The Walpolean

 

From 2pm to 3pm on three upcoming Sundays – September 18th, October 2nd, and October 16th – we will be conducting a salamander study at Distant Hill Nature Trail that your kiddos can help with.

We will be walking to a survey site set up in the woods off Distant Hill Nature Trail to count salamanders and other creatures we find under the 50 cover-boards we placed there to study the population of red-backed salamanders that call Distant Hill Nature Trail home.

Bring the kids to help us count salamanders! 

Join us for one, two, or all three salamander counts.

You never know what we will find! 

THIS EVENT IS FREE!

All ages are welcome  

No need to Register

We’ll meet at Distant Hill Gardens at 507 Match Hill Road, Walpole

Walpole resident, David Howell, a retired USGS geologist and Berkeley University professor emeritus, will lead a geology walk to explore Distant Hill Geology Trail this Saturday, September 17, from 10am to noon. 

The geology of Walpole and the surrounding Connecticut river valley is extremely diverse and interesting, and David will explain the geologic history of the past four-million years through the exposed bedrock we will see along the half-mile long Distant Hill Geology Trail. 

Distant Hill Geology Trail features nine unique geologic features along its route, including outcrops of stretched pebbles, a dome of pegmatite, a talus slope, a siltstone outcrop, an example of a turbidite channel, a knoll of calcium-rich bedrock, and an outcrop containing boudins.

(Don’t worry – David will explain all of these arcane geologic terms for us during the walk!)

This Geology Walk is being held in conjunction with an ‘Open Garden Weekend’ at Distant Hill Gardens.

Distant Hill Gardens is located at 507 March Hill Road in the hills four miles from downtown Walpole. 

Suggested Donation: $10/adult 

NOTE: Distant Hill Geology Trail is narrow, uneven, and moderately steep in places. Sturdy shoes are recommended. 

The Women of Walpole welcome all women working or living in Walpole to our first meeting of the 2022-2023 season.  We will meet next Wednesday September 14th at 2pm at the home of Katie Beam,  368 Ramsey Hill Rd. Walpole.

We welcome  Megan Fulton from the MCVP – Crisis and Prevention Center, who  will speak with us about the hard work MCVP is doing to protect and prevent domestic violence in the Monadnock region.  There will also be  time to socialize with other women and we will collect dues and talk about the new season. 

Dues will be collected and remain at $35.00 per person.  Look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday! 

Susan Johnson

pete_suejohnson@verizon.net

603-756-3330

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary via Zoom.  There were no members of the public in attendance.   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $172,452.24 for checks issued September 2, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $50,000 to the Walpole Fire District per Warrant Article #5 for operation expenses.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending August 27, 2022, in the amount of $33,322.57 dated September 2, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of      $6,346.81.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 25, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 25, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 25, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 25, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

• Walpole Power Committee Meeting – July 27, 2022.

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #003-001-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Notice of Change in Current Use Assessment for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-001-002.  This is for an adjustment of land category that was noted during the reval field review.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #003-043-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Notice of Change in Current Use Assessment for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-043-002.  This is for an adjustment of land category that was noted during the reval field review.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

BUILDING & DEMOLITION PERMITS:

Permit #2022-38, MAP and LOT #010-046-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2022-38 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-046-000 to add a “44’ x 18’ Roof Mount Solar Array”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2022-39, MAP and LOT #012-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2022-39 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-031-000 to add a “24’ x 24’ Roof Mount Solar Array”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam:

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported they are still working on the engineering.

School and Union Streets Drainage Project.  Mr. Rau, the Department of Environmental Services (DES), three people from Fuss & O’Neill and Mr. Dalessio met yesterday.  They walked well above Kevin Healy’s property.  The next decision is what type of stream is it.  That determination will dictate what they are allowed or not allowed to do.  They have different criteria.  DES was very cooperative about ideas.  They encouraged us not to apply for a permit as more work needs to be done by Fuss & O’Neill.     

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that this is now a non-public discussion with attorney client privileges being invoked.

Two Solar Powered Radar Speed Signs:  Mr. Dalessio advised the two solar powered radar speed signs have been received along with the poles.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the purchase order for the two solar powered radar speed signs for the amount of $8,491.19.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  This will be paid for out of the Highway Block Grant Funds. 

Mr. Dalessio reported that one unit will go up in North Walpole by the School.  The second unit does not yet have a designated location.

Trees on the Common:  Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Rau do not recall any historical discussion regarding burying lines underground.  Ms. Mayberry felt that Heather Greene, Liberty Utilities, needs to be contacted.  They are willing to consider it but need to know what the cost will be.  Mr. Dalessio feels more details are needed.  

Tai Chi Classes in Town Hall:  Mrs. Downing explained there was discussion relative to a donation but Mr. Daviss would like an actual dollar amount.  There was a consensus to ask for $2/person.    

Town Hall Hallway Paint Color:  It was agreed to continue with the dark blue until they run out.  More paint will need to be purchased.

Regina Borden’s Last Meeting:  Mr. Dalessio announced that this will be Regina’s last meeting with the Selectboard.  Ms. Mayberry noted they understand her resignation and support her.  They will send her the Zoom links so she can listen in and talk to them.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed E884:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot E884.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed E885:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot E885.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

John Hansel Letter:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from John Hansel and thanked him for contacting them.

Preliminary 2023 Budget:  Mr. Dalessio announced that the Selectboard would be having a preliminary 2023 Budget meeting on Friday, September 9^th, 2022.  He requested moving the start time from 8:30am to 10:30am.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry were agreeable with this change of time. 

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.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:51 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:14 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 01, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio 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 Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:15 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Walpole Demographics, Refugees, Immigration

“Great Decisions” will resume on Monday, September 12, in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library. The public forum will begin at 6:00 p.m., and Zoom participation will continue to be available from Library Director Jane Malmberg. 

We will begin our “Great Decisions” discussion with a short video entitled “America is Failing its Refugees and Itself”, produced by Ken Burns and his UNUM team. This film is available on Ken Burns’ UNUM educational website, a digital resource which explores the intersection of history and current events, providing historical perspectives on issues affecting us today, combining film footage, interviews and commentary. 

Following the video, Peggy Pschirrer, our doyenne of local demographics, will present some startling statistics. How have Walpole’s demographics changed over the past 50 years? What has happened to our farms, industries, housing and youth? And what are the implications of all these changes? 

The suggested reading (copies of which are available at the library) is a Foreign Affairs article: “America’s Refugee Revolution: How Ordinary Citizens are Taking the Lead in Resettling Newcomers” by Gregory Maniatis (July 27, 2022). Also recommended is a Noah Smith interview with Leah Boustan, research economist, describing the misconceptions we all have about immigration, which is available on Substack (and also at the library): https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/interview-leah-boustan-economist

What are your views of immigration in the United States today? We will examine the various pros and cons and misconceptions surrounding this sensitive issue. Does this have any relevance to our community? You must draw your own conclusions. We welcome your participation either in person or via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on September 12, 2022. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: 

jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org