The Walpolean

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 30, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Guests Present: Sanford and Joan Horskin

Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio

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

Library Ramp Railing: Mr. & Mrs. Horskin came to the meeting when they saw that the agenda included a discussion about the Library’s ramp railing.  For medical and age reasons, Mrs. Horskin cannot get to Library without a railing to the sidewalk. Mrs. Horskin noted that the Town has an aging population and that this issue will impact more residents over time.  Also, the bottom light at foot level on the ramp has been out for a long time.  There are many times that Mrs. Horskin cannot get to programs she would like to attend, especially on winter evenings.  She also mentioned watching a young mother struggle to get a stroller around the corner on the ramp.  The Selectboard recommended that the ramp and railing design be reviewed by someone with accessibility expertise.  

Mr. & Mrs. Horskin left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,259.87 dated 5/1/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,239.53.  Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $4,191.00 dated 5/2/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $683.42.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – April 22, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 22, 2026. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 22, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 22, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Committee Reports

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

• Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting Minutes – March 23, 2026
• Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026
• Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026
• Trail Committee Minutes – April 8, 2026
• Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2026

Ms. Vose acknowledged these minutes.

Water and Sewer Warrants

Walpole Water Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Water Fees for $43,739.09.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees totaling $75,296.63.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees for $58,331.78.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permit

2026-08, Map and Lot# 008-066-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2026-08 for Map and Lot # 080-066-000 to construct a 32’ x 12’ deck. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

In-Person Staff Meeting Topic and Date: The topic will be succession planning.  The introductory document to share with employees will be ready for review at the next meeting.

New Business

Appointment Notice for Tom Murray to be an Alternate to the Planning Board: Ms. Vose acknowledged that Tom Murray was selected by the Planning Board per RSA 673:6 to serve as an Alternate on the Planning Board for three years.  Mr. Murray will be sworn in by the Town Clerk.

Library Ramp Railing Extension: The railing on the Library ramp needs to be extended to the sidewalk, but the cost of $3,800 is over budget.  Mrs. Malmberg documented the options. The Board felt that more information is needed to decide.  Additionally, the Board is reflecting on Mrs. Horskin’s comments.  Mrs. Malmberg will be asked to attend the meeting next week.

Commercial Brush Fee at Recycling Center: Ms. Vose stated that the commercial use of the brush pile at the Recycling Center makes it hard to manage the pile because of the amount that comes in.  Ms. Hakey has requested that a fee based on load size be implemented.  A final decision will be made next week.

SWRPC Annual Meeting Invitation: SWRPC will have its annual meeting on June 9th with the social hour at 5:00 PM and the meeting starts at 5:30 PM.  Ms. Vose acknowledged the invitation.  

Thank You Note: A thank you note to the citizens of Walpole from Southwestern Community Services (SCS) for the donation was acknowledged by Ms. Vose.

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 7:21 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and MS. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

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

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 7, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 22, 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: Katelyn Krumperman and  Jocelyne Barrett of Great River Hydro; Paul Looney and John McCollister of the Walpole Community Power Committee.

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

This part of New Business was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.

New Business

Great River Hydro: Katelyn Krumperman, the new Community Relations Manager (CRM), wished to meet the Selectboard.  Jocelyne Barrett, the Property Tax Specialist, also attended.  Ms. Krumperman stated that starting Sunday, 4/26/2026, Great River Hydro will start drawing down the river level for a repair.  The repair will take place Tuesday morning. By noon on Tuesday, the river level will start being raised to normal by Wednesday. They are very aware of the erosion issues in North Walpole and will be careful to minimize erosion of the riverbank.  Great River Hydro is very close to receiving its new FERC license for forty years.  Ms. Barrett stated that both NH and VT have approved of the water quality tests. However, the test results are being challenged by other organizations.

Community Power Committee and Appointment Notice: Paul Looney and John McCollister wished to discuss Mr. McCollister’s application for appointment to the Community Power Committee and CPCNH.  Mr. McCollister has been attending Walpole Community Power Committee meetings for a couple of years.  Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Mr. McCollister to Walpole Community Power.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion passed.  Mr. McCollister will also serve as an alternate representative to CPCNH from Walpole Community Power.

Accounts Payable

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $58,955.06 dated 4/28/2026 including the $13,692.03 quarterly payment to the Cheshire County Prosecutor. 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 $33,964.38 dated 4/24/2028 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,264.52.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – April 16, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 16, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 16, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 16, 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.

Committee Reports

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

• Police Station Building Committee Minutes – March 25, 2026 
• Police Station Building Committee Minutes – April 8, 2026 
• Planning Board Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2026 
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes – April 15, 2026 

Ms. Vose acknowledged these minutes.

Veterans’ Tax Credit

Map and Lot # 003-059-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 003-059-001.  The applicant is 100% disabled from a service-connected disability.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor,  the motion was approved.

Solar Tax Credits

Map and Lot # 009-048-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 009-048-001.  A new form was required due to a change in the ownership to a revocable trust.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor,  the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 010-026-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 010-026-000.  A new form was required due to a property subdivision.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 010-026-003: Mr. Dalessio has moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 010-026-003.  A new form was required due to a property subdivision.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permits

2014-10 Renewal, Map and Lot# 012-013-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to deny Building Permit #2014-10 Renewal for Map and Lot # 012-013-004.  The application was incomplete. There is no licensed electrician or plumber specified.

2026-07, Map and Lot# 011-031-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2026-07 for Map and Lot # 011-031-004 to construct a16’ x 18’ family room contingent on completing the PUC form.  While the driveway was changed to Woodshed Road which is Class VI at some point, the lot has frontage on Valley Road. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor,  the motion was approved.

Old Business

Water-Sewer Utility Meeting: Mark Houghton is available only on June 16th from 5:00 – 6:30 PM of the times when the Select board was available for the utility meeting.  Jenna Rzasa, who was part of the grant project, is to confirm she is available.

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio reported Fuss and O’Neill have sent responses to the DES regarding open questions.  The project must be completed by July 1st.

250th Monadnock: Local communities and civic groups have been invited to submit floats in the July 4th parade in Keene.  Application deadline is May 4th and there will be prizes.

Topic for In-Person Staff Meeting: By consensus, the topic for the May 21st meeting will be succession planning; When you win the lotto tomorrow, what is the plan for your successor?

Main Street Vacant Lot: There is an empty lot that might be used to extend North Walpole Park. The Town owns the strip south of the park that was formerly owned by the railroad.  Ms. Mayberry thought the lot was too close to the road and not fenced.  Neighborhood vehicles are parked there now. 

New Business

River Well: Mr. Dalessio explained that there is a second step to repair the well house.  The roof was approved a few weeks ago.  The next repair is for the well casing.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Weston & Sampson quote to upgrade the River Well pumping station and Purchase Order # 262960 for $37,693.00. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved, and the Purchase Order and contract were signed. 

FMRSD Board: Mr. Dalessio updated the Board based on the meeting 4/21/2026.  The playground will stay at North Walpole and be available for children.  The gym will be available for the Recreation Department.  The School Board has not approved moving the administration from Langdon to North Walpole because they are awaiting the information needed to make such a decision.  There will be a meeting regarding the letter the Selectboard sent to the School Board.  There is an issue with audio at the School Board meetings. It is extremely difficult to hear what is being said or to see the School Board members.  Audio equipment is available but not used.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 7:49 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:07 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.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 30, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)