The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 5, 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 6:41 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. 

Accounts Payable

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Registers totaling $1,387,764.17 for an ACH transfer to Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD) for December 2025 and a corrected amount for January 2026, and $377,247.43 for the register dated 2/10/2026. Accounts payable included a $184,282 payment to North Walpole Village District as part of the 2025 tax commitment. 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 $38,767.36 dated 2/6/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,741.31. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – January 29, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 29, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry. Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved. 

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 29, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 29, 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.

Selectboard Meeting – February 3, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 29, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved. 

Committee Reports

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

• Trustees of Trust Funds – January 21, 2026 

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes. 

Property Tax Refunds

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refunds for as noted on the agenda:

• Map and Lot # 028-159-000 of $99.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 005-021-000 of $66.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 017-005-002 of $42.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 017-017-000 of $80.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 001-015-009 of $135.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 028-059-000 of $163.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 026-031-000 of $95.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 012-048-000 of $116.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 028-062-000 of $186.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 028-100-000 of $150.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 026-006-000 of $116.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 008-050-000 of $64.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 020-025-000 of $111.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 016-009-000 of $168.50 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 024-019-000 of $143.50 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 004-005-002 of $104.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 020-004-000 of $873.90 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 003-016-000 of $491.00 due to overpayment of taxes at closing for this property. 
• Map and Lot # 019-001-000 of $4,095.00 due to closing company paid taxes before owner’s check was received. 
• Map and Lot # 028-118-000 of $1,791.00 due to overpayment by homeowner. 
• Map and Lot # 012-055-017 of $1,930.00 due to overpayment by homeowner. 

Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Veterans’ Tax Credit

Map and Lot #003-004-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 003-004-000. The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

2026 Warrant Articles: The Selectboard conducted a final review before signing. The Warrant Articles cannot be posted until the MS-636 (budget report) is ready. Ms. Mayberry approved the Warrant Articles as discussed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Warrant Articles were approved. 

Parking Ordinance: The Highway Department has commented about issues with parking on narrow streets. People are not moving their vehicles. Ms. Mayberry commented that the Road Agent is asking Police Department to ticket owners who are not moving their vehicles during snowstorms. Mr. Dalessio added that the Town do have a ticketing or payment process. The Selectboard agreed by consensus that the Road Agent, Mike Symonds and Police Chief Sanctuary get together and create an ordinance. The updated ordinance should include snow and other parking issues, annual reminders of the Snow Parking Ordinance, appeals, paying fines to the Town Clerk, etc. The Selectboard would like to see the draft ordinance in one month. 

Walpole School Withdrawal: There was a discussion of February 11th presentation. Ms. Vose will send her slides to Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio for review and recommendations. 

250th Anniversary of American Independence: The Selectboard received a notice that Keene is hosting a three-day celebration. There was feedback from the email sent last week to civic groups, Town departments, etc. Some Walpole groups are planning what they would like to do, and others have not yet responded. By consensus, Walpole wants their own celebration on July 4th. Residents are encouraged to participate in Keene events on the other two days. 

Link to Website: The Selectboard received the link to a website that was created by Craig Vickers with respect to the possible withdrawal from FMRSD. The site explains all the finances for FMRSD and is very well done. 

New Business

Stackable Lift Charger and Battery: Ms. Vose moved approval of Purchase Order #498327 for the Recycling Center to purchase a new battery and charger for the stackable lift from WD Matthews for $3,990.00. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the purchase was approved. 

Stackable Lift Rental Agreement: Ms. Vose moved to rent a stackable lift until the new battery and charger are received and installed, which is Purchase Order # 498328 for $3,000 ($1,400 per month plus delivery and pickup fees of $200). Two quotes were provided and this is the least expensive. It will be two months to get the new battery and charger. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, rental was approved.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order #457318 for $855.00 from the Recreation Revolving Fund to purchase three movie licenses from Swank for 2026 Summer Movie Nights. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the purchase was approved.

Bond Bank Legal Services Engagement Letter: Mr. Dalessio explained that Walpole needs approximately $3,000,000 in bonds to build the new Police Station. Devine Millimet Attorneys at Law has proposed offering Walpole bond counsel services. The bond will be general obligations of Walpole and will likely be sold to the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank, financed through USDA, or placed privately with a financial institution. It takes a long time to get the process started. The Town has used this firm in the past. Mr. Dalessio added that this will mean having another Town Meeting, probably at the end of June or early July for the Town to approve building the new station and financing. Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the engagement letter. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

Liquor License Request: Hooper Golf Properties LLC would like to obtain a New Hampshire liquor license for beer and wine only. The golf club company is asking for an endorsement from the Town of Walpole. The drinks will be sold on the golf course using a dedicated drink cart and must be consumed only on the golf course. This license is not associated with Watkins Inn and Tavern. There will be no co-mingling of licenses or consumption. Ms. Vose moved to send a letter of support for the Hooper Golf Properties liquor license to the State. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

February 19th “Meet the Candidates” Event: The Selectboard will need to recess while Mr. Dalessio makes his presentation since it is scheduled during the Selectboard meeting time. By consensus, the Selectboard will pause the Selectboard meeting. 

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 || (a)(b)(c) at 7:38 PM, Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:01 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.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:01 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:04 PM. 

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary 

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 3, 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 6:37 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The purpose of this meeting is to prepare for the Public Hearing on Thursday, February 5, 2026.  The 2026 Budget and 2026 Warrant Articles were to be reviewed.

Old Business

2026 Budget: The 2026 budget was reviewed and remaining questions answered.

2026 Warrant Articles: 

In Warrant Article 2: The total that the Town will vote on is:

Town Operating Budget	$ 4,876,836.00
Water Operating Budget	$ 240,831.00
Sewer Operating Budget	$ 615,449.00
	$ 5,733,116.00

The Town Operating Budget is an increase of 2.87% over the 2025 budget.

The increases in Water and Sewer are for new meters, lead service line inventory, and the manhole rehab project.

	2025 Budget	2026 Budget	Increase
Water	$ 219,681.00	$ 240,831.00	9.63%
Sewer	$ 564,449.00	$ 615,449.00	9.04%

In Warrant Article 5: For the new vehicle for the Police Department, $20,000 will come from the Police Capital Reserve and $60,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

In Warrant Article 7: For the purchase of a one-ton truck for Highway, $75,000 will come from the Highway Capital Reserve and $75,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Ms. Vose moved to accept the Warrant Articles as discussed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was passed.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 5, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 29, 2026

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

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

Guests Present: Chris Coates, Cheshire County Administrator; Terry Clark, Skip DiBernardo, and Claudia Stewart, County Commissioners; Sheryl Trombly, Cheshire County Finance Director; Jack Wozmak, Cheshire County Treasurer, and Ernie Vose.

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:29 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following item was added at the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to address the topic.

Cheshire County at a Glance

Chris Coates and the County Commissioners presented information about the status of the County. They are currently focusing on helping town officials and the public learn about County services.  They are looking for more staff, especially for Maplewood Nursing Home.  

• After the last renovation, Maplewood went from 85% double rooms to 70% singles.  There is fresh air coming into each room. There are also twenty apartments for assisted living with some for couples and some for spouses of the nursing home residents.  The number of people who can be in Maplewood is limited by the number of employees.
• Cheshire County EMS is in its third year of operation, and it is almost breaking even. They provide support for several towns and Keene, and have backup arrangements with other towns, including Walpole.  They are also working with Smart Ride for wheelchairs, which provides a necessary service that also frees up ambulances for emergencies.  They also do most of the transport for Cheshire Medical Center.
• The Connected Families program is about eight years old. The staff work with families to keep children in their homes and school. Keeping kids in their community is the best way to prevent future issues and the related costs.
• The Sheriff is helping with policing in communities. It is paid for by the towns using the service.
• All dispatch towers were upgraded recently, which also helps the Towns’ communications.  The project was paid for completely by grants.
• Cheshire County has 41 grants totaling about $16,000,000.  They will help towns with grants, and they sponsor grant writing courses.

By consensus, the Selectboard found the information presented very helpful. The flyer, “Cheshire County at a Glance – Walpole”, will be distributed at Town Meeting.  Everyone should know what the County does.

All the guests left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,579.14 dated 1/30/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,214.72.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – January 22, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 22, 2026.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 22, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 22, 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 committee reports as listed in the agenda:

• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – October 8, 2025
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – November 12, 2025
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 3, 2025
• Library Trustees Meeting – January 13, 2026
• Trail Committee Meeting – January 14, 2026
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 17, 2025
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – January 21, 2026
• Police Building Committee Meeting – January 21, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Water and Sewer Warrants

Walpole Water Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for a Walpole Water Lien for $1,195.82.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Lein: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for a Walpole Sewer Lien totaling $2,207.42.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for a North Walpole Sewer Lien for $9,008.79.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard recommends that Mrs. Daigle follow up on water shut offs for unpaid bills per the Town’s agreement with North Walpole Village.

Walpole Water Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Water Fees for $46,269.90. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees totaling $72,965.87. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees for $59,032.11.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Supplemental Tax Warrant

Map and Lot # 012-013-4U1: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant for Map and Lot # 012-013-4U1 for $1,907.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 012-013-4U2: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Supplemental Tax Warrant for Map and Lot # 012-013-4U2 for $361. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Because of the length of the meeting tonight, discussion of the 2026 Budget and the 2026 Warrant Articles were postponed to a separate meeting on Tuesday, February 3rd at 5:30 PM in the Selectboard Office.

Reservoir Dam Update: Fuss & O’Neill have paused work on the Reservoir Dam.  It is not clear why there is a pause. Mr. Dalessio will check into it.

High Street Bridge/Culvert: Ms. Mayberry explained that FEMA rejected the requested time extension.  On further investigation, Ms. Mayberry found that they needed the Town’s audit and the correct reference for the project.  Now that they have the information, the project is reapproved and the Town can proceed with the less expensive plan that causes less environmental impact.

School Withdrawal Meeting Handouts: The handouts were reviewed and plans were made for getting the materials printed and distributed.

New Business

Front Cover for the 2025 Town Report: Front covers samples were reviewed by the Selectboard. A favorite was chosen.

Inside Front Cover Dedication Page: By consensus, the dedication will include three people.

Whitcomb Park Rental Inquiry: Hubbard LLC would like to rent the park for their company event on Friday, July 31st or Friday, August 14th. The Selectboard agreed that the rec park is not available on July 31st but is available on August 14th.  The Town needs confirmation by 3/1/2026 and the hours Hubbard LLC would like to use the rec park.  The Town needs to set a cost that covers Town expenses. The rental should make a profit to help reduce the tax cost of running the recreation park.

February In-Person Staff Meeting: There is mandatory staff attendance at the 2026 Budget Hearing which will count as the in-person meeting in February.

Handrails for 2nd Floor Back Stairs in Town Hall: The Women of Walpole (WOW) is offering to pay for back stairway update, materials only.  By consensus, the Selectboard agreed that WOW needs to cover both materials and installation, because Walpole doesn’t have anyone who can stain the new rails to match the current woodworking and install them to be safety compliant. 

Second Floor Window Shrink Kit Coverings: The Selectboard Office asked if that because of the extremely high oil usage in the Town Hall, shrink covering should be added to the second-floor windows. The coverings could damage the varnished trim. Ms. Mayberry found that 3M and Frostline make varnish-safe kits.  By consensus, the Selectboard approved the installation.

Boston Post Cane: The current cane holder, Shirley Sanctuary, passed away. There will be a search for a new candidate, who is the oldest Walpole citizen.

Municipal Clean Energy Projects: NHDES’ Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program focuses on reducing emissions and air pollution. One sector that the EPA requires is Waste and Materials Management. The Selectboard would like Ms. Hakey at the Recycling Center to review the notice and answer the questions.

Public Notice for a Subdivision Hearing: The hearing is for the lot across the street from the Reservoir Dam parcel. Mr. Dalessio noted that there are questions to be researched by the Planning Board regarding two houses that are on the existing lot that is to be subdivided.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 8:51 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:24 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 9:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 5, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)