Planning Board Meeting Agenda – 2/11/26

PLANNING BOARD 02/07/2026 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Agenda

Tuesday, February 11, 2026

Town Hall

7 pm

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Call to order: 

Minutes: Review minutes of the January 2026 meeting.

Old Business:

Public Hearing: 

Subdivision, Sabin Rock Farm LLC, 79 Reservoir Road, owner Margie Palmer, Tax Map 10, Lot 26. One lot into three lots: Lot 1 9.58 acres, 559.67 feet road frontage, Lot 2 6.42 acres, 200.92 feet road frontage, Lot 3 17.99 acres, 771.21 feet, rural/ag zoning district. 

New Business:

McGuirk subdivision, Valley Road, Tax Map 13. 

Lawrence & Lober – Site plan – Preliminary meeting.

Walpole School Newsletter – February 2026

Uncategorized 02/07/2026 Leave a comment

Visit this link to view the whole newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/q0gvd

A Message From The Principal

Across all three schools, our hallways continue to be filled with student work that reflects creativity, effort, and a strong understanding of the content being taught. Classrooms are lively spaces where laughter, thoughtful discussion, and curiosity are present each day.

Students often stop by my office to proudly share their completed work, giving us the opportunity to talk about their learning and celebrate accomplishments together. It is clear that our students are continuing to build confidence and find success through both academic and co-curricular opportunities.

I would also like to address the ongoing conversations surrounding the possible Walpole withdrawal. Many families and community members have questions about what this could look like should Walpole decide to withdraw. While some questions have been answered, we have been informed that others cannot be addressed at this time. This is an important decision that will impact everyone in the town of Walpole.

The deliberative session took place on Monday evening. I strongly encourage you to attend our upcoming Site-Based Meeting (date to be determined), where we will continue conversations related to the Walpole withdrawal and discuss next steps following the deliberative session. These meetings are designed to be open and welcoming, and we hope families feel comfortable participating. Open dialogue helps build understanding of what is happening both across the district and within the Walpole schools.

In addition, the Town of Walpole will be holding three informational meetings at the Town Hall on:

  • Wednesday, February 11th at 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30 PM
  • Saturday, February 28th at 1:00 PM

Attending these meetings may help provide additional clarity and support informed decision-making as you prepare to vote on March 10th.

Please feel free to email me with any questions. If I do not have an answer immediately, I will do my best to find one for you.

Walpole Schools are a special place. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, we will continue to put our students first and remain committed to providing a high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for all.

Visit this link to view the whole newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/q0gvd

New Scholarships at The Grammar School

COMMUNITY NEWS 02/07/2026 Leave a comment

The Grammar School (TGS) has secured multiple scholarship gifts, totaling over $185,000 from current families, alumni parents, former faculty, Board members, and other friends of the school, ensuring continued access to area families seeking an exceptional education experience for their children. 

“During my 10 years at The Grammar School, I have been continually inspired by the generosity of our community,” said Nick Perry, TGS’s Head of School. “This year, that generosity has been especially powerful as families and supporters have stepped forward in response to the loss of town vouchers due to Act 73. From current families and alumni to trustees and former faculty, there is a deep, shared belief in the value of a TGS education—and a collective commitment to making it accessible to as many children as possible.”

At the end of December, a $25,000 gift founded the school’s new Catalyst Fund, which was created in direct response to the passage of Act 73, new legislation restricting access to funding for area students to attend independent schools like TGS. The gift came from the Kane Barrengos Foundation, via John Barrengos, a TGS Board member and parent of a TGS alumna. Families of highly engaged middle school students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year. 

The Catalyst Fund’s founding gift has been joined over the course of the year by a $65,000 gift and a number of multi-year pledges to the school’s longest-running scholarship, The Marcia Leader Scholarship Fund. Named in honor of longtime TGS employee and alumni parent, this fund provides financial aid for everything from tuition to learning support, programming fees, and more, for preschool through eighth grade students.

These recent gifts join a long history of community support at The Grammar School, including the founding of the Otis Fund in 2022. Established by an alumni family whose son experienced a deep sense of belonging at TGS, the Otis Fund provides scholarship support for BIPOC students and reflects TGS’s enduring commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school community.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the TGS community,” said Melanie Brubaker, Director of Admissions. “These scholarship dollars will be put to immediate and meaningful use, opening doors for more area students to access the kind of transformative, whole-child education that families have loved at The Grammar School for 65 years. This support ensures that curiosity, confidence, and a deep sense of connection remain within reach for TGS students, now and in the years ahead.”

Families interested in learning more about The Grammar School are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at (802) 387-5364 or admissions@thegrammarschool.org or visit www.thegrammarschool.org.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 2/5/26

SELECTBOARD 02/05/2026 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

February 5, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $377,247.432 for checks issued 2/10/2026

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $38,767.36 dated 2/06/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,741.31

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – January 29, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – January 29, 2026
  • Selectboard Meeting – February 3, 2026

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Trustees of the Trust Funds Meeting – October 8, 2025

REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 028-159-000
  • Map and Lot# 005-021-000
  • Map and Lot# 017-005-002
  • Map and Lot# 017-017-000
  • Map and Lot# 001-015-009
  • Map and Lot# 028-059-000
  • Map and Lot# 026-031-000
  • Map and Lot# 012-048-000
  • Map and Lot# 028-062-000
  • Map and Lot# 028-100-000
  • Map and Lot# 026-006-000
  • Map and Lot# 008-050-000
  • Map and Lot# 020-025-000
  • Map and Lot# 016-009-000
  • Map and Lot# 024-019-000
  • Map and Lot# 004-005-002
  • Map and Lot# 020-004-000
  • Map and Lot# 003-016-000
  • Map and Lot# 019-001-000
  • Map and Lot# 028-118-000
  • Map and Lot# 012-055-017

VETERANS TAX CREDIT

  • Map and Lot# 003-004-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant, 250th Anniversary of American Independence

  • 2026 Warrant Articles
  • Parking Ordinance
  • Walpole School Withdrawal
  • 250th Anniversary of American Independence

NEW BUSINESS

  • Stackable Lift Charger and Battery 
  • Stackable Lift Rental Agreement
  • Recreation Revolving Fund Request
  • Bond Bank Legal Services Engagement Letter
  • Liquor License Request

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c)

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – January 22, 2026

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Online Banking for Hooper Board and Executive Director

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Coyotes and Bobcats Program for Kids at the Library – 2/12/26

EVENTS 02/04/2026 Leave a comment
An exciting program for kids presented by the Walpole Town Library and the Hooper Institute. Coyotes and Bobcats: Our Wild Neighbors. February 12, 2026 at 3:30 pm at the Walpole Town Library. Join us for a story and hands-on craft to learn about coyotes and bobcats in NH. *Open to kids 8-13 or under 8 with a guardian.

Burned by Billionaires Book Talk at the Library – 3/5/26

EVENTS 02/03/2026 Leave a comment

Book Talk with Author at Walpole Library:

Burned by Billionaires by Chuck Collins

Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 pm

At Walpole’s Bridge Memorial Library

Don’t miss this engaging talk followed by a Q&A.

Books signed by the author will be available for sale.

Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet by Chuck Collins is a book that argues extreme wealth concentration among the ultra-rich negatively impacts society, politics, and the planet, leading to issues like political hijacking, housing crises, and environmental damage. Collins, a scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, details how the actions of the top 0.01% rig the system in their favor, undermining democracy and creating a “myth of meritocracy”. The book serves as both a critique and a call to action, offering solutions for a more equitable society with universal abundance. 

Seating is limited. RSVP is required by emailing rsvp.walpole@gmail.com. Please indicate if you would like to join the event via Zoom, and we will send you the link before the event. 

Sponsored by Working for Democracy

Forest Stewardship Winter Workshop – 2/7/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION, EVENTS 02/03/2026 Leave a comment

2026 Forest Stewardship Winter Workshop

Register Today!

Active Timber Harvest Tour

When: Saturday, February 7th, 10AM-12PM

Where: Fanny Mason Trailhead, 3H24+C2, Fanny Mason Forest, Walpole, NH

Join us for a 2026 Winter Forestry Stewardship Workshop!

Join CCCD and local Long View Forest foresters for a tour of an active timber harvest in the Fanny Mason Forest. The Fanny Mason forest is a 286-acre property owned by the town of Walpole and managed by the Walpole Conservation Commission for recreation, wildlife habitat, and wood production. Take a walk in the woods to learn how forest management can balance all these goals.

If you are interested in learning about forest management and getting to know a local hiking trail, then join this CCCD event. The walk will leave at 10:00 from the Fanny Mason Trailhead at the northbound rest area along the eastside of Route 12 in Walpole (43.050914205814934, -72.4450459794439, 2.5 miles south of the Route 123 Westminster-Walpole bridge).

This series is presented by Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), Walpole Conservation Commission, Antioch University New England, Long View Forest, UNH Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Cost: Free, Registration Required


Register Here

For additional information, questions, or for assistance in registration, contact: info@cheshireconservation.org or (603) 904-3011

Conservation Commission Meeting Agenda – 2/2/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/31/2026 Leave a comment

Agenda

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, February 2, 2026

Location and Time: Walpole Town Hall, 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Peter Palmiotto, co-chair

1. Call to Order

  • Introductions of attendees and visitors
  • Welcome new recording secretary Holly Gowdy

2. Seating of Alternates

3. Review and Approval of last month’s Minutes 

4. Public Business 

  • Treasury Report 
  • Correspondence 

5. New Business

  • Trail committee – chair appointment

6. Old Business, updates 

  • Fanny Mason Forest Management 
  • Winter harvest, CCCD forestry tour
  • Dams: Reservoir, Cranberry Meadow

7. Trail Committee

  • Rail Trail, other trails

8. Other Business

  • Hooper Institute Board 

9. Agenda next meeting  March 2, 2026

10. Adjournment

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 1/5/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/31/2026 Leave a comment

Unapproved Minutes

Conservation Commission

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

January 5, 2026

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 2, 2026 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Tom Beaudry(alt), Paul Happ, Peter Palmiotto (cochair & recording), John Peska (cochair & presiding), Lewis Shelley, 

Members Absent: Hale Morrell (alt) Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)

Visitors Present: Holly Gowdy

Call to Order: John called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternates: Tom Beaudry was seated to obtain quorum.

Review and Approval of Minutes

Paul moved to accept December 1, 2025. Lew seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.   

Public Business

Financial Report:  no financial report was available

Correspondence: (1) Southwest Regional Planning highlights newsletter, (2) intent to cut.  65 acres Maple Grove Road, 3 Acres French Road

New Business

WCC files organization proposal – Paul proposed the commission review and update physical files in 15 minute work sessions at each meeting.  Discussion prioritize files relevant to town land and easements responsibilities with the goal of having files organized by the end of the year.  Proposal was supported. 

Old Business

Fanny Mason Forest Management: Fanny Mason Forest winter harvest contract was reviewed and supported for selectboard signature.  Commission supported Longview’s request to host a CCCD forestry workshop at Fanny Mason in early February.

Easement Monitoring: Wendy emailed an update that she submitted 3 monitoring reports –Ballam Farm, Graves and Mill Pond.  She also accompanied Phil Warren on the Monadnock Conservancy’s monitoring visit to Nelson and March Town Forests.

Reservoir Dam: The permit process for the option to breach the Reservoir Dam is on- going.  The Federal govt clawed back a large portion of grant the town had therefore more funds need to be secured for any option to address the dam issue.  

Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam:  Paul continues to work on completing and submitting a wetlands permit to address cleaning out cattails.  Paul will secure quotes for managing vegetation at this time.  The dam’s operation manual was discussed for guidance on annual maintenance.  

Mt. Kilborne: Letter of support was sent to MCA on their desire to discuss with utility landowners about establishing a formal relationship and climbing opportunities.  

Trail Committee

Rail Trail Work Plan: Nicole reported the rail trail work plan was submitted to the state.  Commission thanked her and all that provided input.  Areas of concern were discussed, Nicole would follow up with the state when she hears back about the work plan.  To support the rail trail maintenance Ruggiero has offered support up to $5000 in 2026.  

Other Trails: Trails committee meeting will be 2nd Wednesday of month (1/14) 7 pm in town hall.  Governance of subcommittee is one agenda item (ie selecting a new sub committee chair).

Other Business and Updates

Hooper Institute Board: Looking for recording secretary.  Board Meeting 1/6/26.

Strategic Planning Sessions scheduled for Sat 1/10 and 1/17.

Discussion with Holly Gowdy who expressed interest in serving the town in the role as recording secretary.  Commission supported her application.  

Next Meeting February 2, 2026

Adjournment: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Palmiotto, acting recording secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/22/26

SELECTBOARD 01/31/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

January 22, 2026

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, Carolyn Vose (remote due to illness – she is home alone) and Cheryl Mayberry

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present: Jo Cowgill

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The next item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.

Police Assistance to Ice Involved Situations: Jo Cowgill wished to discuss this topic with the Selectboard.  Mrs. Cowgill noted that there are no problems at this time in Walpole, but she wants the community to be prepared for ICE activity, particularly during demonstrations.  There were about 400 people at the last demonstration near Jouvay Chocolate. There was a discussion about drivers who were surprised by the large group of people gathered and that some may be fearful.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Walpole Police have always cooperated with Federal agencies in various investigations. Mr. Dalessio has spoken with Chief Sanctuary regarding the matter. The Walpole Police Department will continue to cooperate with agencies that are acting lawfully.  Mr. Dalessio stated that the Town can depend on Walpole Police to know what is right in the future.   Mrs. Cowgill would also like Walpole Police Officers to protect demonstrators. It was recommended that she call Chief Sanctuary ahead of time, to make the request.

Mrs. Cowgill left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $204,608.82 dated 1/27/2026 including $73,296.50 payment to McGovern MHQ for a new Police vehicle. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. The new police cruiser purchase was approved at the 2025 Town Meeting under warrant article #11.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,307.10 dated 1/23/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,000.09.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 15, 2026.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting –January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 15, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Committee Reports

Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Walpole Planning Board – October 14, 2025
  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors – November 6, 2025
  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors – December 2, 2025
  • Police Building Committee – January 6, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

2026 Town Budget: The Selectboard reviewed and discussed the 2026 budget.   Ms. Mayberry will send the Excel spreadsheet to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose for final review for next week.  The Selectboard feels things are in a very good position in preparation for public meetings, the Town Report, and Town Meeting.

2026 Warrant Articles: Attorney Hockensmith is working on a response to the format question regarding the petition articles to determine if they are legal in the current format. The final version of the Warrant Articles will be ready for next week.

Privacy Release Form re: Federal Legislative Assistance: Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the form giving permission for the Federal Government to speak to Mr. Dalessio or Mr. Paul Looney.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.  The form is to get assistance to process the federal tax reimbursement for the solar energy system at the Recycling Center.

New Business

250thAnniversary of American Independence: Mr. Dalessio has been approached with questions as to what Walpole will be doing to celebrate the anniversary.  There was a consensus that a message should be sent to all civic organizations in Town to see what they might want to do.  Mrs. Downing will send an email to all organizations and others who might be interested.   The email will request a response by March 31st.  July 4th is a Saturday this year.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 7:41 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

Ms. Vose moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:57 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 PM.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 29, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)