Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 9/8/26

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 09/16/2026 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

September 8, 2026

Present: Susan Johnson (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail Lahaise, Amy Howard, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Absent:  Bill Ranauro, Sarah Mann, Jana Sellarole

Susan called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. in the Community Room of the main library 

Approval of Minutes: Gail moved to approve the June minutes;  Kathy seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy emailed the Treasurer’s Report and Bills to the trustees prior to the meeting.  She reported that interest rates are good and we’ve received more money than anticipated from our private fund accounts. 

Bills:  Kathy stated that the D. Rising Account, which was earmarked for landscaping, is almost out of money.  With no further discussion, Gail moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Amy seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Old Business  

Library Director Search:  Amy reported that the committee, consisting of trustees, staff, and community members, met during the summer to establish the hiring process. She stated  candidates will initially be vetted over the phone so that they understand what the job entails: duties, salary, benefits, etc. The committee will then make recommendations to the trustees. 

Jane, Susan, and Amy met with the selectboard to discuss the hiring process.  They were told the selectboard may want to meet the candidates; therefore they would like the library to keep them informed about the progress. It was recommended that the salary range be posted in the job description but vacation hours are a question and will need to be discussed further.  Amy told the selectboard the library would like to have overlap between Jane and the new hire, possibly for four weeks. She was told that, as long as the library doesn’t go 10% over budget, that would be acceptable. Jane said that in December, when budget meetings are held, she will be able to talk more about the overlap situation with the selectboard.

Jane sent a copy of her resignation letter to the trustees and will send a copy to Sara Downing.

Job postings are imminent.

Scholarship Wrap-up:  Susan shared a thank-you note to the board from Emily Heddon, this year’s library scholarship recipient.

New Business:  Jane shared a draft of her proposed 2027 library budget with the board.  It will be discussed next month.

Technology:  Jane explained the payment process for Libby, which 30% of our cardholders use. She received funding ($3,000) from the Friends of the Library to purchase additional copies of popular ebooks and audiobooks that would be available exclusively for our patrons.  This will shorten the wait time for these popular titles.  She will send out an announcement to the community.  Both Hoopla and Libby are included in the technology line of the budget and Jane raised it by $4,000 for 2027.

There was a discussion about current donations to the library and to the Friends.

Operations: Julie Rios will present a program on floods in North Walpole on Saturday, September 26 at 1:30 in the main library. 

Jane stated that an author has contacted her about a possible author talk.

Buildings and Grounds:  

Gardens: Susan met with Jennifer about the gardens. Jennifer said perennials are doing so well she’ll be able to move some around and not use as many annuals next year.  Jennifer asked for an increase in the landscaping budget; trustees will look at the budget in December before approving.  Kathy volunteered to be the Buildings and Grounds liaison from the board.

Old Front Door:  Some people have expressed interest in buying/having the old front door of the library.  The board decided to hold a silent auction, with the door going to the highest bidder.  Jane said she would make a poster announcing this for the library as soon as she gets info about the door and measurements from Michael Nerrie, who is currently storing the door.  

Railing: Jane has spoken to the selectboard, Mark Houghton, and Prime about the railing.  Due to costly necessary unrelated repairs in the library, the selectboard suggests that the railing project be put into a warrant article.  Jane said Doug will write up a proposal and that’s how  this will proceed.

Adjournment:  Gail moved to adjourn the meeting to go into non-public session.  Amy seconded and all voted in favor. Susan adjourned the meeting at 4:52p.m.

The next meeting will be October 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in Walpole.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the October 13, 2026 meeting.

Additional Info: Hooper Institute Silent Auction Donations

Uncategorized 09/16/2026 Leave a comment

October Clarion Closing Date – 9/21/26

Uncategorized 09/14/2026 Leave a comment

Hard to believe, but as the CLARION begins its 16th year, it is time again for your submissions for the October 2026 CLARION. Closing date for the October issue is Monday September 21 – 5 pm Walpole time. – Always earlier if you can. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website. — https://thewalpoleclarion.com

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

Red Cross Blood Drive in Walpole – 9/15/26

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SERVPRO OF CHESHIRE COUNTY is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at 115 Church Street in Walpole.

Book your appointment here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=SERVPROofCheshire

Giving blood can save lives. Every 2 seconds someone in the USA needs blood. One donation can save up to 3 lives. Please spread the word about tomorrow’s blood drive.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/8/26

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Walpole Planning Board Minutes

September 8, 2026

Town Hall

7pm

Role Call: Board members: Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternates: Travis Adams, Tom Murray. Absent: Board members Joanna Andros and Trevor MacLachlan.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. He asked Mr. Murray to sit in for Mr. MacLachlan and Mr. Adams to sit in for Ms. Andros. They both agreed.

Review of the August 2026 minutes:

Mr. Marcom had two corrections on page 1. In the second to last paragraph, the number of children should be 7, not 2, to 12 children. In the last paragraph, timberland should be included as districts allowing this type of day care. Mr. Dalessio said the entire sentence can be deleted because the previous sentence says “allowed in any zoning district where residential use is permitted.” Mr. Murray pointed out that the date of meeting was September 11 not September 8. Mr. Miller asked for a motion on the amended minutes. Mr. Marcom made the motion for approval of the amended minutes. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

The rest of the meeting the board discussed adding Plan Approval Limitations, as an amendment, to the site plan. 

Plan Approval Limitations: Planning Board site plan approval shall lapse after a two (2) year period from the date of approval unless substantial development had commenced or a request for an extension for one (1) year has been submitted prior the original approval lapsing. To receive protection pursuant to RSA 674:39, and as it may be amended, the applicant shall have completed active and substantial development and substantial completion as follows:

1. Active and substantial development: construction of basic infrastructure to support the development, including, but not limited to, foundation walls and footings, driveway and parking lot construction to a minimum of gravel base, utilities, construction of all drainage improvements, and installation of all erosion and sediment control measures.

2. Substantial completion: completion of all on-site and off-site improvements specified in the plan approval.

Trevor McLachlan’s comment.

In New Hampshire, the term “substantial completion” in construction contracts is defined as the stage where the project is defined where the project is sufficiently complete to be utilized buy the owner for its intended purpose, according to the district of New Hampshire. This means the project is not necessarily 100% finished, but rather, it is at a stage where it can be used for its intended function even if some tasks or defects remain.

Elaboration:

Purpose-driven: Substantial Completion is about the ability to use the project for its intended purpose, not necessarily about the final, absolute perfection in every detail.

Practical utility: The project is considered substantially complete when it is functional and can be occupied or utilized for its intended use, even with minor defects.

Key milestone: Reaching substantial completion in a construction project, as it triggers various legal and contractual obligations, such as payment deadlines and warranty periods.

Not final completion: Substantial completion is distinct from final completion of all remaining work, including punch list items.

Mr. Miller will send a copy of this amendment to the town attorney, Jeremy Hockensmith for his comments.

Eventually this amendment will need to have a public hearing. It does not go on the March warrant. It does need approval from the Walpole Planning Board.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:44 pm.

Respectfully submitted

Marilou Blaine 

WPB Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/3/26

SELECTBOARD 09/14/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

September 3, 2026

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

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

Guest Present: Jane Malmberg, Library Director; Amy Howard and  Susan Johnson, Library Trustees;  Paul Looney, Chair of the Community Power Committee; Steve O’Connor, Recycling Dept. Manager

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

The first four items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:32 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:53 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.

Mrs. Malmberg, Ms. Howard and Mrs. Johnson left the meeting during the Non-Public session.

Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Looney joined the meeting.

Recycling Center Replacement Truck

Mr. O’Connor attended the meeting to answer questions about the replacement box truck for the Recycling Center.  The old truck can no longer be used on the road.  Mr. O’Connor test drove several box trucks and found one that seemed adequate with an asking price of $10,195.  He submitted a bid for $9,195 to U-Haul which was accepted.  There was a $49 processing fee.  A $100 in person deposit is required to hold the truck for pickup.  Mr. O’Connor plans to go to Rutland tomorrow to put down the $100 deposit.  The following Friday, 9/11/2026, he will go pick up the truck after paying for the truck with a cashier’s check for $9,144.00. Ms. Mayberry reviewed that the cashier’s check would be for $9,244.00 total coast less the $100.00 deposit. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Purchase Order # 295597 for $9,244.00 to purchase a replacement truck for the Recycling Center.  The truck will be an asset, not an expense.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried and the Purchase Order was signed.

Mr. O’Connor would like to sell the old truck and plow.  He will put them near the Re-Use Center with a for sale sign and directions to see Mr. O’Connor to make a sealed bid.  At a later date, Mr. O’Connor will sell the Bobcat snowblower and purchase a plow for the Bobcat.

Mr. O’Connor left the meeting.

Electricity Contract

Mr. Looney explained that there is a new contract available from First Point Power at a rate of $0.13168 per kilowatt hour for power November 2026 to November 2027.  This is a slight drop from the current rate.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the First Point Power contract for a year starting November 2026 at a price of $0.13168.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved and the contract signed by Ms. Vose.  This is less than CPCNH by $1,000 – 1,500 per year.  

Solar System Tax Refund

Mr. Looney state that the Town had provided all the information and forms required to the IRS. However, the tax refund has not been released for the solar installation at the Recycling Center.  The status is that it is awaiting review by IRS council. Mr. Looney commented that the Town of Franklin did get their tax refund.  Mr. Looney is talking to other NH towns to try to find something that will help with the release of the Town’s solar refund.

Additionally, Mr. Looney commented that the Town has not been paid for the solar electricity credits produced by the solar panels.  The automated system was set up to be processed by a company that apparently is no longer doing that.  There is a manual system that could be used. The Town should be getting about $1,200 per year. However, no payments have not received anything since the last quarter of 2025.  He will continue to work on the issue.

Mr. Looney left the meeting.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $45,111.33 dated 9/4/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,416.25.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 27, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 27, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 27, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 27, 2026 with the minutes to remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant

Op #26-461-01, Map and Lot #010-026-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $260.20. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved and signed.

Building Permits

2014-10, Map and Lot# 012-013-4U3: Upon review of previous minutes and consultation with the Town attorney, the Selectboard is issuing Building Permit #2014-10 and reaffirming the stipulation regarding compliance as indicated on the permit:  

This permit is issued in accordance with an application on file in the Office of the Selectboard.

Contingent upon compliance with all applicable local, state and federal building, fire safety, and life safety codes and requirements prior to the commencement of Phase III construction.  Documentation demonstrating such compliance shall be submitted to the Selectboard before construction begins.  

Permit valid for one (1) year from date of issue.

Timber Intents

Map and Lot # 006-008-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 006-008-000, off Derry Hill Road.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Town Wide Emergency Alert System: Water and sewer user alerts are to be included in a future emergency alert system.  Ms. Vose is working on finding a system that will address the Town’s needs.

New Business

HealthTrust Medicare Advantage Rate Package: This is a healthcare package that will be available to retirees if they choose to opt in at their expense.  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the contract.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried and Ms. Vose signed the contract.

NH Assessing Officials Ballot:  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair vote and complete the ballot.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion passed.

Land Use Manual Order:   Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) makes the manuals available each year.  The Selectboard Office will request three copies. The order is one copy for Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and the Selectboard Office.

Farmers Market on the Common: Saturday, November 21, 2026 is the annual holiday market.  The Farmers Market would like to use the Common again that day as they have in the past.  By consensus the Board approves the Farmers Market using the Common.

Thank You Letter: Ms. Vose acknowledged the thank you letter from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont.  They expressed their gratitude for the budgeted donation the Town made. 

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry  moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:09 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 10, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Great Decisions at the Library – 9/21/26

EVENTS 09/14/2026 Leave a comment

“GREAT DECISIONS”

Returns One Week from Today

“America First versus the Liberal International Order”

“Great Decisions” will resume on Monday, September 21, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Library. Our topic of discussion will be U.S. foreign policy under the second Trump administration which has upended our international relations. Moderating the discussion will be Adrian Basora, former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. 

The suggested reading from the Foreign Policy Association is an article by renowned author and professor from Princeton University, G. John Ikenberry: “Debating America’s Global Role: America First versus Liberal Internationalism.” A copy of this article can be emailed to you upon request to Library Director Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

All are welcome to join in person or via Zoom. You can click above to request the Zoom link from Jane Malmberg, but please join at 6:30 pm, following the “Master Class” video which cannot be shown on Zoom.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 9/10/26

SELECTBOARD 09/10/2026 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

September 10, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $706,660.24 for checks issued 9/15/2026.
  • ACH approval request for Fall Mountain Regional School District, Sept. 2026, for $583,655.19
  • ACH approval request for Colonial Life for $561.68
  • ACH approval request for Reliance Matrix for $4,049.39
  • ACH approval request for Consolidated Communications for $955.63
  • ACH approval request for Amazon for $1,056.70

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $37,517.65 dated 9/11/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,953.36

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – September 3, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – September 3, 2026

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting – September 2, 2026

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main Bridge/Culvert, School and Union Street Drainage, Parking Ordinance

  • Recycling Center Truck – Authorization Letter to Register
  • MS-1 Update

NEW BUSINESS

  • Highway Safety Grant
  • Highway Safety Equipment Grant with a Certificate of Authority
  • Employee Resignation Letter

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

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

“North Walpole vs. The Connecticut River” at the Library – 9/26/26

EVENTS 09/10/2026 Leave a comment
The main event of the century. North Walpole vs the Connecticut River. Three heavyweight floods one indomitable village. Route 1: The Great Flood of 1927; Round 2: The Ice & Rains of 1936; Round 3: The Great Hurricane of 1938. Will the mighty Connecticut deliver the knockout, or will North Walpole stand tall? Saturday, September 26, 1:30 pm at the Main Library. Ringside commentary by presenter Julie Rios. Free admission! Bring your boots!

Employment Opportunity: Town of Walpole Library Director

JOB POSTING 09/09/2026 Comments: 2

TOWN OF WALPOLE 

Library Director 

DEPARTMENT: Walpole Town Library 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time Exempt, 40 hours per week 

The Walpole Town Library seeks a dynamic Library Director to lead both the Bridge Memorial Library and North Walpole Branch Library. Set in a historic New Hampshire village along the Connecticut River, this role offers a vibrant community near Keene and a Dartmouth-Hitchcock affiliate, requiring strong administrative vision and independent leadership.

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all aspects of the library in conformity with Trustee policies and municipal and state law and regulations. 

EXPERIENCE:

  • A Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree plus substantial work experience in a management position at a public library may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. 
  • At least three (3) years of progressively responsible library experience, including supervisory experience, preferably in a public library setting. 
  • Demonstrated library management and leadership experience with financial and planning responsibilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

  • Ability to interact effectively with staff, patrons, the Board of Trustees, Town leadership and peers in the library community. 
  • Knowledge of current resources, programs and services available to libraries and how to implement those resources. 
  • Experience with digital media including social media, web design and maintenance.
  • Ability to configure, use and maintain an Integrated Library System and online catalog (e.g. KOHA).

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

  • Commensurate with background & experience. $50,000-$60,000 plus benefits package. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Walpole Library – Director Search 

P.O. Box 487 

Walpole, NH 03608 

EEO Statement: The Walpole Library is and Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The Walpole Library is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The Walpole Library prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information and political orientation.