Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/9/26

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Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 9, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, and Steven Dalessio

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

Guests Present: Wes Vickers

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

North Walpole School: Mr. Vickers wished to discuss the North Walpole School, the North Walpole School’s playground and whether FMRSD can convert the school into administrative offices.

Accounts Payable

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $102,065.02 dated 4/14/2026 and the $121,598.00 ACH payment to Primex for two invoices. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,897.55 dated 4/10/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,178.25.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Veterans’ Tax Credit:

Map and Lot # 008-020/000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 008-020-000.  A new form was required because of an ownership name change.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Solar Tax Credit:

Map and Lot # 003-026-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 003-026-000.  A new form was required due to a change in the ownership records.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 010-026-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 010-026-002.  A new form was required due to a change in the ownership records. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Excavation Intents

Map and Lot # 001-016-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 001-016-002, off Old Route 12 North.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Gazebo Stair and Landing Repair Quote: Jancewicz & Son’s price is being held until 4/10/2026. Doug Phelp’s quote is just to repair the stairs and is much less expensive.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Doug Phelps quote to repair the gazebo steps.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion passed.

High Street Garage: The feedback from the Highway Department is that they have no room in the cold storage garage for the items currently in the High Street Garage.  The Selectboard is working on storage alternatives.

Hazard Mitigation Fund for Bridges and Culverts: According to an email from Henry Underwood at SWRPC, there are funds available. However, a letter of intent is needed by tomorrow.  By consensus there is not enough time to put together the plan and letter of interest.

Conservation Meeting: Ms. Vose reported on discussions at the last Conservation Commission meeting.  The tree planting on the Common and HOT (Help our Trails) are on May 18th.  The Conservation Commission is hosting chainsaw training by the State on May 23rd.

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio explained that after researching the situation, it has been learned that the grant money for Houghton Brook Bridge repair cannot be transferred to the Reservoir Dam project.  The Selectboard needs to write a letter forfeiting the Houghton Brook Bridge grant now that the bridge is a State project.  By consensus, Mr. Dalessio is to send the letter.

New Business

Cemetery Deed – Lot 238 in the Drewsville Cemetery: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the deed for the sale of Drewsville Cemetery lot 238.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the sale of the lot was approved.

Cemetery Deed – Lot 239 in the Drewsville Cemetery: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the deed for the sale of Drewsville Cemetery lot 239.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the sale of the lot was approved.

Cemetery Deed – Lot 240 in the Drewsville Cemetery: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the deed for the sale of Drewsville Cemetery lot 240.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the sale of the lot was approved.

Special Town Meeting to Approve a Bond for the New Police Station: Mr. Dalessio emailed Peggy Pschirrer the correction needed for the draft Petition for a Special Town Meeting. Attorney Hockensmith will correct the document.  There was a discussion of the date of 7/27/2026 for a Town Meeting. It was felt that the business of the Town needs to continue independent of citizen vacations and travel.  The Police Station Committee is close to selecting an architect to prepare the design. It should be available by the Special Town Meeting date.

Assessing Letter to New England Power: Each year the Town requests the inventory held by New England Power so that the properties can be assessed correctly.  Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter to New England Power.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the letter was approved and signed.

Regional Planning Meeting at the Town Hall: Jeff Miller notified the Selectboard that the SWRPC quarterly town planners meeting in June will be at the Town Hall.  

Memorial Day Parade: Approval was sought to add a bus of Veterans from Maplewood to the parade. The bus will be decorated and placed just before the fire trucks.  The Board thinks that will be a good addition to the parade.  

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 7:58 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:10 PM.

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

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees’ meeting at 8:10 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor,  the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:36 PM.

Boat Launch Clean-up: Mr. Dalessio announced that today the Police Department, with help from the Highway Department and Recycling Center, cleaned up the boat launch in North Walpole.  Ruggerio donated the dumpster and some labor.  Other volunteers included Kara Dexter.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 16, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 4/8/26

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Police Station Building Committee Minutes

April 8, 2026

The Police Building Committee met at the Hooper Institute, at 12:30 pm, April 8, 2026, for the purpose of interviewing the principals of two companies who had presented proposals for the construction of a new Police Station for the Town of Walpole. Present were Steve Dalessio, Trevor MacLachlan, Jay Punt, Cheri Watson, Andrew Dey, Chief Justin Sanctuary and Peggy Pschirrer.

Black River Design Architects made the first presentation to the committee. Mr. Dalessio stated that he is currently working with Black River at the American Precision Museum. 

Black River was represented by Keith Robinson, the Partner in charge; Mark Montminy, Partner; and Jess Dahline, Project Manager.  The group made a formal presentation and presented the group with copies of their suggestions and remarks.  Their recommendations included, among other things, suggestions to turn the building so that the front is visible from the upper Walpole Road, build a flat roof, consider shifting the Chief’s office to an exterior wall, consider high windowsills to avoid bullet resistant glazing.  The Black River Team indicated they have no experience with Buy America, Build America.  They also stated to meet the demand of BABA they would need to adjust their price.  They also prefer to work without an owner’s representative and or a construction manager. Their presentation was thorough and the committee asked many questions.  Black River was thanked for their presentation and assured the committee will discuss their presentation and be in touch in the following week.

Banwell Architects made the second presentation to the group. Ms. Pschirrer indicated she is currently working with Banwell Architects on the Walpole Village School Project. Mr. Dey and Mr. MacLachlan both stated they have worked with Banwell Architects. 

Banwell Architects was represented by Ingrid Nichols, President; Tom Daniels, Project Architect; and Matt Giffin, Project Manager.  They distributed a handout which stated their mission is to improve the human condition one building at a time. They also had a projection of their plans and ideas for Walpole.  They asked the committee many questions about room placement, placement of mechanicals, timing of the town vote on a bond.  Banwell Architects stated they had jobs which demanded Buy America, Build America and are used to meeting those demands.

Mr. Dalessio thanked Banwell staff for their presentation and told them we would make our decision soon and contact them with our decision.

The Committee resumed meeting after a short break and reviewed both presentations.  It was generally agreed that both companies could easily deliver a new Police Station but ultimately the group voted to engage Black River.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 pm.   The next meeting will be scheduled for April 22, 2026, at the Hooper Institute at 6:30 pm.

The date was later changed to April 23, 2026, at 6:30 at the Hooper Institute.

Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 3/25/26

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Police Station Building Committee Minutes

March 25, 2026

The Police Committee met March 25, 2026, on the first floor of the Hooper Institute Building to review four proposals received in response to the Request for Proposals for the Construction of a new Police Station. The group, at a prior meeting, had eliminated four proposals from the eight proposals received. Peggy Pschirrer called the meeting to order at 6:30. Present were Steve Dalessio, Jay Punt, Andrew Dey, Cheri Watson, and Chef Justin Sanctuary.  Trevor MacLachlan was absent.

Mr. Dalessio led the group in the review of the proposals.  After discussing each proposal, the group agreed to hold a meeting April 7 or 8 at the Hooper Institute, to interview the principals of two firms who met the criteria for building a new police station in Walpole. The date for the next meeting will be set as quickly as possible.

The other companies not chosen for interviews will be contacted by Mr. Dalessio and thanked for their interest.

The meeting adjourned by 7:30 pm.

Reminder: Great Decisions at the Library – 4/20/26

Uncategorized 04/20/2026 Leave a comment

Reminder:

“Great Decisions” Meets Tonight

“The Third Nuclear Age”

Our “Great Decisions” public forum will resume on Monday, April 20, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Library. All are welcome to join the discussion, which will focus on the dangerous new nuclear age that – with the expiration of the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia – portends a renewed arms race to the finish.

Adrian Basora, former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, will moderate the discussion. Adrian is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and on the International Advisory Board of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. 

The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “The Third Nuclear Age: Trump, the Order, and the Bomb” by Gideon Rose, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and adjunct professor of political science at Columbia University. This article is available at the library and a copy can be emailed to you upon request to Library Director Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org  You may also request a Zoom link from Jane Malmberg, but please join at 6:30 pm, following the “Master Class” from the Foreign Policy Association which cannot be shown via Zoom.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Food Drive – 4/25/26

Uncategorized 04/19/2026 Leave a comment

PEANUT BUTTER (and jelly) & school snacks

DRIVE-BY / DROP OFF

Saturday, April 25, 2026

10:00 – 12:00

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC, WALPOLE

On the Common

Benefit for Fall Mountain Food Shelf

Reminder: Hooper Institute Family Earth Day Hike – 4/22/26

EVENTS 04/18/2026 Leave a comment

Join the Hooper Institute and Harris Center for a free community walk on the Fanny Mason Trail to celebrate Earth Day! All are welcome. Register HERE

May 2026 Clarion Closing Date – 4/22/26

Uncategorized 04/16/2026 Leave a comment

Deadline a little less than a week away and I already have about eight submission for the May 2026 CLARION – thank you. Will you be next? For your article submissions, and new advertisements the closing date for the May issue is Wednesday, April 22 – or earlier if you can. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Your early submissions are always welcome and appreciated as I start developing the layout well beforehand. If you have some “news” send it along. In addition, I like to have on-hand material of interest that is not time-sensitive to fill space to round out a pleasing issue. So, if you would “like to be in print” and have something to write and share (images as well), send along for possible inclusion space permitting. Please do remember, it is the advertisers in each issue that make this community publication possible, so please support and thank them.

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher

May Events at The Colonial

EVENTS 04/16/2026 Leave a comment

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/2/26

SELECTBOARD 04/13/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 2, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, and Steven Dalessio

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

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,006.78 dated 4/3/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,241.72.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – March 26, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 26, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – March 26, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 26, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

Committee Reports

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee report:

  • Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Veterans’ Tax Credit:

Map and Lot # 008-092-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 008-092-000. New form is required because of ownership name change.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 012-055-017: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’  Total Disability Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-017.  The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor,  the motion was approved.

Solar Tax Credit:

Map and Lot #008-015-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 008-015-000. An updated PA-29 is required for change in name of property ownership.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 008-084-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 008-084-000. An updated PA-29 is required for change in name of property ownership.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Property Tax Refunds

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 028-013-000 of $20.79 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 027-001-006 of $185.17 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 008-020-000 of $46.20 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 005-016-001 of $8.26 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 030-044-000 of $12.95 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 023-005-000 of $15.41.  for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 030-026-000 of $30.81 for overpayment of Fall 2025 taxes.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permit

2026-05, Map and Lot# 005-051-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2026-05 for Map and Lot # 005-051-000 to construct a 20’ x 20’ steel carport on a concrete slab. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Solar Energy 990-T Tax Form: Mr. Dalessio moved that the Solar Energy 990-T Tax Form be signed by Ms. Mayberry. She was the Chair of the Selectboard when the form was initially submitted.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the form was approved and signed by Ms. Mayberry. 

Recycling Tipping Rates: Ms. Mayberry reported that for North Walpole, Alva has higher tipping fees but lower transportation for a savings of about $200 per month over Naughton.  North Walpole would like to go with Alva.  By consensus, the Selectboard supported this decision.

250th Anniversary: Steve Dumont is the new Chair of Friends of the Hooper, and he should be included in 250th Anniversary meetings.  Mrs. Downing will set up a meeting of all the interested organizations before a Selectboard meeting.

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio spoke with John Davis who is now a member of the Committee reviewing State bridge projects.  Mr. Davis is going to seek a reimbursement for the Town for monies already spent on the Houghton Brook Bridge on Wentworth Road.

New Business

High Street Garage Roof Quotes: Two quotes have been obtained, one from Jancewicz & Sons, and the other from Long’s Roofing.  There was a discussion about selling the High Street garage with a minimum bid since the is low need for the garage. There was a consensus not to reroof the building.

Gazebo Stairs and Landing Repair Quote: The only quote was obtained from Jancewicz & Sons for $17,955.00.  No other contractors responded to requests for quotes. The quote amount will be confirmed. The account for ongoing maintenance on the gazebo has about $4,000; the American Legion Fund has $22,000. The Quinton Fund has $17,000 but only the interest can be used. 

Water & Sewer Invoices: EE Houghton Co. handles the water and sewer work for the Town as a department. Mr. Dalessio explained that it is confusing because EE Houghton is also a vendor for other work. From now on, Mr. Dalessio will review and sign Houghton invoices before they go to the Selectboard for approval.  In effect, Mr. Dalessio will now serve as the department manager for the Water and Sewer department where invoices are involved. Going forward, each department will write a purchase order for any electrical or plumbing work needed, just as they do for all other expenditures.  In the future, Houghton invoices will be separated for water dept., sewer dept., and electrical or plumbing costs.  There will be a meeting with the Selectboard, Mrs. Daigle, Mr. Houghton, and members of his staff to iron out all the details.  May 13th was suggested for the meeting if all participants are available.

Summer Basketball for Adults: Mr. Wilkes has been approached about a basketball league for adults.  By consensus, the Selectboard approves the idea if the players pay the cost of refs, etc.  Ms. Mayberry thought that in the past,  there were not enough adult players to run a league.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) at 7:35 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:45 PM.

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

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:45 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:47 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 9, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Great Decisions at the Library – 4/20/26

EVENTS 04/13/2026 Leave a comment

“Great Decisions”

“The Third Nuclear Age”

Our “Great Decisions” public forum will resume next Monday, April 20, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Library. All are welcome to join the discussion, which will focus on the dangerous new nuclear age that – with the expiration of the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia – portends a renewed arms race to the finish.

Adrian Basora, former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, will moderate the discussion. Adrian is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and on the International Advisory Board of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. 

The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “The Third Nuclear Age: Trump, the Order, and the Bomb” by Gideon Rose, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and adjunct professor of political science at Columbia University. This article is available at the library and a copy can be emailed to you upon request to Library Director Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org  You may also request a Zoom link from Jane Malmberg, but please join at 6:30 pm, following the “Master Class” from the Foreign Policy Association, which cannot be shown via Zoom.