Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/26/26

SELECTBOARD 03/07/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

February 26, 2026

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

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

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:35 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $130,423.84 dated 3/3/2026 and a $138,896.73 ACH payment to HealthTrust. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,141.91 dated 2/27/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,551.83.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – February 19, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 19, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 19, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 19, 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:

  • Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting – January 30, 2026
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 18, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio said that Fuss & O’Neill is aware of the July 1st deadline.  They are working with the NH Dam Bureau.

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement Request: Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair sign the reimbursement request for $31,143.34.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the grant reimbursement was approved and signed by Mr. Dalessio.

Road Closure Request for “Here, Kitty” Movie Filming: The Old Keene Road location was agreed upon as the filming site based on feedback from Police, Fire and Highway.  It will be the easiest location for residents and emergency vehicles to detour around.  Mr. Dalessio requested that the movie production meet any Police Department and Fire/EMS requirements.  Police Chief Sanctuary is to call a pre-shoot meeting.

New Business

Police Department Revolving Fund Request: It was explained that the Police need six new Mustang Survival PDF LE Life Jackets designed to inflate only when submerged. They are to be worn over the police officers’ Kevlar vests. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Purchase Order # 498115 for $2,117.72 to purchase six life jackets from Witmer Public Safety.  The purchase will be funded from the Police Revolving Fund.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the purchase was approved and the Purchase Order signed. 

DRA Notice of Overdue Financial Audit: Ms. Mayberry has a waiver for 2025.  She will follow up on the notice for the 2024 financial audit.

Short Term Use Form for North Walpole Polling Location:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the agreement form for the use of St. Peter’s Church basement as a polling location for Town Meeting voting and the Village Meeting, and for the Chair to sign the contract.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and the contract was signed.

Warrant Articles and Town Meeting: The following people will speak to the Warrant Articles at Town Meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2026:

  • Article 1: Voted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026
  • Articles 2 – 5:  Mr. Dalessio
  • Articles 6 & 7: Ms. Mayberry
  • Articles 8 & 9: Ms. Vose
  • Article 10: Mr. Dalessio
  • Article 11: Ms. Vose
  • Articles 12 & 13: Mrs. Downing
  • Articles 14 – 16: Audience Members
  • Article 17: Moderator

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (e) at 6:51 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:59 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.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the March 4, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 2/2/26

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Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

February 2, 2026

Members Present: Peter Palmiotto (Co-chair, presiding), John Peska (Co-Chair), Tom Beaudry, Lew Shelley, Paul Happ, Wendy Grossman, and France Menk.

Members Absent: Hale Morrell (alt),  Nicole Adams, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)

Seating of Alternates: No need to seat Alternates

Visitors Present: None

Peter Palmiotto called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, France Menk entered at 7:02 pm

There were no additions to the agenda for this evening’s meeting.

Wendy Grossman asked if the Con Comm was submitting a report for the Annual Report for Town Meeting? Wendy had been asked to write a report for the Trail Committee. Should there be one report or two. They will take a look and make a determination as to what should be submitted. 

There was no need to seat any alternates

Motion to approve the minutes from the Meeting in January, John Peska moved to accept the minutes as presented, Paul Happ seconded that motion. Motion carried

There was no Financial Report, the information is unavailable at this time

Correspondence: 

Received a Newsletter from the SWRPC

Received a Newsletter from the Connecticut River Conservancy

Received a Flyer Regarding a Wild and Scenic Film Fest at the BF Opera House 4/30/26

New Business: 

Trail Committee  Reorganization. France Menk has agreed to step up as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Walpole Trail Committee, as Wendy Grossman is stepping down. The Conservation Commission approved the change in leadership and welcomed France. 

Old Business

-Fanny Mason Forest Harvest is moving forward: 

-Forest Tour is scheduled for 2/7/26 in partnership with the CCCD, France made a motion to contact Connecticut River Yardworks asking for them to plow the Route 12 Turnaround on the East side of Rt 12 to allow parking. John Peska second

Reservoir Dam: The Permit has been filed with the state

There are still many steps ahead should the permit be granted for this project

Cranberry Meadow Dam: at 7:21 the committee moved into executive session to discuss this project, the meeting resumed at 7:26 The minutes from the executive session will be sealed.

Two bids to take care of the mowing of the bank around the Cranberry Meadow dam were received. Paul Happ moved to accept the lower bid, with Lew Shelley 2nd. Paul Happ will communicate with this contractor and finalize the contract through the town office, so that this project can move forward. There was discussion regarding taking care of the invasives – Knott Weed and the Cat Tails, that plan will still need to be finalized. 

Rail Trail: 

France will continue the work of the Trail Committee Plans include: a HOT Day, and some other maintenance days, Nicole has agreed to continue as the connection with Concord on the Rail Trail. Organizing  “trail adopters” from the list of volunteers that they have. There will be a Fall Event on the Geology of Walpole, and they are going to work with the NH Trails  and coordinate some Chainsaw Safety Certification Workshops for their members. 

Hooper Institute 

Paul Happ reported that they are moving forward with projects, they have determined that there is the possibility of a timber harvest right on the Hooper Property, very near the Hooper Hall, and the Con Comm suggested having Alex Barrett assess the possibility of that harvest. 

Other Business

Tom Beaudry reminded the Commission that they would need to have some mowing done at the Walpole Gateway, it was discussed that when France Menk reached out to Mike Hubbard regarding snow plowing for 2/7/26, she would also ask about mowing the Gateway. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 

Respectfully, 

Holly Gowdy

Recording Secretary

This information is from the Executive Session 

We received two bids to take care of the mowing of the bank around this dam. Paul Happ moved to accept the lower bid of $900, with Lew Shelley 2nd. Paul Happ will communicate with this contractor and finalize the contract through the town office, so that this project can move forward. There was discussion regarding taking care of the invasives – Knott Weed and the Cat Tails, that plan will still need to be finalized. 

Updated Planning Board Agenda – 3/10/26

PLANNING BOARD 03/05/2026 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Agenda

Tuesday, March 10, 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: No. 1 

Subdivision: Elisse McGuirk 2000 Living Trust, 167 Valley Road,  Tax Map 13, Lot 15 and Tax Map 12, Lot 76, Rural/Agricultural District, Proposed four lots: 1.94 acres, 36.75 acres, 7.53 acres and 5.87 acres. Proposed Use: Residential.

Public Hearing No. 2

Subdivision: William and Sally Allen, 142 Prospect Hill Road, one lot into two, Tax Map 8, Lot 68, Residential A.  Lot 1 1.48 acres with 254.21 feet road frontage. Lot 2 3.18 acres with 200.63 feet road frontage.

New Business:

Signage: Town Line Equipment, Route 12. Former Pinnacleview Equipment. 

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 3/5/26

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

March 5, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

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

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – February 19, 2026

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $2,715.38 dated 3/05/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $247.09
  • Payroll Register totaling $37,310.01 dated 3/06/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,065.80

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – February 26, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – February 26, 2026

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – February 18, 2026

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, 250th Anniversary of American Independence, Parking Ordinance, North Walpole Trash Pickup

  • Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement Request
  • Road Closure Request for “Here, Kitty” Movie Filming
  • Traffic Detail Policy
  • Parking Ordinance
  • Police Building Committee Fundraising Letters
  • Citizen Letter re: School Withdrawal FMRSD Article

NEW BUSINESS

  • Annual Post Closure Report for closed landfill
  • Annual Facilities Report for Active Solid Waste Facilities
  • Emergency Response Plan for Water System
  • Accessible Voting System Agreement

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

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

Obituary for Pam Bernard

COMMUNITY NEWS 03/05/2026 Leave a comment

PAM BERNARD

1944-2026

Award-winning poet, author, and beloved Walpole writing teacher Pam Bernard died peacefully on February 22, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire. 

Born October 21, 1944, in Branford, Connecticut, Pam was the youngest of nine siblings. Pam moved to New York City at 19 and immersed herself in the city’s creative scene. There, she met her husband, Harry Bernard. 

The couple moved to New England, settling in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 1971. Pam juggled motherhood with artistic pursuits, eventually becoming a curator at the Brockton Art Museum. She went back to college in her 40s, earning a degree from Harvard College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College. 

Pam taught at Emerson College, Franklin Pierce University, Keene State College, and other institutions. She led highly sought-after memoir workshops in Walpole, New Hampshire, where she moved in 2001. She published three poetry collections and Esther: A Novel in Verse, and received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the MacDowell Colony, along with many prizes for her poetry. 

Pam is survived by her son, Galen, daughter, Shea, and their families. Pam will be remembered for her unwavering belief in her students and her gift for helping them find their voices. Donations in her name can be made to the Friends of the Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St., Keene, NH 03431.

A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. on April 18, 2026, at the Hastings House in Walpole, NH. For more information, email pams.tablenh@gmail.com. 

Hooper Institute Wish List

Uncategorized 03/04/2026 1 Comment

Check out our Hooper Wishlist! Donations to our wishlist help stock our building and classroom with materials needed to run future programs including cooking classes, building rentals, camps, school programs, adult workshops, and more. The wishlist can also be found here on our website: https://www.hooperinstitute.org/support-our-mission.html

Walpole Junior Players Presents James and the Giant Peach – 3/14 & 3/15/26

EVENTS 03/04/2026 Leave a comment
A Walpole Junior Players Winter Production. Helen Miller Theater in the Walpole Town Hall. James and the Giant Peach. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm. $5 for children and seniors; $10 for adults. No pre-sale tickets are available. From the book by Roald Dahl. Dramatized by Richard R. George. Cash or check made out to "The Walpole Players" will be accepted. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. This is not a school sponsored event. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. Reprinted by permission.

Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 2/18/26

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Police Station Building Committee Minutes

February 18, 2026

The Police Building Committee was called to order in the Walpole Town Hall at 6:30 pm by Peggy Pschirrer.  Present in person were Steve Dalessio, Jay Punt, Andrew Dey, Chief Justin Sanctuary, and Zoom, Cheri Watson and Trevor MacLachlan.

Mr. Dalessio distributed a list of the architects/engineering companies who had indicated they are interested in submitting a proposal for the new Police Station.  The deadline for proposals is February 27, 2026. The Committee will meet on March 3 at Town Hall to review the proposals.

The Committee agreed that a construction manager should be sought before the owner’s representative.

Mr. Dalessio will contact Rena Peck to discuss our USDA grant and its requirements.

Chief Justin Sanctuary has created stationery for the Committee to use in its fundraising which will not begin before the middle of April.  The Committee has made suggestions for changes in the stationery.  

Attorney Hockensmith has drafted an appeal for a special Town Meeting to present a warrant to the voters authorizing the purchase of a bond for the construction of a new police building.

The next meeting of the Committee will be March 3, 2026, at Town Hall to review the proposals from architects and engineers.

Red Cross Blood Drive in Walpole – 3/19/26

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Giving blood can save lives. Every 2 seconds someone in the USA needs blood. One donation can save up to 3 lives.

Join us at the Red Cross Blood Drive: Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 12:00-4:30 pm.

Hosted by St John’s Episcopal Church at the First Congregational Church of Walpole on the Common.

[Editor’s Note: You can make an appointment to donate blood at this event by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. Enter your zip code and click or tap Find Drive. Next, scroll down to the event at First Congregational Church of Walpole. Then click or tap “See Times” and follow the directions to make your appointment.]

Open House at Springfield Area Adult Day Services – 3/28/26

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[Editor’s Note: Though it’s not located in Walpole, the Springfield Area Adult Day Services is a community resource that might have something to offer Walpole residents.]

Springfield Area Adult Day Services warmly invites community members to attend a special People First Health Fair on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at its facility located at 266 River Street, Springfield, VT.

This free event will offer attendees the opportunity to receive complimentary wellness services, including balance screenings, checking of blood pressure and other vitals, and sharing of various health education tips designed to promote safety, mobility, and overall well-being.

Guests will also enjoy light refreshments and have the chance to enter a raffle drawing for a hand-made quilt and free membership at the Edgar May Health and Wellness Center.

In addition to wellness services, visitors will be able to tour the Adult Day campus, meet staff members, and learn more about the programs and support services available to older adults and those who might have physical or cognitive impairments. The center provides engaging activities such as bingo and arts, health monitoring, nutritious meals, social opportunities, and caregiver support in a safe and welcoming environment.

The event is free and open to the public. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, please contact:
Shelly Holley
802-885-9881
sholley@springfieldhospital.org
www.springfieldhospital.org/adult-day-service