Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/22/26

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.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 4/30/26

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

April 30, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $34,259.87 dated 5/01/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,239.53
  • Payroll Register totaling $4,191.00 dated 5/02/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $683.42

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – April 22, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – April 22, 2026

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

WARRANTS

  • Walpole Water Fees
  • Walpole Sewer Fees
  • North Walpole Sewer Fees

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2026-08, Map and Lot# 008-066-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Parking Ordinance, Police Detail Policy

  • In-Person Staff Meeting Topic and Date

NEW BUSINESS

  • Appointment Notice
  • Library Ramp Railing Extension
  • Commercial Brush Fee at Recycling Center
  • SWRPC Annual Meeting Invitation
  • Thank You Note

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

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

Growing Together – Soil Health Workshop at the Hooper Institute – 5/7/26

Join us next week on May 7 for our Soil Health Workshop with Fritze and learn how to protect, and improve your soil for the growing season ahead.

Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to deepen your knowledge, this is a great opportunity to get your hands in the dirt and learn something new!

We need to fill 3 more spots! Registration is required here: https://forms.gle/GiEuoQCy3RXqmAc26

May 2026 Clarion Now Online

And ready for mailing to all postal addresses in Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville — 1,549 addresses. Again 20 pages and may I remind you for a color experience with both pictures and ads, do visit the on-line edition.

This year is moving quickly again, and it will soon be time for summer adventures. If there is space in the June issue I will share some adventure ideas from “Shunpiking with Ray

For now CLICK THIS LINK for the MAY issue, or on the front cover below. Stay safe and well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Hooper Birthday Picnic – 5/16/26

Save the Date! 

Join us on May 16 as we celebrate George Hooper’s Birthday and our Hooper Centennial!

We’re planning a fun, relaxed afternoon with good food, great company, and time spent outdoors together, all while supporting our programs and mission. Sign up to participate in the potluck or bake sale below:

Bake sale: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AAAA72CA7F9C25-63314108-hooper#/

Potluck: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AAAA72CA7F9C25-63330880-hooper#/

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore at BFOH – 5/9/26

Roots music legends Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are bringing their soulful blend of country, blues, folk and “guitar-bashing rock and roll” to the Bellows Falls Opera House on Saturday, May 9.

As they hit the road in 2026, Grammy winning Dave Alvin and multiple-Grammy-nominee Jimmie Dale Gilmore are billing themselves as the Almost Acoustic Duo. Friends for over 30 years, their lively shows feature songs from the duo’s albums, as well as classic original compositions from their individual albums, while swapping songs, telling stories, and sharing their life experiences on stage. Joining the duo will be Patti Smith bandleader, Lenny Kaye, who was recently the subject of a long feature in Rolling Stone.

Both Gilmore and Alvin have played Bellows Falls before, Gilmore as part of the Green Mountain Express music train and Alvin as headliner at the late, great Roots on the River music festival. This show is being presented by Ray’s the Roof Productions.

The Bellows Falls Opera House is located at 7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT. Doors at 6:30, showtime 7:30. Tickets and information at BellowsFallsOperaHouse.com.

CAMEO Arts Foundation Concert – 5/3/26

CAMEO Arts Foundation presents Cameo Baroque on Sunday, May 3rd at 4:00 pm at the Walpole Unitarian Church in Walpole, NH. The program includes works of Couperin, Leclair, Boismortier and others, and is a benefit for CASP.  Cameo Baroque — Leslie Stroud, traverso, Beth Hilgartner, recorders and voice, Laurie Rabut, violin and viola da gamba, and Ernie Drown, harpsichord — specializes in historically informed performance on original instruments. Admission is by free will offering, all of which goes to the Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP).  CASP cultivates a supportive community for those seeking asylum in the U.S., provides for their basic needs and legal representation, and accompanies them on their journey towards building a life in this country.  While it primarily serves clients in southeastern Vermont, CASP has been instrumental in the development of other organizations serving asylum seekers in Vermont and New Hampshire.  

Hooper Flower CSA

Give the gift of flowers this Mother’s Day! Our Hooper Flower CSA is back for a 5th year. Early bird pricing is available through Mother’s Day, so now is the perfect time to sign up or gift a share! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/TB8EiKnJEHwdHn659


Bellows Falls Dam Drawdown

Conservation Commission Vacancies

2026 Committee Vacancies

The Town of Walpole Selectboard is seeking to fill vacancies for the Walpole Conservation Commission. Any Walpole, North Walpole or Drewsville resident interested in volunteering should forward a letter of interest along with relevant experience to the Town of Walpole Selectboard by Monday, May 5, 2026. Letters of interest can be emailed to sdowning@walpolenh.us or mailed to Town of Walpole Selectboard Office PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608. If you have any questions, please contact the Selectboard Office for more information. The Conservation Commission meets on the first Monday of the month.

Vacancies:

  • Conservation Commission: One (1) – Three Year Term as Full Member
  • Conservation Commission: One (1) – Three Year Term as an Alternate