The Walpolean

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM

Town Hall, Walpole, NH

Roll Call

Present: Carolyn Vose (Chair), Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard), Steve Dalessio (Selectboard), and . Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration) and Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief)

Ms. Vose called the meeting to order.

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

Motion to go into non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) was made by Ms. Mayberry and seconded by Mr. Dalessio. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The time was recorded as 6:03 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:40 PM.

Chief Sanctuary left the meeting during non-public session.

Accounts Payable

The Board reviewed the Outstanding Bills Register for checks and ACH payments to be issued 10/27/2026. Mr. Dalessio noted that the register included an ACH payment of $45,001.10 and a $74,602.50 payment to MHQ Inc. for a new police vehicle.

Motion to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $220,072.68 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Payroll

Motion to accept the Payroll Register of $33,624.90 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,137.49 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the Selectboard meeting minutes of October 15, 2026 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried.

Motion to accept the Selectboard non-public session minutes of October 15, 2026, to remain sealed, was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Demolition & Building Permits

Motion to accept Demolition Permit 2026-32 to remove a 27-by-40-foot barn on Map 4, Lot 35 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Downing explained that the barn would be taken down and rebuilt at another location.

Refunds

Motion to accept the notice of property tax refund on Map 13, Lot 31 in the amount of $49.47 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Abatements

Motion to accept the notice of property tax abatement on Map and Lots: 026-001-000, 026-001-001, 027-001-000, 028-001-000, 028-047-000in the amount of $1,100.91 was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Downing explained that the abatements related to Great River Hydro properties. These utility properties had been overtaxed for the Statewide Education Tax. Mr. Dalessio questioned why the utility was not subject to that tax. He raised a concern that if the school district used a town valuation that included utilities, local taxpayers would effectively cover the utility portion of the tax. He noted that this could be significant for a property as large as the hydro facilities. Ms. Mayberry agreed that the valuation should be calculated without utilities. Mr. Dalessio pointed to the line on the MS-1 that shows value less utilities, and the Board agreed to review it. Ms. Mayberry suggested consulting Jamie Dow at the DRA on how the statewide education tax affects the tax rate.

Old Business

Collateralization of Public Funds Treasurer Policy

Mr. Dalessio explained that the policy (TP-004) required annual review and that no changes had been made. The signatures were updated for the auditors.

Motion to accept the Collateralization of Public Funds Treasurer Policy TP-004, with no changes, was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Quotes for Replacement Gate at Capped Landfill

Ms. Vose noted that one quote, from Wayside Fence, was substantially lower than the others. Mrs. Downing explained that Wayside Fence had submitted a revised quote about $500 higher after staff asked the owner to confirm the pricing. Brad Nash had asked whether the quote reflected round metal posts rather than the square posts originally installed. Labor on the other quotes was about as much as Wayside’s total. Staff had contacted the vendor twice to confirm the figures. Board members spoke favorably of the vendor’s work. Ms. Vose clarified that the project concerned the gate at the closed landfill, not the Recycling Center.

Motion to accept the Wayside quote in the amount of $1,810 to replace the gate at the closed landfill was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried unanimously.

Release of Sealed Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Ms. Mayberry presented a series of motions to unseal minutes, with specified exceptions that would remain sealed.

Motion to unseal the non-public minutes from 1996 through 2010, with the following to remain sealed, was made by Ms. Mayberry and seconded by Mr. Dalessio: October 31, 1996; December 5, 1996; September 22, 2005; July 20, 2006; August 31, 2006; May 31, 2007; November 1, 2007; September 4, 2008; September 29, 2008; February 9, 2009; and December 16, 2010. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion to unseal the non-public minutes from 2011 and 2012, with the following to remain sealed, was made by Ms. Mayberry and seconded by Ms. Vose: March 17, April 21, April 27, May 4, May 12, May 26, and December 29, 2011; and August 29, October 4, October 11, and October 18, 2012. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion to unseal all non-public session minutes from 2013 and make them public was made by Ms. Mayberry and seconded by Mr. Dalessio. The motion carried unanimously.

Board members observed that there were gaps in some years with no non-public minutes. They noted that the minutes opened from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s contained nothing controversial.

New Police Station USDA Grant Form SF-424

Mrs. Downing reported that she had completed most of the SF-424 form but needed the Town contact’s name. She noted that Bert Wiemers had been the contact for the Village School grant application and that Steve Horton had been listed on the fire station form. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would serve as owner’s representative for the police station and would be listed as contact. Mrs. Downing would enter her email address so that correspondence, including annual reporting requirements and drawdown notices, would be kept in Town records. Mrs. Downing agreed to prepare the form for the following week’s meeting.

Town Hall Replacement Ramp

Ms. Vose reported that Andrew Dey had recommended speaking with one or two architects, with one in particular in mind. Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry favored contacting only one architect first, unless the cost came back unreasonably high. Ms. Vose said she trusted Mr. Dey’s background knowledge. The Board agreed that it was seeking professional advice on ADA requirements rather than certified plans at this stage. Ms. Vose also emphasized that the scope discussed with Mr. Dey should be kept in mind before asking him for further assistance.

NH DOT Notice re: Rt. 12 Paving Project

Ms. Vose reviewed the NH Department of Transportation notice inviting comments on the Town’s section of the Route 12 paving project. Final inspection was pending and the lines had been added.

New Business

Hooper Institute Liquor Service Letter for Town Hall Event

Ms. Mayberry moved to allow the Hooper Institute to serve liquor at its gala on November 7, 2026. She asked whether the proper insurance had been acquired. Mrs. Downing stated that the Hooper Institute event is covered through Primex, which includes when alcohol beverages are available for consumption. The Selectboard felt there should be additional insurance obtained.

Motion to allow the Hooper Institute to serve liquor at its gala on November 7, 2026, pending acquisition of proper insurance, was made by Ms. Mayberry and seconded by Ms. Vose. The motion passed unanimously.

2026 Cheshire County Tax Bill

Ms. Mayberry noted that the county tax is based on equalized valuation, including utilities and railroads. The Board discussed how the payment would be made and how it had been handled the previous year. Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose discussed the Treasurer’s inquiry. Ms. Mayberry explained that no motion was needed because the payment would appear on the accounts payable ACH register for confirmation. The Board acknowledged for the record the 2026 Cheshire County tax bill of $1,716,375, due December 17, 2026.

Primex Property and Liability Program Renewal

Ms. Vose presented the renewal contribution of $69,564, a decrease of $2,478 from the prior year. Board members welcomed the news for budgeting purposes. They attributed it to fewer claims and the removal of items such as a highway truck that was a 100% loss in the previous year.

Right-to-Know re: Selectboard Decision

Ms. Vose read a letter from a resident asking about the status of the former Whitcomb Building on Route 12. The letter stated that the building had been reported as a gift to the Town 5 or 6 years earlier for use as a new police station. The Board acknowledged receipt of the letter, and a written response would be prepared.

For the record, Ms. Vose stated that the property was never officially offered to the Town through the Selectboard and was not a gift. Ms. Mayberry described the matter as a misunderstanding that became a public discussion without ever amounting to a formal offer. Mr. Dalessio clarified that there had been two separate conversations: the building was never offered free to the Town, though purchase was a possibility when it was on the market, and the building would have required extensive renovations and was not suitable for a police station. Ms. Vose added that the renovations would have been driven by regulatory requirements rather than preference. Ms. Mayberry noted additional ADA accommodation requirements and the building’s size.

Other Business: Heating Costs and Town Hall Use

Mrs. Downing raised the idea of a heating surcharge for non-Town use of the Town Hall. She said some groups left the side door open and lights on, even though civic groups use the building at no charge. The Town has installed window shrink kits to the meeting room windows to save heat. Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio supported raising awareness, and Ms. Mayberry suggested a checklist for groups leaving the building. Ms. Vose suggested placing a notice in the Walpolean and having staff remind groups when reservations are made. No surcharge was adopted.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM.

Minutes prepared by Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

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

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2026, 6:30 PM
Town Hall, Walpole, NH

Present: Ms. Carolyn Vose, Chair; Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Member; Mr. Steve Dalessio, Selectboard Member; Ms. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.

Ms. Vose called the meeting to order. Mr. Andrew Dey attended as a guest.

Town Hall Replacement Ramp

Ms. Vose invited Mr. Dey to comment on the Town Hall ramp. After inspecting it with Mr. Brad Nash, Mr. Dey said replacement appeared to be the best long-term solution. He identified key issues including encroachment onto neighboring property, whether steps are needed, likely rot and repair behind the existing concrete, nearby electrical conduits, drainage and sidewalk heaving, possible ADA deficiencies at the entry door, and the added cost of any heated-ramp option. He said concrete with steel railings is the usual approach and recommended hiring an architect, with engineering support as needed, to design the project. He offered to suggest architects, help with pricing, and assist with oversight. Mr. Dalessio noted a steel pan and concrete system used at the museum as another option to explore. The Board also discussed maintaining access during construction, possibly through a temporary rental ramp as used during COVID. Members agreed that architectural design would help define the full scope of the project, including drainage, rot, and ADA concerns, and discussed continuing to patch the ramp in the short term while considering a future warrant article for design work. The Board agreed to ask Mr. Dey for architect recommendations.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the payroll register in the amount of $36,201.31 for checks dated 10/16/2026 and the 941 payroll tax transfer of $6,686.73. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion carried.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Selectboard meeting minutes of October 8, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion carried, with Mr. Dalessio abstaining.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Selectboard non-public session minutes of October 8, 2026, with the minutes to remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion carried, with Mr. Dalessio abstaining.

Building Permits

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept building permit 2026-31 for Map 12, Lot 19, Sublot 1, to construct a prefabricated shed. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried.

Old Business

NH Liquor Commission Off Site Caterer-Site Approval Form

Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the liquor license form for the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) for October 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion carried.

Propane Contract and Town Hall In-Ground Propane Tank

Ms. Vose reported that Liz Wight, the finance manager, had spoken with Irving Energy. The Town leases the propane tanks, which serve the water and sewer pumps, the Town Hall, and heating at Highway and Recycling. No written lease agreement could be located, and the annual quote does not itemize the lease cost. Mrs. Downing noted that the lease charge is presumably built into the per-gallon price. Board members clarified that they were not looking to change vendors and only wanted to understand the full agreement.

The quoted rate was $1.698 per gallon, an increase of $0.281 per gallon over last year, for an estimated 7,500 gallons. That volume reflects the initial filling of the newly installed tanks. Mr. Dalessio compared the rate with a state median cash price of $3.25 per gallon. Ms. Vose called it a great price. Ms. Mayberry agreed and noted that the tanks primarily support generators, so demand should be lower outside outages, which may help explain the rate. Members agreed to confirm that the billed rate matches the quote and noted that the agreement runs on a seasonal October-to-October basis.

Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the propane agreement with Irving Energy at $1.698 per gallon. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayberry. The motion carried.

Heating Oil and Diesel Quote Update

Ms. Mayberry reviewed the Swanzey Oil quotes. Heating oil was offered at $4.799 per gallon for a total of 5,300 gallons, with pricing in effect until May 1, 2027. Diesel was offered at a locked price of $5.249 per gallon for a total of 10,000 gallons.

Members noted that Irving Energy’s fuel prices had been considerably higher, which was why they were pursuing Swanzey Oil for fuel.

Ms. Mayberry moved to sign a fuel heating contract with Swanzey Oil for the winter season, covering both heating oil and diesel, and to have the Chair sign the agreement. Mr. Dalessio seconded. The motion carried.

New Business

November 3, 2026 Election Warrant Notice

Ms. Vose explained that this was a new state form accompanying the posting of the ballot. Members discussed the increasing complexity and paperwork required of local election officials under state regulations. They noted that the Board’s signature is required for compliance even though the election concerns state and federal offices and constitutional amendments.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the State of New Hampshire election warrant notice. Ms. Mayberry seconded, citing the need to remain compliant with state regulations. The motion carried.

Collateralization of Public Funds, Treasurer Policy TP-04

Mrs. Downing reported that the policy wording was unchanged and that only the authorized signatories and treasurer had been updated. Members questioned whether the Board must re-sign a policy when its membership changes and suspected the auditors had requested it. They agreed that updating the policy did no harm and would raise awareness of collateralization. They decided the policy would first be forwarded for review for accuracy, with a recommendation to follow before the Board signed it. No motion was made.

HealthTrust Benefits Package Renewal

Ms. Vose reported a 9.2 percent premium increase and asked whether the Board wished to consider other plan options. Ms. Mayberry noted that other providers’ costs were also rising significantly and that the increase was not egregious. Members agreed that changing providers would be a significant undertaking and that a site-of-service plan would likely be unpopular with staff. Mr. Dalessio proposed raising the employee contribution from 15 to 16 percent, and Ms. Mayberry agreed, citing concern about cost-of-living adjustments not keeping pace with increases.

A motion was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Ms. Mayberry to have the Chair sign the HealthTrust health insurance premium rate transmittal for the 2027 calendar year. The motion carried.

Ms. Mayberry moved to increase the employee contribution toward health coverage from 15 percent to 16 percent, effective January 1. Mr. Dalessio seconded. The motion carried.

Members noted that payroll must be informed of the change and that employees must be notified. The rate form also needed to be updated with the new contribution.

Town Website Vendor Statement of Work (SOW)

Ms. Vose reported that the annual cost would rise from $4,406.39 to $5,300 as of May 2027. Mrs. Downing explained that the vendor is moving from a Drupal-based system to its own proprietary content management system (CMS), and that the transition, together with upcoming ADA website requirements, was driving the increase. The vendor will migrate the Town’s content. The increase is about 23 percent, rather than the contractual 5 percent annual uplift that would apply in subsequent years.

The contract auto-renews each May and requires 60 days’ notice to terminate. The Board agreed that, while the increase was significant, now was not the time to change vendors, given the effort to build a new site and gather content from departments. Ms. Mayberry noted that the budget must reflect the split-year rate.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the contract with CivicPlus to update the website to the new regulations. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion to have the Chair sign the contract. The motion carried.

Police Department – September 2026 Activity

Mr. Dalessio explained that the September activity report comes directly from the dispatch center and reflects dispatched calls. The monthly staff report prepared by the department shows a considerably higher call volume because it also counts all phone calls received through the police station, whether or not an officer responded. This accounts for the difference between the two reports.

The report was also sent out and posted publicly. No action was taken.

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

Motion to enter Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (e) at 7:18 PM was made by Mr. Dalessio and seconded by Chair Vose. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:59 PM.

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter the Hooper Trustees Meeting at 7:59 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:29 PM

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Minutes prepared by Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 22, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)