The Walpolean

Registration is available for a full day watercolor workshop with Lynn Zimmerman on September 14th, from 9:30 to 3:30.  Lynn’s instruction will focus on the relationships between objects and their environment and will explore shadows, edges, overlaps and negative spaces. The workshop will be held at the United Church in Bellows Falls, Vermont, and is organized by the Saxtons River Art Guild, which is celebrating its 42th year of promoting fine arts with local art exhibits, open studio sessions, and workshops and classes with award winning artists. Cost is $65 for members and $85 for non-members.  Contact Carolyn Berglund at 603-352-7398 or ecar@ne.rr.com for additional information, or to register for the workshop.

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

 

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 five members of the public in attendance, Mrs. Cindy Westover, Mrs. Sable Westover, Mrs. Krystyna Marcom, Mrs. Susan Kibbe and Mr. Ray Boas.

 

Mr. Dalessio reported the meeting was scheduled to start at 6:00 PM because Senator Jay Kahn was expected to give a Legislative Report update.  A request had also been received for using the Town Hall for a meeting with constituents.  However, he had to cancel today due to a committee meeting in Concord.  This meeting will be rescheduled.   

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

OLD HOME DAYS UPDATE:  Mrs. Cindy Westover, Chair, reported the dates for the 2020 Old Home Days event are Wednesday, June 24th through Sunday, June 28th, 2020.  Wednesday is usually the party put on by the Mascoma Bank and the Walpole Foundation; hopefully, they will continue to do so.  They have continued to do fundraising. Therefore, they have some money, but it takes about $15,000 to run this event.  They have a sponsor for the Parade: John and Carol Hubbard through their son-in-law.  In the past when they have asked people if they would like to sponsor an event, they usually do.  Mrs. Westover asked if the Town would allow them to run their large sponsorship donations through the Town. Because the Town is a non-profit, it allows people to use their donations for tax purposes.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Town of Walpole to hold funds for the 2020 Old Home Days event.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Westover mentioned they have started selling small stickers. Mrs. Sable Westover displayed the stickers. They will be $5.00 or a donation.  However, the event logo design is pending.  They will try to get the Art Department at Fall Mountain Regional High School to do it. There will be a prize for the winner of the “Best” one.  They would like to have a bigger fireworks display, but it is the most costly event. All regular activities will continue as in past years.  They are thinking of putting together a golf tournament.  There will be a concert and dance on Saturday night.  All organizations will be on the Common on Saturday.  Mrs. Westover pointed out they have good committee chairs already.  The next younger generation is participating more than in past years.  Mrs. Cindy Westover will be doing the flower pots again.  There will be an Antique Car Show.  Reminders will be sent out to all the organizations that were on the Common at the last event.  Mrs. Westover will be back in at a later date to make arrangements for Police coverage, closing off roads, and an Open Container Request.              

 

Mrs. Westover asked when a person puts their property in Current Use can the property be posted. Mrs. Pschirrer replied that it can be posted.  Mr. Dalessio noted on the form there is a small box that needs to be checked if they wish to open it for recreational use. Otherwise, it will remain non-recreational use.  It is a personal preference.

 

TOWN COMMON:  Mrs. Krystyna Marcom has seen the signs on the Common regarding use of pesticides.  Children play there and people walk their dogs.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the signs were put up to make people aware of this because the Common was covered with fleas this past week.  The fleas come out of the ground.  They were biting people at the concert and when Mr. Nash was working out there his legs were bitten.  Mr. Dalessio explained it was treated with an over-the-counter treatment; the problem needed to be taken care of promptly.  It was posted to the Walpolean.

Ms. Susan Kibbe has only lived here for a year and mentioned the new Dollar General store.  Mr. Dalessio provided a short summary on the approval of this retail establishment on Route 12.  It is a commercial zone and the store was allowed in this zone.  Everything was done correctly with the site plan when presented to the Planning Board.  There is no recourse.  Mrs. Krystyna Marcom expressed her objections to the building permit and this retail store.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there is a difference in objecting to a Dollar General store and objecting to a retail store. The best thing the residents can do is participate in the Planning Board meetings. It is our right and privilege to voice our opinions.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry came into the meeting.  

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised we need to be thinking about economic development in Walpole.  We need some businesses that will generate tax money.  The State continues to take funds away.  We have about 30 acres left in Town that are commercial.  At a recent meeting of the Monadnock Conservancy, they announced that we have more open space that they take care of/look after than any of the other 29 towns in their area. We have some wonderful open space for recreation that would help attract businesses.    

 

Mr. Ray Boas pointed out that the right businesses have to be found because even though it generates taxes, it could generate additional costs such as schools, police, fire and ambulance services.  Mr. Boas thanked Mr. Dalessio for his statement about getting people involved.                      

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $71,027.67 for checks issued August 2, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The about amount includes a $40,925.22 payment to the HealthTrust.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending July 27, 2019, in the amount of $33,283.98 for checks issued August 2, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,486.06.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 25, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 25, 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 – July 25, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 25, 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.

 

ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #008-053-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this request for an Abatement as the owner did not schedule an internal home inspection visit with Avitar.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MAP and LOT #014-011-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot #014-011-002 in the amount of $833.14.  This home was on Brewery Road and burned on April 4, 2019.  It was declared a total loss and has been demolished.  The property owner completed the Proration Assessment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE WATER FEES:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $42,846.23.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

WALPOLE SEWER FEES: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $66,243.51.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $57,891.67.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:  

NHDOT Rt. 12 Project 14747:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for the NH Department of Transportation for public Right-of-Way work.  The contractor files the Intent to Excavate.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

OLD STAGE ROAD GATES AND BARS:  Following the discussion at the last meeting, the text from the Cold River Road Warrant Article in 2015 was located.  Mr. Dalessio said they are not sure if the Old Stage Road was ever properly discontinued. He will contact the NH Municipal Association and inquire about gates and bars on discontinued roads through lack of Town maintenance over many years.      

 

TAX DEEDED PROPERTIES:  Attorney Hockensmith will start to focus on the Tax Deeded Properties now that other pending issues have been resolved. 

 

MR. EDKINS and MR. O’BRIEN’S COMPLAINT: Attorney Hockensmith will start to focus on the Mr. Edkins and Mr. O’Brien Complaint now that other pending issues have been resolved. 

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

RESCHEDULING MEETING WITH SENATOR JAY KAHN:  Senator Kahn will be here for the Bellows Falls Dam Tour on August 12th.  He could meet before or after this tour.  The Selectboard would prefer meeting with him on a Thursday evening during their regular meeting.         

 

CEMETERY DEED FOR LOTS D532, D533, D526 and D527:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the transfer of Cemetery lots D532, D533, D526 and D527 to other Chickering family members.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

CEMETERY DEED FOR LOTS D528 and D529:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the transfer of Cemetery lots D528 and 529 to other family members.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

RECREATION REVOLVING FUND REQUEST:  A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino and Recreation Committee to have Prismatic Magic put on a 40-minute show to share with the community before the kids go back to school.  

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the request from the Recreation Commission to have Prismatic Magic put on a 40-minute show for the community for a cost of $799.00 to be taken out of their Revolving Fund.       Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

FUSS & O’NEILL PROPOSAL FOR MILL POND DAM: Mr. Dalessio reported when they responded to the Mill Pond Dam Letter of Deficiency, they recommended to the DES that they combine some of the activities together with the bridgerepair.  A report was received from Fuss & O’Neill for engineering services on the Mill Pond Dam.  This information will help us if they decide to go forward in petitioning the DES to reduce the hazard level of the dam.  This past winter the flash logs failed, the Pond drained on its own and nobody noticed.  If they can get the hazard level reduced on the dam, it lowers the standard on the bridge.  All of the groundwork was finished, but they need to update one or two more procedures. Then they will be able to provide an update to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).   

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Authorization to Proceed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve signing the Purchase Order No. 585930 for Engineering Services to Fuss & O’Neill not to exceed $23,750.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Mr. Dalessio spoke with Mr. Kreissle about this amount of money to source from the Great River Hydro supplemental tax income.

 

HEALTH TRUST PRESENTATION:  Mrs. Downing reported that their Benefits and Wellness Advisors stopped by the office.  They set up a tentative date of Friday, November 8th, in the early afternoon for an overview of medical and wellness benefits.  They have not had an overview in two years.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to schedule this Health Trust presentation.

 

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EVENT:  The Selectboard was in favor of having a Harvest or Thanksgiving type of dinner on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:00 PM.  It will be for staff and their families. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested having Mrs. Downing check on catering with both Lisai’s and The Pub. The Selectboard asked Mr. Ray Boas to read “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving” by Louisa May Alcott (about 15 minutes long).  Mrs. Pschirrer felt it would be fun for the children attending to know what games were played back in that time period.

 

HARASSMENT AWARENESS TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR EMPLOYEES:   The Selectboard was in favor of having this workshop as it was not scheduled last year. Mrs. Downing was asked to make the arrangements.  

 

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 7:02 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:38 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 1, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Transcribed from Recorder)

Hooper Trustees Present:   Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:39 PM.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.  

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES – July 25, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of July 25, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

JUNE REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST From The Town OfWalpole To The Hooper Education Fund:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the June reimbursement for the transfer of funds from the Hooper Education Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $14,162.77.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

JUNE REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST From The Town of Walpole To The Hooper Maintenance Fund:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the June reimbursement for the transfer of funds from the Hooper Maintenance Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $855.72.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:  Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:41 PM.

 

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of August 1, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

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 7:51 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Transcribed from Recorder)

Due to the high temperatures and humidity in the temporary library space, the library will be closing at 3:30pm today, Wednesday August 7th. Our End of Summer Reading Party is still on for 2pm, but Evening Story Time is canceled. Thank you for understanding.

 

Present:  Albert St.Pierre;  Lucien Beam;  Steven Dalessio;  Joseph Levesque;  Mary Henry;  Frank Emig;  Sarah Vogel;  Scott Bushway;  Alan Dustin

Absent:  William Stahl

 

Chairman Mr. St.Pierre called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  He noted that the meetings are recorded.  

 

Motion to approve the minutes of July, 10, 2019 meeting made by Mr. Levesque, second by Mr. Bushway.  All present vote in the affirmative.

 

Report of Subcommittees

 

Budget: Mr. Beam passed a handout providing a look at the potential budget for the remaining four towns in the SAU if the town of Charlestown withdraws.  The handout listed a comparison of FY 20 and 21 for each remaining town.  The supporting detail of this summary will be emailed to the committee members.  Included will be the adjusted ADM percentage for each remaining town, the number of students, and the tuition rate, per town.  This will be the impact of the six current methods on the four remaining towns.  

 

The direct elementary expenses for FY 20 is $8,893,150.00 and increases to $9,071,013.00 in FY 21.  Expense numbers have 2% increase, as there is also a 2% increase in the projected Charlestown budget as well.  THe out of district tuition is based on 90% of the current number of Charlestown and Lempster 9-12 students tuitioning in.  

 

Method 1 breakdown includes approximately $275,000.00 that is for three new positions at the SAU, as recommended by district.  They are a new Assistant Superintendent, someone to assist the business office, and an additional support person for the Special Ed programs.  Mr. Dalessio asks why those three new positions will affect the remaining four towns?   Mrs. Henry explained that the SAU will still be supporting Charlestown.  All of the SAU costs will go up.  

 

 

All other methods reflect the change from five towns to four.  The method values will be spelled out in the supporting information.  Mr. Beam notes that many of the increases are due to current teacher and support staff contracts, plus the 2% increase built in.  

 

The direct expenses at the High School increase from  $9.3 to $9.9 million.  The increase is mainly benefits and payroll, plus the 2% built in increase.  The revenue is less Charlestown’s adequacy aid, but does include tuition.   For FY 2021, each remaining town assessment is increasing.  However, many expenses are going down as a result of Charlestown withdrawing.  

 

Educational Impact:  Mrs. Vogel advised that they have nothing new to report.  Mr. Dalessio feels that nothing has been answered.  He would like to have the question answered: “What is the educational impact of Charlestown withdrawing on the remaining four towns?”  He would like to see something in writing that answers that question and is not an opinion.    Mr. Emig feels that this question cannot be answered.  Mr. Dalessio asks, then, does the committee say that there will be no impact on the report?    Mrs. Henry feels the district will still be offering the same level of education and that will not change.  Mr. Dalessio appreciates that Mrs. Henry states this as fact.  The school board works hard to keep their quality of education and that won’t change.  Mrs. Vogel asks if there will be a change in what Charlestown is looking at for their curriculum?  Mr. Dalessio does not feel that cost is a factor in the education of Charlestown students.  Mr.Emig agreed that cost may be affected but not the quality of education.  Mrs. Vogel feels that limiting the funding will limit the quality of education IE: not having textbooks during difficult budget years.   Mr. Beam feels that consistency will need to be figured in — the quality of education in Charlestown will affect the high school for the children all coming together at that moment.  Mrs. Vogel notes the concern of the principals that the teachers of each school will have fewer resources to go to if different curriculums are used within the schools that feed into Fall Mountain.  Mrs Henry notes that the FM school board is not legally bound to take the Charlestown children if they feel the quality of Charlestowns education does not meet the quality of FM.  Mrs. Vogel and Mrs. Henry agree that they do not want to see this happen.

 

Building: Mrs. Henry spoke with  Ron Leclerc, the Business Analyst at the state level.  He  noted that there is no set formula for the disposition of assets, but most schools use ADM.  There is no formula for the state.  Mrs. Henry stated that it is whatever formula works for this committee. 

 

Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee:  Mr. Spilsbury of the Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee is present.  

 

Charlestown understands that the Withdrawal Committee work is a work in progress, and that we are in the early stages of the budget.  What we do not understand is the factors that drive the FY 21 budget in Charlestown to a recommended increase of $2.7 million.  We will ask Mr. Fenn what he feels are the drivers of the increase.

 

The first  handout is a small example what Charlestown is needing a further explanation of.  The first two budget items in question appear every year, but are not used.  The Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee contends that this practice should be scrutinized.  The under-utilized funds roll over into the general fund and become unassigned cash that can be used for any purpose.   According to Mrs. Henry, the amount of the first line is in the teacher contract every year, with a contractual obligation to pay.   Mrs. Henry believes this amount for Tuition Assistance is regularly used completely.  Mr. St.Pierre asked which years this line item was used, and for Mrs. Henry to bring this information to the next meeting.  Mr. Spilsbury appreciates the answers as Charlestown has been looking for them.  These entries are indicative of lines that get rolled into unassigned pool to be spent.  The next three line items are examples of wildly erratic numbers.  Mrs. Vogel states that they are special ed lines and do depend on the children in town.  Mr. Dalessio asks why the FY 19 is $86,000 budgeted for LEA, then $17,000 for FY 20, and then Charlestown FY 21 is listed as $495,000?   What makes Charlestown only in FY21 $495,000?     Mr. Dalessio clarifies that the question is how the budget line can go from $17,000 and $495,000?  The district is over budget on special ed according to Mrs. Henry — noting that new students are coming in to Charlestown for LEA and LEAP.  Mrs. Henry questions if the $495,000 is all special ed for Charlestown together. Mrs. Vogel advises waiting for Mr. Fenn.  

 

Mr. Spilsbury reiterated that this list is best put before Mr. Fenn for answers and is being presented for the Withdrawal Committee to view.  There are items that disappear in the budget, there are items that are deemed unnecessary, there are line items that contain assumptions, and there are line items that highlight the 2.5% increase that was included across the board even to items that would be fixed amounts.  It is indicative of a methodological problem that needs to be addressed.  The Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee will present these items to Mr. Fenn for clarification of the primary drivers of the increases.

 

Mr. Spilsbury notes for the committee that if the projected increase from FY 19 – FY 21 in Charlestown is $2.7 million and the remaining towns go from $20 million to $22.5 mill, it is indicating a 4 million increase in the combined budgets.  Mrs. Henry notes that revenues make the increase in the four town’s only $500,000.  It is clarified by Mrs. Vogel that the revenues are in the budget numbers.  

 

Mr. Spilsbury presented a draft, in the earliest stage, of a potential template for the  framework of what the Withdrawal Committee could present to the state.  It follows the pattern of the Goshen/Lempster agreement.   The handout was rejected by Mrs. Vogel and Mrs. Henry.  Mr. Spilsbury reiterated that the Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee did not intend to do the work of the Withdrawal Committee, it was merely handed out to be helpful and provide a template in response to being asked,  “What does Charlestown want”?  Charlestown has framed out in response to each of the rsa questions what it is that Charlestown would be proposing to do.

 

Point of Order from Mrs. Vogel.  Mrs. Vogel notes that Ms. Landry is confused by the names of the committees and feels unsure of what committee is sending her emails.  This document is adding to the confusion for Mrs. Vogel.   Mrs. Vogel would like a bulleted list of wants from Charlestown.  Mr.St.Pierre notes on the first note that Charlestown has a committee that is studying withdrawal as well, and he will make sure that the committee name is clearer for Ms. Landry.  On the second point, it is up to the committee to decide if they want to know what Charlestown wants?  Mrs. Vogel is adamant that she wants to know what Charlestown would like, but in the form of a bulleted list and not a template.  

Mr. Bushway also finds this report to be telling the committee what to do, as the committee has already received examples.  Mr. Spilsbury clarifies that the intent of Charlestown is not to write the agreement.  It is merely to help.  Mrs. Vogel wants the information in the document, but not in the form.  On page 3-6 of the template, Charlestown lists what we would like.  

Mrs. Henry would like to know numbers from Charlestown, not the information in the document.  

Mr. Dalessio notes for the minutes that this is an unsolicited document.  

Mr. Dustin does not have a problem with the document.  He notes that this is information, a list.  

Mrs. Vogel wants a list and not an “official” looking document.  

Jerry Henry of Langdon would like to see “Sample from Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee” written on the document.  All document copies were received back by the Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee to be marked clearly as unofficial documents.  

Mrs. Vogel asks Mr. Spilsbury to go over the information that was put forth without a handout to view.  

 

 

Mr. Spilsbury presented a final document showing statistical data regarding Charlestown.  This could help everyone involved get a feel for the present climate in Charlestown.  This data is offered to the Withdrawal Committee solely to determine if they want to use it as potential appendices and supporting data for the plan.  Mr. Spilsbury notes that not a consistent, single story that can be drawn from any single document, and representatives from each town may draw their own conclusions.  In the Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee meeting, we determined what we would want to know about our town demographics in order to make decisions.

 

 

 

These statistics show that Charlestown has a clear challenge.  Some of the statistics highlight that the five towns are in the same pond and have a shared problem.   It is not our purpose to persuade or analyze, however, the statistics support that Charlestown has problems with poverty and education quality.  We don’t need to demonstrate that we are distinct among the towns in the FM district, but that we want to be able to get our arms around these problems.   The Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee contends that we think this will be addressed better by local control. 

 

Mr. St.Pierre asked what factors is adequacy aid based on?  Mrs. Henry replied that adequacy aid is based on ADM and value of property in a town, as well as certain demographics pertaining to individual needs of the student population.  Mr. St.Pierre advised that he recently attended a meeting of selectmen from NH with Governor Sununu — who discussed that adequacy aid was coming back to the town largely based on free/reduced lunch.  Mrs. Henry noted a whole line of items that amend the amount received, such as English as a Second Language, in addition to Free and Reduced Lunch.

 

Mr. Dalessio asked if Charlestown’s property value is increasing or decreasing?  Mr. Spilsbury advised that the total valuation of Charlestown’s Grand List has declined since the last revaluation of 2016.

 

Mr. Beam asks when the Charlestown Committee will provide a budget?  Mr. Spilsbury advised that the Charlestown Withdrawal Advisory Committee has some questions to be answered by Mr. Fenn, but hopes to put something before the Withdrawal Committee in August.

 

Mrs. Henry asks how the Charlestown School Study Committee Warrant placed a warrant article on the agenda?  Didn’t they have a budget already?  Mr. Spilsbury clarified the question, “Did Charlestown’s committee prepare a budget before submitting to the Charlestown voters the question of whether to instigate a withdrawal study”?  No, according to Mr. Spilsbury.  It is the mission of this committee.  

 

Public Comment: Mrs. Trina Dearborn, Charlestown. In response to Mrs. Henry,  commented that the Charlestown Withdrawal committee tried to put together a budget.  No answers could be found.  The article was placed on the warrant because the study needed to be done to get the answers.

 

Mrs. Alissa Bascom, Charlestown, commented that even without a budget handed out to the people of Charlestown, the feeling in Charlestown is that things are  so broken the voters are willing to try anything.  They are struggling.  They have put their  trust in this Withdrawal Committee to help, to let them make choices on their own.  They have voted for that.

