The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Executive-Manager of Administration); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Sergeant 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 that this meeting is being recorded.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing made the following report:

Assessing Update:

• Assessors from Avitar Associates continue visiting properties in Walpole to measure buildings and other taxable features. They are now downtown.  They do not work in very cold weather so will be back on Monday.
• For those not at home during the initial visit by the assessors, a letter with Avitar Associates’ contact information will be sent to arrange appointments to view building interiors. They say it is going well and most people are allowing them to go into their homes.
• If property owners have questions or concerns, please call Selectboard Office for assistance.
• Walpole’s Equalization Ratio has been set at 104.5%. Dalessio explained the Equalization Ratio is the different between what properties are assessed for and what they are selling for.  Walpole properties are now selling 4-1/2% below the assessed value.
• The Selectboard Office is accepting Property Abatement, Veteran Tax Credit and Elderly Exemption forms now that the fall tax bills have been posted.

Water and Sewer Billing:

• Water and sewer payment processing was busy through the end of November into early December.
• Research work continues to provide documentation for the financial auditors.

Department of Revenue Administration:

• The NH Department of Revenue (DRA) auditors will be returning on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 to finalize the audit of the Town’s Veterans Tax Credit files.
• “Current Use Criteria and Rules” workshop was held on Tuesday, Nov. 29^th in the Town Hall.

Town Hall Facilities:

The following repairs are in process:

• Dishwasher being installed in kitchen and hot water heater in the basement.
• Reorganizing and addition of new and existing plaques and framed notices in stairwell and hallway area outside the Selectboard office.

Town Hall Rentals and Reservations:

• For those wishing to hold yearly events, it is best to place these reservations a year in advance. The Selectboard Office will not hold dates without verbal notice and follow-up applications shortly thereafter.

Town Report of 2016:

• Department reports are due on or by Friday, Dec. 30^th.
• Written reports to be submitted as MS Word documents so they can be edited for grammar, spelling and other formatting corrections.
• We will accept pictures, however we cannot guarantee all photo submissions will be accepted.
• Excel and pdf files of charts are also expected from some departments, boards and commissions. Dalessio added they would like to keep the reports down to one or two pages.  Whenever possible show progress.  They need everybody’s cooperation to get reports in on a timely manner.

Town Clerk-Tax Collector: Mrs. Sandra Smith submitted her Report for December 15^th, 2016.

They have had a very busy month.  They mailed property tax bills, November 17^th, with the help of Terry Jo Terrell and Meghan, everything went pretty smooth.

Some bills were returned due to incorrect addresses.  The Post Office is pretty precise in what they consider an address.  This takes time to resend, etc.

They collected $70,005.91 for the Town Clerk Department – $68,558.41 was collected in auto registrations.  The balances are fees, vital records, dog licenses, a boat registration, and a bad check fee.  She does not believe they have any bad checks outstanding.

The Tax Department as usual, brings in the most of the Town’s income.  They have collected three million, three hundred eighty-eight thousand, one hundred twenty-three dollars and sixty-two cents!  This is not counting what they are posting today.

Their “Fall” Warrant was for five million, seven hundred seventy thousand, and four hundred eighty-seven dollars.  They have collected more than half of that.  Their balance as of today is approximately Two million, three hundred eighty-two thousand.  Their total uncollected as of Wednesday was Two million, eight hundred twenty nine thousand, five hundred ninety-two dollars and eight cents!

Mr. Dalessio explained that the Fall Mountain Regional School District takes $533,000+/month; every six months that is three million+/-.  It does not include money that will be going to the County of $1,144,000.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the State is continuing to push more and more expenses onto the towns in terms of education, highways, etc.

Mrs. Smith continued:  Taxpayers are complaining about the increase in taxes.

They have been working on checks not written correctly and processing refunds for over payments.  This is very time consuming.

Mrs. Smith will be glad when this year is behind us!

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau provided the following report on work they have done.  Many of the items on the list they fixed themselves therefore very little work had to be sent out.

• Cold patching;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Dug out culverts with backhoe to clean them before winter;
• Poured concrete around the water shut-off in North Walpole;
• Fixed Truck-1 – Water pump belt;
• Fixed Truck-3 and Truck-5 – Inner dump cylinders;
• Fixed Truck-5 – Spreader chain;

• Fixed Truck-4 – Air leak;
• Fixed Truck-3 – Plow Hydraulics;
• Viking fixed Truck-7 hydraulic valve body;
• Truck-2 went to Leon’s Auto Center to get front end work done;
• Truck-9 – Replaced the rear brake pads;
• Truck-8 – Fixed spinner late and replaced clutch for hydraulic pump;
• Truck-3 – Changed cutting-edge on plow;
• Put on spots on trucks;
• Winterized rollers and stored them;
• Installed chains on Kubota;
• Installed wheels and chains on ABEI;
• Prep work was done at the shop for the new shed;
• Moved the shed at the Police Department that will help with the plowing;
• New doors were installed at the shop and Old Town Shop;
• Rice Tree Services cut trees on Wentworth Road and in the park on Main St.;
• Graded Old Drewsville Road and Carpenter Hill Road;
• Ditched Green Road with the backhoe;
• Covered up graffiti at the Old Town Shop; it needs expensive paint to go over concrete;
• Worked on slide in sander;
• Put out winter sand out for residents; a pile is at Christian Hollow, Wentworth Road, the Old Town Shop, at the Shop, in North Walpole and at the Recycling Center.
• Sanded dirt roads on November 29;
• Salt and sanded roads on December 5;
• Plowed, salted and sanded during snow storm on December 12;
• Crushed dumpsters for the Recycling Center;
• Discussed loader and roadside mower pricing with Mr. Tom Goins who talked to sales people.

Mr. Rau will be tracking the storm for Saturday and possibly a mix on Sunday.

Library:  Ms. Justine Rogers provided the following report:

Nov 2015: 23 Days open, 1195 people, 1581 circ., 33 programs, 295 people for programs

2015 Jan-Nov Average 47 people & 75 circ. Per day.

Nov 2016:  21 Days open, 1430 people, 2264 circ., 32 programs, 316 people for programs, 312 website visitors

2016 Jan-Nov Average 64 people and 92 circ. Per day.

New Barcodes:  The State library required them to change over to 14 digit patron barcodes (new library cards) when they migrated to their system this past spring.  Somehow it was not communicated that we also have to change over to 14 digit material barcodes.  Thankfully they had the money left in our technology budget and she ordered 30,000 barcodes.  This is not a difficult task, but certainly a time consuming one.  The staff is willing to spend a weekend getting the majority of the collection done if there’s pizza and music involved!

New 2017 Programs:  They have been hearing from patrons that they would like to see some new programs next year.  They are working on a lunch time program where patrons can bring their lunch and they will stream an episode of The Crown on Netflix each week.  They are also looking at an evening fiction book club and a passive puzzle program where they will have a puzzle set up on the table in the front room for people to work on for 2 minutes or 2 hours.

They also have a Story Time series with the Grafton Museum lined up for 2017.  They had some grant money from the summer left over so they’ll be doing monthly themed programs for a few libraries in the area.  They will be here the last Wednesday of each month January through May at our regularly scheduled story time at 10am.

The North Walpole Library is getting their floors done today and tomorrow.  They will also be getting some new furniture that was donated.

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of and read a letter from Mrs. Peg Dion to the Selectboard.  “It is the time of year to express gratitude for a good job well done and faithful service.  Since participating in the Walpole Leadership Academy her appreciation has grown for the service you all render to our town. She wanted to commend Paul Colburn and his crew at the Recycling Center for their hard work in keeping costs down while assisting us in all our recycling efforts.  Thank you to the Town officials and all the departments and a very Happy Holiday Season.”

Mr. Dalessio reported that all the students at the Walpole Leadership Academy were impressed with what the departments and boards were accomplishing.  Congratulations to all.

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/tons but the Annual Estimate as of the end of last month was 403/tons (about 28/tons more than forecast).  The figures show that they are doing pretty well compared to the prior five years.  They have not done tubes since 2011/2012 as the markets had dropped.  As of November they increased over the two previous years on what they took in. They are getting banana boxes back; two trailer loads were received on Tuesday.  Mr. Colburn mentioned it is strenuous on them being short one full time person but they have been doing what needs to be done.

Mr. Colburn referenced and explained the “Five Year Comparison on Recyclables”.  This report indicates they have been going up-and-down.  In November the returnables were $603.73 which is the lowest of the five years.  They are not slowing down on returnables but rather he has been unable to deliver them to the vendor and hopes to make a trip tomorrow.  He is paid on delivery.

They continue to be busy.  They are still getting young people in.  This is a service to get them back into society.  It has worked out well.  They had three deliveries of wood and there were three pick-ups.  The Walpole Recycling Center is now on Facebook.  There was an issue with the oil furnace; adjustments were made by a service person.  Avitar Associates was there this afternoon.  The Salvation Army took out their containers as they did not have enough volume but another company is putting in a container next week.  Everything will go over-seas.  A tire on the truck had to be repaired.  Mr. Colburn had a call from a company that wanted to know if they would take care of boxes of used office paper.  To-date about one-and-a-half ton was received; this is about one-quarter of the total; more will be coming. Mr. Colburn has been doing his own plowing.  Everything else has been going smooth.  They do have volunteers.

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Rebecca Whippie advised they have closed-up and winterized the Hooper Institute.  They do not plan on opening up until the spring.  She provided the following report.

Mrs. Eloise Clark is finishing up the soils unit and working on Conifers and Evergreens.

After the last meeting Ms. Whippie did a small program before Thanksgiving on the reintroduction of Eastern Turkeys to the State.  They were reintroduced here in Walpole, NH.  The students were excited about this.

1^st Grade:  Mashed potatoes;

4^th Grade:  They had a squash feast; they made pumpkin pancakes, squash muffins, pumpkin butter, maple butternut squash, spaghetti squash and fried zucchini squash.  There is adult monitoring but the students do everything themselves.

Evergreens and Conifers:  They played matching games; detectives with clues, searches outside for different evergreens, matching cones to conifer branches.  Ms. Whippie usually does all the cutting but the children did cut white pine on one sunny afternoon.

1^st Grade:  Foraged for cones.

3^rd Grade: Foraged for white pine cuttings;

Projects = Ornaments using nature found items.

Pre-K and K – Balsam fir sachet

1^st Grade – Evergreen arrangement

2^nd Grade – Printed note cards

3^rd Grade – Evergreen centerpieces in tuna cans

4^th Grade – Swags of balsam fir.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out they are doing all good things with the students.

Police Department:  Sergeant Sanctuary submitted the following report.  Number of calls for service for the period of November 16, 2016 to December 13, 2016 was 306.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 29              Administrative – 45                 Citizen Assists – 54

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 11                         MV Stops – 65                         Traffic Safety – 17

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 26     Crimes Against a Person – 34  Crimes Against Property – 25

Sgt. Sanctuary advised their accidents were down.  During these last storms they had no calls resulting from accidents.  He reported on the number of recent drug related incidents.  They are getting Mrs. Clough more involved with criminal related activities.  She will be doing follow-ups and referring people to counseling, etc.  There are people coming in looking for help; she is pointing them in the right direction.  All this is very time consuming.  He met with Mr. Tom Goins to talk about budget related issues.  Mr. Kreissle has also been a big help to them on budgeting.  Mr. Dalessio feels it is good to have everybody working together and using their expertise as they move along.  It is support for the department heads.  Two officers are finishing up their annual training on mental health.

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio wished everyone a safe Holiday Season.  This Staff Meeting was adjourned at 5:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:37 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of December 15, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $1,530,894.30 for checks dated December 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes one check for the County Tax in the amount of $1,424,623.00.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 10, 2016, in the amount of $23,252.06 for checks dated December 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 $4,924.05 for the week ending December 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mr. Kreissle should look at the W-2 forms as the laws have changed.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 8, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 8, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 8, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 8, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 12, 2016:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 12, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board Meeting – December 13, 2016;
• Connecticut River Joint Commission, Wantastiquet Subcommittee Annual Report – 2016.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

DALE HUBBARD, Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-022-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Mr. Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DALE HUBBARD, 21 Levi Lane, Map and Lot #010-019-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Mr. Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

ELISSE McGUIRK, 167 Valley Road, Map and Lot #013-015-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 for Elisse McGuirk in the amount of $3,396.36.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELISSE McGUIRK, Valley Road, Map and Lot #012-076-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 for Elisse McGuirk in the amount of $724.72.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANT – YIELD TAX LEVY:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Original Warrant, Yield Tax Levy, in the amount of $4,121.08.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #001-015-006:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $4,107.00 for the Tax Year 2016 for Map and Lot #001-015-006.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SEWER LEVY:  

TAX COLLECTORS WARRANT – Sewer Levy:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collectors Warrant, Sewer Levy, State of New Hampshire to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, New Hampshire in said county in the amount of Four Thousand Ninety Dollars and 86 Cents ($4,090.86) and with interest at twelve (12%) percent per annum from December 15, 2015 thereafter all sums not paid on or before that date. And we further order you to remit all monies collected to the Town Treasurer, or to the Town Treasurer’s designee as provided by RSA 41:29, VI at least on a weekly basis, or daily whenever receipts total One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) or more.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

DRAFT WARRANT ARTICLE re: ELDERLY TAX EXEMPTION: This Agenda item was put on-hold until the next meeting to allow time for additional research.

NEW BUSINESS: 

2017 Town Budget:  Mr. Kreissle gave the Selectboard a package with up-to-date information on the 2017 Town Budget.  It includes monthly reports on the General Fund, Water/Sewer, Revenues, and the Hooper.  The total budget at this time is $3,919,563.00 which is a 4.61% increase and about a

.3% decrease over last year’s budget.  It does not include Warrant Articles.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the 2017 budget as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Kreissle also provided a proposed list of Warrant Articles that was reviewed.  Total of Warrants as shown (assuming the leasing of loader) $470,700 ($458,700 assuming the purchasing of the loader is outright).  The Highway Loader (Capital Lease) Warrant will be sent to the DRA to be sure the wording is legal.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if a new loader is not purchased the Town will be spending a lot of money on repairs as it should have been purchased about four years ago.

The Town will not need to apply for a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) as previously discussed.  Right now they are about 14% under budget.  The check in the amount of $513,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District will be released this Friday.

A $4,700 variance in sewer is holding up the Town’s audit.  The auditors suspect it goes back to a previous audit a few years ago. However they want to resolve it.

At the Public Hearing on the 2017 proposed Budget, Mr. Dalessio would like to show the increase on the planned budget vs the actual spending.  It is actually a zero based budget.

Cemetery Deed for Howard and Judy Putnam:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Cemetery Deed for Lot #474 to Howard and Judy Putnam.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Fire Warden Invoice:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Fire Warden Invoice in the amount of $753.00 to the State of NH for reimbursement of the fire on Elm Street on December 5, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Thank You Notes:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You note to Mr. Charles Montgomery for his work on the Fall Mountain Food Shelf Advisory Committee and to the Women of Walpole for the Christmas wreaths.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Thank You Letter from FMEEA:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the Thank You letter from the Fall Mountain Educational Endowment Association.  They have re-booked the Town Hall for Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Thank You Note from Hurlburts and Lobers:  A Thank You note was received from the Hurlburts and Lobers.

Same Day Voter Registration Law: The Selectboard recognized receipt of a letter from the Jaffrey Town Moderator who wants them to talk about Same Day Voter Registration Law.    

Revaluation Meeting with DRA and Avitar:  The Selectboard asked Mrs. Downing to schedule the Revaluation Meeting the week of January 24^th, 2017, preferably in the evening or no earlier than 2:00-to-3:00 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:52 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the December 15, 2016, Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 8, 2016

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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $39,756.33 for checks dated December 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 3, 2016, in the amount of $21,020.06 for checks dated December 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 $4,411.27 for the week ending December 3, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 1, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 1, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 1, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 1, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – November 7, 2016.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

Map and Lot # 005-028-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $454.25.  This overpayment of property taxes was made by the escrow company.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

GALLOWAY REV. TRUST, Rapids Road, Map and Lot # 002-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Timber Yield Tax Levy in the amount of $2,997.63 for the Galloway Rev. Trust 2004.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

HOOPER TRUST, 166 Prospect Hill Road, Map and Lot # 008-061-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Property Tax Supplement Warrant in the amount of $112.00 for the Meeting House West LLC golf course on the George I. Hooper property.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

2016 Equalization Process:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the 2016 Equalization Municipal Assessment Data Certificate from the Department of Revenue Administration.  The equalization rate came in at 104.5%.

