Great Decisions – 9/16/24
Great Decisions”
(2 weeks from today)
“Sino-American Rivalry: A New Cold War?”
“Great Decisions” returns to the Walpole Town Library on Monday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m., with a discussion of U.S.- China rivalry and China’s rise as a trading partner, global power and threat to regional stability.
Ambassador J. Stapleton (“Stape”) Roy will lead our public forum via Zoom. Ambassador Roy has immersed himself in the study of China throughout his career. A fluent Mandarin-speaker, he rose to become a three-time United States Ambassador, serving in Singapore, the People’s Republic of China, and Indonesia. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service. He is now Founding Director Emeritus and a Distinguished Scholar at the Kissinger Institute for Chinese-U.S. Studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
China’s economic rise during the past two decades and the increasingly predatory role of the government in the economy has resulted in a rethinking of our economic engagement with China as perhaps a strategic blunder. Should China be viewed as a business opportunity or a national security threat? Or both? Will China invade Taiwan in 2027, as Xi Jinping openly threatens? Is Xi Jinping challenging the USA for global hegemony? There is always the danger that labeling this a “new Cold War” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “Technology denial and Sino-American rivalry” by Jonathan Chanis, which is available by contacting Library Director Jane Malmberg at jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
For the Zoom link to the meeting, please send a request to Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org and join via Zoom at 6:20 p.m. following the Master Class (which cannot be transmitted via Zoom.)
Sue Kibbe
Crop Hunger Walk – 10/12/24
An important request from Jana Sellarole. – Lil
Greetings All!,
It’s CROP Hunger Walk time again!
Over the 20+ year history of the Walpole CROP Walk, we have raised many, many thousands of dollars to “transform communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster.” Devastating floods, wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes, in addition to crushing poverty, hunger and dwindling water supplies. We frequently see these heartbreaking stories in the news.
The global and local needs are great. A quarter of the funds we raise will be donated to our local Fall Mountain Food Shelf. Last year the Walpole CROP Walk raised over $12,000! Our small but mighty Walk was recognized as a “National 2023 Cream of the CROP top fundraising team”, 54th in the country!
This year’s CROPWalk is Saturday, October 12 at 9:15 am. We will meet at the Congregational Church on the Commons to begin our 3 mile route. If you live locally, we would love to have you join us, and help raise funds for this very important cause! Please call/text me at 603-313-4076 with any questions.
If this is an effort you would like to support, please make a donation at:
https://events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/jana-sellarole
Thanks so much! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Jana
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/22/24
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair, Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Jack Wozmak, Krystyna Marcom, and Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee Members: Steve Varone and Jo Cowgill
Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:04 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The first three items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.
Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee
Only two members of the Committee were available this evening. Mr. Varone emphasized that because of NH laws, if we leave Fall Mountain School District, financially it will be very important to also leave SAU 60 to control our finances. That should be explained at the public hearing next month. If Walpole becomes independent, there will be some areas where expenses increase and others where they decrease. Westmoreland, Chesterfield, and Winchester are similar size schools to what Walpole is and all three have significantly lower per pupil costs. The transition would be difficult but is doable. The Town has three neighboring schools as examples. Walpole also needs to be sure that the other towns left in Fall Mountain School District will still be strong.
The public informational meeting will help the Selectboard understand how the Town feels about continuing the process. If the Town moves ahead, the next step will be a vote at Town Meeting. If the vote is to proceed, another committee will be formed with one Selectboard member and one School Board member from each town. This committee will have 180 days with access to Fall Mountain School District finances to delve into all the financial issues, etc. The State mandates what information must be gathered. This group will answer all the hard questions.
Mr. Varone and Ms. Cowgill left the meeting.
Election Worker Party Affiliation: The election officials have become aware that the Town needs parity between the political party affiliation of election workers. Currently, there are not enough election worker volunteers to have an even balance. Earlier, the political parties could recommend people, but no recommendations were received. The Selectboard needs to appoint election workers, or the moderator can find people. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the list of Inspectors of Election (i.e. Election Workers) presented by Mr. Wozmak. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion carried. The Election Workers listed were Sherry Aldrich, Antonia Andreoli, Pam Baucom, Trina Carmody, Karen Deary, Michael Deary, David Elkins, Michelle Gallagher, Joanne Gay, Patrick Kiniry, Cheryl Mayberry, Toni McDougle, Diane Myers-Miller, Margie Palmer, Cheryl Patty, Peggy Pschirrer, Brendan Reagan, Tara Sad, David Sanchez, Chas Street, Cynthia Westover, Kris Tyson and Ernie Vose.
The Selectboard and moderator are seeking election workers, especially declared Republicans, to meet the parity guidelines. If you are interested, please contact the Selectboard Office at (603) 756-3672.
Mr. Wozmak left the meeting.
Speeding in North Walpole: Krystyna Marcom delivers Meals on Wheels in North Walpole. She has to make four stops on Church Street. Because of all the speeding vehicles it is extremely difficult to slow to turn into driveways or to get back out. She was almost hit the other day. Meals are delivered three mornings a week. Could the police do something to slow the traffic on Church Street?
Mrs. Marcom left the meeting.
Payroll
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,767.03 dated 8/23/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,356.22. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – August 15, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 15, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes are approved and sealed.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 15, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 15, 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 are sealed.
Committee Reports
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Planning Board Meeting – August 13, 2024
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.
Refunds
Ms. Vose moved to approve all the following refunds. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, all the refunds were approved.
- Map and Lot # 012-019-002 for $9.44
- Map and Lot # 008-088-001 for $8,903
- Map and Lot # 010-012-000 for $47
- Map and Lot # 009-007-000 for $53.44
- Map and Lot # 011-058-000 for $3
- Map and Lot # 013-061-000 for $95
- Map and Lot # 028-123-000 for $1,819.57
Timber Intents
Map and Lot # 004-027-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the intent to harvest timber for Map and Lot # 004-027-000. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the timber intent was approved.
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
Certificate of Recognition: The Town wishes to recognize John Hansel’s 100th birthday. The Selectboard signed the certificate. It will be delivered at the appropriate time by Ms. Vose.
Thank You Letter: The Selectboard wishes to thank Annette and Andrew Dey for their expertise with the Town Hall’s west side residing project. A letter of appreciation was signed.
Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report & New Police Station: There will be a public hearing on Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall to hear the report of the School Withdrawal Study Committee and an update on the new Police Station. The Selectboard Meeting shall follow with no public business to be discussed.
New Business
MS-1 Form: The Board needs to sign the 2024 MS-1 which will be uploaded to the DRA portal. The MS-IVs are for review only. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the 2024 MS-1. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the form was approved and signed.
Cemetery Fund #2 Reimbursement Form: $3,970.90 was spent fixing a collapsed tomb in the Old Cemetery. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the reimbursement to the Town for repairs to Joshua Bellows’ tomb. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the reimbursement was approved.
Cemetery Fund #2 Reimbursement Form: $20,409.50 was spent clearing and grading roads for the New Cemetery Green Burial section. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the reimbursement to the Town for road work in the Green Burial section. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the reimbursement was approved.
First 2024 Tax Bill Report: The Spring Warrant was for $6,479,674 with $203,525.31 remaining unpaid. That is only 3% left to be paid. Jodi Daigle, our new Tax Collector, is doing a phenomenal job!
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c)
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c) at 7:24 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:09 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 8:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/27/24
Present: Planning board members Jeff Miller, Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Travis Adams and ZBA board member Tom Winmill.
Mr. Marcom called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Topic of Discussion: Draft a zoning amendment expected to go on the 2025 warrant regarding formula restaurant and retail businesses in the commercial district of the Village.
A productive conversation resulted in the following decisions:
Include Mr. Winmill’s wording “to preserve the unique and distinctive appeal of the Walpole Village character and commercial development” in the final draft.
Mr. Harrington will rewrite the draft based on the discussion at the meeting and present it to the Planning Board members at its September 10th regular meeting. The board should have a final draft to present at the next joint hearing and will plan for a public hearing on the document in October.
Mr. Miller will describe the location and boundaries of section 6 of the commercial district in the Village.
Present the draft to the group at the next joint meeting.
The next joint meeting with the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Southwest Region Planning Commission is the 4th Tuesday in September or September 24th , at 7 pm the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary
Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 8/21/24
Roll Call – Board Present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Pauline Barnes, Tom Winmill. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Myra Mansouri. Absent: Board member Shane O’Keefe.
Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. The Chair asked Alternate Sellarole to fill in for the absent board member. Mr. Sellarole agreed to do so.
Minutes: The date of the year of the meeting was corrected to 2024. Mr. Murray made two corrections. On page 1 the word “is” is repeated in the last sentence of paragraph 4 and on page 2 he corrected the spelling of the word “would” in criteria No. 3. Mr. Sellarole made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion passed 4 to 0, with one member not voting.
Discussion of an email about Airbnbs:
This discussion came about because of an email about two potential properties in the Walpole village becoming Airbnbs and both are owned by people who would not live in Walpole. Both locations have limited parking. The email was sent to the chairs of both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board, the Manager of Administration and a Select Board member. The chair of the Zoning Board asked the chair of the Planning Board if he would be adverse if he brought it up at the meeting tonight. He said he would not.
Mr. Edkins immediately said that the board should not discuss this topic. If any board member gives an opinion or makes a statement about Airbnbs it would compromise their being impartial if some time in the future the issue comes before the Zoning Board, he said. He repeated what he has said may times that “the Zoning Board is an Appeals Board.”
Ms. Barnes said she disagreed. She read from the NH Supreme Court decision of May 2, 2023. Town of Conway v. Scott Kudrick.
“Currently, many municipal ordinances do not clearly address STRs, and, as the trial court recognized, until they do we ‘will make decisions based on the language of the ordinances in effect, even if results vary from one municipality to the next.’ “
She continued by saying Town counsel Jeremy Hockensmith suggested a couple of years ago that Walpole should have an article in its zoning ordinances about Airbnbs. And Ms. Barnes reminded the board that that was also suggested at the joint meeting of both boards with the Southwest Region Planning Commission in July. She suggested that the topic be brought up at the next joint meeting with the Planning Commission and someone could ask them for suggestions regarding our ordinance.
Mr. Edkins said he didn’t have a lot of confidence in Mr. Hockensmith and that we did not have to take the advice of a former Select Board member. He said he wanted to preserve his integrity and would not take part in a discussion of Airbnbs and would leave. Mr. Edkins departed at 7:15 pm.
Mr. Winmill made a motion that the email be attached to the minutes. His written motion says
“Resolved, that to comply with the spirit of RSA 91-A-2, Right to Know law and to be open and transparent to citizens of Walpole the full and complete wording of the emailed references in the agenda of tonight’s meeting and the subsequent chain of responses be recorded in the minutes in an appendix as follows:
Mr. Sellarole said he agreed with some of what Mr Edkins said but also the Zoning Board has discussed the idea of needing an ordinance on long-term rentals on and off for the last couple of years.
Ms. Mansouri said it is the role of the Planning Board to write articles for the Zoning Ordinances, but they haven’t been doing it. Past experience has been that when the Zoning Board has written a new zoning article to be put on the warrant, the next step was to present it to the Planning Board and they would tinker with it by adding, moving or changing the wording. The required public hearing is then held and when approved it would go on the warrant. She also thought the topic should come up at the next joint meeting with SWRPC.
At this point in the meeting Mr. Windmill’s motion was seconded by Mr. Murray. The vote was 3 yeas and 1 nay.
Discussion of the New Hampshire Municipal Association article, titled “N.H. Supreme Court Throws a Curveball on Short-term Rental Zoning Regulations,” was postponed to next month so that everyone would have a chance to read it.
Adjournment:
Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:40 pm.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September meeting for corrections.
Respectfully yours,
Marilou Blaine
ZBA Secretary
This is the email referenced in the minutes to be posted with the minutes – Lil
Email from Peggy Pschirrer to Tom Murray, Jeff Miller, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing
Sunday two residents of Elm Street came to ask me about the legality of Airbnbs in Walpole.
A small house on Elm which shares a driveway is about to become an Airbnb as is the house under renovation on Main St. and Roger St.
We have no ordinances which speak to Airbnbs although Hockensmith has in the past told us it would be wise to write such an ordinance.
We have a zoning ordinance for B and Bs. Article IV L which requires a site plan approval by planning etc and RSA definitions/requirements. Our ordinance is a permissive ordinance. If it doesn’t specifically allow airbnbs, then they are illegal.
There are several airbnbs in Walpole which, to my knowledge, have not caused problems but parking could be an issue on both these new places. Also, I doubt that any existing Airbnb had a site plan review. Both houses are owned by out of town owners.
The NH Supreme Court issued a decision in 2023, Town of Conway v. Scott Kudrick, which ruled against the Town in an airbnb case. It had an interesting dissent. Obviously language is important in any ordinance.
I call this to your attention because while the current airbnbs seem not to bother anybody, these two new places are in tight neighborhoods with limited parking which may provoke objections.
Best
Peggy
Cub Scout Pack 209 Mum Sale
Just wanted to let everyone know that we are sold out of mums for this year. Our goal was 360 and we sold 426. Thank you to everyone that helped us reach and exceed our goal.
Debbie Pawelczyk, Cub Scout Committee Chair Pack 299
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/15/24
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Patrick Kiniry, North Walpole Commissioner
Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The Chair moved the following items to the top of the agenda since a guest wished to speak to them.
North Walpole Library Lease: Pat Kiniry delivered the lease agreement that has been signed by the Commissioners. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the North Walpole Library lease for two years at the same price as the past two years. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was accepted, and the lease was signed.
North Walpole Road Signage and Speeding Issues: Pat Kiniry discussed the problem areas:
- Church Street, especially during peak traffic at 6:00 – 8:00 AM, regularly moves at 50 – 60 miles per hour. There are a lot of complaints, and an accident seems likely. Mr. Kiniry will talk to Chief Justin Sanctuary and report back.
- There are complaints and problems with the Police Department and visitors pulling in and out of Russell Street. The street is too narrow, some vines have been cut back but visibility is very limited, and people are entering and exiting too fast or cutting into the Fire Department parking lot.
- Winter parking signs are not visible. The one at Main and Killeen is twenty feet off the road and under a tree. At Main and Church, the sign faces the wrong way so it cannot be read by drivers on the road. The Board recommended asking Mike Symonds to move signs if needed.
- The yield sign near the former Arch Bridge is not visible until you are right on it. Mr. Kiniry will call NH DOT District 4 and report back.
- Mike Symonds, the Road Agent, was great to work with. The walks were striped by the Fire Station, and the underpass height signs were done quickly. Mark Houghton did great job with manhole covers. It is now much easier to drive through North Walpole.
Mr. Kiniry left the meeting.
Accounts Payable
Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $889,088.85 dated 8/16/2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. This included a $561,631.87 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.
Payroll
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,716.96 dated 8/16/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,729.70. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Ms. Mayberry abstained since she was absent from this meeting.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed. Ms. Mayberry abstained.
Committee Reports
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – June 2, 2024
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – July 10, 2024
- Conservation Commission Meeting – August 5, 2024
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.
Building Permit
2024-29, Map and Lot# 016-014-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-29 for Map and Lot # 016-014-000 to construct a 14’ x 14’ addition with an attached carport. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio 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 Reservoir Dam
Funding for the Bridge at Elm and Main: Mr. Dalessio explained that the purchase order for Daniels Construction was approved last week but it wasn’t decided upon where the funds would come from. With Rich Kreissle back from vacation, it was determined that $50,000 will come from Emergency Management, $50,000 from the Trans Canada account, and $50,000 from the bridge block grant. The contract with Daniels Construction has been signed. The Town is in their scheduling queue, but we do not know when construction will start. They will invoice as the project progresses.
Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report (tabled last week): The Selectboard will meet with the Withdrawal Study Committee next Thursday, August 22, at 6:00 PM. There will be a public hearing Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The public hearing will also cover the new Police building and other projects.
2022 DRA Assessment Review Report: This was a review of current use, property exemptions and credits from the 2022 Revaluation project. About half the current use files are not currently compliant. Sarah Downing will correct current use records, but it is very time-consuming. Older files need to be updated because they are missing form A-10 forms and/or maps or requirements have changed and there is not enough detail.
New Business
Ecumenical Service on the Common September 8th (rain date September 15th): The service is sponsored by the First Congregational Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Everyone is invited. By consensus, the service can take place on the Common with use of the gazebo.
Hooper Trustees
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:31 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:33 PM.
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b)
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:33 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:23 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 8:23 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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