The Walpolean

Hard to believe, but if Ray says it is so, then it is so! – Lil

These are the articles we will vote on in Town Meeting on March 16th. Voting for elected officials is on March 12th. The Spervisors of the Checkist, Moderator and Selectboard listened to the requests and have changed the hours for voting from 8-7 to 7AM to 7PM. – Lil

 

    Town Meeting – March 16, 2019

 

 

 

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Walpole qualified to vote in Town Affairs:

 

You are hereby notified to meet at the Town Hall, 34 Elm Street, Town of Walpole, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 7:00 A.M. to act on ARTICLES 1 –14. Articles 1, 2, 3 and 4will be voted on at the polls.  Polls at the Walpole Town Hall and at North Walpole St. Peter’s Church will be open at 7:00 A.M., and will remain open until 7:00 P.M.   Following the closing of the polls and counting of the ballots, the meeting will be adjourned until Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:00 P.M., at the Walpole Town Hall on Elm Street, at which time the balance of the Articles will be acted upon.

 

 

ARTICE 1:  To elect the necessary Town officers for their respective terms.

 

 

ARTICLE 2:   Are you in favor of the adoption of the following zoning ordinance amendment as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board to be added to the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance? To amend Article VI Commercial District and Article V Residential District by changing and restoring zoning classification of Tax Map 12, Lots 55-5 and 55-21 from Residential B to Commercial.

 

The Planning Board recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No)

 

 

ARTICLE 3:  Are you in favor of revoking and rescinding the amendment to The Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance, adopted and approved as Article 3 at the annual Town Meeting held on March 17, 2017? Town legal counsel advised it is not enforceable under New Hampshire law.

 

The Planning Board recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No)

 

 

ARTICLE 4: Are you in favor of revoking and rescinding the amendment to the Walpole Zoning Ordinance, adopted and approved as Article 4 N at the annual Town Meeting held on March 12, 2016, regarding Recycling and Transfer Stations? Town legal counsel advised it is not enforceable under New Hampshire law.

 

The Planning Board recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No)

 

 

ARTICLE 5:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four million five hundred seven thousand, forty nine dollars ($4,507,049) which represents three million eight hundred ninety six thousand, six hundred ninety one dollars ($3,896,691) for Town Operating Budget to be raised from general taxation; One hundred eight-seven thousand, eight hundred thirty two dollars ($187,832) for the Water Fund Operating Budget and four hundred twenty twothousand, five hundred twenty six dollars for the Sewer Operating Budget ($422,526) which includes one hundred eighty thousand dollars ($180,000) for bond assessments. Such sum does not include special or individual articles or bonds found in the warrant.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 6:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for updates, repairs and remodeling of Town buildings and the purchase of a generator for the Walpole Highway Department. The said funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 7:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for the purchase of a six–wheel truck for the Highway Department. The said funds acknowledge a trade in value at $10,000 and will come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This is a non-lapsing warrant article.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 8:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to be deposited in the Town of Walpole Highway – Capitol Reserve Fund Account. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 9:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty-five thousand, five hundred eleven dollars ($35,511) for the purchase of a Bobcat for the Recycling Department.  This includes a trade-in value of $11,000. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

ARTICLE 10:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty two thousand dollars ($32,000) for a vehicle for the Walpole Police Department and to authorize the issuance of not more than thirty two thousand dollars through a promissory note with the Mascoma Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or other notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. Further, to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand, six hundred sixty–six dollars and sixty-seven cents ($10,666.67) for the first year’s payment. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

**2/3 ballot vote required**

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 11:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to purchase a cage, console, other necessary equipment and installation in the new police vehicle. This article is contingent upon passing of warrant article 10. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to be deposited in the Town of Walpole Police Department – Capitol Reserve Fund Account. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 13:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty thousand ($30,000) to install a new basketball court with the remainder of the $50,000 cost to come from the Recreation Department Revolving Fund.The said funds to be raised through general taxation.

 

The Selectboard recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No, 0Abstain)

 

 

ARTICLE 14:  To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.

 

 

Given under our hand and seal this 7th day of February the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Nineteen.

 

Walpole Selectboard

 

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Ms. Mayberry is absent due to a work commitment.   Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two members of the public in attendance.  

 

PUBLIC HEARING – Town of Walpole Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Public Hearing to order and advised the purpose of this hearing is for discussion on “For the Adoption of the Town of Walpole Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019”.  The public notice stated that Residents may read the conditionally approved plan at the Town Hall during normal business hours prior to the public hearing.

 

Mr. John Peska, Co-Chair of the Walpole Conservation Commission, and Mrs. Joanna Andros, alternate member of the Planning Board, were present.  Mr. Peska feels this document is a good product.  It is to address and identify where hazards are in Town and steps we will take to mitigate them.  The plan is an excellent skeleton but needs some details in the event of flooding, severe snowstorm, etc.  Who is going to be in charge? Mrs. Pschirrer said we know if for some reason the dam lets go, it would flood the center of Town.  What would our emergency response be?  Mr. Peska asked who would make the decision to evacuate.  Mr. Dalessio advised there is an Emergency Management Plan for the Town that was done in 2009.  Fire Chief Hurlburt always reviews and updates it.  Mr. Peska said we should make sure it covers these situations. These two documents should fit together.  He would caution the Town Hall being an emergency shelter because there is power, space, bathrooms but the schools are more suited because they have facilities for meals and showers among other things.  Who will run emergency shelters from the Town?  According to FEMA it should be Town employees who are certified shelter operators.  He recommended using a position rather than a name.  Mr. Dalessio noted the Emergency Management Plan states the Emergency Management Director (Chief of the Fire Department) is the primary contact. Mr. Peska asked when a new employee is hired, do they sign a contract and, if so, does it specify what duties they are responsible for.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it is usually a letter of employment.  There is a job description in their personnel folder.  Mr. Peska recommended this include “other duties as assigned”.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it does.  Mr. Peska said this gives the person the leeway to run a shelter; it gives the Town flexibility to use them where needed.  In the event the dam collapsed, who would have the authority to designate the emergency?  Mr. Dalessio replied the Selectboard, usually the Chair, in conjunction with the Emergency Management Director.  Mr. Peska recommended the Emergency Management Plan have a list of all the other agencies wewould/could call on. We should have MOAs or MOUs with them.  Walpole is right on the border for Sullivan County.  We could be involved in a regional event.  Who will make decisions when that time comes?  Mrs. Pschirrer said the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief are aware of all these agencies/people.  Mr. Peska mentioned there is nothing in the document about civil disturbance, power outages and hazardous material spills.  Rail lines and trucks go through the Town with hazmat lettering, but we have no idea of what those hazardous materials are.  Several commercial companies do business here, as well as across the river.  If we had that hazmat information, Mr. Mark Houghton could list them in their plan.  The railroad does not provide material on what kind of product they transport.  

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised they worked with Ms. Lisa Murphy at Southwest Region Planning Commission on this document for about a year.  She will send these comments to Ms. Murphy and talk to her about them.  

 

The committee consisted of Fire Chief Hurlburt, Assistant Fire Chief Mark Houghton, the North Walpole Fire Chief, Mr. Bob Miller, and several other members.  Discussion on hazmat materials came up once or twice.  Mr. Dalessio felt a lot of Mr. Peska’s questions are answered, in some degree, in the Emergency Management Plan.  It would be appropriate for Mr. Peska to meet with Fire Chief Hurlburt to discuss his concerns.  Mr. Peska felt the Emergency Management Plan 2009 should be reviewed and updated.  Mr. Dalessio noted it might have been updated. However, if so, a copy was not available in this office.  Ms. Andros brought up the issue of surrounding towns having drills for training.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the Fire Department and Police Department do have drills.  The Police Department has done active shooter drills in the schools and other places.  Mr. Peska said FEMA used to provide grants for these exercises but no longer does so.  They are costly. Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Town has quarterly Joint Safety Meetings for the staff on how to safely get out of the buildings they work in/their own space; it makes employees think about safety in other Town buildings/properties.  Mr. Peska suggested forming a civilian response team.  They could meet monthly, get certified in CPR, traffic control and how to run an emergency shelter.  It would be an additional source of manpower to alleviate shortages in the event of an emergency.      

 

During the course of this Public Hearing, Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board, and Mr. Dennis Marcom, member of the Planning Board came in.  Four members of the public were in attendance.  There being no other discussion, Mrs. Pschirrer closed this Public Hearing at 6:50 PM.  

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Ruggiero MSW Permit from the NH DES:  Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair, and Mr. Dennis Marcom, member, of the Walpole Planning Board were present.  Mr. Miller is concerned that even though the State states the Town has to recognize State Ordinance, he feels they have to respond strongly to the NH Department of Environmental Services. Ruggiero should go back to the Walpole Zoning Board for a Special Exception.  The State has to recognize what the whole history is.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact Attorney Hockensmith again to be sure the Town’s appeal is filed immediately.       

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Snow Plowing:  Mr. Miller asked that the snow piles be removed on Westminster Street.  It is not a good situation and needs to be done as soon as possible.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the Highway Department crew has been working a lot of over-time and they are down one person.  There are many places where the snow piles are too high.  She will talk to Mr. Rau about this.

 

SWRPC Age-Focused Planning Initiative:  Mr. Jeff Miller advised the Planning Board will participate in the SWRPC Age-Focused Planning Initiative.  Mrs. Pschirrer will be speaking to the Senior Citizen group in February and will get their survey responses .  Mr. Miller noted the Fall Mountain Region School District Board has to realize they need to adjust to the population.  Mr. Dalessio said this has been a topic of the SWRPC Economic Development Committee.  Mr. Miller said everybody wants a growing economy but with an aging population, it is challenging.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they are putting together a Broad Band Committee. If Walpole can strike a deal such as Chesterfield did, maybe getting more service will attract younger people who like to work from home.  They need more economic development.  Mr. Miller agrees.  Walpole has to come up with the times.        

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $47,290.84 for checks issued February 1, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $39,679.68 to the HealthTrust.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 26, 2019, in the amount of $31,075.95 for checks issued February 1, 2019 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,580.25.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – January 24, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of January 24, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 24, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 24, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

 

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #029-030-000 and #012-037-002:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement to waive interest in the amount of $21.56 for Map and Lot #029-030-000 and to abate $3.00 for a bookkeeping adjustment for Map and Lot #012-037-002.  Total adjustments are $24.56.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

WARRANTS:

TOWN OF WALPOLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF WALPOLE WATER FEES: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for the Town of Walpole for the Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $38,734.78.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TOWN OF WALP0LE FOR THE COLLECTION OF WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for the Town of Walpole for the Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $61,677.83.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF NORTH WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for the Town of Walpole for the Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $55,299.94.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #021-031-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot #021-031-000 in the amount of $500.00 for the current owners.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS (Continued):

Town of Walpole Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Town of Walpole Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

Police Cruiser Loan:  This will be a loan with Mascoma Bank.  There was a consensus to hold this until the meeting next week.  Three Selectboard members should approve and sign the documents.  

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Department Revolving Fund Requests:  The following three requests from the Recreation Department to use their Revolving Fund are related to the “Daddy and Me Dance” being held on February 9th.  Currently 72 tickets have been sold.   

Loves Photography:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Recreation Department’s request to use $200.00 of their Revolving Fund for Loves Photography.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have the Recreation Department take the extra $50.00 from the ticket money. 

DJ Selena:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Recreation Department’s request to use $100.00 of their Revolving Fund for DJ Selena.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have the Recreation Department take the extra $50.00 from the ticket money.

Credit Card Purchase of Decorations: The Recreation Department advised this purchase will be for table cloths, snacks/drinks, and decorations.  They will be able to use the decorations again.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Recreation Department’s request to use $600.00 of their Revolving Fund to pay for decorations with the Recreation Credit Card. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

 

Annual Post-Closure Report Inactive Solid Waste Landfill: Mrs. Pschirrer advised there are some issues at the Solid Waste Landfill but they are fixable.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Peggy Pschirrer, to sign the Annual Post-Closure Report Inactive Solid Waste Landfill.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SWRPC Age-Focused Planning Initiative:  Mrs. Pschirrer noted Mr. Miller brought this up earlier in this meeting.  She would like the Planning Board to take on this survey on aging that is being done county-wide.  Mrs. Pschirrer brought to Ms. Lisa Murphy’s attention the fact that many seniors do not have the capability to go on-line to complete the survey. SWRPC supplied quite a few paper surveys.  Mr. Dalessio suggested setting up some computers in the Town Hall and the Library computers can be used for the surveys.  Anyone in Cheshire County is eligible to fill out the document.            

 

Alstead Center Road Culvert Work and Police Details:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this work will begin tomorrow.  Both the Highway Department and the Fuzzy Brothers are concerned about the first part of this job as they received a letter from the Police Department advising they had to be hired for special detail work.  Mr. Dalessio explained as long as Chief Paquette agrees it is safe, the Highway Department can use their own flaggers.  Special Detail is a bonus to police officers; it is done on their own time. It is site specific. Mrs. Pschirrer will ask Mr. Rau to contact Chief Paquette.     

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:30 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:55 PM.

 

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 31, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:56 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:23 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Brownfields Grant Application: Mrs. Pschirrer and Mrs. Downing were able to send in the Brownfields EPA Grant application yesterday for the Westberg property. They worked on it until about 9:00 PM and now have a tracking number. Mrs. Pschirrer is grateful for the work Mrs. Downing, Mr. Kreissle, SWRPC, and several other people put into the application.  It was an enormous project.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The minutes aren’t very exciting but it is nice to see that Regina Borden is well and back at her post! – Lil

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:56 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – January 24, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of January 24, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

November 2018 Reimbursement Request: Mr. Dalessiomoved to accept the transfer of funds from the Hooper Education Trust to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,388.28 for expenses dated November 2018. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

December 2018 Reimbursement Request:  Mr. Dalessiomoved to accept the transfer of funds from the Hooper Education Trust to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,665.24 for expenses dated December 2018.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

November 2018 Reimbursement Request:  Mr. Dalessiomoved to accept the transfer of funds from the Hooper Maintenance Trust to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $246.71 for expenses dated November 2018.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

2015 Hooper Reimbursement Request: Mrs. Pschirrer advised this represents items the auditors did not feel the Town had been reimbursed for.  Mr. Kreissle will be asked for the back-ground on this for 2015.  

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:12 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.

 

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of January 31, 2019, be sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, motion was approved.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

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

 

 

 

 

Report from Chair:

 

 

 

Members Present:

Lewis Shelley, Alicia Flammia (Chair), Steven Dumont, Jackie Kensen

 

Alternates Present:

Myra Mansouri, Gary Speed

 

Members Absent:

Peter Palmiotto, Kelli Wilson, Elaine Heleen, Laura Hayes, Duncan Watson

 

Others Present:

Ray Boas, Chuck Shaw, France Mink

 

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

 

Seating of Alternates: No seating of alternates required.

 

Review and approve minutes – December 3, 2018. The date was noted as November 5, 2018 and should be changed to December 3, 2018. Lew made a motion to approve as revised. Jackie seconded. All in favor.

 

Public Business:

 

New Business: 

 

 

Old Business:

 

Other Business:

 

Adjournment: At 8:59 John made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alicia seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, February 4, 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 February 4, 2019.

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

 

Also present: Representative Lucy Weber, Tara Sad, Tom Goins, Ray Boas and Sarah Downing. 

 

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Walker Road Conservation Project: Mr. Ray Boas and Mr. Tom Goins provided an update on the Walker Road Conservation Project fundraising efforts. With the acquisition of the property completed and ownership assumed by the Walpole Conservation Commission, the various bank accounts that were set-up to facilitate fund-raising, such as the GoFundMe account and the Walker Road Savings account, will now be closed. Any residual amounts that remain in the accounts will be dispersed to the Walpole Conservation Commission and placed in a new capital reserve fund earmarked for the “Walker Road Conservation Project.” Should any subsequent funds be donated in the name of the Walker Road project, they will be placed in this capital reserve fund which will be under the auspices of the Walpole Conservation Commission. Mr. Goins will have this account established no later than January 31, 2019. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Broadband Project: Representative Lucy Weber and Ms. Tara Sad reported on an informational meeting they attended in Chesterfield, NH on Saturday January 19, 2019 re: Chesterfield’s project to replace telephone and cable– based internet service with fiber optic service. Following passage of SB 170 in 2018, which gave NH municipalities the authority to issue bonds for the expansion of broadband infrastructure, Chesterfield issued Requests for Proposals to see which service would install the needed fiber optic infrastructure to 100% of existing phone customers in Chesterfield without incurring a tax-based liability to the town. Consolidated Communications met the criteria. Subsequently, Chesterfield issued a $1.8 million bond that was guaranteed by Consolidated. The principle and interest of the bond will be repaid, not by taxpayers, but through a $10.00 monthly infrastructure fee added to subscribers’ monthly service charges. Once service is established, this infrastructure fee will remain in effect until the bond is paid off. In addition, Consolidated committed $2.5 million to help meet the cost of the bond repayments prior to the establishment of services. They will replace the aging and inefficient copper wire that was originally installed by FairPoint with fiber optics that will be capable of delivering up to 1G of service. The monthly cost to consumers will be in the price range consumers currently pay depending on the level of service they elect. In addition, some consumers may need to upgrade their terminals and routers to accommodate the increased speed of fiber optics. Consolidated will offer routers for consumers to rent or consumers can buy their own. These fiber optic lines will be run to all properties and rights of way, including private roads, currently served by poles. Overhead fiber optic lines will be run for free over the first 150 feet of driveway with a one-time cost of $0.55 per foot for any extra distance to the building. Underground installation will also be available on a cost per foot basis. The benefits Chesterfield will enjoy by replacing current copper-wire-based internet service with fiber optics are that 1) individuals and home-based businesses will be able to operate telecommuting functions requiring high-speed connections with greater reliability than the current dial-up or cable-based service and 2) the resiliency and longevity of fiber-optics is more versatile than copper-wiring thereby lowering repair and replacement costs over time and more consistent service. Such benefits would, in turn, increase the ability of rural towns like Chesterfield and Walpole to attract businesses and residents. This would have a positive effect on property values. Representative Weber and Ms. Sad both felt Walpole’s long-term interest would be well served by Walpole pursuing a similar project as Chesterfield’s. Members of the Selectboard thanked Representative Weber and Ms. Sad for the information. They recommended that a committee be established to survey Walpole’s residents’ interest in such a project. If such interest is sufficient, the committee would map the town’s current landlines and come up with cost estimates for a June 2020 bonding. Representative Weber added that, once the bonding is settled, Consolidated estimated a build-out time for installing fiber optics of about 24 months.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $191,178.23 for checks issued January 25, 2019. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The above amount includes a payment to the Village for Bellows Falls in the amount of $177,868.24. 

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 25, 2019, in the amount of $24,312.02 for checks issued January 25, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,710.01. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – January 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 17, 2019 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MINUTES SESSIONS – January 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 17, 2019 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

 

SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP GRANT – January 17, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Special Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Brownfields Cleanup Grant as edited. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

CORRECTION REQUEST FOR SELECTBOARD MINUTES – January 10, 2019: Mr. Ernie Vose suggested that the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 10, 2019 be changed to reflect the unofficial, unelected status of Assistant Moderators. However, because the Assistant Moderators are appointed as stated in the Minutes, the Selectboard felt the Minutes did not need to be corrected. 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

OTHER OLD BUSINESS:

Abatement Appeal Issue: Mrs. Pschirrer asked that the ongoing abatement appeal issue involving AvitarAssociates be placed on the Selectboard’ s next meeting for January 31, 2019. 

 

OTHER NEW BUSINESS:

NRRA Commodities Agreement: After reading NRRA Commodities’ proposed contract, Mrs. Pschirrer voiced concern over the overly-broad language pertaining to the settlement of disagreements in Massachusetts courts that gave all advantage to NRRA and little to Walpole. Ms. Mayberry stated she did not support signing the Agreement. Mrs. Pschirrer agreed saying she would not sign the Agreement until Mr. Hockensmith had provided some guidance regarding the conflicts in claims language. Ms. Mayberry provided additional background saying the Walpole Recycling Center was originally approached by the North Star Pulp and Paper back in the spring. Negotiations proceeded with them because NRRA was not providing the most cost-effective alternatives for the Recycling Center. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if Walpole currently had a contract with NRRA. Ms. Mayberry affirmed, although Ms. Mayberry believed that contract had expired. Mr. Dalessio then asked if North Star Pulp would take metals. Ms. Mayberry answered that the list of items that North Star would take needed to be reviewed but that North Star’s proposal did not prohibit Walpole from doing business with NRRA. On the other hand, NRRA’s proposal implied that Walpole would have to work with them exclusively. Mr. Dalessio reminded the Selectboard that one of the positives in NRRA’s favor is that they provide “one-stop-shopping”. If Walpole signs with North Star which will take mixed-paper but not metals, for example, then Walpole would have to find other contractors to take whatever items North Star would not take. Ms. Mayberry recommended that the proposed contracts for both North Star Pulp and NRRA be reviewed before proceeding. Mr. Dalessio also suggested that the Recycling Center ask other towns about the recycling consultants and haulers they use.

 

Vachon Cluckay & Co. Understanding of Services Agreement Letter: Mrs. Pschirrer noted that the auditors’ contract for this year looked the same as last year’s agreement with the same level of services. All Selectboard members commended the auditors on their accessibility, responsiveness, and thoroughness. Ms. Mayberry moved to have Mrs. Pschirrer sign the Understanding of Services Agreement with Vachon Clukay & Co. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, with Ms. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Police Department Revolving Fund Request: Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned a request for an $825 withdrawal from the Police Department’s Revolving Fund had been received to purchase three Nikoncameras. Mr. Dalessio explained there was currently only one working camera at the Police Department and that cameras were needed in all the police vehicles. Ms. Mayberry moved to purchase three Nikoncameras for the Police Department. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SWRPC Winter Meeting Invitation: Mrs. Pschirrer said an invitation from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission had been received inviting the Selectboard to attend the Winter Meeting. The Commissioner of Transportation will be speaking. However, because the meeting will be held at 12 Court Street at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, the Selectboard members will not be available to attend due conflicts in their schedules. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on how helpful it would be to meet with the Commissioner of Transportation, given the lack of public transportation in Cheshire County. Ms. Mayberry volunteered to take Mrs. Pschirrer’s concerns to the Transportation Committee of the SWPRC. Mr. Dalessio noted that Claremont, Lebanon, and Hanover have public transits. At one point, the Walpole Selectboard had decided against having the Current stop in Walpole because that Selectboard had not wanted to pay the money required to provide Current stops. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that the River Valley Seniors at Home program was talking with the Community Volunteer Transportation Company headquartered in Peterborough. Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the advisory council he serves on had identified the need for a bus between Keene and Hanover along Route 12 as a priority. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Dartmouth-Hitchcock bus that picks people up in Windsor but that, by the time it arrives at the medical center, it is packed with employees of the medical center with little to no space for patients.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:53 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:13 PM.

 

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, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:13 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:38 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:39 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Colley, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore    

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

 

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:13 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – January 17, 2019: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of January 17, 2019, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 17, 2019: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees Non-Public Session of January 17, 2019, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved. The minutes will remain sealed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Letter from Hooper Trustees to Mrs. Eloise Clark, Director of Hooper Institute: Mrs. Pschirrer drafted a letter to Mrs. Eloise Clark inviting her to attend the next meeting of the Hooper Trustees to discuss the process of finding a replacement for the Director’s position upon Mrs. Clark’s retirement. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter to Mrs. Eloise Clark. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Hubbard Farms Interns: Mr. Dalessio reported that he had spoken with Diane Miller about the possibility of the new Hubbard Farms sponsoring interns. Mrs. Miller said the Hubbard Farms might not be interested but that the Hubbard Foundation would. She requested that the Trustees ask the Hooper Institute to put together information about the intern program that she could take to the Foundation. Ms. Mayberry asked if that was a program run through the NH Charitable Trust that gives $12,000/year to Walpole Middle School which is called The Hubbard Grant. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio replied that there were various grants associated with the Foundation. Mr. Dalessio suggested that the internship program material that will be prepared for the Hubbard Foundation be used to approach Agway and other businesses for funds.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio and, with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Colley, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

WALPOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS:

Moved and Seconded:  Town Meeting in New Hampshire

Rebecca Rule, drawing on research from her delightful book, Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire, the Present, the Past, and the Future, will address the Walpole Historical Society’s gathering on Friday, February 15, 2019 in the Walpole Town Hall at 7 pm.  She will tell stories of the rituals, traditions, and history of Town Meeting, including the perennial characters, the literature, the humor, and the wisdom of this uniquely New England institution.  

Rebecca is the author of eleven books, including N is for New Hampshire; Headin’for the Rhubarb: a NH Dictionary ( well kinda); as well as the children’s picture book, The Iciest Diciest Scariest Sled Ride Ever.   For ten years, she hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV,and currently hosts “Our Hometown”, also on NHPTV. She has a Doctor of Humane Letters from New England College and has been collecting and telling stories of New Hampshire and New England for more than 25 years.   This event is funded courtesy of The New  Hampshire Humanities Council and is free and open to all.  Refreshments will also be available.  Join us on Friday at 7pm at the Walpole Town Hall.  

The February issue of your CLARION, with twenty-four pages of a variety of news and events, will be in your mailbox by February 1. But you can read it now on-line, and also share with out of town friends by providing this link.