 

Mr. Dalessio would like to know what the exact question that will be voted on by the committee?  Mr. Dalessio would like this emailed out.  Mr. Spilsbury offers that other towns have framed it as:

 

“At its meeting on x date, a quorum being present, the withdrawal study committee determined by a vote of_____yes, ____no,_____abstentions, that withdrawal of Charlestown from the Fall Mountain Regional School District  is both suitable and feasible.”

 

Mrs. Henry wants to make sure that it is looked at from both perspectives, Charlestown and the remaining four towns.  Mr. Bushway clarified that in RSA 195, section 2, it says that the committee shall report its findings to the State Board of Education, and the committee shall submit a report to the School Board whether the withdrawal of one, or more, is to  “recommend, not recommended or more time needed.”  Mr. Bushway reads the RSA that if this committee recommends or does not recommend.  Mr. Dalessio notes that anything can be feasible.  

 

Mrs. Henry will ask a contact at the state what the vote needs to be on.  She will also be emailing out the estimated 2020 adequacy aid.

 

Mr. St.Pierre asked for any other business?  Seeing none, 

 

Motion to Adjourn by Mrs. Henry, second by Mrs. Vogel. All vote in the affirmative.  Meeting is adjourned at 7:31 pm.

 

The next meeting of the School Withdrawal Committee is Wednesday, August 14, 2019.  6PM in the FMRHS Library.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Alissa Bascom

Present: Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Don Sellarole, Bob Anderson, Pauline Barnes, Tom Murray.

 

The purpose of the meeting was to look at the warrants of every Town Report from the time the Walpole Zoning Ordinances were adopted in 1968 to the present and note any warrant article pertaining to changing, adding to or deleting an ordinance.

 

At a Board Workshop at the end of July, some members of the Board looked at the recently printed Avitar map of the zoning districts in Walpole and discovered that there were zoning errors – zoning changes not included, overlapping districts, omissions from the original ordinance.

 

At the workshop, Board members looked at every Town Report from 1968 to 2019. Each member took a book of Town Reports and went through the warrant articles. He/she then checked the following year to see if the townspeople voted to pass or defeat the article relating to a change in the zoning ordinance. The meeting started at noon and the Board members were finished by 3:30 pm.

 

Board members found about 60 warrant articles related to zoning ordinances. At the next regular meeting in August, the Board will decide how to proceed. Some articles have to be checked with the current copy of the Walpole Zoning Ordinance that the Board has today. One or two ordinances have to be checked against the original 1968 copy of the ordinance. The last time the document was amended was in March of 2019.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA secretary

 

Location and Time:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office at 7:30 PM.

 

 

 

 

Report from Chair:

 

 

 

Members Present: John Peska (Vice Chair), Lewis Shelley, Steven Dumont (Recording Secretary)

 

Alternates Present: Kelli Wilson, Gary Speed

 

Members Absent: Alicia Flammia, Laura Hayes, Peter Palmiotto, Myra Mansouri, Elaine Heleen

 

Others Present: Jackie Kensen, France Menk

 

Call to Order: John called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM. 

 

Seating of Alternates: Gary and Kelli are seated as regular members.

 

Review and approve minutes – June 6, 2019. Lew has corrections. Under Correspondence, it is the Walpole Horse Theives, not Horse Feeds. Under New Business, Harold Putnam Memorial, Dam was spelled wrong. Lew wanted to clarify that the boardwalk might be a possibility at some point in time. Under Old Business, Walker Road Property, the poles for the kiosk would be black locust or white oak, not white pine. Gary made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Steven seconded. All in favor.

 

Public Business:

 

New Business: 

 

 

 

Old Business:

 

Other Business:

 

Adjournment: At 8:55 Gary made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steven seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, August 5, 2019 at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted; Steven Dumont, Recording Secretary

Note: These are unapproved minutes. Corrections, if any, will be found in the minutes of August 5, 2019.

Hooper Trustees Present:    Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:38 PM.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES – July 18, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of July 18, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Joint Meeting – Hooper Trustees and Hooper Institute Board:  The Trustees confirmed receipt of the e-mailed agenda for the joint meeting from the Chair. Ms. Galloway sent Mr. Dalessio a response. Ms. Mayberry commented that Ms. Karen Galloway will be arriving late to the meeting. Ms. Mayberry had a discussion with Ms. Galloway regarding the agenda item. Ms. Galloway felt Mr. Winmill would offer a better explanation. Mr. Dalessio would like established and new Hooper Board members to know how money moves in and out of the Trusts, how it gets spent, etc. Mrs. Pschirrer felt that Hooper Board members need to understand how much money is available and how it is managed so they can create a budget. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested if Karen Galloway did not wish to present, that Mr. Bob Kimball be asked to present. Ms. Mayberry will follow-up with Ms. K. Galloway regarding this topic for clarification.

 

Light refreshments will be served that night; no popcorn. Each trustee stated they would bring food items such as fruit, vegetables, cookies, etc.

 

New Hooper Director Feedback: When Ms. Mayberry was at the Walpole Elementary School, she spoke with Sam Jacobs, the principal, who feels that Helen Dalbeck is a fantastic hire. He’s very happy and thinks Mrs. Dalbeck is wonderful. The other trustees were happy to hear this comment. She also spoke with Mr. Jacobs regarding the expansion of Hooper education opportunities into the upper grades. This would allow natural science topics such as forestry and agriculture to be more top of mind for students who will transition to High School and then onto college.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to their regular Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

 

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 was one member of the public in attendance, Mr. Ernie Vose.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $235,505.41 for checks issued July 26, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The payables included a check of $201,292.29 to Mitchell Sand and Gravel for asphalt.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending July 20, 2019, in the amount of $31,728.92 for checks issued July 26, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,218.95.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – July 18, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 18, 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 – July 18, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 18, 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.

 

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – July 18, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff meeting of July 18, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES – July 18, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Public Hearing of July 18, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

Ms. Myra Mansouri joined the meeting at 6:35pm

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Tax Card for 455 March Hill Road: Ms. Mansouri gave a brief history of the property which at one time that had been purchased in either 1988 or 1989 and was granted a special exception to operate a pizza dough manufacturing company. The business ceased in 1999. Therefore, the special exception after that point was no longer in effect. The property is in the rural ag district. A real estate broker is currently advertising it as a commercial property. There was discussion about how long after a business ceases for a special exemption to become removed. Mr. Dalessio is to contact the NHMA for clarification.

 

Mr. Vose then had questions regarding the zoning map update. For example, the area around the current Pinnacle View business location had a zoning district change approved at Town Meeting. This is not reflected on the zoning map produced by Avitar. It was agreed that there are errors on the Avitar zoning map. The goal of the review is to create a list of errors that need to be corrected. The ZBA is to have a workshop in the Selectboard Office on August 1st to review Town Reports from 1968 to make sure that all the zoning ordinances are included in the zoning ordinance document.

 

Mr. Dalessio suggested running a report from Avitar software program that would list all the commercial properties which could help with project. Mr. Vose requested a smaller sized map so that each member had a copy of a map. Ten copies of a 17” x 24” maps are to be ordered from Terra Maps for the Zoning Board. Mr. Dalessio stated that the project needs to move along. Ms. Mansouri agreed.

 

Mr. Vose brought forth the idea of selling a second ballot machine to the Town of Rye. There are expenses related to keeping the second machine updated. Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer felt it was at Mr. Vose’ discretion if the machine should be sold. The Moderator stated if the voting machine should break down, a new machine could be delivered from Keene in 15 minutes.  The past two voting machines were purchased second-hand per Mr. Vose and Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Vose said that a new machine is being considered by the State. Given that, the Board wondered if capital reserve fund should be created for the purchase of a new voting machine. However, the cost is unknown at this point.

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

MICHAEL and JANE COLLIER, 9 Deer Run Lane, Map and Lot #008-015-007:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019–26 to build a “47’ x 34’ one story house and attached garage”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

DEMOLITION PERMITS:

ERIC MERKLEIN and TARA SAD, 82 North Road, Map and Lot#022-010-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit No. 2019–27 for the demolition of a barn that is being dismantled for transport to a new location.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer had heard the barn was moving to Nantucket to be reconstructed.

 

OLD BUSINESS:    

Letters to Job Lots Building and Land Owners: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign letters to JR Development LLC and Bobrow Walpole LLC requesting they post “No Overnight Parking – Violators will be Towed” signs or allow the Town to post this signage on their property. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer gave a recap of the issues discussed at the prior Selectboard Meeting regarding overnight parking and camping issues around the Job Lots building and in the parking lot.

 

Walpole Conservation Commission:  The board signed the Notice of Appointment for the re-appointment of Jackie Kensenas a member of the Walpole Conservation Commission.  The reappointment request was approved at the prior Selectboard Meeting.

 

Old Drewsville Road Paving: Mr. Dalessio noted that additional correspondence was received from Jim Skofield via Tom Winmill and a meeting summary created by Mr. Winmill. Mr. Dalessio requested that there be two separate motions; one for each section. Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Town pave the portion of Old Drewsville Road from end of the pavement that currently exists on the Walpole Center end of the road to just beyond the Hubbard’s logging operation entrance. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio confirmed this would be the south end of the road and paving would improve the condition of the road which sometimes becomes flooded.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Town pave the dirt portion on the north end of Old Drewsville Road from Mr. Biron’s property up the hill for 1600 feet with rumble strips to slow traffic. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer felt the paving was needed for a number of reasons. There are an increased number of houses being built on Old Drewsville Road. Additionally, there are a number of increased EMS calls to this road. Everybody needs access for EMS calls. Responders must be able to safely travel Old Drewsville Road. Mr. Dalessio said that there is an average of 7 medical calls on the dirt section of the road per year. 

 

Mr. Dalessio wants an enforcement plan in place before the school year begins. He would like the police to monitor the road at the beginning and end of the school day. Additionally, basic speed signs need to be reposted. Mrs. Pschirrer asked for a cattlecrossing sign by the Gowdy Farm. Mr. Dalessio has spoken with Mr. Rau, the road agent, about ordering and installing signage.

 

There was a discussion regarding trucks using Old DrewsvilleRoad. Other than trucks making deliveries, no other trucks were reported to be using the dirt section of the road per Mr. Rau.

 

Old Stage Road Gates and Bars Letter Response: A letter was received from Atty. Rand Burnett who is representing Mr. and Mrs. McCabe. Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to look at the wording used to discontinue Cold River Road which is subject to gates and bars. More research is needed before the Board can respond to Atty. Burnett.

 

Mr. Dalessio reported that a similar problem had occurred at Derry Hill Road. Someone has placed a rope across the road. Mr. Larry Britton could not access his corn field to take soil samples. The Road Agent was instructed to remove the rope and signage.  He will also try to find the person who placed both items. Mr. Dalessio also noted that Derry Hill is an emergency lane.

 

Tax Deeded Properties:  Mr. Dalessio did speak with Atty. Hockensmith who had been busy with more pressing Town legal requests. Town counsel will now focus on next steps for tax deeded properties.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Refund and Waiver Request for Map and Lot# 029-048-00: Ms. Mayberry moved to waive the sewer connection fee for 25 Green Road North Walpole for $750 and to refund payments for sewer usage for $1,650.62. Mrs. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Revolving Fund Requests:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the two Recreation Revolving Fund Requests.  The first is for $789 to Village Idioz and the second is for $430 to Funky Brush Face Painting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These requests are related to the Community Day event.

 

As a side note, Ms. Mayberry reported that the Trivia Contest date will not change from Aug. 3rd. Due to August being booked with Recreation Dept. sponsored events, a date change was not possible. The fireworks for Rockingham Old Home Days are also scheduled for the evening of Aug. 3rd.

 

Joint Press Release from NH House and Senate: Mr. Dalessio acknowledged the receipt of the release relating the State budget. If anyone wished to view State budget discussions, theywill be live streamed on the General Court website.

 

Extraordinary Women Event Ad:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the purchase of a quarter page, $250 ad in the Extraordinary Women publication produced by the Keene Sentinel. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from the vote. Mr. Dalessio requested that other Town groups that may wish to place a combined sponsored, larger ad be contacted such as the Women of Walpole and the Walpole Foundation.  

 

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 and (e) Litigation.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and with Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:30 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:38 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 25, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:46 PM.

 

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Senator Jay Kahn Visit: The Board was reminded that Sen. Kahn will be meeting with the Board next week at 6pm. A request for using the Town Hall for a meeting with constituents from Sen. Kahn was received. Mr. Dalessio would like to know how other towns are handling these types of requests

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore