Just a reminder that the hydrants will be flushed on the 6th and the 7th. Be sure to get your laundry done before then. Really messes up the white load! – Lil
Planning Board Agenda – 11/12/19
WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD AGENDA
TOWN HALL
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
7 pm
Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.
Minutes – Review minutes of the October meeting and workshop meeting.
Old Business:
Public Hearing No. 1.
Boundary Line Adjustment for Caribou Realty LLC, Trustee of the Aloysisus Hollingsworth Trust, Old Keene Road. Tax Map 18, Lot 19. Lot 18 Griffin Sivret and Andrea-Vickers Sivret, Residential B. Lot 19 is taking .21 acres from a strip of land from the boundary, 331 square feet from an easement and .01 acres to be annexed near the road from Lot 18.
Public Hearing No. 2.
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. Postponed until December.
Subdivision: Laura Madden. Public Hearing in December. Joe DiBernardo should have application and plat at this meeting.
Vote on final draft of Rules of Procedure.
New Business:
Site Plan – Mable LLC – Chad Thurston, Griffin Construction, Former American Legion building, 73 Main St., Map 20, Lot 52, Commercial District, Second Floor Renovations – two apartments on second floor and some plumbing and heating changes on the first floor. Request for a Public Hearing.
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Minority Report from Withdrawal Committee
The following 29 page report has been forwarded to the State Department on Education to describe the position of those who voted against the recommendation for withdrawal that was posted here last week. By doing screenshots of the PDFs I was able to include the charts. A lot to digest but by presenting both sides, Walpole voters should be better prepared when it comes time to vote. Thank you William Stahl. – Lil
Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 10/24/19
TOWN OF WALPOLE
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2019
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:48 pm. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – October 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to postpone approval of the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of October 17, 2019, until the next regular Hooper Trustees meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
Hooper Institute: Ms. Mayberry reported that the Hooper Institute Board will not meet again until the first week in November.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 10/17/19
TOWN OF WALPOLE
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 2019
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:15 PM. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – October 10, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of October 10, 2019, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
September Hooper Educational Trust Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the September Hooper Educational Trust Fund Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $9,387.21. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
September Hooper Maintenance Trust Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the September Hooper Maintenance Trust Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $325.00. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.
Hooper Institute Board: Ms. Mayberry reported that Ms. Karen Galloway had questions about the PDIP process. She recommended that Ms. Galloway (Vice-President) and Mrs. Amy Owens (Treasurer) talk to Mr. Tom Goins (Town Treasurer) about the process for transferring the Hooper Funds into the PDIP account. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that PDIP is not meant to be similar to a checking account. Therefore, maybe they should have a small bank checking account.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 19/24/19
Selectboard Present:Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:00 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 four visitors in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Senator Jay Kahn: Mr. Dalessio welcomed State Senator Jay Kahn who is present to provide a legislative update. Senator Kahn advised when they started this legislative session there were 398 bills and 345 were passed. Nine became law without the governor’s signature. Two were budget bills. Senator Kahn referenced his letter to the Town of Walpole dated October 14, 2019, in which he shared some details of the budget including the benefits for Walpole.
This was a productive session for him. He was on the Finance Committee. They added $200,000,000 to the education budget. Relative to new investments in Cheshire County, there is approximately $16,000,000 for education and municipal aid. In Walpole, the budget delivers $85,663.00 in unrestricted revenue redistribution and $255,831.00 in additional education funding, for a total of $341,494.00 in municipal aid over the FY2020-21 biennium. It is spread over two years.
Mr. Dalessio asked if this will come to the Town or go to the Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD). Ms. Mayberry advised that adequacy aid funding goes directly to the FMRSD. Senator Kahn said there is also good news with special education funding. He is pleased about some bills that were passed and provided explanations on some including the Telehealth Bill and Mental Health Workforce Bill. The budget funds the State’s commitment for special education and provides sufficient funds to freeze in-state tuition at state colleges and universities, thereby retaining more high school graduates in NH. Surrounding colleges in other states have been recruiting NH students.
Senator Kahn reported the Town of Walpole recently received half of their FY2020-21 Unrestricted Municipal Aid from the State of NH in the amount of $42,710.09. Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Selectboard will be having a public hearing on this later in this meeting.
Senator Kahn had made arrangements for the tour of the Great River Hydro Dam property a short time ago. It was attended by many elected officials and invited guests.
Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Town is working with an active committee to bring in Broadband services. One thing missing is that people are not responding to their requests for information. Comcast has not yet done so. There is no penalty for anybody who does not respond. She asked if Senator Kahn will introduce legislation to make it mandatory that they respond. Senator Kahn replied “yes” he is. If they fail to respond to requests,which includes providing mapping of households then their service, customers will not be considered served. Mrs. Pschirrer said that would mean 90% would be considered as not served. Request for Proposals are due on November 7th.
Senator Kahn advised the filing date for new legislation is next Tuesday.
Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the need for a “Total Return Policy”. When they have had a trust for 20+ years that has not grown, it would not be acceptable to any university in this state, the NH Charitable Trust Foundation, etc. Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Hooper Trust Fund. They have money sitting there, not earning any interest. Mrs. Pschirrer said this policy could come through a warrant article at Town Meeting. It is an option the Town should have. A bill was introduced in the past, but she was not sure what happened to it. Senator Kahn will contact the NH Municipal Association and report back to the Selectboard.
Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Vilas Bridge. They fully support repairing that bridge and getting it open. It is now on the end of the NH Department of Transportation Ten-Year Plan. Senator Kahn stated a means of acceleration would be an appropriation from Vermont.
Mr. Dalessio advised that Vermont now has a relocation reimbursement of $10,000 for employees willing to relocate to the State of Vermont. NH should look at this and bring critical skilled employees into NH. We should create a program similar to the one in Vermont.
Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Town of Walpole had a severely injured Highway Department employee. It occurred in August 2018 in North Walpole. Walpole bought new units for flaggers that flash for employees on the roads. These give employees a great deal of protection and better visibility in the dark. It would be nice if the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) made it mandatory for their projects. These units are not expensive.
Mr. Dalessio reported that the Selectboard had two students from Fall Mountain Regional High School come into the meeting last week to talk about putting a ban on plastic bags in Town. We are seeing more young people come forward now. Mrs. Pschirrer noted they will work with these students on putting together a Warrant Article for Town Meeting.
Ms. Mayberry wanted to follow-up on the letter they sent to Senator Kahn on PFAS. Where is that legislatively? Senator Kahn said it is a rule adopted by the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES). Ms. Mayberry asked if they were able to over-come the economical charges to the Town to make these regulatory changes. Senator Kahn said the remediation could be large, but it is unknown. There is no assistance other than the State Ground Water Assistance Fund. Sixty to 70 projects have been funded; mostly pipe distribution related. There is a real conflict. Mrs. Pschirrer provided an update on the funds received for the Town’s Brownfields Project.
Mrs. Cheryl Watson asked what Senator Kahn’s position is on the Vilas Bridge. She understands that NH has paid their share of other bridges crossing the Connecticut River. Yet, this one is proposed at 50%. Senator Kahn believes the State feels there are two other bridges that serve this region; the Arch Bridge and the Westminster Bridge. Mr. Dalessio said people have to understand that the Vilas Bridge has the Walpole Sewer line running underneath it to the Bellows Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant. If that line breaks, there will be an environmental disaster in the river. The Town of Rockingham Select Board will be meeting with the Town of Walpole Selectboard on November 7th to discuss this.
The Selectboard thanked Senator Kahn for attending this meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Dalessio called this public hearing to order on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 6:52 PM. This public hearing is to discuss the use and acceptance of FY2020-21 Unrestricted Municipal Aid from the State of New Hampshire. The Town received $42,710.09. A decision needs to be made as to whether this amount will be put in the general fund or another account/fund.
Mrs. Pschirrer feels it should be put in the general fund and be considered for infrastructure projects such as the Red Listed bridges and dams.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recommend putting the $42,710.09 into the General Fund and focus on using it for infrastructure repairs/replacements and dams in Town. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to amend the motion to state that the $42,710.09 be put into the General Fund and then transferred into the PDIP fund for infrastructure repairs, replacements, improvements and dams. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
There were no other comments or discussion. Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 7:00 PM.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $32,016.23 for checks issued October 25, 2019. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $7,475.07 to GSM Granite State Minerals, Inc. for winter salt and/or sand.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending October 19, 2019, in the amount of $26,499.39, for checks issued October 25, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,360.86. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 17, 2019, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 17, 2019, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following meeting:
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – October 16, 2019.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Permit No. 2019-38: Daniel Reagan and Sharon Sorensen, 12 Sand Hill Road, Map and Lot #012-044-019: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-38 for Daniel Reagan and Sharon Sorensen to construct a “12’ x 24’ Prefabricated Shed” at 12 Sand Hill Road. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Permit No. 2019-39: Sabin Rock Farm, LLC. 79 Reservoir Road, Map and Lot #010-026-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-39 for Sabin Rock Farm, LLC to install a “23’ x 17’ Garage Mount Solar Array” at 79 Reservoir Road. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Permit No. 2019-40: Jared and Lisa Stolper, 193 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-013-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-40 for Jared and Lisa Stolper to install a “60’ x 18’ Ground Mount Solar Array” at 193 Old Drewsville Road. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Permit No. 2019-41: John and Susan Herron, 335 Ramsay Hill Road, Map and Lot #011-007-003: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-41 for John and Susan Herron to construct a “72’ x 46’ Single Story House w/Garage” at 335 Ramsay Hill Road. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pending Further Actions: The following Agenda items will be addressed at the next regular meeting:
• Citizen’s Complaint 2019-02 Letter;
• Ramsay Hill Right-Of-Way;
• New Reuse Center.
NEW BUSINESS:
Police Department Revolving Fund Request: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Police Department to purchase 4 sets of cruiser winter tires for the amount of $2,585.00 to be withdrawn from their Revolving Fund. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio was opposed because tires should be purchased as maintenance and not equipment. Therefore, the funds should not be taken out of their Revolving Fund.
SWRPC Brownfields Advisory Committee Nomination: Mr. Dalessio moved to nominate Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer to be a member of the Southwest Regional Planning Commission’s (SWRPC) Brownfields Advisory Committee. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Whitcomb Recreation Park – Parking Area: The Fall Mountain Regional School Board requested that the Selectboard attend their meeting on either Monday, October 28th or Tuesday, November 12th, 2019, to discuss the Whitcomb Recreation Park – Parking Area. There was a consensus that Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry will attend the FMRSD meeting on Monday, October 28th, at 6:00 PM in the Central Office. Mr. Dalessio is unable to attend.
Citizen’s Comment #2019-4: Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town’s Highway Department has held back on doing work on Elm Street as the Water/Sewer Department anticipates doing a big project in that area that will tear-up the street. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Rau about this citizen’s comment on drainage and will report back to the Selectboard at their next meeting.
Mascoma Bank’s Income Advance Loan Program: The Selectboard agreed to pass the information on the Mascoma Bank’s Income Advance Loan Program to the Town employees. However, they will neither support nor promote this program.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Mrs. Pschirrer 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 and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:20 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:47 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 24, 2019, be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. 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. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:48 PM. The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:53 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Charlestown Withdrawal Study Committee: Mr. Dalessio reported that during this meeting last night the committee members passed the plan by a 6-to-4 vote. There will be a minority report sent after the majority report goes in today.
Damaged Recycling Reuse Building: Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of one sealed bid that was opened at this meeting. Today was the deadline. Mr. Ben Hoy submitted a bid of $25.00 and will remove the building.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the $25.00 bid from Ben Hoy for the damaged Recycling Reuse building. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners Meeting: Ms. Mayberry attended this meeting last Tuesday. The Water Operator saw that the brush hog was by the North Walpole Park so the Commissioners wondered if the Highway Dept. could use it to clean up the access road to the Reservoir. Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer had no objections and suggested the Commissioners contact Mr. Rau.
Public Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer announced that next Wednesday, October 30th, 2019, at 6:30 PM there will be aninformational public meeting for Broadband. They will be talking about bonding.
Brownfields Cleanup Grant: On Wednesday, October 30th, 2019, at 2:00 pm Mrs. Pschirrer will be meeting with Mr. Joe Ferrari, Mr. J.B. Mack and Mrs. Alicia Flammia to review the proposals they have from three companies.
ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 10/31/19
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD and HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA
October 31, 2019
SELECTBOARD MEETING
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $156,020.19 for checks issued 11/01/19
PAYROLL
• Payroll Register totaling $29,027.05 dated 11/01/19 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,909.76
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
• Selectboard Minutes – October 24, 2019
• Non-Public Selectboard Session –October 24, 2019
WARRANTS
• Walpole Water Fees
• Walpole Sewer Fees
• North Walpole Sewer Fees
OLD BUSINESS
• Rodrigues and Corduff vs. Town of Walpole Court Decision
• Citizen’s Complaint 2019-02 Letter
• Ramsay Hill ROW
• EPA Clean-up Grant Update
• Broadband Committee Update
Pending Further Actions
• New Reuse Center Plans
NEW BUSINESS
• 2019 Equalization Municipal Assessment Date Certificate and Sales Ratio Study Report
• Preliminary Tax Rate Status
• Budget – Draft 4
• Pink Heals Event on Common
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES
• Hooper Trustees Meeting – October 24, 2019
HOOPER BUSINESS
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3, II
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
Withdrawal Committee Plan
Regretfully, I was unable to include all the formatting from the original document but the important text is here. A lot to consider and digest.
Perhaps you would like to share your thoughts here under Comments. If interested in the feelings others in the community please understand that you need to go to the home page at http://www.thewalpolean.org. Would love to see the dialogue on this very important decision. – Lil
Report of the Withdrawal Study Committee
Studying the Withdrawal of the
Town of Charlestown
From the
Fall Mountain Regional School District
Pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 195:25
To: The NH State Board of Education
From: Fall Mountain Regional School Board Withdrawal Study Committee
School Withdrawal Plan
Date: October 23, 2019
1. At its meeting on October 2, 2019, a quorum being present, the Withdrawal Study Committee determined by a vote of 7 YES and 3 NO, with O Abstentions: That withdrawal of Charlestown from the FMRSD is recommended. A plan will be created to be presented to the State of NH BOE according to the requirements of RSA 195, after approval of the FM Withdrawal Committee studying the Charlestown withdrawal proposal.
2. The Withdrawal Study Committee therefore, pursuant to RSA 195:25, submits the attached Withdrawal Plan by and approved by the Committee at it’s meeting on October 23, 2019, by a vote of 6 to 4.
In Favor
Alan F. Dustin
Alstead Select Board Member
Albert St. Pierre
Charlestown Select Board Member
Joseph A. Levesque
Alstead School Board Representative
Scott Bushway
Charlestown School Board Representative
Steven J. Dalessio
Walpole Select Board Member
Lucien Joseph Beam
Langdon Select Board Member
Opposed
Francis C Emig
Acworth Select Board Member
Mary Henry
Langdon School Board Representative
Sarah Vogel
Acworth School Board Representative
William K. Stahl
Walpole School Board Representative
Background
The towns of Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown, Langdon, and Walpole are rural communities located in Sullivan or Cheshire Counties, in southwestern New Hampshire. Each of these towns has a long history, having been incorporated in 1772, 1763, 1753, 1787 and 1752 respectively.
In 2017, Charlestown had a population of 5004 people. (696 people aged 5-19) and the other four towns have a combined population of 8741 people (1256 aged 5-19). Charlestown’s per capita income is $25,147, with a median household income of $50,297 and 2.1%unemployment. The other four town’s per capita income is $33,937.25, with a median household income of $66,997.75 and 2.275% unemployment.
The State Board of Education authorized the Charlestown School District and the districts of Acworth, Alstead, Langdon and Walpole to organize the Fall Mountain Regional School District pursuant to the provisions of [Chapter 199 of the Law of New Hampshire of 1947]. At a special meeting held on February 11, 1964, the five districts voted to establish the Fall Mountain Regional School District with an effective date of operating responsibility of July 1, 1966.
In 1976, a group of Charlestown residents, chaired by Oscar Makinen, met to discuss the merits of Charlestown in the Fall Mountain Regional School District and its effect on the people of Charlestown.
In January, 1984, a study was done locally to study the makeup of the district.
In 1985, Charlestown voters called for a withdrawal study to be done. The Select Board of Charlestown hired Mason & Rich Professional Association and Fleek & Lewis Architects to conduct the analysis. The study resulted in Charlestown voting to invoke RSA 195.
In 1986, as a result of the Charlestown vote to invoke RSA 195:25, the Fall Mountain Regional School Board appropriated $15,000 to hire the Center of Educational Field Services (CEFS), led by Dr. Richard Goodman and Dean Michener. Upon completion of the study, it was determined that Charlestown would be able to withdraw from the five town cooperative at no additional cost. The four remaining towns voted, by a vote of 12 – 3, to maintain the status quo. The opportunity to vote on withdrawal did not make it to the voters.
In 1988, an article was placed on the warrant to change the cost allocation formulas. This was voted down at school meeting.
In 1989, another article was placed on the school warrant to change the cost allocation formulas. Again, this was voted down at school meeting.
In 1998, Bill Wheeler, of TRACE, completed a study found that determined that Charlestown taxpayers were overpaying relative to services received.
In 2002, a district-wide vote approved a change in the formulas. The result of that decision is the incredibly complicated set of formulas with which we live today.
In 2015, Charlestown Selectmen advanced a motion to change the district school funding to a 50% ADM / 50% Equalized Valuation formula. District-wide, the resulting vote was 913 YES, 1970 NO, or 68% to 31% opposed. However, Charlestown voters voted 805 YES to 294 NO, or 73% in favor. Interestingly, 88% of all yes votes came from Charlestown voters, while 85% of all no votes came from the other four towns.
In addition to direct challenges to the Articles of Agreement and the cost allocation formulas, Charlestown voters have expressed their frustration at Fall Mountain School Board budgetary proposals by repeatedly and resoundingly voting against annual budgets that have proposed increases running well in excess of inflation or increased cost of living rates. Charlestown voters have also attended the annual deliberative sessions in substantial numbers to vote against proposed budget increases and force the default budget to be advanced.
Most recently, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, the Town of Charlestown at its annual Town Meeting elections, passed Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to direct the School Board of Fall Mountain Regional School District to conduct a study of the feasibility and suitability of the withdrawal of the Town of Charlestown from the School District as set forth in RSA 195:25 (Ballot Vote Required). This vote passed 617 for and 248 against, representing an approval rate of 71% of Charlestown voters.
In March of 2019, a letter was sent to the School Board of Fall Mountain Regional School District notifying the board that Charlestown voters voted to invoke RSA 195:25. The FMRSD commenced a Withdrawal Study Committee. The initial meeting was held on April 30, 2019, where the guidelines for a Withdrawal Study and the procedure for adding committee members were outlined.
Twice monthly meetings were held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of May, June, July, August, and September, and each Wednesday in October until the plan was complete.
Data collected by the Withdrawal Study Committee to assist them in determining the feasibility of the withdrawal is included below.
Per Section RSA 195:26
195:26 Withdrawal Plan — A plan for the withdrawal of a member of district cooperative shall include the following:
I. The name of the withdrawing district and the grades.
The name of the withdrawing district shall be the Charlestown School District. This district shall oversee and provide for the children residing in the Town of Charlestown for grades Kindergarten through grade 12 and as required by RSA 186-C.
The remaining district, the Fall Mountain Regional School District, shall oversee and provide for the children residing in the Towns of Acworth, Alstead, Langdon, and Walpole for grades Kindergarten through grade 12 and as required by RSA 186-C.
ll. The number, composition, method of selection, and terms of office for the school board of the withdrawing district and of the Regional School District.
The Charlestown School Board shall be the governing entity of the Charlestown School District and shall be comprised of 5 members, elected at large by the voters of the Town of Charlestown for three-year staggered terms.
In the first year of the Charlestown school board elections, 2 positions shall be for 3-year terms, 2 positions shall be for 2-year terms and 1 position shall be for a I-year term.
The Fall Mountain Regional School Board shall continue to be the governing body of the Fall Mountain Regional School District with the exception that it shall be comprised of 5 members.
Ill. The method of apportioning the operating expenses and capital expenses among the members of the cooperative school district if a change is to be proposed in conjunction with the withdrawal procedure.
The Town of Charlestown will assume all costs for operating the Charlestown School District.
The Towns of Acworth, Alstead, Langdon, and Walpole will assume all costs for operating the Fall Mountain Regional School District. The remaining districts will determine an appropriate charging formula.
IIII. The proposed date of operating responsibility, at which time the withdrawing district shall be responsible for the education of its pupils and after which the cooperative district will no longer have such financial and educational responsibility.
As of July 1, 2021, the Charlestown School District will be responsible for the education of all Charlestown students.
As of July 1, 2021, the Fall Mountain School District will be responsible for the education of all Acworth, Alstead, Langdon, and Walpole students.
V. The liability of the withdrawing district for its share of any outstanding indebtedness of the cooperative school district in RSA 195:27.
The Charlestown School District will assume all obligations for the remaining bond payments of
$100,000 per year through 2024, related to the 2006 renovations performed at Charlestown Primary School. The Charlestown School District will also assume full responsibility for its pro rata share of the energy project initiated in 2014 as it pertains to its three school facilities only, which will require 7 further payments after July 1, 2021.
There is no other indebtedness.
VI. A plan for the education of all students in the withdrawing school district and for the continuation of the school system of the cooperative district. This shall detail the proposed assignment of students in grades operated by the cooperative and withdrawing district or districts, including, if any, tuition arrangements or contracts.
1. Educating grades preK-8
The Charlestown School District shall create a budget to raise and appropriate all funds necessary to provide for the education of its students enrolled in grades preK-8, utilizing the existing Charlestown Middle School, Charlestown Primary School, and North Charlestown Community School.
The Fall Mountain Regional School District shall create a budget to raise and appropriate all funds necessary to provide for the education of its students. The Fall Mountain Regional School District plans to maintain the current primary and middle schools in the remaining four towns for grades preK-8.
2. Educating Grades 9-12
The Charlestown School District intends to enter into an agreement with Fall Mountain Regional School District for the majority of their students in grades 9-12 (eg: 90%). Charlestown reserves the right to make arrangements with other school districts, including both public and private high schools, as is deemed educationally appropriate.
The Fall Mountain Regional School District will continue to operate the Fall Mountain Regional High School and has expressed a willingness to accept students in grades 9-12 from Charlestown on a tuition basis on terms yet to be determined.
3. Special Education
The Charlestown School District shall meet the requirements of RSA 186-C to educate the students with special education needs in the district.
The Fall Mountain Regional School District shall continue to meet the requirements of RSA 186C to educate the students with special education needs in the district.
4. Bus transportation
The Charlestown School District shall provide bus transportation for its students.
The Fall Mountain School District shall provide bus transportation for its students.
5. School Continuity
The Charlestown School District will determine arrangements with Charlestown parents or guardians and the Fall Mountain Regional School District to develop procedures and guidelines for school continuity arrangements. The current Fall Mountain Regional School Board has indicated they will accept Charlestown’s high school students on a tuition basis.
6. SAU Status
There are no plans for withdrawal of the Charlestown School District from SAU #60 at this time.
7. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Obligations
Charlestown will honor the conditions of the existing CBA with all staff, including teachers and support staff, who choose to remain a part of the Charlestown School District.
8. Remaining town(s)
Upon withdrawal of the Charlestown School District, the Fall Mountain Regional School District will continue to serve the students of the towns of Acworth, Alstead, Langdon, and Walpole.
VI’. Any other matters, not incompatible with law, which the planning committee may consider appropriate to include in the withdrawal plan.
Per Section RSA 195:28
195:28 Disposition of Property — SAU #60 currently operates and maintains 13 properties within the Fall Mountain Regional School District. The 1966 Articles of Agreement state that at the time of the formation of the FMRSD, SAU #60 shall acquire all existing properties from the previous existing districts.
Upon withdrawal of the Charlestown School District, effective July 1, 2021, Charlestown will reacquire the North Charlestown Community School, Charlestown Primary School and Charlestown Middle School at no cost. The Charlestown School District will acquire the contents of each building as well as capital reserve funds connected to the Charlestown buildings.
Fall Mountain Regional School District will distribute to Charlestown School District its share, whether ear-marked or pro rata, of any reserve funds of any kind, not limited to capital reserve funds associated with Charlestown area schools, high school reserve funds, health care selfinsurance reserve funds or surpluses, and reserve funds of any other description.
The Charlestown School District will forfeit all interest in Fall Mountain Regional High School, as well as any other school or facility being retained by Fall Mountain Regional School District and will in turn be absolved of all obligations associated with those facilities.
Halloween Movie
Start your Halloween off right with a movie downstairs in the Town Hall. Will be shown Rain or Shine!
Call for Volunteers
It worked so well last time, we have high hopes that those hours of practice will pay off and it will go even better this time! – Lil
Looking for the best way to see our new library space before we open to the public? Come help us move and unpack!
Moving day is Monday December 2nd and we’re looking for people to help move boxes and furniture from Town Hall back to the Library. If you have a truck, you get bonus points! We’re asking all volunteers to be at Town Hall at 9am. Please stop by the library and sign up so we know how many helping hands to expect.
From Tuesday December 3rd through Saturday December 14th we’re looking for volunteers to help us clean the books that have been in storage (so much dust!) and get everything organized in the new library space! Please call or stop by the library to sign up for a time slot.
The Walpolean 
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