Mr. Aldrich moved to give Avitar Associates permission to up-load the equalization data.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

1. Clark Abatement Appeal Settlement: The Selectboard received a letter from Avitar Associates advising that a settlement appeal has been reached with Mr. Patrick Clark. If the Selectboard concurs, an abatement needs to be processed for 2015 on the $84,066 value difference and for 2016 on the $84,100 value difference.  Mr. Clark has agreed to this settlement.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the settlement between the Town of Walpole and Mr. Patrick Clark as recommended by Avitar Associates in the amount of $84,066 for 2015 and $84,100 for 2016.  This property is on Valley Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cash Objective Chart: Mr. Kreissle provided the Selectboard with an update on the cash assessment to the end of the year.

Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Friendly Meals Program:  Mrs. Pschirrer met with Mr. Charles Montgomery, the Town’s representative to the Advisory Committee, at his request. The Advisory Committee has been able to negotiate a lease so the Food Shelf will be able to remain in Langdon for five years.  The committee members are working to try to persuade the Board to be more active and positive in terms of where they will house the Food Shelf and not wait until the fifth year.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked him to put their annual request for funds in writing.  The Town has been giving them $2,000 for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and $1,000 for the Friendly Meals Program.  They have numbers for the significant amount of people they see on a regular basis.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Mr. Montgomery for serving the Town on this Advisory Committee.

Women of Walpole:  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked the Women of Walpole for putting up holiday wreaths in Town.

Property Tax Payment Agreements: The Selectboard had asked Mrs. Sandy Smith to look into the payment agreements.  Mrs. Smith replied that both agreements worked out fine.

Multi-date Town Hall Rental:  A request was received from the Southern NH/VT Idol to use the Town Hall for five consecutive Saturdays in September into October 2017.  Mr. Dalessio noted that they give back to the community.  The proceeds would benefit the Walpole Historical Society, Fall Mountain Food Pantry and Our Place.  There will need to be insurance coverage for the five consecutive Saturdays.

Mudders:  Mr. Aldrich was approached by two residents who wanted to know about putting in a key lock box on Derry Hill Road to keep out the vehicles (pick-up trucks that are “souped” up) that destroy the road.   Mr. Aldrich told Mr. Franks he could put up gates but not lock them which will not solve the problem.  Derry Hill is classified as a Class VI emergency lane.  Mr. Aldrich noted these emergency lanes are maintained for that purpose but if we have these vehicles going in there and destroying the road/area the road cannot be accessed for emergencies.  Mr. Aldrich brought this to the attention of the Conservation Commission at their last meeting.  There is a need to catch these people and have them pay for the damages.  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Police Chief Paquette about this.  

Tax Anticipation Note:  Mr. Kreissle would like to send a letter to the Savings Bank of Walpole stating that the Town may be considering taking out a Tax Anticipation Note.

Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the letter of intent for a Tax Anticipation Note to the Savings Bank of Walpole.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Church Street Lights:  Mr. Dalessio looked at the lights on the bridge and they are on.  In 2012 it looked like the lights on the bridge should have been shut off but nothing happened since then.  Mr. Aldrich and Chief Paquette attended that DOT meeting in 2012.  Mr. Dalessio referenced the letter in 2012; it does not mention where the five original lights were.  He does not think the bridge lights were ever discussed with the State.  The only two lights the Town would have to take over would be the two on the corner; they are on a State road.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should notify Liberty Utilities that based on the information in the Selectboard’s possession the two lights are the responsibility of the NH Department of Transportation because they both are on State roads.  He will draft a letter to Liberty Utilities.

Selectboard Meeting:  The Selectboard will be meeting in a Non-Public Session on Monday, December 12^th, 2016, at 10:00 AM.  Mr. Kreissle will also be attending this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of December 8, 2016, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:24 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 1, 2016

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this 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 approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $122,083.89 for checks dated December 2, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending November 26, 2016, in the amount of $21,326.50 for checks dated December 2, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,458.55 for the week ending November 26, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 23, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 23, 2016, with the deletion of four words on page 2.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

WALPOLE STAFF MEETING – November 17, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Walpole Staff Meeting of November 17, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board Workshop – November 22, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 22, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 29, 2016.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $356.00 on Map and Lot # 015-029-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $13.79 on Map and Lot # 019-035-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $90.00 on Map and Lot # 008-050-000 .  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:

78 WHITCOMB ROAD LLC, Map and Lot #025-009-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement for 78 Whitcomb Road LLC, for interest on 2016 taxes in the amount of $72.14.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

THOMAS D. BENTLEY, Map and Lot #003-068-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement for Thomas D. Bentley in the amount of $791.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, provide an up-date on the Property Tax Agreements to see if everybody is making payments in a timely manner.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT: 

CLIFFORD S. and WILHELMINA PETERS, Map and Lot #003-068-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Supplemental Tax Warrant for the second issue to Clifford S. and Wilhelmina Peters in the amount of $791.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Tax Collector Report:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mrs. Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, collected $902,318.27 for Property Taxes for the period of November 1 to November 30, 2016.

Church Street Lights:  Mr. Dalessio advised there were street lights on Church Street in North Walpole but at some point-in-time the State decided they would no longer pay the electric bill.  The lights were kept on but now the State is asking the Town to pay the bill plus pay bills back to 2014.  Mr. Aldrich provided some history in that several years ago the State wanted to shut off some lights in Town to save money.  The Selectboard, at that time, advised the State that the sidewalk was on the south side of the bridge therefore people had to cross the bridge on the N.H. side; it is a safety issue as many people do walk in that area.  The State then agreed to leave them on.  When turning to go onto the bridge in North Walpole you have to be very careful of pedestrians because it is very dark.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, North Walpole Commissioner, noticed the lights were out but thought new bulbs were needed.  Mr. Aldrich felt the Selectboard should write a letter to the NH Department of Transportation explaining that not having any lights on Church Street presents a safety hazard for pedestrians including children.  It is a NH State bridge and a NH State highway.  There was discussion relative to inviting the State Representatives in to talk about this safety issue.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer would like the opportunity to look at this intersection when it is dark therefore this will remain on the Agenda until the meeting next week.

SAU Payment Schedule:  Mr. Kreissle had submitted some notes on the SAU Payment Schedule.  He is waiting for a call-back from Mr. Finn at the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  It indicates there will be an approximate $12,000 monthly increase.  Mr. Kreissle will continue to inquire about the reason for this increase.

Cash Objectives Diagram:  Mr. Kreissle gave the Selectboard a diagram on Cash Objectives through the end of the year.  It points out that tax payments are needed.  They are due December 19^th.

Broadband Research Feedback: An e-mail was received from Mr. Paul Looney who thinks they could meet with FairPoint and Comcast to negotiate for the expansion of Broadband and better coverage.  He would like to know if there is a newer contract since the 1950 one; a copy of the 1950 contract will be sent to him and Mrs. Downing will research to see if there is a more recent one.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard will support Mr. Looney’s efforts.

Citizen Feedback Letter re: Elderly Tax Exemption:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from a resident regarding the Elderly Tax Exemption and her concerns regarding property tax increases.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard will be putting in a Warrant Article to increase the limits for the Elderly Tax Exemption.

Right-to-Know Law: Mr. Dalessio advised there is a need to come up with a fee schedule for making copies of recordings and documents, supplies, etc.  The Town is entitled to a reasonable reimbursement for expenses under the Right-to-Know rules.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they cannot charge for staff time but can for providing copies of other documents.  Mrs. Downing will do some research on suggested fees.

Selectboard Postings:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to add the following statement to the bottom of the Selectboard Agendas:  “Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting”.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:16 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 1, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:46 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary