The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 7, 2016

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Joseph 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:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $16,310.95 for checks dated July 8, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 2, 2016, in the amount of $27,914.97 for checks dated July 8, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,806.48 for the week ending July 2, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 30, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 30, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 30, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 30, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Street Visit: Mrs. Pschirrer made the following report on the Selectboard visit to North Street:

“Town of Walpole

Select Board

Notes, July 6, 2016

Present:  Steve Dalessio, Chair, Joe Aldrich, Peggy Pschirrer, Mike Rau, Road Agent, and Roland Caskins, resident of 14 Colonial Drive, Walpole.

The Select Board along with Mike Rau, Road Agent, viewed the property of Roland Caskins, 14 Colonial Drive, Walpole to assess water issues on the property.

The group made the following observations: washout of driveway, evidence that water from the hillside is pushing inward the house foundation which is concrete block and some natural trenching made by water flow from up and behind the house location.

The group discussed the following options: removing soil from the sloping hillside above what appears to be a water induced natural small trench, adding large, almost boulder size rock in several layers, digging a ditch lined with rock which would direct water down a ditch alongside the driveway.

At the end of the driveway the culvert already there would be increased in size at the end of the driveway and water would be directed toward a larger gulley across Colonial Drive.

Road Agent was to develop estimates for materials and the time needed to do each of the two options under discussion.

The Question remains: may we work on private property; is there a safety issue involved.

Peggy Pschirrer”

Relative to the rotted tree near the Johnson property, Mr. Dalessio noted that it is in the Town’s right-of-way but it is not leaning toward the road.  It is a small tree.  The Select Board is waiting for Mr. Rau to get some numbers to remove it and then they will address this tree issue.

Pleasant Street Signage and Striping:  Mr. and Mrs. Neary were unable to attend this meeting.  Mr. Dalessio will draft a letter to finalize the Pleasant Street Signage and Striping.  He recommended they purchase a sign that states “Shared” to be posted at the end of the roadway.

Draft Thank You Letters for Summer Rec Sponsors:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Thank You letter to Mr. John Watson for his efforts in clearing the pool water.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Downing will contact Mr. Cassarino for names and addresses for the other Summer Rec sponsors.

South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair:  The Selectboard is waiting for recommendations from Mr. John Davis of Diversified Precast.

Town Hall Kitchen Dishwasher Update:  Mr. Mark Houghton would like to delay installing the kitchen dishwasher until after the summer due to his work schedule.  Mr. Dalessio just wants it installed before the end of this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the microwaves will be in the Town Hall next week.

Gazebo Repairs:  Mrs. Downing is waiting for estimates from two people she had contacted.

Boston Post Cane:  An email was sent to Mr. Ray Boas to ask that he put an ad in the Clarion for the oldest Walpole resident. However, he has not yet responded.

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this handbook update.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on the Drug Testing Policy.

Town Directory Tri-fold:  Mrs. Downing had a rough draft of a Tri-fold Town Directory for the Selectboard to review and provide feedback.  This is a work in-progress.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested the organizations be listed with a contact.  Put some color in it.  Mrs. Downing will continue to work on it and bring it back for another review.

Draft Pre-Deposit Procedure for Town Pool Monies:  Mrs. Downing presented a draft for a procedure to handle the Town Pool monies.  Mr. Goins makes the deposits.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that at the top of the form it should state that the person working with it should have knowledge of Microsoft Excel.       

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement: Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Edkins have been working on revising the Town Hall rental information and Rental Agreement.  The deposit was changed from $50 to $200.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that when it is finalized it needs to be sent to Primex for a review as they want an Event/Rental Policy for every renter.  Primex will have an issue with alcoholic beverages in the Town Hall.  Their focus is prevention.  Anytime a renter enters into a Rental Agreement Primex wants to see that agreement in advance of the rental.  Renters can go on the Primex web-site to print out information on their Event/Rental Policy as they will need their own insurance.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned her changes to the Gazebo/Band Stand.  Some language was added under alterations; if this is not adhered to, the renter will lose their deposit.  Mr. Dalessio said groups that are recognized as Town organizations will be listed on the Town insurance policy.  There should be an approved list of non-profits in Town who can use the Town Hall at no charge but everybody else should pay.

NEW BUSINESS:

Paul Beliveau Eagle Scout Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the letter of congratulations to Paul Beliveau for reaching his accomplishment of Eagle Scout.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PLT Workers’ Compensation Open Loss Run Report:  The Selectboard reviewed the PLT Workers’ Compensation Open Loss Run Report.

Walpole Grange Leadership Academy:  Mr. Dalessio advised that there is a National Contest to create a new promotion.  Mr. Leo Watson volunteered to put that together.  Last night he video-taped some of the Leadership meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:26 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:41 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 7, 2016, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer 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.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Clarion:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the Town is beginning to consume a lot of space in the Clarion.  Mr. Boas had been giving us free space but it is costing him money for an extra page so it is time to start paying.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to meet with Mr. Boas to see how he wants to handle it.

Contracts and Leases:  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that they start making a list of contracts and leases so they can anticipate what will be coming up in the future.

Traffic Patterns:  Mrs. Pschirrer would also like them to think about traffic patterns.  The Selectboard will be hearing from the Mascoma Bank as they start to change things.  Westminster Street is often blocked by big delivery trucks.  Mr. Dalessio will ask Police Chief Paquette to have an officer check the area during the day; it is a safety issue.  Chief Paquette will be asked to make a recommendation.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Selectboard Meeting for Thursday, July 28th is moving to Wednesday, July 27th. The change is due to a meeting conflict for the Selectboard Chair. The meeting time is 6:30 pm. Selectboard Meetings occur in the Selectboard Office of the Town Hall.

*All are welcome to attend*

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 14, 2016

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Joseph 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 four people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Pleasant Street Signage and Striping:  Mr. Jack Neary and Mrs. Neary were present.  Mr. Neary acknowledged receipt of the letter but they were unable to attend the last couple of Selectboard meetings.  He hoped it was not too late to propose the following: 1) That the lines would not look good on the street therefore they thought maybe a sign would be a better solution.  He displayed a picture of the proposed sign “Slow – Pedestrian Traffic” and will donate the sign to the Town.  Mr. Dalessio noted that they would consider this sign if the other sign for “Shared Space” was not already ordered.  When people see signs for “Shared Space” they are much more cautious.  Mr. Aldrich pointed out that even if they had ordered the sign they could put up both; Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer agreed.  2) Mr. and Mrs. Neary are not in favor of the white painted lines on the north and south sides of Pleasant Street ; he thinks the street would look better with no lines at all.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it defines the edge of the road.  They planned on doing it to avoid having vehicles parked on the grass.  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Rau and others about the white lines.  The actual placement of the “No Parking” signs will be left up to Mr. Rau. Mr. Neary summarized that they hope things work out on Pleasant Street.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $756,419.57 for checks dated July 15, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes the monthly payment in the amount of $513,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Kreissle will establish the policy and guidelines for use of the credit cards.  These were intended for the Departments Heads to use on week-ends for needed supplies and small supplies purchased at local vendors so they would not have to use their own credit cards.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 9, 2016, in the amount of $23,861.40 for checks dated July 15, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA in the amount of $4,984.21 for the week ending July 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 7, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 7, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 7, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 7, 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 meetings:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – June 6, 2016;
• Walpole Planning Board – July 12, 2016. (There will be no monthly Workshop in July.)

BUILDING PERMITS:

MacCLAREN and SINK, Map & Lot #019-045-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign Building Permit No. 2016-27 for Jon A. MacClaren and Chris B. Sink to “Construct a 36’ x 24’, 1 story, 3-car garage” at 16 Union Street.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DeSIMONE, Map & Lot #012-027-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign Building Permit No. 2016-28 for Lois B. DeSimone to “Construct a 31’ x 8’ roof over a concrete patio” at 258 Upper Walpole Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANTS and YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

McGUIRK, Map & Lot #005-026-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, in the amount of $687.48, Operation #15-461-09-T, for Paul McGuirk.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GALLOWAY LeCLERC, Map & Lot #002-012-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, in the amount of $42.00, Operation #15-461-10-T, for Jan Galloway LeClerc.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEAL, Map & Lot #008-053-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, in the amount of $375.69, Operation #15-461-16-T, for Christine Gage Neal.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WOOD, Map & Lot #011-031-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1,2015 to March 31, 2016, in the amount of $82.06, Operation #15-461-17-T, for Ricky Wood.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Original Warrant, Timber Tax Levy for the Tax Year April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, in the amount of $1,187.23.  This is sent to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Thank You Letters for Summer Rec Basketball Sponsors: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter to Mr. Richard Senerchia, Athens Pizza, for his support of the Recreation Department’s summer basketball program.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter to Ms. Kristyn Wallace, Applied Bolting, for their support of the Recreation Department’s summer basketball program.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter to Mr. George Tsitsonis, Diamond Pizza, for his support of the Recreation Department’s summer basketball program.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter to Ms. Sarah McClellan, Chroma Technology Corp., for their support of the Recreation Department’s summer basketball program.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Directory Tri-fold: The Selectboard reviewed the draft copy of the Town Directory Tri-fold.  Mrs. Downing would like to take them to the next Staff Meeting for the Department Heads to look over.  This is a work-in-progress.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):

Mr. Jessie Delarosa:  Mr. Delarosa had been reading the news reports about the Vilas Bridge and came to the meeting to hear about the status of the Vilas Bridge from this side of the river.  He felt some people do not understand the situation to-date.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Town of Walpole has been operating without a formal agreement with the Village of Bellow Falls and their Wastewater Treatment Facility for about ten years.  A new agreement is ready to sign. However, the Village of Bellows Falls would like to couple the signing of this agreement in exchange for Walpole taking a more active role in the repair of the Vilas Bridge.  The Walpole Selectboard stated that they were not going to get into the repair, maintenance or ownership of the bridge as it is a matter for the State of New Hampshire and State of Vermont to address.  It is not a municipality issue to resolve. To-date the only thing the Walpole Selectboard has done is to authorize their Water/Wastewater Department to begin preliminary engineering to move the wastewater line off the Vilas Bridge to connect to Green Street in North Walpole and then go over the Arch Bridge.  That infrastructure is already there but needs to be up-graded.  Walpole has been assured by both the Vermont and New Hampshire DES that the Village of Bellows Falls cannot shut off the waste line.  Mr. Dalessio said the opening or closing of the bridge stands as a political matter.  The Walpole Selectboard made a decision to stay out of this and to pursue moving the line away from the bridge.  It is the prudent thing to do.  We will get the studies done and figure how much the cost will be.  Walpole has been assured by people of knowledge that there is no immediate danger.  We pay our bills on time even with no agreement.  Walpole is 27% of the Bellows Falls revenue for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Walpole Selectboard has talked to their Representatives who have taken this to the State level but they have not gotten the support/funding for the Vilas Bridge.  The State feels this area has two bridges open for crossing the river; a third bridge is not needed.  The Westminster Bridge is scheduled to be repaired this year.  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. Joe DiBernardo will meet next week to start the survey work to move the wastewater line.

Town Hall Kitchen’s New Microwave Ovens: Mrs. Downing reported that the microwaves are arriving tomorrow.

Boston Post Cane Article:  Mr. Dalessio reviewed the ad.  The deadline for feedback will be July 31^st.  A display case for the cane will be purchased; it will be presented to the recipient but kept in the Town Hall.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer moved ahead with proposed pricing for rental agreements in the Town Hall.  A number of issues have been raised.  There will be no difference in rates for the seasons; fuel costs were included year-round.  Mr. Dalessio recommended making the wedding package include the Town Hall, Gazebo and Common.  Non-residential rates will be higher.  There was a discussion about Non-Profit organizations.  Mrs. Pschirrer was making a list of these organizations.  The Selectboard will review the list and look at the criteria for Walpole based groups.  There will be no deposit for several groups unless they use the kitchen.  There will be a surcharge for use of the kitchen to help repay some of the renovation money that was put into the kitchen.  Mr. Dalessio advised that when this document is finalized it needs to be sent to Primex for their review.

Clarion Advertising:  Mr. Dalessio spoke to Mr. Boas about the Clarion advertising.  Sarah will contact Mr. Boas upon his return.

North Street:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that if they have a group of trees that need to be taken down in one day they will include the tree on North Road but they will not spend $900 for one tree at this time.

Leases and Contracts:  The Department Heads will be asked if they have leases and/or contracts.  Mr. Dalessio will bring this up at the next Staff Meeting.

Gazebo Repairs:  Mrs. Downing is still working on getting quotes; this is a small job therefore difficult to get quotes.  Keene Commerial Construction is going to submit a bid.

South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair:  Keene Commercial Construction will submit a bid to do the job.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer has a draft of the Employee Policy Handbook. She will e-mail it to Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Aldrich after her meeting with the Personnel Committee on Tuesday.  Mr. Dalessio would like to run it by a labor attorney and Primex.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy:  Mrs. Pschirrer started to work on this Drug Testing Policy.  It has to be compatible with the Employee Policy Handbook.

Draft Pre-Deposit Procedure for Town Pool Monies:  Mrs. Downing will have the draft of the new procedure ready for the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed, Lot #525 for Wesley J. Davey:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot #525 for Wesley J. Davey.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed, Lot #540 for Jason S. Fitz:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot #540 for Jason S. Fitz.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed, Lot #413 for Sally Kenyon Stevens: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot #413 for Sally Kenyon Stevens.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio recommended they follow-up with Mr. Kreissle to be sure the money from the sale of these Cemetery Deeds goes into the Cemetery Trust as well as most recent deeds. 

Citizen Complaint #2016-19 from Bill Baldasaro – Re: Brush Trimming:  A copy of this Citizen Complaint was forwarded to Mr. Rau.  It is for brush trimming on North Main Street in North Walpole.

Citizen Complaint #2016-20 from Doris Goguen – Re: Brush Trimming:  A copy of this Citizen Complaint was forwarded to Mr. Rau.  It is for brush trimming where High Street meets School Street and at the top of Old North Main Street.

Drewsville Common:  Mr. Dalessio wants to bring the garbage on the Drewsville Common to Mr. Rau’s attention.  It should be done on a regular basis.  If liners were put in the barrels there is someone who volunteered to take it to the Recycling Center.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call cote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:50 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:09 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of July 14, 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:17 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary