The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee recommend this article.
The projected tax impact for the updated budget amount (as presently built) is as follows:
|
TOWN |
2018/2019 Local School Tax Rate |
2019/2020 Local School Tax Rate |
2020/2021 Estimated School Tax Rate
|
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Estimated Change on a Property Assessed at $100,000 |
|
Acworth |
$13.19 |
$14.44 |
$13.28 |
($1.16) |
($116.31) |
|
Alstead |
$15.04 |
$15.00 |
$12.92 |
($2.08) |
($207.96) |
|
Charlestown |
$23.71 |
$24.02 |
$20.17 |
($3.24) |
($324.05) |
|
Langdon |
$17.30 |
$16.71 |
$15.55 |
($1.16) |
($115.55) |
|
Walpole |
$13.18 |
$14.50 |
$12.77 |
($1.73) |
($173.44) |
A complete line-by-line general budget breakdown report can be found on the district’s website at http://www.sau60.org and in the Annual Report booklet.
Article 2 :This Article is for the Acworth voters only.
Article 3:This Article is for the Alstead voters only.
Article 4:This Article is for the Charlestown voters only.
Article 5: This Article is for the Charlestown voters only.
Article 6:This Article is for the Langdon voters only.
Article 7 – Shall the Walpole voters vote to appropriate $162,500 for capital improvements to the Walpole Primary, Walpole Elementary and North Walpole Schools as detailed in the Capital Improvements plan, WES gym ceiling project, WES secure door control access and camera system, WPS secure door control access and camera system, NWS upgrade intercom system, and NWS secure door control access and camera system, with $143,777 of said funds to come from the Walpole Schools Capital Reserve Fund and $18,723 to come from one-time state funding? The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee recommend this article.
Article 8 – Shall the District vote to appropriate $156,500 to update restrooms for ADA compliance – phase 3, Ag program storage building, replace polycarbonate for greenhouse, architectural design for Ag barn/sugar house/classroom building, and a replacement outdoor scoreboard as detailed in the District capital improvements plan for the Fall Mountain Regional High School, with said funds to come from the FMRHS Capital Reserve Fund? The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee recommend this article.
Article 9 – Shall the District vote to raise and appropriate up to $500,000 to be placed in the district’s capital reserve funds with the breakdown as follows: 3.99% up to $19,950 to be added to the Acworth Capital Reserve Fund; 6.87% up to $34,350 to be added to the Alstead Capital Reserve Fund; 19.00% up to $95,000 to be added to the Charlestown Capital Reserve Fund; 2.68% up to $13,400 to be added to the Langdon Capital Reserve Fund; 17.46% up to $87,300 to be added to the Walpole Capital Reserve Fund and 50% for up to $250,000 to be placed in the High School Capital Reserve Fund, with said funds to come solely from any year-end unassigned general fund balance. These funds are to be held by Trustees of Trust Funds in the respective towns and no withdrawals shall be made without consent of the voters? The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee recommend this article.
Article 10 – Shall the District authorize the school board to convey to the Town of Walpole a 1.7 acre parcel of land on the westerly side of Main Street in the northeasterly corner of land belonging to the school district being part of the land shown as Walpole Tax Map 22, Lot 4, presently being used by the Town of Walpole for parking next to the Town recreation area, on such terms as the school board shall determine are in the best interest of the school district with all costs for the transfer to be paid by the Town of Walpole? The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee recommend this article.
Article 11 – Shall the school district accept the provisions of RSA 195 (as amended) providing for the withdrawal of the preexisting district of Charlestown from the Fall Mountain Regional School District, a cooperative school district in accordance with the provisions of the proposed withdrawal plan filed with the school district clerk? The School Board and the Walpole Site Based Committee do not recommend this article.
Thank you for your continued support.
Walpole Site Based Committee
Zoning Board Candidates
To the Voters of Walpole,
At the Annual Town Meeting Ballot Voting Session on Tuesday March 10, you will note that I am listed as a candidate for the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). I signed up to run for the ZBA because I feel that the experience gained in my 40+ year professional career in NH planning and zoning practice would be of value to the Town as we look toward the future. I did not sign up to run against any other candidate, but simply to serve my community in the capacity for which I am best equipped.
At the time I signed up I did not know that that Ernie Vose would also be a candidate. Ernie has served Walpole with distinction for many years and in many capacities; including as a long time-member, Chairman, and alternate member of the ZBA. He deserves to continue his service on the Board for as long as he is willing. Accordingly, I wish to withdraw my candidacy and urge my fellow Walpoleans to Vote for Ernie Vose for the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
In withdrawing my candidacy, I ask only that when it re-organizes after the election, the newly constituted Board consider me for a position as an Alternate Member so that I might be able to offer a fresh perspective backed by extensive experience in zoning administration.
Respectfully,
David Edkins
Site-Based Forum – 2/27/20
Just a reminder of the meeting regarding the school withdrawal. Tonight at the Walpole School, the Site-Based Community will host the forum where you can get your questions answered prior to voting on March 10th. – Lil
The Walpolean 
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