The Walpolean

**NOTICE**

 

Selectboard Meeting of Nov. 22, 2018 moving to Weds., Nov. 21

Starting time: 8:00am in the Selectboard Office.

Change due to Thanksgiving Holiday

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 no people from the public in attendance.  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged that Mr. Richard Kreissle, Manager of Finance, is present at this meeting.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $46,559.29 for checks issued November 9, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $19,947.67 to the NH Retirement System and $12,376.00 is a payment to FairPoint. It will be held until Mr. Kreissle speaks with Mrs. Smith, Town Clerk.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending November 3, 2018 in the amount of $24,976.81 for checks issued November 9, 2018 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,016.93.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 1, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 1, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #009-061-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the current owner of Map and Lot #009-061-000.  This credit in the amount of $500 will be applied to the 2018 tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Revised MS-1:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that when they signed the revised MS-1, the property value of the dam and other Great River Hydro properties will be added back into the total assessment for the Town and for the North Walpole Village District.  They will be printing a tax bill based on the old evaluation.  

Once completed, they will see how it differs from the PILOT agreement. Great River Hydro paid the full amount for the spring tax bill. The tax bill the Town prints will be promptly abated so these will be paper transactions. The Selectboard will then prepare a supplemental warrant for the correct amount. The total of the combined 2018 tax bills must equal the agreed PILOT payment.  Attorney Hockensmith was to call Mrs. Pschirrer this afternoon if there was any discussion or distress on the part of Great River Hydro.  This arrangement does not affect what Great River Hydro’s tax amount; it remains unchanged. The Selecboard will need to renegotiate the PILOT after the tax season. This will involve the Village of North Walpole.  The revised PILOT will not change the agreed amount. What will change is the allocation between the Village and Walpole because the amount will remain the same for five years.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the revised MS-1 dated November 8, 2018.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) had changed several small amounts on this document.  She talked with Attorney Hockensmith and then came into the office to set up a conference call with Attorney Hockensmith and Avitar Associates. However, Mrs. Loren Martin was out of the office.  Mr. Kreissle will talk to the NHDRA, who will provide the tax rate.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if they end up with a tax rate that is still too low for the Town, then they will have to raise the overlay on it.  Mr. Kreissle believes this is a high priority for the DRA.  Monday is a holiday but they hope to have all the figures on Tuesday.  Mr. Dalessio asked if they get the tax bills out on November 19th or 20th they usually get 60% of the taxes in within the first week or two.  Mr. Goins has all the paperwork from the Savings Bank of Walpole for a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) if necessary.  Mr. Dalessio suggested in the future they could look into a revolving line of credit.  Mr. Kreissle had budgeted for the November payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD).  The auditors do not like the December payment check not being cashed by the end of the year. Therefore, he was going to issue that check on January 2nd, 2019.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the FMRSD is willing to wait two additional weeks for their December payment.  The Cheshire County bill will have to be paid on time.  

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Heating Oil Quotes:  Mr. Kreissle has been talking with heating oil vendors.  Three quotes were received.  The Selectboarddiscussed reliability and service.  The lowest price was from Discount Oil.  They will come out and inspect the tanks.  Mr. Kreissle will ask about services and to provide Town references.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to go with Discount Oil providing Mr. Kreissle confirms that they do service calls.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

392 Watkins Hill Road:  Mrs. Downing had reported that Attorney Bradley, on behalf of his client Mr. Barcome, was going to let the Selectboard know when the last tenant moved out.  A reminder note was sent to them.  This was discussed during the Selectboard meeting of October 4, 2018.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended giving them another week and if they have not responded then send them another letter.

Draft Department Budget Meeting Schedule.  Mrs. Downing had provided a schedule for the Selectboard when meeting with the Department Heads on December 10th to go over their budgets.  There was a consensus to include Mrs. Eloise Clark of the Hooper Institute in the afternoon.   Mr. Mark Houghton will come in at noon to talk about the water and sewer budget.  Mrs. Smith will be scheduled. Mr. Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Downing are flexible and will fill in the gaps.  

 

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Q3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  A report was received from Mrs. Daigle regarding the receipts to date November 7, 2018.  Steady payments are coming in.  Total receipts for Q3 – 2018 Billing are $13,268.58 or 7.4%.

CRLAC Appointment:  A request was received to nominate Mr. Gary Speed for reappointment to the Cold River LocalAdvisory Committee.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the reappointment of Mr. Gary Speed to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Forest Fire Warden Appointment:  Mr. Mark Houghton came into the meeting to request the Selectboard recommend that Mr. Richard Hurlburt be appointed as the Forest Fire Warden.

Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Mr. Richard Hurlburt as the Forest Fire Warden to be effective January 1, 2019.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Joint Meeting of the Selectboards/School Board on November 26th:  The Selectboard acknowledged a memo from Lori Landry, Superintendent of Schools, and Linda Christie, School Board Chair, that as previously agreed they would meet again on Monday, November 26th at 6:30 pm in the FMRHS Library.  They ask that any specific agenda items they wish to discuss be sent in no later than November 9th.  Mrs. Downing was asked to respond that the three Selectboard members plan to attend.  Mr. Dalessio would like to recommend the following agenda items:  1) Budget; 2) Science Olympiad; and 3) Middle School Study Committee.  

Town Hall Stage Area:  Mrs. Downing was notified by Lisa Bryan, President of the Players, that they would like to put locks on the two doors leading backstage. These locks would be keyed for the same key and could be keyed to match the closet keys.  They also plan to secure the curtain. But, there is no sense in doing that until they have locks on the doors.  Mrs. Downing wrote back to her noting safety concerns regarding door and curtain changes.  The Players also plan to cover the fiber board that runs 8 feet high around the back stage area with bead board, and paint a mural on 8’x4’ panels of luan which they are going to cover the cracked plaster with up to the ceiling.  These panels will be cut to fit around the windows and should be easy to remove when it is time to do the windows.  Their plan is to attach furring strips over the plaster and screw the luan panels into the furring strips.  Mrs. Downing talked to Mr. Brad Nash who felt someone could be trapped inside the locked doors.  The closet doors are locked.  There are other safety concerns such as steps that are not permanent, no handrails, and other violations.  A common complaint is the players quite often leave the lights on after they leave.  Mrs. Pschirrer is not in favor of them putting bead board around the windows as they will be replaced.  Ms. Mayberry feels they should put their suggested renovation plans in writing and ask if the Selectboard approves them.   Mr. Dalessio said for safety reasons the doors cannot be locked.  Mrs. Pschirrer added that any other changes have to come before the Selectboard for prior approval.  The Fire Department will be asked to do an internal audit of this second floor stage area.  

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboardsession 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 7:20 PM

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of November 8, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.    

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:51 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 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 7:58 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Co-chair Robert Miller, Secretary James Aldrich, Jeff White, Steve Dalessio, Selectboard Representative. Alternates: Joanna Andros, Jeff Colley. Absent: Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular December 2018 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Since two Board members were absent, Mr. J. Miller asked Ms. Andros and Mr. Colley to fill in.

Minutes: Regular minutes and workshop minutes. Mr. R. Miller made one correction. On page 6 second to last paragraph of the regular minutes, the name should be Ms. Sue Domanico, 64 Bookseller Road. A motion was made to accept the amended minutes and workshop minutes. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

New Business:

Warrant articles: The Planning Board is responsible for putting changes to zoning ordinances on the warrant and having public hearings for those warrant articles This year the Board is recommending two articles.

No. 1 would correct the zoning district of two lots on the road Ames Plaza Lanes owned by William Carmody. It reads:

“Are you in favor of the adoption of the following zoning ordinance amendment as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board to be added to the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance? To amend Article VI Commercial District and Article V Residential District by changing and restoring zoning classification of Lots 55-5 and 55-21 from Residential B to Commercial.”

Mr. Dalessio asked if the article should also include the a reason behind the warrant article and include the suggestion by town attorney Jeremy Hockensmith. Mr. Hockensmith says, “This amendment is necessary to correct an error in Warrant Article 2, adopted and approved at the March 13, 2007 annual meeting mistakenly changing these lots zoning classification.” Mr. R. Miller asked if it would help to clarify the article for the voter. And Ms. Andros asked if reasons are given as to why a warrant article is adopted.

Mr. Miller said he didn’t know if it should be part of the language of the actual warrant article. You can give the rationale for voting for the article but should it be part of the wording of the article? he asked.

Mr. Colley asked if the first article should include the tax map number. The secretary said that there could very well be the same number lot mentioned on any one of the other 29 tax maps. So it was decided that the tax map number should be included in the warrant article.

The second warrant article was about an article that was adopted at the 2018 annual meeting, amending the Zoning Ordinance to permit the Planning Board to make minor changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hockensmith thought it was unenforceable. So to revoke this amendment, he suggested the following warrant article.

“Are you in favor of revoking and rescinding the amendment to the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance, adopted and approved as Article 3 at the annual Town Meeting held on March 17, 2017?”

Mr. Hockensmith suggested adding “This approved amendment granted the Walpole Planning Board authority to make minor changes to the Zoning Ordinance in certain circumstances. Subsequent to its passage, Town legal counsel advised it was not enforceable under New Hampshire law.”

Mr. J. Miller will check with Mr. Hockensmith to see if these explanations should be included in the actual warrant article or be an explanation of why the article is on the warrant.

Mr. Aldrich made a motion to hold Public Hearings next month (December) for both warrant articles. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

Walker Road property: A few days after the D&C Transportation Public Hearing with the Planning Board concluded on October 9, 2018, Mr. Ray Boas and Dr. Chuck Shaw purchased the property and are raising funds to pay for it and turn it over to the town. The process for the Town to accept ownership of the property is that the Selectboard must have approval from the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. The land is then put under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission. At the Planning Board meeting Mr R. Miller made a motion to recommend that the town accept the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Aldrich and the Board voted unanimously to do so.

Mr. Colley noted that there is a deed restriction on the property stating the land will not be developed in perpetuity. Also, future selectmen may not sell the property.

 

Cost of a Public Hearing when the Planning Board has to make a Recommendation for Special Exception in a rural/ag district:

When an applicant needs a Special Exception in a rural/ag district, he/she needs approval from the ZBA. But before the ZBA makes a final decision, it needs a non-binding recommendation from the WPB.

Both of these Boards must hold Public Hearings and up to now when an applicant fills out an application he pays the fees for ZBA Public Hearing and certified letters to abutters for the ZBA. The applicant also pays abutters fees for certified letters to be sent on behalf of the WPB. But the applicant has not been paying for the notice in the newspaper for a Public Hearing. The Town has.

After a short discussion, it was decided that since the Special Exception is required by the Zoning Board, the Zoning Board should collect all the fees attached. That includes the cost of advertising the two Public Hearings in a local newspaper, one by each Board, and the certified letters send to abutters for each Public Hearing.

The Zoning Board will discuss this matter of how much to charge at its next meeting in December.

 

November Workshop: There will be a Planning Board workshop on Tuesday, November 27 at 7pm in the basement conference room to discuss the sample solar ordinance prepared by Board Members Jeff Colley and Joanna Andros. Also, there may be discussion of Carol Olgivie’s visit and the Conditional Use permit. 

 

At 7:30 pm Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn. Mr. J. Miller seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary

 

Thank you Ray Boas and everyone involved in the creation of this informative video. It’s well worth your time and interest. – Lil

Still wondering why the efforts to conserve the 1,000 feet of Connecticut River frontage at the entrance to the Village of Walpole, New Hampshire? This video will answer your questions, show you this special property, and its importance.

At the end of the video are details for sending your tax-deductible contribution either by check, or on-line with GoFundMe. Those details are also at the bottom of this page.

CLICK THIS LINK BELOW
to make your contribution on-line
https://www.gofundme.com/WalkerRoadConservation

or,
MAIL YOUR CHECK to:
Walker Road Conservation
Town of Walpole
PO Box 729
Walpole NH 03608-0729

On behalf of future generations who will have the same enjoyment we have, I thank you for your donation – yours, Ray Boas, Publisher, THE WALPOLE CLARION

The Walpole Firefighter’s Auxiliary are holding their first annual Fireman’s Ball this coming Saturday, November 17th at Alyson’s Orchard from 6:30 – midnight.

There will be a live band for dancing, a 50/50 raffle, hors d’oeuvres & a cash bar.

Tickets are $35 each or $60/couple. ($40 each at the door)

Contact Anthony Fry at 603-313-2132 for tickets.

The response by Walpole residents to support the conservation of the Walker Road Property, with 1,000 feet of Connecticut River frontage, has been overwhelming. In just a short period of time over 50% of the needed funds have been donated or committed.

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three people from the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALKER ROAD CONSERVATION PROJECT:  Mr. Ray Boas, Mr. Bob Kimball and Mr. Tom Goins were present.  Mr. Boas is now comfortable they will meet the time line for the transfer of the property.   Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed the Selectboard has set the dates for the Public Hearings on November 15th and 29th; they then have to wait one week when a decision will be made.  Mr. Boas also wanted to talk about the fundraising and setting up an online GoFundMe.com page.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained that two weeks ago, when Dr. Shaw was present, the Selectboard expressed their concern with supporting online fundraising as they did not feel the Town should be involved.  They can control people writing checks to the Town of Walpole.  People donating can claim a tax deduction.  Mr. Boas provided some rational and background for the online fundraising.  They are trying to get everybody involved including those making smaller donations.  Mr. Boas and Dr. Shaw have set up a savings account at the Savings Bank of Walpole for the GoFundMe money received.  Mr. Goins explained if they get a check from their savings account made out to the Town, that would be okay.  He has already set up a savings account in PDIP with the initial donations.  They did not want an additional burden on the office staff.  It needs to be trackable.  Mr. Boas had previously said they would take care of acknowledging all donations.  Mr. Kimball was asked to come in to talk about the responsibilities of the receiver to make sure the person contributing receives an acknowledgement letter to satisfy the IRS.  He advised the new IRS regulations do not require the EIN number on acknowledgements.  They have to send letters because no one can claim the deduction in excess of $250.00 unless the donors have the acknowledgement letter from the non-profit organization. They have to have that letter in-hand before they file their income tax return.  The letter has to state that no services were given in exchange.  He distributed copies of a sample letter that can be used.  The IRS came out with these new regulations on August 8, 2018.  A copy was left with the Selectboard.  These letters have to go out from the Town rather a member in this group.  If the donation was not $250, they do not have to receive a letter. However a lot of towns, businesses, etc. will send a letter to everyone within a few days of receipt of the donation.  The Selectboard authorized Mrs. Downing to sign the letters.  Mr. Goins mentioned they have a good system in the Town Hall with everyone involved; it is easy to maintain.  Mr. Boas is keeping a list of names and amounts of the donations.  GoFundMe does not charge them a fee.  Near the end of December they feel they will have enough money to transfer the property plus take care of the costs.  They expect to hear from the LCHIP Grant the second week in November. Mrs. Pschirrer asked them to keep the Selectboard informed.                            

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $23,214.16 for checks issued November 2, 2018.  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 October 27, 2018 in the amount of $24,454.15 for checks issued November 2, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,858.39.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 25, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 25, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, the Minutes were approved. Mrs Pschirrer abstained since she was absent.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 25, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of October 25, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio., the Minutes were approved.Mrs. Pschirrer again abstained.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #UTIL-FAIR-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $12,376.00 to UTIL-FAIR-000.  This is the second and final abatement/refund for the 2011-2015 tax year to New England Telephone/FairPoint/Consolidated Communications.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

 

TIMBER TAX CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED AND WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #26-10, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 22:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Tax Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant in the amount of $138.75 for Supreme Industries.  This is for the Right-of-Way clearing on the south side of Fall Mountain.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

RECYCLING CENTER:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there is a large amount of logs at the Recycling Center.  Mr. Colburn is the only authorized person to cut them up due to the Town’s liability.  Mr. Dalessio feels there is a need for a policy to address this.    

 

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #008-095-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Solar Energy Systems Exemption for Map and Lot #008-095-004.  This property is off Thompson Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

PETER and ALICIA BOWMAN, 34 Old North Main St., Map and Lot #012-050-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2018-28 for Peter and Alicia Bowman to doa “10’ x 16’ Kitchen Addition” at 34 Old North Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Revolving Fund Request:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the request of the Police Department to purchase (4) Sets of Tires for Police Cruisers for the amount of $3,121.40with funds to be taken out of the Police Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

CRLAC Appointment:  Fred Ernst:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the re-nomination of Mr. Frederick Ernst as a member of the Advisory Committee for the CRLAC for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Ernst has been a member of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee for six years.

 

DRA Excavation Course:  The Selectboard approved having Mrs. Downing attend the Department of Revenue Administration Mini Course on Regulation & Taxation of Earth Excavations on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in Wilton, NH.

 

Preliminary Tax Rate – Discussion of Concerns Related to MS-1 and Fall Mountain Obligations:

The Selectboard compared their MS-1 report with the Preliminary Tax Rate Breakdown from the Department of Revenue Administration.  They need to be sure enough money is raised to cover the next budget yet keep the tax rate as low as possible.  Anticipated revenues fluctuate year-to-year.  To date,the 2019 budget is calculated at approximated $4,300,000.  Town exemptions continue to increase; solar exemptions have been added to this list.  Following a lengthy discussion a decision was made have Mr. Kreissle notify the DRA that the Selectboard recommend a $60,000 Overlay, maintain a 15% Fund Balance and to raise the tax rate to $5.61.  They expect to work on taxes again next week.  

 

Community Volunteer Transportation Company:  Mrs. Pschirrer attended the annual meeting last Monday night with Mr. Ernie Vose who is one of their volunteer drivers from Walpole.  It was an interesting meeting.  They are a healthy organization and provided the following numbers:

They are projecting a total of 4,929 trips for 2018.  This calendar year through September, their volunteer drivers have driven 75,512 total miles for 265 riders from 27 of the 34 towns.  They currently have 85 active drivers and unmet need, when no driver selects a trip, is 7.67%.  Their goal is a total of 120 drivers hailing from each of the 34 towns.  Current 2018 Walpole Statistics are:  They received 239 ride requests from 19 residents: 6 “unmet need” rides did not take place.  Volunteer drivers logged in 8,495 miles for these rides and donated 453 hours of service for a value of $6,795 (at $15/hour NHDOT rate).  Five (5) active volunteer drivers live in Walpole.  Other drivers helped to cover these rides.  One (1) resident took 4 wheelchair van rides.  The Community Volunteer Transportation Company is requesting a donation of $2,300.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this amount is in the 2019 draft budget.    

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession 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 8:16 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:36 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 01, 2018, 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 8:37 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:42 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Departmental Budget Meetings:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to set a meeting date when they will meet individually with the department managers as Monday, December 10, 2018 beginning at 8:00 AM.  The meetings will be in the downstairs conference room in the Town Hall.  

 

Employee Training:  Tomorrow is the employee training for the Active Shooter session that will be presented by Lt. Justin Sanctuary and Emergency Preparedness will be presented by Mr. Mark Houghton.   This is a two hour session from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Town Hall.  There will be fruit, cheese and crackers, plus cider.  The Police Department will not be here except for the person doing the training.

 

Conservation Commission Meeting – Monday, November 5, 2018:  Both Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer plan to attend this meeting.  

 

Selectboard Meeting – November 29, 2018:  The Trustees of Trust Funds will be attending this meeting. 

 

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 8:52 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary