Easter Pie Sale – 3/30/24
Janet Wilson asked me to let you know that the First Congregational Church will be holding our annual Easter pie sale in front of the post office on Saturday morning, March 30, from 9:00 AM til noon (unless we run out before that!) All our pies are homemade and delicious!
Police Building Committee Minutes – 3/5/24
Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present in addition to Mr. Dalessio were Rod Bouchard, Jay Punt, Andrew Dey, Trevor MacLachlan, Chief Justin Sanctuary and Michael Petrovick, Architect. Cheri Watson and Dave Adams were on Zoom.
Mr. Petrovick met with Officer Josh Healey and Janet Clough for a tour of the current Police Station on February 29, 2024. After that visit and reviewing a wish list of Chief Sanctuary’s, Mr. Petrovick estimated the square footage of a new building with 7,600-7,800 Square feet and put it into what he described as a flawed diagram. Clearly, the final product may be a different square footage.
The Committee agreed that it might be better to work with a Police officer and the Administrator than with the whole committee. Chief Sanctuary and Mr. Petrovick will meet before the next committee meeting.
The Committee asked if we really need this much space. What will the building look like on the outside? We should use a design that will be cost saving. The cost of furniture fixtures and equipment will be calculated as part of the cost.
The lot of 2.6 acres proposed for the new station is adequate. Mr. Petrovick has spoken with Jim Clifford who represents Ball Park Realty, LLC. There will be enough land for a significant number of parking spaces.
The question of the future of the old station was raised. The Village of North Walpole has expressed an interest in the building. The current Police Station will need remediation before it can be sold.
Mr. Dalessio raised the issue of future yearly costs to maintain the new building. The new building will have town water and sewer, a wood frame and the roof will be built so that it may in the future have a solar installation. Heat and cooling will be by heat pumps. The building will also have a generator.
The Committee will look for grants through the USDA, Northern borders and through our NH representatives in Congress.
The next meeting of the Committee will be March 19, 2024, at 6:30 in the Selectboard Office. Zoom will be an option.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 3/14/24
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Carolyn Vose
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,626.61dated 3/15/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,100.72. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 6, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 6, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – March 6, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of March 6, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 6, 2023
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – January 10, 2024
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – February 7, 2024
• Recreation Committee Meeting – November 8, 2023
• Recreation Committee Meeting – January 10, 2024
• Police Building Committee Meeting – February 20, 2024
• Conservation Committee Meeting – March 4, 2024
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
ABATEMENTS:
Map and Lot# 014-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement of $404.00 for Map and Lot# 014-011-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. This abatement is part of a prorated assessment because of house fire.
REFUNDS:
Map and Lot# 025-007-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 025-007-000for $8.61. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 028–103-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 028-103-000$19.11. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
VETERANS’ CREDIT
Map and Lot# 028–048-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Credit for Map and Lot# 028-048-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION
Map and Lot# 008–114-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Energy Exemption for Map and Lot# 008-114-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
TIMBER INTENT
Map and Lot# 003-076-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Intent to Cut Timber for Map and Lot# 003-076-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. This lot will be accessed from County Road.
OLD BUSINESS:
Constellation Electricity Rate Quote: Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed the Constellation quote which had various rates based on the length of the contract. The current Constellation contract will not end until November/December of 2024. There was a consensus of the Board to wait until closer to the end of the current contract to review the electricity rates at that time. Mr. Dalessio noted that the CPCNH rates are lower than the current quote.
Utility Discontinuance Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer recounted that the PUC (Public Utility Commission) had responded to the Selectboard’s letter with feedback that the water and sewer utilities for Walpole and North Walpole were not bound by the PUC’s rules since they are not public utilities. The Selectboard was in consensus to implement the agreement immediately. Sewer users that have not paid their sewer bills could have their water shut off due to non-payment after notification. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that water would not be cut off during the wintertime.
Parking Ordinance: Mrs. Pschirrer plans to continue working on the wording of an updated ordinance that she has started.
NEW BUSINESS:
Accufund Services Quote: Mr. Dalessio explained that the water department is switching over to new meter readers. With the change, software updates need to be completed in Accufund. Ms. Mayberry asked if a new meter reader had been purchased for North Walpole’s water department. Mr. Dalessio replied affirmatively. It was confirmed that 4 meter readers had been purchased.
Ms. Tara Sad enters that meeting at 6:51 PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Selectboard chair sign the AccuFund Service Agreement for $800. Ms. Mayberry seconded. Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Tenco Purchase Order: Mr. Dalessio explained the Highway Department had been in ongoing discussions with Tenco, which is a company that outfits the Highway dump trucks. There was an invoice for a 2022 installation that was never paid. It was determined the bill was for a stainless-steel bed that was moved from an old truck to a new truck. Mr. Dalessio moved to sign purchase order# 630673 for $11, 858 for the Tenco Install with funds to come from the Highway Block Grant. Mr. Dalessio. Ms. Mayberry seconded. Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Emergency Calls: Mrs. Pschirrer explained that about a week ago, she had received an email from a citizen who stated that a tree was blocking two thirds of March Hill Road. The resident had been trying to reach someone to make them aware of the situation but could not reach anyone. Eventually, Keene Dispatch assisted the resident. Mrs. Pschirrer had recommended the resident call 911 to reach a dispatcher. The Police Chief and the Fire Chief agreed that this would be the best course of action for when a tree is blocking a road. Mrs. Pschirrer wondered how this message could be communicated to the community. Mr. Dalessio added that the 911 service is a way to contact the Police Department and Fire District for any reason. Mrs. Pschirrer will include information in her Clarion article to promote the use of 911 for all types of emergencies.
FMRSD Facilities Committee: Mrs. Pschirrer read a memo from FMRSD (Fall Mountain Regional School District) that they are putting together a facilities committee to do a strategic plan. Interested parties are to send a letter of intent to the school district no later than March 22nd.
HOOPER TRUSTEES:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:06 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:15 PM. Ms. Vose and Ms. Sad departed the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e) at 7:16 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:50 PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Town Meeting: The Selectboard discussed specific warrant articles that will be presented at the TownMeeting on March 16th.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore
Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 3/12/24
Present: Amy Howard (Chair), Susan Johnson, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)
Absent: Gail LaHaise, Bill Ranauro, Kathy Nerrie
Approval of Minutes: Amy moved to accept the February minutes as written. Susan seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy emailed the report to the trustees prior to the meeting.
Bills: We have not yet received an invoice for the shelves.
Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Sarah seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Old Business
Building Projects: Adam Vose will begin work on the Community Room shelves as soon as he receives the deposit from Kathy.
Shelves for the Children’s Room: The shelves are in and everyone is very pleased. Jane recognized Sarah’s husband Bjorn and Kai Crouse and sent our thanks for removing and moving shelves in the main library and North Walpole so the new shelves could be installed.
Substitute Librarian: Pam Rohdenburg was hired as our new substitute. She also plans to continue volunteering one day a week.
Antique Chairs: Jane contacted Christi Winmill about the antique chairs in the Community Room.
New Business: Amy announced that we will elect officers at next month’s meeting. Those trustees who were just elected were reminded to take the oath of office in Town Hall before the April meeting, if they don’t do it at Town Meeting.
Operations:
Tech Talks: Due to low turnout, Jane will discontinue this service and encourage patrons with technology questions to make an appointment with her or Julie Rios.
Eclipse Program: On Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. there will be a program about the upcoming April 8 eclipse. Solar viewing glasses will be distributed to all.
Policies: Jane distributed the updated library policies to the trustees prior to the meeting. She reported the new non-resident policy is working well.
Collection: Julie applied for and received grant funding from both the Keene Rotary and Children’s Literacy Foundation for new toddler and preschool literacy kits.
FBI Program: 29 people attended the program on March 9. On behalf of RVSAH Jean thanked Jane and the library staff for setting up the Community Room for the program.
Buildings and Grounds:
Grouting Work: Jane will notify the contractor whose bid for the grouting work on the side of the library was accepted. Work will be done this summer. Amy suggested that we put the contractor on a rotation to repair one remaining side each year.
Other Business: Jane stated she has a collection of old paintings stacked in her office. Amy said we should look at and appropriately distribute them so that we can free the space in the office.
Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, Tim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sarah seconded and all voted in favor. Amy adjourned the meeting at 4:32 p.m.
The next meeting will be April 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in North Walpole.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the April 9, 2024 meeting.
Closing Date for April Clarion – 3/22/24
And, “no foolin'” it is time again to start assembling and layout out another issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION – now the 151st issue. But, each issue depends upon your inputs and advertisements, and the deadline is a week away, with the closing date for the April issue – 5 pm Walpole time, Friday, March 22. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.
As always, your early submissions help in the process of including all important material in a pleasing manner on each page. Please remember, it is the advertisers in each issue that make this community publication possible, so please support and thank them. If you are interested in “joining in,” do contact me.
If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.
Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 3/6/24
Selectboard Present: Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Others Present: David Edkins and Carolyn Vose
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $790,811.66 dated 3/08/24. This includes a $700,531.13 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,395.02 dated 3/08/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,640.07. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – February 29, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes of February 29, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – February 29, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes of February 29, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought the following committee reports to the chair’s attention.
•Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment Joint Meeting – February 27, 2024
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged the report.
ABATEMENTS:
Map and Lot# 001-017-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to deny the abatement for Map and Lot# 001-017-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
REFUNDS:
Map and Lot# 012-055-002: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 012-055-002 for $23.76. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 028-054-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 028-054-000 for $19.61. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2024-06, Map and Lot# 019-022-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 019-022-000 to add a 903 sq. ft. roof mount solar array. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
2024-07, Map and Lot# 008-080-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 008-080-000 to construct a 15’ x 10’ playhouse/cabin. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Staff Resignation: Mrs. Pschirrer announced a letter of resignation had been received by Vicki Gohl, the deputy Town Clerk and Tax Collector.
Health Officer Reports: Two reports have been received from Dr. Gasgoyne, the Health Officer. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Health Officer has been busy dealing with complaints from tenants about rodent infestation, mold problems and lead paint issues.
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio stated that they are starting to file for expense reimbursements for the Reservoir Dam work that has already been done.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 5:13 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 5:29 PM.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e):
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 5:31 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 6:08 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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