The Walpolean

On Tuesday, we demonstrated, with our vote, that we feel Town Meeting is important.  Show again how important you feel it is by being at the Town Hall Saturday, March 15 at 1:00 PM.  See you there – Lil

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, February 24, 2014

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were John Streeter, Andy Collins, Linda Christie, Lil DeCoste and Gabe St. Pierre. Lori Landry and Jamie Teague were also in attendance.               

    Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the minutes from Monday, February 10, 2014 Public Session. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes from Monday, February 10, 2014 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/PUBLIC INPUT

Chair Henry recognized Susan Tollett (Walpole) who expressed a concern regarding the proposed budget cuts that include the elimination of the High School Crisis Counselor.

Three letters of concern were presented to the board for review.

Chair Henry recognized Linda Sue Webb, Licensed Family Therapist who practices in Walpole. Ms. Webb expressed her concerns stating that provided service to several Fall Mountain district adolescents ranging from elementary to high school. She stated that in recent years, there has been a dramatic increase of social emotion needs in adolescents. Ms. Webb strongly urged the administration to reconsider their decision.

Mike Tollett (Walpole) stated that he was attending on behalf of his three sons who attend the Fall Mountain Regional High School. Mr. Tollett commented that he is a full time police officer for the Winchester Police Department, part-time officer for Walpole as well as a Youth Safety Officer for the Winchester School District. He commented that he has witnessed first hand, the needs of adolescents today and the issues that today’s teenagers have to deal with. Mr. Tollett respectfully requested that the position be looked at differently, stating that removing this position will not enhance the safety environment of the school.

Andy Collins requested that Tom Ronning provide and explanation for the justification of the elimination of the position.

Tom Ronning addressed the board and parents regarding their concerns. Mr. Ronning explained that when looking at the ASCA Model and accreditation standards, the guidelines for counselor to student ratio is one counselor to every 250 students. With approximately 540 students and three guidance counselors on staff, the high school would meet the criteria. Mr. Ronning further expressed his gratitude for the parents and students who came out to discuss the issue.

Mr. Collins asked if with their current caseloads, the counselors would be able to handle students in crisis.

Lisa Ranauro responded by stating that the counselors handle students in crisis everyday. She further explained that the decision was made with careful consideration. Their primary concern is meeting academic and social emotional needs of each student. They will be setting up a rotating call schedule and receiving training is responsive services. Ms. Ranauro stated that she felt that the department was prepared and ready for the change.

A brief discussion ensued regarding student needs and declining enrollment.

Mr. Tollett (Walpole) asked how the caseload of 20-25 students would be redistributed.

Ms. Ranauro reiterated that there would be a rotation schedule in place.

Cameron Tollett (Walpole) stated that he is currently a junior at the FMRHS. Mr. Tollett expressed a concern with the possibility of more than one student being in crisis and how the rotating schedule would work.

Ms. Ranauro explained that the guidance office deals with students in crisis everyday and that responsive services are part of the role as guidance counselor.

Mr. Ronning pointed out that other district services could be utilized as well.

Lil DeCoste commented that while she has concerns, she does have faith in the administration and feels that they would not make this decision unless they truly believed that there was a safety net in place. Cuts are difficult, but there needs to be faith in the administration.

Joanne  Andros (Walpole) expressed a concern that while Resource Officers are being added in many districts due to the increase in needs, we are eliminating a position. With incidents of anxiety and depression on the rise, she felt that the need for someone who specialized in the area was essential.

Andy Collins and Mary Henry reiterated Ms. DeCoste’s comment that there needs to be faith in the administration.

Susan Tollett (Walpole) expressed concerns with the addition of technology.

Lil DeCoste mentioned that Lynne Lyons will be visiting in August to speak to staff regarding Childhood Anxiety.

Gabe St. Pierre respectfully requested that the public input portion of the meeting be closed and the meeting be moved forward.

The board thanked the public for coming and speaking.

REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Landry read a letter from the Commissioner of Education commending the district for the hard work.

Ms. Landry also mentioned that she was asked to speak at the Commissioners Expanded Cabinet, where she provided feedback regarding the SWIFT Initiative in the district.

A survey showed that 90 percent of teachers felt that SWIFT could make a difference.

Ms. Landry spoke to the recent snow day and commended the administration for the hard work. The early release day was a success.

Ms. Landry informed the board that the Fire safety meeting has been rescheduled to March 20, 2014 from 8:30-10:30AM.

OLD BUSINESS

John Streeter reported that the policy committee would be meeting again on March 10^th.

A discussion ensued regarding the guidance model.

Lori Landry mentioned that the administration has revised screening for mental health and suicide/at risk screenings and are posted for staff to use.

Tom Ronning reiterated that our district has vast resources and will work together to ensure that student needs are met.

The board closed the discussion and will revisit it on March 24, 2014.

Gabe St. Pierre reported that RVTC had 13 Business and Finance students participate at DECA. Sara Fernette took 1^st place and received a SNHU scholarship valued at $4000. Taylor Rock, another FM student took 2^nd place in the buyer and merchandising category and received a $4000 scholarship as well. The board will recognize these students with board honors at a later date.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Kim Costello, Teacher. FMRHS. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter /DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Amanda Neilsen, APS-Failed 2:3 (St. Pierre/Collins/Christie)

A discussion ensued regarding unpaid leave requests.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to revisit the unpaid leave of absence request for Amanda Neilsen, APS. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve proposed policy GEA-Athletic Team Coaches for first reading. Passed 4:1 (St. Pierre)

A discussion ensued regarding background check and the procedure and process of evaluation and discipline.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy JKA-Restraints for first reading. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended JICI-Weapons on School Property for first reading. Passed 4:1 (St. Pierre)

A brief discussion ensued.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve proposed policy GBB-Weapons in the Workplace for first reading. Passed unanimously.

The board requested that “uniformed” officer be added.

A discussion ensued, Lori Landry will check with Rose Millard regarding the addition.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy ADD-Safe Schools for first reading. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy AC-Non-Discrimination for first reading. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to grant permission to the Town of Walpole to lease a school bus for the Children’s Winter Festival, Sunday, March 2, 2014 traveling from WES to Hooper Institute. Passed unanimously.

OTHER

Andy Collins requested that the Policy Committee revisit the Sunday Event Policy.

The Board conducted a straw poll vote of those in support of eliminating the policy 4:2 (Streeter/St. Pierre)

Jamie Teague informed the board made of a change that was made to the tax rate.

Tom Ronning reported that the Varsity Girls Basketball Team made the playoffs. They will play Thursday at home and if they win, they will move on to Saturday 7:00 PM for the quarterfinals at SNHU.

Upcoming district events include the Walpole Academic Fair, Wednesday, March 5^th 6:30-8:00 PM. Also the Alstead Attendance Area will host an Art Show, Thursday, March 6^th.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: (Christie/Streeter) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending February 24, 2014. Passed unanimously.

Account Payable: $510,399.75

Payroll: $873,618.20

Motion: (Streeter /DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Amanda Neilsen, APS-Passed 3:2 (St. Pierre/Collins)

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to adjourn. Passed unanimously

Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Dave Edkins was elected moderator.  Incumbents, Mary Henry and John Streeter were reelected to their positions and David Hogan was the successful write-in candidate from Alstead.  All the warrant articles passed as well.  It will be nice to meet again on the 24th with a budget in place and a full seven member Board.

Two poets will be reading at the Bridge Memorial Library on Main Street in Walpole, NH on Friday March 14^th at 7 p.m.

Becky Sakellaroiu is a New England-born poet who currently splits her time between Peterborough, NH and Euboia, Greece. Over the past fifteen years, she has published poetry in many journals, most recently in White Pelican Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, Comstock Review, Persimmon Tree, Passager and Common Ground Review.

A finalist in five chapbook contests since 2009, and nominated for the Pushcart Poetry Anthology twice, she also won first prize in the 2005 Blue Light Press Chapbook Contest for her chapbook, The Importance of Bone. Her poem, “Bone”, won first prize in the Sow’s Ear Press Poetry competition in January, 2009 and her new book, Earth Listening, came out in the fall of 2010, published by Hobblebush Books, Brookline, New Hampshire, USA. Her most recent chaperbook, “What Shall I Cry?” was published in October, 2013. by Finishing Line Press.

Candace Bergstrom is a writer and teacher. She holds a M. A. in English and an M. F. A. in poetry. She lived in Texas for 35 years and recently returned home to New England. She teaches English and writing and lives in the woods of Stoddard with her partner, Michael and her cat, Arlo.

The reading is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served

• Progress Reports have been either handed to parents at Parent-Teacher Conferences or mailed home. Please contact the school if you have any questions. Through working together, we can provide the best possible education for the youth in our community.
  
• Several students from our high school traveled to El Salvador to help build houses for the needy.
  
• Our Girls Varsity Basketball team represented our high school at the Division III state title game. Unfortunately, we are runners up. We greatly appreciate all of the support given throughout the winter season for all of our student-athletes.
  
• This past weekend the Rookie FMRHS Robotics Team competed against 36 teams from throughout New England. Our team came in 7th and lost in the quarter finals. Our team earned the award for the highest seed of a rookie team.
  

1.  Mary Farrell says the library will be closing at noon on March 12th.

2.  The Town Hall was locked with a note saying, “If the weather is bad, the office may be closed.”  Consequently I was unable to get the official tally from the elections yesterday.  I “heard”  that Steve, Jason and Kelley won their respective races and that SB2 was defeated.  Hope someone out there can tell us more.

Lil

Doesn’t this poster catch your eye?  Thanks David and Susan Howell for finding a way to remind us that spring really is coming! – Lil

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) is throwing a party at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 5^th starting at 5 p.m. This year’s festivities will include music by Samirah Evans and The Band of Love, appetizers, food stations, and a desert bar by Hardy Foard Catering, a great selection of beer and wine, and dancing to your heart’s content. Also, a silent and live auction of amazing art, jewelry, fine wine, dining experiences, and vacation getaways. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at http://www.brattleboromuseum.org or by calling 802-257-0124, ext. 101.

TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 28, 2014, in the amount of $62,670.08. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL: 

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 22, 2014, for checks dated February 28, 2014, in the amount of $22,610.95. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,880.29 for the week ending February 22, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 20, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 20, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 20, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Conservation Commission – February 3, 2014;
 Zoning Board of Adjustment – February 19, 2014; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 25, 2014.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
MR. RAY BOAS: Mr. Boas reported that on week-ends people are getting into the Walpole Players things in back of the curtains. It happened again in January, the stage curtains were open and the stage was cleared. A week or so ago on a Friday he was checking the lights but could not get them to work. Apparently a group had found a way to by-pass their set-up. Another time a band was setting up on the stage. Mrs. Edkins contacted the company so they could get a new key to lock the fuse box upstairs. His frustration continues with people getting in their things upstairs. He sees what is happening on week-ends. In time he will have everything put away. He feels that maybe now is the time to have somebody in the Town Hall when events are going on. Mrs. Teague explained that the rentals are important because they set-off the expenditures; the hall is used a lot. It is hard for some bands to set-up in front of the curtain. It was agreed to have an electric plug installed in front of the stage which should help keeping
some people from going back stage. Most people respect things but it was recommended that the Rental Agreement should be reviewed and changes made where appropriate.

BUILDING PERMIT:
GALLOWAY, Galloway Lane, Map & Lot #005-036-001: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-03 for Stephen Galloway and Tina Galloway to “Construct a 83’7” x 31’8” 2 Story Home with Attached Garage” at 38 Galloway Lane. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT:
COLEMAN, March Hill, Map & Lot #009-012-001: Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $1,454.46 plus interest accrued for Jeffrey Coleman and Deborah J. Coleman. The land was removed from Current Use erroneously. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED & TIMBER TAX WARRANT:
LaCLAIR, North Road, Map & Lot #009-028-001: Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed and the Warrant for Timber Tax Levy, Operation #13-461-10-T, for Lewis S. LaClair in the amount of $29.40. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
NORTH WALPOLE SIDEWALK COMPLAINT: The Selectboard were in receipt of Ms. Andria Bernard’s letter regarding the sidewalks in North Walpole. The Selectboard sent their Highway Crews to respond to the issues. They feel they have addressed the situation but Ms. Bernard needs to do her part in cleaning her personal area which may be contributing to the problems.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street 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 6:58 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:06 PM.

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

The regular meeting resumed at 7:28 PM. No announcements were made.

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich, Chas Street, (Absent: Jamie Teague, Chair)

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Aldrich called this meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.
These are unapproved Minutes.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Trustees will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:23 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
JIM TERRELL – Highway Department: Mr. Terrell discussed the vacancy in the Highway Department and the hiring of an applicant to fill that vacancy. The Selectboard had looked at the applications, Mr. Terrell interviewed two of them and both were very good. He made a decision and had talked to Mrs. Teague about it. Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street agreed to have Mr. Terrell offer that person the job.
Mr. Terrell advised that he has now used about two-thirds of this calendar year’s budget for salt. If winter keeps going, that line will be in trouble for the fall as he might need approximately $30,000 more. The Selectboard agreed that this will be brought up during the Town Meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 14, 2014, in the amount of $73,823.03. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 21, 2014, in the amount of $476,842.68. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
It was noted that the above amount included a payment in the amount of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 08, 2014, for checks dated February 14, 2014, in the amount of $21,000.46. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,790.52 for the week ending February 08, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 15, 2014, for checks dated February 21, 2014, in the amount of $20,035.74. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,115.98. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 4, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Planning Board – February 11, 2014;
 Hooper Committee – January 21, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 11, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 18, 2014; and
 2014 Proposed Budget Public Hearing – February 4, 2014.

NEW BUSINESS:
Concerts On The Green: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Savings Bank of Walpole regarding the 2014 Concerts on the Green that they are again sponsoring. They will feature eight concerts performed by area bands playing an entertaining mix of music and musical styles.
Mr. Street moved to approve the request from the Savings Bank of Walpole to use the Town Common on consecutive Sunday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm. They are proposing that the first concert take place on Sunday, June 29, 2014 and then every Sunday thereafter through August 17, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant and MS6 Budget of the Town: Mrs. Clough explained that the Department of Revenue Administration requests these reports. The Selectboard reviewed the Warrant.
Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the 2014 Town of Walpole Warrant and that it be published and posted. The Town Meeting is set for March 15, 2014, at 1:00 PM in the Town Hall. There is a total of nine (9) Warrant Articles. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the MS6 form as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Farmers Market Request: Holly Gowdy and Jill Robinson, representing the Farmers Market, would like to reserve the Common for every Friday afternoon from May 16th thru Thanksgiving, and December 13th, 2014. Mrs. Clough told them they would have to check with the Old Home Days people about June 27th and with Ray Boas about December as that has been reserved for A Christmas Carol. The prom is scheduled for May 23rd and weddings have booked September 19 and 26 so those dates are not available. They would also like to reserve the Town Hall for the first Saturday in January, February, March and April of 2015. The Selectboard agreed to keep their policy the same as in the past which has been if the space is available they can use it. They suggested using the field next to St. John’s Church or the Drewsville Common as alternative locations, if they are available.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:06 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:20 PM. No announcements were made.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:21 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:31 PM. No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
PUBLIC HEARING
2014 PROPOSED BUDGET HEARING
FEBRUARY 4, 2014

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich , Chas Street (Jamie Teague absent)

Mr. Aldrich called this Public Hearing for the 2013 Proposed Warrant for Budget and Warrant Articles to order in the Walpole Town Hall at 6:10 PM.
Copies of the proposed 2013 Budget were available for the public.

PROPOSED BUDGET:
Mr. Aldrich advised the Town employees would be receiving an across the board raise of 2%. He also advised Healthcare increased an average of 9%. Mr. Aldrich then stated he would highlight on various sections of the 2014 proposed budget.

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:
The major increase in the budget of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector is due to a pay increase and increase in hours for the part time employee, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

Financial Administration:
The proposed budget for Financial Administration is down 55.6% due to the change of position in the office. The office now employees two part time people which decreases the cost of Health Insurance and NH Retirement.

Zoning Board:
The Zoning Board of Adjustment proposed budget is up due to the need for an increase of the secretary’s hours.

Municipal Buildings & Maintenance:
There is a large increase in the Municipal Building & Maintenance budget this year as the Board has decided to allocate additional funds to the MUN Repairs/Maintenance/Improvement line. The plans are to have the outside of the building painted as well as upgrades to the interior of the building; kitchen, bathrooms, stairs and foyer.

Police Administration & Operation
The major increase of the proposed Police Department budget is due to adding a full time officer. Mr. Ray Boas asked about the decrease in the part time and over time wage lines. Mr. Aldrich explained that with the 4th full time officer there should not be as much need for part time personnel or overtime. Decreasing these lines will help offset the full time salary line. Adding a new officer also increases the insurance and NH Retirement. Mr. Steve Dalessio asked why Workman’s Compensation rates are down if salaries are up. Mrs. Clough explained that Workman’s Compensation rates are based on the 2012 salaries.

Welfare:
Mrs. Clough spoke as the Welfare Director. She advised that there will be an increase in heating expenses this year due to the decrease in state fuel assistance. More people are heating their homes with portable electric heaters as they cannot afford fuel. This is then driving up the electricity costs.

Parks & Recreation Administration:
Mr. Aldrich advised they will be hiring a part time “Recreation Coordinator”. The main responsibility of the coordinator will be to manage the pool and employees. He or she will also be the point person for sports programs in the off season.

Patriotic Purposes:
Mr. Ray Boas asked what the Patriotic Expenses were for. Mr. Aldrich explained that flags are purchased and placed on Veteran’s graves for Memorial Day. Wreaths are also purchased for the Memorial Day exercises.

Mr. Peter Graves asked to explain the Police Department phone bill expense. Chief Michael Paquette explained that the phone bill includes the two lines at the Police Station, the Police cruiser phones as well as cellphones for his officers.

Mr. Evans Juris questioned the Board about the expenses of the Fire Department. Mr. Aldrich explained that the Fire Department has its own warrant and budget. The Fire District meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Fire Station.

Ms. Cheryl Mayberry had a few questions for the Selectboard. She first asked about the line item “Transfer to Conservation Trust”. Mrs. Clough explained that any Land Use Change Tax money, (up to $25,000) that is received for removing land from current use is transferred to the Conservation Trust. Ms. Mayberry also asked about the overage in the 2013 Highway Tar Fund budget. Mr. Aldrich advised that the Town experienced heavy road damages with the rain storms that we had in 2013. Due to the increased maintenance of the roads the Tar Fund went over budget. Ms. Mayberry also requested information on the EME Emergency Management line. Mrs. Clough explained that the majority of the expense in that line is what Southwest NH Fire District charged the Town for assessment fees from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. That line also includes the Emergency Management phone line and the salary for the Emergency Management Director.

Adjournment: Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 6:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Clough, Administrative Assistant