TOWN OF WALPOLE

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JUNE 21, 2007

Selectmen Present:            Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich

Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with seven people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TRACY NASH:  Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:32 P.M.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:56 P.M.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING – JUNE 28, 2007:  The Board of Selectmen announced that there will not be a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on June 28, 2007.

TARA SAD:  Tara Sad submitted to a letter advising that the town voted on March 17, 2007, that the Board of Selectmen appoint an energy committee to recommend ways by which the town and its residents and businesses can save energy and reduce air-polluting emissions.  The following individuals have volunteered to serve on this committee:  Sue Bingaman, Ben Daviss (liaison to the Walpole Planning Board), Kim Lewis, Mary Lou Montgomery (liaison to the Walpole Conservation Commission), Jill Robinson, Fritzi Till and Tara Sad. These individuals (without Sue Bingaman and Mary Lou Montgomery) held an exploratory meeting on June 16, 2007, and unanimously agreed to suggest that the committee be named “The Tri-Village Energy Committee” (TVEC).  The inclusive name reflects the committee’s charge to serve Drewsville, North Walpole, and Walpole.  The group also suggests that TVEC adopt the following mission statement:  “The mission of the Tri-Village Energy Committee, which serves Drewsville, North Walpole, and Walpole, is to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, and explore other ways to reduce carbon emissions among the town’s residents, businesses, and in municipal affairs.  The committee aims to assist the three villages comprising the Town of Walpole in addressing these goals as laid out in Article 24 at the Walpole Town Meeting on March 17, 2007.  These goals will be accomplished through educational activities and programs designed to encourage people to pay attention to their energy needs, consumption habits, and short-and-long-term interests.  The Committee will make recommendations to and cooperate and communicate with town officials, boards and commissions as well as public and private groups with similar concerns, and with the appropriate agencies of the state, regional, and federal governments.  Pursuant to Article 24 as approved at the Town Meeting on March 17, 2007, we request that you recognize and appoint The Tri-Village Energy Committee as our town’s energy committee.”  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to appoint the volunteers noted above as the official “Tri-Village Energy Committee”.

RICK COOPER:  Rick Cooper asked for direction regarding personnel as discussed at the last Board of Selectmen meeting.  The help problem at the Solid Waste Facility is serious; they need more people to operate it properly. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:10 P.M.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:48 P.M.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – June 21, 2007 – Page 2

Mr. Aldrich moved that Rick Cooper be authorized to make a recommendation to hire a full-time person but that there will be no over-time for anyone working at the Solid Waste Facility.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Mr. Miller was opposed.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Sawyer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Rick Cooper will advertise the position in two newspapers and it will be posted.

Rick Cooper met with the Town of Langdon Board of Selectmen.  They will be scheduling an open session meeting on July 10th and asked Rick Cooper to attend.  It is their intention to make a decision at that meeting. 

Rick Cooper asked permission to close the facility on Thursday afternoons until such time as Langdon makes a decision or until October.  The Board of Selectmen approved this request.

There was discussion relative to the number of vehicles that use the facility each day but Rick Cooper advised that the amount of product varies from vehicle-to-vehicle.  Mr. Sawyer felt it would be nice to know what percent of Walpole uses the center.  Rick Cooper went to Antioch College and asked for a student that would do the study but nobody came forward.  He feels they see about one-half of the population in Walpole.  A door-to-door survey with about five questions would be very helpful in providing this information.  Mr. Sawyer felt it would helpful to find out how much it costs the residents for curb-side pick-ups by local haulers. 

RED SMITH:  Red Smith advised that several people have suggested to him that it would be nice to have “Welcome to Walpole” signs and he wanted to pass this on to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration.  He submitted pictures of the Town’s green space between the road and the sidewalk near the Savings Bank of Walpole building and explained that they would like to put a two dial, illuminated Howard Post clock in that space.  Mr. Sawyer noted that this clock would come close to the Sign Ordinance so it should be presented to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen is in favor of the clock.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.    

JOAN DeVAULT:   Joan DeVault discussed a Recreation Department medical personnel issue with the Board of Selectmen.     

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen discussed an employee’s medical condition and instructed Joan DeVault to notify the employee tomorrow morning that a doctor’s certificate, stating whether or not the employee is able to work without restrictions, will be required before he/she is allowed to return to work.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $36,112.09.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending June 16, 2007, for gross wages in the amount of $18,342.71 or net wages in the amount of $11,092.38.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,147.77.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – June 21, 2007 – Page 3

Mr. Aldrich moved to hire Michael Brodeur for the Highway Department, to work full time at $11.00/hour, beginning June 18, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign the payroll next week.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- JUNE 14, 2007:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of June 14, 2007, with the following correction:  Page 2, Miscellaneous Items, Item No. 1, fence – change “Maple Valley Road” to “Walpole Valley Road”.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the Non-Public Session of June 14, 2007, as printed.  The Minutes will be unsealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed Minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of June 19, 2007.

WARRANTS:

REPORT OF WOOD CUT –WENTWORTH HUBBARD– MAP 010-022-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Warrant for the Collection of Timber Taxes in the amount of $68.00 for Wentworth Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

REPORT OF WOOD CUT –WENTWORTH HUBBARD- MAP 010-019-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Warrant for the Collection of Timber Taxes in the amount of $36.00 for Wentworth Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

REPORT OF WOOD CUT –WENTWORTH HUBBARD- MAP 012-067-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Walpole Warrant for the Collection of Timber Taxes in the amount of $508.00 for Wentworth Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.       

OLD BUSINESS:

TOWN HALL -NORTH SIDE REPAIRS:  Elaine Moore reported that the north side of the Town Hall needs additional repairs.  This will be a budget item for next year.

DRA – SEMINAR ON GRAVEL PITS AT WALPOLE TOWN HALL IN FALL:  The Department of Revenue Administration will be holding a seminar on Gravel Pits at the Walpole Town Hall on October 9th, 2007, during the day.  The DRA will do the advertising.

CEMETERY DEED –D-425- GILBERT AND GRACE CHANDLER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Gilbert and Grace Chandler.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

VALLEY ROAD:  During the last meeting Mr. Aldrich explained that he was looking into two miscellaneous items.  The first item was the fence on the Walpole Valley Road; it is about 5-to-6 feet high and stopped 5-to-6 feet short of the road.  The view to the road is not blocked so he sees no safety problem.  Elaine Moore will draft a letter with the findings to the property owner.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – June 21, 2007 – Page 4

TRACY NASH:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Town continue to pay one-third of Tracy Nash’s salary for no more than 30 months or until the SSI becomes effective.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted. 

Mr. Aldrich moved to continue to pay the health insurance for Tracy Nash until he obtains other coverage or no longer than 30 months from the time that the condition started.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

ARTICLE 21:  Mr. Sawyer advised that Ernie Vose, Walpole Moderator, came up with three names of people who he will ask to work on the Study Committee to look into having One (1) Tax Collector for Walpole and North Walpole.  Mr. Miller talked to Mr. Ronning, North Walpole Moderator, about forming his committee.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Chairman talk with the Town Clerk in reference to the State reports that need to be sent in.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

TAX DEED LETTERS:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to put this agenda item “on-hold” until Teresa Kissell returns from vacation.

MELANSON BILL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to pay the bill from Melanson Roofing in the amount of $6,802.36 for repairs to the Town Hall roof.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

BRUSH CUTTING:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged a letter from Gary Dennis relative to brush cutting.  They will take it under advisement.

NRCS – EXTENSION OF COMPLETION DATE:  Mr. Aldrich moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) documents for extension of the work date from May 4th until July 28th, 2007, for Projects No. 48 and 56.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CURRENT USE – MAP 005-002-006:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Current Use document for Daniel and Jeanne McAllister.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

AVITAR:  Elaine Moore reported that Avitar is requesting a meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the Statistical Update proposed agenda.  A tentative date was set for July 11th at 8:00 am in the Town Hall.             

BANDSTAND DEDICATION:  Mr. Miller will represent the Board of Selectmen for the dedication of the Bandstand this Sunday at the time of the concert.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer and, with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:36 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,