The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 30, 2017

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 were two members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE PARK – Bill Gallagher:   Mr. Gallagher reported since his last visit he talked to Mr. Mark Houghton who made some suggestions but a few questions came up.  The building at the end of Center Street that covers the tunnel has a junction box on it with breakers; it does not take much to get power on but they do not know who owns the building.  At one time he was told either the Town or Village was responsible for its maintenance.  There would be power for the north end of the park.  Mr. Houghton does not think there will be power there for the Christmas tree this year. Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard will follow-up with Mr. Houghton and look at the deed. Mrs. Downing had done research at one time.  She had a folder of documents; Mrs. Pschirrer noted it would take some time to read all of them.  The building could be owned by the Boston and Maine Railroad. Mr. Houghton was wondering if the Town would put up two street lights, as there are existing poles; it could be included with the street light program.  Going down Center Street between the last house and the tunnel structure there is one pole with only one electric wire on it that goes to the breaker box so if that pole could be moved across the street they possibly could get power to the south side.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized the Selectboard has some work to do and as soon as they have answers they will contact Mr. Gallagher.

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – Tom Ronning:  Mr. Ronning is on the Fall Mountain Regional School Board and they are working on the budget.  The Fall Mountain Regional School Board has begun developing a long term strategic plan.  Mr. Ronning distributed copies of an informational form and a brochure.  In an effort to collect input from the Fall Mountain community, people are asked to fill out these forms that will advise the School Board on key issues concerning education and the region.  The questions directly tie to the Board Goals of ENGAGE and PROTECT which are focus points for the 2017-18 school year.  Building relationships between the Town and School would be helpful.  He explained the six questions on the back of the form and asked the Selectboard to complete the form at their convenience and return it to the FMRSD.  They are looking at Engagement for those students that have lost interest; the School Board is committed to connecting with students that are disengaged and making changes that keep learners interested in school.  Protect the public’s investment in our schools.  The taxpayers trust them to be efficient and maximize their investment in the local schools.  They believe the current system must be redesigned to meet the demands of the 21^st century for students while taking into account the public’s ability to pay.  There was discussion relative to how this questionnaire would be distributed among community residents.  Mr. Ronning replied it will be readily available, widely distributed and will be on their web-site.  At this time the proposed budget is up 1.8%.  Mr. Dalessio stated the FMRSB has to understand the tax payers can no longer afford the amount of money they are asking for.  They have to take some steps to do something about it; it needs to be controlled.  The test scores do not reflect this kind of investment.  Each of the five towns is faced with infrastructure projects that are costly but need to be done and equipment needs to be replaced.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Selectboard will publicize the FMRSD meeting dates on the budget hoping more taxpayers will attend.  Walpole does value education and routinely passed the budgets but taxpayers are upset with the continued increases.  Mr. Ronning offered to come back to pick up the questionnaires and plans to attend more Selectboard meetings.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $60,093.34 for checks dated December 01, 2017.  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 November 25, 2017 in the amount of $23,006.59 for checks dated December 01, 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 $4,898,73 fo the week ending November 25, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 22, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 22, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 22, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 22, 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.

ABATEMENTS – PROPERTY TAX:

ABATEMENT: Map and Lot # 025-012-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant an Abatement in the amount of $1.319.00 for property taxes on Map and Lot #025-012-001.  This is an unproductive lot that should not have received a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts: The Water/Sewer Receipts To Date 11/30/2017 was received from Mrs. Daigle.  Today was the deadline for this billing period.  Total Receipts for Fall 2017 Billing is $155,039.52 or 65%.  The last day for getting information for liens to Mrs. Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, is December 14^th, 2017.  Water and Sewer users who have payment agreements but did not pay this current bill will receive a reminder phone call from the office.

Town Hall Rental Recommendations:  The Selectboard received recommendations from Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Daigle to improve the rental process for the Town Hall.  One suggestion was to have a point person who is in charge of clean-ups; a checklist will be posted on the kitchen refrigerator.  It was agreed to raise the deposit from $100 to $150.  Deposit checks will be held but that check will be returned if the Town Hall is left in clean, satisfactory condition after the event.

Warrant Articles:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they started working on some Warrant Articles but are waiting for some information from the Town Treasurer.  The four preliminary articles were reviewed and a few revisions were mentioned.  There was discussion relative to amending the language in some previously voted on Warrant Articles and to see if the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) will allow it.

Dental Coverage:  Ms. Mayberry talked with Mr. Steve Varone to advise that Mrs. Margaret Palmer is interested in administering the Dental coverage. He will contact her.

NEW BUSINESS:

Avitar 5-Year Contract:  The Selectboard received a new Multi-Year Assessing Agreement from Avitar Associates of New England, Inc.  This multi-year agreement locks in the assessing costs for the 5 year period and removes any unknown cost increases.  It gives the Selectboard more options than the previous agreement.  One option is to do cycled inspections as this helps them spread their workload out over a number of years.  After looking through the agreement there was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask for clarification on several items and costs.  Does the Town get hit with a full evaluation at the end of the five years?  She would like Avitar to send a break-out of how this works out based on the five-year agreement; they see the break-out of the $168,420 but what makes up those three five-year numbers.  How does the $177,000 fit into the box?  Ms. Mayberry will take a copy of the Avitar worksheet, clarify the numbers and email her worksheet to Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio.  The Selectboard is in favor of the cycled inspections and of signing a Five-Year Agreement with Avitar after clarification of the numbers.

Vachon Clukay & Company Representation Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the representation letter from Vachon Clukay & Company.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved .

Large Tax Card Purchase Request:  Following a request from Antonia at the Galloway Real Estate office for copies of the tax cards, Mrs. Downing recommended they use Avitar as a vendor.  There are 2,000+ cards.  Access to the town’s tax cards looks very reasonable.  An electronic version of the cards on a flash drive is not possible since software is needed to produce the cards.  The Selectboard recommended they buy the service from Avitar as it will be much cheaper.

Town’s Computer System:  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to check with Primex to see if the Town has cyber insurance.  He would like Primex to confirm this coverage.  Mr. Dalessio has not yet seen any contracts for next year from TrueNorth.  He just wants to be sure the Town is covered.

Next Selectboard Meeting:  The next Selectboard meeting has been rescheduled from Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 6:30 pm to Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 8:00 AM.

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 (b) Hiring.  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 7:52 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 30, 2017, remain 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:00 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

NOVEMBER 30, 2017

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

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:56 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 22, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 22, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Hooper Property Sale:  Mrs. Pschirrer contacted Attorney Hockensmith about the potential sale of the Hooper property and asked him to prepare all the appropriate paperwork.  Tomorrow she will be opening the Mansion to let a contractor in to evaluate windows and other sections of the building.  Two other contractors were also contacted by Mr. Sheehan to do an evaluation.  All contractors were given the same list of areas to be evaluated.  Mrs. Pschirrer talked with Mr. Kevin Healy about getting another person to help him clean-up the mattresses and other items after they get a dumpster from DeCamp Trucking.   She will still be selling some furniture and remaining items.

Adjournment:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees 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

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

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 were two members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Myra Mansouri:  Mrs. Mansouri pointed out that a few years ago the Zoning Board of Adjustment started going through the Zoning Ordinance as far as streets, etc.  They found that Watkins Hill where Maple Grove comes in is actually Prospect Hill.  They changed this in the Ordinance.  Going through the Ordinance again there is Hitchcock Mountain.  In looking at the Ordinance, Alstead Center Road is called Hitchcock Road.  They need to change it back to Alstead Center Road.  This is updating the Ordinance; just changing the names in the Ordinance to make it correct.  She called the NH Municipal Association and received a written legal opinion that was distributed.  Mr. Dalessio recommended putting it on a Warrant Article to make it clear the Selectboard is not changing the name of any road.   It will make the Ordinance conform with E-9-1-1.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write the warrant article but it will have to go through the Planning Board.  Mrs. Mansouri will contact Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board, to have a public hearing scheduled for the Planning Board’s next meeting on December 12^th.

Deputy Town Treasurer, Margaret Palmer:  Mrs. Margaret Palmer had been invited to come to a Selectboard meeting as a newly appointed official, Deputy Town Treasurer.  She provided a back-ground of where she had lived and her work experience.  She and her family have lived in Walpole since 2000.  Mrs. Palmer expects to be up-to-date on the 2017 accounting by February 2018. This will be in time for the next audit.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town is self-insured for dental insurance.  Mr. Steve Varone who administered the plan has retired.  Mr. Dalessio explained this coverage was piggy-backed on the Fall Mountain Region School District dental plan but they have changed over to an outside plan.  Rather than go out into the market to buy this coverage, which would cost the employees plus the Town a great deal of money, the Town would like to continue being self-insured. However, the Town needs someone who will administer the plan and pay the dental bills.  Every employee is allocated a certain amount of money each year.  Ms. Mayberry explained the process that Mr. Varone used; he will continue until the end of the year and will work with the person taking over the plan.  Mrs. Palmer is interested in taking over this position.  Ms. Mayberry will contact Mr. Varone to let him know Walpole will continue with the self-insured plan.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $57,478.87 for checks dated November 24, 2017.  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 voucher for the week ending November 18, 2017 in the amount of $24,116.56 for checks dated November 24, 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 $5,085.04 for the week ending November 18. 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 16, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 16, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 16, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 16, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Library Board of Trustees – November 14, 2017;
• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – November 7, 2017;
• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – November 14, 2017.

ABATEMENTS – WATER & SEWER:

Abatement: Map and Lot # 030-074-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Sewer Abatement for Map and Lot # 030-074-000 in the amount of $118.56.  This house was demolished just before April 1, 2017.  The change was missed on AccuFund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts: It is anticipated collections will be heavy next week as Water/Sewer bills are due Thursday, November 30^th.  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date as of November 22, 2017 from Mrs. Daigle.

School District Draft Warrant Article:  Mrs. Pschirrer drafted and distributed copies of the following School District Warrant Article.  The next budget meeting for the Fall Mountain Region School District is next Monday, November 27^th.  Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry were in favor of having Mrs. Pschirrer deliver this Warrant Article to the FMRSD, and to mail it to Attorney Hockensmith and to the Town of Charlestown as it has been discussed with their Selectboard.

“To see if the voters of Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown, Langdon and Walpole which comprise the Fall Mountain School Board will vote at town meetings to amend the Articles of Agreement between the Towns to amend Item 2 of the Articles as follows:

The Fall Mountain Regional School District School Board shall consist of seven (7) members:

One (1) member domiciled in Acworth;

One (1) member domiciled in Alstead;

One (1) member domiciled in Charlestown;

One (1) member domiciled in Langdon;

One (1) member domiciled in Walpole;

Two (2) members domiciled in any of the five towns.

Each school board member shall be voted on at the Town meeting in which the school board member is domiciled by only residents registered to vote in the school board member’s domicile.  The two members domiciled in any of the five towns shall be voted on “at large” in accordance with RSA 671:22, with eligible voters of the school district voting on the two “at large” board members.

Said members to be elected for a term of three years or until their successors are duly elected.  This amendment will be in effective Town Meeting 2019.”

Mrs. Pschirrer will also send this draft Warrant Article to all the other towns in the FMRSD and the School Board members.  Mr. Dalessio suggested asking the Selectboards in the towns of Acworth, Alstead and Langdon to let Walpole know if they will support this Warrant Article.

Dental Plan:  This agenda item was previously discussed when Mrs. Palmer was present.

Highway Capital Reserve Fund Warrant Article:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mrs. Downing has started making a list of warrant articles to be voted on at Town Meeting.  In addition to the Highway Department, there will be warrant articles for the Recycling Center, Police Department and for building repairs.  They also need to think about the sprinkler system in the Town Hall.

Town Hall Rentals:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned cleaning is one issue involved with the rentals but they can add on a cleaning fee.  Ms. Mayberry said during the Fall Mountain Education Endowment Association event they were aware there is an elevator problem if the door is locked open too long.  The office staff has been spending a lot of time dealing with problems during regular office hours and week-end calls about no paper towels in the bathroom, the lights, plumbing problems or where renters can find certain items, etc. It also takes a certain amount of Mr. Gerry Brady’s time on a Monday to re-organize chairs, tables and other items.  Mr. Rich Kreissle tracks deposits and issues checks for refunds.  They should re-think how they want to rent the Town Hall, limit the number of people and whether or not to restrict renting the first and/or second floor.  Consider possibly not renting it back-to-back on a Saturday/Sunday.  Ms. Mayberry felt they need to consider if the income is a benefit to them; it is our Town Hall / our community space.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted people just have to pay for their usage.  Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Daigle were asked to make recommendations on Town Hall rentals and how should charges be adjusted.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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 7:45 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 22, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:32 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:20 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 16, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 16, 2017, as submitted.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mansion Antique Sale Update:  Last Saturday Mrs. Pschirrer met with an investor who toured the Mansion and Pro Shop.  She was asked to open the Mansion because a carpenter is coming to look at some specific items soon.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported they are still selling furniture; another $105.00 was received.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 16, 2017

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.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE PARK – Bill Gallagher:  Mr. Gallagher mentioned the last time he attended a Selectboard meeting they talked about moving forward with the volley ball net. Since then, they have installed the poles.  They are now thinking about trying a skating rink this winter.  The big issue among residents is why the Town still owns the park area instead of the Village of North Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry provided an explanation she received from Mrs. O’Brien.  Several years the Town offered this area to the Village. However, the property lines are not clear so the Commissioners were not willing to accept the parcel. They did not want any entanglements with abutting neighbors.  Mr. Gallagher was told it was an insurance issue.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied the Town is insuring that parcel and trying to assist the group in keeping it open as a recreation spot.  Mr. Dalessio said we are all part of the same Town.  Why go through the expense.  Ms. Mayberry feels there is more latitude with the Town in terms of what the group is trying to do; they will have the support of the Recreation Department/Committee and their budget. Mr. Gallagher thought in March at Town Meeting they might ask for some funding for the development of that area.  They want to put in a better fence and have a gazebo. They plan to do a major fundraiser next year.  Mrs. Pschirrer cautioned them to not tread on railroad property with the fence.  Mr. Gallagher talked to Mr. Mark Houghton about having power and lights but he is waiting for an answer.  They are going to put up a Christmas tree; it would be nice to have lights.  Mr. Dalessio will contact Mr. Mark Houghton about the power and security lights.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested Mr. Gallagher ask the children at the North Walpole School to make decorations for the tree and the Women of Walpole might donate a string of lights.  Mrs. O’Brien asked Mr. Gallagher to check on signs that state people are there “At Their Own Risk”.  They were also supposed to have a sign designated “No Smoking” but it has not yet been installed.  Mrs. Pschirrer will check on this sign.  Mr. Dalessio felt maybe this group should have a seat at the Recreation Committee meetings; this will be considered.  In the meantime the Selectboard will continue supporting this park area.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $559,932.93 for checks dated November 17, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending November 11, 2017 in the amount of $22,400.98 for checks dated November 17, 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 $4,739.05 for the week ending November 11, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

PUBLIC HEARING, Acceptance of Complete Streets Recommendations – November 2, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Public Hearing on the Acceptance of Complete Streets Recommendations dated November 2, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD PUBLIC HEARING – November 9, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Public Hearing of November 9, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 9, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 9, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 9, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 9, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Planning Board meeting – November 14, 2017.

ABATEMENTS & REFUNDS:

Abatement: Map and Lot # 024-005-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot # 024-005-000.  This property was taken for tax lien.  Although the Town became the owner it was not made exempt in the Avitar system.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Abatement and Refund:  Map and Lot # UTIL FAIR:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement and Refund for Map and Lot # UTIL FAIRPOINT.  This is part of the settlement agreement between the Town and UTIL FairPoint in the total amount of $24,752.00; it will be split over two years.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Refunds:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds.  All are a result of the property revaluation process.  The values were reduced drastically which allowed for the first bill payment to be larger than entire tax bill for the year:

• Map and Lot # 003-083-000 – $420.00;
• Map and Lot # 005-002-004 – $1.00;
• Map and Lot # 030-059-002 – $97.00;
• Map and Lot # 011-049-000 – $34.00;
• Map and Lot # 013-034-004 – $519.00;
• Map and Lot # 030-074-000 – $120.00;
• Map and Lot # 027-001-002 – $86.00;
• Map and Lot # 028-075-00A – $11.00;
• Map and Lot # 012-037-000 – $33.00;
• Map and Lot # 026-008-0MH – $38.00
• Map and Lot # 028-094-000 – $266.00.

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

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts:  Acknowledgement was made of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date, November 16, 2017, from Mrs. Daigle.  It is a good collection report.

JROTC:  Ms. Mayberry reported the JROTC has found a place to meet and continue their training.  Mr. and Mrs. Benson have agreed to let them use a vacant “barn” off Route 12.

NEW BUSINESS:

Request to Use Drewsville Common:  A request was received from Brenda Damaziak to use the Drewsville Common for a November 26^th holiday event from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.  Santa Claus will arrive at 6:00 pm and there will be hot cocoa and cookies.  There will also be horse and wagon rides around the common.  Everyone is invited.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this request for the tree lighting on the Drewsville Common, horse and wagon rides and visit from Santa.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Solar Energy Petition:  The Selectboard received a Solar Energy Petition as follows:  “To see if the town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:61 through RSA 72:72 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, 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.”  The Selectboard agreed this Petition needs to be re-written to comply with the RSAs.  Mr. Dalessio will contact Mr. Anderson to explain why this Petition needs to be more specific.

SAU 60 Payments:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Selectboard just received from the Fall Mountain Regional School District the following new tax rates recently set by the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).

Total tax for School Fiscal Year 2017-2018 – $6,603,246.00;

Beginning November 20^th, 2017, for December 2017, the SAU 60 is requesting the first payment of $560,962.00.  However, the Selectboard will pay $535,300.00 for the December 20, 2017 payment and will begin paying the $560,964.00 as the January 2018 payment.

The June amount should be used for July and beyond until new rates are set in the fall of next year.  The Selectboard will request that Lori Mowrey, Financial Services Manager of the SAU 60 attend a meeting in December to discuss these new numbers.

Town Hall Rental Insurance Waiver:  Mr. David Ramsey requests the Town waive the TULIP insurance coverage for their Ramsey Family annual mid-day holiday party. There will be no alcohol.

Mr. Dalessio moved to waive the TULIP insurance requirement for the Ramsey Family half-day event on December 2^nd, 2017.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

2018 Proposed Budget:  The Selectboard set a tentative date of Friday, December 15^th beginning at 8:00 AM to meet with each Department Head, individually, on their department’s proposed 2018 budget.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard 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, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:25 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:58 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 16, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess the Selectboard Session.  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 8:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.

Next Meeting:  Due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday, November 23, 2017, the next Selectboard meeting has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at 6:30 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 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

NOVEMBER 16, 2017

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:00 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 9, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 9, 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 to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $3,383.00.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mansion Antique Sale Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the antique furniture sale at the Mansion went very well.  Eventually they will sell a few more items. Additionally, there will be proceeds from Ms. Sharon Boccelli’s auction in the spring.  The total sales at this time are $10,658.12.  She expressed gratitude for the many people who worked this past week-end.  It includes the Women of Walpole, Sue Dalessio, Amy Howard, Robin Fernsell, Sarah Downing, Terry Holcombe, Karen Galloway, Tom Goins, Steve Dalessio, Peter Kenney, Bill and Lynn Reed and other members of the community.

Merger of Education and Scholarship Trusts:  Mr. Dalessio distributed copies of the proposed “Merger of Education and Scholarship Trusts”, dated November 14, 2017.  This the analysis prepared by Mr. Tom Goins.  One of the terms of the sale is the merger of the education and scholarship trusts.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out what the anticipated numbers would be based on a Five Year Cash Flow Forecast.  Nothing will be done until after the sale of the Hooper property occurs.  It is the Hooper Trustees decision to make.  The Hooper Maintenance Fund could be used for expansion and repairs to the Hooper Institute.  There is a lot of opportunity to heat the building year-round, etc.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary