The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; (Absent – Whitney Aldrich)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five people in attendance.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:50 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of February 2, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $89,589.70 for checks dated February 3, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 28, 2017, in the amount of $23,983.24 for checks dated February 3, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICIA taxes in the amount of $5,294.46 for the week ending January 28, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 26, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 26, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 26, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 26, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – January 9, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 17, 2017.

Mrs. Pschirrer did a presentation, at the Conservation Commission meeting, on the proposed donation of the Westberg property to the Town.  She will be sending a few changes to the Minutes to the Secretary.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #028-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $12.87 for Map and Lot #028-013-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #003-083-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $22.68 for Map and Lot #003-083-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #012-055-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $103.27 for Map & Lot #012-055-002.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #019-022-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $51.02 for Map and Lot #019-022-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Thank You Note from Kathy dePasquale:  Mrs. Pschirrer read the following note received from Kathy dePasquale:  “Thank you for your reassuring reply – and solution – to the “Middle St. exit issue”.  We look forward to safer days ahead.  We are fortunate in this wonderful town to have such diligent guardians of the public trust. Attention to these things means so much. Warm wishes, Kathy dePasquale.”

Personnel Policy Handbook:  Mrs. Pschirrer went over this Handbook with the Department Managers and there were a few typo changes but no substantive changes.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Personnel Policy Handbook.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that every Department Manager was asked to distribute the Personnel Policy Handbook to their employees.  She will attend a department meeting if there are questions.  There was discussion relative to the Life Insurance coverage.  A list of the employees covered by the Term Life insurance was received.  Unfortunately one employee was not added when hired but it will go back to his date of employment.  After age 65 it decreases in value. Mr. Dalessio would like to have a representative of the agency come in to make a presentation to the Selectboard and full-time employees and to answer questions or, at least, have them provide brochures.

Town Budget:  The Selectboard reviewed the 2017 proposed Town Budget.  Mr. Dalessio will double check on the numbers with Mr. Kreissle. This Warrant Article will be written by Mr. Kreissle.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept $3,729,595.00 as the Operating Budget.  This includes $130,000.00 for Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio advised this represents a 3.41% increase in the budget.

Warrant Articles:  Following a review of the 2017 Warrant Articles the Selectboard made a decision to vote on whether or not to accept them next week.  The Warrant Articles will be sent to the Department of Revenue Administration for their comments.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt No. 12 needs to include all the information rather than the shortened version.

NEW BUSINESS:

Shane O’Keefe, Interim Municipal Manager of the Town of Rockingham/Village of Bellows Falls:  Mr. Dalessio talked to Mr. O’Keefe.  There was some misinformation that the Vilas Bridge was being discussed with Southwest Regional Planning Commission.  Mr. J.B. Mack at SWRPC is not aware of anything new on the Vilas Bridge.

Release of Information Letter for Financial Auditors:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Mr. Steve Dalessio, to sign the Release of Information Letter for the Financial Auditors.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NH License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers for Eric Frink:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant and sign the NH License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers for Eric Frink.  He has received permission from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Revolving Fund Request for Expenditure:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Request for Expenditure from the Walpole Police Department to purchase (1) Decatur Scout, Handheld Radar Unit for the sum of $999.00 from their Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot #026-010-000 Ownership re: National Grid:  Mr. Dalessio recommended this be put on-hold until more research on the matter has been done.   Mrs. Pschirrer suggested this be sent to Attorney Hockensmith for his review.

Citizen Report #2017-6 re: Town Common Utility Poles:  A resident would like to see all telephone poles put underground on the Town Common.  Mr. Dalessio noted it is a good idea but is financially impracticable for the Town to undertake.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:20 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of February 2, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.
 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PUBLIC HEARING

JANUARY 26, 2017

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

Others Present:             Steven Rickerich, Cheryl Mayberry, Ray Boas, Raynie Laware, Karen Crowley; Sarah Downing, Regina Borden

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He announced this Public Hearing was advertised and duly posted that “The Walpole Selectboard will be holding a Public Hearing Regarding the Donation of Map 20, Lots 65 and 66 from the Estate of Nils Westberg (former site of Central Plating) to the Town of Walpole at 6:00 pm at the Walpole Town Hall”

Mr. Dalessio introduced Steven Rickerich of Ransom Environment, Consulting Engineers and Scientists, who will be doing the testing. Mr. Rickerich displayed a large map of the area and distributed smaller copies.  He explained the lay-out of the area.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that in 2002 the Town of Walpole adopted “RSA 41:14-a” which enables the Town to accept this property provided they hold meetings with both the Conservation Commission and Planning Board to get their approval and the Selectboard has done this.  This is the first of two Public Hearings the Selectboard will hold.  This offer came to the Town from the Westberg Estate. They would be happy to give it to the Town for $1.00.  This would enable them to close the Estate.  This is a “Brownfields” property because of the past contamination.  There is a Town easement into the property (driveway beside the former Murray’s Restaurant). Leaning House LLC has an agreement for a right-of-way in another area of Town property.

On January 3^rd, 2017, the Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) held a Brownfields meeting in which they agreed to accept this project. They hired Mr. Rickerich to continue doing the research that actually was started a few years ago but then discontinued.

Mr. Rickerich is a professional geologist.  Sanborn had done Phase I and did some work on Phase II.  There concerns were identified at that time and reported to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  They identified a chromium problem about 13-to-15 feet below grade and also discovered there was nickel on the property.  The nickel area is small about 10 feet.  There were some petroleum contaminants. There was a wastewater pre-treatment facility and from there it went to the Town’s sewer line. It appears to be migrating a little off-site.  There is a groundwater problem. The DES asked for more detailed work but that is when the project ceased.  The soils are sand and then they get into a clay soil.  The water table is above the clay.  The chromium does not appear to be sinking.  They will do borings in different locations.  The sumps are still in the ground and need to be cleaned out.  The Central Plating building is now gone.  They are going to do an investigation and prepare a Remedial Action Plan.  Different options will be considered.  In this case it is mostly dig it up, haul it off and dispose of it. After that is done the Town will have a choice as to whether they want to proceed or not.  He would not recommend the Town take the property over until the State has reviewed and approved the Ransom Environment work.  The DES will over-see it.  They will look at the cost for continued groundwater monitoring.  Approval from the DES will be by letter.

Residential Lot 63 on the plan is the Walpole Foundation property.  Ransom Environment would also need to get permission from them to do some of their work.  The types of contaminants in the groundwater will not affect their building.

Mr. Rickerich mentioned they will be looking for a suite of PFCs (hydrophobic) contaminants that became regulated over the past summer.

There is an opportunity to seek additional funding through the EPA.  There is a Clean-Up Grant and the Town can get up to $200,000 for each of the two sites.  The Town will need these grants and will apply with the assistance of the SWRPC.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the sewer lines will be capped off.  Mr. Rickerich replied that is a good question because those lines are not being used any more.  Mrs. Pschirrer questioned after the work is done how do they get the approval of the State and Federal Government?  Mr. Rickerich said that grants are not guaranteed.  They usually fund clean-up grants; if they are not approved the first time, the Town could apply again.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this is right in the middle of the downtown business area.  There is an economical reason why they need the parking lot.  Mr. Rickerich felt a parking lot is good but if it is a part of a development that would help toward receiving a favorable grant review.

Ms. Karen Crowley, Walpole Foundation, asked what the time line will be.  Mr. Rickerich replied at the SWRPC January 3^rd meeting, they got approval to move forward.  They will now do a Site Specific Quality Improvement Plan; it lays out their Scope of Work.  This will now get run by the DES and they will respond with their comments.  After that Ransom has 30 days to review it.  They would start their work probably in March after the snow is gone and generate a report in 4-to-6 weeks.  They expect to be done in July.  That will go to the State and they have a month or two to provide comments.  It could be the end of summer or early fall.  There is another step the Town will have to do, a Phase I, an Environmental Site Assessment.  It would protect the Town from the Federal Government going after the Town.  Phase 1 has to be done within a six month period which is the shelf-life of the Phase.  Ransom Environment will do Phase 1 again before the Town acquires the property.  DES was okay with them doing Phase II now.  It is always possible they will find something Sanborn missed but he is confident of their work.  Mrs. Pschirrer said after that is done the grant period begins in October.  Mr. Rickerich noted they cannot apply for the grants unless they are the owner.  An announcement on the recipients of the grants might not happen until April 2018. In July, Rasom will start the Phase I process. The Selectboard should be conducting some out-reach to get support for the donation from community organizations.

There being no other public comments, Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 6:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 26, 2017

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:40 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five people in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $6,342.74 for checks dated January 27, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 21, 2017, in the amount of $24,500.68 for checks dated January 27, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,368.56 for the week ending January 21, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 19, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 19, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 19, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of January 19, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING – January 19, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of January 19, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – January 18, 2017;
• Walpole Planning Board Workshop – January 24, 2017.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter to Kathy Depasquale:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the letter to Kathy Depasquale who has concerns on the intersection of Middle Street and Main Street.  The Selectboard asked Road Agent, Mike Rau, to mark parking places on Main Street and leave the required space from the intersection open.  Further, they can put a sign “No parking here to corner”.  Middle Street is a narrow street so parking should be on only one side as emergency vehicles must have easy access to the street.  They can also mark the street for limited parking.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the Warrant Articles and made minor edits.  Mr. Dalessio will discuss the budget presentation with Mr. Kreissle.

NEW BUSINESS:

2017 Budget Summary and Detail Reports:  The Selectboard received and reviewed the 2017 Budget Summary and Detail Reports from Mr. Kreissle.  Mr. Dalessio will review this with him.

Correction Request re: Selectboard Minutes:  Referring to the January 12, 2017, Selectboard Minutes, on page 2, under Warrant Articles:  Mrs. Smith asked for clarification that there is only one Planning Board Warrant Article on Detached Dwelling Units rather than two Articles.  Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board, will be submitting that Warrant Article and not Sandra Smith or Marilou Blaine.

Concerts on the Green for Summer 2017:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Savings Bank of Walpole announcing they are again sponsoring their Concerts on the Green series.  They will begin on Sunday, June 25, 2017 and continue every Sunday thereafter through August 13, 2017.  The first 2017 concert will be sponsored by the Boy Scouts for Old Home Day weekend.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request from the Savings Bank of Walpole to hold their eight concerts on the Common Green in the summer of 2017.  The Town Hall will be used if there is bad weather.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Eloise Clark – Thank You Note:  The Selectboard received a Thank You note for the $25.00 Holiday gift card that went out to the employees.  Mrs. Pschirrer also got a Thank You from a volunteer.

Citizen’s Report re: Plowing:  A Citizen’s Report was received regarding the sidewalk plow leaving snow at the end of their driveway.  Mr. Rau talked to two people about this.

NH Ten Year Plan (TYP) for DOT:  Ms. Mayberry reported the Town does not have any projects on this NH Ten Year Plan.  There are some on a pending list.  The first week in February the Southwest Regional Planning Commission goes over the list in more detail.  They can submit projects.  It was noted that road conditions on South Street, Prospect Hill and County Road are in very bad condition and they are State roads that should be considered as major roads.  Ms. Mayberry advised that most of the roads in the surrounding area are Class 3 roads.

Primex Feedback re: Bio-hazard Claim: Mrs. Downing reported on a Bio-hazard clean-up claim the Town submitted to Primex.  The bill from ServPro was $2,500 was submitted to Primex who thought that price was high.  A new company was found who would not charge that much and can be used in the future.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned when they need a quick clean-up that department can use ServPro.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:10 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:51 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 26, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr.  Dalessio.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary