The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 28, 2016

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:05 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 $77,871.64 for checks dated January 29, 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 January 23, 2016, in the amount of $19,634.77 for checks dated January 29, 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 $4,219.78 for the week ending January 23, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD STAFF MEETING – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Staff meeting of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 14, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 22, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 22, 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:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – January 20, 2016;
• Library Trustees Meeting – January 12, 2016;
• Conservation Commission – January 4, 2016. 

BUILDING PERMIT:

UNITY BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #017-053–000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2016-01 for Unity Building Technologies, Inc. to “Construct a 24’ x 32’ 1 Story Garage” at 6 Blackjack Crossing Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

NEAL, Aldrich Lane, Map & Lot #008-053-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Operation #15-461-16-T, for Christine Neal, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Transfer of Hubbard Property to the Town of Walpole: The Selectboard received the paperwork on the gift of the BBQ Pit area from Hubbard, LLC. The fees for Attorney Kinyon will be charged to the Town’s legal expenses.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the documents received from Hubbard, LLC for transfer of the BBQ property to the Town of Walpole.  (PA-34 Property Transfer and CD-57P Transfer Tax Form). Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection Report: Mr. Dalessio reviewed his responses on the violations found by Inspector Perry during his administrative audit on December 11, 2015.   The Selectboard will sign the letter and document next week.  Mr. Dalessio thanked everyone for getting their responses in on this Labor Audit and Inspection Report.

2016 Warrant Articles:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the 2016 Warrant Articles are almost ready.  The wording in the Recreation Department’s Article for the pool will be changed and they are waiting for a few more figures from Mr. Kreissle.

Department Reports for the 2015 Town Report:  Mrs. Clough continues to work on the 2015 Town Report.

Server Update:  Mr. Dalessio signed the up-dated contract for the server with True North Networks to change the date from February 1^st to March 1^st, 2016 subject to appropriations.

Library Building:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign the contract with ABS Consulting who removed the asbestos from the Town Library for the amount of $5,800.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual:  This is an on-going project for the Selectboard.

NH Dept. of Revenue Administration; Community Action Report:  Mrs. Clough is waiting for more information from the Department of Revenue Administration.  They will let her know exactly what they need.  For Current Use they will pick out 30 of the approximately 200 that the Town has; it will require all up-dated information on the maps, etc.

PUBLIC BUSINESS: 

Mr. Jack Franks:  Mr. Franks advised that construction will begin on the 26 housing units next Tuesday.  It will continue for about 8 days.  After that sub-contractors will be working on the project.  He invited the Selectboard members to visit the site and see the process.  There will be a ribbon cutting sometime in May.  Mr. Franks has been in contact with Mr. Mark Houghton at the Fire Department.  He will be meeting with the Management Company soon to start advertising.  The Selectboard office has had some inquiries.  When Mr. Franks has some more information on the rentals he will drop that off in the Selectboard’s office.

NEW BUSINESS:

SWRPC, Winter Meeting Invitation:  An invitation was received from the Southwest Region Planning Commission to attend their Winter Meeting on Tuesday, February 16^th, at Papagallos Restaurant in Swanzey, NH.  The topic of discussion will be NH’s 2016 Legislative Session.  Contact Mrs. Clough to make a reservation if anyone plans to attend.

Savings Bank of Walpole – 2016 Concerts on the Green Request:  A request was received from the Savings Bank of Walpole to announce that they are again sponsoring their Concerts on the Green series this summer.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the request of the Savings Bank of Walpole to use the town green on consecutive Sunday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm.  The first concert will take place on Sunday, June 26^th and then every Sunday thereafter through August 14, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter from Pamela Howard:  A request was received from Pamela Howard and David Howard to extend the sewer line up Colonial Drive.  The letter states that Mr. Tom Murray and John and Linda Burroughs have also expressed an interest in connecting.  This has been forwarded to Mr. Mark Houghton who will figure the cost of the project and handle the negotiations.  All costs will be paid for by the property owners being connected.  The Selectboard supports their connections to the sewer line.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD BUSINESS:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:55 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:08 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of January 28, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Elderly Exemption:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant an Elderly Property Tax Exemption for a person in the Town of Walpole.  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 7:28 PM.

NH Municipal Association:  Mrs. Pschirrer read the NH Municipal Association web-site and there is legislation coming up that she would like to do some research on.  One will increase the fees for cars that get high mileage because they are not using enough gas; the State is losing income.  There was another one about towns, by Town vote, having the ability to attach a fee that would go into their Highway and Bridge Funds. The State keeps cutting back on what they send the towns.

Accessory Dwelling Units:  Mrs. Pschirrer has been reading about Accessory Dwelling Units.  Mr. Dalessio noted that it is pending legislation.  It would not go into effect until 2017.  The Selectboard discussed some property owners who wanted to put an apartment/room above their unattached garage but they were voted down by the Zoning Board because the garage and house were not on a common foundation.  They feel there has to be a way to make this work as many families need extra room when their children/friends come back to visit or for a caretaker.  The Zoning Board feels the big concern is the fact that people will rent them.  Mr. Dalessio felt that the Zoning Board could make it contingent upon not renting the unit.  The State feels this is important enough to spend time on it. At one time it may have been an unreasonable request but it is no longer unreasonable.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 21, 2016

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:15 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Prior to this meeting the Selectboard had a monthly meeting with the Staff.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were six people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TARA SAD: Mrs. Tara Sad and Mr. Ray Boas were present.  Mrs. Sad explained that the Historical Society is making plans for a special event.  Mrs. Sad thought it would be a great idea to include a walk to the Louisa May Alcott Falls. Unfortunately since 2005 this area is not suitable for walking, there is no longer a bridge, and no pathways as they were all washed out.  This property was deeded to the Town in the 1930s for the sole purpose of recreation, a park for the Town’s people and it should be maintained.  They distributed copies of the background history of the Academy Ravine Recreational Area and Bellows Knapp Memorial Trail that was written by William Beer in June 1976.  She requested that the Selectboard give approval to have work done on the property to open up the trails so it can be usable once again. Most work will be done with volunteers.  Mrs. Sad talked to Mr. Tom Beaudry and Mr. Lew Shelley of the Conservation Commission; last month the Conservation Commission talked about doing this work.  Mr. Shelley is qualified, a resident of the Town and could do the work but would like to be paid.  There is a question as to whether he can be hired by the Town if he is on the Conservation Commission.  Is it a conflict of interest? Mrs. Sad envisions fixing this area up to the foot of the falls; there could be a picnic area with a view.  Mr. Dalessio felt that because the property is Town-owned it could fall under the work done by the Conservation Commission.  They have money for this specific type of work; that is not an issue.  Mr. Boas advised that the Historical Society was recently gifted with Louisa May Alcott’s petticoat that she wore when she was 14 years old; it will be a piece of their exhibit.  The Falls were her favorite place.  Mr. Dalessio feels it is a great idea.  Mrs. Sad noted that in 1976 when the work was done for the Bi-centennial the cost was $2,500; they had a Warrant to do the work.  She would hope that the Town would let them use some smaller equipment that might be needed.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that they ask the Conservation Commission to fund it up to $5,000.00.  There was discussion relative to getting a quote from Mr. Shelley and someone else; perhaps from the Monadnock Conservancy as they also do a lot of trail work.

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 and (b) Hiring.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:30 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:56 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 21, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):

PHIL HICKS:  Mr. Hicks was present to discuss the Pleasant Valley Hockey Club and to ask why their funding was taken out of the 2016 budget.  They were funded by the Town since 1980.  The President of the Club received an email from Mr. Justin Cassarino of the Recreation Department informing him that their funding was going to be used for the ice skating rink instead of the Hockey Club.  The Selectboard had not been informed of this change in the budget or of the email.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the Selectboard had expressed concern that the Hockey Club only had a few youth from Walpole as members.  They felt it better to fund a few Walpole youth rather than the entire league.  Mr. Hicks explained that the number varies year-to-year.  They offer scholarships.  Mr. Hicks started this program in Walpole but they now play at Vermont Academy.  They have two teams; one is a traveling team and the other team does not travel.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked for some background on the league and the numbers of youth from Walpole; information for the file.  By researching paperwork on the proposed budget the Selectboard discovered that the Hockey Club was in the Recreation Department budget for $500.00 but the Recreation Department renamed the line item to maintenance of the ice skating rink.  Mr. Dalessio will follow-up and talk to Mr. Cassarino about this reallocate of funds.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $120,388.86 for checks dated January 22, 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 January 16, 2016, in the amount of $22,063.54 for checks dated January 22, 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 $5,083.00 for the week ending January 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 14, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2– January 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 14, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – January 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to table the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 14, 2016 until the next Selectboard meeting on January 28, 2016.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Planning Board – January 12, 2016.

It was noted that the heading should indicate that they are minutes from the “Walpole Planning Board” rather than “Walpole Town Hall”.  Mr. Dalessio will mention this change at the next Planning Board meeting.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Simonds, Sawmill Lane, Map & Lot #013-034-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, No. 15-461-06-T, off Sawmill Lane for Rita Simonds.  This is a supplement to the previous Intent to Cut to increase the amount to be cut.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Updated Primex Membership Application:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Selectboard Chair, Mr. Steven Dalessio, to sign the final Primex Membership Agreement to be effective July 1, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio received an email from Primex asking if the Selectboard want to change their renewal effective date from July 1^st to January 1^st.  It would be in line with the budget.  They would pay for six months in 2016 and start a new full year on January 1, 2017.  It would be nice to have everything renew at the same time.  The Selectboard will take this under advisement.        

Southwest Regional Planning Commission Nomination:  Mr. Aldrich moved to appoint Alicia Flammia to fill a vacancy on the Southwest Regional Planning Commission, Natural Resource Advisory Board.  Such office will be for a period of three years; January 21, 2016 through Town Meeting, March 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Citizens Report Form – Nancy Sloan:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign and send the letter to Nancy Sloan, dated January 21^st, acknowledging all her concerns and comments about the ditch on her abutter’s property.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection Report:  Mr. Dalessio advised that this will be ready for review next week.  He has all the responses so can start to fill in the report.

2016 Warrant Articles:  The Warrant Articles are all set.  One change was the increased amount for the pool repairs from $25,000 to $30,000.

Special Selectboard Meeting:  A notice was posted that the Selectboard will have a Special Non-Public Meeting on January 22, 2016, at 10:30 AM at the E.E. Houghton building.

Department Reports for the 2015 Town Report:  Mrs. Pschirrer proof-read all the reports and there are just minor typographical things that she will give to Mrs. Clough.  Mr. Dalessio is working on the Selectboard Report.

Server Update:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the server update will be done in early February.  Mrs. Smith’s computer is on order.  The plan is to get all the office computers working together and then bring this new computer into the network.  This project is still on-target.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual:  This is an on-going project for the Selectboard.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH Department of Revenue Administration; Community Action Report: Mrs. Pschirrer explained that the DRA will come in to be sure everything is being done properly.  It includes a review of the Veteran’s Exemptions, Elderly Exemptions, etc.  Mrs. Edkins advised that it was in the report that Mrs. Clough did.  It occurs every five years.

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 at 7:38 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:05 PM.

OFFICE VACANCY:  Mr. Dalessio advised that there is a vacancy in the office for a 20 hour a week part-time position.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary