The Walpolean

These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary will be found in the minutes of the July 10, 2019 meeting.

 

 

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

 

Chairman Mr. St.Pierre called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM

 

Motion to approve the minutes of June 12, 2019 meeting made by Mr. Emig, second by Mr. Dustin.  All members vote in the affirmative.

 

Mrs. Henry proposed waiting to post minutes until they are approved, as NH RSA 91-A:4.  Discussion of RSA and how school board and each selectboard publishes minutes.  The committee consensus is that the minutes will be posted with a disclaimer, prior to the next meeting.  

 

Report of Subcommittees

 

1  Methods of financing a single district and Methods of financing Co-op from withdrawal perspective

This committee met with Jim Fenn.  Mr. Beam passed out a rendering of the 2019/20 budget.  Included on this handout is a column of expenses for the budget of Charlestown only.  This budget as presented is felt to be fair and reasonable.  Mr. Beam notes that it must be viewed by the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee and both committees must work collectively on the recommended budget for 2021.   Included in the budget are all line items currently paid by Charlestown, plus the cost of three positions created to support the additional workload at the SAU when a separate Charlestown district is created.  FM and SAU will be two separate entities with two separate federal ids upon the withdrawal of Charlestown.  Current budget handout does not include revenue — revenue addition will be made when the subcommittee meets with Mr. Fenn on 7/3.   It is noted by Mr. Beam that there are many lines that the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee will have to determine a budget for, as they will no longer be determined by the SAU.  The Budget subcommittee will work with the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee to build the budget.

Information to come from Charlestown Committee to include:

 

Mr. Dalessio asked if the bottom line is accurate.  The opinion of the subcommittee is that this draft is 80% accurate.  Mr. Fenn will be double checking the numbers.  He is currently on revision number 2, which does show a decrease from the first draft.  A more finite budget with revenues included will be forthcoming at the next full committee meeting on 7/9.

 

Mr. St.Pierre stated that Charlestown will have different ideas about how to budget and what the taxpayers of Charlestown can afford — specifically budgeting for three additional positions at the SAU.  Mrs. Henry noted that the SAU has a lot of work and with another entity in the SAU, the workload will double and additional help will be needed.  Ms. Vogel stated that in order to support having a separate district, there needs to be a larger staff at the central office.  Mrs Vogel notes that more assistance is needed even if Charlestown doesn’t want that.  Mr. Stahl clarified that for the State to accept the plan, all pieces need to be in place.  Mr. Bushway asks if the people of Charlestown will get their needs met if the budget gets slashed?  Mr. Dustin clarified that all selectboards have to cut to make their town budget work, based on what the school board budgets — items such as infrastructure have to be slashed even if the selectboard doesn’t want to.  Mr. Dalessio voiced that the Walpole selectboard lets their townspeople know where the increases come from.  They no longer use unassigned funds to offset school district increases.  The voters in Walpole know exactly why the taxes are going up.  

 

METHOD 2:  not applicable 

 

METHOD 3: Mr. Dustin presented.  One full time maintenance person is estimated in the proposed Charlestown budget and Charlestown would need contracts for HVAC, trades and grounds.  $304,264.00 is given as a bottom line for the Charlestown budget.  The Charlestown Withdrawal Committee will need to contribute these numbers.  Mr. Dalessio notes that Charlestown does not have to contract with the SAU for these items.

 

METHOD 4: Mr. Levesque presented.  Langdon property taxes is a parcel of land housing a Bus garage.  The numbers are based on Charlestown contracting with current numbers.  Mrs. Henry gave the numbers based on the current 5 routes. 

 

METHOD 5:  Mr. Beam presented.  These amounts cover technology, and the purchasing and licensing.  Many items are a one time charge, with some annual fees after.  Charlestown withdrawal committee will need to look at this.  An amount of $85,000 contract service for network was listed in lieu of employees hired by the district.  Mrs. Vogel advises that staff and school employees must contribute ideas and needs to these line items. 

 

Mr. St.Pierre asks if 100% of what Charlestown pays now is how budget is temporarily created?  Are the current formulas used to create this budget?  Mrs. Henry notes that the factor for Charlestown’s portion of each method is used to create the FY20 Charlestown Only Budget.  For the FY21 Charlestown Only Recommended budget, the factor is what Charlestown will pay.  I.E. 36.2972% for SAU costs under method 1.  For all other methods, the cost is 100% Charlestown.   Mr. Dalessio asks, if schools don’t change, why wouldn’t Charlestown have a maintenance person at $56,438 instead of paying the school district the current budget amount of $122,230.42?  Mrs. Henry explained that she isn’t sure how many people are included in the number in the line item for current budget, or how many other factors go into that line.

 

Mr. Emig asks if Charlestown can use current town employees for these positions?  Mr. St.Pierre states  that they can, but that they would be using separate contractors.  Mrs. Henry asserts that this is the FM budget and what the School Board wants and needs.  Notes that you have musts and wants.  

 

Method 6:  Mrs. Henry presented.  Special Education costs.  Charlestown pays 45% currently.   This method includes OOD tuition and residential costs, paying tuition to SAU for preK to ELC.   Charlestown will have to decide on OT/PT, etc.   No revenues are included in the current recommended FY 21 Charlestown budget.  Mrs. Henry noted that CAT aid will be a small factor.  

 

Mr. Beam stated that this is a good starting point, and it includes some categories that may not have been considered by the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Charlestown withdraws, then will the four remaining towns revert to current methods?  Mrs. Henry stated that yes, the four towns will be subject the current methods.  Mr. Dalessio said Walpole is hoping that the Article of Agreement committee finds new methods for each town to pay 100% of their own children.

 

2  Educational Impact

This committee has not yet met.  Mr. Beam notes that time is important.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Charlestown withdraws, how does it affect the other towns?   He feels that it will not affect the Walpole area schools as they will continue to have the same number of teachers and the same curriculum.  He does wonder what will happen at the high school level.  If Charlestown tuitions only 150 students, what will the high school be compelled to do for class offerings?  Should this committee be concerned with numbers or quality of education?  Mr. Stahl says it is about numbers.  Ms. Vogel states that the educational impact on Charlestown is an unknown without numbers.  Mr. St.Pierre expressed that Charlestown has issues to deal with that are unique — and that Charlestown citizens would like to fix the situations that are unique to Charlestown. 

Mr. St.Pierre asks what this subcommittee is focused on?  He suggests that the goal for this subcommittee should be to tell the committee: 

Mr. Beam noted that other towns researching withdrawal presented test scores to the State as a large part of the educational impact.

 

3  Disposition of Buildings

Mr. Bushway met with Jim Fenn.  195:27 states:

 

 

Mr. St.Pierre noted that “Jeanne Shaheen Kindergarten” money was used for 1998/99 addition on Primary school.  This included 55% state building aid.  The 65/35 split will need to take into account 55% state building aid received by the district.  In 1998, the district functioned under the old formula of 50/50 for capital improvements.  Mr. St.Pierre asked that more information be found.

 

Mr. Beam explained that a number of withdrawal proposals were denied by the State Board of Education due to how assets were allocated.   Mr. St.Pierre will check with the BOE on their preferred formula. 

 

Other Business

 

The Charlestown School Research Committee will be meeting Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Old Town Hall in Charlestown.  6 pm.  Mr. St.Pierre invited the Withdrawal Committee to attend and listen in.

 

Self insurance has been a money maker for the district.  Steve Varone put the plan in place in 1993.  The surpluses in the budget are because of the self insurance plan.  Mr. St.Pierre wonders why wouldn’t the SAU have a self insurance plan with all the towns and perhaps others joining?  Stop taking surplus out, but leave in.  Ms. Vogel states that this would be worth looking into.  Mrs. Henry does not feel that this surplus is present any longer.  

 

Mr. Dustin inquired of the Education Committee about whether they were meeting with the teachers union?  Not yet.  Mr. Beam asked if there is a concern that when the withdrawal occurs and a new district is formed, will the teachers/support staff want to be a part of Charlestown or the SAU?  Will there be opportunities for Charlestown teachers to move within the district?  What is the impact on the education of this want to be in Charlestown or the SAU?  Ms. Vogel stated that the teachers are a union, so movement is based on seniority.  Does this affect the districts remaining and the education?.  Mr. Bushway stated that this could impact the other towns if teachers with seniority move to other district towns.  RIFing rights would come into play.  All Charlestown teachers would be cut from the SAU, as the positions no longer exist.  Mrs. Henry would like to know if this is what would happen?    Mr. St.Pierre wonders if FM Teachers union can continue?  Can it represent all the teachers?  Ms. Vogel and the Educational Impact committee  will research why we could or couldn’t do that.

 

Motion made to adjourn made by Mr. Emig, second Mr. Beam, all members voted in the affirmative. 

 

Adjourn at 7:07.

 

 

Respectfully submitted, 

Alissa Bascom

 

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

 

 

 

 

Report from Chair:

 

 

 

Members Present: Alicia Flammia (Chair), Steven Dumont (Recording Secretary), Lewis Shelley, Laura Hayes

 

Alternates Present: Gary Speed

 

Members Absent: Peter Palmiotto, Myra Mansouri, John Peska (Vice Chair), Elaine Heleen, Kelli Wilson

 

Others Present: France Menk, Duncan Watson, Jackie Kensen, Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Representative)

 

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. 

 

Seating of Alternates: None required.

 

Review and approve minutes – May 6, 2019. Lew made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Jackie seconded. All in favor.

 

Public Business:

 

New Business: 

 

 

 

Old Business:

 

Other Business:

 

Adjournment: At 8:15 Gary made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jackie seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, July 1, 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 July 1, 2019.

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

 

Staff Present:Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Police Chief Michael Paquette (Police Department); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector); Justine Fafara (Library Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent); 

Ben Hoy (Recycling Center Director)

 

Excused:Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department Director); Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute)

 

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.  Mrs. Pschirrer is doing well following her surgery.

 

Mr. Dalessio advised that everybody has been having challenges with the weather; rain and then sun and then more of the same.  If you cannot attend a meeting, let Mrs. Downing know. In that case, a department manager should send their second-in-command. It is important for everybody on the team to know what is going on.

 

Mr. Justin Cassarino will not be here but Mr. Dalessio encouraged everybody to see the new basketball courts.  They are slick and are blue.  The poles have to be fixed and painted.  Next people will be asking for a walking track and tennis courts.  The Recreation Department also wants to do pickle ball.  Mr. Cassarino wanted to thank the Highway Department for their help on the project and for paving the entrance and exit.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Town does not own the parking lot at the Rec Center; the School District does.  They have agreed to let the Town have it as long as it does not cost them any money but it must be approved at the next FMRSD annual meeting.  At one time the pool was land-locked but when Hubbard Farms was for sale, Mr. Dalessio negotiated an easement that will remain with the Town.  The pool house has been fixed.  The Town now owns the BBQ pit area.  It was donated to the Town by the former Hubbard Farms.      

 

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith provided and read the following report dated June 19, 2019.

Tax bills were mailed Monday, May 20th.  Since then they have collected $1,835,960.75 on the Spring Warrant! The bills are due on or before Monday, July 1st.

The Warrant was for $5,592,973.00 and as of today she has an uncollected amount of $3,718,131.61.  Mrs. Smith took in another $100,000.00 today.  The mortgage companies usually pay very close to the due date.

She also collected $47,018.57 since their last staff meeting – this amount is for Liens, Gravel Tax and a Timber tax.

They have been very busy answering questions regarding taxes.

Mortgage companies have been calling because they received notices re: the 2018 Tax Lien that she executed on April 2nd. Banks and real estate offices are calling re: closing on properties, they need to know if all taxes are current, etc.

The Town Clerk has collected approximately $88,881.00 this includes vehicle registrations, title fees, municipal agent fees, dog licenses, boat registrations, and vital record fees.

They also collected approximately $28,222.00 for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Rich transferred this money electronically to the State.

Meghan has been working on delinquent dogs.  There are over 300 on the list.  Two or three Town employees own these unlicensed dogs.

It has been a very productive month; she loves it when they are busy.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau submitted a written report for the period of 5/16/19-6/19/19.  Right now they are getting ready to pave in the next few weeks.  They are making sure their equipment is ready to go.  Normal summer work is being done.

We may see the new truck in October or November and, hopefully, completely built in February 2020.  Mr. Kreissle will encumber these funds.  The new building is going up.  They are cleaning the yard when they can.  Mr. Dalessio said eventually they will have to think about other buildings they have.  There will be more space for storage.  Everything is going well with the roads.  The Town will be milling roads for the first time.  It is a process they have not used before.  The first road will be Mountain View Road in North Walpole. Cost about $8,000.  If it works well milling will be done on more roads as it adds longevity.  

 

Ms. Mayberry asked if Mr. Rau had an opportunity to look at the trees in the North Walpole Park.  Mr. Rau did look at them.  If they fall they will probably land on the railroad tracks.  These trees will be taken down along with other Town trees.  Mr. Dalessio explained the Town budget for tree cutting; all trees will be done on one day during the year.  If there is an emergency, it will be taken care of.  

 

Police Department:   Police Chief Michael Paquette distributed a report for the period of May 15, 2019 through June 15, 2019.  Chief Paquette reported that Bellows Falls had their Alumni weekend.  They usually receive a few calls but there were none.  The Wentworth Road project for the new poles will be going in.  Liberty Utilities will be doing work in 5-to-6 weeks.  Mr. Dalessio advised the Selectboard had one person come in opposed to the new poles.  Another project on Route 123 will be starting this fall; that whole road will be done.  

 

Detective Bromley will be retiring at the end of July.  They will do something at their level for him.  This will increase their work level on investigative cases.  It is also vacation time.  

 

Recently Chief Paquette received a call from Rite Aid Pharmacies.  They are looking to help out with the Drug Take Back boxes.  The Walpole box would be placed in front of the Police Station.  The department checks the box every night and takes the drugs inside.  Chief Paquette will obtain more information on the box.  Mr. Dalessio suggested Chief Paquette look into the bags that Mr. Leroy Watson has.  The drugs are placed in the bag, add a cup of water, seal and shake and it deactivates the drugs so the bag can be thrown out.  He feels the bags would be a good thing to have.               

 

Public Safety Comparison:

Emergency – 41Administrative – 78Citizen Assists – 45

Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 11MV Stops – 95Traffic Safety – 26

Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 22     Crimes Against People – 48Crimes Against Property – 21

Total Monthly Calls For Service:  May 15, 2019 through June 15, 2019 – 387 Calls.             

 

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara reported the move to the Town Hall went very well.  There were between 30 and 40 people who helped.  Everything was moved in one hour.  It is a little “muggy” upstairs but not too bad.  Things are now getting back to normal.  She distributed a sheet with their stats.  Some people were not sure if they were open or not.  People now know where they are and what the open hours are.  Their Summer Reading Program has started.  The Reading Challenge starts next week.  One of their biggest programs “Wildlife Encounters” will be on July 31st at 1:00 PM.  They usually get between 60 and 75 people to attend.  Tuesday afternoons there are programs with the Grafton Museum for all ages.  Maker Play for grades 2-6 is on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 PM.

 

The building construction is moving forward and is right on schedule.  They finished pouring the first round of concrete.  

 

They started talking again about automating the North Walpole Library.  Everything is status quo there.  Mr. Dalessio feels it would be good to have some new ideas for this library.

 

Mrs. Downing contacted Griffin Construction to check on the roof leaking problem affecting the second floor.  She will contact them again.  Mrs. Fafara advised there was a little leaking overnight on Sunday.  Unfortunately, the leaking is where the books are.

 

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle provided a written report on Amazon and Prime Amazon.

Even though when ordering from Amazon you have no intention of subscribing to Prime Amazon, they may automatically sign you up for a free, three-month trial subscription to Prime.  In this case you’ll receive an e-mail congratulating on your decision.  

 

This recently happened in the Selectboard office.  After Mrs. Jodi Daigle received the congratulatory e-mail, she figured out how to undo the action.  Jodi has written instructions on how to undo this unintended action to share with others.  As always, Mr. Kreissle is available to address any concerns, questions or suggestions.  Mr. Kreissle also included information on “How to End Amazon Prime Membership”.            

 

Mr. Dalessio asked how often the Town buys from Amazon.  Mrs. Fafara has Amazon Prime at the Library.  They will donate 5% of the sales each year to a designated non-profit.  The Library receives a check made payable to “Friends of the Library”.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy submitted a report for May as follows:  

There was discussion relative to recycling in North Walpole.  Mr. Hoy felt it would be good to have some kind of recycling program there.  Ms. Mayberry suggested Mr. Hoy contact the Board of Commissioners in the Village about this.  Mr. Hoy knows some North Walpole residents come to the Recycling Center.  Chief Paquette asked if the Town would consider one “free” day a year for people to bring in their appliances (some sitting in yards for long periods of time).  Mr. Dalessio would have no objection.  Keeping children from crawling into refrigerators/freezers is a real safety concern.  There are a lot of areas on the sides of the roads where people have disposed of mattresses and other larger items.  It would be nice to have an email address where people can report where they saw these items.  Chief Paquette mentioned that one day Mr. Lennon from Len-Tex paid several employees for two hours to pick up trash along the road in North Walpole.  

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing provided the following report dated June 19, 2019.

Assessing Update:

Water and Sewer:

Town Hall Facilities:

Mr. Dalessio advised the size of this EPA Grant is $500,000.  The matching amount was waived.  It is rare for anyone to get a grant on the first try.  It was a proud moment for them when it was presented in Nashua.  A big Thank You goes to Mrs. Pschirrer for all her work and time.  The Town now has enough money for the clean-up without using taxpayer’s funds.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Downing will be heading to Massachusetts on Tuesday to attend the training session for administering the Grant.  If they do something wrong, everything will stop.  NH DES will give us another $100,000.  The Westberg Estate will give the Town $175,000.  

 

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that in the last twelve months we have accomplished three very large tasks:  1) The Library renovation; 2) the Walker Road donation to the Town; and 3) this clean-up in the middle of Town.  We have not taken any money from the General Fund for these.  It is really quite impressive.  The total is well over $1,000,000.  

 

Ms. Mayberry believes the Village of North Walpole just secured the USDA Grant.  The Village now has $1,200,000 for their water project.  It is amazing.  Now they can move forward.     

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend this Staff meeting but submitted the following written report dated June 13, 2019:

Pool:

Basketball/Pickle Ball Court:

Basketball League:

Highway Department:

Recycling Center:

 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Eloise Clark did not attend this meeting.  She submitted a Director’s Report: Winter-Spring, 2019 (four pages).  It included the School Programs, Community Outreach and Administrative duties.  This report is available at the Selectboard office.  

 

Mr. Dalessio encouraged employees to attend the Retirement Get-Together for Mrs. Eloise Clark at the Hooper Institute on Sunday afternoon.  Ms. Mayberry said the Summer Camp Youth are doing some decorations and there will be refreshments.   

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:05 PM.  He advised that Mrs. Pschirrer is at home recovering from surgery however she will participate in this meeting by a conference call in the Selectboard Office.  This meeting is being recorded.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES – June 13, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of June 13, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

May Reimbursement:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the May reimbursement for the transfer of funds in the amount of $5,743.38 from the Hooper Education Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole.   Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer 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 8:07 PM.

 

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer had recused herself during the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of June 20, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public in attendance.  

 

Mr. Dalessio announced that Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer will be participating in this meeting via a phone conference call in the Selectboard Office.  She is unable to attend this meeting as she is home recovering from a surgery.

 

IV. Remote Participation in Public Meetings:  A public body may, but need not, allow one or more members to participate in a meeting by telephone or other electronic communication—but only if the member’s attendance is “not reasonably practical.”  See RSA 91-A:2, III.  The reason that in-person attendance is not reasonably practical must be stated in the minutes of the meeting.  Although the law does not indicate what situations would qualify, some obvious examples include physical incapacity and out-of-state travel.  

 

All votes taken during such a meeting must be by roll call vote.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $586,855.63 for checks issued June 21, 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 in the amount of $563,787 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  

 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:  Mr. David Edkins, Mr. Richard O’Brien and Mr. Bill Stahl came into the meeting.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 15, 2019, in the amount of $29,896.21 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,030.07.  These amounts include the Summer Youth Students.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – June 13, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 13, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 6, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 6, 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

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 13, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 13, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MR. DAVID EDKINS and MR. RICHARD O’BRIEN:  Mr. Edkins advised they are present in response to the Selectboard letter of May 23rd to them regarding the Dexpart property.  At this time they are confused and puzzled as to why the Selectboard seem to be gyrating themselves into not addressing this problem.  

Mr. Dalessio said there are a lot of different RSAs with different segments on a car repair service or a car restoration center, etc.  Mr. Edkins stated it is an auto repair business that is operating a junkyard.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out if they wish to pursue it the Selectboard will get the Town attorney involved and spend taxpayers’ money to continue to look at it.  Mr. Edkins said “please do”.  Mr. Dalessio confirmed they had also contacted the NH Municipal Association who stated there are different RSAs that pertain to different types of businesses.  Mr. Edkins said this could be really easy.  It is an auto repair business that is operating a junkyard.  What is the big problem with saying they are operating a junkyard; they need a junkyard permit, put up a fence and they are good to go.  

Mr. Dalessio noted the Selectboard did not feel it was as simple as that.  Ms. Mayberry advised when Mr. and Mrs. Dexter came into the meeting they had the RSAs completely outlined and explained how they fit into the RSAs.  It was methodical and well-structured.  Based on the information and RSAs provided by Mr. and Mrs. Dexter to the Selectboard, it was the interpretation of the Selectboard that they did not qualify as a junkyard.  

Mr. Edkins said as an accessory business to their auto repair service, they are operating a junkyard.  They can make all this go away by just applying for a junkyard license.  Mr. O’Brien said there are 112 vehicles on the property.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard asked Dexpart to reduce the number of vehicles on the property by 50 plus a good number of those vehicles are their personal vehicles and are registered.  Mr. Dalessio has been to the property.  Forty vehicles are there, under contract, for repair and/or restoration; they could be there for a long time.  

Mr. Edkins stated they are not trying to put Dexpart of business. Mr. Edkins felt that Dexpart has to comply with the statutes by getting a permit, fence it and if they need a variance from the ZBA for a set-back, they need to apply for that.  Mr. Dalessio said Dexpart is going to screen their property but with natural screening such as trees.  Mr. Edkins stated the RSA states fence.  Mr. O’Brien urged the Selectboard to obtain a legal opinion from the Town attorney.  

Mr. Edkins added it is a good location for their business but asked that Dexpart comply with the law.  He would like the Selectboard to make a formal determination that Dexpart is not a junkyard and does not require a permit.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Dexpart might not want to be classified as a junk yard.  

The Selectboard will come up with a formal decision that will be in the meeting minutes.  They had previously made a decision not to involve the Town attorney for cost-reasons. Now it appears they will have to spend the money to have the research done. They thought they had a reasonable solution.  Mr. Edkins said if the formal determination is that Dexpart is not a junkyard, they will appeal that decision.                           

 

MR. BILL STAHL: Mr. Stahl asked if his email to Mr. Dalessio answered his questions.  Mr. Dalessio explained the last time Mr. Stahl attended a Selectboard meeting, he was asked if Walpole wanted to contribute money to the Walpole school budget, would it affect all the other towns.  Mr. Fenn said “yes” it would.  Every year Mr. Jacobs submits a budget for the Walpole school that gets reduced by the District Board.  Mr. Dalessio wanted to know if Walpole could make up the gap difference if the voters would approve it.  Ms. Mayberry felt they could not do this because the budget is one total big number for all the towns.  There is a separation between the towns and schools.  Mr. Fenn advised it could not be done.  Mr. Dalessio noted it does not have to be pursued any further as he received his answer to the question.            

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date & Quarterly Receipt Comparison:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water and Sewer Receipts to Date and the Quarterly Receipt Comparison from Mrs. Daigle.  Currently we are at 88% paid with $18,833.25 outstanding from 1st Quarter billing.  The reports are typical and we are doing well.

 

NH-ENS:  Mr. Dalessio is in the process of completing these forms for the NH Emergency Notification System.  He is doing research with the Fire Department and hopes to have it completed soon.

 

Tax Deeded Properties:  Mr. Dalessio received information from Attorney Hockensmith who recommended the Selectboard notify the two property owners to advise that in 90 days they intend to auction off or sell the properties and wait for them to respond.  Attorney Hockensmith was asked to draft those letters. 

 

Locked Gate on Old Stage Road:  Mr. Rau did confirm there is a lock on the gate on Old Stage Road. Therefore, Mr. Dalessio will draft a letter to the owners for next week.  It will inform the owners that they have 30 days to remove the lock or give them the option of contacting the Selectboard Office to have the Town remove the lock.  

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Purchase Order for Roofing of the New Highway Garage:   These are encumbered funds from last year.  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the purchase order for metal standing seam roofing on the new Highway garage for the price of $4,300.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Purchase Order for Highway Paving Asphalt: The paving is scheduled to start the week of July 8th. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the purchase order for highway paving asphalt not to exceed the budgeted amount for account No. 01 4312-10 435.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

Purchase Order for Water & Sewer Dept. Fencing:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the purchase order from Monadnock Fence for Water and Sewer Department fencing on the pump stations and the Reservoir Dam at the gate for the amount of $4,013.00.  The Water and Sewer portion of $3,364.00 will go to that department and the Reservoir Dam portion of $649.00 will be paid for from the Conservation Commission Forestry Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Recreation Department Revolving Fund Request:  Ms. Mayberry reported there is a request from the Recreation Department to purchase summer basketball shirts for children on four teams for the amount of $1,734.50.  They will be reimbursed by Athens Pizza, Jancewicz and Son, Chroma Technology and Bowman Dental.    

 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the withdrawal of $1,734.50 from the Walpole Recreation Department Revolving Fund to purchase shirts for youth players from Grizzly Graphixs for $1,734.50.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Summer Basketball Summer Donor Thank You Letters:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letters thanking the following sponsors for their donations for Summer Basketball shirts for the kids on four teams:  Chroma Technologies Corp., Richard Senerchia of Athens Pizza, Jayson Dunbar of Jancewicz and Son and Peter Bowman of Bowman Dental.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

 

Former Landfill Site Monitoring Well Repair Proposal:  Mr. Dalessio reported that last year the Selectboard was made aware that the former landfill site needed some repairs on the well-heads.  They have received a contract from McKibben Environmental, LLC to evaluate and do the repairs as necessary.  

If no repairs are needed the cost will be approximately $3,000 but if repairs are needed it could be approximately $4,000.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve authorizing Steven Dalessio, Chair of the Selectboard, to sign the former landfill site monitoring well repair proposal with McKibben Environmental, LLC.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Paving of Dirt Section of Old Drewsville Road:  Mr. Dalessio had a call from Mr. Moe Biron and Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy concerning the plan to pave the section of Old Drewsville Road from Mr. Biron’s house toward the Village.  There is a hill that goes up along that road and the Town’s plan was to pave that section this summer because Mr. Rau is having problems with snow plowing.  Mr. Biron and Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy are upset with this plan.  One concern is the speed by many teenage drivers; if it is paved, it will encourage them to go faster.  It is a dangerous section of road.  The Gowdys use the road to cross their cows; there are a lot of concerns.  

Mr. Dalessio feels when the Town gets close to paving that area the Selectboard could invite everyone to attend a meeting to hear their opinions.  Opinions from the Fire Department and Police Department should be heard plus the reasons to pave should be heard from Mr. Rau.  Many more delivery trucks are going through that road because the GPSs are showing it as a through road.  It is alleged that the School District is now running school busses through there.  Mr. Dalessio will call to see if they can change that.  The road is narrow therefore not enough room to pass another vehicle in spots.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact Mr. Lou Shelley to confirm if a part of the road is Class V or Class VI.  Mr. Rau told Mr. Dalessio they have already packed stone in there as a base.  They will be unable to plow this section unless it is paved. 

The highway trucks are getting stuck on that hill. Mr. Dalessio asked Chief Paquette if they could put the speed sign in that area for a while.  It will alert drivers.  They need speed enforcement.  Mr. Rau is looking into signage.  TheHubbard section will be paved.  Mr. Biron had contacted Ms. Mayberry who encouraged him to attend a Selectboard meeting.   Mr. Dalessio said Mr. Biron also questioned a culvert that he had mentioned three years ago.  Mr. Rau is aware of the culvert but Mr. Biron needs to get an easement letter from Mr. Gowdy for drainage.          

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  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 7:32 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:04 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 20, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard Session.  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 at8:05 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:15 PM.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer had recused herself from the rest of this meeting during the Hooper Trustees meeting.  

 

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Server:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard agreed to a two year contract for firewall protection for the Town’s computer system.  It is provided by TrueNorth.    

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Present: Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Bob Anderson. Absent: Judy Trow. Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri came in a few minutes late.

 

Roll Call: Ms.  Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. She asked alternates Mr. Sellarole and Mr. Anderson to fill in for the missing Board members. Ms. Mansouri came in a few minutes late.

Mr. Anderson stepped down.

 

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the July 2019 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions. 

 

Minutes: May minutes and April Executive session minutes: Minutes: Three typos on page 3 – “chose” to “choose” twice and “operate” to “operated.” Ms. Mansouri made a motion to accept the amended minutes. Mr. Murray second the motion and the motion carried. Executive session minutes: the word on page 1 should be “compromised” not “comprised.” Ms. Mansouri made a motion to seal the executive session minutes and Mr. Murray seconded the motion. The motion carried.

 

New Business:

 

New Business: Sue King, 618 Cold River Rd. Mrs. King’s husband previously owned and operated a business at this address. It was called Ray’s Auto Body Shop. He received a Special Exception to let him open up the shop in the early 1980s. Her husband died several years ago and she would like to rent out the building her husband used for his shop to a woodworker who makes furniture. The woodworker is M Will Hunter. Mrs. King, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hunter’s son, Christopher, were at the meeting.

 

Ms. Barnes said she tried to find Mrs. King’s home but went down Cold River Road and it ended with a barrier and 618 Cold River Road was not on that stretch of road. Mrs. King explained that two or three years ago, the town put up a barrier to close this portion of the road. Now, in order to get to her house, you have to drive to Drewsville, go past the Drewsville store, go down the hill and turn right. The next first three houses on the road are part of Walpole and their addresses are Cold River Road. They are not on GPS. The next stretch of road continues through a part of Langdon and then Alstead and that road is called River Road.

 

Mr. Hunter explained he was a custom woodworker. His customers are from all over New England and New York. His color brochure shows just a few of the types of things he has made for customers: chicken coops, sheds, cabinetry and desks for businesses, tables, counters, bars, planters of all shapes and even coffins. He’s currently working on a bed replica of the Lincoln funeral train and a tiny house on wheels for an artist. His work space will be the former garage of Mrs. King’s husband who had an automotive repair shop there.

 

Mr. Sellarole asked where the garage was in relation to the house and road and if he displayed a lot of his products outside the garage. Mr. Hunter said the house is up front by the road and there is a driveway to the shop quite a ways from the house and road. He showed some pictures. The road runs along Route 123 and goes into Alstead Village. He said he’s cleaned up the repair shop, put up sheet rock, painted, added new LED lights and blocked off the wood stove. Mrs. King has replaced the toilet that was there and added a new vanity and plans to add new heating. Nothing will be done to the outside. There is enough parking for Mr. Hunter and a couple of customers. He sometimes puts something he’s built outside the garage for display.  

Ms. Leclerc said that since the property is in a rural/ag district, Mrs. King would need to get a Special Exception for the commercial woodworking business. There was a question about whether or not Mrs. King would need Planning Board approval. Ms. Leclerc thought Mrs. King did not have to go to the Planning Board because the total expenditures would be less than $10,000. Mrs. King made an appointment with the secretary to meet the following Monday to get the Special Exception form and check on abutters. The Public Hearing was planned for next month, July.

 

Mr. Anderson asked if he was going to have more than two employees. Mr. Hunter said “no”, but he sometime hires a delivery man. Mr. Anderson read from the Walpole Zoning Ordinances, Rural/ag district, Section VIII, Part B. “Residences may be used to house such customary uses by the owner or tenant as offices for doctors, lawyers, real estate or insurance, or other recognized professions, or such home occupations as hair dressing or dress-making, except that the number of persons employed at any one location shall not number more than two persons in addition to the owner or tenant. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided on the premises.”

 

It would seem Mr. Hunter is the tenant and that woodworking could be construed as a home business, Mr. Anderson said. There is one on Wentworth Road near where he lives. Ms. Barnes said she thought it was a traditional home business. 

 

So Ms. Leclerc decided that Mrs. King may rent her garage to Mr. Hunter under the provision of home business in a rural/ag district. If Mr. Hunter’s business gets so large that it employs more than two people, he must come back to the Zoning Board and discuss what the next steps would be. There will be no Public Hearing next month.

 

General Dollar – Actions Signs in Rensselear, NY is making two signs for a proposed business – Dollar General –  on property that is on the corner of Red Barn Lane and Main Street. There will be one sign attached to the building and another free-standing sign on a 19-foot pole and 60 feet from the edge of road. Signs are 100 feet from one another. One sign is 32.17 square feet and since that exceeds the 32 square-foot limit for signs in a commercial district, the sign company will have to come in for a variance. The Board felt if a person gets a permit for a sign that is .17 square feet above the permitted limit without applying for a variance then it would create a precedent for someone to ask for one .25 square feet above the limit and that could snowball into more square feet.

 

There were some questions about exactly where the location was and where the free-standing sign would be. It is a new building and Dollar General has to go before the Planning Board for a site plan review and get approval first. Ms. Barnes was concerned that a 19-foot lighted sign would be higher and brighter than any other signs on that stretch of road. The lighted signs would be turned off after the store closed. Representatives of the sign company will present their case to the Planning Board in July or August.

 

Possible Variance: Ellen Danielle, 56 School St. Looking for information on an addition to the house at that address. Since the property is already under a sales agreement to someone else, her questions were moot.

 

Conference: Reports from Board Members on Planning and Zoning Board Workshops in Concord attended on Saturday, June 1. Ms. Trow sent her slide presentation notes on the workshop she attended to the secretary. Since she was absent, she will report on her workshops next month.

 

Ms. Leclerc and Mr. Sellarole attended a workshop on the zoning boards in New Hampshire. Here are Ms. Leclerc notes on their experience.

 

“ZBA is quasi-judicial board, therefore, members must act like judges. 

“The ZBA must have Rules of Procedure. Every member should have a printed copy of them and they should be followed at every meeting. Our rules of procedure are the bylaws.

 

“The legislative body (Town Meeting) has the authority to enact and amend the Zoning Ordinances. The Planning Board may suggest amendments to the ordinance. The ZBA has authority to hear administrative appeals to grant variances and special exceptions and to grant equitable waivers of dimension requirements.

“The ZBA hears appeals to Planning Board decision if the decision deals with an ordinance. Other matters go to Superior Court.

 

“The ZBA can decide if a variance or special exception is really needed. 

 

“If municipal estoppel is claimed, consult your town attorney. This is when a town official gives information that is wrong and that wrong information harms the recipient in some way.

 

Special Exceptions

“The ZBA many not waive any requirements.

 

“Applicants may apply for a variance from one or more of the special exception criteria. The variance must be granted before the SE hearing can take place, although both hearings may take place on the same night.

 

“Special Exceptions shall be valid if exercised within two years from final approval date unless an extension has been granted for good cause and provided it is not less than six months after an application or site plan has been approved, which depended on the special exception to be approved.

 

Variance

“ ‘If I can’t use my property the way I want to, there must be a good reason.’ “

“Boards must consider the purpose of the ordinance for which a variance is being requested. If the purpose is not stated, it may be implied, as in set back requirements generally provide air, light, a buffer from neighbors.

 

“If a use is abandoned the ordinance should state what happens to the SE or V. If it doesn’t, it is an issue for the town lawyer.

 

“Existing cell towers can expand up to 20 feet in height without getting a SE or V.

 

“ ‘Spirit of the Ordinance’ and ‘Public Interest’ are considered the same thing now. These consider the following:

 

“1. Will the use alter the essential character of the neighborhood? Neighborhood generally means the abutters and a “ring or two beyond.’

“2. Does the proposed use threaten health, safety, welfare?

    “The proposed use does not need to serve the public interest. It only must not be contrary to it.

 

“Substantial justice  means that the loss to the applicant outweighs the gain to the general public if the variance is denied. ZBA should focus on whether the public stands to gain from the denial.

 

“In deciding to grant or deny a variance, there should be very specific findings. Use the word “because” frequently and tie it to the criteria and the evidence presented.

“Consider the ‘as built’ condition of the property if a building has been approved, even if it is not built yet.

 

“If you disagree with any testimony, you must have reasons and say what they are.

 

“The Town may vote to amend the Zoning Ordinances to put time limits on previously granted variances and special exceptions.”

After discussing Ms. Leclerc’s written comments, the Board members discussed some things that should be added to the bylaws: time limits on decisions, specific instructions for members voting on variances. Changes to bylaws may be made by bringing the matter up at two successive meetings and the meetings must be posted. 

Ms. Barnes brought two quotes from the conference back to the Board – “Process is cheap.” and “Education beats litigation.” A few other items Ms. Barnes mentioned:

 

The minutes should be detailed.

 

If an applicant brings an expert to the meeting, the Board can counter this measure by hiring an expert of its own at the applicant’s expense.

 

Variance – discuss each criteria. It was recommended that the Board vote on the entire decision. You must be consistent on the method the Board uses in making a decision.

 

A variance is tied to the land. 

 

A study group has been set up for Tiny Houses.

 

A new board has been proposed that would handle zoning appeals. It has the authority of a Superior Court in that if a decision is appealed it goes directly to the Supreme Court. 

 

There is another planning and zoning conference in Concord on October 5. A reminder of the conference and more information will be forthcoming when the date is closer.

 

All presentations and handouts from the June 1 conference in Concord may be viewed by going to: 

https://www.nh.gov.osi/planning/resources/conferences/spring-2019/index.htm

 

If you want to be informed of future planning-related conferences and events, receive the weekly Planning News brief, which is published every Friday, and stay up to date with discussions and information about what is happening in the NH planning world, please subscribe to the Plan-Link listery at: http://maillist2.nh.gov.mailman.listinfo/plan-link.

 

 

Old Business: Map and Ordinance. Ms. Leclerc is waiting for a map from Avitar.

 

Handouts: General Dollar Sign Info

 

 

Ms. Mansouri made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and it carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances and by mutual agreement, the merger of this office and that of the Law Offices of Pamela P. Little will not take place.  I will continue to service you, my client(s), to the best of my ability.

 

It has been my distinct pleasure to serve this community over the past 28 years, and I have decided to remain as the only resident, full-time, practicing attorney in Walpole.  My practice will continue to emphasize estate planning, probate, real estate and small business.

 

I am honored to have been able to serve our neighborhood in various ways, from co-founder and past President of the Walpole PTG, co-founder and past President of the Fall Mountain Educational Endowment Association, co-founder of the Clarion, and assistant track coach at FMRHS, to financial officer for the American Legion, board member on the Fall Mountain Scholarship Fund, and real estate settlement agent for both Mascoma Savings Bank and Savings Bank of Walpole.  I look forward to continuing in that capacity.

 

Please do stop in during July for (iced?) coffee and a chat.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rob Kasper

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that Mrs. Pschirrer is in the hospital and is doing well. He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public present.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $33,982.29 for checks issued June 14, 2019.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes the balance of $9,287.00 for the basketball court.  

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 8, 2019 in the amount of $28,322.59 for checks issued June 14, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,673.37.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – June 6, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 6, 2019, with the following corrections:  Page 3, Walpole Safety Ordinance, line 6, change “weight” to “weigh” and  Page 5, NH DES Administrative Rules for PFAS, second line, change “PSAS” to “PFAS”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion and corrections were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

North Walpole Park:  Mr. Dalessio noted that the Selectboard was invited to attend the North Walpole Park unveiling of their new sign on Saturday.  

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

ABENAKI SPRINGS PHASE I LIMITED PARTNERS, 17 Avery Lane, Map and Lot #012-013-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-10 Corrected for an owner’s name change from Abenaki Springs Phase I Limited Partners to Abenaki Springs Phase II Limited Partners and to “Construct multi-family housing as approved by the Planning Board on 11/13/12 and then modified on 10/15/15 for up to 67 multi-family units” at 17 Avery Lane.  **Units 22 through 43 to be constructed as Unit 2**.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

NH DES Administrative Rules for PFAS:  The Selectboard had their letter to Sen. Jay Kahn expressing their concern about the current PFAS MCL setting process.  The NH DES has not conducted an adequate cost-benefit analysis as part of its PFAS rulemaking proposal as required by SB309 of 2018, as codified in RSA 485:3.  Both Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry approved and signed this letter.  It will be held until Mrs. Pschirrer returns so she will have the opportunity to sign this letter.      

 

Appointment Notices for Walpole Conservation Commission:  The Selectboard has previously approved the re-appointment of Peter Palmiotto as an alternate member to the Walpole Conservation Commission and the appointment of France Menk as a regular member to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Terms of office are for three (3) years, June 2019 through Town Meeting, March 2022.  Their Appointment Notices were signed at this meeting.  

 

Library Building Maintenance Issues:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Mrs. Justine Fafara at the Bridge Memorial Library regarding the maintenance costs.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

This letter will be held until Mrs. Pschirrer returns to enable her to have the opportunity to sign this letter.     

 

Class VI Portion of Old Stage Road:  Mr. Dalessio has not yet heard from Mr. Mike Rau regarding the Class VI portion of Old Stage Road.  This was tabled until next week.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Meeting Time Change:  The Selectboard meeting time on Thursday, June 27, 2019, has been changed from 6:30 PM to 8:00 AM.  This will allow a quorum to be present. 

 

Moose Plate Conservation Grant Walpole Historical Society: Mr. Dalessio advised that last year the Historical Society applied for a Moose Plate Conservation Grant.  The Town of Walpole has to make a statement that they own all the documents.  

Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the letter to the New Hampshire State Library regarding the Walpole Historical Society Moose Plate Conservation Grant.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:40 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:55 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 13, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry 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 Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:00 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mr. Dalessio advised that Mrs. Sandy Smith, Tax Collector, reported collecting approximately $1,300,000 in property taxes to-date.  

 

Concerts on the Common:  The band concerts on the Common will begin this Sunday.  The following Sunday concerts are sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole.  

 

Keene Sentinel:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with a Keene Sentinel reporter today about an article they are writing on “How Towns Deal with Legal Expenses”.    

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 6:55 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES – June 6, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of June 6, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE:  Ms. Mayberry reported that yesterday the Hooper Search Committee did their first “Meet and Greet” with the first candidate.  The second meeting was held today.  They will meet with the last candidate next Monday.  It is going well.  The committee members discussed meeting on Monday to see if they agree on a recommendation.  Mr. Dalessio feels after a recommendation is made; the Hooper Trustees will meet with that candidate.  Ms. Mayberry will keep Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer updated as the committee moves forward.  Ms. Mayberry is pleased with how the process moved along.  Mrs. Wyckoff was phenomenal as Chair of this committee.            

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary