Energy Service rates from 8/1/2023 through 1/31/2024 have been set:
Granite Basic: 10.9 cents per kWh
Granite Plus: 11.3 cents per kWh. With 33% renewable
Clean 50: 12.3 cents per kWh with 50% renewable
Clean 100: 15.2 cents per kWh with 100% renewable
Liberty’s Default rate will also drop to 12.242 cents per kWh
Just as a reminder Walpole Community Power is a member town in Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH).
This is a reduction from the May-July rate of 15.8 for Granite Basic. Most Walpole Community Power customers are on Granite Basic.
Liberty and all of the utilities are not allowed to make a profit on the “Energy Service” portion of our bills. They do receive a small administrative fee for processing. Because utilities operate as monopolies they have to request increases in the Distribution Charge through the NH Public Utilities Commission. Liberty has filed an increase in the Distribution Charge of 6.2%. The increase in the Distribution Charge should not be related to the Energy Service rates and the savings we are receiving. The Distribution Charge is reviewed by the NH Public Utilities Commission and is to pay for the operation of the Utility (poles, wires, trucks, crews and profit). Walpole Community Power along with CPCNH will review the request to see if there is reason to register opposition with the PUC. There may be an opportunity for you to send comments to the PUC.
Billing error:
We all received a notice that our Energy Service rate was calculated using the Liberty rate of 22.07 cents per kWh it should have been calculated using the Walpole Community Power May-July rate of 15.8 cents per kWh. Liberty has agreed to correct this mistake and are in the process of doing this. Walpole was the very first town in NH to implement Community Power. As a result we are the town that experienced the issue. The other towns, Hanover and Lebanon etc., are not having the same issues.
If you need help with you bill as Liberty tries to resolve this issue you can reach out to the CPCNH customer service representatives at the 1-866-603-POWR.
Net metering:
The utilities are not yet providing the necessary solar power production information so that CPCNH can properly credit customers that have solar or have Time of Day use rates. The rules that were adopted by the NH PUC for community power expected that the utilities would be supplying the data. The utilities are saying that it is too costly to change their systems. CPCNH has requested the PUC to enforce the rules as they were adopted. We will keep you informed of the progress of this request. There may be an opportunity for those interested in sending comments to the PUC.
Thank You
Walpole Community Power Committee
Walpole Community Power update
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/22/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ray Boas
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:29 PM. She introduced the Selectboard, Recording Secretary, and Manager of Administration.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,242.08 dated 6/23/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,620.81. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 15, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 15, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – June 15, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of June 15, 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 attention to:
• Walpole Library Trustees Meeting – June 13, 2023
• Walpole Planning Board Meeting – June 13, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:
Map and Lot#028-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax abatement for Map and Lot# 028-012-000 for $138.00 due to a data error on the property card. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:
Map and Lot#010-046-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 010-046-000. The application was received before 4/15/2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot#005-042-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 005-042-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Trees on the Common: Mr. Boas opened a discussion with the Selectboard regarding the trees on the Common. At the beginning of the year, “trees” were listed under “Old Business”. Mr. Boas thanked Ms. Mayberry for a comment made in a previous meeting wherein she spoke about the possibility of collecting donations for the purchase of new trees on the Common. Mr. Boas has reviewed relevant RSAs and the practices of other New Hampshire municipalities regarding how trees are managed within municipal limits. Mr. Boas put forth the idea of establishing a tree committee open to all Town residents. He would like to submit his proposal to the Conservation Commission. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the next meeting for the Conservation Commission is 7/10/2023 and she encouraged Mr. Boas to attend. Mr. Boas disclosed a personal obligation he has that will make him unable to attend the July meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer said that she will bring up the information that Mr. Boas presented when she attends the July Conservation Commission meeting. Mr. Boas proposed the formation of a sub-committee within the Conservation Commission that would focus on trees. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Conservation Commission meets the first Monday of each month. The July date was rescheduled because of a holiday.
Fuel Bids: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Lou Beam, of the Langdon Selectboard, has contacted the Town regarding fuel bids for bulk Five-Town purchasing. In his email, Mr. Beam requested a Five-Town meeting to review these bids. Mr. Dalessio commented upon the need for the town finance manager to evaluate and provide a recommendation. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she will attend this scheduled Five-Town meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, 6/26/2023. Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry hope to also attend.
Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio raised an issue about the electric charging station. He felt that a Telsa type of connector should be included since it is becoming the industry standard connector. Ms. Mayberry commented that the charging station may have a Tesla adapter option. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Highway Department would like to place no parking signs in the old section of the parking lot so that this section can be plowed. Mr. Dalessio commented that the police should establish a ticketing procedure if no parking signs are placed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cemetery Deed: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the cemetery deed for Lot# D586. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
CCPNH Rate Change: Mrs. Pschirrer asked if anyone received a bill with the new rates. Ms. Mayberry stated that the present rate is 22 cents per kilowatt hour on her bill, and this is not the updated decreased rate. Mrs. Pschirrer commented upon an email she received from CCPNH regarding their plan for changing their rates. Mr. Dalessio stated that Liberty Utilities is increasing their distribution fee. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that on 6/30/2023 CCPNH will be setting the rates for the fall period and are asking the Selectboard what rate to choose. Mrs. Pschirrer reached agreement with Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry to select the least expensive rate.
Short Road Closure for Old North Main: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Parrot, a tree removal professional, is asking permission from the Selectboard to close a portion of Old Main Street because he will be removing a large tree. Mr. Dalessio stated that the abutters should be notified, and that the scheduling should be done between 10 AM and 3 PM so that the tree is removed during off-peak hours. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Parrot is requesting this road closure for either 8/2/2023 or 8/3/2023. Ms. Mayberry stated that Mr. Parrot’s approval would be contingent on him notifying the abutters and operating during off-peak hours. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the tree under discussion is obviously dying. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mrs. Downing that Mr. Parrot can proceed, but he must notify the abutters.
Close Legal File Return Notice: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that she did not know the reason the Town was sent the closed legal file return notice from Mitchell Municipal Group.
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 reconvened at 7:47 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
ENJOY WALPOLE’S RAIL TRAIL
The grass has been cut all along the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole! It’s a great time for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians to explore the 7+ miles of State-owned Rail Trail within the town’s borders.
Again this year, the Conservation Commission has funded brush hogging of the Rail Trail under a State-issued permit. For 2023, the plan is to have the Rail Trail brush hogged a second time later in the summer, so that the grass and weeds can’t grow too high.
Trail users in Walpole can enjoy views of forests, farmlands, historic railroad features, the Connecticut River and Vermont. The trail surface is mostly grass/weeds and dirt, with some wet and muddy spots.
In Walpole, the usable trail extends from behind the CITGO/JiffyMart in the north to the Westmoreland border in the south. The Cheshire Rail Trail then continues southward to Keene and beyond.
The Rail Trail is accessible from Blackjack Crossing Rd., Halls Crossing Rd., River Rd., the Walpole Gateway, Route 123, and the Boat Launch WMA. There is limited parking at many of these locations.
Please be respectful of the private landowners who abut the trail. Please follow trail signs, especially through Homestead Farm. Please practice “leave no trace” principles. Do not litter. No motorized vehicles are allowed (except for snowmobiles.)
Maps of the Rail Trail are available on the Conservation Commission website ( http://www.walpoleoutdoors.org/trail-maps and in Town Hall.
Many thanks to the Walpole Trail Committee, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Selectboard for supporting this project.
Enjoy the Rail Trail!
Wendy and Will Grossman
Walpole Trail Committee
Clarion Now On-line
With the holiday weekend coming, I have just posted on-line the July CLARION, and it will be at the post offices tomorrow for mailing the hardcopy to you. To see the July CLARION – Click this Link – or on the front page below.
Have a Happy and Safe July 4th holiday weekend — Enjoy, RAY BOAS, Publisher
Pickle Ball Lessons
Pickle Ball lessons for Adults at Walpole Recreation Area.
For more information –
Please call and leave a message:
Mike Hayes
603-209-3836
Unitarian Church Food Sale – 7/1/23
Walpole Unitarian Church
Summer Food Sale
The Walpole Unitarian Church will host a summer food sale on Saturday, July 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., in front of the Walpole Post Office. Come and enjoy our selection of delicious homemade items (both sweet and savory), including items to take home for the weekend or to freeze and serve later. We look forward to seeing you at the table!
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/15/23
Selectboard Present: Steve Dalessio, Cheryl Mayberry and Peggy Pschirrer, Chair
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Vicki Gohl, Deputy Town Clerk & Tax Collector
Others Present: Michael Hayes
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recreation Committee: Mr. Hayes stated he was present to discuss the Recreation Committee. He is interested in pickleball and the Town pickleball courts. Mr. Hayes was advised by David Kuniholm that he was not allowed to record the minutes of the Recreation Committee. Ms. Mayberry clarified that recordings must be declared. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the chair of the meeting is typically the individual to notify if a recording is taking place. Mr. Hayes asked what the criteria were for being on the Recreation Committee. Mr. Hayes questioned the practices of the Recreation Committee in regard to taking minutes. Mr. Hayes attended a Recreation Committee meeting on 4/19/2023. Ms. Mayberry informed Mr. Hayes as to the member makeup of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mr. Hayes that members of the Recreation Committee are voluntary. Mr. Hayes stated that before January he told Ms. Mayberry that he wanted to be on the Recreation Committee, and his agenda was pickleball. Ms. Mayberry stated that there was not a position open on the Recreation Committee at the time he communicated his interest. Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal is not to have members on the Recreation Committee who have only a single interest. Ms. Mayberry described the process by which the Recreation Committee sought to gauge interest in pickleball prior to assigning funds to pickleball. Mr. Dalessio asked if the Drewsville basketball court was suitable for pickleball. Mr. Hayes stated that he did not know but commented that the sound of pickleball has been a common complaint from residents who live near a pickleball court. Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal was to minimize any potential conflict between those playing tennis and those playing pickleball. Mr. Dalessio reflected his understanding that Mr. Hayes was raising one issue of the Recreation Committee meeting, and a second issue of pickleball itself. Mr. Dalessio stated that it is important to know what the utilization of a town property is before the allocation of Town funds. Mr. Hayes asked if the land on Walker Road would be suitable for pickleball. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the Conservation Committee may be against this potential pickleball court site. Mr. Hayes thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Website: Ms. Gohl stated she would be asking the Selectboard if they would sign off on the core design of the website which she has in draft. The design portion is the boxes, colors, and functionality of the home page. After the designer is finished, the project manager finalizes the website for approval. Ms. Gohl showed the Selectboard the draft design on her laptop and demonstrated options for the home page. She spoke about graphic options available for images. The Selectboard and Ms. Gohl discussed potential ideas for images and graphics that would best serve the purpose of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the importance of the usability and accessibility of the website for Town residents. Ms. Mayberry commented that another consideration should be given to newly arrived residents who are seeking Town services. Mr. Dalessio clarified that the website should not be structured by color, so to comply with ADA requirements. He stated the most commonly used links should be prioritized. Ms. Gohl found agreement in the Selectboard for the colors she chose for the website. A general discussion was had regarding the possibilities for function and user friendliness of website options. Ms. Gohl asked how the Selectboard wanted to proceed with the development of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Ms. Gohl sending the Selectboard members the link to the website for review would be preferable. Ms. Gohl thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $862,013.92 dated 6/16/2023, this includes a $700,531.13 payment to the Fall Mt. 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 $30,704.98 dated 6/16/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,442.95. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 8, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 8, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – June 8, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of June 8, 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 attention to:
- Police Study Committee – May 15, 2023
- Cemetery Trustees Meeting – June 12, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.
TIMBER INTENT:
Map and Lot#013-057-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 013-057-000 for a wooded lot off of Cheney Hill Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio commented that for Houghton Brook Bridge there are no further funds available. At present, the project is being looked at for redesign potential.
NEW BUSINESS:
Trustee of Trust Funds Request: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the request for $935 from the Cemetery Trust Fund for a boundary survey invoice. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Unlicensed Dogs Listing: Mrs. Pschirrer commented on a report listing residents who have not paid their dog licensing fees. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a mailing postcard should be considered for residents who have expired dog licenses. Mr. Dalessio spoke to the practices that occur in other jurisdictions when an individual fails to pay their dog license fees. He was aware that dog registration can be done at any time of the year. The Selectboard reviewed the list of individuals who have failed to pay the dog registration fee and acknowledged their receipt of this list.
Granite Bench on the Common: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that a complaint was received about a bench on the Common that they fear is going to burn children because of its material heating in the sunlight. The Selectboard stated that a laminated sign would be placed near this bench.
Thank you notes: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged a thank you note received from the Nash Family. She then mentioned a second thank you note from the Fall Mt. High School Prom Committee.
Planning Board: Mr. Dalessio stated that at a recent Planning Board meeting, there was a discussion regarding Alyson’s Orchard. The fruit crop has been damaged this year due to the weather. Mr. Dalessio mentioned other developments at Alyson’s Orchard in the expansion of their operational capacity.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (c) at 8:07 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 PM.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:36 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:58 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:59 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Library Meeting Minutes – 6/13/23
Present: Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Representative)
Amy opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the library. She presented Peggy with a card and one of the new canvas bags from the trustees along with our thanks for serving as our select board liaison for the past several years.
Approval of Minutes: Tim noted that the date of the meeting was incorrect. It should read May 9. With that correction, Gail moved to accept the May minutes; Amy seconded, and all voted to approve.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy noted that she spent $63 for stamps, which did not appear on the bills. Amy asked about the plan for the money listed on the Children’s Miscellaneous line of the budget. She was reminded that it is for shelving for the children’s room.
Bills: Jane reported that bills were high last month due to the logo design, 9 boxes of books that arrived, children’s book orders, museum passes, and software subscriptions (once a year). Kathy stated that years ago the town added a line to its budget to cover certain things at the library. Jane explained that money is used for ILL fees and the NH Downloadables. Amy then moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Gail seconded and all voted to approve.
Old Business
Chimney: Work will begin as soon as Barry supplies a lift.
Front Door: Work begins next week. Amy and Jane stated there have been numerous inquiries about what we plan to do with the old door that is being replaced. The board agrees that they would want it to be repurposed. Some have questioned why we are replacing the door or why it will take so long. Jane explains that the door is not secure and needs to meet accessibility requirements. Kathy stated there will be a lot of construction that takes time. Amy said we need to wait to see the condition of the door after construction before deciding what to do with it. She said the board welcomes suggestions.
Sign: After a lengthy discussion about design, cost, as well as the purpose of the sign, the board decided not to purchase a sign with moveable letters at this time. Instead they will buy a sandwich board to announce special events. They will track its effectiveness in attracting program participants and at the September board meeting will decide if they want a more permanent sign with changeable letters. Amy suggested that we buy a sandwich board for North Walpole. Jane said, in the past, we have not been permitted to use one there. She said she would ask again.
New Business
Library Data Base: Jane stated that usage of Universal Class has dropped significantly; since it costs $1,000 she is looking to replace it with digital newspaper subscriptions that would be accessible at home. She is looking at the New York Times and ProQuest which provides newspapers from around the country. Peggy told Jane to ask a lot of questions about the ease of online usage.
Community Wide Read: New Hampshire received a grant for this nationwide program, so our library is one of 100 in our state to participate. Participants will read the book, The Bear, and Jane said the library will receive 100 copies to distribute to patrons (no check out necessary).
Events will take place in October. They will have a book discussion facilitated by a NH Council on the Humanities representative, and this will be a hybrid presentation so people can join at home. Helen Dqlbeck from the Hooper Institute will present programs on bears for children and adults. Jane said the library will show a film addressing climate change, one of the themes of the book. There are also a number of Zoom events taking place around the state.
Jean suggested connecting with the schools for this project.
Copier: Our leased copier needs to be replaced. The replacement copier will cost $107.84/month
Operations: Jane is mentoring a librarian from Boston.
Soiled Materials: Jane and the trustees discussed what to do when soiled or damaged books are returned to the library. Jane was particularly concerned about books from ILL belonging to other libraries. It was decided she should send a formal letter addressing this matter before revoking ILL privileges for any patron.
Friends of the Library: A check from the Friends was received and deposited. Plans for the book sale are underway.
Other Business
Bench Dedication: Gail reported that the dedication and reception were lovely and there was a large turnout.
Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
The next meeting will be September 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the September 12, 2023 meeting
The Walpolean 
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