I cannot believe that August, and the summer, is almost at a close. You probably feel the same way and are cramming as much in as possible before Labor Day. But prior to that another issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION will be mailed, and to fill out the issue you have one week from today to submit your article, pictures and ads.
Deadline is Monday, August 21, and I hope to hear from you. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, yours, RAY
Clarion Deadline – 8/21/17
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 8/8/17
Town of Walpole
Planning Board Minutes
August 8, 2017
7 pm
Presiding: Jeff Miller, Chair, Robert Miller, Vice-Chair, James Aldrich, Secretary, Jeff White. Alternates: Ed Potter and Joanna Andros. Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative. Absent: Board members Jeff Miller, Chair, Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron.
Recording: Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions
Meeting Opened: Mr. R. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Roll Call: Because a couple of Board members were absent, alternates Mr. Potter and Ms. Andros were needed to fill in.
Minutes: Mr. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Board’s July meeting, as well as the July workshop meeting, as written. The motion was seconded and approved by the Board.
New Business:
Yohbel Brosseau, manager Commonwealth Construction in North Walpole.
Mr. R. Miller said that the Board asked him to appear because some Board members had noticed changes at the North Walpole site that were not originally proposed in 2015 when the Planning Board approved his site plan. There is a second new building going up in back, and a new building has replaced the one that was going to be used as a warehouse. There is no record nor did Mr. R. Miller recall Mr. Brosseau ever coming back to the Planning Board to modify his original proposal. Mr. R. Miller asked if he would like to explain what has happened on the site.
Mr. Brosseau said that when they investigated the original structure for the warehouse, he realized they couldn’t proceed with the construction and that that building couldn’t really serve its original purpose. So, he said, the decision was made to take that down and putting up a building that has a similar footprint for the same exact purpose for which it was proposed.
Mr. R. Miller said what should have happened is that he should have come back to the Board and told them of his new plans to modify the proposed plans. He read from the Walpole Site Plan regulations, Section VI Procedures, Part C.
“If at any time before or during the construction of the Site Plan, unforeseen conditions make it necessary or desirable for the applicant to modify the location or design of any of the required work or previously submitted plans, the Planning Board may, after a duly noticed Public Hearing with notice to abuttters and general public, authorize such modifications providing such modifications comply with all regulations and requirements of the Site Plan Review Regulation.”
Technically, Mr. R. Miller said, that should have happened on your end. You should have come back to the Board.
Ms. Mayberry asked what Mr. Brosseau should do now. Is the Board requesting a revised site plan to show the changes that have been made? She asked.
Mr. Miller said that would be appropriate.
Ms. Mayberry said that means any changes that vary or deviate from the original request should be noted in the revised site plan application. Mr. Aldrich noted that It would require a Public Hearing. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to set up a public hearing for next month. It was seconded and approved.
Doug Palmer – storage facility project on commercial land behind Ocean State Job Lot in Ames Plaza requested information on how to proceed.
Mr. Palmer said he was interested in purchasing property next to his current business to put in storage units. He didn’t own the property but before he purchased the property he wanted to know if the plan was possible. The land is owned by William Carmody.
Mr. R. Miller said his thoughts were that the project wasn’t listed under permitted uses for a commercial zone, it would need a special exception from the Zoning Board.
Mr. R. Miller read from the Uses Permitted in a Commercial Zone from the Walpole Zoning Ordinances, Article VI, B.
- Any use permitted in Residential District Type B under the same provisions as apply to residences in said district.
- Lodging houses, hotels, motels, inn and tourist cabins including such retail businesses within these building as is conducted for the convenience of the guest herein.
- Shops, restaurants and other retail buildings not exceeding 40,000 square feet in gross floor area.
- Theaters, halls, clubs and amusement centers.
- Greenhouse and florist shops.
- Undertaking establishments.
- Business and professional offices and banks.
- Multi-family dwellings subject to the following conditions.
Mr. Palmer asked what was the proper procedure. Mr. R. Miller said to meet with the Zoning Board.
Some one asked where the land was. Mr. Palmer next to his shop on Upper Walpole Road – an email business that sells sports equipment – that located at the rear entrance to Ames Plaza. The property in question adjoins his land.
Mr. Miller said once you purchase property, not less 30 percent of the total parcel must be in green space. The Board would also like to see some prints of your proposal, in color if possible. Mr. Palmer asked if two-scale drawings with pictures of the storage unit in color would be admissible. Mr. Miller said yes.
Mr. Aldrich asked how many storage units he intended to have. Mr. Palmer said between 35 and 40 units.
Mr. Miller wanted to know the size of the parcel of land. Mr. Carmody said .6 acres. Mr. Miller said when he came back he should also have plans for lights, a landscape plan, and any control of water roll off, considering it is on a hill.
Ms. Myra Mansouri, chair of the Zoning Board, said since he doesn’t own the property, the property owner has to come to the Zoning Board to get a Special Exception. Mr. Palmer asked if the Special Exception would transfer to the owner. Ms. Mansouri said yes. Mr. Palmer asked to be put on the ZBA agenda.
Mr. Jed West, representing Bernardo Associates, requested a Public Hearing next month for a lot line adjustment for Glenn Madden to sell 10 acres to Trebor properties in the rural/agricultural zone.
Mr. Aldrich made a motion to hold the hearing in September. The motion was seconded by Mr. Potter and the Board approved the motion.
Complete Streets Workshop. Some suggestions to be sent to the Selectboard for review and comment. Which suggestions do you want to keep? Would you like to meet with the Selectboard or have them comment on each suggestion?
Mr. Miller suggested this topic be postponed until next month because not all of the notes were present.
The notes were a combination of suggestions at the July Workshop and ones that Ms. Mari Brunner of Southwest Community Planning Commission put together from the various workshop held since January. Ms. Mayberry was also waiting for another document about streets in rural areas from Ms. Brunner.
Mr. Ray Boas asked if there will be a chance for the public to have input. Mr. Miller said yes. He added that there have been many, many workshops on the subject.
Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Planning Board Agenda – 8/8/17
WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD AGENDA
TOWN HALL
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
7 pm
Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.
Minutes – Review minutes of the July meeting and workshop.
New Business:
Yohbel Brosseau, Commonwealth Construction in North Walpole. Commonwealth received a demolition permit from NW commissioners. Mr. Johm Foster said he saw the blueprints signed by the Planning Board for new construction.
Request for a Public hearing. Doug Palmer – storage facility project on commercial land behind Shaw’s.
Complete Streets Workshop. Some suggestions to be sent to the Selectboard for review and comment. Which suggestions do you want to keep? Would you like to meet with the Selectboard or have them comment on each suggestion?
Next meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017
No workshop this month.
Good News from Alyson’s Orchard
PEACHES & BLUEBERRIES AT ALYSON’S ORCHARD
Are you craving fresh, beautiful Peaches? We finally have a great crop this year!
Alyson’s Orchard will even have Pick-Your-Own PEACHES starting Saturday, August 5th. Prices for PYO are: $13 per ½ peck, $25 per peck and $45 per ½ bushel. We also have pre-picked peaches available at the farm stand, along with peach, blueberry and apple pies. There are plenty of chicken and turkey pot pies in our freezer too, so take one home for an easy dinner.
Don’t forget about our $2.00/ lb. PYO Blueberry special ! The bushes are loaded and it’s easy picking, so bring the family for a fun & healthy experience. Kids of all ages can visit the animals and play in the playground, too.
Farm stand hours are 9am-6pm – 7 days a week.
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 7/10/17
Minutes for the regular meeting of the
Walpole Conservation Commission
Monday, July 10, 2017
Present: Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Jackie Kensen, Kelli Wilson, Peggy Pschirrer (SelectBoard representative), Elaine Heleen, acting secretary
Not Present: Lewis Shelley, Gary Speed, Duncan Watson
Ms. Flammia, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Non-Public session:
Mr. Palmiotto was seated to achieve quorum.
Treasury/Budget Report
As of 5/31/17, the Conservation Commission Fund had a balance of $97,709.77. This includes a withdrawal of $22,880.70 which was supposed to be in the Forestry account. The Forestry fund (with that deposit) is $64,570.75. The Mason Expendable Trust Fund had $307,897.82 as of 4/30/17. The Non Expendable Mason Trust Fund had $12,234.23 at the end of April 2017.
Correspondence
- NH Timberland Owners Association; still choose not to be members
- Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau DES newsletter
- Reservoir Dam response letter by Mark Houghton; approved by DES
- BSA (Tax Map/Lot: 11/47; 48) cutting approved
- A deed was recorded in 1998 shows that the Town owns the Conservation Easement of the Hubbard property off of North Road. However, there are questions of who owns which Easements. Peska moved to allocate up to $2,000 for an internship for a grad student to create a template for an annual report of the list of the Town Conservation Easements for the Selectboard. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Minutes
Corrections to the minutes:
- 1st paragraph: “hills to the river; create a corridor” add Conservation before corridor
- 2nd paragraph: Antioch is a University, not a College
- 2nd paragraph, 2nd page: “capability to expand the town’s boundaries” should be “capability to expand the Conservation maps to go beyond the town’s boundaries”
- New Bike Trail: change “illegal bike patch” to “unauthorized bike path” as it may not have been illegal
Mr. Peska moved to accept the minutes for the June 5, 2017 meeting as corrected. Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
New Business
- Anne McBride from the Monadnock Conservancy is present to report on the efforts to create a Conservation Easement on the lands owned by Michael & Kathy Nerrie (owners of Distant Hill Gardens). Approximately 48 acres are in both Walpole and Alstead. The home, outbuildings, gardens and pond will be excluded from the easement area. The easement would include a reserved right to build a pavilion for potential school groups. Monadnock Conservancy estimates the costs to be $18,510 and is asking for $9,000 from the WCC. After Ms. McBride left, it was decided to table the decision until next month so that some research can be done on whether a payment to the Conservancy’s Easement Stewardship Fund is within the purview of the Walpole Conservation Commission as several members remember that it was not done in the past.
- There have been inquiries about the vacant position on the WCC. Laura Hayes has submitted a letter of interest, Cliff Peters has not yet sent in a letter, and Steve Dumont (formerly on the Charlestown Conservation Commission) will be moving to Walpole and expressed interest. After discussion, Peska moved to recommend to the Selectboard to appoint Laura Hayes to fill the WCC vacancy. Mr. Palmiotto seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Alternate slots are available should the other two finish the requirements for consideration.
- Repairs to the Bellows Falls Dam near Aumand Furniture have started.
- Kensen has volunteered to monitor the Lazaro Easement as it has not yet been done.
Old Business
- Reservoir Dam; as noted earlier, Mr. Houghton submitted the form to DES with expected improvements and maintenance.
- Public Meeting on Route 12 expansion; expected to happen Spring/Summer 2018
- Fanny Mason trail loop. Palmiotto moved to request proposals for finishing the trail loop pending information from Mr. Shelley. Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Other
Sharlene Beaudry passed on June 7, 2017. Mr. Peska moved to allocate up to $50 for Ms. Flammia to purchase a card and gift to be delivered to the Beaudrys. Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
The next meeting will be Monday, August 7, 2017.
Mr. Palmiotto moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:05pm. Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary
NOTE: These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game – 9/26/17
Peggy Jellie, class advisor for Fall Mountain’s class of 2020, asked me to alert you to their fund raiser. This early notice gives you time to purchase tickets at a reduced rate. – Lil
Fall Mountain Class of 2020 will be hosting the Harlem Wizards basketball game on September 26th, 2017. The game starts at 7 and doors open at 6pm at Fall Mountain Regional High School.
Ticket prices are students $10 in advance and $12 at the door, adults $12 in advance and $14 at the door.
Starting on August 21st tickets can be found at Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, VT, Walpole Grocery in Walpole, NH and Charlestown House of Pizza in Charlestown, NH.
Tickets can now be purchased online at https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/orders/new .
Walpole, NH Complete Streets Recommendations
If you do your “homework” here on the Walpolean, you have been hearing a lot about the Complete Streets. Here is the report of recommendations from SRPC to the Planning Board. – Lil
Note: The recommendations listed below were developed by the with input from Southwest Region Planning Commission staff and Walpole Police Chief Mike Paquette.
- VILLAGE OF WALPOLE
- Speeds: The speed limit, which is 25 mph, should be clearly marked and enforced. Consider installing a speed limit sign on South St. as drivers enter the village and another sign on Main St. near Mascoma Bank.
- Crosswalks: There should be more crosswalks in the village to make it easier for pedestrians to get around. Recommended locations for crosswalks include near Jake’s/Mascoma Bank (across Main St.) and at the intersection of South Street and Main Street (across South St. to connect sidewalk on Main St. to sidewalk on Old Keene Road). Crosswalks should be combined with signs that say “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead,” signs in the crosswalk that say “State Law: Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk,” and/or painted markings that say “Yield to Pedestrian.”
- Walkway/sidewalk near Jake’s and Mascoma Bank: The painted walkway on the northwest corner of the Westminster St./Main St. intersection, should be maintained regularly with fresh paint to ensure the walkway is visible to motorists. In the long term, part or all of this walkway should be converted to a sidewalk.
- Shared Bicycle Lane Markings (i.e. “sharrows”): Consider adding sharrows to Main Street and other roads in the village to indicate that motorists should share the road with bicyclists. For roads with parallel parking, sharrows should be placed outside the “door zone” of parked cars. For roads with diagonal parking, sharrows should be placed in the middle of the travel lane (closer to the yellow line) to direct bicyclists away from cars backing out of angled parking spaces.
- Fountain on Westminster St.: Consider adding roadway markings and signage to clarify how motorists should navigate around the fountain in the intersection of Westminster St. and Main St.
- Middle St.: Consider removing parking on one side of Middle Street to improve safety & ease for two-way traffic.
- Elm Street near Town Hall: Consider changing Elm Street to a one-way street, or changing the on-street parking to not be angled.
- AREAS NEAR THE SCHOOL
- Main St. connection from school to Walpole Village: Consider traffic calming, adding sharrows and/or a bike lane for students that bicycle, and education to raise awareness among students and drivers about how to safely share the road and decrease incidents of students walking in the travel lane.
- Main St. connection from school to Mill Pond: Consider widening and improving the surface condition of the shoulders along this stretch of road where space allows. In addition, consider placing signage that says “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” to alert motorists to likely pedestrian crossing locations.
- NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE
- Crosswalk on River St./Route 12: Consider working with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to install a pedestrian crosswalk near the Stateline Grocery where the sidewalk ends on one side of the road and continues on the other side of the road. In addition, consider placing crosswalks
- Lighting on Arch Bridge: Consider maintaining lighting on Arch Bridge for pedestrian and driver safety.
- Informal pedestrian railroad crossing from Church St. to Center St.: According to Chief Paquette, some students cross the railroad tracks to get from the bus stop on Church St. to Center St. as a shortcut to get home. Consider working with the School Bus company to change the location of the bus stop, improve the fence to block children from crossing at this location, creating a pedestrian tunnel, and/or working with the police dept. to identify other strategies to address the situation.
- DREWSVILLE VILLAGE
- Traffic Calming on Whitcomb Rd.: Work with the NHDOT to implement traffic calming strategies to slow drivers as they enter Drewsville Village. Strategies could include, but are not limited, to narrowing the travel lanes by moving the fog lines in and more clearly defining the edge of the travel lane throughout the village.
Planning Board Workshop Meeting – 7/25/17
Town of Walpole
Planning Board Workshop Minutes
July 25, 2017
7 pm
Present: Robert Miller, Vice-Chair, Dennis Marcom, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative, Alternate: Joanna Andros, Mari Brunner, planner with Southwest Regional Planning Commission, Ali Gilleran, an intern at SWRPC.
The purpose of this meeting was to come up with several recommendations to present to the Selectboard. Mr. Miller reminded everyone at the meeting that these were only recommendations and the Planning Board had no power to implement them.
Here are some of the suggestions:
Crosswalk at the library: Paint picture of person walking with the words YIELD. Also add signage about state law of pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Slow traffic coming into the Village: Sharrows in the road closer to the village near Dave and Ellen Adams home. Another 25 mph sign.
Put back sidewalk around Jake’s Variety Store: It is believed that Sandri removed the sidewalk when they did modifications to fuel tank. Sidewalk should be 5 feet at Sandri’s expense.
Sidewalk around Mascoma Bank.
Signage at Hooper Institute to Be Aware of pedestrians crossing.
Middle Street: Consider parking one side only.
Make Elm Street a one-way street.
Keep arrows on the road around the fountain permanent.
Educate students walking to and from the school about walking in the road. The first responsibility of this safety feature should come from the parents. Maybe a notice from the school should be sent home. Another possiblity is the principal points out the dangers in a school meeting. A third approach is to have someone from the police department talk about safety while walking to school.
Signage at Mill Pond about pedestrians.
Crosswalk at South Street going from Main Street to sidewalk on Old Keene Road.
Drewsville – line painted in front of the store should be painted yearly because road edge disappears as you come around the curve due to cars going in and out of store’s parking lot. Perhaps someone from the store could do this when the white line disappears.
North Walpole – changes on Church Street must have state approval. Add a crosswalk at Stateline Beverage store.
Something to consider long term – Sidewalk from the school to Agway.
This list will be discussed at the next Planning Board meeting to get input from Board members who could not make the meeting. It will then go to the Selectboard and the Planning Board would like the Selectboard to respond to the Planning Board by saying if the Board is going to follow through on each item and, if not, why.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 7/20/17
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
JULY 20, 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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There was one person from the public in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Ford Avenue Surface Water Drainage: Ms. Jennifer Jones lives on Ford Avenue. With the recent storms she had some water run-off damage, took pictures and drew a diagram of the area. She explained the flow of water into her yard/garden. Mrs. Pschirrer noted they have talked with several property owners, including some who live on Ford Avenue, who attended a previous meeting. Ms. Jones had talked with her neighbor about putting in a stone lined ditch on their side of the property line so the water flows straight down and into the road. She had Dig-Safe come in to check her property before doing anything and they discovered something electrical in her yard which she identified on the picture. Not much can be done on her own property because of the ledge and trees. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned Ms. Brown and Ms. Stewart have been working with the USDA about the stream that runs underneath Prospect Hill Road and surfaces in the Jeffries’ yard. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Rau will be meeting with a USDA representative to walk the property to see what can be done to prevent flooding in the future. They are trying to determine if some of these areas qualify for federal funding because a lot of engineering will need to be done. The Town cannot do anything in the streams without permission from the State. Ms. Jones will talk to her neighbors again about the ditch. She will also talk to Ms. Brown and Ms. Stewart as they are working to avoid future flooding in that neighborhood. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned she should document what they are proposing to do. The Selectboard is concerned about several areas.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $626,515.99 for checks dated July 21, 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 in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending July 15, 2017 in the amount of $25,803.97 for checks dated July 21, 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 $5,433.48 for the week ending July 15, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 13, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 13, 2017, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 6, 2017: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 6, 2017, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed.
Seconded by Ms. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted. Ms. Mayberry abstained as she was not present at this meeting.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 13, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 13, 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 accepted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
- North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 5, 2017;
- Planning Board – July 11, 2017;
- Hooper Institute Committee – July 11, 2017.
BUILDING PERMIT:
PETER and KIMBERLY KING, 46 Dearborn Circle, Map and Lot #012-055-022: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2017-20 for Peter and Kimberly King to “Construct a 24’ x 12’ deck” on Map and Lot #012-055-022. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
INTENT TO EXCAVATE – Avanru Development Group, Red Barn Lane, Map and Lot #012-013-003: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Intent to Excavate for Avanru Development Group Ltd. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Finance Reports:
MS-535: Mr. Kreissle advised that this form was prepared by the auditors and he reviewed it.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the MS-535 form. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. This form helps set the tax rate.
Auditor’s Bill: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the invoice from the Town’s auditors for 2016 in the amount of $12,500.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Deficiency Worksheet: The Selectboard received a Control Deficiency Worksheet from the auditors.
Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the acknowledgement page that the Selectboard received and read this Deficiency Worksheet. Mrs. Pschirrer is authorized to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. . Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Knowledge of Fraud: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this Governance form as requested by the auditors. Mrs. Pschirrer is authorized to sign this form. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer met with the Auditors two-or-three times while they were in the office. Mr. Kreissle met with them frequently.
Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds: Mrs. Pschirrer recommended this be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy: Ms. Mayberry moved to adopt the Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Water and Sewer Invoice Collection Procedure: Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Water and Sewer Invoice Collection Procedure. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Water and Sewer Income Report: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 7/20/2017. Total Receipts were $267,502.57 or about 82.22%. The Total Left to Collect is $57,799.09 or about 17.78%. Ms. Mayberry mentioned that Mrs. Barbara O’Brien wants to know how the Town calculates the sewer bills.
NEW BUSINESS:
Police Department: A purchase order was received from the Police Department for installation of equipment in the interrogation room in the amount of $649.00 under Warrant Article No. 5. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to send it back as it is not building maintenance and therefore does not fit the Warrant Article.
MS-1 Extension Request Form: Mrs. Downing advised they want to meet the September 1st deadline but might not be able to do so because the Revaluaton Update Report from Avitar Associates must be accepted before completing the form.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the MS-1 Extension Request form. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Hooper Institute Youth Workers personnel form. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Recreation Department Revolving Fund Request: A request was received from the Recreation Department that they would like to purchase twelve Walpole Recreation shirts for the current staff. The total cost is $121.60.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request from the Recreation Department to purchase twelve Walpole Recreation shirts for the staff in the amount of $121.60. This will be taken out of the Recreation Department Revolving Fund. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Hooper Institute Appointment Notice: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Mrs. Heather Brady to the Hooper Institute Board. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
North Walpole Village Volunteers: Ms. Mayberry provided some history on the North Walpole Park area. The Town owns the Park.
Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard will accept the North Walpole Village Park land as a part of the Town of Walpole therefore the same agreements and forms will apply. It will be covered under the Town’s insurance coverage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
2016 DRA Property Assessment Review: Mrs. Downing reported that the Town failed to meet the DRA’s Current Use and Land Use Change Tax standards. There should be a procedure in place to follow-up on these deficiencies. Mrs. Pschirrer said some time will be set aside to work on this.
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, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:06 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 20, 2017, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Bar Set: Mrs. Downing would like to advertise and sell the patio bar set that is in the basement for $200.00. The price new would be about $350-to-$400. The Selectboard approved this request.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:10 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 825 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
Highway Department: The Selectboard reviewed the proposal received from the CLD engineer. Ms. Mayberry suggested obtaining a break-down on the individual projects. Mr. Dalessio feels some of the work could be done by Town employees. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they need an engineer for dams and bridges. The Reservoir Dam has a deadline. They will continue to look into the Mitigation Funds. Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to Mr. Rau about this engineer; maybe he could write a report of their meeting.
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 8:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Town of Walpole Staff Meeting – 7/20/17
TOWN OF WALPOLE
STAFF MEETING
JULY 20, 2017
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration), Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance), Michael Rau (Road Agent), Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department), Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Justine Rogers (Librarian); Justin Cassarino (Director-Recreation Department; Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute)
Call to Order: Mrs. Pschirrer called the 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 Sandra Smith were unable to attend this meeting.
Mrs. Pschirrer welcomed Mrs. Lindsey Guyette who is the Administrative Assistant working for the Highway Department. She will be assisting Mr. Rau, answering the phone, handling invoices, catching up on reports, and will also be a flagger, when needed.
Finance Department: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that no later than September 1st the Selectboard would like to have the first draft of the proposed 2018 budget from all Department Heads. They would also like to have proposed Warrant Articles so they will have an idea of what is being contemplated. Mr. Kreissle is pretty much on target. The Department Heads received their budgets. The only 2017 Warrant Article still open is the one for maintenance of Town buildings and the Library. Mrs. Justine Rogers said they got their air conditioning system but Houghton put them on a schedule for the other two items. Mr. Mark Houghton will be contacted as the Town needs to have their invoice for the Library. Mr. Rau noted the garage roof is finished.
Mrs. Pschirrer advised that we are essentially a little more than six months into the year; 54% of the budget has been spent but we are doing well. Paving will begin the first part of August and that will take a good part of the budget. Mr. Dalessio is pleased at this point. He is concerned with the building maintenance warranty because some work has not yet been done. We do not want to over-run that Warrant.
Recreation Department: Mr. Justin Cassarino, Director, submitted the following report as of July 18, 2017:
Pool:
- The pool has been very busy with a lot of new swimmers. The Bellows Falls pool was shut down for maintenance, so their daily swimmers came to us. There were a lot of birthday parties this year.
- The new swimming instructor is doing a great job and the kids are really enjoying his upbeat personality during each lesson. He is getting feedback from the parents about what they would like to see to help improve our levels. All of the Session Two classes have participants and some signed up for Session Three as well.
- They had their safety training with the Walpole Fire Department on July 6th. Everyone was very impressed with how the staff handled the situations and said that this was a very good crew. Jane Skantze and Kate McNally, who work for Coalition for Tobacco Free Communities, will be doing a staff training on August 1st on how to deal with patrons that are smoking/vaping on the park and will not leave.
Basketball:
- Season is going very well and game nights are always a busy day at the park.
- They have been having an easier time finding people to referee the games this season.
- Sam Jacobs has given them permission to use the Walpole Elementary School Gym on days that it is raining so they do not have to reschedule the games.
Soccer:
- They are meeting on July 29th with the league to discuss the upcoming season.
Upcoming Events:
- Candy Bar BINGO (August 2nd or 4th). They are leaning toward August 4th as there is a family event in the Town Hall.
- Bubble Soccer (August 19th) but they are still exploring this.
Walpole Library: Mrs. Fafara submitted a report dated July 20, 2017. At the top of her report are the Stats as follows:
June 2016 Stats: June 2017 Stats:
26 Days Open 26 Days Open
1638 People 1665 People
2207 Circ. 2228 Circ.
43 Programs 36 Programs
216 Kids 184 Kids
28 Teens 40 Teens
257 Adults 161 Adults
June 2016 Avg. 63 ppl & 85 circ per day June 2017 Avg. 64 ppl & 86 circ per day
12 people per program 11 people per program
Jan-June 2016 Avg: 60 ppl & 86 circ Jan-June 2017 Avg. 62 ppl & 91 circ
11 people per program 12 people per program
614 distinct active users (15% of pop.) 703 distinct active users (18% of pop.)
There are 100 more active users than last year. Things are growing. This summer a lot of people got new Library cards. Their air conditioners arrived just in time as it was quite warm. The lighting project and disassembling the old air conditioning system are the other two pieces they are waiting to have done. She was told they are on the Houghton list. Summer reading is going well. Sixty-five kids registered for the summer reading program. Their biggest program of the summer was last Thursday, Wildlife Encounters brings some zoo animals for the kids to learn about and hold. Thirty-two kids and 16 adults attended. They had a program today and made Super Hero caps. Next month they will have an individual talk about butterflies and they will make t-shirts with butterfly stencils, etc.
Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Rogers to share information on the expansion of the building at Staff Meetings. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Library Board is talking to Mr. Dan Scully, architect from Keene, using the property that is available to them. They have to talk to their neighbors about using some space when a truck needs to come in, for a dumpster, etc. Mrs. Rogers has no office; the children’s programs are growing significantly, and there is a need to re-organize the space they have. They will also have a community room. The biggest challenge is the roof line; the problem is water coming off the roof. Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed they would bring drawings, etc. to the Staff Meeting as their plans move forward. They need to raise their own money to do this so there will be a fundraiser in the future.
Highway Department: Mr. Mike Rau submitted a report for the period of June 15 to July 19, 2017. Mr. Rau reported the flooding took about two weeks of repairs and cleaning-up. They are still finding a few areas that need repairs. Two culverts needed to be replaced this week.
- Did Cold Patching;
- Serviced trucks and equipment;
- Met with CLD Engineering for flooding; they looked at five of the major sites. A proposal was received. The Selectboard will look at it during their regular meeting tonight.
- Replaced catch basin in North Walpole;
- Dug out culvert ends;
- Cleaned off catch basins;
- Fixed washouts from 6/19/17 flooding;
- Cleaned out catch basins with vacuum truck; it was time as some had not been done in about eight years;
- Put out and took care of trash cans for Old Home Days; Mr. Rau would like earlier communication with the committee for the next Old Home Days event. Dalessio recommended he send a note to Ms. Kelly Hicks so it will be on their list of things to do.
- Fixed Valley Road for paving;
- Put up street signs;
- Did road side mowing; the tractor is working great. They will stop doing this during the paving work but then will finish doing it.
- Replaced culvert on County Road and North Road.
Mr. Dalessio would like to have a trash can put on the Drewsville Common. It has been requested that two more cans be put on the Town Common during the band concerts. There are two cans but four cans are needed. Mr.Rau said the North Walpole Park people have been coming in regularly asking for items. Mr. Rau has been giving them stone, grass seed and a few other items to help out. They are looking to get a bench. They will do their own bike racks. One will be at the Library and the second one at the Park. Mrs. Pschirrer advised the flooding led to a lot of over-time for the Highway Department. Mr. Rau and Mrs. Pschirrer are meeting with representatives from the USDA and will walk an “unknown name” stream that flooded Ford Avenue.
Recycling Center: Mr. Paul Colburn would still like to have the ash removed. Mr. Rau will take care of that. Mr. Colburn mentioned making some changes in his hand-outs and they are not finished yet. They are cutting the information back to 3 years instead of 5 years. Mr. Colburn explained the “5 Year Comparison to Recyclables” and the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison” worksheets. He noted that Hubbard’s rotates their bulbs so they got a big shipment of bulbs in 2016. The Year Forecast was $30,000; to-date the figure is $24,745. The weather also affects the Recycling Center; people choose not to come in if it is raining or snowing. Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Mr. Kreissle provides a monthly report on the Recycling Revenues. As of July 19, 2017 the Budget figure was $166,350.00; the Actual is $93,815.66. The Annual Forecast for Recyclables was 374.00/ton; the Annual Estimate is 411.84/ton or a 9.6% increase.
Green Mountain Railroad came to the Recycling Center and gave them several items. TransCanada has done a similar thing. Other commercial entities have brought in various items including office paper and cardboard. They started a trailer program with the Fall Mountain Regional School District. They bring in trailer loads of recyclables to the Center. School teachers have come in for various items for classroom projects. They also will take back any extras that were taken and not used. They have three young Hooper students working this summer. The FMRSD gave the Center about 45 lockers. If anyone would like some let him know because they will eventually be crushed. Mr. Colburn has had several 18 and under-age people willing to volunteer but he does not have a way of doing that. Mrs. Pschirrer said it could be done but would take some time to put together a program similar to what the Hooper Institute uses. Let’s talk about developing something for the future.
Mr. Colburn reported they lost power for a few hours so took the opportunity to hold a class on operating the Center. They had a truck in the Old Home Days parade, there were problems but they made it.
Hooper Institute: Mrs. Eloise Clark reported they had more than 100 kids involved in the summer programs. One group is for the 1st through 4th grades; another group is 5th grade through the 8th grade and the High School programs continue through the summer. The mentors where the kids are working are great. Mr. Dalessio encouraged everyone to attend Hooper Institute meeting when the students report on their scholarships and accomplishments in college. The trust money is well worth the investment in these young adults.
Police Department: The Police Department submitted a report for the period of June 15, 2017 through July 15, 2017. Sgt. Justin Sanctuary distributed and explained the reports. The total number of calls for service was 455.
- Public Safety Calls -169:
Emergency Calls – 54 Administrative – 41 Citizen Assists – 74
- Motor Vehicle Calls – 174:
Accidents – 6 MV Stops – 140 Traffic Safety – 18
- Criminal Investigations – 112:
Drugs/Alcohol – 50 Crimes Against A Person– 42 Crimes Against Property -20
Sgt. Sanctuary reported that Drugs and Alcohol are up. They are still doing the extra patrols through the Safety Grant. The department had a lot of vacation time in July and will have more in August. They will pick up their new cruiser tomorrow. Houghton will be there the week of August 7th to do some building maintenance. They finished Narcon training. There were two robberies; one in Walpole and one in North Walpole. There were four deaths in the last month that they continue to work on. It takes a lot of time. The towers on Fall Mountain have had more activity so more alarms have been going on. They are looking for creative ways to get up there. Mrs. Pschirrer said New England Power is concerned about the poles; they are supposed to notify the Selectboard Office when they start to work up there.
Selectboard Office: Mrs. Downing submitted a report dated July 20, 2017.
Water and Sewer:
- Water and Sewer bills were posted on 6/14/17. Payment processing and customer service requests have been very high for the past month. Over 130 users came to the Selectboard Office to hand-deliver their payments.
- Reminder Notices, Demand of Payment Notices and Final Notices Before Lien/Disconnect will be posted to overdue accounts by the end of the week (7/21/2017).
- A Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy from the Selectboard and Water and Sewer Invoice Collections Procedure have been created and are being reviewed before final acceptance.
Assessing Update:
- In late August, a letter will be sent to property owners with a link to a draft tax card which can be reviewed online and be downloaded to print. Owners can also query the system to view comparable properties. We are encouraging all property owners to review their draft cards.
- If there are questions with how assessments were arrived at or if you believe your property tax card contains inaccurate physical data, residents should call to arrange for an informal hearing with one of the Avitar Assessors. The hearings will be held at the Town Hall following the phone call process.
- The fall tax bill will reflect updated property values.
Town Hall Facilities:
- The top of the Town Hall foundation is receiving a new coating of sealant. Landscaping clean-up and spot painting of problem exterior spots is also occurring.
Appreciation Gathering for Town Employees and Volunteers:
- A date and type of get together is needed so that planning can move forward with reserving a space and hiring a caterer. Feedback from the Selectboard and Department Managers is being sought.
A decision was made to have a similar BBQ as last year. Mrs. Downing will work on a date so arrangements can be made for a space and caterer. More information to follow.
Town Clerk – Tax Collector: Mrs. Sandy Smith was unable to attend but submitted the following report for the period of June 15 to July 19, 2017: This has been a very busy month as the due date for property taxes was July 3rd. It is amazing how many people love to come in the last day! Then they have the property owners that put the check in the mail and then call to see if they have received it. They collected $6,517,527.77 in taxes and interest as of July 19th. Of that they collected $3,985,147.44 just since the last staff meeting! Their uncollected is $410,133.49 for the spring bills and just $728,200.00 total uncollected.
They are now busy answering questions from realtors regarding “closings”, people checking to make certain that their mortgage companies have paid their tax.
The Clerk Department has collected $5,507.50. $5,327.00 for motor vehicle registrations; approx. 500 registrations each month. They receive lots of calls requesting estimates for auto registrations. The caller does not have all the information that they need so it can be time consuming.
They have only collected $55.00 in dog licenses. Meghan has been telephoning delinquent dog owners and it is bringing in a few payments. Some just forget and with a reminder they are happy to come in and then we have the others with NO intention to pay! They don’t feel this is a tax they should pay as their dog never leaves their yard. They explain that this is mandated by the State of New Hampshire and they still say they will not pay. They say the dog died, but you drive by and the dog is there. They also say that the dog that you see in their yard is NOT their dog! Most towns and cities have these same problems with dogs. At least we don’t have very many dog complaints. Much easier to collect taxes than dog fees!
Adjournment: Mrs. Pschirrer closed this Staff Meeting at 6:08 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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