The Walpolean

Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.

Members present: Scott, Mike, Marilyn, Diane, Marilou, Annie.

    Selectboard members : Steve D’Alessio, Carolyn Vose.

    Kraig Harlow, Recreation manager.

    Members of the public: Sue Kibbe, Stephanie Green, pool manager.

This meeting is being recorded for accuracy of minutes.

June meeting minutes reviewed. Carolyn requested two sentences be omitted, and showed Mike the ones she wants omitted. He will correct and send corrected copy to Sarah Downing.

Scott informed the committee of the resignation of Katie Beam.

Scott apologized for not having printed copies of the agenda, as he had just emailed the new agenda to the members an hour and a half before the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Sand box: Marilou will provide a list of those interested in having a sandbox for children at the pool.

Drewsville Common: The Drewsville Store has new owners. Scott will reach out to them.

Walpole Common: Discussion about closing off the area around the common for skateboarders, roller blades, etc. Possibility of using Drewsville Common or an area in North Walpole for this was also discussed.

Will need approval of Selectboard.  Scott will ask to be on the Selectboard Meeting Agenda at some point in the future.

Pool Shading: Long discussion. For the short term, umbrellas are available for use .Still in search for long term solution. Diane moved to have staff at pool keep track of pool usage. Mike seconded. All in favor, motion passed.

Soccer Planning: Long discussion. With Kraig leaving before the soccer season starts, there is much to be done.

Mike asked Scott  to clarify the topic of Action Items, which was on the original agenda. Steve clarified.

Movie Nights: Scott is looking into sandwich boards for advertising  movie nights.

Budget for Recreation Department: Stephanie has several items to add for next year’s budget: Fee to state for registering the pool as a public bathing facility ($250.00); Swimsuits for the lifeguards; lifeguard salaries. Steve discussed with the committee how the budget process works. The new Recreation Department manager will be involved his preparing next year’s budget. Steve suggested the September Recreation Committee meeting include budget on the agenda.

Recreation Committee Mission Statement: Mike handed out copies of his proposed mission statement. Kraig emailed his mission statement to the current members. The members will review and maybe come up with ideas, to be discussed at next month’s meeting.

Estimates for refurbishing tennis and pickle ball courts: Discussion as to the number of estimates needed. Kraig has 3.

Porta Potty was not on the agenda, but it is old business that has been resolved. There is now a porta potty down by the tennis/pickle ball courts. Much thanks to Kraig for making this happen.

Revolving Fund: Steve explained how it works. Mike made a motion to take $10,000.00 from the revolving fund to be used for new pickle ball court at the North Walpole park. Marilou seconded. More discussion. Mike withdrew his motion .

NEW BUSINESS:

Marilou would like pool hours and information to be in the Clarion. Stephanie explained how the pool hours have been erratic due to staffing of the lifeguards. She said she would not want the information in Clarion to be incorrect, due to changes in  staffing situation. Current information is available on whiteboard outside of pool entrance, and on Walpole Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

Stephanie will look into the possibility of opening pool a few weeks early next year.

Water and other ideas at the pool: Annie had several questions/concerns about drinking water at the pool. The water fountain next to basketball court is out of order. Annie was also concerned about selling bottled water in plastic bottles. It is unclear if the water at the pool is potable. Stephanie will check with Mark Houghton. Mike moved to repair or replace the broken water fountain, and put in a water fountain with a water bottle filler. Estimated cost: $3500.00-$5500.00. This will have to come out of the revolving fund. Diane seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.

           Annie’s friend Hank offered to repair the mini-library. Scott moved to allow Hank to repair the mini- library. Marilou seconded. All in favor, motion passed.

Soccer balls: Kraig said soccer league is in need of 60 new balls, at the cost of $850.00-$1100.00. Asking for approval to spend the amount needed to purchase 60 new balls. Scott moved , Diane seconded. All in favor, motion passed. Any money used from revolving fund must be approved by the select board.

Diane asking the status of hiring new Recreation Director. Steve said there have been three applicants.

Discussion as to next meeting, and whether the meetings need to stay on Mondays, and the time the meeting should start, and the length of the meetings. Steve suggested getting the agenda out early, so the members have time to review items before the meeting.

Next meeting August 19th @ 6:00 pm.

Scott moved to adjourn the meeting. Marilou seconded. All in favor, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.

These minutes are unapproved but will be reviewed at the August meeting for corrections.

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Hayes

Secretary

Present:  Jo Cowgill, Stan Hutchings, Jean Kobeski, Chas Street, Steve Varone, Diana Petrie, Carolyn Vose

Absent:  Tom Ronning

Visitor:  Katy Haas

The meeting commenced at 6:30 p.m.

Diana distributed copies of the second draft of the committee’s report.  We took about ten minutes to read this draft, which reflected changes committee members requested last week.  We reviewed the document, section by section, and made further revisions.  Diana will incorporate these changes into a third draft this week. 

Jean expressed concern that the committee has not spoken to some key figures representing Walpole in the school district, both currently and in the past. After discussing this, we were each given the name of someone to contact for an interview.  It was decided that any new information we gather from these individuals can be emailed to committee members for discussion.  We will then decide what Diana should incorporate into the report. 

Jo expressed regret over the continuing rift among the towns in the district and expressed a desire to explore a way to find compromise among them. 

No further meetings have been scheduled but the group will continue to communicate via email.

Action Items:

1. Chas and Stan will contact Sam Jacobs.
2. Steve will contact one of our current school board members.
3. Jean and Jo will contact a former school board member and our current at-large school board member.
4. Diana will work on the third draft of our report.

The meeting concluded at approximately 7:50 p.m.     

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

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

Guests Present:  Paul Looney, Peggy Pschirrer, and Matt Benoit

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:38 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The first two items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.

Drewsville General Store Beer and Wine Sales Endorsement Letter:   The store, which is under new management, is to open this month.  Matt Benoit, the new owner of The Drewsville General Store, said they had a lot of local vendors at a recent meeting, and they should have a good assortment of local farm products. Mr. Dalessio moved the Selectboard sign the endorsement letter for the Drewsville General Store.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose, and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion carried, and the endorsement letter was signed.

Matt Benoit left the meeting.

Renewable Energy Credit Sale and Purchase Agreement:  Paul Looney and Peggy Pschirrer returned with more information on Knollwood Energy and additional options for our renewable energy credits. Knollwood requires contracts of three to four years.  Woodell & Daughters use a different broker, and they get $36/credit and pay a 10% commission. They have a longer contract than the Town would like.  Mr. Looney talked to Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH), and they are willing to work with Walpole. The Town would be the first town to sell its renewable energy credits to CPCNH. Walpole’s renewable energy credits purchased by CPCNH would be used by CPCNH customers who purchase renewable power.  CPCNH will register the Town to obtain a GIS number so that the $6,000 refund can be requested.  The Community Power Committee will work with CPCNH to develop a contract, hopefully for one year and renewable. CPCNH will not charge a commission since they will use the credits and not sell them.  This contract is separate from Walpole’s CPCNH electricity purchase contract.

Peggy Pschirrer and Paul Looney left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $801,897.20 dated 7/12/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $581,631.87 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $39,073.45 dated 7/12/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,135.78.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – July 3, 2024:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 3, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  Ms. Vose abstained because she was not present at the July 3, 2024 meeting.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – July 3, 2024:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of July 3, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.  Ms. Vose abstained because she was not present at the July 3, 2024 meeting.

Committee Reports

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

• Safety Committee Meeting – May 30, 2024 

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Abatements

Map and Lot # 008-008-001:  This was approved last week, but the Chair’s signature was missing from the form.  Ms. Mayberry signed the form.

Old Business

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

Reservoir Dam – ARPA Grant Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the ARPA reimbursement form for $1,918.75 for work on Reservoir Dam.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in agreement, the motion passed, and  Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

2022 Financial Audit:  Vachon Clukay partner is reviewing the draft financials.

West Side of Town Hall Siding Project:   Initial review from Annette and Andrew Dey is that there are no serious structural issues with the west side of the Town Hall.  However, there are precautions that need to be taken care of.  More information will be provided next week. The Selectboard will review additional costs incurred.

New Business

Deputy Forest Fire Warden Appointment Forms:  Matt Yeatman, North Walpole Fire Chief, is the new Deputy Forest Fire Warden.  Ms. Vose moved the appointment of Matt Yeatman as the new Deputy Forest Fire Warden to be approved and the forms signed.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion passed, and the forms were signed.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:   The request is for $1,822.42 to purchase summer basketball uniforms.  Sponsor donations will cover this cost.  Ms. Vose moved the request for $1,822.42 to beapproved.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion passed.  

5-Town Meeting Date and Time:   Charlestown would like to set a date and time for the next meeting. Walpole agrees the five Towns should meet.  There needs to be an agenda.  On or after Friday, August 2^ndwould work, but not August 9^th.

Employee Appreciation Meal:   The organizers are seeking Selectboard feedback for the date and menu. Tuesday at noon on Sept. 17 or 24 would work for the Selectboard. Brad Nash will cook.  Ms. Vose offered to help.

Selectboard Office Vacation Schedule:   The employees’ requested dates were shared with the Selectboard earlier.   Ms. Mayberry will be away August 5^th – 9^th. Mr. Dalessio will chair that Selectboard meeting.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c) at 7:25 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:17 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

Roll Call: Present Board Members: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio and alternates Bill Carmody and Travis Adams.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so no alternates were needed to fill in.

Review of Minutes of June 2024: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Public Hearing for three sections of the updated Master Plan: Implementation Plan, Land Use Analysis and Population and Housing.

Mr. Miller explained that the Land Use Analysis was a statistical look at the town and categorizes the different types of uses of the land in Walpole from farmland to residential to commercial. The first sentence of this document says “an analysis of the present land use pattern in a town is one of the first steps in the formulation of a Land Use Plan.” The population and housing sections goes into home values and types of buildings and compares Walpole to neighboring town regarding education levels, growth trends, age and income. And the Implementation plan states the goals and objective for each of the sections of the Master Plan and then has action plans for the goals to be implemented. 

Mr. Marcom and Mr. Perron started looking at some of the numbers and trying to understand them. For example, on page 6 in the Land Use Analysis section it shows that there were 14 parcels used for farmland, 277.71 acres and the taxable value was only $66,300. They went back and forth about the numbers and wondered if the numbers were correct. One of them mentioned that the amount for land in current use was higher than farmland. They finally realized that the calculations given for some of the information in this section came from the census of 2010. 

Wendy Grossman noted that the population of Walpole was down. She wondered why the board didn’t use the information from the census of 2020. Mr. Miller said updating of the Master Plan started several years ago and the Land Use Analysis was one of the first sections that the board began to look at. Actually the board began updating the Master Plan in 2019. It was before Covid and Covid put a stop to the fourth Tuesday workshop meetings for updating the Master Plan for quite a long time. 

Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:20 pm. He said he would go back to the  Southwest Region Planning Commission and talk to the executive director Todd Horner to see if some of the numbers and information could be changed and updated to reflect the numbers of the 2020 census.

Andrew Dey said he tried to take a look at these sections of the Master Plan on the town web site but that none of the Master Plan was on the web site. Ms. Pauline Barnes said she too tried to find the information on line. Mr. Perron said that’s because the Master Plan has just been and still is in “draft” form. That’s one of the reason why the Planning Board is having these hearings. The Planning Board has no responsibility for putting information on the web site and supposedly a new format for the web site is in the works. 

Perhaps, Mr. Perron said, after the Planning Board has reviewed all the sections of the Master Plan at tonight’s and future public hearings, the results or any changes made to any section will be incorporated and the Master Plan will be available online.  

However, copies of the three sections of the Master Plan, the ones being discussed this evening, were available at the Town Offices for the public to look at. A public notice of this meeting was posted in two places in town – in the Town Offices and on the bulletin board at the Post Office, and residents who wanted to attend the meeting were notified via that public notice that the Master Plan sections were available at the Town Offices.

Mr. Perron made a motion to approve these three sections of the Master Plan and said there would be an effort to update some information. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed.

The next meeting in August will also be a public hearing and will consider some of the remaining sections of the Master Plan. Some of those sections include Transportation, Natural Features, Economic Development and Historic and Recreational Resources.

Mr. Miller reminded the board of the upcoming joint board meeting with the Zoning Board and Southwest Region Planning Commission on the fourth Tuesday of this month regarding Planner Carole Ogilvie’s suggestions for the zoning ordinances and site plan. 

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed.

These minutes are unapproved but will be reviewed at the August meeting for corrections. 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Offices, The Walpolean.

Posted: In the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office. 

Attention Pickle Ball Players

Fun Round Robin Play

Wednesday July 17th @ 6:00 pm at the Walpole Recreation Park Pickle Ball Courts

Maximum 16 players. You will play 6 games, with games lasting no longer than 15 minutes.

Come Play!

Please call or text Mike Hayes if you are interested 603-209-3836.

ALL levels of players welcome!

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair, and Steven Dalessio. Carolyn Vose was not present.

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

Guests Present: Paul Looney and Peggy Pschirrer

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

This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting because guests were waiting to speak to it.

Knollwood Energy – Renewable Energy Credit Sale and Purchase Agreement:  Paul Looney and Peggy Pschirrer attended to provide background information. Mr. Looney explained Recycling Center’s solar system produces more electricity than is used. The system records the energy produced.  CPCNH is not yet ready to buy renewable energy credits at this time but may be in a year.  Knollwood is a renewable energy credit broker.  Once the Town signs a contract with them, Knollwood will set up and register the Town.  A year from now, the Town will have more flexibility in selling credit.  The registration is also needed to obtain the $6,000 federal credit that was part of the warrant article.  Knollwood offers two contract options: a fixed price three-year contract or a contract that automatically renews each year, but that can be cancelled with 90 days’ notice.   Mr. Dalessio asked for an annual renewal.  Mr. Looney stated that renewable energy credits are sold quarterly. Mr. Dalessio noted that per the contract, Knollwood will pay the Town when the customer pays them.  There was a consensus by the Selectboard to request ACH payment when the credits are sold.  This item was then tabled until next week to allow Mr. Looney and Mrs. Pschirrer to research whether the contract could be changed.

Peggy Pschirrer and Paul Looney left the meeting at 7:01 PM.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $37,177.24 dated 7/5/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,715.74.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – June 27, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 27, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – June 27, 2024:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of theNon-Public Selectboard session of June 27, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Committee Reports

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – December 6, 2023 

• Walpole Pre-K – 8 Withdrawal Study Committee Meeting – June 26, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Abatement

Map and Lot 008-008-001:  The Avitar assessor visited the new home and applied data corrections.  The home has one bedroom, one bathroom and a crawl space underneath.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $3,626.00 for Map and Lot # 008-008-001.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Supplemental Tax Warrant

Map and Lot # 008-008-001:  This is related to the above abatement.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant in the amount or $2,892.00 for Map and Lot # 008-008-001.  Seconded by Ms.Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permit

2024-24, Map and Lot# 008-077-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2024-24 for Map and Lot # 008-077-001 to construct a 36’ x 24’ two story horse barn. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-22, Map and Lot# 011-027-000:  There was a discussion of follow-up questions on the number of bedrooms and the septic requirements from the previous meetings.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2024-22 for Map and Lot # 011-027-000 to construct an office addition. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 022-014-000:  A front porch is being installed at 105 North Road with no building permit.  The owner will get a $500 fine for building without a permit and without a ZBA variance.

Old Business

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

Mr. Dalessio reported that the Town has requested that Fuss & O’Neill provide an update on all the projects pending further action.

FMRSD Response re: LEAP charges to Walpole:  The amount due for the last three years is $1,751.29.  Mr. Dalessio moved that Sarah Downing send FMRSD a letter thanking them for the information provided.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

New Business

Open Container Request:   Watkins Inn and Tavern is hosting an outdoor wedding on October 12, 2024.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request for open container to end at 10:00 PM.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

West Side of Town Hall Siding Project:   There are structural questions related to the bulge that has been uncovered.  Can a structural expert be contacted for advice? There was a consensus that the Town needs to contact a qualified person such as Annette Dey, who is a structural engineer.

New North Walpole Water User Rates:   This is for informational purposes only.  Note:  the rate increase is to cover the cost of the upgraded system.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:31 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:33 PM.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c) at 7:33 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:38 PM.

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

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Pickleball Clinic, presented by Mike Hayes

Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 6-8 pm

Whitcomb Park Recreation Center

Have you ever wondered:

Was that ball mine or yours? Where do I stand when receiving the ball? Who has middle? Do I stay back or move up?

Get answers to these questions and more this Wednesday! 

Players are asked to wear a bright-colored knee sock on the leg opposite their dominant hand.