The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 24, 2024

Selectboard Present:  Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Call to Order:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:37 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

UNANTICIPATED FUNDS DONATION

Following the Public Hearing, Mr. Dalessio moved that the Town of Walpole accept the donation from Pleasant Valley Association Hockey in the amount of $17,995.51 to be used for:

• Financial aid for families in need so that no child is excluded from playing a sport due to financial hardship.
• Purchase of equipment and uniforms as needed for team sports.

Seconded by Ms.  Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the Town is grateful for the generous donation.  It will be used to ensure all children in Walpole can participate in sports programs.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $112,364.99 dated 10/25/2024 including $47,345.35 payment to HealthTrust.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,047.22 dated 10/25/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6519.69.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – October 17, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 17, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – October 17, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of October 17, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved and sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Police Building Committee Meeting – October 16, 2024
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – October 16, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam, and ARPA Funding Grants

USDA Grant and ARPA Grant:  Mr. Dalessio is meeting with The Fire Department and USDA and all the associated attorneys tomorrow at 10:00 AM, to create a process for management of the flow of grant funds for the new fire station.  After the meeting, Mr. Dalessio will meet with Mr. Houghton on the ARPA Funding Grants.

Letter to NHDOT District 4:  The First Congregational Church has requested a sign at the junction of Route 12 and South Street.  Mr.  Dalessio moved that the Selectboard endorse the request for a Congregational Church sign at the corner of Route 12 and South Street and that they sign the letter to recommend the sign to the NHDOT District 4.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.

In-Person Staff Meeting (11/21/2024):  Ms. Mayberry contacted Dr. Gerri King, author of The DUH! Book of Management and Supervision about speaking at the Staff Meeting. Dr. King is booked at the time of the meeting but could be scheduled for a future meeting.  The November 21^st meeting will be used to discuss how budget preparation is going, and especially what warrant articles and future projects they are planning in their departments.

Mr. Hoy is certain Recycling does not need a truck.   They are no longer doing pick-ups, and they rent a truck when one is needed to minimize costs.  A truck for Recycling could be added by the Selectboard later in the budget process if appropriate.

NEW BUSINESS

Encumbrance of Funds Request:  Funds from Warrant Article #3 in the amount of $200,000 are to be used to purchase land for the new Police Station.   When the Warrant Article was written it was not specified that the funds would not lapse so they need to be encumbered.  Mr. Dalessio moved to encumber the $200,000 (purchase order # 242497) for the purchase of the land for the new Police station while the parties finalize the sales agreement.  In addition the encumbrance request was changed to specify Mr. Dalessio as the Chair of the Committee and contact.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the encumbrance was approved for $200,000 and signed.

Invitation to Bid Flyer and Packet:  By consensus, the Selectboard is good with the $5,000 deposit required for each bid.  The amount is the same as in the past.  Some editing is needed before publishing the flyer – see marked up sample.

Assessing Agreement:  It is time to renew our assessing agreement with Avitar.  After reviewing 1-year and 3-year rates, Mr. Dalessio moved that we sign up for another 1-year agreement with Avitar to continue as our assessor.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the contract was signed.  We should seek other assessors next year.

Donation at the Reuse Center:   As more valuable items are being donated to the Reuse Center, the question is being asked if receipts can be given.  By consensus, a letter/form needs to be created with a description of the donation that is prepared by the Reuse Center, and a place where the donor can enter the value of the item.  The Reuse Center does not determine the value of the item.

Public Notices from the Planning Board:  The Plannning Board will have a hearing for lot line adjustment and subdivision of two properties.  In both cases the Town is an abutter.  One is at Elm Street and Pleasant Street – the Town owns property along Mad Brook.  The other is on Reservoir Road abutting a Town Forest.  By consensus, the Town is not concerned by either.

 However, the Board is concerned about the sloppy notices (one doesn’t describe the initial lot, and in the other the lot size is an acre larger after the transaction) that contain errors and are not even on Town letterhead.  Mr. Dalessio will address the accuracy, proofing and lack of Town letterhead with the Chair of the Planning Board.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (c)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 7:23 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:25 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment:  Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 31, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present: Helen Dalbeck and Dale Woodward

Call to Order:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

The meeting was reconvened at 7:00 PM.

Ms. Dalbeck left the meeting.  Mr. Woodward arrived.  The following item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.

Congregational Church Sign at Rt. 12 and South Street: Mr. Woodward provided details on the church sign’s location and what the sign will look like. The UCC would like to increase recognition of the Church when people come into town.  The sign is 20” x 30”. It will be on a 2” square metal post that will be 93” high and have a beveled cap.  The sign will be on the north side of South Street.  There is a manhole cover and post above the corner. The sign will be about 10 to 12’ east of the manhole cover to allow for tractor mowing.  The Town will write to NH DOT District 4 to inform them that the sign has been approved by the Selectboard.

Mr. Woodward left the meeting.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,006.49 dated 10/18/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,274.37.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – October 10, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 10, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – October 10, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of October 10, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved and the minutes remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – August 7, 2024
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – September 4, 2024
• Conservation Commission Meeting – October 7, 2024
• Planning Board Meeting – October 8, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT AND CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED

Op # 24-461-03, Map and Lot # 011-039-004: Ms. Vose moved to approve the timber taxes assessed and timber warrant for $670.55.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and both forms were signed.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-35, Map and Lot# 010-033-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-35 for Map and Lot # 010-033-001 to construct a 14’ x 33’ living room and sunroom addition. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and ARPA Funding Grants

Reservoir Dam Grant Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved that the Town accept the grant reimbursement for $9,077.98 and that Mr. Dalessio sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the grant reimbursement was accepted, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form. 

Draft Purchase and Sale Agreement for New Police Station Land: Mr. Dalessio felt there are too many blanks in this draft.  The Police Station Building Committee is sending it back to the seller. They will handle getting the contract ready.  Mr. Dalessio stated that before the sale can take place, the parcel needs to be sub-divided.  Therefore, the sale probably will not happen this year.

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment Notices to the Recreation Committee: Marilou Blaine and Laurie Harrinton are up for appointment.  This item was tabled.

Purchase Order #242495 for Desktop Computers:   The Town will purchase three desktop computers with monitors for the Selectboard Office and Recycling Center along with a monitor for Town Clerk’s computer. The total cost is $4,150.30.  Ms. Vose moved for we purchase three computers and four monitors plus project fees for a total cost of $4,150.30.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and purchase order #242495 was signed.

HealthTrust Benefits Renewal Package and Transmittal: There was a 7.4% rate increase.  The Board felt this was a reasonable rate increase. Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair sign the HealthTrust Transmittal.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the Transmittal.   Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town’s health insurance is pooled with other towns to minimize risk and get better rates.

Two Important School District Dates:   Mr. Dalessio pointed out that there are two important dates:

• October 26 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the District Offices there will be a workshop for the School Board on the Articles of Agreement.  
• October 28^th at 5:30 PM there will be a School Board meeting in the FMRHS Library to review a draft of the 2025 budget.

ELF Article: The Keene Sentinel ELF publication included an article about Julie Rios of the Bridge Memorial Library.  Ms. Vose explained that Julie was recognized in the ELF for the “Children’s Librarians” program. Children chosen to be librarians put together a display of their choice and serve as junior librarians.  The Selectboard recognizes Mrs. Rios and thanked her for her outstanding service to the children of Walpole.

In-person Staff Meeting on November 21, 2024: Ms. Mayberry will contact Dr. Gerri King, author of The DUH! Book of Management and Supervision to see if she is available.

Recreation Gift: A town resident would like to make a donation to the Town to be used for funding families in need to ensure that everyone can participate in Rec programs and use the Recreation facilities.  There will be a public hearing next week at the Selectboard meeting to determine whether the gift will be accepted.  The Board will determine the best way to manage the funds in NH PDIP.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (c)

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 8:07 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:26 PM. Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 24, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)