The Walpolean

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes – Review minutes of the December 2018 meeting.

Old Business: 

Public Hearing No. 1.

3. 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.

Distribution of Minutes 

Photo for Website.

Workshop on solar ordinance Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Next regular meeting Tuesday, February12, 2019 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30pm in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Pschirrer 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $410,127.76 for checks issued December 21, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With MsMayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The amount includes a payment of $278,630 to the North Walpole Village District for tax monies and $25,000 transfer of Land Use Change Taxes to the Conservation Commission.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 15, 2018, in the amount of $24,437.89 for checks issued December 21, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,990.73.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 13, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 13, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approvedas amended.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 13, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 13, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #021-021-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 021-021-000 for the amount of $2,085.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

MAP and LOT #003-084-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 003-084-000 for the amount of $4,757.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

 MAP and LOT #030-075-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 030-075-000 for the amount of $23.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes

OLD BUSINESS:

Q-3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the Q-3 Water/Sewer receipts to-date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of 12/19/18, 91.4% of bills had been paid.

NNETO Notice of Property Tax Refund: Ms. Mayberrymoved to pay the NNETO Property Tax Refund for the amount of $5,047.000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

602 Cold River Road re: River Erosion: An e-mail from Jeanette Clark was received. Mrs. Clark was asking the Town to apply for grant money to remediate the Cold River erosion issue on her property. Mr. Dalessio said that this issue goes back many years. He gave a recap of what occurred when the Cold River flooded back in Oct. of 2005. The house has been raised up so that it will not longer be flooded. The Board felt that she could apply for a grant without Town assistance. It is private property. Mrs. Pschirrer is to send a note to Mrs. Clark. A property tax abatement form will be mailed to the property owner.

Walker Road Land Conservation Property Deed: Mrs. Pschirrer distributed updated copies of the draft deed for the Walker Road Conservation property. Several changes were recommended by Peter Palmiotto and applied. An additional set of changes were submitted which Mrs. Pschirrer read to the Board. One concern was the blanket use of no motorized vehicles on the property. The Board was concerned that additional changes could jeopardize meeting a closing date before the end of the year.  The Board felt that specifics in the deed could be limiting. The authority for the management of the property should be with the Conservation Commission. The Board reviewed the Assignment document that transfers the ownership of the property to the Town of Walpole. The Board requested that the closing be held at the Town Hall.

Westberg Estate Properties re: Brownfields Project: This is a carry-over discussion item from last week. Mrs. Pschirrer stated there are time limitations on the Phase 1 and the proposals for remediation. The Town must own the property and have the deed recorded before the 6th of January. Mrs. Pschirrer proposed that the closing be on Jan. 3, 2019. She was in a conference call with J.B. Mack and Steve Rickerich today. Mr. Dalessiocommented that the liability letter from the Attorney General’s (AG) Office is needed for the closing. Per Mrs. Pschirrer the DES is very interested in helping the Town own and clean up this area. Four other letters will be sent by Mike McCloskey of the DES. One will be about the DES giving the Town $100,000 toward the remediation project. Mr. Dalessio would like a commitment in writing from the Westberg Estate as to when they shall fence in the property. He felt that the owner was responsible to do this before the Town purchases the property. Mrs. Pschirrer will follow-up on this request. Several government agencies and a non-profit have already spent a great deal of money on this project.

Sewer Agreement with North Walpole Water: Ms. Mayberry asked if the Board would be speaking with the North Walpole Village Commissioners in January regarding an agreement. Mrs. Pschirrer agreed that the Board should do this. Mr. Dalessio is drafting a letter regarding this request. Ms. Mayberry confirmed with the Commissioners that this is legally permissible to form an agreement to shut off water to users who have 90 days+ of sewer debt. The Commissioners understood that unpaid accounts affect all users on the system.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire District Request for Operating Expenses: There had been some confusion regarding the original amount requested per Mrs. Pschirrer. The manager of finance, Rich Kreissle, researched the request and found an error which was corrected. The Fire District rewrote the request for the remaining portion of their operating expenses for $67,200.00.

The Board discussed the approval process for departmental purchases. The expense account is to be noted on the invoice. Mr. Dalessio stated if something is incomplete or incorrect on a time sheet, purchase order, invoice, etc., the document will be sent back to the manager.

3rd Zoning Amendment: The Board reviewed the text to rescind a past article that could not be legally defended. The article topic was transfer stations. Mr. Dalessio noted that this article could not be sent to the Town Clerk until after the public hearing. 

FEEMA Thank You: The Board received a thank you from the Fall Mt. Educational Endowment Association. They raised over $10,000 at this year’s event. A tentative date for next year’s fundraiser is Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

Whitcomb Recreation Area Parking: Ms. Mayberry asked Jim Fenn of FMRSD if the school district was still planning on awarrant article selling the parking lot that is next the recreation area to the Town. Mr. Fenn confirmed that this article is still planned. The sale amount would be one dollar. The new deed would need to be created by the Town. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) employee compensation and (c) reputations. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:37PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 20, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:02 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 8:02PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, 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 8:02 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 13, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Summer Internships: The Trustees reviewed the job description for the Turf Management Intern. Patrick Neal created the job description. Mr. Howell was sent a message regarding the labor law that those under 18 years of age cannot use mechanized equipment. However, youth workers can use hand tools.

Mr. Dalessio felt that parents should be made aware, in writing, that their child could be handling chemicals of any type. Consumer available chemicals would be used. Mr. Dalessio recommended having the NH DOL review the job description.An age limitation may be required.

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 8:14 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

BELLOWS FALLS, VT — Multi-instrumentalist folk duo Dan and Faith will give an intimate Stage 33 Live performance at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on January 17 at 7:00 PM in advance of touring the midwest and south. Their writing and delivery conjure the urban coffeehouse folk scene of the ’60s and ’70s — progressive, thoughtful, friendly. Dreams and everyday life inspire their original songs. Suggested $5 minimum donation. Seating capacity is 40, plus standing room.

Short slots with a casual, open-mic vibe are available for local performers and presenters starting at 6:00 for original music or spoken word. Must be FCC-safe (i.e., rated PG). Original works only, no covers. RSVP to reserve stage time by emailing stage33@stage33live.com or voicemail / text 802-289-0148.  Slots are limited.

Stage 33 Live documents performances and presentations on a simple stage in a former factory building for downstream audiences — the homegrown love child of Tiny Desk Concerts, Ted Talks, Science Friday, Midnight Special, and The Little Rascals. All performances are recorded and filmed. The “3rd Thursdays @ 33” series runs through May. Find more info about Stage 33 Live, the series, and other events at www.stage33live.com

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Stage 33 Live contact: Mark Piepkorn, stage33@stage33live.com

The January Clarion is now online. If you are not yet a Follower, here is the link. – Lil

http://thewalpoleclarion.com/2018/12/26/january-2019-clarion-now-on-line/

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:30 PM

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 6, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:47 PM.

Two members of the public joined the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $1,734,820.77 for checks issued December 14, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms.Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.                                                                                                                  Within this amount is a payment to Cheshire County of $1,721,171.00 for 2018 county taxes.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 8, 2018, in the amount of $24,431.63for checks issued December 14, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,899.63. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 29, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of November 29, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor the Minutes were approved as amended.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 29, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 29, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 6, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor the Minutes were approved.

An additional original copy was created and notarized for the SAM application

 NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 6, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remained sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

WARRANTS

Walpole Water Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Water Tax Lien for the amount of $1,477.54.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

Walpole Sewer Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Sewer Tax Lien for the amount of $1,733.22.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

North Walpole Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien for the amount of $19,695.82.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #012-046-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 012-046-000 for the amount of $3,945.19.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of  2018 property taxes.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:  

Map and Lot #009-006-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-006-000 for a property located off of Maple Grove Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot #011-007-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #011-007-000 for a lot located off of Ramsay Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Q-3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the Q-3 Water/Sewer receipts to-date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of 12/5/18, 88.8% of bills had been paid.  Mrs. Pschirrer commented payments are doing pretty well with $19,901.68 remaining to collect.

Quarterly Receipt Comparison for Water and Sewer: The report was sent earlier by Ms. Daigle.

Letter from Atty. Bradley re: 392 Watkins Hill Road: Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed the Board received a letter from Atty. Bradley confirming that Mr. Barcome’s lodger had moved to the apartment. It seems the property owner is complying with the zoning ordinances.

North Walpole Tax Monies Request: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the tax money request from North Walpole in the amount of $278,630.00 for the 2018 tax year. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the motion was approved.

NNETC dba Consolidated Communications Settlement Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved that Peggy Pschirrer sign the NNETC dba Consolidated Communications Settlement Agreement for $5,047.00 on behalf of the Selectboard.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Warranty Deed for Map and Lot# 010-002-000, Walker Road Conservation Property: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that thereare two documents for review that could be tabled to next week. Also, a closing date needs to be set. The first document was Assignment to Property that arrived late today. The other item is the deed.

Mr. Dalessio’s only concern in the deed is that no snowmobiles be allowed on the property. The Board can challenge this wording. The Board is not opposed to snowmobile use of this property. Mrs. Pschirrer’s name was also misspelled in the document. This item will be tabled for additional discussion atthe next Selectboard Meeting.

Westberg Estate Properties re: Brownfields Project: Mrs. Pschirrer stated it was a tight schedule considering it’s the holiday season. Mrs. Pschirrer related her experiences at the training session in Manchester. She is following up with Mr. McCluskey of the DES. The approval notice has not been received for the Town’s Covenant application from the Justice Dept. The total cost potential is $737,000. The grant will be for $500,000 with an additional grant from the DES for $100,000. The deed suggests that the Westberg Estate will give the Town $170,000. The deed should state this money can be used for remediation, matching or continuing monitoring. Mr. t that there will be no refund of these monies; a buffer is needed. A letter that DES supports this project is being created. The question of whether the Town has received a grant before was discussed. Mrs. Pschirrer did not know of any prior EPA grants. Mr. Dalessio stated there was a prior sewer system federal grant. Grant history affects beneficial points toward grant awards. The Economic Justice section of the application will not be applicable. It is a complicated process. The writing of the grant will be shared between Peggy Pschirrer and Steve Rickerich of Ransom Consulting. A draft proposal must be done no later than January 17th. A public hearing must be held to allow the public to look at the proposal. Staff Meeting will be moving to Jan. 24th to allow time for the public hearing. A copy of the notice must be printed in the newspaper and minutes need to be recorded. If an award is given, the work must go to bid. The Town must close on the property at the end of December or on the 3rd or 4th of January. The covenant must be granted before this date for liability purposes. The area should be fenced in.

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Hall Use as Temporary Library Space: Mrs. Justine Fafara was attending the meeting with a request for the use of the 2nd floor of the Town Hall as a temporary location for the library. An official plan is needed. Construction at the library is to start May 1st. Mostly newer items that would be moved to the 2nd floor. After reviewing the Town Hall Reservation Calendar, it was found that existing reservations for the FMRHS Prom and the Village School’s Mom Prom are planned for first two weekends in May. The Board agreed to reserve the 2nd floor of the Town for the Library from mid-May through the end of October. Mrs. Fafara mentioned that 20 children had attended a cookie decorating program at the library today.

Walpole Players – Wood Floor Damage: Mrs. Bryan had received an e-mail note on Wednesday morning that the Town Hall custodian reported that the second floor had deep scratches in the floor. In order to remedy the issue, Mrs. Bryan cleaned and buffed the area to remove the marks. Mrs. Mayberry asked that the Players be mindful that while working, not to scratch the floor. Mr. Dalessio commented that ladders should be secured to the wall. Also, the stairs behind the stage were not connected to anything and needs to be fixed. Mrs. Bryan said that the Players would take care of whatever needs to be fixed. Mr. Dalessioasked that carpeting to be added to the bottom of the ladders in the main room.

Emergency Management Director Resignation: A letter was received from Richard Hurlburt giving his resignation effective January 1, 2019. Per Mr. Dalessio, Mark Houghton will be become the new director.

Equalization – Preliminary Analysis Report: The Board discussed the property sales listed on the report. Mr. Dalessiomoved to accept the Preliminary Analysis Report created by Avitar Associates. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

Highway Department: The Walpole Highway Department is considering a trade of an unusable plow for sand and gravel from the Westminster Highway Dept.

Fire District Warrant Requests: The Board reviewed the requests which will be given to the Trustees of Trust Funds for action. A prior payment request will be reviewed by the Manager of Finance to ensure it was correct.

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 8:04 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:09 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Department Budget Meetings: The first meeting starts at 8:00am tomorrow morning per Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Tom Goins will be part of the meeting. A rough draft of warrant articles was distributed. 

Town Hall 2nd Floor Windows: When Mr. Dalessio looked at the windows at the back of the stage, he felt that closing them over may be better. The Players put cloth over the windows. The quote to replace will remain in the warrant article for further discussion. Another option would be put in standard windowsand board up the space around them.

Highway Garage: Monies left in prior budgets have been used to start work on a new garage. The Board discussed funds remaining in Warrant Article #5 for municipal building repair.

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 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, 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 8:04 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 29, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 29, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 6, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Summer Internships: Mrs. Pschirrer had heard from Mr. David Howell who asked if internships could be created for the Hooper Golf Course. Mr. Patrick Neal would create the job descriptions. Mr. Neal is looking forward to mentoring the interns. The job descriptions will be sent to the Selectboard.

Mr. Dalessio has a message in with Mrs. Diane Miller to see if Hubbard Farms would be interested in sponsoring the internship program.

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 8:09 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Present: Board Members: Vice-chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Judy Trow, Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes. Alternate: Don Sellarole. Absent: Chair Myra Mansouri, Bob Anderson. 

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

Roll Call: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. One Board member was absent so Alternate Don Sellarole was asked to fill in.

Minutes: Ms. Trow corrected the spelling of Google Earth on page 1. Ms. Barnes made two corrections. One was on page 1 at the bottom of the page, last line. Add “the” before properties. On page 2, first paragraph on signage, second sentence. Change “say” to “stay.” Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Signage for Hooper Golf Course and Watkins Tavern

Fred Dill, the owner of Watkins Tavern property, was at the meeting. He explained that the members of the golf course want to replace the sign at the entrance of the driveway. It would be on two posts, not one. It would be one-sided and it would be about 30 square feet. The property is in the rural/ag district and permits a 32-square-foot sign. 

Mr. Dill said the sign would advertise both the golf course and tavern and would also say it was a golf course, not club, and both are open to the public. 

Ms. Leclerc said it could be grandfathered and there would not be a problem as long as it meets the setbacks of the ordinance. Then you’re all set. But if it doesn’t meet the setbacks, you will need a variance.

Mr. Dill would also have to fill out the sign form, submit a drawing of the sign and after it is up take a picture and give a picture of the sign to the secretary to file.

Ms. Barnes read the setback rule. No closer than 20 feet from the front, side and rear of the property. 

Mr. Dill said his concern was that it was next to the restricted area. (The golf course was created with a conservation easement of the Monadnock Conservancy.) He checked with the Conservancy and they were alright with the placement of the sign.

At this point “ entered. He was representing the members of the golf course. He had pictures of the old sign, the new sign, as well as a map showing where the sign would be placed. 

Ms. Leclerc said it has to be 20 feet from the property line. Mr. Howell said it isn’t 20 feet and it can’t be 20 feet.  

He pointed out where Prospect Hill is, where the road that was built in 1788 and is now a Class VI road is, where the stone wall is and where the driveway is. “There is no other place to put a sign,” Mr. Howell said. 

Ms. Barnes asked about putting it on the other side of the stone wall. Mr. Howell said then it would be on his property, meaning Mr. Dill’s property.

Ms. Trow said that if you were replacing the existing sign with a sign that was the same size, there wouldn’t be a problem. But this sign is a larger size, a different shape and on two posts not one post.

Mr. Sellarole said that you’re too close to the road. Mr. Howell pointed out that the sign is just as you turn into the driveway. The road is way over there, he said, pointing to a section on the map. 

It has to be 20 feet from the front of the property, Ms. Leclerc said. That’s the problem, Mr. Howell said. It’s right on the property line. Mr. Howell explained, “It’s a shared interest. The sign says Hooper Golf Course and Watkins Tavern. This is something that a lot of people contributed money for. It says Public Welcome. It’s totally for the public.  We want people to come,” he said. “The sign has been there forever. His property (Mr. Dill’s) is on the other side of the stone wall.” 

At this point Ms. Leclerc said that Mr. Howell needed a variance. 

Where else could you put this sign? Mr. Howell asked. That’s you’re argument for a variance, Ms. Leclerc said. “Why are you making us go through this when it so obvious?” Mr. Howell asked. 

Ms. Trow said, “Because there are rules.”

Ms. Barnes said, You’re already making some very good points as to why you should get a variance. Among the questions asked is if denial of the variance resulted in unnecessary hardship because of the circumstances of the property. And another question is would the proposed use be contrary to the ordinance. It seems you have some very good arguments, she said.

Mr. Howell wanted to fill out the application at the meeting and settle the whole thing. He was told he had to have a Public Hearing in January and abutters needed to be notified. Mr. Howell said he was going away for 2 ½ months. These are state laws, Ms. Leclerc said.

Ms. Trow made a motion to hold a Public Hearing for a Variance in January pending the receipt of an application and fees. The motion was seconded and the motion passed.  Mr. Howell asked, “What fees?” Mr. Dill said abutters needed to be notified and there’s an application fee. It’s around $400.” Mr. Howell said he wouldn’t be here. He said someone else would handle it.

Application forms. Ms. Leclerc said she was at a Planning Board meeting and they were talking about the expense of having a hearing for a Special Exception and it costing them money because they have to pay for the legal notice in the paper because there is no application fee. The Planning Board wanted the Zoning Board to take care of everything. Originally, Ms. Leclerc thought it would be okay, but she was told there has to be a division of the money. The Planning Board has its budget and the Zoning Board had its budget. Ms. Leclerc was told that the accounting has to be separate.

So Ms. Mansouri, Ms. Leclerc and the secretary worked together to put together two applications – one for the Planning Board and one for the Zoning Board. If we had a packet to hand out with all the applications and the matrix, this might solve the problem, Ms. Leclerc said. The forms were a draft of the final forms. Ms. Leclerc asked Board members to read them over and then they’ll be discussed at the next meeting.

Vose resignation – Although Ernie Vose resigned a couple of months ago, he sent a letter stating his resignation on Oct. 24, 2018. There being no meeting in November of the ZBA, the ZBA Board was apprised of the resignation letter at this meeting. Copies will be given to the Town Clerk and the Selectmen.

Prospect Hill sign complaints – The sign complaints are moot because the signs that a couple of people were complaining about are no longer there.

Zoning maps – There was discussion of the 8-inch-by-11-inch map given out with the Walpole Zoning Ordinances. A complaint by one Board member was that it was so small it was hard to read where the zoning districts started and left off. It was also difficult to determine the streets. It was decided that the secretary will have larger copies made for all the Board members.

Group photo – It was also decided that since two board members were absent, the Board would wait until January to take a photo for the website.

Handout: A Keene Sentinel article about the increase of airbnbs in the Monadnock Region.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:37 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES: Tabled until next week due to unforeseen circumstances.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Hooper Budget: The Trustees reviewed the letter and summary budget from Eloise Clark that was e-mailed to the Trustees. Ms. Clark will not be able to attend the Dec. 14th Departmental Budget Meeting. Mr. Dalessio said that fundraising monies should not be placed in Hooper Educational Scholarship Trust., which would be added into the principal. Mrs. Pschirrer stated they should be depositing the funds into the money market account.

Mr. Dalessio said the that Scoutmaster, who is a roofer, has agreed to have the Scouts work on replacing the shed roof as a volunteer project. Materials would be purchased by the Hooper Institute. Mr. Dalessio will make sure this project is added to the Scouts’ schedule for the spring.

Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer discussed the NH Charitable Trusts Grant. They wondered who reviewed the request, what were the requirements to receive the grant, what was the purpose of the grant, etc. Mrs. Pschirrer said that most grants are not given to fund another trust. Ms. Mayberry was to research what happened to this year’s fundraising money.

The Board reviewed Trust Fund reports. Mrs. Pschirrer noted that the interest pool will fund scholarships for the next several years until it is totally eliminated. Mr. Dalessio felt that they $36,000 budgeted for scholarships that would be coming from the Hooper Education Fund should be placed in a PDIP account. Ms. Mayberry agreed that funds should not be comingled. The Board will continue to discuss the trusts and income during the Dec. 14th Departmental Budget Meeting day.

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 8:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tem

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:32pm in the Walpole Town Hall.  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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $76,163.09 for checks issued December 7, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With MsMayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.                                                                                                                  The amount includes a payment of $25,627.36 to NH Retirement System. The check to Fall Mountain Regional School District will be released next week.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 1, 2018, in the amount of $26,613.66for checks issued December 7, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,470.00. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 29, 2018: Tabled until next week due to an unexpected occurrence.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 29, 2018:  Also tabled until next week.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #012-034-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 012-034-000 for the amount of $306.02.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

MAP and LOT #012-044-011:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 012-044-011 for the amount of $715.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Walker Road Land Donation: Mrs. Pschirrer noted two public hearings had occurred and no objections had been made to the donation of the Walker Road Conservation property to the Town of Walpole. Mr. Ray Boas gave a short update regarding fundraising which was just $35,000 short of the $280,000 fundraising goal. Additional fundraising efforts are in the works.   Mrs. Pschirrer received an e-mail from Mrs. Terry Knowles of the NH Charitable Trusts and will speak with her on Monday. She also spoke with Bob Kimball, Trustee of Trust Funds, regarding the transfer of Conservation Commission funds which should not be a problem

Mrs. Pschirrer stated for the minutes that this land will be taken by the Town with the Conservation Commission and its purpose is going to be recreational, open space and provide access to the Connecticut River. It will be used by the Townspeople. And if needed, as a potential water source.

When Mr. Boas is finished raising money, Mrs. Pschirrer stated that according to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, Mr. Boas will assign it to the Town of Walpole and Conservation Commission. Mr. Boas stated the Attorney Hockensmith would be taking care of this.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Walker Road Property from Chuck Shaw and Ray Boas in accordance with their Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with RSA 41:14a including that the land be placed under auspices of the Walpole Conservation Commission and that no funding source from the General Fund.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Q-3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the Q-3 Water/Sewer receipts to-date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of 12/5/18, 83.4% of bills had been paid.  Mrs. Pschirrer commented payments were doing pretty well.

Quarterly Receipt Comparison for Water and Sewer: The report sent earlier by Ms. Daigle.

North Walpole Sewer Intent to Lien List:  Mr. Dalessiomoved to lien the past due sewer accounts in North Walpole.Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The Board will move forward with discussions with the North Walpole Village Commissioners regarding shutting off water service for users with unpaid sewer invoices. If the Commissioners are not agreeable to this idea, Mr. Dalessiostated that the larger overdue users would be taken to court.

System for Award Management (SAM) Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer explained SAM is related to the Brownfields Grant Application which will allow her to be the grants administrator for the Town. The letter must voted on to give authority and signed minutes documenting the approval will be attached. After authority is given, Mrs. Pschirrer will be allowed to update information on the SAM website. Ms. Mayberry said that she was available for assistance if needed. It’s a very complicated process.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize Peggy Pschirrer to administer the SAM registration letter. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Department Payment for School Visits and Inspections: Mr. Dalessio said the invoice to the school district should be for 24 hours at $62 per hour. The rate per hour will be verified by Mr. Kreissle.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Recreation Revolving Fund for $789.50 for basketball uniforms with all of the cost except for shipping to be reimbursed by the Sponsors.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Forest Fire Permits Invoice: Mr. Dalessio move to approve the Forest Fire Wardens’ Fire Permit Bill for $822.00. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

This will be the last invoice from Mr. Bill Houghton who shall be retiring as Fire Warden at the end of the year.

North Walpole Tax Monies Request:  The Selectboard would like the Manager of Finance to verify that this is the only payment request from the Village of North Walpole for 2018. This item will be placed on next week’s agenda for further discussion.

Light Up Your House Competition: Mr. Dalessio volunteered to be the judge from the Selectboard if another judge will be a driver for the night viewings of homes and businesses. The winners will be announced on Christmas Eve at the Live Nativity event on the Common.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) employee compensation and (b) hiring of a public employee. Mr. Dalessioseconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:11 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 6, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:36 PM.

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 7:37 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:52 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Alstead Center Road: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the culvert work on Alstead Center Road has been approved. The work can be done in January. The fish ladders would be completed at a later date.

Local Tax Rates: The board discussed tax rates of local municipalities. The highest tax rate in New Hampshire is the City of Claremont at $42.08.  Charlestown does not have the highest rate. Keene is $37.12 per thousand. Mr. Dalessiocommented that there is a listing online for viewing and downloading.

The Board also discussed the current status of the Claremont School District with a search for a new superintendent, funding issues for local school districts, etc.

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 7:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore