Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/20/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; 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 Selectboard Office. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair; Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,974.29 dated 9/22/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,622.12. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SPECIAL SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 7, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 14, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 14, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Conservation Committee Meeting – September 11, 2023
• Planning Board Meeting – September 12, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Employee Uniforms: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a Town employee was in contact with Cintas regarding the return of uniforms. The Selectboard agreed to table this topic until the employee notifies them when they hear back from Cintas. Ms. Mayberry spoke to the mindfulness needed for Town employees when they are purchasing clothing related to their position.
Tree Replacement Committee: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that 5 members have volunteered to be on this committee. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke of the importance of identifying the supervisory body of this committee. Ms. Mayberry then questioned the management of funds. Mr. Dalessio stated that the committee should put forth a charter or mission to guide their activities, as well as selecting a chair for the committee itself. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard would write a letter to the Conservation Committee stating that they would be the committee, and that the Tree Replacement group would function as its subcommittee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Fund Balance Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Finance Manager has been discussing fund balance policies in a recent seminar. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the fund balance policy created in 2017. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Drainage Ditch next to 11 Main Street: The Selectboard agreed to table this topic until the non-public session.
SWRPC Fall 2023 Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard has been invited to the Fall Meeting with the Southwest Regional Planning Commission.
NH Association of Assessing Officials: Ms. Mayberry moved for the chair to sign the ballot for the NH Association of Assessing Officials. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Sealing Non-Public Minutes: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on a recent article by the New Hampshire Municipal Association concerning the sealing and unsealing of non-public minutes. The Selectboard discussed the process by which sealed minutes would be unsealed.
Sealed Non-Public Meeting Minutes Review Protocol: Mrs. Downing stated that she is also keeping a document with a detailed list of sealed minutes for each year.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:58 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:15 PM.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public session at 7:15 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:37 PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved to seal the non-public minutes. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Book Discussion – 10/4/23
if you haven’t read The Bear yet, it’s not to late. Pick up your free copy at the library today. – Lil
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 9/28/23
Just a heads up that Sarah says that next week’s meeting will be on Wednesday, not Thursday. – Lil
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/14/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair and Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ray Boas
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. She explained that Mr. Dalessio was not present because he was at a meeting, but a quorum of Selectboard members was present for a meeting to be held.
Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Boas to speak. He asked for the written terminology for a cease-and-desist order. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that this matter may be tabled until the non-public session. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that any construction must be halted because there is no building permit. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that the Selectboard has the responsibility to enforce the decisions of the Planning Board.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,004.08 dated 9/15/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,755.59. Seconded by Ms. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 7, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 7, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting– September 5, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
TIMBER TAX ABATEMENT:
Map and Lot# 013-053-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the timber tax abatement of $511.71 for Map and Lot# 013-053-001, as the quality of cut was reduced. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2023-22, Map and Lot# 011-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot# 011-006-000 to add a new 87’ x 48.6’ addition and garage/barn. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
2023-23, Map and Lot# 017-008-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot# 017-008-001 to install a 21’ x 12’ ground mount solar array. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Parking Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she has a copy of the Town’s parking ordinance but is going to rewrite the policy with clearer language.
NH DMV Letter: Ms. Mayberry moved to allow interim road agent Mike Symonds to register vehicles and trailers on behalf of the town of Walpole. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Employee Uniforms: Mrs. Pschirrer stated this item would be tabled and will be discussed at the following Selectboard meeting.
Management Book: Mrs. Pschirrer felt that the next staff meeting should include the distribution of a management book. Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry stated they would look at how to incorporate this book into the quarterly meetings before distributing the book to the department managers.
NEW BUSINESS:
Appointment Notices: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Nicole Adams to be an alternate on the Conversation Committee, and to serve as a Hooper board member, both until 3/20/2026. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Tax Collector: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the possibility of the tax collector having her own postage meter, or sharing the one that is in the Selectboard Office. Ms. Mayberry stated that if the Tax Collector and Town Clerk’s Office had their own postage meter, they would be responsible for tracking their separate postage expenses. Ms. Mayberry stated that the cost of the postage meter should be investigated before a decision is made. The immediate solution is to buy pre-stamped envelopes.
Complete Streets Grant Extension: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the deadline to apply for this grant was extended until 10/27/2023.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:55 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:24 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/20/23
Please note the change from Thursday to Wednesday due to Horse Thieves Dinner. – Lik
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 9/11/23
Members Present: John Peska, Peter Palmiotto, Lewis Shelley, Wendy Grossman, Steven Dumont
Members Absent: Alicia Flammia, France Menk
Seating of Alternates: Kara Dexter
Visitors Present: Nicole Adams, Peggy Pschirrer, Select Board Liaison, Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
Call to Order: Peter Palmiotto called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
Review and Approval of Minutes: Jean Kobeski said she would correct the August minutes to state that Ray Boas attended the August 7, 2023 meeting. With that correction Steven moved to accept the August minutes; Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Public Business
Financial Report: Mason $20,280.57
Gateway. $2,054.07
The $7500 fee requested by Ann McBride of the Monadnock Conservancy for the Nerrie Easement will be discussed at the October meeting.
Correspondence: John reported that NE Power Co. has asked the DES for permission to paint power transmission towers from Bellows Falls to Surry.
New Business
Budget Items: Wendy asked that brush hogging and trail materials be put into next year’s budget. $1500 should be enough but she will double check. Steven asked for money for maps.
Peggy explained that all departments are asked to level fund for the coming year. The first draft is due now to Rich Kreissle. Between now and December, Select Board members will meet with all department heads to discuss their budgets. John stated that current numbers can be rearranged, not to exceed the level funded budget.
Steven stated the commissioners need to take a deeper dive into some of those numbers. Peter said he would ask Alicia for a copy of this year’s budget. Peggy said she would have Rich Kreissle send a copy of the budget to Peter and John. John and Peter will submit the budget by September 22 after first sharing it with the commissioners on Google Drive. Steven suggested that, before the next meeting, commissioners look at the budget and think about where monies can be moved around to better suit their expenditures.
Condition of Route 12 Rest Areas: John and Peter reported that there is trash and high grass at the rest areas. John and Peggy said the state is responsible for mowing. The WCC used to hire someone to clean the Fanny Mason rest area, using money from the Fanny Mason Fund. This individual is no longer available. Peter said he would find out how frequently this was done and what the compensation was so the commissioners can make a motion and vote at the October meeting for a replacement.
John reported that Nicole Adams has written a letter of interest to the Select Board in becoming an alternate to the Walpole Conservation Commission. Kara made a motion to recommend supporting the nomination Nicole Adams as an alternate to the WCC. John seconded the motion and all voted in favor. John will write the letter of recommendation to the Select Board.
Old Business
Tree Replacement: Jean has sent the names and email addresses of four individuals who have volunteered to serve on the committee to Ray Boas. He will contact them to set up a meeting. Peter has offered to be the WCC liaison to this committee.
Liaison to the Hooper Board: Nicole Adams volunteered to be the Conservation Commission’s liaison to the Hooper Institute Board. Peggy thanked Nicole, noting how important it is to have WCC representation on that board.
Gateway Update: Lew stated that Peter purchased the materials and he and Peter installed the fence at the Gateway turnaround. Peggy reported that the Select Board received a complaint from some community members hoping to take their kayaks down to the river that the gate is still locked. Peter explained the lock is still locked but people can gain access by simply moving the wire and replacing it when finished. Steven suggested replacing the lock with a carabiner; Lew supported that idea and has one to donate. Steven prepared an instruction sheet for gaining access to the Walpole Gateway, which will be laminated and posted on the kiosk and on the post. Steven also offered to write an article about the gate opening for the Walpole Clarion and WCC website.
Other Business
Reservoir Dam: John reported the gate has been repaired and Houghton has brush hogged and cleaned up the area, as requested by the state inspector.
Peggy left the meeting at 8:00.
Cranberry Meadow Bog: John asked that the Letter of Deficiency for Cranberry Meadow Bog be put on the October agenda.
Walpole Trails Subcommittee: Steven reported that the maps have been paid for and he has been reimbursed. He also said some equipment will be needed for Mill Pond repair. Steven said he would take measurements for pressure-treated lumber for the Fanny Mason Bridge replacement and get a price quote from LaValley.
Lew stated the High Blue culvert washed out and was repaired by Larry Britton. He also said Rob Westover is asking permission to begin some new mountain biking trails in the Hooper Forest. He is meeting with Helen Dalbeck to discuss this.
Rail Trail: Wendy reported that the Rail Trail and Gateway field were brush hogged on Aug 25-26. Wendy and Will did some further cleaning. There are some trees down on the trail and the Grossman’s cleaned up some of the branches.
Lew has the Special Use Permit and has paid the $1,000 bond for the RTP Grant work. He will start the work in early October. Wendy and Will will mark areas for him to avoid. It is time to write the letter to the Trustees of the Trust Fund to request the $5,000. Peter said he would contact Alicia to learn the scope of what’s necessary to secure that money.
Property Monitoring: Wendy has been going through commission files and will start doing some of the monitoring. Peter said he would contact Lauren to make sure she has returned all files that she was using.
Peter will call a meeting of the Property Monitoring Committee for Tuesday, October 3, 6:00, in the commission’s office in the basement of Town Hall.
Adjournment: Steven made a motion to adjourn the meeting and John seconded. Peter adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Monday, October 2, 2023 in Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the October 2, 2023 meeting.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/7/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry (by Zoom); Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ron Rosko
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. 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 in the total amount of $952,973.54 for checks issued 9/08/2023. This includes a $700,531.17 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Mr. Ron Rosko stated he was present to discuss the speeding on Prospect Hill. Mr. Rosko had made several calls to the Walpole Police Station regarding the issue. He also stated that he did not feel safe, and that he has not been responded to after repeated attempts to communicate this issue. Ms. Mayberry questioned Mr. Rosko as to the process by which he would prefer this to be handled. Mr. Rosko stated that in the mornings and the afternoons would be preferable times to observe for traffic speeders. He also felt there should be more police presence in Walpole.
Mr. Rosko then said he had a booster pump for water in the basement of his home. If the electricity goes out, he cannot get water on the second floor of his home. Because of this, Mr. Rosko felt he should have a reduced water bill. Ms. Mayberry explained that the water bill is based upon usage. Mrs. Pschirrer stated this issue would be followed up upon.
Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Rosko if he had any other topics to discuss. Mr. Rosko asked about the mowing of roadsides. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Highway Department began last week cutting the sides of Town roads. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that there are 70 miles of roads in Walpole, and that the department has begun work on the roads.
Mr. Rosko asked for the agenda and inquired about the issues pertaining to the heading “Old Business”. Mr. Dalessio explained that many of the Old Business agenda items are left on the agenda, but that they are not necessarily part of each meeting’s discussion.
Mr. Rosko departed the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:41 PM. Mr. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:25 PM.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,332.28 dated 9/08/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,406.52. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 31, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 31, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – August 31, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of August 31, 2023. 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:
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting– August 29, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Middle Street Drainage Improvements: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a contract dealing with Middle Street working through Ransom Consulting. Mr. Dalessio moved to allow the chair to sign the Middle Street Drainage Improvements – Contract Amendment No. 1 for an “as built” record not to exceed $2,900. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Budget Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer asked what time the meeting would be starting on 9/22/2023. It was agreed that this meeting would start at 8:00 AM.
High Street Bridge FEMA Grant: Mr. Dalessio stated that the notification was part of the routine FEMA process, and that no signatures were required.
Employee Uniforms: Ms. Mayberry spoke to whether or not purchases could be reimbursed for uniform clothing. She was asked by a Town employee and advised them that a final decision has not been established by the Town on this matter. Mr. Dalessio stated that this issue should be placed on a future agenda to be finalized at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS:
Oath of Office: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that an oath of office for a newly hired police officer required Selectboard signatures. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the oath of office for Ian Tuttle to be an officer for the Walpole Police Department. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Seal Bids for 1-Ton Dump Truck: Mrs. Pschirrer announced that four bids had been received for the 2008 Ford, F450 dump truck:
1. James Reynolds bid $2,802.
2. Heather Haskins of Bellows Falls, VT bid $786.
3. Busted Knuckles LLC of Marlow, NH bid $3,000.
4. Shawn Condon of West Chesterfield bid $1,367.
Mrs. Pschirrer reflected that Busted Knuckles LLC was the high bid. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the bid of $3,000 for the 2008 F-450 One-Ton Dump Truck. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:43 PM. Mr. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:48 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Clarion Deadline – 9/22/23
Again time for your submissions, now for the October CLARION. Deadline is 5PM (Walpole Time) Friday, September 22. Early submissions are always better to aid us in preparing a pleasing publication for your enjoyment. If you could make your submissions on Thursday the 21st, that will help us this month. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.
Remember, this is “your community resource” to share information about your group – its activities and events residents will enjoy attending. And, having a nice mix of articles for readers, I welcome “feel good” news of past local events, stories and accomplishments to share. All subject to space, of course, space that is made possible by the CLARION’s supporting advertisers. We all owe them a big “thank you.”
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, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher
The Walpolean 
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