Serving Walpole, New Hampshire since 2005
***Town of Walpole Water Department Emergency Notification Update***
Walpole Water system has returned to normal operations as of 11:54am today. Both wells are back online and the water restriction has been lifted. Thank you for everyone’s support and assistance during this unusual event.
Mark Houghton
Walpole Water Department’s “River well” located behind Pinnacleview Equipment has been shutdown due to historical flooding associated with the recent rainfall. Walpole’s second water source is on Watkins Hill and has experienced a catastrophic pump failure. As we wait for the replacement pump to arrive, we ask that everyone take measures to conserve water at this time. Please refrain from any outside water usage and use water in your homes sparingly until we can return our wells to normal operation. We will keep you advised as this event unfolds.
Thank you,
Mark Houghton
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Michael Rau, Road Agent (via phone)
Others Present: Paul Looney
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard, Recording Secretary, and Manager of Administration.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,602.58 dated 6/30/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,683.44. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 22, 2023: Mrs. Pschirrer noted a correction in the meeting minutes of June 22, 2023. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 22, 2023, as amended. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – June 22, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of June 22, 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:
• Planning Board Meeting- May 9, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting- May 3, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting- May 23, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioners Meeting- June 6, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:
Map and Lot#012-067-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax abatement for Map and Lot# 012-067-000 to correct a current use issue on a recently logged parcel. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Trees on the Common: Mrs. Pschirrer noted that Mr. Chioffi had stated he would be present at tonight’s meeting. She noted an article in the Clarion written by Mr. Boas.
Fuel Contracts: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the previous five town meeting she attended with Ms. Mayberry wherein fuel quotes were presented by Lou Beam of Acworth. Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed the price quotes for oil, propane and diesel. Mr. Rau called into the Selectboard meeting to discuss the diesel fuel quote. Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed the discussion from the five-town meeting with Mr. Rau. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that no company would give a fixed price on diesel. Mr. Rau reviewed the diesel contract presented and identified the lack of “winter blend” for the diesel as concerning; as the winter blend was necessary during colder temperatures. Mrs. Pschirrer asked how long 10,000 gallons would last, since this was the listed amount in the proposed contract. Mr. Rau responded with six to seven months. Mr. Rau commented that the present Town diesel tank should also be considered, because if the company will not deliver into this tank, the Town will be responsible for its removal.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the three fuel contracts, on the condition that the diesel fuel supplied is a winter blend, and subject to using the existing Town tank. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Community Power: Mr. Looney discussed a letter received by Liberty Utilities. He stated that other Towns that are serviced by Liberty Utilities are not having the same problems. He stated that the previous Tuesday CPCNH held a meeting to recommend rates from 8/1/23 to 1/31/24. Mr. Looney stated that utility companies are pushing back on providing the metering data by saying they cannot afford to do this. Discussion was held on the recent history of utility companies charging rates. Mr. Looney stated that further discussions about putting solar panels on the Recycling Center roof will be forthcoming.
New Town Website: Mrs. Pschirrer commented on the development of the Town website. The Selectboard about alterations on the website that will be forwarded on to the website developer. Mr. Dalessio spoke to the home page being busy. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would convey the Selectboard’s feedback to Mrs. Gohl.
Old North Main Street Closure for Tree Removal: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the person working on a tree removal on Old North Main Street requested that he begin work at 8:00 AM because of the size of the tree. Consensus of the Selectboard was reached to approve this request, and Mrs. Downing was instructed to convey this message.
Dredge and Fill Wetland Permit Notice for Rail Trail: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to the receipt of the dredge and fill wetland permit notice for the rail trail.
Pending Further Action: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that they ran out of stone pavers at the Brownfields site. She received a message that the paving blocks could have been stolen. Mrs. Pschirrer stated after reviewing the situation, it was determined that it was not a theft but a miscalculation of materials.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cemetery Deed: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the cemetery deed for Lot#E743 and #E744. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
USGS Groundwater Survey: Mr. Dalessio moved to allow the chair permission to sign documentation to allow USGS to collect shallow soil and groundwater from Map# 007-007-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Landfill Monitoring Report: Mrs. Pschirrer brought attention to a recent report received on the landfill.
Rescue Inc. Service Update: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke in response to the notice received stating that the 90-day service period for paramedic intercept services ends 6/30/2023.
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) (c) at 7:38 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:14 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
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
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
The Walpolean 
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