The Walpolean

There is always a lot going on in town that you may or may not have heard about.  I’d like to share a few of the items I have learned about and hope others will comment with the things they may have become aware of – Lil

• On Wednesday night, 5/22, the Fall Mountain School District held Annual Awards Dinner for retirees and those who have worked in the district for 5, 10, 20, 25 or 30 years.  Walpole Elementary School Language Arts teacher, Carol Ross, was recognized as a retiree after 38 years of teaching here in our local school.  Sam Jacobs spoke of the years of service and shared some humorous comments her students had made.  He spoke about what Carol might have been wearing back in 1974 when she first started.  Those were the days of platform heels, bell bottom trousers and leisure suits.  She probably even had a pet rock on her desk!  Thirty eight years in the same school is no small achievement.  She worked with six different Principals over the years and touched the lives of hundreds of students.  Thank you, Mrs. Ross!
• If you haven’t visited our library’s website, you should make a point of doing so.  Go to http://www.walpoletownlibrary.org.  I went there the other day and was so impressed by the variety of activities that are being offered.  In our small library you can join a book group, speak Spanish, brush up on your writing skills and learn how to download books – just to name a few.  Of course, on the website you can also search the catalog and reserve a book right from your desk at home.
• At the Walpole Village School they are trying to gather enough half-gallon milk jugs to build an igloo.  I don’t knot how this is to be done but apparently Bethany Coursen, the Director, does.  She has issued an all points bulletin because it takes about 300 to build a single igloo’  Who knows, if we all start drinking more milk and dropping the containers off at 75 Westminster Street she might have to build an Eskimo village!
• I think I saw on Facebook that the Walpole Artisans Cooperative is now open seven days a week.  They also mentioned a new potter that I hope they will give us more details about.

When I stopped at school yesterday to get my tickets for the chicken barbecue, I learned that there are quite a few left.  Stop in today, order a half chicken for $5.00 and Monday’s main course will be ready to pick up at 11:00.  Lil

Thank you to Janet Clough for forwarding these minutes.  We’ll have the “bugs” of email addresses and timeliness worked out before you know it.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP SESSION

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Members Present:        Jeffrey Miller (Chair); Robert Miller (Vice-Chair); James Aldrich,

Henry Fletcher, Eric Merklein

Alternates:                   Steve Dalessio, Ed Potter, Jeff White

Others Present:             Elaine Heleen

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. J. Miller called the Workshop Session to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office.

Discuss Letter from Ben Daviss – Regarding Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance:  Mr. J. Miller advised that Mr. Daviss was unable to attend this Workshop due to a previous commitment.  Mr. Daviss had submitted a letter, dated April 8, 2013, to the Walpole Planning Board that began with “As the board considers how to implement the amendment to the zoning ordinance that requires companies handling hazardous materials to submit soil and water protection plans, it might be useful for the board to know the intentions of the Walpoleans who drafted the amendment”; this was followed by seven clarifications.  A copy is attached for the record.  The amendment was passed by the voters therefore the PB will have to abide by it for the next few months and then make an assessment toward the end of the year.  It was made clear that the Town residents are sensitive about their water supply and the people that signed the Petition wanted to make sure that everybody was aware of that.  It was noted that there were only approximately 30 acres of Commercial land left in Town before Jiffy Mart began to develop their new site so there is not a lot of Commercial land left in the Town.

Review Amendments to the Site Plan Review:  Mr. Dalessio distributed copies of “Changes and Alterations in an Approved Site Plan” that both Hinsdale and Hanover use.  Walpole has an Expedited Review and a Site Plan Review but nowhere does the Town have anything that deals with Amendments.  At the next Workshop Session he would like to propose some language to address this issue and he will try to find other examples.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that they also add language to have an applicant submit an electronic copy of their document.

Adjournment:   There being no Other Business, Mr. J. Miller declared that this Workshop Session was adjourned.  The time was 8:07 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 14, 2013, Planning Board meeting.)

  This story was written for the Eagle but shared with The Walpolean by Chuck Bingaman.  Isn’t it great to have “connections”?

Debbie Livingston, Dr. Debra Livingston, that is, Superintendent of SAU60, the Fall Mountain School District, is this week’s Eagle Person of the Week.

As the Chief Executive Officer of a $28 million enterprise in charge of schooling 1500 children in Charlestown, Langdon, Acworth, Alstead and Walpole, Dr. Livingston directly influences children and their families throughout the region. And that influence impacts what the children learn, the values they accumulate and their futures as adults. A very important cluster of roles.

And Mrs. Hile? Well, Superintendent Livingston remembers her quite clearly as her second grade teacher back in the little town of Shell Lake, Wisconsin, her hometown nearly 50 years ago, as someone who believed in Debbie way back then and inspired her to think about becoming a teacher herself. 

Mrs. Hile’s unit on elections “was absolutely intriguing” Livingston said last week. It got her thinking about how government might work and about elections. In fact, Livingston still remembers the mock election in that second grade class as a valuable life lesson.

While there were many mentors along the way, Livingston faced the challenge of growing up with parents that had not attended college and who had difficulty understanding or supporting a young girl’s academic dreams. But she persisted, attended college as the first to do so in her family, got her degree from St. Francis College in Biddeford, Maine (now merged into the University of New England) and later earned a Masters and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Texas. And she became the teacher Mrs. Hile modeled for her at the beginning of her educational journey.

For most of her career, Livingston served in the Socorro Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Secondary Education and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

When SAU60 was seeking a new superintendent in 2006, Livingston saw it as a chance to return to New England near her son Andrew, a middle school principal in Maine and to lead a district similar in many ways to that faraway district in Shell Lake. Livingston’s other son, Matthew, is a computer programmer in Madrid, Spain.

How does Livingston manage eleven schools, 7 principals and 200 staff members, and 1500 students in the district? “It all depends on the situation,” she said last week. “Sometimes one has to be very firm, but mainly I try to work collaboratively with our staff and board and with our parents and students. Actually, I’ve become so much more collaborative since coming to New Hampshire. And,” says Livingston, “the results of a collaborative approach have been clear in the district’s improvements in academic achievement. Everyone is focused on the students.”

What developments in SAU60 is Livingston most proud of? “First,” she says, “we all believe so strongly in the potential of the kids.” Echoes of Mrs. Hile! “And, second, I’m very proud of our team’s vision and the collaborative work of our principals and board.”

As for areas Livingston still hopes to improve, she lists “student academic achievement while balancing their social, artistic and technological growth. And we must never lose sight of the fact that they are children and very complex.”

 In looking back over six years in New Hampshire, Livingston says “I don’t think I could have found a better match for me with a district. The job is just so much fun, even with the occasional tough day!”

 She adds, “I believe in being visible in this job, in being in all the schools and having direct knowledge of how our teachers and students are doing. Just a few days ago I was in Kathy Hesch’s kindergarten class in Charlestown Primary School where all the kids are now reading. Several of them wanted to read to me, and I loved the joy in their voices, how proud they were. It just doesn’t get any better than that!”

Here she is in that classroom.  Who do you think is having more fun?

 TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 9, 2013

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

 CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

RED SMITH:  Mr. Smith said that last year the Hubbard Foundation gave the Town of Walpole the property at 78 Main Street to be used as a small park.  He advised that this spring they would finish putting that together therefore he displayed the proposed plans for the Selectboard’s approval as the Town now owns the property. There will be a plaque and the Foundation will come up with the name.  There will be a fence with granite posts about three feet back from the road plus plantings of possibly Boxwood, etc.  Mrs. Teague noted that this is a wonderful gesture but there will be maintenance therefore she would like Mr. Terrell to be aware of this and that it meets his approval.  Mr. Terrell may also have some suggestions.  Mr. Smith will talk to Mr. Terrell as they would like to have a crosswalk stenciled on the road.  They do not want people parking their vehicles in the park.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard that the concept is great.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $19,983.52.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:  

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending May 4, 2013, for checks dated May 10, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $19,213.48.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,415.55.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 2, 2013:  There was a consensus to table the Selectboard Minutes as a quorum was not present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboar received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

• Recreation Committee – April 28, 2013; and
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – May 7, 2013.

BUILDING PERMIT:

VOSE, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #002-008-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-12 for Ernest and Susan Vose to “Construct a 32’ x 20’ 1 story addition that had been previously demolished” at 741 Wentworth Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT – SEWER:

COOKE, Main Street, Map & Lot #019-040-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant the Abatement for Sewer in the amount of $386.34 for Clif Cooke at 25 Main Street.  Mr. Cooke has a credit meter therefore the water usage should not be added to the sewer.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT – TIMBER: 

BEER, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #016-014-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Timber in the amount of $577.82 plus interest for Joseph Beer at 139 Old Keene Road.  The cut was for hazardous trees around his home, barns and power lines.  A Warrant should not have been issued due to these circumstances.   Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT – PROPERTY TAX:

USA MOBILITY, Scovill Road, Map & Lot #003-082-CL3:

RINKERS COMMUNICATIONS, Scovill Road, Map & Lot #003-082-CL7:

NEPLLC Northeast Paging, Scovill Road, Map & Lot #003-082-CL4.

Mrs. Teague moved to grant the following three Abatements for Property Taxes in 2011 and 2012.  The companies terminated their lease with the owners of the “Towers” at 88 Scovill Road.

• USA Mobility (Arch Wireless) in the amount of $1,740.47 plus interest;
• Rinkers Communications in the amount of $563.00 plus interest;
• NEPLLC Northeast Paging in the amount of $816.00 plus interest.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no New Business presented at this meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

PERSONNEL FORM:  Mrs. Teague moved to hire Wendy Farnum as a Part Time Police Officer with a suggested hourly salary as recommended by Police Chief Paquette and is contingent upon her signing the employment contract.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:38 PM.

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order at 7:46 PM.  No announcements were made following the Hooper Trustees meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Whitcomb Park:  Mr. Aldrich received a call from Dave Kuniholm who advised that there are big cracks in the tennis and basketball courts.  They will have to be repaired before they can be used.  Therefore he told Mr.Kuniholm to get three quotes on what it would cost to do the entire job and what it would cost for repairs.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

________________________

Jamie J. Teague, Chair

________________________

Chas G. Street

________________________

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 16, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 2, 2013

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

 CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with three people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MR. STEVE DALESSIO – Land Use Study Committee:  Mr. Dalessio advised that he is ready to move forward with the Land Use Study Committee.  All the people he spoke to and each of the Boards is supportive.  At the last meeting he distributed an outline describing the objectives and how the committee will operate.  The next step in the process is to have the Selectboard’s approval for the formation of the committee.  He does not want to go over 11 members.  At this time he would be the Facilitator and provide the agendas and meeting minutes.  A web site will be set up.   He plans to have question cards so people can write down their questions/suggestions and hand them in.  They will either be answered during a meeting or possibly on the web site.

Mrs. Teague moved that the Selectboard appoint a Land Use Study Committee to come up with recommendations to make our Land Use Ordinances consistent with the goals of the Master Plan, to comply with the State RSAs and to be clear and accurate.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio thanked the Selectboard for approving the improvements to the Drewsville Common.  The basketball hoop is up; there are benches and a new swing.  He thanked the Recreation Committee and the Highway Department for all their time and work in making the Drewsville Common look real nice and well-maintained.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $191,911.74, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount included the $150,000 that was turned over to the North Walpole Village District.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 27, 2013, for checks dated May 3, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $18,715.47.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  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 $4,235.78.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 25, 2013:  Mrs. Teague  moved  to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 25, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 25, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 25, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

• Cemetery Committee – April 25, 2013; and
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 30, 2013.

BUILDING PERMITS:

CARSON, Pinewood Circle, Map & Lot #008-055-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-10 for Bradley Carson and Kathryn Carson to “Construct a 12’ x 8’ 3-sided Woodshed” at 22 Pinewood Circle.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CRAMER, Westminster Street, Map & Lot #020-061-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-11 for John O. Cramer and Carole C. Cramer to “Renovate and expand existing garage and construct a new addition.  Total construction project is 1 story, 40’ x 17’.  Expansion of Non-Conforming Use was approved by the Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment on September 18, 2012.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

WHEATLEY, Old Cheshire Tpke, Map & Lot #013-028-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Ellis Wheatley off the Old Cheshire Turnpike Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUNDS:

The following refunds are the result of overpayments of the 2012 “Fall” property tax bills.

ALBRO, County Road, Map & Lot #005-012-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $13.35 for Wallace and Alice Albro at 381 County Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ALDRICH, LaClair Road, Map & Lot #011-017-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $18.55 for John and Sherry Aldrich at 39 LaClair Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EZ MOO ACRES, Pine Street, Map & Lot #028-062-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $15.64 for Ez Moo Acres at 1 Pine Street, North Walpole.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE, INC., Industrial Park, Map & Lot #001-003-001:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $20.36 for the Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. at 19 Industrial Park Drive.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT – SEWER:

GALLION, Church Street, Map & Lot #030-043-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Sewer in the amount of $786.03 for Clyde Gallion at 71 Church Street.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

LETTER FROM CASA:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from CASA of NH thanking the Town for their $500.00 gift to help them in their efforts to recruit, train, and supervise the hundreds of outstanding volunteers who advocate for child victims in our local and state courts each and every day.

LIBRARY TRUSTEE VACANCY:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Walpole Town Library to which they attached a copy of the letter from Kathy Golec who is resigning as a Trustee.

Mrs. Teague moved to accept the recommendation of the Walpole Town Library Board of Trustees to accept the resignation of Kathy Golec, with gratitude, and to appoint Roberta (Bert) Nelson as a new Library Trustee to fill this position.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:  Mrs. Edkins discussed the on-going efforts to collect delinquent Water and Sewer accounts.  Collections have been going well and payment agreements have been made with some property owners.  Efforts are being made to continue with collections.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION COMMITTEE:  Mr. Street moved to appoint the following people on the list, as submitted by Mark Houghton, Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Departments, to the Source Water Protection Committee 2013:  Mark Houghton (Superintendent), Bob Miller (Planning Board), Steve Dalessio (Planning Board), Jen Palmiotto (Resident/GSRWA), Tom Beaudry (Conservation Commission), Gary Speed (Conservation Commission), Larry Britton (Land owner), Vinnie Malnati (Land owner), Dennis Marcom (Planning Board), Ernie Vose (Zoning Board of Adjustment) and Chas Street (Selectboard).  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

5-K RUN BENEFIT:  Mrs. Clough reported that the Local Government Center, the Town’s insurance carrier, would not be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance to the State nor a Certification of Participation for individuals in this event as they do not supply Rider’s coverage.  Each individual should be responsible for their own coverage by providing a Runner’s Waiver.  Therefore, Mrs. Teague noted that the Town will be unable to accommodate the request from Mr. Westover for the Town to share in the insurance requirements from the State to have a 5-K Run on the State’s trail.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  Police Chief Paquette and Sergeant Justin Sanctuary came into the meeting.  They distributed copies of a proposed “Drug Paraphernalia Ordinance” and discussed the fact that the department would like to have this.  Many other towns now have similar ordinances.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to obtain a legal opinion from the Town’s attorney prior to taking any action.

Chief Paquette and Sergeant Sanctuary distributed copies of information on Police Detail Rates for 2013.  Walpole has not raised their rates in 13 years therefore they are requesting that the Selectboard consider this as they anticipate looking at more projects in the future.  Mrs. Teague noted that they would like to talk to Mr. Aldrich about this before making any decisions but she felt they would have an answer for the meeting next week.

There was discussion relative to purchasing radar units for the Town.  Officer Sanctuary will get prices on various units.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:05 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:32 PM.  No announcements were made.

WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS:  Mark Houghton came into the meeting.  The Selectboard discussed doing shut-offs for delinquent water and sewer accounts plus putting liens on properties when the delinquency is $250.00 and up.  It was agreed that research will be done for a Bad Debt Policy.

Mr. Aldrich came into the meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street 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.  The time was 9:38 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:49 PM.  No announcements were made.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Street moved to recess the 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.

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order at 10:01 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

___________________________

Jamie J. Teague, Chair

___________________________

Chas G. Street

___________________________

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 09, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 25, 2013

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

 CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called this Selectboard meeting to order at 7:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TARA SAD:  Mrs. Sad reported that the clean-up she organized last Saturday resulted in a collection of 200 bags of trash, 33 tires, 183 pounds of mixed metals and a toilet.  There were 60 volunteers and the weather was wonderful.

Mrs. Sad advised that Dave Westover is going to do a 5-K run to benefit the Boston Marathon families on Saturday, May 11^th.  He plans to start at the Scoop Shop and run along the trail.  Mrs. Sad contacted the NH Division of Trails for their permission to run on the trail, as it is State land, but they require liability insurance coverage in the amount of $2,000,000.  Therefore Mrs. Sad asked if the Town would be willing to share this insurance requirement with Mr. Westover.  The Selectboard was not opposed to the idea but felt it best to contact the Town’s insurance carrier to ask about a rider and what the cost for Tulip coverage would be for $1,000,000.  They will have an answer for Mrs. Sad at the next meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $36,173,23.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the request from North Walpole to transfer their funds in the amount of $150,000 to the North Walpole Village District.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 20, 2013, for checks dated April 26, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $17,891.68.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  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 $4,121.03.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 18, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 18, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 23, 2013; and
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 17, 2013.

VETERAN’S CREDIT:

LYNCH, Cold River Road, Map & Lot #026-028-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Veteran’s Credit for Linda Nichols-Lynch at 135 Cold River Road, Map & Lot #026-028-000.  This is based on her husband’s military service.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:

LYNCH, Cold River Road, Map & Lot #026-028-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the application for Current Use for Linda Nicholas-Lynch, Map & Lot #026-028-000, to put 24.5 acres of her 29.0 acres into Current Use as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT AND CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES:

GALLOWAY, Rapids Road, Map & Lot #002-012-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy in the amount of $85.02 for Jan Galloway Leclerc.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DANIELS, Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-034-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy in the amount of $707.28 for Randall Daniels.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes – Intent Filed During Tax Year: April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013, for Jan Galloway Leclerc and Randall Daniels as noted above for the Original Warrants for the Timber Tax Levy.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – SEWER:

BROOKS, Green Road, Map & Lot #029-048-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Notice of Sewer Abatement for Joe Brooks in the amount of $440.50 at 25 Green Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – PROPERTY TAX:

SAWYER, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #004-016-000:  Mr. Street moved that the request for a Property Tax Abatement for Sheldon Sawyer, at 439 Old Keene Road be denied.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE TRACTOR LLC, Red Barn Lane, Map & Lot #012-013-002:  Mr. Street moved that the request for a Property Tax Abatement for Walpole Tractor, LLC at Red Barn Lane be denied.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PINKERTON, Maple Street, Map & Lot #028-071-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the request for a Property Tax Abatement for Amy Pinkerton at 5 Maple Street as recommended by Avitar Associates.  This change reduces the assessment from $87,000 to $64,900 and an Abatement in the amount of  $577.44 plus interest be approved on the $22,100 value difference.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ZANELLA, Upper Walpole Road, Map & Lot #012-026-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the request for a Property Tax Abatement for Steven A. Zanella at 269 Upper Walpole Road as recommended by Avitar Associates.  This revisions reduces the assessment from $376,500 to $263,700 and an Abatement in the amount of $2,525.03 plus interest be approved on the $112, 800 value difference.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SHANNON, Barnett Hill Road, Map & Lot #009-049-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the request for a Property Tax Abatement for William A. Shannon and Carolyn A. Shannon at 93 Barnett Hill Road as recommended by Avitar Associates.  This change reduces their assessment from $381,500 to $361,500 and an Abatement in the amount of $447.79 plus interest be approved on the 20,000 value difference.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

PERSONNEL FORMS:  Mr. Street moved to approve the new hourly salaries for the part-time officers as submitted by Police Chief Paquette.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the  motion was approved.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SECRETARY:  Mr. Street moved to approve the appointment of Marie L. Blaine as the Recording Secretary to the ZBA.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

LAND USE STUDY COMMITTEE:  The Selectboard advised that Steve Dalessio will attend the next meeting to discuss the formation of the Land Use Study Committee, describe the objectives and how the committee will operate.

EQUALIZATION MEETING:  Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich plan to attend the meeting on Equalization on April 30^th.

REVISED EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS:  Mr. Street moved that the revised Employee Handbooks will be distributed on May 1^st and will have an effective date of June 1^st, 2013.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FLAMMIA v TOWN OF WALPOLE:  Mrs. Teague advised that the Selectboard want to advise that the Flammia v Town of Walpole decision came in.  The Planning Board decision for Avanru Development Group was upheld by the court.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:11 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:29 PM.  No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

___________________________

Jamie J. Teague, Chair

___________________________

Chas G. Street

___________________________

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 2, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 18, 2013

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called the Selectboard meeting to order at 7:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with one person present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

There was no public business at this meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest, dated April 19, 2013, in the amount of $51,674.07.  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 April 13, 2013, for checks dated April 19, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $18,135.95.  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 $4,254.13.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 11, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 11, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – April 11, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 11, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  She requested that a copy be forwarded to Mr. Terrell.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

• Walpole Fire District – February 11, 2013;
• Walpole Fire District – March 13, 2013;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 16, 2013;
• Walpole Planning Board – April 9, 2013.

CURRENT USE APPLICATION:

BENIK, Merriam Road, Map & Lot #003-059-000:  Mr. Street moved that the request from Peter Benik to put 10 acres of his 11.23 acres into Current Use be approved.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

WALLACE and CURVEN, Westminster Street, Map & Lot #020-014-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-09 for Kristyn Wallace and Christofer Curven to “Demolish and Rebuild the 52’ x 51’ L shaped addition and garage currently attached to home (same footprint)”, at 48 Westminster Street.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY, off Rapids Road, Map & Lot #002-012-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #12-461-02-T, for Jan Galloway Leclerc off Rapids Road as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS:

WATER:  Mr. Street moved to grant the following Water Abatements:

• Wellstone Associates, 5 Maplewood Circle, Map & Lot #024-014-000;  in the amount of $400.00;
• Wellstone Associates, 13 Maplewood Circle, Map & Lot #024-014-002; in the amount of $600.00;
• Wellstone Associates, 21 Maplewood Circle, Map & Lot #024-014-003; in the amount of $400.00;

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SEWER:  Mr. Street moved to grant the following Sewer Abatement:

• R. Kasper Real Estate, 54 Main Street, Map & Lot #021-014-000; in the amount of $225.00.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Street moved to approve the following denials for Property Tax Abatements:

• Thayer, River Road, Map & Lot #004-001-001;
• Lester, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-015-004;
• Gunnerson, North Road, Map & Lot #021-030-000;
• Chickering, River Road, Map & Lot #001-019-000;
• Juris, Phipps Road, Map & Lot #010-017-000;
• Dunbar, County Road, Map & Lot #017-016-000;
• Smith, March Hill, Map & Lot #009-037-000 and Map & Lot #011-050-005;
• North Walpole Village Housing, Kinary & Merchant Streets, Map & Lot #028-011-000 and Map & Lot #028-102-000;
• Gorham, Church Street, Map & Lot #030-026-000;
• Figmic, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #005-002-005;
• Edkins, Main Street, Map & Lot #012-059-000.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Trust Fund Administration Seminar:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a notice for a Trust Fund Administration Seminar to be held at various dates and locations.  The three Selectboard members will plan to attend the session on Wednesday, May 29^th in Concord, NH.

“Run for Boston” Request:  A memo was received from Stacie Gay to advise that she is organizing a “Run for Boston” for this Saturday.  The runners will meet on the Common at 9:00 AM and complete a 3 mile run in honor of the victims of Monday’s tragedy.  The Selectboard did not have a problem with the concept provided that she contact Police Chief Paquette to discuss the plans and route with him.

Vacation Time:  The Selectboard approved a request from Mr. Terrell to take vacation time.

Bonding for Roads:  The Selectboard talked about Bonding for Roads during the spring when the roads are posted for specific weight limits.  Consideration will also be given to attaching a note to the Intent to Cut Wood or Timber forms that the Selectboard will reserve the right to request a Bond to protect the roads.  Mr. Terrell’s name will be put on the form for his comments.

Summer Work Schedule for the Office:  Mrs. Clough talked to the Selectboard about the office employees working out a four day work week for the summer months.

Water and Sewer Collections:  Mrs. Clough distributed a list of the water and sewer collections for delinquent accounts to-date.  This is the result of shut-off notices being sent out recently.  It was noted that the Selectboard will continue to take appropriate action to collect these delinquencies.

Walpole Grange::  Mr. Street advised that the Walpole Grange Awards went well last Tuesday night.  There were 60-to-75 people in attendance.  It was a very nice event.  Honorees were recognized in seven categories.

OLD BUSINESS:

Department of Transportation Project Update:  A notice was received from J.B. Mack, Planner at the Southwest Region Planning Commission with the project ranking orders set by the Transportation Advisory Committee. The Vilas Bridge project has been moved down the list beyond the funding parameters provided by the NH DOT. Therefore, it is expected to not be on the 2015-2024 Project Evaluation List for the State of NH. The Selectboard will keep everyone posted on future decisions and will continue to fight to keep it on the list.

Appointments and Oaths: 

Conservation Commission:  Mr. Street moved that Gary Speed be re-appointed to the Walpole Conservation Commission for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard advised that Jan Galloway Leclerc has declined being re-appointed to the Conservation Commission therefore one position is open.

Recreation Committee:  Mr. Street moved that Kerry Pickering and Sarah Manning be re-appointed to the Walpole Recreation Committee for three year terms.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WRAP Committee:  Mr. Street moved that Dodie Ransome and Fritze Till be re-appointed to the Walpole WRAP Committee for three year terms.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Benefits for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector:   Mrs. Clough stated that she has spoken with the Town Clerk / Tax Collector, Sandra Smith regarding an attendance record.  The Town Clerk / Tax Collector position is an elected official, however she currently is in the employee’s benefit package There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Clough write a letter to Mrs. Smith, on behalf of the Selectboard, to state that this is required in keeping with the policy of the Town’s insurance carrier and in keeping with the policy for the other employees she should also keep a calendar of the days worked, on sick leave or on vacation.

RECESS SELCTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Aldrich 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 8:16 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:22 PM.

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order.

ADJOURNMENT: 

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

__________________________

Jamie J. Teague, Chair

__________________________

Chas G. Street

__________________________

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the April 25, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

 TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 11, 201

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

 CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:04 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION:  J.B. Mack, Planner at the SWRPC, and Cheryl Mayberry, the Town’s representative to the SWRPC Transportation Board and also a Commissioner for the North Walpole Village District, were present to follow-up on a previous meeting that Ms. Mayberry had with the Selectboard a few weeks ago.  Mr. Mack reported that the SWRPC provides input into the State’s Ten Year Plan that is reviewed every two years and approved by the Governor and the Legislators.  The SWRPC continues to advocate for the Vilas Bridge and the Route 12 Project in Charlestown.  They are dealing with 24 projects at this time.  Population is looked at as that is where the growth is but consideration is also given to maintenance.  A statistical analysis on the most dangerous and worst areas in the State is conducted.

Tonight he is here to talk about two locations of concern in the Town.  They are the intersection at the North Meadow Plaza and Route 12 plus the intersection at Route 123 and the Walpole Road.  The NH Department of Transportation has safety funds so these areas are worth looking into.  Mr. Terrell explained that the State did look at the Route 123 and Walpole Road intersection and as a result some new signage was put up.  They were looking into getting money to shave the bank down but there were no records of accidents so that did not occur.  Mr. Mack noted that they would have to complete a Road Safety Audit.  It is getting people with different expertise to look at the intersection to gather data and having recommendations on what can be done to make improvements.  They would look at short term cost improvements.  The Town would be a part of the planning as the Department of Transportation will not move forward without the support of the Town.  The last average traffic count that was done in 2010 showed 2,000 vehicles a day on the Upper Walpole Road.  Mrs. Teague suggested that a video could be made of the traffic flow during a busy time of the day; perhaps it could be made on a Saturday to observe the traffic going to the Recycling Facility.  Mr. Mack suggested that, as a first step, they talk to the Police Department and Sheriff’s Department to get some accident data from them on both locations.  SWRPC will do a traffic count and put the application together.  Ms. Mayberry will be the liaison between SWRPC and the Town.

Mr. Terrell noted that the State has the control over the curb cuts along Route 12.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to add Mr. Terrell to the check list for his input on Building Permits for commercial buildings.  He already approves Driveway Permits for residential units.

Mr. Mack and Ms. Mayberry left the meeting at 6:50 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street 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.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:04 PM.  No announcements were made.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Jim Terrell:  Mr. Terrell reported that the basketball hoop for the Drewsville Common is coming on Monday.  He felt they should have direction from somebody in that area when it is time to put it up.  The Selectboard recommended that he contact Kerry Pickering.

Mr. Terrell advised that there is a Liberty Elm tree that was planted on the Drewsville Common but it is not growing.  They were thinking about digging it up and planting it someplace else on the Common to try to save it.  It is now close to the store but between some bigger trees.  The Selectboard suggested that he contact Sue Hunkler to assist in finding an appropriate place to move it to.

RECYCLING FACILITY – PAUL COLBURN:  Mr. Colburn reported that this has been a slower month than usual.  The next WRAP Committee meeting will be next Thursday.  They are looking to get permission to send out letters to the school coordinators.  There is a Northeast Regional Resource Association convention in June.  TransCanada has asked that the Recycling Facility can invoice them.  They have a person that is doing community service so he has done a lot of catch-up work like raking and painting.  They had trouble with the waste oil heat today but they diagnosed it, had the part for it so it was repaired and is working.  A new “Welcome” banner was needed so they got one on e-bay.  Mr. Colburn distributed copies of paperwork on the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”, a “2013 Summary Quarterly Comparison – 1^st Quarter Ending March 31, 2013”, “2013 Summary Monthly Comparison – 3 Month ending March 30, 2013”and a chart on “A Safety Issue is Brought Forward”.  To bring in more money the employees and volunteers are breaking-down the various units that come in, like air conditioners.  On February 22^nd a load of 2,855 pounds was sent out and the Town was reimbursed $2,569.50.

Earth Day will be observed on Saturday, April 20^th.  Everyone will meet at the Recycling Facility.  Tara Sad is in charge of this project.  She contacted Mr. Terrell about where the areas are that need the clean-up the most.  There will be a representative present from the company that provides the bags.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:26 PM.

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order at 8:06 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $515,525.95.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that $483,288.72 of the above amount is a monthly payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Mr. Street moved to approve the voided check register for check No. 60950.  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 April 6, 2013, for checks dated April 12, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $18,010.02.  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 $4,130.18.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – March 28, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of March 28, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 4, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 4, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION #1 – April 4, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session #1 of April 4, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed until the end of January 2014.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With Mr. Street and Mrs. Teague in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present during this session.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION #2 – April 4, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session #2 of April 4, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting Minutes:

• Planning Board Workshop Session – March 26, 2013;
• Hooper Study Committee Meeting – March 18, 2013; and
• Conservation Commission Meeting – April 1, 2013.

BUILDING PERMIT:

HARRINGTON, Westminster Street, Map & Lot # 020-012-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant Building Permit #2013-08 for Jeffrey & Laurie Harrington to “Construct a 36’ x 28’ 2 Story Garage” at 76 Westminster Street, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTIONS:

MACK, Rogers Lane, Map & Lot #020-037-000:  Mr. Street moved to grant an Property Tax Elderly Exemption for Verna Mack.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:

COLD RIVER MATERIALS:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Notices of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials at the following locations, as submitted:

1)      Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000 – No. 13-461-01;

2)      Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000 – No. 13-461-02; and

3)      Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000 – No. 13-461-03.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVES, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for George Graves, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT & CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

HUBBARD, Levi Lane, Map & Lot #010-019-000 – Cut #12-461-18:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $125.94 for Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SHAW, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot # 016-013-000 – Cut #12-461-23:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $80.46 for Charles Shaw.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BEER, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #016-014-000 – Cut #12-461-21:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $577.82 for Josiah Beer.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANT TIMBER TAX LEVY:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant for Timber Tax Levy, dated April 11, 2013, for the State of New Hampshire in the amount of $784.22 for Dale Hubbard, Charles Shaw and Josiah Beer.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:

GRAVES, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000 – Cut #12-461-06:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Excavation Tax Assessment per RSA 72-B in the amount of $244.05 for George R. Graves.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COLD RIVER MATERIALS:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Excavation Tax Assessment per RSA 72-B for Cold River Materials as follows:

1)      Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000, Cut #12-461-05 – $0.00;

2)      Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000, Cut #12-461-03 – $89.94;

3)      Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000 – $2,152.88.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANT GRAVEL TAX LEVY:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant for Gravel Tax Levy, dated April 11, 2013, for the State of New Hampshire in the amount of $2,486.88 for George R. Graves and three for Cold River Materials.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

NOTICE FROM THE TOWN OF WESTMORELAND:  A notice was received from the Town of Westmoreland, Zoning Board of Adjustment, that there will be a hearing on Wednesday, April 27, 2013, at the Westmoreland Town Hall concerning a request by Graves Trucking, Inc. for a Special Exception.  The applicant proposes to excavate bedrock at the property located off Old Route 12 North, Map 17, Lots 28/29 in the Commercial/Industrial and Rural Residential zones.

LETTER FROM SULLIVAN COUNTY ATTORNEY:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Sullivan County Attorney, David S. Park, bestowing gratitude on Officer Justin Sanctuary for his generous cooperation and assistance regarding a bail revocation matter in their court on April 2, 2013.  Mr. Aldrich requested that a copy of this letter be attached to the Minutes and that it be filed in Officer Sanctuary’s personnel file.

MS-2:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the MS-2 (Report of Appropriations Actually Voted) for the State of NH.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

ARTICLE IN KEENE SENTINEL:   The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a copy of the recent article in the Keene Sentinel.  They would like to make it known that the Building Permit they approved for the Avanru Development Group was for the first approved project of 48 – two bedroom units.

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROJECT APPROVAL:  The Selectboard received a copy of the letter from the NH Highway Safety Agency to Police Chief Paquette advising that their contract for “Walpole Enforcement Patrols” has been officially approved by them.

EMPLOYEE MANUAL:  The Selectboard will be reviewing the revisions to the Employee Manual and plan to sign it during their meeting on April 25^th following a review by the Town Attorney.  It will be distributed to the employees on May 1^st.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: 

Hooper Institute Committee:  Mr. Aldrich moved to re-appoint Jacqueline Kensen, Rebecca Sethi and Nick Zachary to the Hooper Institute Committee for three year terms.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Conservation Commission:  Mr. Street moved to re-appoint Peter Palmiotto as an alternate member on the Conservation Commission for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Employee Evaluations:  Mrs. Teague moved to table the employee evaluations for one week.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

__________________________

Jamie J. Teague, Chair

__________________________

Chas G. Street

__________________________

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the April 18, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 4, 2013

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

 CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Teague called the Selectboard meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with ten people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 7:24 PM.  No announcements were made.

Mr. Aldrich came into the meeting.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

ABUTTERS OF THE PROPOSED PLAYGROUND:  Seven concerned abutters of the proposed playground on Washington Street, across from the Common, were present.  Mr. Charlie Lennon read their letter to the Selectboard as a result of their hearing indirectly that construction of a playground has been proposed on the lot owned by Eleven Westminster Street LLC.  The lot contains the Savings Bank of Walpole, the Walpole Clinic, a busy parking lot and a gazebo.  They asked that:  1) A public hearing be held so all concerned residents have an opportunity to learn what the actual plans for the playground involve, and the opportunity to voice their opinions as to the appropriateness of a playground on this site, and, 2) A Site Plan Review be done by the Planning Board, in light of the change in use proposed for this project.  The letter was submitted by Sheila and Charlie Lennon, Ellie and Fred Ernst, Carole and John Cramer and Fred Dill.  They plan to attend the next Planning Board meeting.  Mrs. Teague advised that now that the Selectboard is aware of this proposed project and the concerns of the abutters they will ask Mrs. Clough to contact the property owners to inquire about the project and to obtain a legal opinion from the Local Government Center.  When the legal opinion is received it will be shared with the abutters.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $123,073.85.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that $43,000.00 is the payment for Article 5 for the purchase of the Highway roller.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 30, 2013, for checks dated April 5, 2013, for gross wages in the amount of $19,925.86.  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 $4,451.55.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the FICA tax payment in the amount of $1,679.78.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 21, 2013:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the March 21, 2013, Selectboard meeting, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Teague in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Street abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 28, 2013:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the March 28, 2013, Selectboard meeting, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 28, 2013:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of March 28, 2013, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed until this matter is resolved.  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 session.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting Minutes:

• Hooper Institute – March 26, 2013;
• Conservation Commission – March 4, 2013;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 2, 2013.

Mr. Aldrich left the meeting for a short period of time.

BUILDING PERMITS:

MICHAUD, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #008-009-008:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant Building Permit No. 2013-06 for Jeffrey J. Michaud to “Enclose a 16’ x 14’ deck into a sun porch”.  Seconded by Mr. Street.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CRAVEN, (Terrapin Moise, LLC), Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-026-002:  Mr. Street moved to grant Building Permit No. 2013-07 for Sidney Craven (Terrapin Moise, LLC) to “Construct a 120’ x 50’ Garage with Suite and a 4 Bedroom Home” pending receipt of Septic System approval.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANTS:

TIMBER TAX:  MERRIAM FARM, Inc., Merriam Road, Map & Lot #003-050-000:  Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed – Intent Filed During Tax Year: April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 – and the Warrant for Timber Tax Levy in the amount of $75.16 for Timber Cut #12-461-16  for Merriam Farms, Inc.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

JUNK YARD PERMIT:  Mr. Street moved to grant the Town of Walpole License to E.W. Salvage to Operate a Junk Yard on Valley Road from March 25, 2013 to March 24, 2014.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE SCHOOL REQUEST:  Mr. Street moved to approve the request from the Walpole School to use the Walpole Common on Monday, June 17, 2013, at 6:30 PM for their eighth grade graduating class ceremony and to utilize the entire Town Hall for their graduation party immediately following the ceremony.  There will be no charge for the rental.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DISCHARGE OF MORTGAGE REQUEST:  Mr. Street moved to approve the request from Southwestern Community Services, Inc. and its affiliated entity, Drewsville Carriage House Limited Partnership to discharge the mortgage that was given to secure the Community Development Block Grant funds which the Town of Walpole made available to develop this project in 1997.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ROUTE 12 PROJECT INFORMATION:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from DeLucca Fence Company, Inc. advising that their work will begin on April 1, 2013, on the Route 12 project for new guardrails.  Work should be completed prior to the June 28, 2013, completion date.

OLD BUSINESS:

PROCLAMATION:  This Agenda item was put “on-hold” until the next regular meeting.

Mr. Aldrich came back into the meeting.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  The list of Committee Vacancies has been posted.  The vacancies are as follows:

• Walpole Recycling Action Committee: Two (2), Three Year Term Seats;
• Hooper Institute Committee:  Three (3), Three Year Term Seats;
• Recreation Committee:  Two (2), Three Year Term Seats;
• Conservation Commission Alternate:  Two (2) Member Three Year Term Seats and One (1), Alternate Three Year Term Seat.

Any Walpole, North Walpole or Drewsville resident interested in volunteering should forward a letter of interest along with relevant experience to the Town of Walpole Selectboard by Tuesday, April 9, 2013.  Letters of interest can be emailed to jclough@walpolenh.us, faxed to (603) 756-9209 or mailed to Town of Walpole Selectboard Office, attn: Janet Clough, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608.  If there are questions, please feel free to contact the Selectboard office.

Committee appointments will be made after the deadline has passed and the Selectboard have had the opportunity to review the letters of interest.

MEETING WITH SWRPC:  The Selectboard will be meeting with the Southwest Regional Planning Commission representatives on Thursday, April 11^th at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. 

EQUALIZATION MEETING:  The New Hampshire Municipal Association and Cheshire County are offering an informational session “Understanding the Equalization Process and the Impact on County Taxes” for Cheshire County municipal, county and state officials to help in understanding the equalization process and how it impacts shared property taxes, particularly county taxes.  It is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2013, in the Training Room at Cheshire County Department of Corrections in Keene, NH.

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK:  Mrs. Clough distributed draft copies of the Employee Handbook with requested revisions to the Selectboard for their review.  The revised handbooks should be ready for distribution on May 1^st.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Street moved to recess the 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 8:21 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:28 PM.

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street 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.  The time was 8:29 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:46 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 8:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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Jamie J. Teague, Chair

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Chas G. Street

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Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the April 11, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)