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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/19/17
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
JANUARY 19, 2017
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; 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 three people in attendance.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $613,019.75 for checks dated January 20, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
(Note: The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.)
PAYROLL:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 14, 2017, in the amount of $20,459.70, for checks dated January 20, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members 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 $4,281.89 for the week ending January 14, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 12, 2017: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 12, 2017, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Mr. Dalessio noted a change on page 3, Trust Funds, change “Mr. Dalessio looked at the Trust Fund” to “Mr. Dalessio looked at the Capital Reserve Trust Fund”. With three Selectboard members in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
- Walpole Planning Board – January 10, 2017;
- Walpole Fire District Budget Hearing.
Mr. Dalessio noted the Selectboard would make their suggestions for corrections directly to the Walpole Planning Board for their January 10, 2017, meeting minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Walpole Fire District: The Walpole Fire District scheduled their Public Hearing on the Budget for Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Fire Station.
Warrant Articles: Mr. Dalessio reported the Selectboard and Mr. Kreissle continue to make minor changes and need to finish editing.
Town Hall Rental Fall Mtn. Class of 1997: It had previously been agreed that the Fall Mtn. Class of 1997 would be required to purchase TULIP insurance coverage for their rental of the Town Hall. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to charge them the Resident Fee.
Citizen’s “Complaints”: Mrs. Edkins noted that previously Citizen’s “Complaints” were known as Citizen’s “Reports”. The Selectboard agreed that this change be made to “Citizen’s Reports”.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recreation Committee – Request: A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino, on behalf of the Recreation Committee, to purchase new uniforms for the Winter Basketball League. The current uniforms are oversized and the screen printing is starting to peel off on both sides. The total cost for the reversible uniforms is $1,347. The Recreation Committee all agreed to ask if they could use the Revolving Fund to purchase these uniforms.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant permission for the Recreation Committee to purchase new uniforms, as described in their letter, for the Winter Basketball League for the amount of $1,347 and to use their Revolving Fund for payment. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
Public Hearing on Westberg Property: The Public Hearing on the Westberg property is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Mrs. Pschirrer received a letter from Attorney Mark Iacono, attorney for the Westberg Estate. She would like to send it to Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith to make him aware of this.
Parking Lot: Mrs. Pschirrer has a copy of the lease on the parking lot from Mascoma Bank but no one has been able to find an up-dated lease that should have occurred in 2012 and now in 2017. She will continue to pursue resolving this matter. Mrs. Downing will be asked to start two files; one on the parking lot leases and the second one for the Warranty Deed on the Leaning House property that was given to the Town.
Zoning Board Letters Dated January 2017 (To and From Patricia Rodrigues): The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of several various documents from Patricia Rodrigues. This is still a Zoning Board issue. Mr. Dalessio advised the ZBA made a decision and Ms. Rodrigues (a Westmoreland resident) has the right to go to the Superior Court with it. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the ZBA has sent a letter to Ms. Rodrigues / John Corduff.
EFT Payroll Direct Deposit Dates: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Rich Kreissle will have to change the procedure for direct deposits of payroll. They will now have to go in the bank for Friday deposits. Previously bank deposits were made before paper checks were issued on a Friday. Both have to be done on the same day. It is a timing issue for direct deposits. The employees will be given a notice that this will be effective on Friday, February 3rd, 2017.
Worksheet from USDA-NRCS: Mrs. Edkins reported this document used to go to the Water Department and Mr. Mark Houghton would sign it and send it back. Christian Gowdy now uses the area near the river well for organic farming.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign this USDA-NRCS form. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved at 7:03 PM.
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 three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 19, 2017, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Town of Walpole Staff Meeting -1/19/17
TOWN OF WALPOLE
STAFF MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2017
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich
Staff Present: Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Linda Edkins (Assistant Manager of Administration); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Michael Paquette (Police Chief); Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Justine Rogers (Librarian); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute)
Call To Order: Mr. Dalessio called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
Mr. Dalessio wished everyone a Happy New Year. He asked the Staff present to think about one thing they would like to accomplish in their group that will happen this coming year. Mrs. Smith said “credit cards” in the coming year.
Hooper Institute: Ms. Whippie distributed copies of the “Hooper Institute Journal of Lessons by Rebecca Whippie from August 2016 through December 2016”. The report is from Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Also distributed was the “Director’s Report: Autumn 2016 – Fifth and Sixth Grades”. Copies of these reports are available in the Selectboard office. Ms. Whippie reported they transitioned from every green and tree to mammals. Mr. Dalessio asked if they thought about doing adult activities especially on education. Ms. Whippie replied they did at one time do one-or-two week adult courses. It is something they will think about. They harvested rhubarb that she put into a cake. The teachers said “Wow” that was good cake. It was well received. Someone commented that her child liked the Hooper part of the school day best. The kindergarten class went out today to see if they could find tracks in the snow; dog, fox, squirrel, etc. They did find and identify some. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that their programs are going in the right direction.
January Report of Town Clerk-Tax Collector: Mrs. Smith has been very busy closing out 2016 and starting 2017. Her books were all in balance. She printed the MS-61 report for the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and this is also her Tax Collector’s report for the Annual Town Report. Mr. Kreissle put it into the Portal for DRA. He is always very helpful. We are very lucky to have him. They used to mail these reports but the State changed the procedure.
Mrs. Smith gave Mrs. Downing her copy of the MS-61, her Town Clerk income report, and a short report for the Town’s Annual Town Report. Mrs. Downing has been great to work with and they appreciate her calm manner.
Mrs. Downing was out this week and Mrs. Edkins understood that she could not make the staff report deadline, as she was working on the Tax Delinquency Notices. She was great about letting Mrs. Smith in the office to make coffee to keep her going!
Wednesday, January 18th, she printed 141 Delinquent letters also known as the Barrington Notices. This is a nice low number, in the past they have mailed over 200 letters! This is a State mandated notice to keep the property owners informed. It provides the unpaid balance for the various warrants, liens, and interest due. These letters generate a lot of phone calls. Some people become very upset because it mentions Tax Deeding. The notice explains that this only pertains to 2014 Liens but people do not seem to notice that. Meghan and her stuffed the envelopes and she took them to the post office, this is off her “to do” list. This usually brings in some payments as well as complaints. They only have 20 parcels on the 2014 lien list. She believes that most will pay in full before the Deeding date in May.
Intent to Lien Notices will be next month! These notices have to be sent Certified Mail, return receipt requested, so that will be very time consuming.
Their uncollected property taxes are only $823,026.51 as of today. They deposited $1,564,578.94 since the last Staff meeting. They have collected $88,836.61 in January; they also collected $1,114.15 in interest due to late payments of taxes.
The Town Clerk Department has collected $50,239.00 since their last meeting. Their dog tags should arrive any day. Some dog owners like a low number and come in right after the New Year to purchase the tag.
The filing period for Town Officers begins Wednesday, January 25th and ends on Friday, February 3rd at 5 p.m. Town Clerks have to be open 3-5 p.m. on the last day of filing. She ran the ad in the Keene Sentinel on Saturday, January 14th and it will run again today. Monday January 30th, she starts trying to contact board members to remind them the deadline is Friday. She tries very hard to make certain that they do not have any “blanks” on our ballot as “write-ins” have to be hand counted and can really slow down the process. She mailed the Memory Cards to LHS and as soon as the filing period is over, she will send them a copy of the upcoming ballot info so they print our ballots and send everything back in time for the March election.
This is a very busy time of year. She will be glad when Town Meeting is over. Mrs. Smith advised that she sends out the delinquent in different colors to identify them in different categories. They have not foreclosed on any properties for a few years.
Library Report – January 2017: Ms. Rogers, Librarian, reported that things are going along well. They got new phones and now have a message machine. They continue to work on barcoding. North Walpole Library had the floors cleaned, furniture rearranged and some new furniture will be coming in (new table, desk and reading chairs). There will be a new laptop for patrons to use. The New Hampshire State Library report is due the end of February.
Walpole 2015 stats: Open 296 days, 14056 people, 22022 circ., 2627 people for programs. AVG: 47 people, 74 circ per day.
Walpole 2016 stats: Open 288 days, 18378 people, 26597 circ., 4715 people for programs, 2356 website visitors July-December. AVG: 64 people, 92 circ per day.
Ms. Rogers noted that the Walpole Library has much more resources than the North Walpole Library therefore a lot of people come to the Walpole Library. Mr. Dalessio acknowledged that she certainly is reaching out to people. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned there are no children’s programs in North Walpole.
Police Department: The Walpole Police Department submitted the following report for the period of
December 15, 2016 through January 15, 2017. The number of calls for service was 460.
- Police Safety Calls:
Emergency Calls – 31 Administrative – 69 Citizen Assists – 63
- Motor Vehicle Calls:
Accidents – 18 MV Stops – 192 Traffic Safety – 26
- Criminal Investigations:
Drugs/Alcohol – 21 Crimes Against a Person – 24 Crimes Against Property – 16
Chief Paquette reported that just before they came into the meeting a stolen utility truck was found; he has some officers working on that. They are busy doing end of the year work and getting ready for a busy new year. Mr. Dalessio would like to have a month-by-month report on what the trend is for different categories. Is it worth continuing a program or discontinuing it? It tells them something about the community. Chief Paquette noted that through the grant they acquired from the State, they have to work the roads. They started to ticket the people through “clip it or ticket” program. They are enforcing the laws and are averaging one-to-two arrests on each detail. Drugs are an on-going problem. Some arrests require many hours of their time.
Recycling Center: Mr. Paul Colburn presented the following report:
He referenced and explained the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”. The Annual Forecast for this year was 374/ton; the Annual Estimate is 429.01/ton. He also referenced and explained the “Five Year Comparison to Recyclables”. The Year Forecast is $30,000; Estimate for the Year is $38,412. These numbers might be off a little on the average and forecast. Cardboard is a big item right now. At the beginning of the year it was close to $80/ton but now is $110/ton. Mr. Dalessio will meet with Mr. Colburn about changing the format of these reports. He feels they only need to go back 3 years rather than 5 years.
Mr. Dalessio mentioned it would be nice to know what amount of revenue they expect in 2017. Mr. Colburn does not yet have a goal. He is in the process of changing the paperwork over from 2016 to 2017 and has been training the other employees on how to do the paperwork. He expects it will take 4-to-6 weeks for the change-over. The Highway Department has been coming in and sanding. The new employee is doing well. Mr. Colburn would like to have a lunch on Friday so everyone can stop and meet him. The new company brought in their container to replace the one the Salvation Army took out. The Center is busy and doing well.
Walpole Highway Department: Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, advised the department employees put in more over-time in December than February through April last year. He gets calls from people inquiring why a certain road was not plowed. He listens to them and apologizes but they do their best. The crew has seven different routes and they go up to 12 miles. Each route takes 3-1/2 to 4 hours to do and then the driver turns around and, during a regular storm, the driver goes over it again. Pre-treating the roads takes about 2-1/2 hours. It is usually 3-1/2 to 5 hours for clean-up because they also do the intersections. It takes longer to do the back roads. Hopefully, the equipment does not break down. If it does they have to split up that route. Often they are driving 15-to-20 MPH or slower. Since January 1st they have been down one man. Until someone else is hired Mr. Rau has been doing that route. The Snow Plowing Policy was in the Clarion. There have been some over-night vehicle parking offenders but the Police Department was notified and they assisted with contacting the owners. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned people are very pleased with the sidewalk plowing. Chief Paquette pointed out they are doing a great job on the roads. Mr. Rau submitted the following report for the period of December 16, 2016 through January 18, 2016:
- Cold patching;
- Serviced trucks and equipment
- Fixed Truck #5 Spinner Solenoid and Starter;
- Fixed Truck #3 Plow Controls;
- Fixed Truck #4 Fuel Tank and Hooked-up the Trail Hitch;
- Scraped Old Drewsville Road with Grader; an average 300 vehicles go over this road every day;
- Winter Weather Call Outs – 17 days.
Selectboard Office: Mrs. Edkins was representing the Selectboard Office in the absence of Mrs. Downing who provided the following report:
Wellness Initiatives:
- A five hundred dollar ($500) check was received by the Manager of Administration from Health Trust at the January 9th Wellness Coordinators’ Training to initiate a wellness program.
- Survey to determine focus of program will be distributed in January at Personnel Meeting on Tuesday, January 31st.
2016 Town Report:
- Thank you to those who have sent committee, board, department and civic organization reports, photos and charts.
- Second reminder pending to those who have yet to send materials with firm cut-off date.
Veterans’ Tax Credit Audit:
- NH Department of Revenue (DRA) auditors visited the Selectboard Office on January 12th. The audit for tax credits and exceptions was completed with no corrections required.
- Current Use files were reviewed by the DRA during the January 12th Current Use files will require updates and corrections in regards to maps, recreation use credits and deed recording. This will be a long-term project for the Selectboard Office.
- For those that claim a managed timber exemption under current use, an updated forestry plan will need to be submitted in order to receive the higher discount exemption credit.
- A request from the Selectboard to the DRA to move up the assessment audit to 2017 from 2021 in order to synchronize the tax credit and exemption audit year with the revaluation year has been requested. If granted, all corrections to property values would be completed in the same calendar year.
Assessing Update:
- Several new Veterans’ Tax Credit applications have been processed for 2017.
- The first round of Property Tax Abatement and Current Use applications have been received and are being processed by Avitar Associates on New England.
- The measurement and listing of properties continues after the holiday week break by Avitar assessors.
Public Hearings:
- January 26th. First hearing for the Westberg Estate property, Westminster Street proposed donation to the Town at 6pm in the Selectboard Office.
- February 9th. Second hearing for the Westberg Estate property donation to Town at 6pm in the Selectboard Office.
- February 16th. Budget Hearing at 6pm in main room of Town Hall.
Finance Office: Mr. Rich Kreissle has been working on all the end of the year documents. In the next week or so he will print out the last Payroll Register for 2016. Employees will be receiving their W2s. If an employee feels something is wrong come in to see him. 1095s will be done. He has to do a lot especially at this time of year to meet all the deadlines.
Recreation Department: Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report:
Basketball:
- Games are going well and every team has been competitive and enjoying themselves.
- The Recreation Committee and he met with grade 3-4 parents before a game to discuss sportsmanship and being positive role models for the kids. There was an issue with a few parents criticizing our volunteer referees who were 12 and 13 years old.
- They have entered three teams into the Westminster tournament.
- Found a local screen printing company that has very good pricing that will work with us, so we do not have to purchase these items with the credit card. The company is Grizzly Graphix in Sheldon, VT. We will be doing our staff apparel, soccer uniforms and basketball uniforms from this company.
Personnel Policy Handbooks: Mrs. Pschirrer distributed copies of the revised Personnel Policy handbooks. She requested the Department Heads read them. The Committee will meet again on January 31st at 8:30 AM. After that meeting the handbooks will be given to the employees who will be asked to sign the page to acknowledge receipt.
2017 Department Goals:
Police Department – Chief Paquette would like the Town to go on their web-site to up-date and provide more information; he explained some of his recommendations. He is thankful for the money received last year for roof repairs, cameras, impound area, etc. Mr. Rau helped a lot and Mr. Colburn took a lot of unused items away. He appreciates all their help. There is still more to do at the Police Station. Sgt. Sanctuary would like mobile data terminals in the cruisers. It will give them more detail.
Highway Department – Mr. Rau would like to do more ditching. Water is one of their biggest issues.
Library – Ms. Rogers would like to see them acquire the land behind the Library. The Library Trustees are working on it.
Finance Office: Mr. Kreissle would like some new software. Work more with Mr. Goins.
Hooper Institute: Ms. Whippie would like to have more teaching materials. Hooper has land therefore she would like to see the trail expanded.
Town Clerk – Tax Collector: Mrs. Smith would like to have a credit card machine.
Water and Sewer – Mrs. Edkins reported there are still problems with processing the water and sewer bills but it went better this time. The system is old and should be up-graded. Mr. Kreissle will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about the Revenues and Expenditures.
Selectboard: Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard is there to support them. Everything seems to be moving forward in the right direction. It is all good!
Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 6:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
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File for School District Offices
There are also vacancies for School District Offices. Please note the one year position that is open in Walpole. I finished the year for Tim St.Pierre who was elected as a Write-in candidate last year, but I really and truly am retiring and am on my way to Florida right after the Deliberative Session on February 8th. It is very important that Walpole be represented if we are to keep our excellent schools. Please give it careful consideration because a one year term is an excellent opportunity to try it on for size! – Lil
FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT 60
PUBLIC NOTICE
Filing for School District Offices
The Fall Mountain Regional School District announces the filing for office of the Fall Mountain School Board:
Charlestown 1 Vacancy for 3 years
Langdon 1 Vacancy for 3 years
Walpole 1 Vacancy for 1 year (unexpired term)
Moderator 1 Vacancy for 1 year
Interested persons may file for open positions beginning Wednesday, January 25, 2017 with a deadline of Friday, February 3, 2017.
Please contact Misty Bushee, School Board Clerk at 603-835-0006 Ext. 112 Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
Deliberative Session
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Auditorium (Snow Date: Friday, February 10, 2017)
Time to File for Office
NOTICE TO WALPOLE RESIDENTS
(Walpole, North Walpole, Drewsville)
The following officers will be elected at the Town Meeting to be held March 14, 2017
1 Selectman 3 Year Term
1 Selectman 2 Year Term
1 Treasurer 3 Year Term
1 Trustee of Trust Finds 3 Year Term
1 Zoning Board of Adjustment 3 Year Term
1 Zoning Board of Adjustment 1 Year Term
2 Planning Board Members 3 Year Term
3 Library Trustees 3 Year Term
1 Cemetery Trustee 3 Year Term
The filing period for these offices is January 25 through February 3, 2017. Those interested may file at the Town Clerk’s Office during the following Office Hours:
Monday: 7AM – 4PM
Tuesday: 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday: 7AM – 8PM
Thursday: 7AM – 4PM
Per State Law, the Town Clerk’s Office will be open Friday, February 3rd from 3PM – 5PM for filing only.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/13/17
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
JANUARY 12, 2017
Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; 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 three people in attendance.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $120,164.52 for checks dated January 13, 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 7, 2017, in the amount of $26,389.55 for checks dated January 13, 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 $5,963.77 for the week ending January 7, 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 5, 2017: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 5, 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 #1 – January 5, 2017: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 5, 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.
EXECUTIVE NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – January 5, 2017: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Executive Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 5, 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.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of Minutes of the following meetings:
- Walpole Conservation Commission – December 5, 2016:
- North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 27, 2016.
BUILDING PERMIT:
HUNTINGTON REALTY OF WALPOLE, LLC, 9 Edwards Lane, Map and Lot # 012-004-003: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to renew existing Building Permit #2012-20 for Huntington Realty of Walpole, LLC, 9 Edwards Lane, Map and Lot #012-004-003 to “Remodel existing 60’ x 40’ shop (no footprint change). Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
VETERANS TAX CREDIT:
MAP and LOT # 003-022-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 003-022-000. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
NOTICE OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:
ROBERT INGRAM, 26 Old Stage Coach Road, Map and Lot # 003-027-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for the Town of Walpole, and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed to the Department of Revenue Administration, for Robert Ingram / Mary Ingram in the amount of $91.55. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Warrant Articles: Mrs. Downing is waiting for a response from Sandra Smith (Town Clerk) and Marilou Blaine (Secretary Planning Board and Zoning Board) on two Articles. Mr. Dalessio requested that copies of the draft be emailed to the Selectboard as soon as it has been completed so they can proof-read and then accept it.
Health Officer Appointment: Mrs. Downing reported that Dr. Shaw will resign after he finds a replacement.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Dr. Charles Shaw as the Health Officer for the Town of Walpole. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Walpole Fire Village District Notification: Fire Chief Dick Hurlburt came into the meeting. He advised the Commissioners had a meeting last night. Mr. Dalessio explained they received a letter from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) about the formation of the Walpole Fire Village District. Mrs. Downing had written a letter in response to the DRA’s inquiry. Mr. Hurlburt just wanted to make sure somebody was taking care of this matter. He requested a copy of the letter for the Fire Department’s Minutes Book.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to the DRA on behalf of the Walpole Fire Village District. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Request to DRA for Change in Assessment Review: Mrs. Downing reported that the DRA Auditor was here and recommended the Town write a letter to Mr. Stephan Hamilton at the DRA requesting a change in year for our next assessment review. Since Walpole had finished an assessment review in 2016, the Town’s next review would be in five years or in 2021. However, in 2017, the Town of Walpole shall be completing a revaluation of the Town’s properties. Given that we wish to have consistent property data we would like to request moving up the next assessment review to 2017.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Hamilton, Director of Municipal and Property Division, NH Department of Revenue Administration, to request an assessment review in 2017. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Dalessio in favor, motion was approved.
Old Keene Road Citizen Complaint #2017-01: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a citizen’s complaint on the Old Keene Road that a large dead pine tree may fall into the road. This will be forwarded to Mr. Rau, Road Agent, to look at the tree and report back to the Selectboard.
Middle Street Citizen Complaint #2017-02: A citizen’s complaint was received to request there be a “no parking” zone on the west side of Main Street before Middle Street to increase the view of oncoming traffic. Following a discussion the Selectboard felt this is a valid request. Mr. Rau, Road Agent, will be asked to go through the Village, evaluate all the intersections, and make a recommendation for “no parking” zones where needed for better visibility. Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a response letter.
Event Insurance Waiver Request: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the request to waive the insurance requirement for renting the Town Hall on March 5th, 2017, for a grandchild’s birthday party where no alcohol will be served. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Training Cancellation Request: Mrs. Downing requested permission to cancel a one hour of Primex Training that would take three hours of travel time in order to attend. This time is needed to complete editing of the Town Report. The Selectboard approved this request.
Town Hall Rental: A request was received to waive the insurance requirement to rent the Town Hall for a 20th Class Reunion on August 19, 2017. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to deny this request per the Town’s Policy; it is not a school event. They will need to obtain the TULIP insurance coverage.
Request for an Interest Waiver: The Selectboard received a request from a property owner at 91 Church Street in North Walpole to waive interest on a sewer bill as he thinks his bill is too high. Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed to deny this request.
Elm Street: A letter was received from Mrs. Jen Palmiotto who requested the Selectboard look at the condition of Elm Street. She is objecting to the speed and traffic on that road. Trucks are going down the street and driving too fast. Mrs. Pschirrer will check with Mr. Rau to see if any work is scheduled on Elm Street before Mr. Dalessio responds to Mrs. Palmiotto.
Notice: Mr. Dalessio requested a notice be put out now to remind appointed members of the Boards / Commissions, with terms that are expiring, to send in a letter to the Selectboard office to request re-appointment or advise they no longer wish to be appointed.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this 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, this meeting was recessed at 7:22 PM.
SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued):
Trust Funds: Mr. Dalessio looked at the Capital Reserve Fund reports and the amount of money we are earning as interest. He asked Mr. Goins if the funds could be moved to another company. Mr. Goins mentioned this to Mr. Bob Kimball who called the Cambridge Trust to alert them that the funds might be pulled out and they gave him the same rate as the other company that had been contacted.
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 7:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Walpole Historical Society Speaker Series – 2/10/17
WHS Speaker Series
“12,000 Years in the Granite State”
with Dr. Robert Moody
The Walpole Historical Society’s Speaker Series continues on Friday, Feb. 10th, 2017, at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Town Hall.
Anthropologist Dr. Robert Moody will share with the audience how, by the end of the Ice Age, archeological evidence discovered in Keene proves that people have lived in our region for 12,000 years.
Dr. Moody, who was the director of the Paleoindian Tenant Swamp excavations in Keene, has spent the last 30 years studying Native American archaeological sites in New England. Dr. Moody notes that, “The native Abenaki people played a central role in the history of the Monadnock region, defending it against English settlement and forcing the abandonment of Keene and other Monadnock area towns during the French and Indian Wars. Despite this, little is known about the Abenaki, and conventional histories often depict the first Europeans entering an untamed, uninhabited wilderness, rather than the homeland of people who had been there for hundreds of generations.”
He will discuss how the real depth of native history was revealed when an archaeological study, prior to construction of the new Keene Middle School, discovered traces of four structures dating to the end of the Ice Age. Undisturbed for 12,000 years, the site revealed information about the economy, gender roles, and household organization of the Granite State’s very first inhabitants, as well as evidence of social networks that extended for hundreds of miles across northern New England.
This is a free event, sponsored by the Walpole Historical Society and supported by the New Hampshire Humanities Council, and the public is invited to attend.

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