The Walpolean

This would seem to be a complete description but if you have questions, you can contact me and I will do my best to get them answered, since I have been advised on who to ask. – Lil

On Thursday, June 19, there will be a screening of selected scenes from Ken Burns’ newest series “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.” The screening will be at the Bellows Falls Opera House located on the Square in Bellows Falls, VT at 7pm. This event is a benefit for the Hooper Preservation Fund and The Walpole Historical Society. Tickets are $20 and seating is reserved.

The event will be hosted by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns of Florentine Films. There will be live music performed by local musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy who provided music for the films final episode.

In addition, there are 50 select tickets available. These tickets guarantee the best seats and allow purchasers to meet at the Walpole Historical Society prior to the screening for a preview of their new exhibit, “A Glimpse of Walpole in the Roosevelt Years.” There they can enjoy some light refreshments and meet director Ken Burns. These tickets are $100 each.

Scene from the display at The Historical Society.

The Hooper Preservation Fund is a committee devoted to raising the money necessary to pay for the pending conservation easement for the lands encompassing the Hooper Golf Course and surrounding land in Walpole, NH. This easement will guarantee the protection of these lands for generations to come.

The Walpole Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation,  collection and exhibition of historical materials relating to Walpole, New Hampshire.

Tickets may be purchased with CASH or PERSONAL CHECK at the following locations:

Ruggles & Hunt, 8 Westminster St, Walpole NH (603)-756-9607

Galloway Real Estate, Main St, Walpole, NH (603)-756-3661

Toadstool Bookshop, Colony Mill, 222 West St, Keene, NH (603)352-8815

Village Square Booksellers, 32 The Square, Bellows Falls, VT (802)463-9404

The Select $100 tickets may be purchased ONLY at Ruggles & Hunt in Walpole NH.

Sheila Lennon writes – “Could you please let your bloggers know that there is a wonderful Cabaret being held at The First Congregational Church, 15 Washington St., Walpole, this Saturday, May 3, 2014, starting at 6:30PM.

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 10, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair), Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with four people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:15 PM. No announcements were made.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
MR. PAUL COLBURN – Recycling Facility: Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the “2014 Summary Quarterly Comparison – 1st Quarter ending 3/31/2014” worksheet. He is forecasting that this year should be close to $25,000; the average year-to-date figure is $5,514.00. He also distributed the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison” worksheet. The totals year-to-date show that they are down about 50 tons for everything and that has been the trend. Mr. Colburn explained that recyclables have been down. Newspapers are dropping; they are not as big as they used to be and some people now read them on-line. They are hoping more people will separate their recyclables from the trash. The Highway Department took their sand pile. He purchased a platform ladder with a railing for people when they are feeding the baler; they had been using a step ladder that was not safe and it was more difficult to perform the operation. It did not come out of their budget; it is new equipment. They are installing plywood and painting the walls of the building when they have time. This is at no cost to the Town. The building was built 20 years ago; they are doing what they can to preserve it. The biggest part is the back as it is shaded so they might have to get some more plywood. The reuse shed is opening up. Mr. Colburn is working on an Operating Plan and a Closure Plan. He might have to get a program set-up for training the volunteers. The same regulations will still apply for the burn pit. If both the House and Senate pass the Paint Bill he would be interested in having Walpole be a satellite location.

POLICE CHIEF MIKE PAQUETTE: Chief Paquette advised that the Police Department has been having problems with their computers for the past several years. Walmart had donated all the work stations. They have had a lot of down time but the department cannot be down as their reports need to be done in a timely manner. He has been talking with All Service about a lease program and they submitted a quote. Right now they are checking to see if they can move some programs over to the new equipment. Mr. Aldrich pointed out that there is money in the budget for new computers. There was discussion relative to the type of equipment that would be provided under the lease program. Mr. Dalessio felt the contract should contain a clause that the computers will work with the software that they are using. There was a consensus to have Mr. Dalessio contact the IT person at All Service to be sure the department will be getting what they need to get and keep the system up and running.
Chief Paquette displayed a plan on how he would like to re-arrange the rooms to accommodate the department for a better working environment. He is trying to professionalize the building and equipment. He estimates it will cost approximately $2,800 to do it all; it can be taken out of his basic General Equipment budget. The Selectboard approved this request.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated April 11, 2014, in the amount of $53,115.90. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 5, 2014, for checks dated April 11, 2014, in the amount of $18,609.60. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,232.67. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 3, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 3, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Street abstained as he was not present.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:
MERRIAM FARM, INC. Map & Lot #003-050-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, # 14-461-01-T, for Merriam Farm, Inc. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – Property Tax:
HEALY, Route 12, Map & Lot #026-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to deny this request for a Property Tax Abatement by Mr. Healy as recommended by Avitar Associates, Inc. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT & CERTIFICATIONS OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:
JOHNSON, Map & Lot #012-044-500 – #13-461-08-T
MERRIAM FARM, INC., Map & Lot #003-050-000 – #13-461-06-T
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for Timber Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed as follows:
 Alan W. Johnson c/o RN Johnson, Inc. in the amount of $297.41 and
 Merriam Farm, Inc. / David Keuralainen, President, in the amount of $3,163.61
Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
ELEVATOR REPAIRS: Mrs. Clough reported that State notified the office that the elevator was not inspected; it needs to be done every year by January 31st. The Otis Elevator Company was contacted to make the inspection but it needs some repairs. Therefore they will be coming in to repair the heat detectors in the machine room and top of shaft to activate the battery lowering. Countryside Alarm Company will be present when the repairs are being made.

OLD KEENE ROAD BY WILSON ROAD: Mr. Aldrich attended the Conservation Commission meeting last Monday night. Alicia Flammia talked to him about a culvert near the Old Keene Road by Wilson Road that goes to the stream. There is a big gully. Her concern is that it is getting to be like Wentworth Road. Mr. Aldrich looked at it on Tuesday. The Highway Department is aware of it and is watching it.

OLD BUSINESS:
ROAD DAMAGE FOLLOW-UP: Mr. Dalessio had drafted a letter in response to Mr. Alabbadi’s concern about the condition of the Whipple Hill Road. There was a consensus that the letter should be signed and mailed out.

WEBSITE: There was discussion relative to work done in the past in trying to get the Website up and running. Mr. Dalessio volunteered to work with Mrs. Clough on this.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:
QUIT CLAIM DEED: The Selectboard signed the Quit Claim Deed to transfer Map #008, Lot #060-000 consisting of approximately .29 acres from the Town of Walpole to the Trustees of the George L. Hooper Trust. This will be conveyed to the Town Attorney to be filed at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 17, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair), Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
CHERYL MAYBERRY: Ms. Mayberry, as a member of the Southwestern Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) Transportation Committee, was present to provide an up-date. She distributed copies of “The Roads to New Hampshire’s Future”. This document was handed out by the NH Department of Transportation at a meeting she attended in Keene about two weeks ago with Commissioner Clement and Senator Molly Kelly. The meeting was attended by many people who have an interest in the highways. There are limited revenues in the State. A lot of the roads in the Town of Walpole are rated in fair or poor condition; not many are good. The document has several graphs that show the road conditions. One graph shows that you can drive from Concord, NH to Anchorage, Alaska, a distance of 4,559 miles, and only about 20% of the roads are in good condition; the rest are poor or fair. They are talking about the gas tax and how NH compares to other parts of the country. There was also discussion about tolls. The State is using their toll credits as revenue against the highway match funding that is needed to match federal funds. The gas tax would be a short term fix. The Legislature has mandated that Interstate 93 be completed. The Commissioner feels that over time if they continue to fund and complete Interstate 93 there will be more money for other regions. They also talked about a tier road system where they evaluate and decide what rating the roads fall into. She does not see any significant improvements in this area but there are other projects in Cheshire County. There is the one project on Route 12 between Charlestown and North Walpole. It is expected to start next year but the railroad has to move portions of the tracks first. In regards to the Vilas Bridge, she was told that Commissioner Clement is supposed to meet with the Commissioner in Vermont soon to start talking about what can be worked out between the two states. It is a unique bridge. The bridge was on the NH Ten Year Plan but then it got pushed down the list. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that if something should happen to the former ”Arch Bridge” and it was closed that would end truck traffic through there because trucks cannot go under the railroad bridge in Westminster Station. The SWRPC is still looking into the Upper Valley Road that goes in back of Shaw’s that they previously talked about. Ms. Mayberry will try to get the Planner at SWRPC to meet with Chief Paquette to work on the accident data to support doing a further survey. The final thing she planned to talk about is that SWRPC wanted to do some surveys / studies about transportation (walking, biking, etc.) but they need another Village as a test area so they want to look at North Walpole. The SWRPC Planner, J B Mack, is going to attend the North Walpole Commissioners meeting next Tuesday at 7:00 PM. She talked to him about looking at the intersection at the Arch Bridge, the underpass that was blocked off on Route 12, and a sidewalk on Main Street because of the kids walking to school. Ms. Mayberry encouraged the Selectboard to look through the document she handed out. They have some real challenges and it looks as though there will not be a lot of funding for quite a while.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all members in favor, the motion was approved at 6:25 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:47 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):
MR. JIM TERRELL: Mr. Terrell reported that the backhoe that was voted for at Town Meeting is out of the factory and is on its way for the attachments. He hopes it will be here by the end of the month. The truck body for the one ton will be in this week or next week. They will go over to pick it up as Mr. Bill Damaziak will put it on. He had Rice Tree Service pruning trees on Main Street; cutting off the dead limbs. They will also work on trees around the Common. Mr. Rice will recommend a fertilizer that the Highway Department will use for the trees. He is starting to get quotes for paving; three people looked at the roads and he received one quote. It looks like it will be at least the end of the month or longer before he removes the road postings; this is dependent on the weather. The state recommends six weeks but some towns do it for two months. Mr. Terrell has some money left to buy more salt. He could fit another shipment in the shed which he will order next week.
Mr. Terrell put in a request for a pay raise for Baptist Martyr. He started working last year because of the floods but ended up staying on part-time until he started working full-time on December 1, 2013.
Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the pay increase for Baptist Martyr as recommended by Mr. Terrell. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Terrell advised that they are starting their summer work that includes catch basins and culverts. Mr. Street pointed out that it was not an easy winter therefore, on behalf of the Selectboard, he expressed their appreciation and thanked Mr. Terrell and the Highway Crew for their hard work and putting in so many long hours.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated April 18, 2014, in the amount of $483,478.31. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a monthly payment of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 12, 2014, for checks dated April 18, 2014, in the amount of $19,194.18. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,230.09. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 10, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 10, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 10, 2014, 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:
 Conservation Commission – April 7, 2014;
Selectboard Meeting –April 17, 2014- Page 3
 Hooper Institute Committee – April 15, 2015; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 8, 2014 and April 15, 2014.

BUILDING / DEMOLITION PERMITS:
FISH, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #004-017-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-05 for Mark and Sandra Fish to “Construct a 12’ x 10’ 1 story Storage Shed” at 459 Old Keene Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BURROWS, Colonial Drive, Map & Lot #021-042-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-06 for the Burrows Revocable Trust of 2011 / John P. and Linda G. Burrows, Trustees “To Construct a 12’ x 10’ 1 Story Storage Shed” at 37 Colonial Drive, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FLETCHER, March Hill, Map & Lot #009-010-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-07 for Henry Fletcher to “Demolish a Burnt Home” at 49 March Hill Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER

FRANKIEWICZ, Old Drewsville Road, Map & Lot #015-005-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #14-461-02-T, access to be off Route 123, for Ron and Marcia Frankiewicz, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT & CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:
TROW, County Road, Map & Lot #005-031-003: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Tax Warrant and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed, #14-461-11-T, in the amount of $93.98 for Rick Trow and Judy Trow, at 582 County Road. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Map & Lot #001-016-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate, #13-461-01-E, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:
GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for the Gravel Tax Levy and the Excavation Tax Assessment Per RSA 72-B, #13-461-04-E, in the amount of $210.12 for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
NH DRA MS-2 FORM: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Report of Appropriations Actually Voted – MS-2 form – to be submitted to the Department of Revenue Administration. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD DAMAGE:
ROAD DAMAGE FOLLOW-UP LETTER: The Selectboard signed the letter to Mr. Alabaddi that was previously approved.

2014 COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  Mrs. Clough distributed copies of the 2014 Committee Vacancies list. Mr. Dalessio recommended that the Hooper Scholarship be reviewed as it is accruing monies and the requirements have not been reviewed in many years. Due to the fact that there are still many vacancies, there was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Clough put out one more notice and email.

Mr. Dalessio moved to re-appoint the following committee members:
 WRAP Committee – Paul Colburn to a three-year term seat;
 Hooper Scholarship Committee – Kim Lewis to a three-year term seat;
 Hooper Institute Committee – Marcia Galloway and Lewis Shelley to three-year term seats;
 Conservation Committee – Lewis Shelley and Tom Beaudry to three-year term seats; and
Seth Andrews as an Alternate for a three-year term seat.
Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Recreation Director: Mrs. Clough reported that one application was received for this position. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask this applicant to attend the next meeting.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:32 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:05 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 3, 2014

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio, (Absent: Chas Street, Chair)

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Aldrich called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated April 4, 2014, in the amount of $138,591.94. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $110,000 to the Walpole Fire District.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the quote from Wilson and Lawrence, Inc. for repairs of the tennis courts, dated March 27, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 29, 2014, for checks dated March 4, 2014, in the amount of $24,563.17. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,032.36. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD PUBLIC HEARING MEETING – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 27, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of March 27, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of March 27, 2014, as submitted. The 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:
 Conservation Commission Subcommittee – March 26, 2014.
Mrs. Clough brought up the fact that the Selectboard did not budget for sub-committee meetings therefore at the end of the year there will be issues with the additional salary for the secretary. Mr. Dalessio recommended that Mrs. Clough bring this to the attention of the Chair of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Aldrich pointed out that Class 6 roads are the purview of the Selectboard. The State passed a regulation 5-to-6 years ago that they can be maintained for emergency access but they do not become Class 5 roads. If there is a fire or other emergency there needs to be access. Mrs. Heleen noted that the CC members are trying to work on a Warrant Article for next year because they hope to repair some of those roads. Mr. Aldrich will attend the next meeting. The three questions he would like answers to are: 1) Why are they doing it; 2) Who appointed this Sub-committee; and 3) Money for the secretary. Mrs. Clough said if this ties into the Selectboard and they want to be a part of the sub-committee there is part-time money in that budget.

CURRENT USE:
SMITH, Kidder Farm, Ramsay Hill, Map & Lot #011-007-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Current Use application for Gary Smith, Kidder Farm, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

MORGAN, Merriam Road, Map & Lot #003-052-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Current Use application for Donald Morgan and Andrea Morgan, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
BANKING RESOLUTION: Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Savings Bank of Walpole – Government / Municipal / Public Funds Banking Resolution, as presented. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PERSONNEL FORM: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the hiring of a part-time Highway Department employee, Ken Silva, upon the recommendation of Jim Terrell. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Following a discussion, there was a consensus of Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio that NH Background Checks should be done for new employees. The “New Hire Report” form will be used.

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 6:36 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:49 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:
WHIPPLE HILL ROAD: Mr. Dalessio had drafted a response letter to Mr. Alabbadi regarding the road conditions on Whipple Hill Road. A copy was forwarded to Mr. Terrell for his comments. The Selectboard agreed to hold the letter until the next meeting when a full board will be present.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
MARCH 27, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair); Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:15 PM.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 22, 2014, for checks dated March 28, 2014, in the amount of $19,152.90. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,417.45 for the week ending March 22, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated March 28, 2014, in the amount of $37,598.41. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 20, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 20, 2014, as submitted. Mr. Aldrich clarified that on page 3, following the Committee Assignments, it was not the Selectboard’s intent to “delete the Tri-Village Energy Committee” but rather it was to “not assign a liaison to that committee at this time”. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion with the above edit. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
Mr. Dalessio noted that he followed up on Tri- Village Energy Committee, and they no longer exist.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 20, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 20, 2014, as submitted. The 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 – March 19, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 25, 2014; and
 Planning Board Minutes – March 11, 2014.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL PAQUETTE AND OFFICER RAY GOSETTI: Police Chief Paquette introduced Officer Raymond Gosetti who has been a part-time officer in Walpole since 2007. He went to
the full-time Police Academy in 2010 from Charlestown. Chief Paquette requested that the Selectboard approve hiring Officer Gosetti full-time as there have been no disciplinary issues. He knows the
operating system, the people in the Town and has a good working relationship with the youth. Officer Gosetti is aware of the fact that his shifts would have to be flexible for now. Officer Gosetti advised that he has worked in all the surrounding towns part-time. He will still work part-time in Langdon but will stop working in Charlestown.
Mr. Aldrich moved that the Selectboard approve the hiring of Raymond Gosetti full time at $18.75/hour or $39,000 annually. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Officer Gosetti thanked the Selectboard and noted that he will give a two week notice to Charlestown on Monday.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations and (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:34 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:52 PM. No announcements were made.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a Non-Public Session as the Hooper Trustees. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:10 PM.

ELDERLY EXEMPTIONS:
DAVIS, Kilburn Street, Map & Lot #008-131-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Elderly Exemption for Property Tax Credit for Joan Davis at 8 Kilburn Street. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
COLD RIVER MATERIALS, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials, # 14-461-01-E, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
COLD RIVER MATERIALS, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials, # 14-461-02-E, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – PROPERTY TAX:
DAHER, 15 Pete Stand Lane, Map # Lot #012-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Property Tax for the William H. Daher 1993 Trust. The property assessment decreased from $152,400 to $141,000 resulting in an Abatement of the $11,400 difference. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BOSCO IRREVOCABLE TRUST, Blackjack Crossing, Map & Lot #001-011-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Property Tax for the Bosco Irrevocable Trust, Anthony and Karen Bosco. The property assessment decreased from $324,600 to $317,900 resulting in an Abatement of the $6,700 value difference. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – WATER AND SEWER:
OLSEN, Westminster Street, Map & Lot #020-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Brenda Olsen for the following amounts: Water $379.30 and Sewer $330.82. This is the result of an incorrect meter reading. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FABIS, Elm Street, Map & Lot #020-018-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Jennifer Fabis for the following amounts: Water $375.90 and Sewer $326.88. This is the result of an incorrect meter reading. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT REFUNDS:
DAHER, 15 Pete Stand Lane, Map & Lot #012-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement Refund for William H. Daher 1993 Trust, c/o Foster, Dykema & Cabot, in the amount of $262.70. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BOSCO IRREVOCABLE TRUST, Blackjack Crossing, Map & Lot #001-011-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement Refund for the Bosco Irrevocable Trust, Anthony & Karen Bosco, in the amount of $154.17. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
PERSONNEL FORMS: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Employees raises that were approved in the 2014 budget. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WIRE TRANSFER AGREEMENT RENEWAL: Mr. Aldrich moved to authorize the Chair to sign the annual Wire Transfer of Funds Authorization Agreement with the Savings Bank of Walpole. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ROAD COMPLAINT: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Mr. Alabbadi regarding road conditions on Whipple Hill Road. Mr. Dalessio talked to Jim Terrell who went to the site. Mr. Terrell said as soon as the ground thaws he will take care of it. Mr. Dalessio will draft a letter responding to Mr. Alabbadi’s concerns and bring it back to the next meeting; a copy will go to Mr. Terrell.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:19 PM. No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
MARCH 20, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Borden, Recording Secretary, called this meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with four people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR 2014:
Mr. Dalessio nominated Chas Street as the Chair for 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. There were no other nominations. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the nomination was approved. Mr. Street abstained from the vote.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
MR. STEVEN RUDEK: Mr. Rudek explained that he needs approval from the Selectboard for the application to the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation for the Driveway Permit off Route 12 previously approved by the Selectboard. The Street Plat was approved by the Planning Board during their March 11, 2014, meeting.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the application to the State of NH Department of Transportation for the Driveway Permit for Mr. Steven Rudek and that the Chair be authorized to sign this application, on behalf of the Selectboard, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:36 PM. No announcements were made.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated March 21, 2014, in the amount of $489,864.26. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 15, 2014, for checks dated March 21, 2014, in the amount of $20,561.57. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,455.69. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 13, 2014: Mr. Dalessio requested that on page 1, under Recycling Facility, third paragraph, first line, that “ Selectboard decided not to charge for fluorescent bulbs” be corrected to “Selectboard decided not to charge for compact / Pig Tail” bulbs. Mr. Aldrich
moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 13, 2014, with the above correction. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 13, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 13, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Recreation Committee – March 16, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 11, 2014; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 18, 2014.
Mr. Street reported that he met with the Water Resource Protection Committee, Jennifer Palmiotto and the three North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners. They are going to be working with a grant agency to try to get some funding to fix the water problem they have in North Walpole. Mrs. Palmiotto will continue to work with them.

VETERANS CREDIT:
SMITH, Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH05: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Veterans Property Tax Credit for Weldon Smith, on 16 Hogan Lane, Map #016, Lot #005-MH05, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:
SMITH, Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH05: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Elderly Property Tax Credit for Weldon Smith, on 16 Hogan Lane, Map #016, Lot #005-MH05, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:
MASSICOTTE, Alstead Center Road, Map & Lot #015-028-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Application for Current Use for Paul Massicotte, Map #015, Lot #028-000, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION / GRAVEL WARRANT:
Cold River Materials, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000; Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000; and Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for Gravel Tax Levy for Cold River Materials as follows:
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000, Operation #13-461-02-E in the amount of $0.00;
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000, Operation #13-461-03-E in the amount of $2,265.86
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000, Operation #13-461-01-E in the amount of $106.82.
The total of the Warrant is $2,372.68. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: The Selectboard chose the following 2014 Committee Assignments:
 Highway Department – Mr. Dalessio;
 Planning Board – Mr. Street (Alternates will be either Mr. Aldrich or Mr. Dalessio);
 Recreation Department – Mr. Aldrich;
 Police Department – Mr. Aldrich;
 Hooper Committee – Mr. Dalessio;
 Library Board – Mr. Dalessio;
 Recycling Department – Mr. Street;
 Conservation Commission – Mr. Aldrich;
 Source Water Protection Committee – Mr. Dalessio
There was a consensus to delete the Tri-Village Energy Committee as they are no longer meeting.
Mr. Street felt they should address the Hooper Institute as the Selectboard no longer has any insight on the Scholarship Committee. There was a consensus to invite Eloise Clark to the next Selectboard meeting.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:01 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:09 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The staff at the Bellows Walpole Inn wanted to express their thanks to all their Walpole friends and neighbors that came out on such short notice last Saturday night.  They were pleased and overwhelmed at your response.  

Thursday is the scheduled opening that was promised and is described as having a complete menu and bar.  The small plates are al a carte and can be mixed and matched to suit individual tastes.  If Saturday was typical fare, I think all would agree that Chef Justin Derby prepares good food and Bartender Bobby Hall we know is a great “mixologist”.

The Inn Pub will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 as well as Friday 4:00 to 10:00 and Saturday 3:00 to 10:00.

Aren’t we fortunate to have this addition to our options for avoiding the kitchen and spending time with friends?  Not many towns this size can boast the likes of Burdick’s, Murray’s, The Inn Pub and The Tavern.  As a person who loves to eat out, I say, “Thank you all!  There’s room for everyone.” – Lil

Not much time to get your registration in.  Better hurry. – Lil

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Walpole is now accepting Crafter applications for its annual Spring Craft Fair, to be held at the Walpole Town Hall on Saturday, May 31st, 2014 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

To apply for a booth, visit http://stjohnswalpole.org/Craft_Fair.aspx to download the Artist’s Information Letter and the Application form.

Email your application to CraftFair@StJohnsWalpole.org by May 1st. We use email to communicate with applicants, so be sure to check your email regularly for updates!

St. John’s welcomes everyone, no exceptions. Sunday School begins at 9:45 each week; services begin at 10 AM, followed by coffee hour. Find us on the corner of Westminster and Elm Streets in Walpole, NH.

For more information about the Spring Craft Fair or about our Art After School program, our outreach efforts, or about St. John’s Church, please call the church office at 603-756-4533.

 Another sign that spring is here!  I did a copy and paste but I have to confess that my alignment doesn’t look as good as Michael’s does on the website.  If you wish to see the best version, go to the website listed at the bottom of the page. – Lil

Vernal Pool Walk at Distant Hill Distant Hill Gardens will be hosting a Vernal Pool walk Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 am to noon, led by Jeff Littleton, of Moosewood Ecological and an adjunct professor at Antioch New England. On this easy to moderate walk, we will be exploring a number of these unique wetlands. You will get to examine the eggs of two species of Mole Salamander, (the Spotted Salamander and the Jefferson Salamander), eggs of the Wood Frog, and with any luck the hard to find Fairy Shrimp. ‘Daffodil Hill’ overlooking the pond at Distant Hill Gardens. The walk is the first event of the 2014 ‘Open Garden Saturdays’ Season at Distant Hill Gardens. The 58-acre property will be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month in 2014, May thru October, from 9 am to 4 pm. Come and explore the Cultivated Gardens this coming Saturday. It is still a bit early in the season for many of the flowering plants, but ‘Daffodil Hill’ should be in full bloom by then, along with a number of other spring Flowering Shrubs and Bulbs. Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’) Lucile’s Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae ‘Pink Giant’) Cornelian Cherry (Cornus Mas) And some of the early spring Native Wildflowers in the woods of Distant Hill Gardens should be starting to show themselves by the weekend. Plants like the beautiful Painted Trillium, Red Trillium and Dwarf Ginseng, and the earliest native spring flowering shrub at Distant Hill, the American Fly Honeysuckle. Visit www.distanthillgardens.org for more information and Directions