The Walpolean

Minutes
For the regular meeting of the
Town of Walpole Selectboard
Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Present: Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich
Not Present: Jamie Teague

Five people in the audience

Mr. Aldrich, acting chair, called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.

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. The time was 6:14 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 5:16 PM

Accounts Payable
Mr. Street moved that the Accounts Payable Check Register in the Amount of $42,312.19 for payments dated 2/7/14 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Void Check register for checks dated 2/7/14 in the amount of $14,731.02 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Accounts Payable Check register for checks dated 2/4/14 in the amount of $14,731.02 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Payroll
Mr. Street moved that the Payroll Register in the Amount of $20,178.96 for payments dated 2/7/14 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Mr. Street moved that the Selectboard Minutes of January 16, 2014 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Selectboard Minutes of January 29, 2014 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Committee Reports
The Selectboard acknowledges receipt of the North Walpole Village District and Planning Board Workshop committee reports. Both committees met on January 28, 2014.

Abatement Refunds
Mr. Street moved that 3 Abatement Refunds to Wullbrandt, 277 Wentworth Rd, Map & Lot 008-022-000 (Tax Year 2011 for $13,319.88, TY 2012 for $726.67, and TY 2013 for $684.47) be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Veterans Credit
Mr. Street moved that the Veterans Credit be granted to Ms. Bard, 1048 County Rd, Map & Lot 003-012-007. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Public Business
Petitioned Warrant Article: Mr. Peter Graves has presented a Warrant Article for SB2. In his opinion, this would lead to 600-800 voters participating instead of the 125 that currently attend Town Meeting. There would still be a Deliberative Session in which changes can be made. While warrant articles cannot be eliminated, changes could be made to the money part of them. Mr. Graves believes that Town Meeting has become less informative with less debate and wishes to try something new to increase participation.
Mr. Graves would also like to see the Town employees’ wage information added to the Town Report. Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich agree that this is Public information but are hesitant to take this step without input from Ms. Teague.

Mr. Aldrich read the Petitioned Warrant article:

The Question: Per RSA 40:14, V, “Shall we adopt the provisions of RSA 40:13 (known as SB2) to allow official ballot voting on all issues before the Town of Walpole on the 2nd Tuesday of March?”

Adjournment
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:45pm. Mr. Street seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

PO Box 729

Walpole, NH 03608

AGENDA

MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall on the Second Floor.

Open Meeting:

1.  Roll Call – Designate Alternates;
2. Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on February 11, 2014, and Workshop Session on February 25, 2014.

Public Hearings:

1.  R.N. Johnson, Inc. – Two Lot Subdivision:  To create a new lot of 2-1/2+/- acres from the existing parcel of 9+/- acres.  This parcel is located on Town Tax Map #023, Lot #003 in the Commercial Zoning District.

1.  Steven J. Rudek – Street Plat:  For full road access from Route 12.  This parcel is located on Town Tax Map #024, Lot #006 in the Commercial Zoning District.

1. Sheldon Sawyer – Two Lot Subdivision:  To Subdivide 15-1/2+/- acres into two lots of 8.22 acres and 7.2 acres.  This parcel is located on Town Tax Map #005, Lots #004-0003 and #004-004 in the Residential-Agriculture Zoning District.

Old Business:

1.  Excavation Tax and RSA 72-B – Proposed Draft For The Site Plan Review.

New Business:

Other Business:

Planning Commission:

1.  Workshop Session – Reminder:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in the Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office.

Adjourn Meeting:

Peggy Pschirrer was so happy to be able to share this with us.  My feeling is, “right back at you Peggy”! – Lil

The first ever Winter Festival was a huge success because you all turned out for an afternoon of outdoor fun at the Hooper Institute and the Hooper Golf Club.  It was exciting to see so many children, youth and adults enjoying the snow and the organized activities.   A heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated.

The Savings Bank of Walpole generously sponsored the Winter Festival, which was planned by both the Hooper Preservation Fund and the Hooper Institute.  This sponsorship, plus the donations from local businesses enabled us to bring the Festival activities and food to everyone without charge.   In addition to The Savings Bank of Walpole, we received support from the following:  Allen Bros. Farms, Best Septic, E. E. Houghton Co, Inc., Fall Mountain Regional School District, Great Brook Farm, Green Mountain Orchards, Hooper Hill Hoppers, L.A. Burdick Chocolate, Shaw’s Supermarket, Walpole Highway Department, and the Walpole Police Department.

The Volunteer Corps was numerous and dedicated as they worked as a team on Sunday.  We couldn’t have carried out the Festival without them.  All volunteers were important but a few need special mention:  Andrea Blades who coordinated the event; Marcia Galloway who brought us the Hill Hoppers; Peter Graves who drove the tractor pull hayride; Jamie Teague who set up the mansion, made the chili and baked cupcakes; Jack Blades who made the pulled pork – a real treat; Sarah Downing who served cup after cup of hot chocolate made by John Cook; Ryan Owens who led a snow shoe hike in the woods; Pam Howard and Gail LaHaise who sold t-shirts and took donations; Christina Mansfield, Jennifer Lefebvre, Sue Dalessio,  and Jennifer Kenson who assisted with games; Chas Street, our traffic director; Steve Dalessio, our MC; Joe Aldrich and Whit Aldrich who assisted with games; Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie for keeping the Hooper Institute open and  Lowell Bauer whose pictures have recorded the event for posterity.

A new Walpole tradition began on Sunday, March 2, 2014.  Let’s begin the plans for next year!

Regards to all,

The Hooper Preservation Committee

Although I have not been successful in getting a copy of the actual ballots, I did want to give everyone a heads up on contested seats that we will need to vote on next week. – Lil

Uncontested seats include:

Ernest Vose, moderator

Ray Boas, Treasurer

Robert Kimball, Trustee of Trust Funds

Cindy Westover, Supervisor of the Checklist

Ernest Vose, Zoning Board

Roberta Nelson, Library Trustee (1 year term)

Shirley Capron, Jennifer Kelly, Katherine Nerrie (three 3 year terms)

Dale Woodward, Cemetary Trustee

Thank you to all these people who have made the commitment. – Lil

The interest really comes from the contested races, however.  Those races include:

Steve D’Alessio and Joe Aldrich, Selectman

Jamie Teague, Kelley Hicks, Eric Merlein, and Jason Perron for two seats on the Planning Board

Thank you to all six of these people who have stepped up to the plate and are ready to make a three year commitment. – Lil

In the Fall Mountain Regional School District races, there are three open seats.

Alstead has a vacancy and while no one filed for the position, it is my understanding that David Hogan has agreed to be a write-in candidate.

Charlestown has two people running – John Streeter and Eric Johnson

Langdon has two as well – Mary Henry and Kenneth Hart

David Edkins is uncontested as Moderator

To be better prepared to enter the voting booth, you should be aware that the Town Report is now available in the Town Hall and the School Report can be obtained at the office at school.  These reports include the Warrant Articles that you will have an opportunity to vote on, either in the booth (in the case of the school warrant) or at Town Meeting for the Town articles. – Lil

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, February 10, 2014

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:34 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, January 27, 2014 Public Session. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes from Monday, January 27, 2014 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.

REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS

Lori Landry, Superintendent presented the board with a PowerPoint Presentation highlighting the 2013-2014 NECAP scores. In addition, she spoke to the timeline of initiatives, elements of Common Core as well as strategic plan goals. 

Deb Connell spoke to the professional development happening throughout the district, including SWIFT initiative, depth of knowledge, Common Core curriculum alignment, technology integration, STEM and data driven instruction.

Ms. Connell commented that she is continuously impressed with the technology platform that has been created at Fall Mountain.

Donna Jones spoke to the happenings in the Special Education Department. The Special Education teachers and service providers have been spending time with the regular education teachers, looking at common core to better align their curriculum. Ms. Jones also mentioned that the West Central Special Education Directors would be offering trainings in the spring.

John Streeter asked about the FM NECAP scores, specifically the 11^th grade MAP scores and why the decline in scores. He also asked how this data would be looked at three years from now.

Superintendent Landry commented that the district is currently working to align their curriculum, and that the Math Department is meeting continuously to work on strategies to improve.

Mr. St. Pierre requested that data from the Charlestown and Alstead Preschools be reviewed and trends be discussed at a later date.

OLD BUSINESS

Chair Henry recognized Simon Pierpont, Student Representative who reported that the Walpole Clarion would be publishing an article on the upcoming FM JROTC Normandy trip as well as producing a follow up article once they have returned.

Lil DeCoste mentioned that the she would be happy to post an article for the Walpolean. Mr. Pierpont will get her the information.

Simon also mentioned that the students are talking about the upcoming Dance Marathon scheduled for March 14^th. He also mentioned that the senior class is planning their senior trip and that more information will be brought forward soon.

Brandon Hill, Teacher Representative reported that the Walpole School has been participating is various wellness events and preparing for the March 5^th academic fair. Other happenings around the district include, district wide basketball tournaments, 100-day activities at NCCS, and an Iditarod unit.

Lil DeCoste reported that the PD Committee meets this week and the next Pre-Kindergarten meeting is scheduled for early March.

John Streeter reported that the Policy Committee met this evening and policies will be brought forward for review at the next meeting.              

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve a conditional contract for Emma VanAlystyne, Paraprofessional, Vilas, effective February 10, 2014 (S1/C2). Passed unanimously.

Gabe St. Pierre asked for clarification on the Para II certification requirements and certification process.

Chair Henry requested that the remaining agenda items be voted on after non-public session.

OTHER

Lil DeCoste commented that there were two parent letters received and requested that a discussion be added to the next board agenda.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: (Christie/Streeter) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending February 10, 2014. Passed unanimously.

Account Payable: $670,135.83

Payroll: $513,967.67

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3(c) to discuss a personnel issue. Passed unanimously.

Following an affirmative roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 7:22 PM.

The Board exited non-public session at 8:30 PM and resumed public session.

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Evelyn Pogorzelski, Special Education Teacher, APS. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve a conditional contract for Mark Tanner, Special Education Teacher, effective February 10, 2014-June 30, 2014. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Michelle O’Brien, Alstead Attendance Area Custodian. Passed 4:1 (Collins)

Motion: to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Angela Smith, Paraprofessional, Alstead Primary School. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (DeCoste/Christie) to adjourn the meeting.  Passed unanimously.

Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Report of the Annual District Meeting

Thursday, February 6, 2014

The meeting convened, pursuant to the warrant, at the Fall Mountain Regional High School in the Town of Langdon in said district on the 6^th day of February 2014.

Moderator David Edkins called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. The Fall Mountain Regional High School JROTC Color Guard Cadets presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moderator Edkins introduced the Fall Mountain Regional School District School Board, Chair Mary Henry, Vice Chair Lilla DeCoste, Gabe St. Pierre, Andy Collins, John Streeter, and Misty Bushee, School Board Clerk.

Moderator Edkins recognized Superintendent Lori Landry, Superintendent, Deborah Connell, Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator, Jamie Teague.

Superintendent introduced the school Principals, Assistant Principals, Facilities Director and the IT Director.

Moderator Edkins reviewed the rules of order and proceeded to read the warrant.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 1.      Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $28,494,854? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Motion: (Christie/Collins) to open discussion on Article 1.

Linda Christie spoke to the article. She thanked the administration for their hard work and explained that the goal was to keep the budget as close to previous years as possible.

Motion: (Nancy Houghton-Charlestown/Steven Neal-Charlestown) to amend Article 1 to read as follows:

Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $27,994,854. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Motion failed.

Nancy Houghton spoke to the proposed amendment explaining that each year the budget increases resulting in excessive taxes. Ms. Houghton asked that the amendment be considered.

Gordon Gowan (Acworth) spoke stating that if this were a business, it would be closed. Costs are rising and pupils declining. Each year it is the same and something needs to change.

Jamie Teague, Business Administrator spoke to the amendment. Ms. Teague commended the residents for being mindful of the budget. She further explained that although the student population is shrinking, revenue is as well. She stated that because there are 11 schools throughout the district, the savings would be spread out and would not necessarily mean a large savings for any one town. It will most likely result in cuts to programs and services.

Mary Henry spoke to Article 1 as well, explaining that due to the decrease in adequacy aid, NH retirement requirements and special education mandates, the cost to the district is rising and it is difficult to absorb. She explained that a cut this size would severely impact programming and increase class sizes. Ms. Henry encouraged that tax payers to write to the their representatives.

Steven Neal (Charlestown) stated that he has been a selectman for 15 years, and that for the last 10 years there has been a left over balance in the budget.

Ms. Teague explained that last year there was a surplus of $957,602, of which $500,000 was sent to Capital Reserves and $457,602 was credited back to the towns taxpayers as a revenue offset in the budget. We are self-insured and each year we pay actual claims and prescription costs. We budget based on Health Trust and Anthem’s actuarial projections of cost (3 yr. review) and almost every year we’ve had some surplus in healthcare. We have developed Health and Wellness programs which have helped to bring costs down, changed program coverage with the Unions and have not experienced large claims.  It is impossible to predict. We have also had savings in oil and energy consumption over the last couple of years, along with prudent spending on the part of the Principals in each of the attendance areas. 

Eleanor Elbers (Alstead) asked where in the salary lines are the pre-kindergarten teachers budgeted for.

Ms. Teague explained that the Alstead pre-kindergarten teacher was in last years budget in the regular education teacher line.

Ms. Elbers asked why the taxpayers have not had an opportunity to vote on the program.

Ms. Teague explained that when the program was added to the budget, the budget was voted on, not the program.

Darin Honey (Alstead) questioned how the School Board could expand programs beyond the articles of agreement, stating that the articles of agreement are for K-12 and does not include pre-kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten would be an expansion above the articles of agreement.

Jamie Teague explained that the articles are silent on program expansions and do not discuss the ELC or the vocational center. She referred the question to Sarah Murdough, District Attorney.  We will research the question and get a legal opinion. 

Sarah Murdough, District Attorney explained that she did not have the articles of agreement to review. Attorney Murdough reiterated that the budget is what is voted on, not the individual programs.

Paul Looney (Walpole) asked about the ranking of the district in the state of New Hampshire and how will reducing the funding by this about adversely affect our district.

Lori Landry explained that the NH Dept. of Education does not rank our schools.

Beth Gosekamp (Charlestown) explained that she has had three children graduate from Fall Mountain and that the education provided has done them well. Further stating that if we reduce the budget by $500,000, it will adversely affect the quality education our district.

Andy Collins stated he feels that we have an innovative school district and that we need to continue to be a school that can afford the education others cannot.

Nicole Younger (Alstead) commented that there are other ways to cut expenses.

Diana Bushway (Charlestown) stated that she understood what everyone has to say, that respectfully it is fool hearty to think that when you ask to cut 500,000, it is foolish to think that children will not suffer. It will sacrifice programming for children in this district.

Matt Saxton (Alstead) explained that $500,000 is just over 2% of the proposed budget.

Hearing nothing further, Moderated Edkins opened the amendment for a vote.

Amendment failed.

Motion: (Benji VanAlystyne, Alstead/Nancy Houghton, Charelstown) to amend Article 1 to read as follows: Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $28,209,906. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Motion failed.

Hearing nothing further, Moderator Edkins closed discussion on Article 1.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Henry) to open discussion on Article 2.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 2.      To see if the District will vote to withdraw $200,000 from the High School Capital Reserve Fund to offset a portion of the expense on the principal payment for the High School Renovation Project.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).  

Gabe St. Pierre spoke to Article 2 explaining that it is revenue only warrant article and that it would not increase taxes.

Darin Honey (Alstead) asked if this is a full payment.

Jamie Teague explained that it is a partial payment and that the other portion will be paid with building aide.

Hearing nothing further, Moderator Edkins closed consideration of Article 2.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to open discussion on Article 3.

Modderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 3.      Shall the residents of Alstead vote to raise and appropriate $85,000 to purchase the property located at 8 Murphy Hill Road in Alstead, NH abutting the Vilas School, with $20,000 coming from a charitable donation and the balance of $65,000 to come from taxation in Alstead. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Gabe St. Pierre explained that this is a one-year only article, and that the property can be used for parking and storage.

Motion: (Benji VanAlystyne, Alstead/Eleanor Elbers, Charlestown) to amend Article 3 as follows:

Shall the residents of Alstead vote to raise and appropriate $0 to purchase the property located at 8 Murphy Hill Road in Alstead, NH abutting the Vilas School, with $0 coming from a charitable donation and the balance of $0 to come from taxation in Alstead. Motion Passed.

Cindy Westover (Walpole) clarified that this vote should only include Alstead Residents.

Lisa Young (Alstead) asked about the current land value, acreage and assessed value.

Jamie Teague stated that the current town appraisal is approximately $130,000 and the land and building includes 1.6 acres.

Marcus Hansen (Alstead) requested that someone from the board speak to this article.

Gabe St. Pierre explained that to begin with, he was not in support of this article. However, after speaking with Bruce Bellows he felt that this article should be presented to the taxpayers to decide.

Bruce Bellows (Alstead) explained that he has overseen the Vilas school project along with Glenn Elsesser of Alstead from the beginning. He explained that they have faced a number of issues that need to be addressed. Walpole and Charlestown students will not travel to play games in the Vilas Gymnasium. They recognize that they need a master plan before moving forward. Mr. Bellows further explained that there is a massive safety problem in terms of traffic flow and congestion.

Glenn Elsesser (Alstead) explained that any time you attend for a function, there are typically 100 plus people standing in the gymnasium due to lack of space. There are a number of other issues, including sports fields. Last year they hired an architectural firm. He explained that the last time this was on the ballot for $120,000, it lost by 20 votes. The owner approached them, willing to sell it for $85,000 with an anonymous donor who has put up $20,000. This is a one-time cost of $50.00, making it a worthwhile investment.

Matt Saxton (Alstead) asked if this vote should pass, what would happen to the house.

Mr. Bellows explained that if the lot is purchased, the present owner has offered to remove the house (built in 1805).

Jamie Teague explained that in the meantime, the property would likely be used for storage.

Benji VanAlystyne (Alstead) commented that the article seems irresponsible and that he is not in favor of purchasing the property.

Eleanor Elbers (Alstead) agreed while the need is there for a new gym, the plans are too “iffy”.

Andy Collins explained that the owner approached the district and feels that it is the districts obligation to put it out for voters to vote.

Mary Henry reiterated what Mr. Collins said. Additionally stating that the congestion is dangerous, that the purpose of the article is for the board to offer it back to the voters.

Hearing no further discussion, Moderated Edkins opened the amendment for a vote.

Amendment passes.

Motion: (Christie/Collins) to open discussion on Article 4.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 4.      To see if the District will vote to appropriate $352,000 to furnish and install fire protection work per the SFC Engineering Specifications for Project #591401 for the Fall Mountain Regional High School consisting primarily of an upgraded sprinkler system, holding tank and pump system, with said funds to come from the High School Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent)

Steve Dilessio (Walpole) asked for clarification on capital reserve fund balance.

Darin Honey (Alstead) asked for the estimated cost of project 

Jamie Teague explained that the project was advertised and put out to bid with two bids received.

Hearing nothing further, David Edkins closed consideration of Article 4.

Motion: (Henry/Streeter) to open discussion on Article 5.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 5.      To see if the Langdon voters will vote to appropriate $30,000 to remodel the main floor and provide permanent fire separation from the basement level and upgrade fire separations between the floors and furnace room per approved engineering specifications for the Sarah Porter School, with said funds to come from the Langdon Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).  

Mary Henry explained that the renovations noted in this article are required by the life and safety codes and are tax neutral.

Motion: (Christie/DeCoste) to open discussion on Article 6.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 6.      To see if the Acworth voters will vote to appropriate $20,000.00 to update the fire and smoke alarm system and install all new fire rated doors per approved specifications for the Acworth School, with said funds to come from the Acworth Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Motion: (Streeter/Henry) to open discussion on Article 7.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 7.      To see if the Charlestown voters will vote to appropriate $89,000.00 to update the fire sprinkler system in the old section of North Charlestown Community School, install door closures for fire protection in Charlestown Primary and Middle Schools, install fire suppression system and hoods in the kitchens at Charlestown Primary and North Charlestown Community School and replace the roof on the kindergarten section of the Charlestown Primary School, with said funds to come from the Charlestown Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent). Henry

John Streeter spoke to this article.

Beth Hanson (Charlestown) asked how old the roof on the Charlestown Primary School Kindergarten section is.

Bill Botting explained that the roof was built around 1998-99 with the organic shingles that were not warrantied.

Motion: (Jamie Teague, Walpole/Collins, Walpole) to restrict consideration to Article 1. Motion passed.

Motion: (DeCoste/Collins) to open discussion on Article 8.

Modderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 8.      To see if the district will vote to appropriate up to $500,000 in the district’s capital reserve funds with the breakdown as follows: 3.14% up to $15,700 to be added to the Acworth Capital Reserve Fund; 8.09% up to $40,450 to be added to the Alstead Capital Reserve Fund; 22.20% up to $111,000 to be added to the Charlestown Capital Reserve Fund; 2.60% up to $13,000 to be added to the Langdon Capital Reserve Fund; 13.97% up to $69,850 to be added to the Walpole Capital Reserve Fund and 50% for up to $250,000 to be placed in the High School Capital Reserve Fund, with said funds to come solely from any year-end unassigned general fund balance. These funds are to be held by Trustees of Trust Funds in the respective towns and no withdrawals shall be made without consent of the voters. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Lil DeCoste spoke to Article 8 and explained that this article will not increase taxes.

Hearing nothing further, consideration for Article 8 was closed.

Moderator Edkins reminded the voters that voting day is March 11, 2014.

A brief discussion ensued regarding the need for state income tax.

Ann Looney (Walpole) expressed a concern with the cut of the crisis counselor at the high school.

Superintendent Landry commented that she understood her concern and explained the process. It was determined that the position could be covered by the three remaining guidance counselors and assured her that the needs will be met.

Ms. Looney commented that the individual that will be leaving has a mental health background and fears that student needs would not be met without someone with this specific background. 

Tom Ronning, High School Principal responded by stating that during a crisis, all district resources are utilized to ensure that student needs are being met.

Lisa Hawkins (Alstead) commented that to deny kids a professional like Julie Hogan is a cause for alarm.

Mary Henry explained that the budget process begins early and cuts are difficult, the board relies on the administration to make sound decisions.

Moderator Edkins declared the meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year (minus holidays and snow days) a group of six people – Krystyna Marcom, Kathy August, Lynette Johnson, Kris Tyson, Dave and Lil DeCoste – deliver Meals on Wheels to 8-12 Senior shut-ins.  Meals are picked up at the Bellows Falls Senior Center and dropped off in North Walpole and Walpole.

It takes about and hour and a half but it is in the middle of the day so those with a 9-5 job really are excluded from the commitment.  That is definitely a problem to finding enough people to share the job.

On the plus side, it is is rewarding to visit with these very appreciative people each week.  They are as glad to see you as you are to see them.  There is no question but that you are giving a valuable service to your community.  After all, if it wasn’t rewarding would Dave and I have done this for over three years or Krystyna for more than twenty?

If you are looking for a way to give back to our wonderful community or simply have a couple of hours a week to do something special, please call Krystyna at 756-4509 and she will fill you in on just how you can help. – Lil

Perhaps talking about summer camp will help you feel like summer will be coming – if not soon, at least eventually. – Lil

It’s been a long, cold winter, but the staff at Meeting Waters YMCA has been hard at work making plans for their 50^th consecutive summer of camp programming.

The regional Y will be hosting two “Cabin Fever Relief-Camp Information Parties” in March. One will take place at the Y’s program center in Bellows Falls on Friday, March 7^th. Another will take place at Marlboro College Graduate Center in Brattleboro on Friday, March 14^th. Both events will run from 5:30-6:30 PM.

Meeting Waters YMCA camp staff will lead camp activities, provide healthy camp snacks, introduce the many financial assistance options, talk about bus service from 11 area communities, answer questions, and accept registrations for the 2014 camp season. All youth that pre-register at the event will receive a free camp shirt.

Children and parents are encouraged to wear summer clothes to the event.

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information about these parties and the regional Y’s day camp for 6-13 year-olds, Leaders-in-Training program for 14 and 15 year-olds, and KinderCamp program for soon-to-be kindergartners, visit http://www.meetingwatersymca.org, follow them on Facebook, or call their office nearest you—Brattleboro area: 246-1036; BF/Fall Mountain area: 802-463-4769; or Springfield area: 885-8131.

Founded in 1895, Meeting Waters YMCA is a charitable, social service organization serving the Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Fall Mountain, and Springfield regions. It strengthens the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

PUT ON YOUR WOOLIES!   JOIN US SUNDAY AFTERNOON!

The Winter Festival promises to be a ton of fun in the snow at the Hooper Institute and the Hooper Golf Club between 1 and 4 Sunday, March 2, 2014.

Parking is limited at the Institute and Club so feel free to drop folks off at the site and return to park at the Middle School.  Bus transportation is available there.

Join us for games, contests, snowshoeing, snow mobiling, and good food.  The pulled pork sandwiches, the Chile and corn bread and the cup cakes will be terrific!   There will be plenty of hot chocolate, coffee and cider!

See you on Sunday!

Sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole and the Hooper Preservation Fund.