Great Decisions – 7/8/24
REMINDER:
“GREAT DECISIONS” MEETS TONIGHT
Join us tonight at 6:00 in the Walpole Town Library for “NATO at a Strategic Crossroads,” moderated by Adrian Basora, former United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. This promises to be a highly informative look at NATO’s evolution over the past 75 years, the Alliance’s original purpose, its structure, present challenges and options for the future.
Adrian Basora is a trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and chairs its Eurasia Program. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is on the international advisory board of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. During his 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Adrian served in former Soviet Bloc countries and helped develop America’s programs in support of their transition to democracy while serving at the National Security Council (1989–91).
As NATO’s 32 members – along with leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea – meet this week in Washington to celebrate the Alliance’s 75th anniversary and grapple with threats to global security, we will consider NATO’s relevance and future role in a changing world.
We look forward to seeing you either in person or via Zoom. If you are joining via Zoom, please log on at 6:20, after the Foreign Policy Association’s Master Class video, which we are not permitted to show on Zoom. For the Zoom link, contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.
Sue Kibbe
New Walpole Community Power Rates
The Board of Directors of CPCNH that buys power for Walpole Community Power voted 6/27/24 to establish rates for the period 8/1/24 through 1/31/25.
Current rates from 2/1/24 through 7/31/24
Granite Basic. .081 per KWH
Granite Plus. .084 per KWh
Clean 50. .094 per KWh
Clean 100. .124 per KWh
New rates from 8/1/24 through 1/31/25
Granite Basic. .086 per KWh
Granite plus. .093 per KWh
Clean 50. .100 per KWh
Clean 100. .120 per KWh
Liberty default rates for the same period are going up .012, to .10976 up from .09758 vs Walpole Community power rate of .086, while up from .081 is still a savings of .02376 or about 20%.
Thank you
Walpole community Power Committee
School Withdrawal Committee – 6/26/24
Pre-K – 8 Withdrawal Study Committee Notes
6/26/24
Present: Jo Cowgill, Stan Hutchings, Jean Kobeski, Chas Street, Tom Ronning, Steve Varone
Absent: Diana Petrie
The meeting commenced at 6:28 p.m.
Steve provided copies of RSA:16-a Increase or Decrease in Grades, which is relevant to the committee’s “Option 4” idea. A lengthy discussion about this option ensued, including Steve’s explanation of the financial ramifications, should the district go in that direction.
Tom summarized where the committee is so far with our research and our recommendation for the Selectboard. The next step is for Diana and Jean to draft a summary of the pros and cons of withdrawal and our recommendation. It will then be reviewed by the committee. Once approved, it will be sent to the Selectboard, along with our Option 4 idea. Steve reminded us that, if the Selectboard decides to write a warrant article to proceed with the study to withdraw, it would need 50% of the vote to pass. The next study committee would be made up of the Selectboard and School Board.
Though not charged with making decisions about the high school, the committee discussed high school options for students if Walpole withdraws and forms its own district. Finances, programming, and location were considered.
Jo presented a copy of a letter, which could potentially be a letter to the editor, for the committee to review. She based this on the fact that no one from Walpole ran for the school board this year. Are we becoming complacent? It was suggested that the reason is, people are discontent with the collective model; they are frustrated. Committee members offered thoughts on the letter and decided to send it on to Diana for her opinion of how to proceed with it. It was suggested that the thoughts expressed in the letter could be included in the list of pros and cons we are compiling.
Stan said he has had some difficulty getting information from Central Office about resources in our facilities. The Superintendent needs to grant permission for the release of information; that hasn’t happened yet. The committee then discussed what effect Walpole withdrawal would have on Central Office staff.
Action Items:
- Diana and Jean will write a draft summary of the pros and cons of each of the three withdrawal options.
- Diana and Jean will write an explanation of the committee’s idea for Option 4.
- Stan will pursue getting the information about the resources in our facilities.
The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
School Withdrawal Study Committee – 6/19/24
Pre-K – 8 School Withdrawal Study Committee Notes
6/19/24
Present: Diana Petrie (Chair), Jo Cowgill, Jean Kobeski, Chas Street, Tom Ronning, Steve Varone
Absent: Stan Hutchngs
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Committee members reported on topics they chose to research last week.
Teacher and Staff Interviews: Jean interviewed staff members from Walpole Middle and N. Walpole Schools. They discussed climate within the school and district, staffing and curriculum challenges, local and district administrative support, the survey distributed to district teachers, and their thoughts on the benefits and concerns associated with the proposed withdrawal from the district. Additional interviews are scheduled for the coming week and Diana will try to schedule a meeting with teachers/or staff from the Primary School.
Financial Ramifications of Walpole Withdrawing from FMRSD and SAU60: Steve distributed and discussed his preliminary report outlining withdrawal from the district with the three options:
- Remaining in SAU 60
- Joining a different SAU
- Forming our own SAU
The above led to a discussion of the high school, and what happens after our students leave Walpole, Grade 8. If we tuition them to FMRHS, will our Walpole district have a say in programming, etc. at the high school? No. The committee brainstormed a fourth option that could possibly benefit all towns and the high school. A lengthy discussion about this idea ensued, ending with Diana asking how to proceed with presenting this fourth option to the Selectboard. Steve and Chas said they would look for RSA 195. Diana and Jean will craft a draft of Option 4.
The next meeting will be June 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
Action Items:
- Diana will try to interview staff from the Primary School.
- Steve and Chas will look for RSA 195 as it would pertain to Option 4.
- Diana and Jean will create a draft of Option 4.
- Diana will ask the Chesterfield Board member the question of how Chesterfield feels about having no say on the Keene School Board.
Walpole Players Sale – 7/1/24
Now open to anyone in our community!
Upstairs at the Walpole Town Hall tomorrow (Monday, July 1st) between 1 and 3 PM.
Mascots, costumes, uniforms, dresses, suits, kids’ items, shoes and so much more!!
By donation, please!
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/20/24
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Jennie Cure
Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The following building permit application was moved to the beginning of the meeting because the owner was present.
2024-22, Map and Lot# 011-027-000: The owner, Ms. Cure, has several questions about the home she recently purchased, including the definition and criteria for bedrooms compared to what is recorded on her tax card. The number of bedrooms affects the size of the septic system for the home. The Selectboard needs time to review Avitar guidelines and State code. The owner will have an answer next week.
Jennie Cure left the meeting.
Payroll
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,596.21 dated 6/21/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,375.41. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – June 13, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 13, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Session – June 13, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of June 13, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Committee Reports
Ms. Vose brought to the Board’s attention the following committee reports:
• Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee – May 22, 2024
• Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee – June 5, 2024
• Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee – June 12, 2024
• Walpole Fire District Meeting – April 9, 2024
• Walpole Fire District Meeting – May 8, 2024
• Conservation Commission Meeting – June 3, 2024
• Library Trustees Meeting – June 11, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – April 23, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – April 30, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – May 7, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – May 14, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – May 21, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – May 28, 2024
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – June 4, 2024
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of these minutes.
Timber Yield Warrant and Certification
Op #24-461-01, Map and Lot 003-076-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the warrant and certification for $4,587.51. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Property Tax Abatements
Map and Lot 005-019-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the tax abatement for $2,706.50. Seconded byMr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the abatement was approved.
Map and Lot 008-053-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the tax abatement for $1,132.00. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the abatement was approved.
Map and Lot 008-064-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve the tax abatement for $2,131.07. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot 012-022-001: Ms. Vose moved to deny the tax abatement for Map and lot 012-022-001. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the abatement is denied.
Map and Lot 019-039-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the tax abatement for $1,616.96. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the abatement was approved.
Timber Intents
Map and Lot # 004-033-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the intent to harvest timber for Map and Lot # 004-033-000 at Alyson’s Orchard. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Building Permit
2024-19, Map and Lot# 005-049-003: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-19 for Map and Lot # 005-049-003 to add a 304 sq. ft. roof mount solar array. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
2024-20, Map and Lot# 012-013-002: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-20 for Map and Lot # 012-013-002 to construct a 40’ x 40’ sunshade canopy at Tractor Supply. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
2024-21, Map and Lot# 009-033-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-21 for Map and Lot # 009-033-000 to install a 343 sq. ft. ground mount solar array. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
2024-23, Map and Lot# 005-043-002: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit # 2024-23 for Map and Lot # 005-043-000 to construct an 80’ x 30’ home with attached garage. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. 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
DES Compliance Notice Update: The notice regarded the timber cut off County Road. The matter has been settled but any additional work requires pre-approval.
New Business
Library Purchase Order/Invoice: Maintenance is needed on the outside of the Library – the north side of the foundation. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Library purchase order number 6019055 for $4,900.00. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion was approved.
Recreation Revolving Fund Request – Portable Toilets: The bathrooms are only open when there is swimming and basketball. However, people use the Whitcomb Recreation Area at other times and need portable toilets when playing tennis and pickle ball. The Revolving Fund currently contains over $50,000. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Rec Revolving Fund request for portable toilets for $955.00. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion was approved.
Recreation Revolving Fund Request — Movies: $1,470.00 will cover the cost of the three movies that will be shown during the summer. The Revolving Fund currently contains over $50,000. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Rec Revolving Fund purchase order/invoice for $1,470.00. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion was approved.
Evergreen Bush Removal: The evergreen bush at the northeast corner of the Town Hall is causing moisture to build up. It is the only bush against building. There is no indication it was a memorial or honorarium. By consensus the Board gives permission to remove the bush.
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 7:35 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.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:23 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:36 PM.
Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Clarion On Line
And, REMEMBER, on-line we are in FULL COLOR wherever possible. Summer is upon us, the 4th just days away. Extreme weather, serious rains and flooding elsewhere – but here in Walpole we continue to be blessed with a quiet “corner of the world.”
To see the July CLARION – Click this Link – or on the front page below. Have a great summer, stay safe and well, Have a safe but fun holiday. yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher
The Walpolean 
Recent Comments