Planning Board & Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/27/24

Uncategorized 02/29/2024 Leave a comment

Present: Planning Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Alternate Bill Carmody. Zoning Board members Chair Dave Edkins, Pauline Barnes and Tom Winmill.

Purpose of Meeting: To discuss updating/recodifying Walpole Zoning Ordinances. The ZBA also wanted some professional help – someone who would work with them while they were doing this project who has knowledge of statutory language.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. He said he thought the project was a good idea.  Late last year the Planning Board used a planner from Southwest Region Planning Commission in Keene to work with the Planning Board to finish updating the Natural Features section of the town’s Master Plan. In fact, he had recently heard from Peter Palmiotto. Chair of the Conservation Committee, that that board had finally completed giving the Natural Features section a final look so Mr. Miller hoped that section would soon be printed.

Ms. Barnes and Mr. Winmill each prepared a list of what needed to be done. Ms. Barnes said that one of the main reasons for this was to clarify, update, and correct terminology. It will make the document more user friendly and easy to understand but also conform to state laws and court decisions. Think about the average citizen, Ms. Barnes wrote. She also explained that the NH Supreme Court recently found in favor of short-term rental owners vs. the city of Conway based on the language in the city’s zoning ordinance describing “household.” Mr. Winmill listed seven recommendations one of which referred to a zoning map but no map was attached.  

Mr. Miller said the next step is for the PB to invite SWRPC to a 4th-Tuesday meeting and chat about the project, see if the commission can do the project at this time, get an idea of how much it is going to cost and a time frame. Then the board checks to if there is enough money in the budget to do this or if it has to wait until next year. It also has the option to look around for another consultant.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WP and ZBA secretary

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

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

Radio Follies – 3/16/24

EVENTS 02/29/2024 Leave a comment

Clarion On-line

Uncategorized 02/28/2024 Leave a comment
The Town Meeting issue of the CLARION is at the post offices for delivery and now on-line. Do not forget to go to your polling place on Tuesday March 12 to mark your ballots, and then on Saturday March 16, attend Town Meeting at the Town Hall beginning at 1 pm. See you there.To see the March CLARION – Click this Link .

Catch you again soon, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/21/24

ZONING BOARD 02/25/2024 Leave a comment

Roll Call: Board members Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes and Tom Winmill. Alternates: Shane O’Keefe and Myra Mansouri. Absent: Alternates Don Sellarole and Carolyn Vose.

Call to Order: Mr. Edkins called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. Mr. Edkins asked Mr. O’Keefe to serve as the fifth board member. He agreed.

Minutes: Mr. O’Keefe made one clarification. Regarding ski areas near where he works in Londonderry, VT, he changed Okemo to Stratton. Ms. Barnes, on page 2, second paragraph, added an “s” to the word requirement. Mr. O’Keefe moved the motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Mr. Edkins said he spoke with Walpole Planning Board chair, Jeff Miller, and Mr. Miller invited the Zoning Board to a workshop meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month, Tuesday, February 27, in the conference room in the basement of the Town Hall to discuss updating/recodifying the Walpole Zoning Ordinances. He sent an email to the board about the meeting shortly after talking to Mr. Miller. Ms. Barnes said she thought Mr. Edkins was going to talk with him about hiring a consultant to work with the Zoning Board on the language of some of the zoning ordinances. Carol Ogilvie’s name was mentioned at the January meeting as a consultant that had recently worked with the Planning Board on updating the Natural Features section of the Master Plan. Mr. Edkins replied that he thought Ms. Ogilvie was semi retired and wasn’t sure if she would be available. He added that the Planning Board had money, $10,000, in its budget for consultant work. In the past they have used Southwest Region Planning Commission. 

Mr. Edkins asked the board for topics or sections of the document that should be discussed.

Mr. O’Keefe said he wasn’t ready to answer that request yet. He wanted to spend some time before the meeting rereading the document. Ms. Mansouri suggested starting with one item, maybe definitions, and that would lead to next item. Mr. O’Keefe said he didn’t think we have the expertise to do this. We need some help from a consultant who has done this before and knows the latest statutory language. But before the board spends any money, it has to figure out what it wants. We have a year to do this before presenting anything to the public. This will make it easier for the public to understand this document. Mr. Edkins said he didn’t see doing a radical reformatting of the document. It just needs updating of some of the language and clarifying some definitions. Mr. O’Keefe said “like the word boarding house.”

Someone suggested that the ZBA could use the Southwest Region Planning Commission.

The secretary explained that the problem the Planning Board had with SWRPC last year was that it was understaffed. Several times last year the commission was scheduled to work with the PB on its Master Plan but canceled right before the meeting because it had no one to attend the meeting. Mr. Edkins and Ms. Barnes said there are other people, such as in the Department of Municipal Services. People such as Tara Bamford, whom they both mentioned as worthy of considering. 

Mr. Murray said we’ve done this before. He mentioned the board’s work on signage and the bed and breakfast ordinance. The board spent a good deal of time working on ordinances about feather flags and temporary signs. Both issues were brought to the board’s attention by the public. It took a while but the language was worked out and it was put on the warrant and ultimately is in our current sign ordinance.

Ms. Barnes said in the beginning of the document should be a description of the type of ordinance the town of Walpole has, which is a permissive ordinance. A permissive ordinance means if something is not mentioned in the ordinance, it is not permitted. If you can’t find it there, you probably need a variance to do it. 

Someone suggested starting with definitions. Article XVII is a sections solely devoted to  definitions on all subjects. Article XVIII Flood Plain District has definitions related to the flood plain but there are also definitions about manufactured housing and historic homes. Besides putting all the definitions together in one article, Ms. Barnes stressed that they should be alphabetized.

The board agreed there are Articles in the ordinance that are untouchable such as Article XIX Wellhead Protection Overlay District Ordinance. That article was written by members of the Walpole Conservation Commission and members who had expertise in groundwater and drinking water matters and were concerned about contamination. It includes definitions specifically related to this matter, and an explanation of where the district is, spill prevention and control, a countermeasure plan and a list of permitted, prohibited and conditional uses.

So the board’s marching orders were: reread the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances document and be ready to discuss at next Tuesday’s workshop with the Planning Board zoning ordinances or sections on which the board needs to focus its attention to the language. Also, discuss getting a consultant who would be knowledgeable about the current statutory language.

Handout

Board members received a copy of an update of the state of local land use regulations printed in a copy of the January/February 2024 copy of Town and City compiled by the NH Municipal Association.

Adjournment

Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular March 2023 meeting for corrections and omissions

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Recording Secretary

Community Cabaret – May 18, 2024

EVENTS 02/24/2024 Leave a comment

Please save the date and in the meantime work on those talents! Why?

It’s the Return of the Community Cabaret, hosted by the First Congregational Church of Walpole Saturday, May 18, 6:30 PM. We are signing up performers now!

Do you sing? Play an instrument? Perform magic tricks? Recite poetry? Perform skits? Something else? We want to hear from you! From silly to serious, your talents are welcome.

Please contact the church office at walpole.church@yahoo.com with your name and your performance idea. Thank you!

Marilyn Shriver

Co-Chair, Church Council

First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 2/5/24

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 02/24/2024 Leave a comment

 

 

Members Present:  John Peska (facilitating), Steven Dumont, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (minutes recorder), Lewis Shelley

​​          

Members Absent:  Alicia Flammia

Alternates Present:  Kara Dexter, Nicole Adams

 

Visitors Present:  Peggy Pschirrer (SelectboardLiaison)​​    

 

Call to Order:  John called the meeting to order at 7:02 in Town Hall.  The meeting was not 

​​  recorded.

 

Recording secretary – There was discussion for the need to hire a recording secretary.  Position is posted on the town bulletin board.  No interest has been expressed yet.  All will attempt to recruit interest.    

 

Review and Approval of Minutes: Peggy Pschirrer raised concern about the ‘adverse possession’ reference to the Knapp property as recorded in the December 2023 minutes.  The information had been read from a letter that Wendy pulled from the conservation commission’s files.  Peggy requested Wendy to send a copy of the letter to her and Sarah, and Wendy agreed to do so.  Peggy is concerned that ownership of the property is not clear and wants the minutes to state that research into the Knapp property ownership is continuing.

 

A motion to approve the January 2024 minutes was made (France)  and seconded (Wendy), all voted in favor. Motion carried.

 

Public Business

Correspondence:  

Letter received from the NH Charitable Foundation naming the contribution to the conservation fund of $9618.66. NH Charitable Foundation magazine Purpose Fall/Winter 2023. Monadnock conservancy letter –  solicitation for support.  Pamphlet form Environment & Human Health Inc promoting the Adoption of Bottle Bill redemption laws.  

 

Letter was received from Kara Dexter, whose term as alternate expires in March 2024. The letter informed the commission that she will not submit a letter to renew her alternate status.  

 

Steve Dumont and John Peska’s terms expire March 2024, they need to send a letter to the selectmen’s office to request appointment for another 3 year term.  

 

Financial Report:  John shared the financial information he received from Rich Kreissle dated 1/31/2024. Conservation Fund $221,457.96, plus $9618.66 (NHCF check), Forestry – $24,956.22, Walker Road –  $719.30.  Fanny Mason fund amount read by Peter from 12/31/2023 sheets – $469,596.90 and $20,322.19. 

 

New Business:

Graffiti at Fanny Mason pole barn, John named numerous tags are appearing in numerous locations through town.  Peggy will inquire with police – defer to the next meeting for any action to take. 

 

Walpole Gateway

-pursue farming options, talk to local farmers to determine options that are available

-Discussion occurred about mowing edges for access 

-Upper field – trail corridor – need permission from State to plant in rail corridor

 

Cold River Joint Commission needs a member –  commission asking for an interested volunteer.

 

Web page – fee $73 annually, if we go with Word press – $96 annually will provide us more functionality with web maintenance and covers the domain name.  Provides direct support.  France will find out about web security. 

 

Rail trail – discussion on signage that limits motorized vehicles – need to inquire with the state about additional signs. Wendy will inquire.

Idea of introducing community / School age community members about trails – talk to Hooper Institute to bring to schools to elevated awareness.  

 

Old Business:

Dam – Fuss and O’Neill engineering firm will send reports by Thursday on Reservoir Dam, Houghton brook and school street bridge.  These projects have been ongoing for years and concern is expressed about the length of time it is taking to complete.

 

Boundaries – Fanny Mason parking area – Lew secured information that informed us the town owns beyond 100’ from center line – ie., town owns the property outside the corridor – so we can maintain shelters, lawn and thin forest to improve area.  

 

Trail committee report – no meeting

 

Rail Trail – Wendy proposed a presentation on the future of the rail trail at the next meeting by her and Will.  Scheduled is a 20-30 minute presentation and discussion to follow.  Plan is to invite trail committee members and snowmobile club members to attend.  Note that the public can attend all town meetings without a specific invite.

 

Property monitoring

Action item – Aldrich Easement – Alicia and Peter will monitor in March.  Kara will send them information that Wendy had sent her.  The Stewardship Committee will meet to continue the development of the monitoring and stewardship protocols.   

 

Kara asked if  the debris was cleaned at the Ramsay Hill and Reservoir Road harvesting site.  No one had been there to answer the question.  

 

Announcements:

Town Budget meeting on Thursday.

 

Adjourn 8:30  pm

The next meeting will be on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Peter Palmiotto, acting Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the March 4, 2024 meeting.

 

 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/15/24

SELECTBOARD 02/23/2024 Leave a comment

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:28 PM in the first-floor meeting room of the Walpole Town Hall. There were five representatives from National Grid including Kaytlynn Monroe, Rebecca Walkley, Jason Magoon (forestry) Corey Schutzman (environmental) and Bethany Rocha. Also present were Patrick Kiniry and Katherine Kopij and Rose Bolio from the North Walpole Village District and John Peska from the Conservation Commission.

RIVER VALLEY RELIABILTY PROJECT:  Kaytlynn Monroe of Hilltop Public Solutions introduced herself. She has been contracted by National Grid to work on this project. Bethany Rocha of National Grid, who focuses on outreach, reviewed the agenda of the history, project scope, benefits, etc.The transmission line runs from the Bellows Falls substation to the Wilder substation. Ms. Rocha explained that the W149 Transmission line was placed in service in 1948. Work would be done in National Grid’s existing right-of-way (ROW). Ms. Monroe reviewed the map. Walpole has the smallest section of the line. Ms. Rocha said there are 509 aging structures being replaced with 26 structures being replaced in Walpole over a 2 mile stretch of the ROW. The line will remain active during the project. There will be trees and vegetation removed where necessary. Ms. Monroe spoke to project benefits which include added property tax revenue. This line has significant trouble with tree contact and lightning strikes. Jason Magoon said that there would not be a drastic removal of trees in the North Walpole right-of-way. Ms. Monroe stated it was appropriately 7 acres of tree removal.

The project schedule began in the fall of 2023 with notifications, project website, local meeting, etc. There will be additional presentations as the project progresses. Construction and restoration will occur between Dec. 2026 to March 2030, which is subject to change. Mrs. Pschirrer asked about the notices. Ms. Rocha stated that abutters within 500 feet of the ROW were sent notices. Ms. Monroe explained there is a dedicated hotline number to call for any question or concerns. Ms. Mayberry asked if the project was occurring in North Walpole Village District. The map confirmed the line runs north along the westside of Fall Mountain. Ms. Schutzman explained the multitude of permits required for this large project. There would be time of year restrictions to protect the tri-color bats. Ms. Walkley spoke to the permitting path being either at the local or state citing process. Mr. Dalessio commented that the Town does not have a permitting process for such a large-scale project. The Town will rely on the State to grant the various permits. There was a discussion of the access points to the ROW. Ms. Monroe stated there will be more notifications and presentations as the project progresses to keep the community informed. Mr. Peska asked if the presenters were familiar with the bio-diversity study being conducted by Mr. Persad of Liberty Utilities. Mr. Magoon was familiar with the study. The study is not currently monitored this section of powerline.

At 6:59 PM the Selctboard paused to move into the Selectboard Office to continue the meeting. At 7:03 PM the Selectboard Meeting resumed.

NORTH WALPOLE UTILITY DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH WALPOLE WATER UTILITY: Mr. Kiniry explained that the shut off or on fee had increased to $30 for each action. Mrs. Pschirrer noted that no one would have their water shut off during the winter months. There was a discussion of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rules. Ms. Mayberry commented that if the utilities cannot recoup their costs, other users end up paying. There will be multiple notices before the water service is shut off. Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the North Walpole Utility Discountenance of Service Agreement with Walpole Water Utility.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalesio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. The North Walpole Commissioners had approved the agreement at an earlier commissioners’ meeting.

At 7:15 PM, the North Walpole Village District Commissioners and Treasurer leave the meeting.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 10, 2024, in the amount of $31,290.00dated February 16, 2024, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,181.44.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 8, 2024:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 8, 2024, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the Minutes were approved.

2024 TOWN BUDGET HEARING – February 8, 2024:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the 2024 Town Budget Hearing of February 8, 2024, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – February 8, 2024:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of February 8, 2024, as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio moved to acknowledge the following board/committee/board meeting minutes:

• Trustees of Trust Funds Meeting –February 1, 2024

The chair so recognized.

REFUNDS:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 004-032-000 for $69.61. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 011-004-000 for $8.93. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 028-121-000 for $99.45. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 030-039-000 for $29.95. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BLIND PROPERTY EXEMPTION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the blind exemption for map and lot# 028-132-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Parking Policy, Generators, School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project, Phase 3 Power for Industrial Drive and Bensonwood, Houghton Brook Bridge, Dog Ordinance

Selectboard Operational Guidelines: There was a consensus to table this item until next week’s meeting.

Meeting with SAU 29: A date and time to meet is still pending for the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Encumbering Funds Requests for Police Cruiser and Equipment: There was a consensus to table this item to next week. Research is being conducted regarding a purchase order for these items.

Groundwater Management Permit: Ms. Mayberry moved for the chair to sign the Groundwater Management Permit for the former Central Plating Brownfields site. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the motion was approved.

Letters to Eagle Scouts: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Eagle Scout letters for Braden and Thomas Haefner. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:29 PM.

The Selectboard Meeting resumed at 7:43 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (e) Legal at 7:43 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:50 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer requested that the minutes remain sealed.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

​​​​​​

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 2/22/24

SELECTBOARD 02/22/2024 Leave a comment

Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 2/13/24

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 02/22/2024 Leave a comment

Present: Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison)

Absent:  Amy Howard, Tim Lester

Susan called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library Community Room.  This meeting was recorded.

Approval of Minutes:  Two dates in the January, 2024 minutes were incorrect. The public budget hearing is February 8, not January 8, as written. The next board meeting should have read February 13, not February 12.  With these  corrections, Gail made a motion to approve the January minutes;  Bill seconded the motion, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy emailed the Treasurer’s Report to the Board prior to the meeting for review.  She pointed out that money for the new Children’s Room bookshelves is available from existing accounts and will be paid upon receipt of the invoice. 

Bills:  Jane emailed the list of bills to the Board for review prior to the meeting.  There were no questions so Gail moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Kathy seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Old Business

Cabinets in the Community Room:  Amy talked to Adam Vose about cabinetry for the Community Room, requesting the style discussed at last month’s meeting.  He gave her an estimate for the cabinets and installation, which she sent to the Trustees.  Gail moved to accept Adam Vose’s bid for cabinets and installation and Susan seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Circulation Policy:  Jane revamped the library’s Circulation Policy and sent a copy to Board members prior to the meeting.  It spells out the new cost of library cards to non-residents.  Jane learned that Langdon gives money each year to Alstead to issue cards to to Langdon residents (Langdon has no library of its own.), so it is not necessary for Walpole to continue issuing free cards to Langdon residents, as we have been doing. It was decided to grandfather current cardholders into the old policy and charge Langdon residents who want a Walpole card moving forward.  Jane also stated a change in card renewal policy.  From now on patrons will need to renew in person (with an exception for those who cannot physically come to the library).  Susan moved to accept the updated Circulation Policy; Erin seconded, and all voted in favor. Motion carried.

Jane said she would email a new Policy Handbook to all the Trustees since so many policies have been updated.  Peggy asked her to send one to Sarah Downing as well.

Shelves for the Children’s Room:  Jane reported that the shelves should ship on the 16th.  Gail asked who will do the installation.  Jane said the company shipping the shelves will install;  she just has to work out a date with them.  Current shelving will be shipped to North Walpole.  The shelves in North Walpole will be sent to the Reuse Center.  Jane said we need to find someone with a truck to help transport the shelves.  Sarah offered to do that. 

Sarah asked if children’s programs would be moved to the Community Room during installation so they wouldn’t have to be cancelled.  Jane said they could do that or  possibly have some of the work done on the weekend when the library is closed.

New Business

Library Substitutes:  Jane asked for board approval to hire a new substitute for the library, and the board agreed .

Front Step Repair:  Jane passed around John Willette’s estimate for front step repairs.  The estimate covers removal of broken concrete and repouring of new concrete. He said it would require the library to close for one day.  Gail moved to accept John Willette’s estimate; Erin seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

Antique Chairs in Community Room:  Gail asked why the antique chairs (which display a sign requesting that patrons avoid sitting on them) are in the library if they can’t be used.  They were brought to the library from the Historical Society because they were once housed in the library. Jane will ask Christi Winmill if they can be returned to the Historical Society. 

Operations: Jane sent the Operations Report to the Board prior to this meeting.  Circulation and visitation are down slightly in North Walpole but have increased in the Main Library.

Mrs. Aube’s class from North Walpole visited the North Walpole Library.

Buildings and Grounds:  Jane ask Brad to remove the blank sign from the front yard of the library.

Friends of the Library:  Jane said the Friends have designated someone to pick up checks more frequently.

Other Business:  Gail recognized Peggy Pschirrer for serving as liaison to the library from the Selectboard.  Today is her last meeting because she is stepping off the Selectboard.  The Trustees thanked her for her long association with the library.

Adjournment:  With no further business Gail moved to adjourn the meeting;  Erin seconded.  Susan adjourned the meeting at 4:31 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the March 12, 2024 meeting.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/8/24

SELECTBOARD 02/16/2024 Leave a comment

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

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

Others Present: Jocelyn Barrett of Great River Hydro; Mark Houghton, Fire Chief

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 7:05 PM in the Selectboard Office of the 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:

Great River Hydro PILOT: Mrs. Pschirrer announced that Jocelyn Barrett from Great River Hydro was present. Ms. Barrett stated she was in attendance to introduce herself and to suggest a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Town. Mr. Dalessio commented on his concern that the future for tax increases is unknown. He described the projected increases in various taxes and stated his reluctance in doing a PILOT at the present time. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire and EMS Building Renovation Presentation: Chief Houghton stated he was present to inform the Selectboard of a proposal to renovate the Fire Station. He presented visuals in explanation of the intended renovations and described the areas of need within the present Fire Station building structure. He fielded questions from the Selectboard in the presentation of the floorplan. Chief Houghton stated that the present department is completely on call and that the proposed renovations may allow for overnight and full-time staff. Chief Houghton believes that the Walpole Fire and EMS District will only need to bond $827,000. Mr. Dalessio asked how the grant accounting would be managed. Chief Houghton responded that it would be handled within the Fire District. Ms. Mayberry suggested that Chief Houghton clarify on the map where the renovations would be relevant to the adjacent streets. Chief Houghton said that the square footage would be increasing from 9,683 to 15,538.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $798,113.86 dated 2/09/24. 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 $31,562.86 dated 2/9/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,552.35. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES, February 1, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes of February 1, 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 1, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes of February 1, 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.

   •​Police Building Committee Meeting – January 22, 2024

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.

REFUNDS: 

Map and Lot# 003-082-000:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 003-082-000 for NH Public Radio’s third payment for 2022 taxes. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS: 

Map and Lot# 03-082-000:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 03-082-000 or $1,079.95 related to the interest. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberryand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT: 

Op# 23-461-07 for Map and Lot# 013-057-000:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the timber taxwarrant for Op# 23-461-07 for Map and Lot# 013-057-000 for $4,942.68. 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 stated that the Selectboard has a new warrant to sign. A last-minute petition warrant article was submitted which would ask the Town to adopt a policy that all voting be done by paper ballot with the ballots being hand-counted. She commented that this is a movement that is happening all over the State. Mr. Dalessio motioned to sign the 2024 warrant article listing as presented. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Letter to Kara Dexter: By consensus the Selectboard approved the letter to Kara Dexter. 

Fuss & O’Neill Proposal for Engineering Services: Mrs. Pschirrer motioned to have Mr. Dalessio sign the letter of agreement with Fuss & O’Neill for Reservoir Dam engineering services for $393,440 to be reimbursed to the Town from a grant. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberryand Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion was approved.

Graffiti: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the graffiti was discussed at a recent conservation meeting. Chief Sanctuary has been made aware of the issue. The small gazebo that has been painted with graffiti which has been painted over. 

Houghton Brook Bridge Update: Mr. Dalessio stated that they are still working on the design.

Union and School Streets Drainage Project: Mr. Dalessio stated that the final plans for the project have been completed. He stated that the Town can get moving on this, but the final costs have not been received yet. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire District Hearing Dates for the Budget and Bond is Feb. 22nd: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Fire District Public Hearing is 2/22/2024 at 7:00 PM. 

MS-636: Ms. Mayberry motioned to sign the MS-636. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry,Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Encumbering Funds Request: By consensus the Selectboard agreed that $250,000 from Article 6 for the new 6-wheel truck be encumbered. 

Selectboard Operational Guidelines: Mr. Dalessio stated that before Mrs. Pschirrer leaves the Selectboard, the guidelines should be reviewed. This item was tabled until the next meeting. 

River Valley Transmission Line Upgrade: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that five representatives from National Grid will be present on 2/15/2024 to present on the River Valley Transmission Line upgrade.

Selectboard Meeting Date: The Selectboard agreed to meet on 3/6/2024 and for all the first Wednesdays of the month going forward.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 8:24 p.m. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 8:25 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:25 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 8:31 PM. 

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session at 8:31 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:40 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the non-public minutes would be sealed. 

Recycling: Ms. Mayberry stated that the Recycling Department would like to host a 2/17/2024 outdoor movie night for volunteers. Consensus of the Selectboard was to accept this request. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary