Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/19/15

SELECTBOARD 11/25/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:20 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.

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 6:51 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $35,252.87 for checks dated November 20, 2015.  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 14, 2015, in the amount of $19,503.28 for checks dated November 20, 2015.  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 $4,174.53 for the week ending November 14, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 12, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 12, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 12, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 12, 2015, 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:

  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 10, 2015.

BUILDING PERMITS:

PALMER, Barnett Hill, Map & Lot #009-048-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-49 for Robert and Margaret Palmer to “Construct a 22’ x 27’ 1 story, covered ‘3 season room’ addition at 42 Barnett Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

HUBBARD, County Road, Map & Lot #005-019-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-50 for Dale P. Hubbard to “Construct a 20’ x 12’ storage shed” at 485 County Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Billing: Mrs. Clough reported that the new meter reader is much more efficient.  She spoke to Mr. Mark Houghton about their target date.  There are some meters that they have a lot of problems with; some are fixed but some are not.  Mr. Dalessio asked if they could do partial billings.  Mrs. Clough explained that they used to do a full billing knowing that quite a few bills would be wrong but when that happens they have to do corrections and abatements.  They do North Walpole and Walpole separate.  She explained the billing procedure.  Mrs. Edkins wrote a summary of the steps she takes when billing for the Selectboard’s information.  When they believe there are reading problems they send those back out to be re-checked. There was discussion pertaining to shortening the time period between reading the meters, checking the readings, sending questionable ones back to Mr. Houghton, and then doing the billing.  In the future, the person doing water and sewer billing, will have that as a priority so bills go out in a timely manner. They work closely with Mr. Houghton.  Mr. Dalessio would eventually like to see a report on exactly where the users are in terms of where they are financially. They will look at re-structuring the billing process.  Mrs. Clough said bills will go out before the Thanksgiving week-end.

Police Request from the Town of Alstead:  Mr. Dalessio will check with Chief Paquette to see if he did a follow-up with the Town of Alstead Selectboard.

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen:  This is scheduled for the Selectboard meeting on December 3rd, 2015.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners: Mrs. Pschirrer is working on this letter.

Public Hearing–Designating Emergency Lanes: This Public Hearing is scheduled for December 3rd, 2015.

Public Hearing – Acceptance of Land: This Public Hearing is scheduled for December 3rd, 2015.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual: The Selectboard continue to work on this.

NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING:  The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at 8:00 AM.  There will be no public business.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed – Winters, Lot D441 & D442:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Wayne & Margaret Winters to purchase Lots D441 and D442.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Edkins had an inquiry about having a payment plan for a Cemetery Deed.  Mr. Woodward said the Cemetery Trustees would hold the Deed until it was paid in full.  The Selectboard approved letting Mr. Woodward know this arrangement would be acceptable with them.

Employee Disability Insurance:  Mrs. Clough forwarded an email to the Selectboard from Davis and Towle Insurance Group who are the Town’s Agent.  Mr. Dalessio would like to know more about switching from the current STD elimination period to a 14 day elimination period.  Mrs. Clough asked for this information and they will send it to this office.

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 (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:19 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:55 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 19, 2015, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 7:57 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

The Walpole Clarion is Available

Uncategorized 11/25/2015 Comments: 2
THE WALPOLE CLARION December 2015 issue is now posted online. In PDF format, each issue is now posted for your advance reading when it goes to press.
Follow this link — http://thewalpoleclarion.com/2015/11/23/december-2015-clarion-now-on-line/ — and, then click on the image to open the PDF.
To get notice of issue postings directly as posted, you are encouraged to “sign up to follow the blog” just as you have done with THE WALPOLEAN. As time permits, more will be added to this website.
Remember that you will also find a link to The Clarion on the blogroll on The Walpolean homepage. By hook or by crook you can get there! – Lil

Holiday Giving – an Opportunity to Give and to Receive

EVENTS 11/22/2015 Leave a comment

While the Christmas Carol has been cancelled for this year, the need at the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Our Place Drop In Center continues.  Thanks to the Walpole Players there is still a way to continue our support. And, who knows?  You just might be the lucky winner! – Lil

The Walpole Players are making it fun to give this holiday season.

We know that you will one again be donating to your favorite needy charity this year. But, if you give your contribution via the Walpole Players to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf or Our Place Drop In Center, the Walpole Players will enter your name in a drawing to win a $250 shopping spree – provided by an anonymous donor – at the many participating shops and restaurants in Walpole and Bellows Falls. Donations may be made (and entry forms filled out) at the locations listed below.

ACC-2015-POSTER

The winner’s entry will be picked at a fun event with entertainment and Christmas merriment at Joanie Joan’s Baked Goods Company on Saturday, December 12th at noon. You don’t have to be present to win. The winner will have until January 31, 2016, to shop until they drop (or until the $250 is gone, whichever comes first!)

So get a thrill out of giving this year. Donate before December 12th at one of the following locations: Joanie Joan’s Baked Goods Company, The Village Blooms, Galloway Real Estate and Costume Ladies. Help the Walpole Players continue their annual campaign of giving to those in our community in need. And, as Tiny Tim said, ‘God bless us everyone!’

Uncategorized 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Market 9-2
on the Common Tomorrow

On Saturday November 21, 2015 Walpole New Hampshire is the place to be for Localvores, Foodies, and those of you looking for “Just the Perfect Holiday Gift”. Our community brings out its finest handmade treasures and locally produced foods, and gift items. The Walpole Farmers Market, 1st Congregational Church, and St. John’s Church will be open around the Walpole Common from 9 to 2. Come shop for those special locally grown ingredients that will make your Holiday Meals even more special. There will be handmade gift items and greens, trees, and wreaths too.

BUT that’s not all; The Orchard School’s 20th Annual Crafts Fair will fill the Walpole Town Hall, come visit with artisans from across the region, do a little holiday shopping and support a wonderful organization too. The same can be said for crafters and local sales at the Sugar Plumb Shoppe at the Walpole Village School, just down Westminister Street from the Town Hall. Finally, the Walpole Historical Society will open its gift shop where you can find the most perfect hostess gift to bring to holiday parties and the like.

At this point we will have local breads, cheese, maple syrup and maple products, grassfed beef and lamb, honey and wax products. As well as jams, jellies and other condiments. The French Club from the Grammar School in Putney will be with us fundraising for a trip to France, they will be serving both sweet and savory crepes.

Shoppers that visit each venue will be able to sign up for a FREE raffle door prize at some locations, chances to win some fabulous gift items for yourself or to share with others.

So come to Walpole on Saturday November 21st, in the morning, shop, enjoy a light snack or lunch, treat yourself to a prepared meal for family dinner. Enjoy the start of this wonderful season, shopping locally, supporting local farmers, and local organizations that help our community year round.

For more information about the Walpole Farmers Market, contact Holly Gowdy, Market Manager at holly@walpolefarmersmarket. com or at 445-5104, or like us on facebook .

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/12/15

SELECTBOARD 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 12, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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 the attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $61,190.35 for checks dated November 13, 2015.  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 7, 2015, in the amount of $19,270.02 for checks dated November 13, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,131.64 for the week ending November 7, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 5, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 5, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 5, 2015, 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:

  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – October 27, 2015;

There was discussion about the water issue in North Walpole.

  • Walpole Cemetery Trustees – November 5, 2015.

Mrs. Pschirrer spoke with Mr. Dale Woodward as the Cemetery Trustees are opening up another section.  They will have a small bill soon for mapping in the amount of $200.00+/-.  He asked permission to use approximately $2,000.00 for items that will be needed.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the expenditure for the new section of the cemetery to be taken from the Cemetery Trust Funds.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

STILLMAN, Watkins Hill Road, Map & Lot #008-105-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-47 for Stillman Family Revocable Trust / Robert D. & Margaret C. Stillman to “Construct a 13’ x 18’ Solarium/Sunroom addition and a 16’ x 12’ Indoor lap pool addition to the existing home”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MEH ELM ST., LLC / Mark Houghton, Main Street, Map & Lot #023-003-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-48 for MEH Elm Street, LLC, to “Construct a bathroom, office and install heat in existing building” at 279 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY, County Road, Map & Lot #002-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Joan Galloway, Operation #15-461-11-T, on County Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANTS:

Tax Collectors Warrant, Property Tax Levy, Fall Billing 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Warrant, Property Tax Levy, for the Fall Billing 2015 in the amount of $5,366,629.00 and with interest at twelve (12%) per annum from December 22, 2015 thereafter, on all sums not paid on or before that day”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Police Request from the Town of Alstead:  Mr. Dalessio referred this request to Police Chief Paquette who will contact the Selectboard in the Town of Alstead to find out what they will be looking for and then he will come back to the Selectboard with a recommendation. 

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen: A decision on Walpole’s Oldest Citizen will be made on December 3, 2015.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners: Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this letter.  She is waiting for additional information from Police Chief Paquette.

Public Hearing – Designating Emergency Lanes: The Public Hearing on Designating Emergency Lanes scheduled for December 3, 2015, has been in the Keene Sentinel and posted.

Hubbard Farms:  Mr. Dalessio reported that at the next Planning Board meeting Hubbard Farms will submit a Subdivision application that will include the barbeque pit area and permanent right-of-way to the Town pool.  They are asking if the Town wants to subdivide the barbeque pit area as a separate lot or annex it to the Recreation property.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to annex it over to the Recreation property.  It will need to be accepted as a gift.  Mr. Dalessio felt this should be done before the next Planning Board meeting but a Public Hearing will need to be scheduled.  It was agreed to schedule this Public Hearing on December 3, 2015.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cold River Management Advisory Committee Nominee Form:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the appointment of Mr. Fred Ernst to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Whitney R. Aldrich and heirs, Lot C224.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NH Department of Transportation:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from the NH DOT regarding the Town’s “Interim Inspection of Municipally Owned Bridges”. There are two bridges that need “Bridge Closed” signs on both sides of the bridges:  1) #217/062 – Houghton Brook; and 2) #222/063 – Aldrich Brook.  After this has been done a letter needs to be sent to the NH DOT to confirm that it has been done.

Zoning Board of Adjustment: Mrs. Myra Mansouri pointed out that the ZBA meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  She comes early to set-up the tables and chairs.  It is a heavy job bringing them up from the downstairs therefore she is requesting that three tables and a rack of chairs be left in the meeting room.  Mrs. Clough will see that this is taken care of.

Legal Opinion:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the bill in the amount of $400.00 from Boutin and Altieri, PLLC.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (b) Hiring, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:31 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:19 PM.

Mr. Aldrich moved to seal the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of November 12, 2015.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Budget Meeting:  The Selectboard will be meeting all day on Tuesday, November 17th starting at 8:00 AM with the Department Heads, Library Director and Hooper Institute Director and work on the proposed 2016 budget. 

Red Cross:  Mrs. Pschirrer received information that the Red Cross is discontinuing their Rural Rides program.  They have turned their driving services over to a company in Peterborough who has not yet decided if they will cover this area.  They will restrict all of their driving to strictly medically related appointments.  The Selectboard needs to have more information to determine whether or not to keep their funding in the budget.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned to Mr. Kreissle that when they budget the charitable funding no checks will be issued unless they come in to talk to the Selectboard about their mission and what they provide to the residents of the Town of Walpole.

Parks Place:  Parks Place has requested funding for 2016.  They serve 57 people from the Town.  Mr. Dalessio advised that when the Selectboard work on the budget they will look at all the Special Appropriation requests.

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 7:26 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 11/18/15

ZONING BOARD 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Minutes: November 18, 2015

 

Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Le Clerc, Clerk Ernie Vose, Mary Therese Lester, Bob Anderson. Alternates: Judy Trow. Absent: Alternate Stephanie Stoughton..

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the December 2015 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Since there was a full board present, an alternate was not needed to fill.

Alternates: Ms. Mansousi said the Zoning Board could use another alternate and if the Board knew of anyone who was interested to make sure they let her know.

Minutes: There were a few corrections: Bellows is spelled Bellow in a couple of instances, one verb needed to be put in the past tense, there was a repetition of two words and the word “a” was left out in one instance.  Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Lester seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously.

Procedure: Ms. Mansouri started the meeting by explaining that the Board did not follow the correct procedure for making a motion in its executive session at the last meeting. She explained that a vote to seal the minutes must be taken at the meeting following the session. So Ms. Le Clerc made a motion to seal the minutes of the October executive session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Lester and approved by the full board.

New business: 

Signage for Mr. Jack Franks of Avanru – Mr. Franks was at the meeting to have approved two temporary signs to be put up at his property at Abenaki Springs on Route 12. He said the signs would be temporary – for about nine months. The first one is a two-sided 8-foot-by-4-foot sign that advertises topsoil for sale and then lists a telephone number. Ms. Mansouri reminded him that he is on Route 12, a state road, so he must follow the state setbacks from the middle of the road. He said he knew the regulations and “it’s already all staked out. “ Also, the height limit is 20 feet for a free-standing sign. He said he may come back in the summer if the topsoil isn’t sold.

The second sign was also a 4-by-8-foot sign but would be one-sided. It would be 100 feet from the other sign. It informs the public of the construction of a New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority project for Developer Avanru Development Group, LTD. The information on the sign are state requirements for signage for a state project. Every one who is involved in the project has to be on the sign. This sign will be done professionally, Mr. Franks said.

Ms. Trow asked if the sign would be up for the duration of the project. Mr. Franks said yes. I expect it to be completed by May 1, placed in service by June 1, so everything should be done within that time frame.

Mr. Franks also talked about the full-service traffic light that will go in at Red Barn Lane, the entrance to Tractor Supply. This traffic light and the proper lanes and striping of lanes has already been approved by the NH Department of Transportation.

Mr. Franks gave an overview of what’s coming. He is in negotiations for a restaurant, a possible brewery, professional office space, most likely a bank with a drive-through, a mobile phone company and grocery store, so he may be back for more signage. There may be a sign on the corner of the lot that lists a lot of businesses and “I’ll probably need your guidance at some point,” he said.

There are already water, sewer, fiber optics underground now but there will be more engineering going on.

Mr. Vose asked if all the driveways and lights are going to be coordinated with the businesses surrounding them. Mr. Franks said the configuration was all engineered prior to when Family Dollar went in. He said his engineer coordinated with Jiffy Mart and their engineer and DOT. He said there are almost 11,000 cars going past their daily and that’s a lot of traffic.

Both signs conform to the zoning regulations. A motion was made by Mr. Vose to approve the temporary signs for one year. Ms. Lester seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by the Board.

Special Exception Form  – There has been discussion about the Zoning Board application form for a Special Exception. Ms. Mansouri said the plan is to make the process clear for someone who needs a Special Exceptions. Mr. Anderson pointed out one sentence that seemed unclear (The necessary conditions for each Special Exception are given in the ordinance.) Mr. Anderson said that there are very few conditions. There is also no specific delineation on the process of getting a Special Exception. We can’t change the ordinance but we can change the form, Ms. Mansouri said.

Ms. Lester suggested bullets and a border – the bullets to point out a direction. It will also get people to pay attention, she said.

It was decided to hold a workshop meeting on Dec. 10, 2015, at 7 pm., in the Conference Room in the basement of the Town Hall to work on revising the form and making it more clear to the public.

Old business: Reeves and Unitarian Church. Ms. Cynthia Reeves submitted a letter sent to her from Wendy Harty, Chair of the WUC Board of Trustees. In it the church board said it is “glad  to close the door on this, to put it behind us.” Mr. Vose said, “I don’t see any point in pursuing this.” The Board agreed.

Executive Session: At this point Mr. Vose voted to go into Executive Session, Ms. LeClerc seconded the motion. The Board came out of executive session after about 15 minutes.

The procedural vote on the executive session will take place at the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm after a motion was made by Mr. Vose and seconded by Ms. Lester. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn.

Everyone wished everyone else a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, secretary

 

cc: Town Offices, ZBA Board, The Walpolean

Posted inside the Town Offices, outside bulletin board at Walpole Grocery

 

EVENTS 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

Chuck Shaw sent this helpful outline of events that will be going on at the First Congregational Church in December.  Lots to add to your busy December calendar. – Lil

 

Welcome! What a great month to celebrate! We offer something for everyone! We are an Open and Affirming church that has spiritual food for your soul and real food for your appetite.

First Congregational will be hosting Breakfast with Santa in the church fellowship hall on Saturday, December 5 from 8 – 10 AM. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee will be served. Santa will be here to listen to the children’s wishes for Christmas. Come with your children, grandchildren or special children. Enjoy the food, fellowship and holiday spirit that fills the air and join in the celebration of life, love and joy. Free will contributions will be received at the door.

We have a new Music Director, Karen Kitchen, starting December 6. Karen is an organ tuner by profession but her talents cover all the musical aspects of our church. December 6 is the second Sunday in Advent. Communion will be served as part of our regular service that starts at 10 AM. Then on Friday evening, December 11, from 5:30 – 7:30 is our monthly Friendly Friday event for children and families, young and old.

On Wednesday, December 9, at 7 PM the Women’s Fellowship will be hosting “Christmas by Candlelight”, an evening of music, fellowship and sharing Christmas memories. Dessert and beverages will be provided. There is a sign up list in the fellowship hall.

Sunday, December 13, at 10 AM is the regular service with the Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant and our Missions Committee Mitten Tree celebration during the service. Winter hats, gloves, mittens and scarves are collected to be packaged and sent to places as far away as Montana and as close as the Walpole School. If you wish to contribute winter items bring them by the church any Sunday morning before December 14. After the service buy some cookies during the Cookie Walk in fellowship hall. We have cookie tins for you to fill with a wonderful array of cookies made by our congregation. You pay by the pound.

Sunday, December 20, at 10 AM is the Annual Choir Cantata in the sanctuary. Come rest your soul and enjoy our music and our choir.

We offer two Christmas Eve services. At 4 PM, families of all kinds are welcome to join us for a child-friendly service. It will feature the Christmas story in scripture lessons, familiar Christmas hymns and a pageant featuring the children from our Sunday school. Then at 7 PM is our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service with hymns, readings and musical performances by our bell choir, adult choir and organist. Following the service is the live nativity on the common.

 

Farmers Market – 11/21/15

EVENTS 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

Don’t forget that there will be a Walpole Farmers Market ….. Saturday

Along with all of your shopping stops don’t forget to stop in on the Common from 9am – 2pm, some of our regulars, some vendors that we see at this time of the year. All of them bringing crafts, foods, or products that they made or grew themselves….

Sawyers Cheese, McGills Maple, Cannoli from the Farmers Table, Brookfield Farm Grassfed Beef and Lamb, Orchard Hill Breadworks, Babbling Brook Pottery, Cold River Farm, Kinson’s Christmas Greens, Hawksmeadow Farm (Penni’s Pantry) and Iris X Lotions and Potions to name just a few. Walpole will be busy and filled with so many wonderful places to shop for locally made products, come spend the day and enjoy the start of this totally busy holiday season….

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/5/15

SELECTBOARD 11/19/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

JUSTIN CASSARINO, Recreation Department:  The Selectboard reviewed the proposed 2016 Recreation Department Budget presented by Mr. Cassarino.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that when Mr. Cassarino started his salary was based on 500 hours/year but now is at 740 hours/year.  Most of his time is spent from mid-May to August, during the winter it is about ten hours a week for basketball and in the spring he gets the pool ready.  At times the pool has needed three lifeguards on due to heavy attendance.  He receives and makes many phone calls; parents, general public, vendors, etc.  Mr. Cassarino explained the new Basketball League is taking a lot of time as he has also been refereeing.  He asked if there could be a separate line item for referees.  Referees are usually paid $20.00-to-$30.00 a game; there could be two games a week plus two referees per game.  The committee would like to get some volunteers but they would have to do it correctly.  There are not as many volunteers as there used to be.  They now have four teams but can see it growing to six.  He runs basketball leagues both summer and winter, a swim team, soccer during the fall.  Mr. Cassarino asked the committee about hockey as the youngsters have to go to Vermont to play however it was noted that not many participate.  Committee members talked about the property behind St. John’s Church being flooded and used as an ice skating rink.  It did not operate last year but there is interest in doing it this winter.

The Selectboard agreed to the following changes:  1) Increase Mr. Cassarino’s hours from 740 to 800/ year; 2) Increase the salary line accordingly; and 3) Increase the part time salaries line by $3,000.00.

There was discussion relative to purchasing a new pump at the pool as the current one is not running properly.  Mr. Mark Houghton feels they need a new pump.  Mr. Cassarino is in the process of obtaining quotes.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that he provide a breakdown of the $25,000.00 being requested.  The committee feels it is time to replace the roof on the pool house.  Mr. Dalessio advised that several Town buildings need to have new roofs.  It is something the Selectboard needs to discuss; perhaps the building roofs will be grouped together.  Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Cassarino for having a really good year.

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 6:30 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:15 PM.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $35,783.49 for checks dated November 6, 2015.  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 October 31, 2015, in the amount of $20,379.94 for checks dated November 6, 2015.  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 $4,591.87 for the week ending October 31, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 29, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 29, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 29, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 29, 2015.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

There were no new Committee Reports.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY, County Road, Map & Lot # 002-012-000:   Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve this Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Joan Galloway, Operation #15-461-10-T, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter From Cynthia Reeves:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Ms. Cynthia Reeves, dated November 3, 2015.

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen:  The Selectboard will announce the Walpole’s Oldest Citizen during their December 3rd, 2015 meeting.  The Clarion is publishing one more article.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners:  Mrs. Pschirrer is waiting for Police Chief Paquette to provide her with additional information needed for completeness of the letter.

Public Hearing: Designating Emergency Lanes:  The Public Hearing for Designating Emergency Lanes has been scheduled for December 3rd, 2015, at 5:30 PM.  The three emergency lanes are: Ethan Lane, Derry Road and the end of Reservoir Road.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual: The Selectboard continues to work on the Town Ordinances, Procedures and Policy Manual.

Citizens Complaint Form:  The Selectboard approved Mrs. Clough’s recommendation to change this form from “Citizens Complaint Form” to “Citizens Report Form”.

Mrs. Pschirrer was made aware of a complaint from a resident who originally contacted Mrs. Mansouri about a property owner who apparently moved gravel on his own property.  Mrs. Clough clarified that Excavation requires an Intent to Excavate form that goes to the State.  Mr. Dalessio will contact the claimant to explain that the Town has a new policy and ask him to come in to fill out the new form.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed – Byczkowski, Lot D409:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Cemetery Deed which conveys Lot D409 to Stanley and Shirley Byczhowski.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Tax Rate:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Town received the Tax Rate for 2015-2016 from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  They reviewed the 2015 Tax Rate Calculation / Appropriations and Revenue plus other detailed documentation.  Following a lengthy discussion relative to options and whether or not to use a portion of the Surplus Fund Balance to reduce the Tax Rate a decision was made not to take any funding out of the Surplus Fund Balance. Mr. Dalessio felt it would be beneficial to have a chart in the Town Report showing a comparison of tax rates between Walpole and the other local towns.  A hand-out for residents would also be helpful.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to set the Walpole Tax Rate for the year 2015-2016 at $23.97 and to set the North Walpole Tax Rate for the year 2015-2016 at $27.49.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Department:  A request was received from the Town of Alstead inquiring as to whether or not the Walpole Selectboard would consider renting their Police Department officers.  Mr. Dalessio emailed a Selectman in Alstead advising that this will be discussed with Police Chief Paquette and get back to them.

Kitchen Committee:  Mrs. Clough tentatively scheduled a Kitchen Committee meeting for Thursday, November 12th in the morning.  Mr. Mark Houghton has been helping them on this project.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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 all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:54 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:27 PM.

Mr. Aldrich moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 5, 2015, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Friendly Friday – 12/11/15

EVENTS 11/19/2015 Leave a comment
Rev. Craig and his family invite Walpole area families of all kinds to join us monthly for an evening of games, food and fellowship. Take a night off from cooking a full dinner and kick back with your kids and other families. Bring a favorite side dish or main dish to share. We’ll provide drinks and dessert.
 
On December 11, Rev. Craig will teach about Christmas and families will give the gift of service to our neighbors in need by making toiletry kits for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. According to Mary Lou Huffling of the Food Shelf, her clients frequently request shampoo, soap and dental care items. In addition to the travel-size toiletries the church will provide, families coming to Friendly Friday are invited to bring regular-sized shampoo, soap and toothpaste to donate.
Additional Friendly Fridays will be on January 22 and February 26. For more information about Friendly Friday, please call or email the church: 756-4075, walpolechurch@yahoo.com. Or connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/friendly-fridays.