Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There was one member of the public in attendance.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the total amount of $65,712.86 for the checks dated January 26, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes $55,712.93 for the fourth quarter sewer usage and bond payments to the Village of Bellows Falls.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending January 20, 2018, in the amount of $25,226.27 for checks dated January 26, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,138.89 for the week ending January 20, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 18, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting minutes of January 18, 2018, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 18, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of January 18, 2018, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
STAFF MEETING – January 18, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of January 18, 2018, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – January 18, 2018;
• Walpole Town Library, Board of Trustees Meeting – January 8, 2018.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:
MAP and LOT #019-054-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $227.75. An interior inspection changed the valuation. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP Pand LOT #005-026-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Property Tax Abatement. The land value was found to be fair and equitable. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ALL VETERANS’ TAX CREDITS:
MAP and LOT #029-033-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the All Veterans’ Tax Credits for Map and Lot #029-033-000 as the applicant qualifies for these credits. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Great River Hydro Purchase Order: Mrs. Pschirrer read this document and asked Mr. Colburn at the Recycling Center to be attentive to the specified time line.
Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Great River Hydro Purchase Order for up to $2,000 allowed for universal waste disposal at the Recycling Center. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Revised 2018 Town Budget: Ms. Mayberry moved to rescind the 2018 Town Budget vote that was taken during the January 4, 2018, Selectboard meeting to accept the amount of $3,714,942.00 without Warrant Articles. This is due to an error being found in the amount of $905.00. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Revised 2018 Town Budget in the amount of $3,714,037.00. This figure is $905.00 less than the previous approved budget that was rescinded. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Property Tax Credits: Mr. Gunnerson inquired about the forms that need to be filled out for an elderly property tax exemption. Mr. Dalessio suggested he come into the office to talk to Mrs. Sarah Downing about filling out forms to see if he qualifies for the exemption.
OLD BUSINESS (Continued):
Town Report Cover Samples: The Selectboard looked at several sample pictures for the Town Report cover and a decision was made.
Town Report Dedication Page: The Selectboard thought about two options for the Town Report Dedication Page. Following a lengthy discussion the Selectboard reached a decision.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town of Walpole – Town Meeting – March 17, 2018: The Selectboard began their review of Warrant Articles 1 – 13. Articles 1, 2 and 3 will be voted on at the polls.
ARTICLE 1: To elect the necessary Town Officers for their respective offices.
ARTICLE 2: Are you in favor of these amendments to the Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) zoning ordinance as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board for the Town of Walpole’s Zoning ordinance as follows:
A Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit is defined as a residential living unit that is with the same single-family lot and provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal unit it accompanies.
1-F No conversions to condominiums and must remain in common ownership.
2-D Only one DADU per lot.
E. Must comply with town ordinances and regulations.
The Planning Board recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No)
ARTICLE 3: Are you in favor of the adoption of the following zoning ordinance as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board to be added to Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance. It allows the Planning Board to make minor correction to ordinances but does not change the intent of the ordinance.
Article IV General Provisions
Add Section 0
Authority to assign section numbers. The Planning Board has the authority to assign such section
numbers to the Zoning Ordinance as it may deem appropriate provided that no substantive change to the ordinance shall occur as a result of this renumbering.
The Planning Board recommends this article. (7 Yes, 0 No)
There was a consensus of the Selectboard to forward Articles 2 and 3 to Attorney Hockensmith for his comments. The Selectboard questioned why only six members voting; the Selectboard Liaison also has voting authority on the Planning Board.
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four million three hundred thirteen, nine hundred seventy two dollars ($4,313,972) which represents three million seven hundred fourteen thousand, thirty seven dollars ($3,714,037) for Town Operating budget to be raised from general taxation. One hundred eight-seven thousand, seven hundred eighty dollars ($187,780) for the Water Fund Operating Budget and four hundred twelve thousand, one hundred fifty five dollars for the Sewer Operating budget ($412,155) which includes one hundred eighty thousand ($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. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____Abstain)
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Article 4 with the dollar change from $3,714,942, minus $905, for a total of $3,714,027. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 5: 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 baler for the Walpole Recycling Department. The said funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____Yes, _____No, ____ Abstain)
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Article 5 pending the approval of the Department of Revenue Administration. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 6: 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 Savings Bank of Walpole in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA33) 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 nine hundred seventy-five ($10,975) 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. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Article 6 as written. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 7: 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 car. This article is contingent upon passing of warrant article 6. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (_____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Article 7 as written. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to change the purpose of the Police Vehicle – Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the “Purchase of a police vehicle” to “Purchase and/or repair of a police vehicle” and to allow the Selectboard to access these funds in cases of emergency without a town meeting vote but rather with two public hearings on the matter. Reference: RSA 35:16.
**2/3 ballot vote required**
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Article 8 as written. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five thousand five hundred dollars ($5,500) for a Ductless Fume Hood with HEPA filters to be used at the Walpole Police Department in the handling of drugs. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Article 9 as written. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of sixteen thousand five hundred dollars ($16,500) for a Speed Monitoring Sign trailer and accessories to be used by the Town to monitor traffic. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Article 10 as written. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to change the purpose of Town of Walpole Highway – Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the “Purchase of highway equipment” to “Purchase and/or repair of highway department equipment” and to allow the Selectboard to access these funds in cases of emergency without a town meeting vote but rather with two public hearings on the matter. Reference: RSA 35:16
**2/3 ballot vote required**
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Article 11 as written. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
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 Highway – Capital Reserve Fund Account. The said funds to be raised through general taxation.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Article 12 as written. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:61 through RSA 72:64 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for owners of real property, which is equipped with solar energy systems, intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying equipment under these statutes.
By petition of 25 or more eligible voters in the Town of Walpole, NH.
The Selectboard recommends this article. (____ Yes, ____ No, ____ Abstain)
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept this Article 13 as submitted by Petition. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved to abstain from voting on Article 13 as written. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Selectboard accept these Warrant Articles pending the approval of the Department of Revenue Administration and the Town Attorney, Jeremy Hockensmith. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS (Continued):
New Web Site: Mr. Ryan Harrison has asked to meet with the Selectboard but prefers to wait until the website is finished. There was a consensus to schedule the meeting in a couple of weeks.
NH Department of Transportation (DOT) Municipal Work Zone Agreement: The Selectboard acknowledged of a letter from the DOT regarding their development of a roadway resurfacing project. The project will include 23.3 miles of road, divided into 8 separate segments located in the towns of Keene, Walpole, Jaffrey, Peterborough, Bennington, Antrim, Litchfield and Hudson. Within Walpole, the project begins on NH 12 approximately 1 mile north of the southern NH 123 intersection, and extends 3.2 miles north to a pavement joint approximately 500’ south of Main St in North Walpole. The work will consist primarily of placing a ¾” pavement shim on the existing roadway surface. Depending on field conditions, this project may skip the road segment at the recently completed railroad crossing at Vilas Bridge Road. This project will be advertised on February 27th, 2018 and construction is expected to occur between the spring and fall of 2018. A pre-construction meeting, to which the Towns will be invited, will be held by the Contractors prior to the start of construction. The main objective of the project is to improve existing driving surfaces; however, it is anticipated that some minor drainage, guardrail, signage, and striping improvements will also be included.
Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the NH Department of Transportation Municipal Work Zone Agreement for the paving of Route 12. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer 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, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:46 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:10 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 25, 2018, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer 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, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:11 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:22 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry 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 8:22 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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