WRITING IT DOWN
 
Saturday Feb 11, 2012
at the
Walpole Town Library
10:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m.

How many times have you wished you'd written that story about someone in your family or some special experience of your own?

This is a group to help inspire those who keep wishing they'd get around to writing down and sharing those stories . Not a study group, this is an informal gathering with no instruction and only the kind of feedback you ask for.

Meetings will be held every 2nd Saturday morning of the month in the reference room of the library. Aim to bring a short piece to share, so we'll have time for everyone.

Contact Barbara Dretzin at 756-3831 or stop by the library for more details. 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 5, 2012

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with seven people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BILL DAHER:  Mr. Daher had some questions relative to the assessment on his property and Current Use.  He does not feel that it is assessed properly therefore asked what the procedure is to have it checked again.  Mr. Sawyer explained that he would have to submit an Abatement form for the assessment; it has to be returned to the office by March 1st, 2012.  Mrs. Clough noted that they will go back to the 2011 property taxes.  If Mr. Daher makes a decision to add acreage to his Current Use land he will have to complete a Current Use application for that. 

HOLLY GOWDY:  Mrs. Gowdy advised that March 18th, 2012, is one of the dates on their Farmers Market schedule but it is also Town Meeting day.  They are trying to find another location for that day.  On Saturday, February 18th they are going to feature fiber so they will have knitters.  She asked if a vendor could bring in a bunny in a cage.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to approve this request provided they have something under the cage to protect the floor.  When they are able to move their Farmers Market outside to the Common they are going to try a time change from 3:00-to-6:00 pm to 3:30-to-6:30 PM as people have told them that they cannot get there until 3:30 so they were encouraged to change the hours.      

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Teague moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:51 PM.

 HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:54 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss ( d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:39 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees Meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will resume their meeting as Selectboard members.  The Minutes will be sealed.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

 SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich resumed the regular Selectboard meeting at 8:41 PM.

Selectboard Meeting –January 5, 2012- Page 2

HOOPER STUDY COMMITTEE: Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer, Chair of the Hooper Study Committee, reported that they have met three times.  She distributed a copy of the Agenda for the next meeting on Monday.  At this meeting they will be putting together questions to ask Attorney Hockensmith during the January 23rd meeting when he will be present.  She asked all committee members to read his correspondence on taxation and that includes reading the cases.  In February they will talk about the Hooper Institute and she would like to schedule that meeting there.  During the December meetings they discussed finances.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels that the Trustees of The Hooper Trust should have a spending policy and a budget.  In March they will study golf courses.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on  a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:57 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:14 PM.  No announcements were made.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $27,787.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 31, 2011, for checks dated January 6, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $17,676.43.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,043.81.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 22, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the December 22, 2011, Selectboard meeting as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – December 22, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the December 22, 2011, Selectboard Non-Public Session as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 29, 2011:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the December 29, 2011, Selectboard meeting as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mr. Sawyer abstained as he was not present.  

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – December 29, 2011:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of December 29, 2011, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the minutes were approved.  Mr. Sawyer abstained as he was not present.

Selectboard Meeting –January 5, 2012- Page 3

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 3, 2012; and

·         Zoning Board of Adjustment – December 21, 2011.

ABATEMENTS:

WATER & SEWER ABATEMENT: Hubbard Homestead, LLC., 16 Old North Main Street, Map & Lot # 012-030-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Abatement for Water in the amount of $63.00 and Sewer in the amount of $36.00 for Hubbard Homestead, LLC.  There has been no usage since September.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

CEMETERY DEED – Scadova, Blackjack Crossing, Lot # D-417:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot # D417 for David and Rose Scadova.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the time change for the Summer Concerts to 6:30 to 8:00 PM as requested by the Savings Bank of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

POLICE DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENT:  Mrs. Teague moved to appoint Mike Thomas Tallett as a police officer in the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TOWN HALL BUILDING:  Mrs. Clough had an inquiry from someone who would like to use the Town Hall to train her dog during these winter months.  The Selectboard was not in favor of this use for the Town Hall.

OLD BUSINESS:

COMPENSATION TIME:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the response from the Local Government Center on the accruing of compensation time.     

ATTORNEY CORRESPONDENCE:  The Selectboard received a letter from Attorney Hockensmith regarding the collection of an unpaid water bill.

Mr. Sawyer moved to write off the bill for an unpaid water bill issued for usage between September 1, 2006 and January 29, 2007, as it is uncollectible.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.   

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Teague moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:47 PM.

 HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Selectboard Meeting –January 5, 2012- Page 4

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:58 PM. 

HOOPER GOLF CLUB ASSOCIATION LEASE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to make some changes in the proposed lease and then the Selectboard will sign the lease and send it to the Hooper Golf Club Association.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called this recessed Selectboard meeting to order.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:07 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

                                TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 12, 2012

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM at the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $112,754.59.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register for voided check No. 560780.  A replacement check will be issued to Gary’s Disposal rather than Sandri, Inc.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending January 7, 2012, for checks dated January 13, 2012, for gross wages in the amount of $17,362.62.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,790.78.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 5, 2012:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 5, 2012, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 5, 2012:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 5, 2012, as printed.  The minutes will be unsealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING #1 – January 5, 2012:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Meeting #1 of January 5, 2012, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING #2 – January 5, 2012:  There was a consensus to put these Minutes on-hold until the next meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 10, 2012;

·         Hooper Study Committee – December 19, 2011; and

·         Planning Board – December 13, 2011.

ABATEMENTS:

Water and Sewer Abatement – 1834 Washington Square II, LLC, 16 Westminster Street, Map & Lot # 020-063-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Abatement for Water in the amount of $265.73 and

Selectboard Meeting –January 12, 2012- Page 2

Sewer in the amount of $376.16 for 1834 Washington Square II, LLC.  This bill is uncollectable due to a property transfer and the amount was either never billed or just never paid.  The statute for action and/or collection has run out.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

TSITSONIS – Upper Walpole Road, Map & Lot #012-051-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2012-01 for Elias Tsitsonis and Athanasia Tsitsonis Lakin to construct a 12’ x 48’ Home Addition.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

PERSONNEL REQUEST:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant permission for Paul Colburn to take January 29th thru February 4th, 2012, off as vacation time.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

DRED Meeting – January 19, 2012:  The Selectboard will be meeting with representatives from the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development on Thursday, January 19th at 7:00 PM.

SNOW PLOWING POLICY:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of information from the Local Government Center regarding the “Plowing Private Roads, Driveways and Class VI Roads”.  This will be passed on to Jim Terrell, Highway Superintendent.

HEALTH INSURANCE MEETING:  Mrs. Clough reported that the representative from the Town’s Health Insurance will be here on January 19th at 10:00 AM.  She will meet with the Selectboard first and then with the employees.

HOOPER STUDY COMMITTEE:  Mr. Sawyer felt that the Selectboard should make reference to the Hooper Study Committee.  They will be drawing up a list of questions to be presented to Attorney Hockensmith when he meets with them on January 23rd.  They will go over the RSAs and his correspondence that pertains to leases and taxation as they relate to the Hooper property.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:31 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:01 PM.  No announcements were made.

RECESS Selectboard Meeting:  Mrs. Teague moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 9:03 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Selectboard Meeting –January 12, 2012- Page 3

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss ( d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting resumed at 9:18 PM.  No announcements were made.

Adjournment:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called this resumed Selectboard meeting to order at 9:21 PM.

Adjournment:

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

HOOPER STUDY COMMITTEE

Minutes, January 9, 2012

Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Steve Dalessio, Vice Chair; Joe Dion, Charles Lennon; Holly Gowdy, Peter Kenny, Jeff Miller.

Sheldon Sawyer – ex-officio.

Whit Aldrich as Chair, Board of Selectmen

Recording Secretary: Vicki Gohl

The Chair, Peggy Pschirrer called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.  The agenda and the minutes of December 9, 2011 were distributed.

Announcements

Chair noted distribution of document from Jerry Galloway which shows the questions which followed up that consent decree of 2/17/95 which were sent back to the court. The other came from on line research and is an Investment Performance Report for The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and has performance details of 2005 to 2010. Chair asked the Committee members to review these documents for the next meeting.

Chair asked the Selectmen if it would be possible for the committee to meet on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall in future so we have more room. Selectmen said yes.

Chair asked committee to  submit their questions for Attorney Hockensmith:

Mr. Dion: We need to ask him for his opinion about the property taxes issue – must the golf course pay? What, if anything can be done to keep them from having to pay?  The citizen that brought this to the Town’s attention did so with an attitude of his only wanting to pay his fair share. Can the court force real estate taxes be paid next year? We have a lease that does not cover that and we cannot look to our current tenant.

General discussion ensued about the issue of ownership as it relates to the taxation question. Discussion of case law about tax exempt vs. non-tax exempt. What are the relevant precedents for Town owned property and not property owned by a tax exempt organization? What is the appeal process for tax levels on a property owned by the town? Currently, the monies from the rental of the golf course go to the Hooper Institute and not to the town. Does this affect the issue in any way? Mr. Miller: If we do need to collect taxes immediately, where does it go? To the trust or to the town?

Chair: Is there a charitable aspect of the golf course? Is it doing something for the greater good? It is important that Attorney Hockensmith help us understand or clarify who actually owns the club. What are the implications of the fact that the Town owns the golf course in trust and all that this ownership entails once and for all.

Chair asked committee to turn their attention to P.4 of MacDowell Case in the binders before the meeting with Attorney Hockensmith.

Further discussion of whether payments go to the town or the trust and what payment options might be.

Chair: Does this state have “PILOT” program – a payment in lieu of tax program?

Mr. Sawyer: Whatever the outcome we need to avoid taxes being paid in 2012. Mr. Aldridge: We need this year to be left alone as the current lease was made in good faith. Mr. Dion: What if the State decides they must pay and immediately? Chair: Ironically, the State reviews the lease each time you sign one.

Chair to Mr. Miller – How could the Golf Club be restructured so that it became tax exempt?  One problem is that not even 50(c)3 status would protect the Golf Club. Mr. Dalessio & Ms. Gowdy – perhaps there is some way the golf Club could become part of the Hooper Institute or be restructured to avoid the property taxes. Chair: Right now the Hooper is structured to benefit its members. Could it be re-structured? Maybe the person to answer this is not Hockensmith, but a specialist on not-for-profits. Mr. Lennon: If you look at the articles of agreement from 1959 perhaps it is already organized as tax exempt. It’s just after Hockensmith’s letter in the binder. It’s what was filed with the state in 1959.

Chair to Mr. Miller: Can you share the by-laws and incorporation papers for the club with Mr. Lennon? It would be good to have all of the documentation relating to public access. For example, what months you are open? How does the public know what the hours are? Are there certain times when the golf course is not open to public? Can you give all of those rules to Mr. Lennon so that he can use it to compare the Hooper to other clubs? Mr. Miller: Yes Chair: Be sure all of the information about public access is written down. It is in the best interest of the golf Club that all of this information is documented. You make a better case for your organization if most of the time the course is public.

Ms. Gowdy: When Vermont Academy or other schools bring their students, do they pay? Mr. Miller: Yes they do currently pay Jr. membership fees, but Fall Mountain High School is interested in having a golf team and we do not know at this time if we would charge them.

Ms. Gohl: As per our discussion last week, perhaps we should ask Attorney Hockensmith to define what exactly is the principle for the Trust? Is the line established by the State in 1997 the protected minimum or are all monies generated by the 1997 principle included? Chair: I will send him a copy of our minutes so he has background of our discussion.

Mr. Dion: Terry Knowles from the Attorney General’s office said she does not think we are charging enough rent for the golf course. What would the position of the State be regarding what we are charging and what could happen if the State insisted we charge more but the Club could not pay and the Town decided not to charge more? What kind of problems would that raise for the whole arrangement in future?

Mr. Dion: Terry Knowles also said that in a rental you can give the association credit for improvements, but if there is a sale, you cannot give any credit. If we were to draw a new lease, could we acknowledge the improvements made by the tenant if we wanted to? Mr. Miller: The consent decree acknowledges the improvements. Could that document be applied? Mr. Dion: In her email, she said “no.”

Mr. Dion: If we were to sell it, would it be legal for the Town to hold a mortgage? I know that the Trustees of the Trust Funds cannot, but can the Town?

Mr. Sawyer: Can we go to Town Meeting for a vote to get approval for non-taxation for the golf club?

Chair: Could the club restructure itself in such a way that the club could sell shares to its members so that the membership owned the course?

Mr. Miller: Its been discussed. Description of Brattleboro Club story. Given the make up of our club it seems an unlikely scenario. We used to have close to 350 members now membership is at about 220. We charge about $680 for a single unlimited membership. It would tap the Walpole Community in a tough way and I am not sure we could accomplish it.

Mr. Dion: Is it true that the Trustees can go sell the course in a private sale? Is it true that it does not have to go on the public market? They would have to have two public meetings to hear public opinion. The Trustees must get a fair market appraisal and meet that level, but my understanding is that they are not obligated to take an offer from the highest bidder.

Mr. Sawyer: There is another 200 acres that is not a part of the golf course that we are getting nothing from right now. One lot is right around the golf course and the other is lot 11 on map 10 - 133 acres on Resevoir Road which is assessed for $75,000 and has a great deal of valuable timber – red pine. Could we sell that in order to protect the golf course? Chair: Could you sell this land or the development rights for this land? What would the timber bring in? Is there a timber assessment? We do not have to ask the attorney about that – we have the right to sell that timber and it is in the will.

Mr. Dalessio: Here is another re-structuring idea. Can we give the mansion back to the town and not have it be a part of the lease? It would obviously give up the clubhouse aspect. Mr. Miller: Right now the mansion is not a draw. Mr. Dion: Most club members like a clubhouse. Ms. Gowdy: Right now its 2012, but in fifteen years the mansion might be critical. Mr. Sawyer: Individuals who were interested in the property wanted the mansion.

Chair: This is a lot of questions, but we will send him a list and see what he says.

Other Items:

Chair: I asked Bob Kimball, who does the books for the golf club association, whether he files anything with the state as a non-profit, and he said “no.” They are filing corporation tax returns.

When I handed out the calendar I did not stay consistent with the February dates because I will be away. I was thinking that on Feb 6th we might be able to meet in the Hooper Institute. If not perhaps we can meet upstairs. Discussion ensued of whether entire Hooper mansion is shut down. Check with Eloise. We also want to meet with her. Will Bickford come on the Feb 6th? Ms. Gowdy: I will check and if Bickford cannot I will ask Charlene Bowdry or Bill Perrin.

 Second meeting in February is the 27th. In March we will start looking at other golf clubs. In April we will start looking at solutions.

 Minutes for both meetings will be approved at next meeting on January 23rd upstairs.

 Adjourned 8:02pm

 These Minutes were approved by the Hooper Study Committee at the  1/23/12 meeting.

They are respectfully submitted,

Victoria Gohl

1/25/12

 

Ed. Note: These minutes are supplied by Vicki Gohl, secretary of the Hooper Study Committee. A second set of minutes will be posted shortly. CCB

HOOPER STUDY COMMITTEE

Minutes, December 19, 2011

Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Steve Dalessio, Vice Chair; Joe Dion, Charles Lennon; Holly Gowdy, Peter Kenny, Jeff Miller, Jerry Galloway, Sheldon Sawyer.

Whit Aldrich as Chair, Board of Selectmen; Robert Kimball, Trustee of Trust Funds.                     

Recording Secretary: Vicki Gohl

The Chair, Peggy Pschirrer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.  The agenda and the minutes of Dec 5, 2011 were distributed.

Committee requested three changes to minutes. Corrections from Mr. Dion: Page 4 “Mr. Smith” should read “Mr. Kenney.” Pro Shop Roof repairs cost $14,000. Page 3 bottom Total trust income for 2011 through October is $79,401.31 Motion to approve corrections. Motion approved. Minutes approved as corrected.

Announcements:

First page of Golf Club current lease distributed to clear up questions regarding ownership of the Club and who are the parties in the current lease.  Chair read opening paragraph “This lease was made this 14th day of April, 2011 between the Town of Walpole, NH, a New Hampshire municipal corporation… (address)  in its capacity as Trustee of the George L. Hooper Trust hereinafter called the landlord and the Hooper Golf Club of Walpole a New Hampshire Voluntary corporation… (address) hereinafter called the tenant.”

Walpole Town Attorney Hockensmith will meet with the Study Committee during their January 23rdmeeting. Chair proposes that January 9th meeting be used to review RSA’s and put together questions for Attorney Hockensmith which the Chair will send ahead to him. Chair asked committee to please bring RSA’s to the next meeting.

Further Discussion with the Trustees of Trusts Funds

The Chair received questions via email as a result of the presentation during the last meeting and these questions were sent along to Mr. Dion who met with the other Trustees and discussed them in detail. 

Question #1: “When Jerry indicates that the earnings are approximately 2+%, I assume he is talking about the comingled trust funds. Does the bank break out the percentage for each trust?”

Mr. Galloway passed out the back page of November financial report and it does show the yield on the investments.  This yield is for nonexpendable income or restricted funds and Hooper is not the only trust with restricted funds. The income on the others is 1.4%. Not a large rate of return.

Question #2: “Do you expect a legal opinion from Attorney Hockensmith about the ownership of the buildings and land etc and how do you think this will effect the trust money?”

Mr. Dion: I can only answer half of that. We had always felt the Trust owned the Golf Course and Assets, but we had heard it might be otherwise and we asked the Selectmen if we could ask the Attorney his opinion on this and they said we could. We asked him and he gave us a verbal that the Golf Course was owned by the town.  If we are we going to get a written opinion from Hockensmith regarding who owns club, then that is up to the Selectmen to decide, it is not within our jurisdiction to request the written opinion.

Question #3: “Because the Trustees of Trust Funds are elected is there a training or “hand off” process for the successors?

Mr. Dion: The Trustees for Trust funds are elected every two years and paid $500 a year. There did not used to be a hand off process when I came on in 2007, but now there is and it is much more organized. It is not a complicated job but it is time consuming.

Question #4: “How would selling the development rights work?“

Mr. Kimball: There is a country club in Shaker Hill New Hampshire - Sunset Country Club in WRJ area. They raised money, gave it to the New Hampshire Conservancy who bought development rights for about 50% of value of property. Value was $700,000 they sold development rights for $350,000. That money went to the landowner and he could then sell the country club for $350,000.  If we were to follow this example, we would raise about $500,000 from local individuals and donate it to the Monadnock Conservancy who would come to the Town of Walpole and buy the development rights. That money could then be put into a maintenance fund for the mansion and then we could sell the country club buildings hopefully to the Hooper Club Association. The land would be protected from development and kept for public use.

Question#5: If we were going to change the Trustee Funds manager how would we do it, who could we get and what criteria would be used? Mr. Dion: BOA gets 55 basis points. We are obviously not happy with them right now. Nothing has been said since the economy has been so bad, but this year we expected a little bit more. If they do not meet their benchmark this year, we will interview other companies. There are two things involved. The administrator guy at BOA is doing a good job but the investment guy is not. We would look at three or four people that are in this business that can handle the administrative aspect of this portfolio and then look at their performance last year and get permission to call their references.  Perhaps there is someone out there really doing a better job.

Mr. Galloway: BOA’s situation does not instill a lot of confidence. We are not happy with them. The end of year is a bad time to change, but in the new year we will speak to the four prospects. $3.5million is a good amount and we are one of the largest in the state but we do not meet the criteria for many funds. We are somewhat limited in where we can go because we need them to do MS9’s and MS10’s on the administration side.  We also have to have them approved by the State of New Hampshire. It does cost to change over, and of course they sell everything when you change but you can’t keep riding a dead horse.

Question #6: Would you consider going back to the courts for a clarification on ownership? Mr. Dion: That is up the Selectmen.

Mr. Dalessio had submitted additional questions to Mr. Dion much of which had been answered. Mr. Kimball reviewed the income and expense documents presented at the Town meeting and the last Hooper Study Meeting.

Was the $25k transfer necessary? Mr. Galloway: Eloise Clark pointed out that several bills had been paid out of her side of the fund and no monies should be paid out of Hooper I. It was a mistake before our time and we are trying to fix that.

What is the return on the investment for the cottage?  We have made no investment in cottage it was a gift.  Is cottage a prudent investment at its current rent? The rent of $900 per month does meet market value, but does it cover costs? Is it prudent? Cottage stands alone because it is on Hooper lands. It is not subdivided and cannot be sold, but we need to evaluate it.

Have Trustees from other town trusts complained about income at this point? No. If we have another dismal year we will change.

Can we be given a list of the specific funds that monies have been invested in?

Mr. Kimball – Handed out a sheet showing the non-expendables as they sit at BOA right now. But that is all of the town trusts combined and the Hooper monies are not broken out.

On page seven of the court decree point A states that the principal as of 12 /1991 was to remain in tact and not be preserved for future income. Can this be interpreted that so long as the principal in the accumulator fund does not fall below the 12/1991 balance, that the town could in certain instances use the principal of the trust?

Mr. Kimball: In 1991 they had accumulated income and they had the Hooper Trusts. At that point they had the accumulator and the principal. They decided that the principal must stay in tact – call it Hooper I and take what is in accumulator fund, call it Hooper II, put half in maintenance and half in scholarship funds.  Question is does the decree freeze the principal at any level period or only at the 1991 level? Can you touch the growth of the principal since 1991? That is open to interpretation by Hockensmith. The principal has grown by more than $200,000 since 12/1991, can that increase be used? The current Trustees do not believe that this money can be touched.

Chair handed out spending policy and investment policy from New Haven Public Libraries as an example for consideration. Their holdings were about $2miliion. She described evaluation of investment companies and what the philosophy was behind their policies.

Mr. Sawyer recommended getting spending policy of New Hampshire Charitable Association.

There was a discussion of the matter and consequences of invading principle.

Question 8: “Why is cottage lease set up as month to month?”

Mr. Sawyer: We had an annual lease but we needed to change it to month to month in case we needed to vacate.

Question 9: “Is cottage on separate tax lot?” No.

Other questions:

Mr. Kenney: Question regarding maintenance list – does one exist that is current? Mr. Galloway: Brendon Honey’s list was completed and we have not made a new one?

Secretary:  - Regarding overseeing maintenance of buildings, why can’t there be a committee as there is for library, cemetery etc?

Mr. Sawyer: It would be up to the Selectmen to create a committee.

Mr. Dion: The selectmen and Trustees of Trust Funds cannot be expected to deal with maintenance issues and it has to be built into the future lease or relationship with the Golf Club.

Ms. Gowdy: We should have punch list done and have a maintenance plan.

Chairman: We need to have a field trip in the spring and have a look at the buildings and properties to see what needs doing.

Mr. Miller –With the maintenance fund if there is money left at the end of a fiscal year, does money go back? Mr. Kimball: No it stays in the unexpended income fund. The scholarship fund has elected to keep about $10k in reserve.

All of the buildings on the property – Hooper Institute and Golf Course – have to be covered by the maintenance funds.

There is $29+k in the maintenance account at the end of November but there is still a deficit. $30k still owed to Hooper I from original error of about $60k. We have paid back $25k.

There were no further questions for the Trustees of Trust Funds. The Committee appreciates their time.

Lease for Golf Club & Issue of Ownership

Chair requested we look at the lease which appears in the notebooks. It is a typical lease with clauses pertaining to insurance, sub-leasing etc. Lease has been made with “the Town of Walpole” since the 1920’s.

Mr. Dion: Terry Knowles says you cannot sell the development rights because it restricts the price. But if the Town owns it they can sell the development rights, but not if the Trust owns it. Hockensmith told him at the town meeting that if the Trust owns it, they must put it out on the open market, but if the Town owns it they do not have any requirement to sell to the highest bidder. Decree says it is fiduciary responsibility of Trust to get best price possible and it cannot be based on an appraisal. I asked Knowles if the Trust can hold a mortgage, but its illegal. Knowles said the State does not allow anything that restricts usage because it would affect the price.  Town has right to sell, but town must get Court approval and Trustees approval as well.

Chair: If you look at the original will, the land was devised to the town, but when all of the original will could not be realized, they did the next best thing and revised the documents.

Discussion of whether Town or the Trustees are the “landlord” in the lease and what that means.

Mr. Kenny: Why does the lease not stipulate that the tenant must maintain the land and the buildings? Mr. Miller: It does stipulate that the interior must be maintained and there are some outside responsibilities. See clause #10.

Discussion of Peterborough Golf Club and a recent Newspaper Article.

Chair: Please be prepared to develop list for Attorney Hockensmith and bring the RSA’s to the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned 8:33

These Minutes were approved by the Hooper Study Committee at the  1/23/12 meeting.

They are respectfully submitted,

 Victoria Gohl

1/25/12

Did you buy a great costume for Halloween then have your event cancelled? Have the long dark days and winter cold got you hankering for something to do??  Come have fun and do something great for charity at the same time.

            Come join us on Saturday, February 18th for a Mardi Gras Dance Fundraiser with “Ya Know? That Band” at the Walpole Town Hall from 7:30 pm til the stroke of midnight when we all take our masks off and reveal our true identity.  Tickets are only $10 each in advance with the proceeds being split between Big Brothers/Big Sisters – Cheshire County and the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.  If you buy a ticket at the door, it will cost $13 unless you bring a can or dry good for the food shelf, then it’s only $10.  Snow date for the event is Saturday, March 3rd.

            The ticket price includes a donation to two great non-profits, great dance music from “Ya Know? That Band”, tasty snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for great door prizes.  Costumes are not required but encouraged.  It is a BYOB event and attendees must be 18 or older due to the anticipated presence of alcohol.  Dancing will be upstairs in the theatre with food and games available in the downstairs hall.  The event is being sponsored by SMART Power Sports in Keene, Affordably Elegant Cakes & Catering in North Walpole, C & S Wholesale and the Town of Walpole.  More sponsors are signing up everyday to offer their support and we’ll update that list soon.

            Tickets will be available Monday, January 23rd at the Walpole Town Hall, Galloway Real Estate in Walpole, Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Keene or call Jamie Teague at 445-5193.  Dust off the old suits, togas, prom and bridesmaid dresses, grab a mask and join us for an unforgettable night of fun!!

First Winter WFM Features Backyard Gardening Sat, Jan 21, 11-2

The Walpole Farmers Market (WFM) will hold its first ever winter market in the Town Hall THIS Saturday, January 21, from 11 am to 2 pm. Think farmers markets are all about tables overflowing with fresh greens?  Think again! Meat, cheese, maple products, breads, crafts, baked treats and all manner of fiber and fiber products will be available.

Winter produce production here is a bit of a chicken and egg issue. Right now, wintertime availability of local produce is limited. There is no doubt that our farmers could gear up to keep us in food year ‘round. But before they make the necessary and substantial investments to do so, farmers need to know they will have a market. Shoppers create the possibility of more local produce next winter with their purchases of what is available this winter.

Speaking of produce production, the January market will feature backyard food gardening. January is the time to plan gardens and order seeds. Sylvia Davatz, a seed grower and seed saving expert and enthusiast, will join us. Sylvia grows seed specifically adapted to our area in Hartland, VT and offers them through her catalog, Solstice Seeds. In addition to selling her seeds, Sylvia will be available to answer all your seed-related questions.

In the gardening corner, we’ll also have tables where you can sit and peruse gardening books and catalogs, pool seed orders, swap seeds with other gardeners, chat with community garden plot holders, get advice from experienced gardeners and farmers, and see a slide show of Celeste Longacre’s 2011 garden as it developed and of the community garden. Bring all your gardening questions, seeds to swap, a list of seeds you need to order, and a jump drive with your own garden slide show. 

Along with gardening books, Mary Farrell, from the Walpole library, will be bringing everything she needs to issue new library cards. If you don’t have one yet, just bring along a picture ID and proof of residency or employment in Walpole, North Walpole or Drewsville.

While you enjoy marketing in the old-time way, you'll hear old-time pop piano music! Pianist Judy Spinella, will share tunes from her collection of 1900's song sheets and display the antique sheet music so that the intriguing cover art can be appreciated along with the familiar songs. Maybe you'll feel like joining her around the piano to sing as people used to do before records, CDs, and iPods were invented. We hope to see you "in all the old familiar places."

WFM will be holding winter markets every third Saturday through April. If you’d like to receive an email notice about each upcoming market, or for more information, drop an email to jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com. You can also visit the website at walpolefarmersmarket.com or call 756-3168.

Ed. Note: Here's a local hard work/success story that appears in today's Eagle Times. See page 1 for a photo! I should have noted in the story that Heidi had a great career as a distance runner at Fall Mountain High School, the University of Rhode Island, and in national and international competitions over the past number of years! She has won the Burlington, Vt marathon several times and last year represented the USA in the world half-marathon championships. She's truly an elite, world-class runner! Saturday's race is a huge challenge, but we know she's going to give it all she has!! CCB

Ed. Note: Here, in one curiously long posting, are the minutes of the selectmen's meetings on December 22 and 29. Bill Moses and other minutes junkies will be glad to know that The Walpolean has not forsaken the publication of Hooper Study Committee minutes! Rather, they will be resumed--and caught up--rather shortly! CCB

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 22, 2011

 Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Sheldon Sawyer; (Absent: Jamie Teague)

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 5:10 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with eight people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE FIRE DISTRICT:  Fire Chief Herb Hurlbert and several members of the Fire Department were present.  The Fire Department received a letter from the Southwest Mutual Aid stating that they are no longer getting their funding from the Cheshire County Commissioners but rather from each town.  They just wanted to be sure that either the Town or the District must include $34,521.00 in their budget to cover these dues.  This affects the two fire districts in Town and the ambulance service.  Mr. Sawyer confirmed that it needs to be covered.  The Selectboard is still in the process of working on their 2012 proposed budget.

WALPOLE FARMERS MARKET – Holly Gowdy:  Ms. Gowdy wanted to clarify that the Selectboard will authorize them to use the Common and Town Hall to continue the Walpole Farmers Market in 2012.  Jill Robinson had sent a letter dated December 19, 2011, with the 2012 dates to Mrs. Clough.  They would like to hold a Farmers Market on December 1st and another one just before Christmas on December 22nd, 2012.  They did work with Ray Boas on the hours so they will not conflict with the Christmas Play.  Mr. Aldrich noted that the Town Hall is always rented on the first Saturday in December for a family gathering.  Ms. Gowdy will double-check with Mrs. Clough on the schedule.  They just wanted to start planning their schedule.

PAUL McGUIRK:  Mr. McGuirk wanted to bring the Selectboard’s attention to a newspaper article that appeared in the Union Leader on Tuesday, December 13th relative to the Planning Board’s concerns regarding the proposed relocation of Champlain Oil on Route 12 as quoted by Eric Merklein.      

JAYSON MUNN:  Mr. Munn came in to talk about the Hooper Study Committee and to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to the Selectboard for listening to the Town’s people, taking the time to form a committee and come up with a Resolution.  He wished the Selectboard a Merry Christmas.  Mr. Sawyer noted that before that Public Hearing the Selectboard was talking about forming a Study Committee.  He feels that Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer is doing a good job and is sticking to the subject.  This is a seven person committee with Jerry Galloway and himself as ex-officio members.  Eventually it will still have to go to the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust office.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $501,667.56.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $421,551.02 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 17, 2011 for checks dated December 23, 2011, for gross wages in the amount of $18,219.92.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Selectboard Meeting –December 22, 2011- Page 2

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,069.96.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher in the amount of $1,200.00 for the extra time an officer put in this past year when the Police Department was short-handed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $270.63.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SELECTBOARD MEETING:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 15, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 15, 2011, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 15, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 15, 2011, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         Hooper Study Committee – December 5, 2011.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

CONEENY, Main Street, Map & Lot # 019-039-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $272.00 for Joseph A. Coneeny and Marina J. Coneeny.  This is the result of an overpayment credit.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NEILSEN, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot # 017-007-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $301.00 for Todd R. Neilsen and Patricia M. Dooley.  This is the result of an overpayment credit.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

LAZZARO, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot # 007-026-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for John B. Lazzarro and Lisette Lazzaro in the amount of $159.00.  This is the result of an assessment change granted in 2010 that was not processed on the Avitar system.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS:

SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSPECTION:   The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Town Hall Report of Inspection/Test on the sprinkler system.

OLD BUSINESS:

DECEMBER 29, 2011 – Selectboard Meeting:  The next Selectboard meeting will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:30 PM.

Selectboard Meeting –December 22, 2011- Page 3

NEXT BUDGET SESSION – December 29, 2011:  The Selectboard advised that their next Budger Session is scheduled for December 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Town Hall.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Sawyer moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.  The time was 5:53 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Mr. Aldrich called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 5:54 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION – RSA 91-A:3 II:

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss ( c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. 

The meeting resumed at 6:07 PM.

 SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Aldrich called the recessed meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.  The time was 6:09 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

                                                                      

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 29, 2011

 Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague; (Absent: Sheldon Sawyer)

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with three people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL PAQUETTE:  Chief Paquette talked with the Crime Star representatives and filled out the paperwork for the computer software.  They sent him an invoice and are willing to accept one-half payment out of this budget and one-half payment out of next years budget.  Their representative will come in to help train the department employees.  They will be able to keep one computer operating with IMC for the existing documents.  Chief Paquette talked with the Local Government Center and they gave him some great information on implementing the new up-dated policies.  He will set up meetings with the officers so each up-dated policy will be discussed with them.  They continue to work on existing and new cases.  There was discussion relative to the fact that starting on January 1st, 2012, the time sheets need to be filled out to clarify over-time and compensation time so it can be tracked separately for the office records. 

PAM DANSEREAU:  Ms. Dansereau had submitted a letter to the Selectboard a few weeks ago and had not yet received their reply. Mrs. Teague advised that the Selectboard continues to work on the proposed 2012 budget and have not, as yet, made any decisions but will let respond to her letter as soon as possible.   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:     

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $16,523.29.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 24, 2011, for checks dated December 30, 2011, for gross wages in the amount of $22,039.05.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,329.44.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 23, 2011:  There was a consensus to put the Selectboard Minutes on-hold as a quorum was not present.  Mrs. Teague was not present at the December 23rd meeting. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – December 20, 2011.

TIMBER CUTS:

SAWYER, County Road, Map & Lot # 005-004-005, Map & Lot # 005-004-004 and Map & Lot # 005-004-003:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant the following Notices of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Sheldon Sawyer:

Selectboard Meeting –December 29, 2011- Page 2

·         Map & Lot # 005-004-005, Intent # 11-461-16-T;

·         Map & Lot # 005-004-004, Intent # 11-461-17-T; and

·         Map & Lot # 005-004-003, Intent # 11-461-18-T.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

EXEMPTION:

ELDERLY EXEMPTION – Houghton, Map & Lot # 010-043-001:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant the Elderly Exemption for Arlene Houghton.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

ABATEMENTS:

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT – NEPLLC-Northeast Paging, 88 Scoville Road, Map & Lot # 003-082-CLA:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $732.00 plus interest for NEPLLC-Northeast Paging.  This is the result of an incorrect assessment.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SEWER ABATEMENT – ADAMS, 14 Church Street, Map & Lot # 028-018-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Sewer Abatement in the amount of $425.16 for Madelyn Adams.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

WATER & SEWER ABATEMENT – HURLBURT, 32 Homestead Ave., Map & Lot # 023-013-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Water & Sewer Abatement in the amount of $504.16 for Water and $394.56 for Sewer for Richard Hurlburt.  This is due to a meter issue.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

WATER & SEWER ABATEMENT – WALPOLE YOUTH BASEBALL, Map & Lot # 012-057-001:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Water & Sewer Abatement in the amount of $300.00 for the Walpole Youth Baseball.  This is due to the fact that the youth ball field building does not have a sprinkler installed by the Water Department.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SUPPLEMENTAL PROPERTY TAX WARRANTS:

NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE HOUSING, 10 Merchant Street, Map & Lot # 028-102-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Property Tax Supplement Warrant for the North Walpole Village Housing c/o Southwestern Community Services in the amount of $1,868.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE HOUSING, 26 Kiniry Street, Map & Lot # 028-011-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Property Tax Supplement Warrant for the North Walpole Village Housing c/o Southwestern Community Services in the amount of $1,868.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS:

CEMETERY DEEED, FLANDERS, Lot #83:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant the Cemetery Deed for Lot #83 in the Walpole Cemetery to John R. Flanders, Jr. & Vivian L. Flanders.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Selectboard Meeting –December 29, 2011- Page 3

CEMETERY DEED, FLETCHER, Lots #B519 and B520:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant the Cemetery Deed for Lots # B519 and B520 in the Walpole Cemetery from William & Catherine Fletcher to Henry Fletcher.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

FAIRPOINT PETITION & LICENSES:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve and sign the Petition and License as received from FairPoint Communications.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.   

EQUALIZATION STUDY:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve and sign the 2011 Equalization Ratio as submitted by Avitar Associates of New England, Inc.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROJECT:  Mrs. Teague moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Letter of Commitment for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Project.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

HEALTH INSURANCE MEETING:  Mrs. Clough talked to the Local Government Center about scheduling a date and time to come to Walpole to talk to the employees about the Health Insurance.  There was a consensus of Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Teague to try to schedule the meeting for January 19th, 2012. 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:48 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 10:02 PM.

Adjournment:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.  The time was 10:03 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the January 5, 2012, Selectboard meeting.)

 

 

 

 

Ed. Note: Because the Champlain Oil public hearing was last month, the public is not allowed to speak at THIS month's board consideration of their site plan application. Krystyna Marcom has been circulating a petition (and has around 200 signatures) to ask the board to reconsider its decision last month to get an outside opinion on the advisability of allowing Champlain to build a gas station atop one of the town's water source aquifers. Not clear what will happen with this issue tonight. Note that the meeting is on the second floor of Town Hall because of vote counting on the first floor. CCB

                                 PLANNING BOARD MEETING

Walpole, NH 03608

 AGENDA

MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall SECOND FLOOR Meeting Room.

Open Meeting:

A.      Roll Call – Designate Alternates;

B.     Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on December 13, 2011.

Public Hearings (Continued):

A.      Champlain Oil Company, Inc. (Continued) – Site Plan Review and Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to Construct a 5,200 Square Foot Building, 36-Car Parking Lot, A Pump Island and a Canopy, and a Diesel Island with a Canopy, Route 12, Tax Map # 012, Lot # 019, Located Within the Commercial and Rural Agriculture Zoning Districts.  A Waiver for the Project is Being Requested.  The Planning Board is Proposing a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a Special Exception.

New Business:

Old Business:

Planning Discussion:   

A.     Workshop Meeting on January 24, 2012, at 7:00 PM (Held in Downstairs Office).

Communications and Miscellaneous:   

A.  Handouts, Announcements and Other.

Adjourn Meeting:

cc:  PB, ZBA, WCC, Town Offices, BOS

Posted:  Town Hall Lobby and Outside Bulletin Board, Burdick’s, Walpolean

 

Ed. Note: This announcement comes from Bethany Coursen, Director/ Lead Teacher at Walpole Village School CCB

Spaghetti Supper at Walpole Town Hall on Saturday, January 14th from 5:30 – 8:30.

All proceeds go to the Walpole Village School. A preschool and PreK program that has been teaching children in southern VT and NH for the past 35 years.

There will be homemade spaghetti sauce, meat for meat sauce donated by Bazin Farms in Westminster, VT, garlic bread and yummy homemade desserts.

Come out and enjoy an evening with family and friends while helping support our school and our amazing students. Bethany

Ed. Note: The following announcement comes from Paula Burdick, one of the organizers of Saturday's Zumba night. CCB


We have a FANTASTIC Zumba fundraiser this Saturday, January 7, at the Walpole Town Hall.  It is to raise money for the cocoa farmers of Grenada (where Burdick's gets their yummy chocolate) and IT begins at 7pm.  Suggested donation of $20, $10 for students and $5 for under 12.

We will have 4 instructors:  Ajlan LaRock (Alstead), Nelly Ferland (Springfield, VT), Evelyn Thibodeau (Enfield, NH), and Leona Thomas (Walpole, NH).  We will be dancing all night!  There will be a raffle, delicious shakes, and lots of fun people to shake it with :)!  It is a BYOB and there will be french crepes as well.

So mark your calendars and plan to come!  I promise it will be a ton of fun! Paula Burdick

Ed. Note: A message from Julie Rios. CCB

¿Hablas Español?  ¿Estás aprendiendo a  hablar Español?

 Do you speak Spanish? Are you learning to speak Spanish?

Come join a new Spanish conversation group in Walpole.  It'll be meeting the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 pm at the Walpole Town library starting Tuesday, January 3.

If you're a beginner don't worry. I'm a beginner and make lots of mistakes (or learning opportunities!).  If you're more advanced please come and share your expertise. All ages are welcome. I  hope that this group will be a friendly place to practice and have fun learning a language. 

If you have any questions please call Julie Rios at 756-4173 or email me at jriosfamily@gmail.com

 ¡Espero a te verte allí! We hope to see you there!

Ed. Note: Here's an important notice from Charlie Montgomery! CCB

Horse Thieves Annual Meeting

The “Horse Thieves” annual meeting is Saturday, January 21 at 7 pm in the Town Hall.  The meetings are renowned for dispensing with a whole year's worth of business in as little as 12 minutes and for the friendly camaraderie that fills all the time that other organizations would spend doing something productive.  This year's meeting will not set a brevity record because in addition to reading last year's minutes, financial reports and the election of officers the group will have a brief discussion of the biennial Horse Thieves Banquet which will take place in September 2012. 

The Horse Thieves Banquet is one of the milestones in the town's life, primarily because it happens only once every two years.  The banquets often fill the town hall to capacity by featuring interesting speakers, good food and fellowship with friends and neighbors who are sometimes as interesting as the speakers. 

Horse Thieves President Lewis LaClair reports that even with the extended agenda the meeting may be finished in half an hour so members should be on time.  In fact, LaClair reports that some years the group spends more time waiting for a quorum of 12 than it does conducting business.  It may seem shocking that a local group of about 270 members should have difficulty finding twelve members to meet for business on a snowy (yes, it almost always snows on the night of the annual meeting) January evening, but it is in keeping with the society's tradition.  As Guy Bemis said many years ago, the group doesn't really do anything except have fun.  However, at the annual business meeting on January 21 the group will continue two long traditions:  it will continue the tradition of “meeting” and the long-standing practice of having nothing to do with catching horse thieves.

The group actually has several amazing credits to its name:  First, the name itself is the longest for an organization in the town . . . possibly in the state (the full name is the “Walpole Society for Bringing to Justice Horse Thieves and Pilferers of Hen Roosts and Clothes Lines,” or WSFBTJHTAPOHRACL for those who like acronyms).  Secondly, the group is possibly the oldest such organizations which has been in continuous existence in the country.  The group was founded in 1816 and has met regularly since then.  It is celebrating its 196th anniversary at January's annual meeting.  There are one or two other groups in the country who claim to be the same age or slightly older than the Walpole, NH Horse Thieves, but some of them had periods of dormancy and there are some experts in the country who think our group is the oldest in continuous existence.  (You should always question a statement like that!  Who could possibly be an expert on Horse Thieves Societies??)

The Horse Thieves were founded at a time when Walpole was something of a frontier town without reliable law enforcement.  Undoubtedly there was a serious need that led to the society's formation and we are sure it met that need unflinchingly.  The group was originally called the “Walpole Detecting Society” --a more serious sounding name and infinitely shorter, but they fixed that in 1821 when the name was changed to the “Walpole Society for Detecting and Punishing Horse Thieves and Pilferers and Plunderers of Gardens and Orchards,” a name that is 11% longer than the organization's current name.

However, the group has successfully avoided chasing down horse thieves for roughly half its life and has smoothly transitioned to a new business model which is wonderfully articulated by members of another Horse Thieves Society in Pennsylvania which we hereby endorse and shamelessly borrow: 

•To honor man's greatest servant – the horse.

•To preserve an ancient American organization handed down to us, that we may, in turn, pass it on to future generations.

•To enable its members to be part of an unusual group, without being responsible for anything other than showing up “once in a while” for a congenial evening with old friends.

And of course, as is appropriate for an organization that is closing in on 200 years in the saddle, we have many long-time members whom the society proudly honors as “Riders” --those who would be the first to leap into the saddle if needed to chase down a horse thief.  All of our present “Riders” have been members of the society over 50 years and the average age and length of membership for these leaders continues to grow. 

Membership in the Walpole Horse Thieves society is open to any man 18 years or older who lives in Walpole, who pays a $2 lifetime fee and signs the membership book.  If you are interested in joining please contact Bob Dudley, Clerk or Lewis LaClair, President, or show up at the annual business meeting on January 21 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. 

 

 

Recycling Center Closed Christmas

and New Years Eve Days

Ed. Note: Paul Colburn writes to remind us that the recycling center will be closed Christmas eve and New Years eve in observance of the holidays. CCB

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Paul Colburn, Recycling center manager

Recycling Center Closed Christmas

and New Years Eve Days

Ed. Note: Paul Colburn writes to remind us that the recycling center will be closed Christmas eve and New Years eve in observance of the holidays. CCB

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Paul Colburn, Recycling center manager

Recycling Center Closed Christmas

and New Years Eve Days

Ed. Note: Paul Colburn writes to remind us that the recycling center will be closed Christmas eve and New Years eve in observance of the holidays. CCB

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Paul Colburn, Recycling center manager

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 15, 2011

Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MR. RED SMITH:  Mr. Smith advised that back in 2010 he talked to the Selectboard about trying to resolve the water bill that was outstanding when they purchased the former Griswold House from Mr. Westberg.  This delinquent amount is still showing on their bill and the interest keeps growing.  Mrs. Teague asked Mrs. Clough to call the Local Government Center to explain the history on this bill and ask them who bares the liability, can the Town forgive the outstanding balance and how should the new owner proceed.  Mr. Smith will contact their attorney to see how the two attorneys settled the water and sewer bill at the time of the closing.  He will check back with the Selectboard in two weeks.  

NON-PUBLIC SESSION – RSA 91-A:3 II:

Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:44 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.  No announcements were made. 

POLICE DEPARTMENT – Police Chief Michael Paquette:  Chief Paquette advised that the bullet proof vests came in.  Some other police gear was purchased at Sam’s Store.  The wiring for the computers is all done.  Some work was done on the template and they are trying that out.  They will now be able to do IDs for the Town.  Chief Paquette would like to pay one-half out of this budget and one-half out of next year’s budget.   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $1,479,060.67.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

It was noted that the above amount includes a payment of $1,349,066.00 to the Cheshire County Commissioners and $68,893.00 to the Walpole Fire District.

Mrs. Teague moved to withhold the payment to Municipal Resources, Inc. until the Selectboard gets all of the other reports from them.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 10, 2011, for checks dated December 16, 2011, for gross wages in the amount of $19,031.94.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,131.15.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

Selectboard Meeting –December 15, 2011- Page 2

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 8, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 8, 2011, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – December 8, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Session of December 8, 2011, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

·         Conservation Commission – December 5, 2011;

·         Planning Board – November 8, 2011;

·         Planning Board Workshop – November 22, 2011;

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – December 6, 2011; and

·         North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – December 13, 2011.

BUILDING PERMIT:

SAWYER, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot # 005-004-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to grant Building Permit No. 2011-52 for Sheldon S. Sawyer to construct a 96’ x 17’ and a 60’ x 55’ Dairy Barn Addition on Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Sawyer abstained from the vote.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

GRIGG, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot # 008-004-000: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $154.27 for Mike and Marissa Grigg on Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Teague moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds for over-payment credits:

·         Philip D. Carroll and Linda S. Carroll, Taggard Road, Map & Lot #005-039-000 - $1,881.70;

·         Philip D. Carroll and Linda S. Carroll, Taggard Road, Map & Lot #019-002-000 - $449.40;

·         Robert D. Westover and Heidi J. Westerling, Valley Road, Map & Lot #011-034-001 - $82.00;

·         Scott Rutenkroger and Heather Rutenkroger, Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-033-001-

$132.00;

·          Dale C. Foster, Good Circle, Map & Lot #021-021-000 - $49.00;

·         Kelly A. Lynch, Main Street, Map & Lot #023-002-000 - $681.00;

·         Daniel Regan and Carolyn E. Vose-Regan, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-011-005-

$469.50;

·         Randall A. Roberts and Staci A. Roberts, Carpenter Hill, Map & Lot #003-067-003 - $141.00;

·         Nathalie Houder, Prospect Hill, Map & Lot #008-067-000 - $92.00;

·         Mark L. Schoen and Peter Eldridge Cummings, Maple Grove Road, Map & Lot #008-080-000 –

$68.00’

·         William H. Daher 1993 Trust, Pete Stand Lane, Map & Lot #012-012-005 - $98.00.

Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

PROPERTY TAX CREDIT/EXEMPTION:

Selectboard Meeting –December 15, 2011- Page 3

VETERAN’S TAX CREDIT – Schwenk, 57 South Street, Map & Lot #018-008-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Veteran’s Property Tax Credit for Daniel Schwenk.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS:

PERSONNEL:  Mrs. Clough noted that Jamie Hallock will be leaving the part-time office position in two weeks as she found a full-time position.  Mrs. Clough was asked to pull the applications on file for a part-time position.  Both Mrs. Clough and Ms. Taylor will look them over and make a recommendation to the Selectboard.

NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING:  The next Selectboard meeting will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011, however the time will be changed from 7:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

NEXT BUDGET MEETING:  The Selectboard scheduled their next meeting to work on the budget for Thursday, December 22, 2011, at 1:00 PM. 

OLD BUSINESS:

MEDICAL COVERAGE:  The Local Government Center would like to be sure that the Town will renew the medical coverage with them therefore they submitted a form and requested that it be signed by the Selectboard Chairperson.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign this document.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.  

CHESHIRE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BUDGET HEARING:  As a reminder the Cheshire County Commissioners will be holding their budget meeting on December 19, 2011.

CHUCK BINGAMAN:  A few weeks ago Mr. Bingaman had been invited to attend a Selectboard meeting but he did not attend. Mr. Sawyer would like to know why they had no response from Mr. Bingaman to their request.  Mrs. Clough had been communicating with Mr. Bingaman via emails.  The Selectboard feel they supported the Walpole Leadership Academy by allowing them to use the building but now they would like to talk to him about their rules and regulations.  They are disappointed that they still have not heard from him.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the December 29, 2011, Selectboard meeting.)

 

Ed. Note: Thanks to committee secretary Vicki Gohl, here are the minutes of the second meeting of the Hooper Study Committee appointed by the Selectmen to make recommendations for the Hooper Golf Course. The November 28 initial meeting was largely organizational. The Walpolean will be posting all future meeting minutes. CCB

HOOPER STUDY COMMITTEE

Minutes, December 5, 2011

Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Steve Dalessio, Vice Chair; Joe Dion, Charles Lennon; Holly Gowdy, Peter Kenny, Jeff Miller, Jerry Galloway, Sheldon Sawyer.

Whit Aldrich as Chair, Board of Selectmen; Robert Kimball, Trustee of Trust Funds.

Recording Secretary: Vicki Gohl

The Chair, Peggy Pschirrer called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.  The agenda, the minutes of Nov. 28, 2011, the missing page 6 and a calendar of future meeting dates were all distributed.

The minutes were approved as distributed.  In the future minutes will be posted within five days of each meeting and it will be noted they are unapproved.  Vicki Gohl as recording secretary will sign the minutes and provide Janet Clough a copy for town records and posting.

Announcements:

Peggy Pschirrer reported two items had come to her attention, which she felt the group needed to know.  She asked Jeff Miller to explain a recent Hooper meeting with the Selectboard.

Jeff Miller, as an officer of the Hooper Golf Club, met with the Selectboard to request an extension of the Hooper Golf Club least for the following reasons:  the Hooper Committee will potentially not be making a recommendation before the fall of 2012 and currently the club lease expires in 2012.   Mr. Miller reported that 2011 had not been a good year for the club.  Membership is down; a percentage of which may be attributable to the club’s uncertain future.  The club has had no success in attracting a restaurant because of the uncertainties.  The two new, young employees – a Golf Pro and a Superintendent are also concerned about their future.  Consequently, the Club officers approached the Selectboard to ask for an extension of the lease.   Mr. Miller expressed confidence in the work of the Hooper Committee and assured the committee he has an open mind.   The Selectboard is considering the request and will give the club an answer a.s.a.p.

Ms. Pschirrer thanked Mr. Miller for bringing the committee up to date.

The second item, which has come to the Chair’s attention, is Face Book Petition requesting signatures to remove Holly Gowdy from the Hooper Study Committee.  Holly Gowdy e-mailed Peggy as soon as she became aware of the petition.  Ms. Gowdy reported to the committee that a friend of hers has spoken to the individual who posted the petition to explain that Ms. Gowdy works for the proposed Great River Coop to recruit local farmers to participate in the coop.  She does not work for Avanru Development Group.

Jeff Miller asked the Selectboard to reject the petition if it is presented to them.  Peggy Pschirrer commented that Ms. Gowdy was appointed because of her agricultural expertise and that there is no conflict of interest between her appointment to the Hooper Study Committee and working for the Great River Coop.

Mr. Dion asked for the name of the petitioner.  Both Holly Gowdy and Peggy Pschirrer refused to identify the individual leading the petition drive.  If he presents the petition to the Selectboard he will be identified as a matter of public record.

Charles Lennon has agreed to investigate other country clubs in New Hampshire.  He will use the list as it appears in our notebooks and will be considering the following: club structure /incorporation, ownership of the land, whether the club pays property taxes, dues structure etc.

Hooper Committee Time Table

It appears to the Chair that we can finish our work before September.  Based on the topics we have as a committee want to cover we should be ready to begin deliberations by April.   Steve Dalessio commented that we have not set aside a specific time to consider maintenance.  Ms. Pschirrer believes that maintenance will be a recurring them in most of our topics but if we need to devote a full meeting to the topic, we will.

Ownership of the Hooper Buildings and Land

Jeff Miller stated he understood the ownership of the Hooper buildings is the Town of Walpole, not the Trust.  Mr. Sawyer concurred with the comment.  Mr., Miller then asked if the Club lease should be with the town and not the Hooper Trust.   Wouldn’t this free us from the Court Restrictions?   The Town could decide disbursements of funds.  Couldn’t this clarification change the problem? 

Ms. Pschirrer stated this is a very important point that we can’t answer tonight but it must be answered in future discussion.  She had asked similar questions in an earlier meeting with the Trustees of Trusts.

Mr. Kimball, a Trustee of Trusts, stated that income from rentals must go to the Hooper Institute regardless of who owns the buildings.

Mr. Miller asked if the Consent Decree of 1995 assumed ownership was in the Trust rather than the Town.  Mr. Sawyer responded that he assumed from the decree believed ownership to be in the Trust; the decree might have been worded differently if ownership belonged to the town.  Mr. Sawyer said it was clear the Judge did not want a penny to go to maintenance.

Ms. Pschirrer suggested we send a list of questions to Attorney Hockensmith so that he is prepared for our discussion with him in January.

Presentation by the Trustees of Trust Funds:  Robert Kimball, Joe Dion and Jerry Galloway

Mr. Kimball distributed financials for all trust funds held by the Trustees for five years, 2007-2011. 

The total Trust Income for the Town through October 2011 for Hooper is $79, 401.31.  The income for Hooper Trust I – education is $42,268.76; income for Hooper II – scholarship is $13, 896.56 and income Hooper II – maintenance is $13,107.71. 

Mr. Kimball stated that the assets are split 50-50 but one of them may have had a different return. 

Mr. Dalessio asked why Hooper isn’t treated as one entity.  Mr. Galloway answered that since 2007 all trusts are co-mingled because it is easier to maintain the paper work, and it is cheaper to manage.  The law changed in 2007 which made it possible to co-mingle funds.  Details about each fund come from the Bank of America statements.

Trustees no longer write checks; the Bank of America writes all the checks from trusts.

Mr. Kimball pointed out that the line below income shows all deposits and where they come from.  Income for Hooper comes from the rental of the Golf Club as well as the cottage; these rents go into Hooper I. This income goes to the Hooper Institute.  Maintenance comes from maintenance fund and scholarship money from the scholarship fund.

Mr. Miller asked what funds were spent on maintenance this year.  Mr. Kimball answered that two payments were made: $3270.00 to Peter Kenney for roof repairs on the cottage and  $550.00 to Mark Fetzer for step repair on the Mansion.

Mr. Dalessio asked why these checks wee issued from Hooper II?  Mr. Kimball responded that the court decree must come from Hooper II, as did Terry Knowles from the AG’s office. 

Mr. Sawyer stated they have used this system since 1995 to keep the courts happy; they did not wish to be slammed further by the courts since they were oppose to the golf club anyway. 

Mr. Kimball indicated it had been hard to break out 2007 since at that point the Trustees were using a hand written checkbook and the details were not broken out.  In 2008 it was easier to sort expenses and income.  A one-time adjustment of $25,000 had to be made in 2008.

The stock markets in general fell so this explains the 12,000 losses in 2009.  Mr. Dion reported that many of the investments are now in straight CD’s rather than gamble with the principal.  The bank is on top of this and we rarely have ten grand or less to invest.

Ms. Pschirrer asked if there were investment policies for the Trust as well as spending policies.  Mr. Dion said no, there are no spending policies.  She described some spending policies with which she is familiar that enable a trust to grow while generating necessary operating funds.  She will distribute a sample of such a policy at the next committee meeting. 

Mr. Galloway supplied an investment policy document, which shall also be distributed next month.

Returning the financial documents, Mr. Kimball noted an error in 2010 for $3000 listed under Mason but should be listed as appraisal. 

Mr. Dalessio questioned the breaks in rental income for the cottage.  They can be attributed to late payment of rent and timing of deposits.

All funds are held by the Bank of America, which sends monthly reports to the Trustees and meets with the Trustees on a quarterly basis. 

The maintenance costs are found in the committee’s binder.  Ms. Gohl asked why 2009 was so high.  Club managers changed; the Mansion needed to be brought up to code and lightening hit the wellhead.

Mr. Kimball indicated that some years all the funds accumulated for scholarships are not spend; the excess stays in the fund, it does not return to principal.

There is no list of deferred maintenance because we do not have a property manager.  Mr. Galloway stated they used to have a list but as money dried up so did keeping the list.  Mr. Kimball said the only recent maintenance was replacement of the Pro-Shop roof, which cost just over $14,000.

Mr. Galloway said he thought his whole discussion about maintenance was evidence of why we are ill equipped as volunteers to manage this property since we do not have a town manager to supervise work, collect bids etc.  We worry about who will oversee work at the Mansion.  He also expressed concern about the antiques housed in the Mansion.

In response to a questions of how the Club keeps track of what needs to be done, Mr. Miller said the Club works with the Selectmen and their list – how much money is available and what is most important.  He credited the Claces who were at the club for years with taking are of everything.  He noted that the bedrooms suitable for use as a B& B have been improved but the Mansion is not winterized do there are limitations.  He also discussed briefly the problems with the Claces’ successors.

Committee Members were asked to develop further questions and send them to the Chair so the Trustees can prepare for our meeting December 19, which will continue the discussion about finances.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm

These Minutes were approved at 12/19/2011 meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Victoria Gohl

Recording Secretary

Ed. Note: Here's a note from Ray Boas, President of The Walpole Players. CCB

 Our fourth straight night of our 4th Annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is now "history" and I am in total shock !!!!!!!!!! In a year that I thought we would not do as well, our donations to area food shelves topped our best year, last year, by 43 %. Tonight our audience donated $1455.75 - most ever -- cast $615 -- most ever -- DVD sales $120 -- shaving of Mr. Dickens' beard raffle $31 -- $2221.75 tonight. This year the total donations were $4515.75 YES FOUR THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED, FIFTEEN DOLLARS and SEVENTY FIVE CENTS. Topping last year by $1366. You can quote me, "I am elated, overwhelmed, and so appreciative. God knows what our community has done." Everyone should be very proud, and we need to get this word out - please share. Thank you. as always, RAY

Ed. Note: Quick note from Jana Sellarole, our usual coordinator of the the town live nativity on Christmas Eve. CCB

Holiday greetings to you all,

The tradition of Walpole's Live Nativity will continue on again this year.  As usual, the Live Nativity will take place on the Walpole Common on Christmas Eve at approximately 8:15 pm.  Local town's people and animals will play the parts of the Christmas story, accompanied by readers and musicians.  Please include this information in your church bulletins, community publications and personal calendars.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
If you have any questions, please call me at 756-4380. Jana

Opinion: What a Town!

Is this not the best town ever? There are examples every day, but here are just three things I've witnessed our citizens doing in the past 24 hours...

*  How about Ray Boas and The Walpole Players' production of "A Christmas Carol"? This colorful version of Dickens' work is the perfect reminder of what Christmas is all about and is put on one final time tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall. If you are not among the already more than 200 that have picked up the free tickets for tonight, give it a try! (Although you may only get standing room!) The 40-person cast is great, the editing and sets are really good, and the costumes--thank you Barbara Kasper and the Costume Ladies!--are terrific!

*  This morning's Walpole Holiday Farmers Market had the best that Walpole offers in many fields! From wine to woolens, foccacia to fresh vegetables, it was tasty, tantalizing and tremendous fun! And the opportunity to see many friends and neighbors was unbeatable. Thanks to Jill Robinson and her many assistants for their many hours of work in getting it together and carrying it off in fine fashion!

* Congratulations and good luck to Krystyna Marcom. She's initiated a petition to persuade the Walpole Planning Board to reconsider engaging an independent consulting firm to review the plans for building the Champlain Oil gas station over a town aquifer off Rt. 12 near the Cold River. The Board voted not to do so last Tuesday. Surely the Board owes its citizens a thorough review by a qualified, disinterested expert before permitting permanent installations of tanks of fuel and connecting pipes, pumps and hoses over part of our water supply.  

Chuck Bingaman

Ed. Note: Here is the story written after last night's Planning Board meeting that appears in this morning's Eagle Times. Following the story are some notes from the meeting that could not fit in the story. CCB

Ed. Note: This background note was submitted by Rev. Telos Whitfield of the Walpole UU Church. The proposed new warming shelter in Bellows Falls is seeking support and volunteers.  CCB

Ed. Note: This news release comes from Jill Robinson. CCB

Walpole Farmers Market Celebrates the Holidays

Need to find last minute gifts, decorations or local ingredients for your family’s holiday meal? Find it all at the Walpole Farmers Market special Holiday Market on Saturday, December 17 th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Town Hall. Stock up on all you need directly from the producer!

Great food and delectable fare will be available from the following vendors: Abenaki Springs Farm with their late season certified organic vegetables, and Brookfield Farm has grass fed beef and gift certificates. Great Brook Farm will be featuring gift baskets, milk, beef and maple syrup; Walpole Mountain View Winery will offer Walpole-grown raisins as well as wine; and Twin Spruce Farm will have maple syrup, cream, bread and candy. Try something new with whole frozen duck from Not Your Ordinary Farm, as well as a variety of lamb and pork sausages. If you are looking for baked goodies, you’ll find them from both The Farmers Table and O So Fine Gluten Free. Orchard Hill Breadworks and The Bred Shed will have freshly baked loaves, rolls, focaccia and other goodies. Harlow’s Farm will have certified organic produce and treats prepared from their own ingredients. With such a wide variety of local food products available, it’s easy to “eat local,” whether you cook it yourself or let someone else do the work.

Beautiful hand made decorations, gifts and ornaments will also be available from local artisans and crafters. Countryside Gardens and Barndoor Wreaths will have fresh holiday centerpieces, wreaths, and balsam bags.

Sanctuary’s Alpaca, Old Kemp and Sweet Maple Farms all offer products crafted from their own animals’ fleece. Wake Robin Folk Ornaments uses local plant fibers to create ornaments and small gift boxes with jams. Susan Leader Pottery and Cold River Pottery offer distinctly different styles. White Cloud Wood offers serving platters from locally sourced walnut and maple; Carolyn’s Basketry has tree ornaments and baskets crafted from water colored paper and plant fiber;  and Pleasant Street Soaps will have handmade soaps. You can get socks, hats, and mittens already knitted up from Purple Hummingbird Woolens, or a kit to knit your own hat or scarf from the fleece of Not Your Ordinary’s merino flock. Several vendors will have handmade holiday and other greeting cards.

Come do your holiday shopping where you can visit with neighbors, friends and family and enjoy carols around the piano. Stay for lunch and enjoy a warm, comforting old fashioned beef stew or goat shoulder from Brookfield Farm.

The Walpole Farmers Market is pleased to be able to bring you a winter farmers market all season at the Walpole Town Hall. Shop locally January through April on the third Saturday from 10 am to  2 pm.

For more information, visit the website at walpolefarmersmarket.com, email jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com or call 603-756-3168.

The Walpole Historical Society will sponsor another free Genealogy Workshop on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 10-12 noon.  Leaders Jeanne and Peter Jeffries have pursued genealogy for over 30 years and welcome beginners as well as experienced persons.  Hints regarding research sources will be shared.  Call for reservation at 603 756 2933.  More information can be found on the Walpole Historical Society website: walpolehistory.org.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

                                                AGENDA

 MEETING DATE AND LOCATION: 

            Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall Meeting Room.

Open Meeting:

A.      Roll Call – Designate Alternates;

B.     Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on November 8, 2011, and

Workshop Session on November 22, 2011.

 Public Hearings:

A.      David and Wendy Snow & Wendy Farnham – Lot Line Adjustment on the southerly side of March Hill Road, Tax Map # 009, Lots # 040 and # 041.  No new lots are proposed.

 B.      Jessie Moore – Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a Special Exception for an ambulance service to be located in the former King’s Auto Body Shop, Tax Map # 015, Lot # 014-000.

 C.      Champlain Oil Company, Inc. – Site Plan Review and Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to Construct a 5,200 Square Foot Building, 36-Car Parking Lot, A Pump Island and a Canopy, and a Diesel Island with a Canopy, Route 12, Tax Map # 012, Lot # 019, Located Within the Commercial and Rural Agriculture Zoning Districts.  A Waiver for the Project is Being Requested.  The Planning Board is Proposing a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a Special Exception.

 D.      Amendments to the Town of Walpole Zoning Ordinance:

1.        Amendment 1 – Add to Section XVII – Definitions.  Building Height means the vertical distance from the mean finished grade of the ground adjoining the building to the highest point on the roof for flat or shed roofs, to the deck line for mansard roof, and to the mean height between eaves and ridges for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.  Not included are spires, cupolas, TV antennae, or other part of structures which do not include potentially habitable floor space.

2.       Amendment 2 – Add to Section VI – Commercial District.  No building intended for commercial use shall contain more than 3 stories or have a building height greater than 35 feet.

3.       Amendment 3 – Add to Section VII – Industrial District.  No building intended for industrial use shall contain more than 3 stories or have a building height greater than 35 feet.

  New Business:

Old Business:

Planning Discussion:

A.      Workshop Meeting on December 27, 2011, at 7:00 PM (Held in Downstairs Office)

Communications and Miscellaneous:

A.      Handouts, Announcements and Other;

 Adjourn Meeting

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 23, 2011

 Selectboard Present:     Whitney Aldrich (Chair); Jamie Teague, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 11:10 AM in the Walpole Town Hall with no one present in the audience.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $433,544.92.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

The above amount includes a monthly payment of $421,551.02 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending November 19, 2011, for checks dated November 23, 2011, for gross wages in the amount of $17,233.45.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,804.78.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote. 

SELECTBOARD MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 17, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 17, 2011, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague with the above correction:  on Page 2 – Mr. Colburn called Mrs. Teague rather than Mrs. Clough to request a day off.  Motion and correction passed by a unanimous vote.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 17, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 17, 2011, as printed.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 17, 2011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 17, 2011, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meeting:

·         Hooper Institute – November 15, 2011.

NEW BUSINESS:

CEMETERY DEED:  Mr. Sawyer moved to accept the Cemetery Deed for William and Catherine Fletcher for Lot # D-398.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

SNOW PLOWING POLICY:  There was a consensus to have Mrs. Teague draft a revision to the Snow Plowing Policy for the employees that provides no new benefits but will provide clarification in writing.

Selectboard Meeting –November 23, 2011- Page 2

Adjournment:

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed by a unanimous vote.  The time was 11:47 AM.

 

Making the most of e-reader technologies

A digital device workshop at the Walpole Library

Got a Kindle that won’t kindle?  A Nook that won’t download books?

On Tuesday, December 13th, the Walpole Library will host a two-hour workshop on digital devices, to help patrons use their Kindles, iPads, iPods, Nooks and other e-readers to access the New Hampshire Library’s Overdrive digital library.  Working hands-on with the devices people bring to the session, assistant librarian Julie Rios will answer questions, demonstrate procedures and solve technical problems. 

What: Digital Device Workshop

When: Tuesday, December 13, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: The Bridge Memorial Library on Main Street in Walpole

Why: So you can download free e-books from the NH Library’s Overdrive system onto your personal electronic devices

To participate:  Register with the Walpole Library by calling 756 9086, emailing us at walpolelibrary@comcast.net or dropping by. 

 IMPORTANT!

Be sure to pre-register and tell us what kind of device you’ll be bringing, so that we can tailor our presentation to your specific needs.