The Walpolean – 2023
“Not New – Just Improved”
For the past few months Marcus Flynn has been working on The Walpolean, updating pages and helping out. Marcus is a Walpole native and student at The George Washington University where he studies International affairs. He has previously been involved in the community through volunteering at the recycling center and a former student representative with the Fall Mountain School Board.
He reached out to me in April when he discovered that the Government page still had Donald Trump as President. Instead of simply criticizing, he volunteered to help with the site. Such a nice offer since I have not been successful in keeping those pages up-to-date. Glad to have him aboard and trust you will see even more improvements than the ones he has already made.
NH Gives – 6/6-7
Distant Hill Nature Trail is Participating in NH Gives next week, June 6-7
Distant Hill Nature Trail is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Walpole and Alstead. It is open to the public free of charge, year round. It’s our mission to make nature and the outdoors accessible to everyone.
Distant Hill is participating in NH Gives, an online fundraising event for nonprofits happening from 5pm Tuesday, June 6, to 5pm Wednesday, June 7. We only have 24 hours to raise the funds needed to build another half-mile of wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail, and to pour the concrete foundation for a new 24’ x 30’ outdoor learning pavilion.
With your help, Distant Hill hopes to win one of the three NH Gives ‘Power of Community Prizes’ for small organizations (a budget of under $150,000). The prizes go to the three small organizations with the largest number of “Individual Donations” during NH Gives. First place is $5,000; Second place is $3,000; and Third place is $2,000.
The number of “Individual Donations” are based on the unique email addresses that are used to make the donations.
For example: Say you would like to make a $50 donation to Distant Hill, and you have two email addresses in your household.
If you make two $25 donations using both of your email addresses, instead of it being counted as just one $50 donation, your two $25 donations will be counted as two “Individual Donations” for the same $50 donation!
We also have a $10,000 dollar-for-dollar match. Every dollar you donate during NH Gives will automatically be doubled!
To learn more, or to make a donation, please use one of the links below:
Distant Hill’s NH Gives page:
https://www.nhgives.org/organizations/distant-hill-nature-trail
Virtual Facebook Event:
Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/25/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Mike Rau, Road Agent
Others Present: Mo Biron, Carolyn Vose, Jeff Colley, Beth Colley
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:28 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Old Keene Road Culvert: Mrs. Pschirrer invited Mr. Rau to speak. Mr. Rau stated he received an email from Mrs. Colley regarding a concern with water runoff. Mr. Rau recommends ledge-lining the ditch with a larger culvert pipe and using the other culvert as a backup. The Highway Department would install an 18-inch culvert of smooth bore plastic that will take twice as much water and more debris. Mr. Rau stated he would only replace one of the culverts, if the ditch is fixed. Mrs. Colley presented pictures of the ditch to the Selectboard. She stated there are three (3) culverts in that area, and it sometimes washes over Old Keene Road and into their ditch. Mrs. Colley described the area that the water is meant to flow into. Mrs. Colley requested that grit and sand shoulder be replaced with a slab which is currently being done on a different part of Old Keene Road. Mr. Rau replied that he would place filter fabric to hold gravel underneath, and place rock on top so it would not wash away. Mrs. Colley stated that personal costs to address this issue are $4,000. She would like the Town to consider an easement for this matter. Mr. Dalessio questioned where the maintenance of an easement would end. Mr. Rau stated that towards the end of the summer is when the work could commence, but it may be until the following spring when it is fully completed. The approximate cost of the project is $10,000, but this does not include the cost of labor. Mr. Dalessio stated that the project’s goal is to direct the water. The control over how much water is not within the Town’s capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Colley thanked the Selectboard and communicated their agreement with the proposed project plan. Mr. Rau, Mr. and Mrs. Colley left the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (d) (e):
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (d) (e) at 6:47 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:18 PM.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,458.08 dated 5/26/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,325.84. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 18, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 18, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 18, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 18, 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.
STAFF MEETING – May 18, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff meeting of May 18, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ms. Mayberry called attention to the minutes of:
- Library Trustees Meeting- May 5, 2023
- Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting- May 17, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged the above reports.
TIMBER INTENTS:
Map and Lot# 011-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 011-033-000 for the removal of fallen or damaged trees on Rascal Mountain. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
EXCAVATION INTENTS:
Map and Lot# 014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot# 014-013-000 for Cold River Materials. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot# 015-011-000 for Cold River Materials. 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 spoke to developments on Houghton Brook Bridge. The cost of the temporary bridge is approximately 1.1 million dollars. Mr. Dalessio stated that there has been a request that the Town supply $309,300 in matching funds. Mr. Dalessio stated that the town has $250,000 from the ARM grant, but the Town has to match $276,000 in Town funds.
Mrs. Pschirrer asked what anticipated bonds the Town would be going for in 2024. The Selectboard reflected that projects associated with Police and Fire Departments may also require a bond next year. Mr. Dalessio stated his recommendation that the Town bond $309,300 or supply this match from other available funds. This would allow the Town an extension of the ARM grant. The Town may be able to limit the overall project in order to reduce the town match for the ARPA portion. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Town should pursue other avenues for funding. Mr. Dalessio stated that Mr. Kriessle should be asked to separate invoices for the Reservoir Dam and Houghton Brook Bridge because they both have reimbursable grant funding.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mascoma Bank Parking Lot Lease: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there was a 5-year lease from Mascoma Bank for approval. Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Mascoma Bank parking lot lease for 5 years. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Recreation Rev. Fund Request: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Recreation Committee request to purchase basketball jerseys contingent that sponsor donations will reimburse the fund. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Recreation Rev. Fund Request- Movies: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Recreation Committee request to show movies in the summer. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Other Business: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on an email sent by FMRSD related to Middle School sports. Ms. Mayberry stated that her understanding that the email was sent as an attempt to ensure that whatever FMRSD’s consolidated recreation plan looked like, it did not overlap with local towns’ own recreation departments.
Mr. Dalessio stated that the pool water level has been lowered. He was advised that the pool needed to be cleaned. Ms. Mayberry stated that the sludge needed to be removed. She will follow up on this matter.
Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to last week’s staff meeting. She reviewed that the department managers requested a different staff meeting time and location, requested meeting less frequently, and made positive comments on how they work interdepartmentally during staff meetings. She would prefer department managers not to read their reports. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested having training so that there is an increase in engagement. Ms. Mayberry stated that she agrees with the majority on the time of the meeting. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would want to see written reports each month, but meetings could transition to bi-monthly or quarterly dates. Ms. Mayberry commented that certain buildings would not be suitable for a staff meeting. She would like training topics related to email, listening, general leadership, and confrontation. Mrs. Pschirrer will send an email to department managers informing them that staff meetings will be quarterly beginning in August. Discussions will be topic-based, but there is still an expectation of submitting monthly reports. Mr. Dalessio stated his preference for data driven reports when applicable.
Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Scholarship Committee is meeting next week. Ms. Mayberry stated that marketing of the scholarships may be beneficial.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:10 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
Mah Jong at the Library
Have you played, or would you like to learn to play Mah Jong? There is a small group of novice players that meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 at the Walpole Library. If interested, please stop in and join the play or simply watch to see what you think. No need to be intimidated!
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/18/23
Selectboard Present: Steve Dalessio, Cheryl Mayberry and Peggy Pschirrer, Chair
Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Ernie Vose, Zoning Coordinator, Jan Galloway-Leclerc, ZBA Chair
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:30 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 PM.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $821,841.88 for checks issued 5/19/2023, which includes a payment of $700,531.13 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 $29,600.32 dated 5/19/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,126.89. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 11, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 11, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, andMrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 11, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 11, 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:
Ms. Mayberry called attention to the minutes of:
• Planning Board Meeting – May 9, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged the above reports.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2023-17, Map and Lot# 003-084-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 003-084-000 to install an attached 34’ x 32.8’ garage and mud room. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
2023-18, Map and Lot# 003-068-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 003-068-000 to install a 31.5’ x 12’ roof mount solar array. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Website: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there was a request by Vicky Gohl for an ad to be placed in the Clarion to ask residents to send pictures or anything they may want to go to on the Town website. Mr. Dalessio stated that Town pictures were in abundance. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio commented that the Walpolean is free, and this is where the information should be placed.
Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio stated that regarding Houghton Brook bridge, there has been a look at the class 6 road at the far end of Wentworth. He stated this road is impassable. Funds are being looked at to see what is available. Mrs. Pschirrer asked what the next steps are. Mr. Dalessio stated that a DES representative is looking for available funds. He commented that timelines are running together, and it is taking longer to receive quotes. He stated that the quotes received are higher than expected and that a temporary bridge will have to be built. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mascoma Bank is giving the Town another lease on the parking lot. Mr. Dalessio stated he is trying to schedule a meeting in June for School Street.
NEW BUSINESS:
FMRSD: Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow Mrs. Pschirrer to sign a letter to FMRSD requesting that they explain an error made in the Walpole attendance area. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
BROADBAND MAPPING LETTER: Ms. Mayberry motioned to have Mrs. Pschirrer sign a letter to the Department of Public Safety requesting E-911 data. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
WATER/SEWER ARPA GRANT FORMS: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow Mr. Dalessio to sign the
Strategic Planning Water and Sewer Grant to the NH Department of Environmental Services. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
CULVERT LETTER OLD KEENE ROAD: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a letter received by the Selectboard asking that the Town increase the size of the culvert on Old Keene Road because the current culvert overflows during storms. Ms. Mayberry stated she was in support of this request. Mr. Dalessio stated he would like to speak to Mr. Rau before any decisions are made. Mr. Dalessio stated that the way the Town culverts are constructed can block up residents’ private ditches and culverts. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Ms. Daigle that this matter would go under “Old Business” and will be revisited after a discussion with Mr. Rau.
HOOPER TRUSTEES:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 7:33 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:36 PM.
STAFF MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry told Mrs. Pschirrer that the staff meeting went well. Discussion focused on the difficulty in hearing the voices of the department managers when they are speaking in the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer called the Selectboard meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Walpole Staff Meeting Minutes – 5/18/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Jodi Daigle (Administrative Assistant/Water and Sewer Clerk); Jordan Cannon (Recording Secretary); Richard Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Ben Hoy (Recycling Center Manager); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief), Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director)
Excused: Mike Rau (Road Agent), Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration)
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called the staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in Walpole Town Hall.
MANAGERS’ DISCUSSION: Mrs. Pschirrer opened up a discussion of staff meetings. Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on the assignment she put to the department managers to evaluate staff meetings and their benefit. She asked what value and purpose these meetings serve. Mrs. Pschirrer engaged those in attendance to answer certain questions:
• What do you value about staff meetings?
• What would you change about staff meetings?
• How does the staff meeting make you a better manager?
• How do you define “manager”?
• What could help you be a better manager?
Mr. Cannon wrote down answers and feedback to the questions posed by Mrs. Pschirrer.
Value:
• Meeting/projects with other departments
• Collaborative environment
• Sitting in a square
• Everyone getting together
• Hearing what goes on day to day
• Behind the scenes news
• Variety of departments
• Use of other departments’ information
• Data/progress trends in reports
• Knowing timelines
• Everyone’s benefit
Change:
• Quarterly instead of monthly
• Change of location
• Meet at beginning of the workday/earlier – 8 am or 4 pm
• Overview of typical day
• Bimonthly
• Unusual things in reports
• Comparison to previous year
• More Context to data
• Every other month training
• Everyone contributing to the discussion
How do these meetings make you a better manager?
• Sharing challenges
How do you define manager?
• Bring people together
• Kind/supportive/listener/collaborator
• Communication/active listener
• Generalist/specialist
• Accountable for getting job done
• LEADER
• Train staff
• Succession plan
• Control direction
• Sets the culture/tone
What would make you a better manager/leader?
• More training working with volunteers
• Recruiting volunteers
• Training boards – instruction in training
• Training on how to deal with difficult people
Mrs. Pschirrer asked department managers to state the one important item from their report for the month.
RECYCLING: Mr. Hoy stated that one thing he wanted to mention is this week the recycling bins were painted different colors.
SELECTBOARD OFFICE: Mr. Dalessio commented that Mrs. Daigle has taken on responsibility with grants.
FINANCE: Mr. Kreissle stated he met with Lou Beam about collaborating with the Five-Towns to get a better price on fuel.
HOOPER INSTITUTE: Mrs. Dalbeck stated that this has been a registration month for camps and programs. She taught the fifth graders how to tell the difference between a raven and a crow.
TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE: Mrs. Hansson stated that all tax bills were printed and stuffed into envelopes today.
RECREATION: Mr. Harlow stated the pool is getting fixed. They put down pickleball lines on the courts this week.
LIBRARY: Mrs. Malmberg stated that programming for summer reading has been finalized and will be published soon.
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Sanctuary stated that Sgt. Landry would be back to full duty next month. Additionally, the Police Department has been doing a lot of school safety programs.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer voiced her gratitude to those in attendance and called the meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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