The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

 

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

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Michael Rau (Highway Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute); Justine Fafara (Director of Walpole Library); Kevin Pinsonault (Recycling Center)

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.  Police Chief Michael Paquette and Justin Cassarino were unable to attend this meeting.

 

Healthy Lunch:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Downing has been planning a Healthy Lunch for all employees at noon tomorrow.  However, Mr. Kreissle reported that 5-to-7 inches of snow is predicted. Therefore, a decision was made to postpone this lunch until Tuesday, December 26^th at noon.  Mr. Kreissle will be working from his home on Friday.  The Selectboard office will be open in the morning but will close at noon.  Freezing rain is forecast for Saturday.  Mrs. Fafara will close the Library on Friday and Saturday.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn introduced Mr. Kevin Pinsonault an employee at the Recycling Center.  Mr. Colburn provided documents for the month ending November 30, 2017.  He began with the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison”.  They are close to the Annual Forecast estimate of 357.00/tons as the current number is 348.79/ton.  Mixed paper was up this year.  On the “3 Year Comparison to Recyclables” the Year Forecast is $30,000 and the Estimated Year To-Date is $27,553.00.  On the Recycling Revenues Monthly Report the Budget total was estimated at $166,350.00 and they are now at $176,083.20.  More revenue will be coming in before the end of the year.  Break-down figures were reviewed.  The markets for cardboard were very good in early 2017.

Mr. Pinsonault went to Concord last Thursday to be certified to be an operator at the Center.  Mr. Colburn went to a first aid class a few Saturdays ago.  He thanked the Highway Department for the sand and for packing up the boxes.  Several commercial businesses donate a substantial amount of cardboard on a regular basis.

 

Recreation Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard met with Mr. Cassarino last week on his proposed budget.  He has an active program.  Mr. Cassarino talked about basketball and referees which he needs. The Rec Dept. is looking for parents who could help.  Following is his report.

Basketball:

• Season is going well and teams are enjoying themselves;
• A lot of coaches have been able to find referees but they are still looking for a larger pool to choose from;
• Teams will be entering the Westminster Tournament on January 19^th & 20^th;
• Clinics will be put on at the High School by both Varsity teams

Going to really push their participants to do this;

Great way to improve on skills and meet the players.

Spring Clinic:

• A lot of ideas have been presented for a spring activity for kids that don’t play baseball or softball;

Some ideas are soccer, basketball, and flat football;

• Will need a lot of parent volunteers, which some have said they are already willing to help.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau presented the following report for the period of November 16, 2017 to December 21, 2017:

• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Backed up North Road bank;
• Set granite blocks in the North Walpole Park;
• Stored summer equipment for the winter;
• Ditched dirt roads;
• Ditched River Road;
• Fixed Truck-4 Inner Dump Cylinder;
• Fixed Truck-5 hydraulic hose and wing cable;
• Fixed sidewalk snow blower;
• Fixed Truck-2 Wheel Studs;
• Fixed Truck-3 hydraulic hose.
• Winter Weather Callouts were: December 9, December 10, December 12, December 13, December 18 and December 19.

The new Bobcat sidewalk machine arrived today so they are anxious to see how it works.  They are trying to keep up with projects as they know snow will arrive soon.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this is the second time someone put a large rock/concrete block on the sidewalk under the snow causing the sidewalk plow to break. It occurs between Brady and Russell Streets in North Walpole.  Residents were urged to watch out for this type of vandalism and not to hesitate to report it.

 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Sandy Smith submitted the following report dated December 21, 2017.  This is a very busy time of year.

They have collected $5,035,275.36 of their Fall Warrant.  The Warrant was for $5,647,660.11.  Their uncollected on this billing is only $611,615.75 and money is still coming in but very slowly – as most have paid their taxes.  The tax money came in pretty good last year but, this year seems smoother, less problems.

They received a Sewer Warrant in the amount of $47,721.84 and have received a check in the amount of $250.00 for a very partial payment.  If people do not pay, they send a delinquent notice in January and then they send Intent to Lien notices which starts the process.

They also received a Water Warrant in the amount of $4,037.55; they haven’t received any payments on that yet but they will.  The lien process also applies to the Water Warrant.

They have had to request some refunds when people over pay their taxes.  They have also called and sent notices to those who wrote their checks incorrectly.  They answered lots of questions, regarding the reassessment and sent everyone to Sarah.  She does not have time to list everything that they do.

The Town Clerk’s Department has collected $75,287.50 since their last Staff meeting.  These are the Town fees; Rich transferred $19,448.39 to the State of NH-DMV Department.

Customers love being able to just write one check, which combines Town and State fees.

Their credit card option is appreciated and will be used more as people realize that they have it.  Thanks to Rich, the State Transfer is going great-No Problems.

This has been a “Good” year, thanks to the cooperation from the Staff in the Selectmen’s Office.  Rich, Sarah and Jodi are great to work with and she tries to thank them often.  Also, they have a great Selectboard.  It is nice to feel appreciated.  Looking forward to 2018!

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted the following Staff Meeting Report dated December 20, 2017.

Assessing Update:

• Property tax abatement forms are being accepted. The last day to submit abatement applications is March 1^st per RSA.
• Veterans’ Tax Credit, Elderly and Blind Exemption application forms will be accepted up through April 15^th.
• The Selectboard Office has experienced higher than normal assessing questions due to the revaluation process.

Water and Sewer:

• Jodi Daigle has been sending reminder notices for overdue invoices which has helped to lower the overall balance due for each billing cycle.
• Water and/or sewer users with significant amounts due over 90 days were warranted for tax lien. Payments for liens will be processed through the Tax Collector’s Office.  Note that the amount of interest applied on outstanding balances increases from 12 to 18 percent with the transfer of debt.
• The next billing will be for the 3-month period of Oct., Nov. and Dec. of 2017. Meter readings will occur in the middle of January 2018.  Bills will be posted before the end of January.

Town Hall Facilities:

• Sensor switches for overhead lights were added to the restrooms and south end of Town Hall basement. This will aid in reducing municipal electricity expense.
• The kitchen had a touch up cleaning.
• Thank you to:
• Ray Boas and Tara Sad for decorating the windows on the second floor of the Town Hall.
• Adam Terrell for putting up the gazebo garland, lights and bows.
• The Cub Scouts who put up and decorated the Christmas Tree on the gazebo.
• Women of Walpole for the donation of lovely wreaths that were hung on the Town Hall doors.
• Kevin Healy for fixing reoccurring Christmas light issues on the Common and in the Town Hall.

Human Resources:

• Healthy Lunch for Town employees is being hosted on Friday, Dec. 22^nd. Warm soups along with bread and tossed salad will be the main course.  A homemade, higher caloric dessert made by Peggy Pschirrer will finish off the meal in honor of the holiday season.  This lunch was made possible through wellness initiative funding from HealthTrust.

 

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie provided the following report:  It has been a busy couple of months.

Pre-K: Identified pumpkin parts and planted daffodil bulbs.  They looked for signs of spring and tasted pumpkin bread.  Drew a wild turkey and went on a coon hunt.  They gathered evergreen leaves to make into paint brushes.  Made red pine cone wreaths.  Made white pine cone bird feeders from items they collected.

Kindergarten: Did some pumpkin science; they weighed, measured, counted the ribs and estimated if it floats.  Recycling was introduced at the Walpole Primary School.  They took the students to the Recycling Center and showed them the process.  Each classroom is recycling their own materials.  They did some gardening as the growing season just kept going into October.  They demonstrated and safely showed the students how to use a hand trimmer, pruned some old stocks in the garden.  The kids were real careful with the hand pruners.  The gardens were then put to bed with organic mulch.  Balsam fir was put on a burlap pocket that was filled with balsam fir and made sachets.  They made cranberry sauce after exploring cranberries,

First Grade:  They talked about earthworms one rainy day.  They excavated through the potato beds.  Gathered dahlia bulbs.  Pruned some garden stalks, filled the wheel barrows and got to wheel them.  They had a loaded smashed potato from the potatoes they had harvested; toppings of their choice.  Planted winter rye seeds.  Gathered dried fern pods and bitternuts for a future project.  They also played an evergreen matching game.

Second Grade:  They drew popcorn life cycles.  Put organic matter back into the popcorn bed.  Introduced microbes as they are everywhere.  Harvested the remaining potatoes and ate carrots.  They made soil by rubbing rocks together, added soil amendments to the garden beds.  They went out to the woods and dug a hole to see the soil horizons – made conifer note cards.

Third Grade:  They were the carrot harvesters; some were grated for carrot cake.  On a rainy day they did some finger wool spun bracelets.  They walked the trails, talked and looked around to see what they could find.  Close to Thanksgiving they made some Nasamp which is a North American food.  Added more organic material to the garden beds.  In December they cut some white pine for evergreen centerpieces.

Fourth Grade:  They had a late harvest.  Tasted a rhubarb cake from an earlier rhubarb harvest.  Made observations of agricultural places in Walpole since school started and made a list.  What kind of farming is being done and what general questions could they ask.  They visited the Walpole Valley Farm and Brookfield Farm.  They had a squash feast with spaghetti squash, fried zucchini, pumpkin butter, butternut squash with maple syrup and pumpkin pudding.  They did some plant propagation.

Mrs. Eloise Clark has completed her soils unit.  She is working on forestry and conifer units.

Since Ms. Whippie attended the last meeting both she and Mrs. Clark were awarded the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts Educators of the Year awards. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Selectboard is grateful they both won the awards.  It was well deserved.

 

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara provided the following December 2017 Report.

November 2016 Stats:                                     November 2017 Stats:

21 Days Open                                                  21 Days Open

1430 People                                                     1350 People

2264 Circ                                                         1918 Circ

32 Programs                                                     33 Programs

144 Kids                                                          74 Kids

38 Teens                                                          49 Teens

98 Adults                                                         162 Adults

312 Website visitors                                        522 Website visitors

November 2016 Avg: 68 ppl & 108 circ/day   November 2017 Avg: 64 ppl & 91 circ/day

12 people per program                         8 people per program

Numbers are down a little this year, but November is always a slow month, so she did not think it is anything to worry about.  December numbers will probably be down as well because of the snow storm.

NHUPAC-State Inter Library Loan System is down and has been for over two weeks now.  The server (physical hardware) had to be replaced and then software is being installed. They are hoping to have it up and running by the new year.  This will affect circulation numbers.

They have some author visits lined up for the new year and she is working with the Walpole Village School and Walpole Primary School to collaborate on some new programs for younger school aged kids.

Their big fundraising mailing with pledge cards will go in the mail January 8^th.  If anyone needs a pledge card before the end of the year they are available at the library.

Jan Kobeski made an amazing 3D model of the architect’s drawings of the library with the new expanded space.  They have gotten lots of great feedback now that people can really see how the library will be configured.  It is on display at the front desk in the library if anyone would like to see it.

The Library Board of Trustees approved a new policy for overdue library materials.  Starting in January they will no longer charge daily late fines.  They will have a jar for donations, and they will still charge people for missing materials.  Once a material is 4 weeks overdue, the cost of the material is added to the patron’s library account and they are required to pay the replacement cost if they cannot return the material.  This was a big topic at the New England Library Association conference and the other libraries who have done away with daily fines and now accept donations have seen the amount of money taken in double or even triple.  They are hoping this new policy will not only increase money flow for new materials, but will also make everyone’s experiences at the library more positive and enjoyable.

 

Police Department:  Chief Mike Paquette was unable to attend.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Police Department is short-handed. Therefore they excused Lt. Justin Sanctuary from attending.  Mr. Dalessio reviewed the written report the Police Department submitted for the period of November 16, 2017 through December 15, 2017. The total number of calls for service was 280.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls -32                Administration -48                   Citizen Assists -60

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents -13                          MV Stops -42                          Traffic Safety -10

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol-23        Crimes Against a Person -39    Crimes Against Property -13

Mr. Dalessio advised drug issues are increasing again.  The department has one part-time applicant who is coming on the first of the year.  Officer Roger Landry will be back on a limited basis.  The department has been extremely busy with various problems throughout the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Selectboard appreciate all the work they do.

Mr. Dalessio would like the Safety Committee to address the evacuation plan for each building.  Everybody should have one.

 

 

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle noted that January 1^st, 2018, is right around the corner.  He has to produce W-2s for all employees.  Other annual reports are also due.  Every year the taxes change.  Once the new tax law gets signed, he will have to update the software with those new tax tables.  He will also need to update employee’s health insurance deductions.  January is a “pressure cooker” time of the year for him.  Mr. Dalessio noted this is a good time to update addresses, phone numbers, etc.  Mr. Kreissle also wants to compare what the employees have left for vacation, personal and sick time against his records. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned all records should be accurate.  Mr. Dalessio said employees should be free to contact Mr. Kreissle if they have questions on anything finance related.

 

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer wished everyone a safe, healthy holiday. She closed this Staff Meeting at 6:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

 

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

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:39 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 14, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 14, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Transfer of Funds:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the transfer of funds from the Hooper Trust I Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,996.01.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion is approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Hooper Mansion:  Mrs. Pschirrer will be meeting with Ms. Sharon Boccelli on Wednesday, December 27^th to discuss the remaining furniture.

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public 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 7:44 PM.

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees session of December 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Adjournment:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 21, 2017

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer; 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 amount of $231,299.86 for checks dated December 22, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a check in the amount of $167,800 to the Walpole Fire District.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending December 16, 2017, in the amount of $25,230.28 for checks dated December 22, 2017.  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 $5,720.11 for the week ending December 16, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD RECREATION DEPARTMENT BUDGET MEETING – December 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Recreation Department Budget Meeting of December 14, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 14, 2017, with one spelling correction of a name.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – December 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of December 14, 2017, 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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – December 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of December 14, 2017, 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.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 15, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 15, 2017, 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 – November 21, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 28, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – December 5, 2017;
• Walpole Cemetery Trustees – December 9, 2017;
• Walpole Planning Board – December 12, 2017;
• Town Library Board of Trustees – December 13, 2017.

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #030-075-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $21.00 for Map and Lot #030-075-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #029-027-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot #029-027-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Meeting with Fall Mountain School District Administrators: The Selectboard will be meeting with the Fall Mountain School District Administrators – Superintendent Landry and Mr. James Fenn, Business Manager, on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 8:00 AM in Walpole.

Letter to Selectboards in the Fall Mountain School District:  Mrs. Pschirrer explained this letter is to thank the Selectboard members of Charlestown, Langdon, Acworth and Alstead for their interest in a proposed warrant article to amend the Articles of Association for the FMSD election of Board Members.  She has been informed by the Town attorney, as well as the School Board attorney, that they may not amend the articles.  They are controlled by RSA 195:19 which demands that all board members be elected at large with a one man, one vote principle.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to the Selectboard Members of Charlestown, Langdon, Acworth and Alstead regarding the amendment of the FMSD Articles of Association.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter to William Callahan: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. William Callahan advising the Town Selectboard, under RSA 41:14-a, has accepted his donation of land that abuts the Fanny Mason Forest.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter to Eric Merklein: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Eric Merklein acknowledging his concerns about plowing.  Seconded by Mr. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Report Dedication Page:  The Selectboard has been discussing the Town Report Dedication page.  A question came up as to whether or not the honorees need to be Town residents.  There is no written criteria on this subject.  Consideration could be given to the fact that contributions to the Town are as beneficial as being a resident. 

Solar Energy Petition:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Solar Energy Petition:  “To see if the town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:61 through RSA 72:64 for 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 of 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.”

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Solar Energy Petition and it be forwarded to Attorney Hockensmith for his review.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs, Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the draft list of Warrant Articles to-date.

Article for repairs and maintenance of Town Buildings.  There will be some additions to the list.  The amount will need to be adjusted.  Mr. Kreissle will provide the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Article – Capital Reserve Fund – first line after “purpose” add “and or repair”

Article –Walpole Highway– Capitol Reserve Fund Account – Plans are to buy a new truck next year.

Article – Walpole Police – Ductless Fume Hood with HEPA filters- delete “fund balance”.

Article – Speed Monitoring Sign- delete “fund balance”.

DES Wetlands Permit Application:  The Selectboard received the hard copy of the Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Permit application for the Alstead Center Road Culvert Repair.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Peggy Pschirrer, to sign the DES Wetlands Permit application for the Alstead Center Road Culvert Repair.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Mrs. Sandra Smith, Town Clerk, also needs to sign this document.

North Walpole Park – Tunnel Building:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Tunnel Building in the North Walpole Park is owned by the Town.  It was the result of years of negotiations with the Boston and Maine Railroad.  Mr. Dalessio will let Mr. Mark Houghton know the Town owns the building.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Letter to NH Liquor Commission:  Burdick’s is changing their ownership structure.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to the NH Liquor Commission advising that the Town of Walpole Selectboard voted to grant permission to Kenneth Burns and Thomas Goins to obtain a liquor with entertainment license for their Burns and Goins LLC, DBA The Restaurant at Burdick’s and the off-premise sales of beer and wine at the Walpole Grocery.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SWRPC’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Commission:  Mr. Dalessio would like to be a representative to the SWRPC’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Commission.   Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer were in favor of this request.

Walpole Hazard Mitigation Committee: Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer would like to be on the Walpole Hazard Mitigation Committee.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned it fits in with the Brownfields Program.  The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23^rd, 2018, at 3:00 PM at the Fire Station. 

NH Lottery and Keno:   Acknowledgement was made of a letter from the NH Lottery providing information on KENO and the language for a Town Warrant if the Selectboard decide to place KENO on the Warrant.  It is a revenue source.

Town Hall Roof and Falling Snow:  A note of concern was received from Mr. Kreissle about the snow that falls off the Town Hall roof.  He felt a sign should be put by the entry way.  Mrs. Downing was asked to call Primex for an opinion on liability when a sign is put up.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:20 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, 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 Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:39 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 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 8:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 14, 2017

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:35 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.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

ERIK MERKLEIN:  Mr. Merklein lives at 82 North Road.  They moved to Walpole 27-years ago this week.  Until this year they never had any problems on the front line of their road nor damage to the parking area on the side of their house.  This year all the grass got torn up.  He submitted pictures of the damage and had previously talked to and given pictures to Mr. Rau at the Highway Department.  In the springtime the erosion was so bad there was damage to the driveway; it cost $1,200 to have an area re-paved, bring gravel/stone in and clean-up a lot of debris that got washed in off the road.  During the first snowstorm this year the big plows started to damage the area again.  Erosion is starting again.  He put in iron stakes with reflectors.  Mr. Rau’s crew was there looking at the area.  His concern is if this plowing continues there will be erosion in the spring and he will have another repair bill.  Colonial Road also has some damage.  Mr. Merklein knows the Highway crew works very hard and is out there in the middle of the night but he would appreciate it if they were a little more cautious.  Mrs. Pschirrer will discuss this with Mr. Rau.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $2,054,889.37 for checks dated December 15, 2017.  This includes a payment in the amount of $1,483,424.00 to the Cheshire County and the monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending December 9, 2017 in the amount of $22,010.89 for checks dated December 15, 2017.  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 $4,776.45 for the week ending December 9, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 6, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 6, 2017, 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 meeting:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – December 4, 2017.

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #028-161-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant in the amount of $1,066.00.  The State of New Hampshire did not take it by eminent domain.  The tax card ownership information was up-dated mid-year however the exempt tax status was not up-dated by Avitar. This property is in North Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TIMBER CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES and WARRANT:

MAP ad LOT #011-047-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed – Intent Filed During Tax Year: April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, in the amount of $2,876.59.  This property is owned by the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MAP and LOT #011-048-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed – Intent Filed During Tax Year: April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, in the amount of $1,861.70.  This property is owned by the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Warrant:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Original Warrant, Yield Tax Levy, dated December 14, 2017, for Map and Lot #011-047-000 and Map and Lot #011-048-000 for the total amount of $4,738.29.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Dalessio reported they did a good job on the road so they can get to the site safely.

 

WATER & SEWER UPDATE and LIEN WARRANTS:

Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the report on Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 12/14/17, from Mrs. Daigle.  Total receipts for the Fall 2017 billing are 82% paid.

Town of Walpole Water Tax Lien:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Warrant for the Town of Walpole Water Tax Lien in the amount of $4,037.55.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Town of Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Warrant for the Town of Walpole Sewer Tax Lien in the amount of $19,003.37.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Town of North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Warrant for the Town of North Walpole in the amount of $28,718.47.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refunds as follows:

• MAP and LOT # 028-094-000 – $266.00;
• MAP and LOT # 001-011-004 – $2,129.67;
• MAP and LOT # 001-003-000 – $31.74;
• MAP and LOT # 022-016-000 – $17.52;
• MAP and LOT # 019-022-000 – $31.25;
• MAP and LOT # 008-077-001- $5,688.00.

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:  MAP and LOT # 011-017-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans Disabled Credit for Map and Lot #011-017-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING and DEMOLITION PERMITS: 

Demolition, Map and Lot # 004-037-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-40 for William Callahan for “Demolition of Shed” at 122 Bookseller Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Building, Map and Lot # 011-043-003:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-41 for Timothy & Anna Blanc to construct a “36’ x 15’ Carport” at 760 Valley Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Building, Map and Lot # 001-003-007:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-42 for Emicor, LLC/Bensonwood for a “389 Square Foot Shed” at 6 Blackjack Crossing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Land Donation from William Callahan:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Selectboard held two Public Hearings, on November 9^th, 2017 and on November 30^th, 2017.  No petitions were received asking the Selectboard not to accept this 3.5 acre land-locked parcel adjacent to the Fanny Mason Forest that is already in Trust.  Letters of support were received from the Planning Board and Walpole Conservation Commission as required by RSA 41:14-a.  If approved the Walpole Conservation Commission will have the land surveyed and will be responsible for the Deed transfer.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept this land donation from William Callahan in accordance with RSA 41-14-a.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer will draft the letter to the Walpole Conservation Commission.

Avitar 5 Year Assessing Contract:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Multi-Year 5 year Assessing Contract with Avitar Associates of New England, Inc. for the assessment, cycled inspection program, with utilities for the amount of $168,420.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Draft Warrant Articles:  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested holding the Warrant Articles until their budget meeting tomorrow.

2018 Town Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to set the date for this Public Hearing on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 6:00 PM.

Fall Mountain Region School District:  The Selectboard suggested inviting Superintendent Landry and James Penn to attend a Selectboard meeting on January 4, 2018, at 8:00 AM to discuss the proposed district budget.  Mr. Dalessio recommended sending them a copy of the letter from the Cheshire County about their significant budget increase due to the Maplewood project.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Property Tax Bills:  Mr. Dalessio wanted the Minutes to reflect a huge “Thank You” to Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Downing, Mrs. Daigle and anyone else who helped get the Property Tax bills out on time.  The Selectboard also thanked the taxpayers for paying these bills on time as it makes a big difference.

Fire Warden Invoice:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize Mrs. Pschirrer to sign the annual invoice to the State of New Hampshire to report that Mr. William E. Houghton, Warden, issued 420 Fire Permits at $2.00/each for a total of $840.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Fire District Payment Request:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Fire District Payment Request in the amount of $167,800.00 in accordance with the 2017 Warrant Article No. 5 that was approved at Town Meeting .  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Fall Mountain Proposed Budget Meeting:  The Fall Mountain Proposed Budget Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2018.

Alstead Center Road Culvert Project Plans:  Mrs. Pschirrer distributed copies of the Alstead Center Road Culvert Repair as proposed by CLD Engineers.  The Selectboard will need to sign No. 11 and the Town Clerk will need to sign No. 13.  The Town needs to send a permit fee of $200.00 payable to the State Treasurer for the Wetlands Permit.  The Selectboard is waiting for hard copies of the proposal to sign the documents.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this project needs to be done and the Town has the money to do it.  She requested this be put on next week’s agenda under Old Business.

NH Housing Letter:  The NH Housing Authority received a request letter for Federal Housing Tax Credits from Abenaki Springs for their Phase II project.  The State is soliciting comments from the Town.  Mr. Dalessio would like to talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about this.  He would like to comment on the fact that there were safety issues with the first building and they would like this second building to meet all the State Building Codes and Safety Regulations before opening.  Mr. Dalessio will draft the letter to the State and bring it back to the Budget Meeting tomorrow.  Mrs. Downing can then fax the letter to the State so it meets the comment period deadline.

Selectboard Office Vacation Time Requests:  Mrs. Downing will be on vacation on January 12^th, 16^th and 17^th, 2018.  January 15^th is a holiday; Martin Luther King Day/Civil Rights Day.  Mr. Kreissle will be on vacation the week of Christmas, December 26^th, 27^th, 28^th and 29^th, 2017.  Mrs. Daigle will be on vacation from February 26^th to March 2^nd, 2018.  The Selectboard approved these requests.

Up-dating the Web-Site:  Ms. Mayberry asked where this project is.  Mrs. Downing felt Mrs. Smith has been forwarding her information to Mr. Ryan Harrison who has the frame work done.  Mr. Dalessio explained originally the website was being done by an outside consultant who went bankrupt and took down the Town’s website.  The current website is what Mr. Dalessio put up but it was not his intent to maintain it.  Mr. Harrison, a resident, volunteered to take it over and continues to work on it.  Mrs. Downing mentioned minutes need to be on the website as of January 01, 2018, or state where they are posted.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:04 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:18 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of December 14, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, 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 Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:19 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:40 PM.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call cote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:41 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:58 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of December 14, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:58 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 9:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary