The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Steve Varone, Jackie Ronning and Lil Decoste

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, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.  

OLD BUSINESS:

2024 Warrant Article #11: Mrs. Pschirrer read Warrant #11 regarding a Walpole school study committee. Mr. Varone commented that the issue is in three parts: the first is to form a Walpole School District, then tuition high school students elsewhere; the second is to partner with SAU29 where the Town circumstances are similar to that school district; the third, where do the Walpole children go to high school. He stated that a Walpole schoolboard would take on the responsibility of providing an education for K-8 students within the Town if it was formed. Mr. Varone described that the State mandated method of apportionment is 50% on number of students, and 50% on tax base. Presently with SAU 60, Walpole has 29% of the students and 42% of the tax base. Mr. Varone then offered a comparison to SAU 29 in which Walpole would comprise 12.97% of the tax base and 10.4% of students. Walpole has a similar tax base with towns in SAU 29. It is possible for Walpole to form its own SAU (School Administrative Unit), but this would be a longer, more complicated process. Mr. Varone brought attention to the issue of where Walpole would send their high school students. One option is to choose the high school the children are sent based upon zip code. Mrs. Pschirrer apologized that the Selectboard was unable to meet with SAU 29 today. 

Mrs. Ronning stated that she was here as a private citizen, not as an employee of the school district (SAU 60). She believes that within the Walpole attendance area, autonomy is being lost. She reflected on changes within the Walpole schools. Mrs. Ronning’s is worried about continuing in a district that is continually taking away the amount of hours teachers can give students. Within the Walpole Schools there are many certified teachers, and this is not true in other parts of the State. Having teachers create their own curriculum far outweighs what might be handed down through the school district. Mrs. Ronning stated that as a parent, other parents within Town want to keep their autonomy. 

Mr. Varone stated that this issue is about local control; making sure Walpole dollars stay in Walpole. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard views this issue as important, and that the Town be allowed to discuss and decide. Mrs. Decoste spoke about her concerns of losing local control by joining SAU 29. Mr. Dalessio stated he sat on the Charlestown withdrawal committee, and a concern raised was that if Charlestown left, Walpole would be the majority within the district. Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on two issues being discussed: the formation of a Walpole school board, and which SAU to send high school students. Mr. Dalessio reflected that the warrant was intended to allow Town residents to decide on whether or not to pursue this matter. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that next week the Town will be having a budget overview. She can see how the discussion of this warrant may consume the entire meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer stated there is a disconnect between test scores for the Fall Mountain High School and test scores for Walpole Schools. Ms. Ronning stated that the data for all the attendance areas for testing for K-8 is district-wide. Mr. Varone coordinated with the Selectboard on choosing rescheduling dates for a meeting with SAU 29. 

PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,052.82 dated 2/02/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,362.19. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES, January 25, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes of January 25, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES, January 25, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes of January 25, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed. 

WARRANTS: 

Walpole Water Fees: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the Walpole Water Warrant for $42,439.62. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the North Walpole Sewer Warrant for $56,524.14. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the Walpole Sewer Warrant for $72,591.63. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION: 

Map and Lot# 005-005-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 005-005-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS: 

Map and Lot# 004-044-002 and 003: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 004-044-002 and 003. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS: 

2024 Warrant Article Listing: Mrs. Pschirrer asked if Mrs. Downing would reprint the warrant articles for the Selectboard to sign after two edits were made. Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the 2024 Town Meeting Warrant as presented. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

2024 Budget: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected that the Selectboard has the budget before adjustments, and an adjusted copy. Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the 2024 adjusted budget. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

North Walpole Water Utility Discontinuance of Service Agreement with Walpole Water Utility: 

Ms. Mayberry stated that North Walpole should review the document before signing. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to send this to the North Walpole Commissioners for review, and comment that it has been reviewed by the Selectboard. 

Budget Hearing: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she has created a PowerPoint for the budget hearing, and asked if the other two members would review and provide feedback before it is presented. Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry reviewed and made comments on the prepared PowerPoint presentation. 

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio stated there will be updates on School Street, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam projects for next week’s meeting.  

NEW BUSINESS:

2023 Town Report Covers: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard must choose from the options chosen for the 2023 Town Report Cover. The second option was chosen to be the cover. 

2023 Landfill Post Closure Report: Ms. Mayberry motioned to have chair sign the 2023 Landfill Post Closure Report from McKibben Environment LLC. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Walpole Fire and EMS District Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the Selectboard wanted to reschedule the meeting for 3/21/2024 because it conflicts with the Walpole Fire and EMS District Meeting. The Selectboard agreed to move this Selectboard meeting to 3/20/2024. 

CRLAC: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that information of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee (CRLAC) chair’s departure will be sent to the Conservation Committee.

Graffiti: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a resident had written a letter about graffiti on Fanny Mason Hiking Trail. Mr. Dalessio stated that the police department could be asked to put up a camera. Ms. Mayberry stated she would follow up on this issue. 

Eagle Scouts: Mr. Dalessio stated that on 2/19/2024 there will tentatively be a Court of Honor for two Eagle Scouts. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:51 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM. 

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Non-Public meeting at 8:01 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 8:22 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

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, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable totaling $1,533,633.95 for checks dated 1/26/24. This includes two payments to Fall Mt. Regional School District for December 2023 and January 2024 billings. 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 $36,775.17 dated 1/26/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,077.01. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – January 11, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes of January 11, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – January 11, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes of January 11, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – January 18, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes of January 18, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – January 18, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes of January 18, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

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

   • North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes – December 26, 2023

   • North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes – January 2, 2024

   • North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2024

   • North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes – January 17, 2024

   • Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – January 8, 2024

   • Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – January 9. 2024

   • Planning Board Meeting Minutes – January 9, 2024

   • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – January 17, 2024

The chair acknowledged these minutes. 

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION: 

Map and Lot# 017-008-001: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 017-008-001. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS: 

2024-02, Map and Lot# 004-047-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 004-047-000 to construct a 24’ x 20’ one car garage addition. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

2024 Draft Warrant Articles: Mrs. Pschirrer pointed to a revision of a 2024 warrant article #3 to include the line “$200,000 plus/minus 2.6 acres of land from Ballpark Realty LLC.”  She then made corrections to warrant article #4 to increase the total funds from $330,000 to $400,000. Mr. Dalessio commented that the $400,000 is to come from Highway Block Grant funds, and he revised the descriptive language to reflect the work to be done. Mrs. Pschirrer then revised warrant article #5 to remove the language “with a window installation”.  Warrant #7 was revised to include funds for a boiler in the sum of $40,000.

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio updated the Board that he has been in contact with Fuss & O’Neil with a request that they make a presentation of the status of their projects.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed: Ms. Mayberry motioned to accept cemetery deeds D584 and D585 in the amount of $400 each. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

E.E. Houghton Contract: Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair to sign the contract to E.E. Houghton contract agreement as related to First Net/AT&T. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

2013 Sewer Lien: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected a property owner bringing to the Town’s attention an existing lien. Mrs. Pschirrer found consensus with the Selectboard members present that the property owner would be responsible for the $543.02 sewer lien with 3% interest applied, for a total of $741.64. It was agreed that the tax collector would take care of this lien. 

Recreation Committee Member Resignation: Mrs. Pschirrer pointed to a letter from David Kuniholm resigning from the Recreation Committee. Consensus of the Selectboard was reached to accept this letter.

Selectboard Meeting Date for Next Week: After some discussion, Mrs. Pschirrer stated that next week’s Selectboard meeting would remain scheduled for 2/01/2024 at the regular time of 6:30 PM. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:00 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:03 PM. 

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 7:04 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:42 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed. 

Ms. Mayberry motioned to raise the per employee dental amount from $1,000 to $1,200 for dental benefits. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary 

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Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Janet Clough

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard Office of the Walpole Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. 

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:31 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:22 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed. 

PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,981.62 dated 1/19/2024and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,395.98. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUND: 

Map and Lot# 029-005-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 029-005-000 for $99.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 018-001-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 018-001-000 for $2,224.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 029-005-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 012-068-000 for $25.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Meeting with SAU29: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that SAU 29 has scheduled their visit for 2/1/2024 at 8:00 AM. 

School Warrant Article: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that she received a response from Attorney Hockensmith stating that the schoolboard or the Town can establish a committee to leave a school district. 

2024 Draft Warrant Articles: Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed RSA 195.25 as it relates to a town forming anadvisory committee to explore the possibility of leaving a school district. Discussion of the articles of agreement took place. The wording of the proposed warrant article was worked upon by those present. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:40 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:53 PM. 

NEW BUSINESS:

The Selectboard discussed revisions to the Town’s welfare guidelines, to be updated by 6/2024. A consensus was reached that the welfare officer should present quarterly reports to the Selectboard. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary