The Walpolean

Justin Cassarino announced this decision this morning. – Lil

Trivia Night has been postponed until September 21. We hope to see you then!

Thanks Fran for sharing the good news. This is what my neighbor and I have been waiting to hear! – Lil

Alyson’s Orchard Update – Peaches are Ready this Weekend!!!!

The Farm Stand at Alyson’s Orchard opens for the season on Friday, August 2nd.  Starting Saturday, August 3rd we will be offering Pick-Your-Own Peaches!!!  The variety is ‘Bright Star’ and it is a delicious, yellow, freestone peach.  More varieties will be available in the upcoming weeks.  We will also have pre-picked peaches, apricots, plums and blueberries for sale at the stand.  We hope to see all of you fruit-lovers soon!  

eNews: September 2019

Another Good Year for Monarchs!

A male monarch, identified by the two black dots on its inner wings, feeding on a Swamp Milkweed flower.

For the past few years, monarch butterfly populations have been on the increase in this area of New England, and I’m happy to say the trend continues again this summer. These orange and black beauties have been a common sight in our fields and gardens.

Lots of monarch caterpillars have been found on our milkweed.

And naturally, with all the monarch butterflies come lots of their caterpillars. Observant visitors to both the wildflower field on Distant Hill Nature Trail, and the milkweed meadow at Distant Hill Gardens have reported seeing dozens of them.

Stop by this Saturday or Sunday for our August Open Garden and look for some monarch caterpillars and butterflies for yourself. (A Hint: A good place to find caterpillars is in the young, tender, milkweed growing in the fire pit in the center of the Stone Circle at Distant Hill Gardens.)

You are also invited to join us for one, or both, of our two native plant identification workshops scheduled for August. First is a Fern Identification Walk with naturalist and author Lynn Levine on Sunday, August 11, followed by a Tree and Shrub Identification Walk with Steve Roberge, the Cheshire County Forester, on Sunday, August 25. Click on any Button below to learn more about an event.

And we have two great events coming up in September: Medicinal Plant Walk and Tincture Making with herbalist Brenna Morris on Sunday, September 8, 2-4:30pm. and a talk ‘Fishers: Separating fact from fiction’ with naturalist and mammal specialist for the Harris Center, Susie Spikol, on Thursday, September 19, 4:30-6pm.

Michael Nerrie

CEO (Chief Environmental Observer)

Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail

August Events at Distant Hill

Click on a Button below to learn more about an event…

AUGUST OPEN GARDEN WEEKEND, August 3 and 4

FERN WALK WITH LYNN LEVINE, Sunday, August 11, 1-4pm

TREE & SHRUB IDENTIFICATION WITH STEVE ROBERGE – Sunday, August 25, 1-4pm

September Events at Distant Hill

MEDICINAL PLANT WALK & TINCTURE MAKING WITH BRENNA MORRIS, Sunday, September 8, 2-4:30pm

FISHERS: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTON WITH SUSIE SPIKOL, Thursday, September 19, 4:30-6pm

The ‘Ironing-Board Flower’ at the entrance to the Nature Play Area on Distant Hill Nature Trail.

And remember you can visit Distant Hill Nature Trail anytime. It’s open seven days a week, dawn to dusk.

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

Staff Present:Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Chief Michael Paquette (Police Department); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Justine Fafara (Library Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Director); Stephanie Green (Recreation Department’s Pool Manager)

Excused:Richard Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Center Supervisor); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department Director) 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.

Hooper Institute:  Mr. Dalessio introduced Ms. Helen Dalbeck, the new Executive Director of the Hooper Institute.  He asked the other people present to introduce themselves and state a little about their positions.  

2019 Extraordinary Women:  Mr. Dalessio announced that Mrs. Pschirrer was named one of the most influential women in the Monadnock Region.  Mrs. Pschirrer was stunned but very happy.  She feels very humble about this.  The Annual Extraordinary Women recognition ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 29th, beginning at 6:00 pm at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College.  

2020 Budget Schedule:  Copies of the 2020 Budget Schedule were distributed.  Mr. Dalessio advised it is time to start thinking about next year’s budget!  

General Guidelines:

Schedule:

Warrant Articles:

Mr. Dalessio mentioned this process has not changed in the past six years.  If you have an increase in a line item, be sure it is factual.  We are running about 4% under budget right now.  Hopefully, they stay on target until the end of this year.  They do have some big expenses coming up.  The Highway Department needs a new truck.

Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara advised they had two awful jays due to heat on the second floor of the Town Hall.  They struggled through one day but closed early the next day.  They will be closed Saturday so nobody has a heat stroke.  She distributed copies of information from January to June 2019.  Their numbers for the first of the year are a little off because they were moving in May and June was getting settled in.  However, right now the numbers are soaring.  Julie is averaging 30 children at Storytime.  They applied for a grant with the Keene Kiwanis Club to help fund a program in the fall.  They asked for money to cover a lap top computer and to pay somebody to help run the program.  They should hear next month.  The Governor and Executive Council have finally passed a vote for a new State-wide inter-library system.  The timeline is ASAP.  They are right on schedule with the renovations.  Mrs. Fafara reported they started framing in the back this afternoon.  Mr. Dalessio was able to see Wiggle Time one afternoon.  All the kids were running around and enjoying a bubble machine.  It looked awesome.  He thought this is how it should be in a small community.  

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette referenced the Police Department’s graph for the period of June 16, 2019 through July 15, 2019.  Almost everything is down a little over last month.  Numbers do fluctuate each month.  With officers on vacation, the vehicles are not on the roads as much, etc.  Crimes Against People is up a little over last month.  They are about to hit a stumbling block on investigations as Officer Bromley is retired but is still on the books until the end of the year in the event he does not move out of the area before then.  He handled a lot of their smaller investigations. Once-or-twice a month, he would go to the court to handle their violations, fraud, misdemeanors, etc.  They are looking into sending one officer to take the pre-requisite class.  Everything has to be in order for the court.  This is the end of the third year when they go in to do a review of the towns and the caseloads.  We should come in a lot lower.  Officer Bromley was handling a lot of cases every month. It is important they find another detective.  They are looking at about 150-200 cases a year.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Officer Bromley was a valuable addition to the department.  Chief Paquette said they are hoping to find somebody that is retired but willing to work about 20 hours a week.  Two part-time officers will start to work a few more hours.  Part-time officers are hard to find.  The Bellows Falls fireworks will be on Saturday, August 3rd.  This is one of their busiest days each year.  He spoke with the Marine Patrol who will have a few boats on the river.  They are waiting for permits from the DOT to shut down the bridge for about four hours from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.  They will pull in 8-to-10 additional officers to help with this event.  He spoken to Liberty Utilities about their pole project on Wentworth Road.  They will start in the next 2-to-3 weeks. It will go on for about four months.  He has not heard when the Route 123 project will start.  The Route 12 project might not start again until August.  There are issues with the railroad and drainage.  They continue to work on cases including drug activity.  They like to keep the speed unit in one place for about a week to get some good stats.  

Public Safety Comparison:

Emergency – 27Administration – 60Citizen Assists – 42

Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 8MV Stops – 76Traffic Safety – 17

Criminal Investigations:

Drug/Alcohol – 15   Crimes Against People – 49Crimes Against Property –12

Total Monthly Calls for Service:  June 16, 2019 through July 15, 2019 – 306 Calls.

Recreation Department:  Ms. Stephanie Green talked about the pool portion of the report.  This will be followed by the balance of the written report submitted by Mr. Cassarino.  Their staff is on top of things and everything is going good.  They have 12 lifeguards; 3 are new.  They have had a few incidents in the pool. The lifeguards were fantastic in handling everything with no complaints.  Due to a maintenance issue, the pool had to be closed for about 24 hours to be safe with the chlorine/chemicals.  Sometimes the little children go in over their heads and the lifeguards have to go in to get them.  They are having a little problem with parent supervision.  There are some rowdy middle schoolers.  They have a Warning procedure; progressive discipline.  This year one person was out for a week.  Mr. Dalessio said there should be a written procedure for the lifeguards.  Ms. Green will take care of this.  They continue to do training on Sunday nights for about an hour.  The Fire Department training is coming up this Sunday.  It has been very busy.  She has been at the pool for seven years.  The change in hours that Mr. Cassarino made has benefitted the community.  The Women of Walpole have purchased 12 family passes and 1 individual pass for Walpole families.  A huge thank you to them for doing this.

Following are added written notes submitted by Mr. Cassarino.

Basketball:

People have already requested that they do a winter league as well.

They will look into seeing if this is possible for this year.

Family Fun Nights:

Will have laser tag and other inflatable activity;

Mr. Dalessio mentioned when he drives by at night the park, it seems pretty full.  Ms. Green added that the swim lessons are also going very well.  They have three classes in the afternoon and break them down into three levels.  Replying to a question from Mrs. Pschirrer about the Red Cross life-saving classes, Ms. Green said there was a lady from Spofford there a week before they opened the pool and offered it to one new Walpole lifeguard.  We do not have anybody on our staff to do that.  The diving board broke last week. Some people are upset about this but there are questions about the liability insurance.  They now have an instructor for Pickle Ball.  People seem excited about this.  There have been parking problems.  Chief Paquette will take care of that.  Ms. Mayberry talked to Mr. Cassarino and suggested changing Trivia Night because the fireworks in Bellows Falls are on Saturday, August 3rd.        

Highway Department – Mr. Rau came into the meeting during the Recreation Department report.

Town Clerk-Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith provided the following report dated July 18, 2019.

They have collected $5,241,505.46 on their Spring Warrant of $5,592,973.00 this leaves a balance of $348,513.54.  This is a very small amount.

Their 2018 Lien has a balance of $170,793.30. The deed date will be April of 2021.

The 2017 Lien balance is $105,012.09/ This deed date will be April of 2020.

The 2019 Current Use Change Tax balance is $14,000.00 with one account pending payment.

For a total uncollected of $638,318.93.

Their total collected to date is $5,954,245.73 – they have also collected interest in the amount of $55,137.92.

The Town Clerk department has collected $56,257.08 since their last staff meeting.

Vehicle registration fees were $54,136.00.

Municipal Agent fees were $1,149.00.

They collected $317.08 in boat registration fees.

$155.00 in dog license fees (this includes late fees).

Three marriage licenses = the Town portion was $21.00 and the State portion was $129.00.

Taxes are still coming slowly.  But, questions still keep coming!

They send statements if the interest is over $5.00, requesting payment. This is State law.

Property seems to be selling with new people moving in.  They tell them that they made a GREAT choice and welcome them to Walpole.

Mrs. Fafara asked if the Town has anything to welcome people like a packet with Walpole information.  When they moved to Town there were so many questions such as where is the Library, the Recycling Center open, etc.  When do the Boards and organizations meet?  Mrs. Pschirrer thought the Selectboard could ask the Women of Walpole to possibly do something like this.  Their membership has grown.  There was a consensus to have Mrs. Pschirrer look into this.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Walpole has a low balance of uncollected property taxes as compared to many other towns/cities.  

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing submitted the following Staff Meeting report dated July 18, 2019.

Assessing Update:

Water and Sewer:

EPA Cleanup Grant:

Town Hall Facilities:

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau reported the Highway Department crew has been paving in this hot weather.  Blackjack Crossing is finished; Wentworth Road is being worked on.  He had previously submitted the following report for the period of May 16, 2019 to June 19, 2019:

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Dalbeck reported her first four days as Executive Director were good.  She has been in environmental education for many years.  This is a vibrant place. This week she has been meeting a lot of teams at different locations.  She will continue to meet the mentors.  There are two students at the Recycling Center.  This is so impressive.  Mr. Dalessio advised they will have their “Meet and Greet” on August 7th.  

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Eloise Clark had submitted her July Director’s Report from the Hooper Institute.  Hooper Institute summer programs offer a continuity of outdoor experiences for children in first through 12th grades. Summer camps in the second half of June were well attended.

Hooper Morning Camp for children entering grades 1-4 had 48 participants.  Seven teen counselors were an integral part of camp planning.  They did an excellent job shepherding students through the two–week camp.  Every day featured a different Hooper theme: agriculture, forestry, botany, soils and nature study.  They explored the forest, field, pond and stream around the Institute.  Children played games, sang songs and made crafts.  Dairy day is always a highlight when the children make butter and ice cream.  Each camper also made a Hooper Camp T-shirt.  Many campers return as counselors because they fondly remember doing just those activities as campers.

Students entering grades 5-8 had two options.  Adventure Camp had 34 students enrolled with an average of 30 students attending each day.  These energetic hikes included a visit to Kingsbury Mt. and pond; a cookout, games and building forts at the Hooper Shelter; a visit to a horse farm by way of the Mill Pond Conservation area and finally, a bike-hike along River Road South to the swimming hole on Great Brook.  The campers enjoyed friends, outdoor exercise and the beauties of Walpole’s natural settings.

Woodworking camp was filled to capacity for both the morning and afternoon sessions.  Children of all skill levels were welcomed.  They completed many projects they were very proud of including birdhouses, boxes, shelves, a wagon, a spoon, a workbench, candy dispensers, chairs, tables and stools, plus a wooden bike rack.  Again, Walpole teens did an excellent job as counselors in both camps.

Twenty-two High School teens are participating in the Summer Work Program.  Some served as counselors at the camps.  Others will work at the following locations through the summer: the Recycling Center, Walpole Veterinary Hospital, Abnaki Springs organic produce farm, Barnett Hill Vineyard, Malnati Dairy farm, Alyson’s Orchard, Meadowaire horse farm, Hooper Golf course, Distant Hill Gardens and the school and community gardens.  Each year the teens work approximately 2,000 hours in the community.  Besides learning about Walpole’s agricultural economy, they are building basic job skills.

Director Eloise Clark welcomed incoming Director Helen Dalbeck on July 15.  They anticipate working together through July to help make a smooth transition for the many Hooper Institute programs.  Eloise will officially retire August 10th.

Highway Department:  Ms. Mayberry heard that the Highway Department did a good job on Mountain View Road.  Mr. Rau said it came out great, but they had to put in some curbing and do some other work that added to the cost.  They have some drainage issues that need to be addressed.  

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report:

The Daily Weight report for June had been distributed.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio declared this meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:08 PM.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES – July 11, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of July 11, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – July 11, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of July 11, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Invasive Plant Management Project:  Mr. Dalessio reported they have an estimate from Long View Forest Management in the amount of $2,250 for follow-up work to control invasive plant species on Hooper Institute property.  The treatment plan was started last year.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request for $2,250 for removal of invasive species on the Hooper property.  This will be taken from the Hooper Maintenance Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Joint Meeting – Hooper Trustees and Hooper Institute Board:  Ms. Mayberry felt the Hooper Trustees need to send out a notice and agenda for the Joint Meeting on Wednesday, August 7th that will be held here in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mr. Dalessio will take care of this.  Ms. Helen Dalbeck has started her position as Director/Educator.      

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 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 7:05 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. Jeffrey White.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Overnight Parking Issues at Shaws Plaza:  Mr. Jeffrey White distributed copies of his letter dated June 28, 2019.  After tolerating years of instances regarding the following issue, he beseeches the Selectboard’s help in asking the property owners of North Meadow Plaza to institute an overnight parking ban and to post the appropriate signage.  For over a week a group of three vehicles and an RV were literally living in the plaza’s parking lot.  He walks his dog every day, at least twice around the plaza. Therefore, is observant of the issues.  After he called the Police Department, an officer was dispatched to speak with them.  Many delivery vehicles also park overnight; some wait for a business to open.  There has been a noticeable increase in litter, noise, traffic, and driving on green space there in recent years.  The police agreed that if the owners want to prohibit overnight parking, the proper signage would have to be put in place. This would allow the Police officers to have the authority to do something about this problem.  Therefore, Mr. White asked for the Selectboard’s assistance in achieving this goal for the good of all Walpole residents, especially those who live peaceably next to North Meadow Plaza.  Mr. Dalessio was aware that the Police did check on these people. They are safe but living in their car temporarily; they are working. Mr. Dalessio recommended the Selectboard write a letter to the property owner outlining what was observed and if they post the property for no overnight parking, it will give the Police Department the ability to ask people to move along.  Trucks can park at the rest area by the Fanny Mason Town Forest.  Ms. Mayberry noted this also involves health issues that need to be taken into consideration.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter that will be sent to the owner of North Meadow Plaza.  Mr. Dalessio said Mr. White has to keep in mind that it is private property. The owner has a right to do what she/he want to do.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $606,794.36 for checks issued July 19, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment of $563,787.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending July 13, 2019, in the amount of $33,257.34 for checks issued July 19, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,533.13.  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 11, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 11, 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 11, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 11, 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 received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

BUILDING PERMITS:

MARK and BROOKE HOUGHTON, 13 Blackjack Crossing, Map and Lot #004-044-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-09 Renewal for Mark and Brooke Houghton to build a “108’ x 26-40’ 2 Story House & 24’ Shed” at 31 Blackjack Crossing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL, Eaton Road, Map and Lot #011-047-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-25 to construct a “40’ x 24’ Timber Frame Pavilion” at Eaton Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry advised there is a question of the amount of the permit fee for this building permit as it is a non-profit property.  Mr. Dalessio recused himself because of his involvement with the Boy Scouts.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to offer this Building Permit at no fee because they are a not-for-profit organization operating within the Town for their young people.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Dalessio abstained from the vote.

OLD BUSINESS:    

Letter from Eric Merklein:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of a letter from Mr. Eric Merklein received on July 12, 2019, that he would like read into the Minutes:

“Please accept my apologies for being a no show at last night’s Select Board meeting.  Tara and I were hosting contractors who will be working with us to take down our barn and build replacement structures.  We had scheduled a two-hour meeting that ran far longer than planned.

I’m confident that, last night, Ray Boas articulated my feelings that the Walpole Planning Board was treated in a disgraceful manner by Jack Franks, who prefers not to be respectful, truthful or transparent in his dealings with the town.

I feel that the Planning Board did the best they could, following NH State and Town regulations, in working with Mr. Franks, and were blindsided by the fact that for months he was negotiating with Connecticut developer Gary Eucalitto to build a Dollar General Store in Walpole.  His refusal not to disclose this fact to the town was at best – disgraceful.

Mr. Franks behavior has been consistently beneath what our town deserves, and many of us are very concerned about future development on the land that he controls along RT 12.  In his quest to pry himself out of certain liabilities we know that he will make any deal possible, including selling property to a group who wishes to bring a drive through fast food restaurant to Walpole.  In his public comments Mr. Franks clearly indicates that he intends to do this, while claiming that he has site plan approval for an operation such as McDonalds, voted on many years ago by the Walpole Planning Board.  I was on the Board at that time and know that this is not the case.

Many of us in town are concerned about another flim-flam scheme by Mr. Franks that will hurt the character of Walpole even further.  And we hope that the Select Board, Zoning and Planning Boards will, as always, do your best you can to make sure that future development is done in a truthful, transparent manner.

Thank you again for all the time, effort and dedication that you give to all of us.

With my best regards, (signed) Eric Merklein.”

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged that the Selectboard received this letter.  

Elm Street Closure for Chickens on the Loose Race:   Mr. Boas asked for clarification on how much of Elm Street shall be closed to general traffic.  Mrs. Pschirrer said when a road is closed people who live on the road always have access; it will not be a “Thru Road”.  Mrs. Downing is seeking more details as to start and end times as well as how much of Elm Street shall be closed to general traffic.  This event is not scheduled until October.

Old Stage Road Gates and Bars Letter Response: A letter was sent to the owners on the Old Stage Road, Mr. and Mrs. McCabe, regarding unlocking the gate on the Class VI portion of the Old Stage Road.  Mr. McCabe called the Selectboard Office and is objecting to removal of the lock off the gate.  Mr. Dalessio noted the RSA states it has to have public access.  The McCabe’s house is before the gate.  Ms. Mayberry suggested the Selectboard wait until they get an actual written response from the McCabes and then they will respond to that appropriately.  Mr. Dalessio agreed they will wait until the date on their original letter before moving forward.

Dollar General:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard has requested the owner of the new Dollar General store property to send the Selectboard his business name, mailing address and proper information so the property records can be updated.  He also has to sign the building permit.  

Tax Deeded Properties:  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer will be seeing Attorney Hockensmith on Monday.            

NEW BUSINESS:

Old Home Days 2020:  Mrs. Cindy Westover, Chair of the Old Home Days Committee, had asked to be on the agenda to review committee plans to date.  This will be a future agenda item.

Cemetery Deed for Lot D470:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Cemetery Deed for Lot D470 to be purchased by Dennis and Patricia Hicks.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Extraordinary Women Event:  Mr. Dalessio announced that Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer was nominated and was selected as an honoree for the 2019 Extraordinary Women.  The event is scheduled for August 29th at 5:00 PM at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College.  He recommended changing the regular meeting time so people can attend this event.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard change their meeting time on August 29th, 2019, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 AM.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.      

Walpole Conservation Commission:  Ms. Jackie Kensen submitted a letter requesting reappointment to the Walpole Conservation Commission.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint Jackie Kensen as a member of the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

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 (c) Reputations.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and with Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 18, 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 8:17 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 8:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this Public Hearing is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were 32 members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC HEARING – Old Drewsville Road:  Mr. Dalessio advised a sign-in sheet is being passed around.  This Public Hearing is Regarding the Paving of the Dirt Portion of Old Drewsville Road.  Mr. Dalessio received phone calls from Mr. Biron and Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy as soon as they heard about plans to pave the hill south of the Biron driveway.  At that time he felt it would be best to bring all the parties together to hear the different concerns, pro and cons.  He asked Police Chief Michael Paquette and Mr. Mark Houghton from the Fire Department EMS to attend to talk about this from their standpoint.  

Mr. Rau, Highway Department Supervisor, explained that about 10 years ago there was an average of 350 vehicles on that road each day.  The State’s Scientific Study recommends that any road having over 50 vehicles on it daily should be paved.  Not all of this road will be paved.  It is 1600 feet from south of Mr. Biron’s driveway and the other side just past the Hubbard’s landing.  Those are the two worse mud spots in Town.  During the spring, these spots take the most stone as compared to other roads.  During this past winter one of the Town’s plow trucks could not make it up the hill because the road is so out of shape.  The truck got stuck three times.  It slid back down the hill.  The driver was not injured but he was stuck there for over two hours. Other drivers/trucks were called in to assist.  This was the worst mud season he has seen in 15 years.  This spring the fire trucks and emergency services trucks could not get through. It is just as wide everywhere on that road; they will not widen it any more than they have to.  The dirt parts range from 19-feet wide to the smallest of 17-feet wide.  About 10 years ago they paved the portion by Mr. Biron’s down to the Gowdy farm and widened the corner just a little bit for better visibility.  He does not believe there was ever an accident on that part of the road.  This is the coldest road in Town.  If you put sand on, it might help but it will stay ice; salt works a lot better.  

Mr. Basora asked about the mileage.  Mr. Rau explained basically they will pave 1/3 of the dirt part; it is counting the Village side and the Valley Road side.  Each section is about 1600 feet.  The middle section is the longest one and it is dirt.  About 2013 there were some improvements, some wideningand some trees were cut. That is the last time anything was widened.  They have not done a car count since the last one.  Chief Paquette said they could do a count with the speed unit.  

Mr. Winmill understands the costs involved including regrading.  Mr. Rau said it costs about $3,000 a year for gravel on that road plus 2-or-3 days to do it and then maintain it.  Cost of paving those sections is about $10,000.  Mr. Winmill asked about emergency vehicles.  Mr. Houghton replied this past spring he had a vehicle get stuck on an EMS call.  The rescue truck was also stuck and a wrecker had to pull it out; this was about 15 years ago.  Mr. Dalessio advised that EMS people sometimes use their own vehicles to respond to calls. Replying to a question from a resident regarding the direction the plow truck uses, Mr. Rau explained the route.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they will look at the route as a discussion item.  Mr. Rau advised on an average year, a gravel road loses about 2 inches.  

Karen Kuniholm wanted to talk about issues other than cost; the picturesque and aesthetics of the area.  She does not want the road paved.  At times she goes into town before the plow truck arrives and has no problem with all-season tires on the dirt part.  The paved surface is more treacherous.  She does want vehicles to slow down but to keep the road useful for the town vehicles.  

Mr. Jerry Stolper asked the Police Department what kind of policing has been done on that road.  Chief Paquette responded they are usually busy with criminal activities but they try to put in as much time as they can in all areas.  On this road the crashes are minimal but the majority are youthful drivers.  The State wants them to patrol where the crashes are.  He plans to put the speed unit on that road.  Mr. Dalessio spoke to Chief Paquette and they will do a concerted effort once school opens to park an officer on the road to look for speeders.  There is the road and enforcement.  Chief Paquette will work with the High School and go to their first assembly in September to remind all young drivers to be careful.  

Mr. Houghton reported that from a public safety standpoint, he wanted to back-up previous statements made.  In 2009 they went to the area 1 time; in 2010 they went there twice; in 2012 they went three times.  Then some work was done on the road, trees were cut back and people thought the road would be faster but the EMS only responded one time.  These improvements made a huge difference.  Chief Paquette said when he first came to town, the department was there all the time; all up-and-down the road.  

Mr. Juris had four questions that included drainage, engineering and if an assessment had been made.  Mr. Rau said they go by the general road standards and explained the process he uses.  They post just about every road in town.  The only road unposted is Main Street because they cannot stop all the trucks.  The money for paving the road is in the budget.

Several residents spoke on what they have witnessed on the road that included motor vehicles speeding and sometimes vehicles ending off the road.  Drivers tend to slow down when they hit the dirt section.  There were mixed opinions on whether this section of road should be paved or remain dirt.  If the Town paves another 1600 feet of road, will that increase speed?

Carolyn Vose said growing up, Old Drewsville Road was always considered a beautiful back road.  Mr. Dalessio replied that, at this time, there is no intention to pave the rest of the road.  

Christy Winmill feels more paving of the road will bring in even more traffic.  

Mr. Biron has a ton of respect for what Mr. Rau and his highway crew does.  Growing up, this was a Class VI road and then it got turned into a Class V road.  Over the years, the Town kept putting money on this road.  Why do we keep improving the Old Drewsville Road?  It was not intended to be built up the way it is today.  Trucks use that road.  These roads are not wide enough.  Mr. Rau said they cannot stop people from traveling on any public road.  Some people find this road and think this road is a short-cut.  Mr. Dalessio agreed to put up more speed signs on the road but there needs to be enforcement.  

Mr. Basora brought up the fact that many years ago Hodgkins and Sons was mandated by the Planning Board not to use the Old Drewsville Road to go into the Village. However, they have been using the road again; there has been no enforcement.  Mr. Ernie Vose agreed this was one of Hodgkins’s stipulations.  

Mrs. Holly Gowdy has lived on the Old Drewsville Road for about 24 years.  They have a small farm and have dairy cattle.  A milk truck comes to their farm every other day.  In 24 years she has seen it all on this road.  There are times she does not feel it is safe.  She has concerns when they are crossing the road with their cows.  Eventually the Town will have to put guardrails on sections of this road.  She would like more consideration to be given before more paving is done on this road.  

Mr. Merklein spoke about witnessing speeding vehicles.  He asked about speed bumps.  Mr. Rau would have to look this up to see if they are legal or if they can be put anyplace.  

Mr. Mark Houghton spoke about the number of crashes on this road and the fact they seemed to diminish when the road was brought up to a better standard.  The purpose is that Mr. Rau wants is to make the road more accessible year-round.  They need to get emergency vehicles up from the Drewsville end, not get stuck in the mud.  They went to that road 67 times to render medical or fire service during that same 10 year period.  Access for emergency services is huge.  There are now more houses on this road which generates more traffic.  It is more reason for them to have emergency access.  A resident mentioned going in the other direction.  Mr. Dalessio stated that seconds matter when emergency services are trying to reach a person in need of medical service or a property fire.  

Mr. Winmill handed in two emails relative to paving Old Drewsville Road.  One was from Pauline Barnes and Adrian Basora and the second one was from James Skofield.  They will be attached to the minutes of this meeting.

Mr. Dalessio summarized that the Selectboard heard a lot of comments at this Public Hearing. They will be reviewed.  It was important to hear all the issues.  He thanked everyone for coming.  Chief Paquette will try to get the officers to check on the road at least once during a shift.            

Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 7:00 PM.  

Respectfully submitted, 

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The August issue of the CLARION now on-line, and should be in the mail by the end of Monday, 29 July, to all residents of Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville. By clicking on the link below you can take a look, and also share with out of town friends by providing them the link. 

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE AUGUST ISSUE

The issue starts off, What’s Happening – An Editorial. I hope everyone takes take to read through, and takes heed of the action I recommend. Sadly, very few residents watch what is going on in Town, attend meetings, and speak up. That did happen the last year, and the threat of a gas station was stopped. But at a recent Planning Board meeting when there were, lets say a contentious dialogue between a local developer and the board, sadly I and only one other non-participant for the meeting were in attendance. I later, for the record, presented my dismay with the meeting at the 11 July Select Board meeting, which you can read on on thewalpolean.org

Please get involved with Town affairs.

Deadline for the September 2019 issue is Friday, 23 August. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Thank you, yours, RAY, Publisher

The Walpole Historical Society Summer Festival!

On Saturday, July 20th the Walpole Historical Society will open its doors and lawn from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for our firstSummer Festival.  

There will be tours through the Museum’s collection with historian and author Ron Patch, tours of the architectural highlights of downtown Walpole led by author Bill Ranauro, and a Round Table discussion inside the museum at 10:00 AM.   At least 20 organizations and individuals from Walpole and our area will be outside on the lawn with displays, information and items for sale.  Our Walpole Fire Department, Mazziott’s Savory Tarts , Pinnacle View 4 –H , Girl Scouts. Pete’s vegetable stand will be there with fresh veggies and fruits.   Our local Cub Scout Pack 299 will have grilled hot dogs and cold drinks for sale for your lunch    And 2 Chez will provide music intermittently throughout the day playing an eclectic mix of old time American jazz, classic and folk music.  There will be a wide variety of food, crafts, art and more.

Round Table discussion scheduled for 10:00 AM

Tours inside the museum scheduled for 11: 00 AM and 1:00 PM

Architecture Tours in the village scheduled for 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM

Mark your calendars and join us for this fun event! This will be rain or shine.

Our museum is air conditioned thanks to the new heat pump system.  So come in, cool off and enjoy the exhibits and tours on Saturday, July 20th.  Visit and support the organizations and individuals outside on the lawn.