Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/18/26
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
June 18, 2026
Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry (late), and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Accounts Payable
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $63,369.14 dated 6/22/2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the ACH request for May 2026 payment to NHRS of $45,079.67. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Primex yearly payment of $72,042.00 for property and liability. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Primex yearly payment of $49,556.00 for Workers’ Compensation coverage. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved.
Payroll
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,082.10 dated 6/19/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,558.72. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – June 11, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 11, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – June 11, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of June 11, 2026. The minutes will remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.
Ms. Mayberry arrived at the meeting.
Committee Reports
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – February 11, 2026
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – March 11, 2026
- Walpole Fire District Meeting – April 1, 2026
- Trail Committee Meeting – May 13, 2026
- Supervisors of the Checklist – June 2, 2026
- Library Board of Trustees Meeting – June 9, 2026
- Planning Board Meeting – June 9, 2026
Ms. Vose acknowledged these minutes.
Land Use Change Tax
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for the following property: Map and Lot # 011-001-002 in the amount of $15,000.00. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for the following property: Map and Lot # 029-019-000 in the amount of $1,400.00. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
Solar Tax Credit:
Map and Lot #005-002-010: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Solar Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 005-002-010. The approval was delayed because assessor had to visit the property. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
Timber Intents
Map and Lot 005-057-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 005-057-000, off Watkins Hill Road. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
Building/Demolition Permits
20264-18, Map and Lot# 020-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Demolition Permit #2026-18 for Map and Lot # 020-011-000 to demolish the existing metal building. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
Old Business
Public Hearings – Potential Hearing Date: The Public Hearings for the Police Station bond and budget will be July 1, 2026. By consensus, in case of bad weather, the hearing will be postponed to July 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
160 Prospect Hill Road Letter: There is a building permit violation on this property. The standard fine of $275 for building without a permit will be assessed. For now, no daily penalty will be added since they are addressing the issue.
Water and Sewer Utility Meeting – New Date: July 15th or 22nd have been suggested for the Water and Sewer Utility Meeting. Mrs. Downing will check with Mark Houghton.
North Walpole School Draft Future Use Plans: Mr. Dalessio said this is the plan required by the State. It indicates what the School Board’s thoughts are about possible use of the building.
New Business
May 2026 Landfill Monitoring Report: Two monitoring wells had levels of 62% and 156% LEL, which is consistent with historical data. Ms. Vose acknowledged the report.
North Walpole Commissions Request to Meet with the Selectboard: The North Walpole Village Commissioners have requested a meeting with the Selectboard on Thursday, June 25th to discuss the North Walpole School. That meeting time is good with the Selectboard.
Town Hall Folding Chairs and Outside Use: The Grange would like to use the chairs from Town Hall for Award Night on the Common, weather permitting. By consensus, the Selectboard agrees to the use because it benefits the whole community.
Town Common Use on August 23rd: The River Valley Church would like to have Bluegrass and other entertainment on the Common on August 23rd. By consensus the church may go ahead with their event as long as there is no bouncy house on Town property.
HCS Pricing Comment from a Citizen: A resident is concerned with the increase in the cost of the Foot Care Clinics. It was observed that it seems to be what is happening everywhere. The Selectboard does not dictate Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS) prices. Ms. Vose acknowledged the resident’s concern.
Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b)
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) at 7:04 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:17 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.
Hooper Trustees
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:17 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:39 PM.
Mr. Dalessio spoke to the Walpole Seniors meeting on Monday at the Congregational Church. They had a lot of questions about things in Walpole. He felt it was a very good discussion.
Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 25, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)
Notice of Public Hearings
TOWN OF WALPOLE
New Hampshire
Notice of Public Hearings
Bond Hearing
Pursuant to RSA 33:8-a, I, the Selectboard of the Town of Walpole will hold a public bond hearing on July 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Town Hall located at 34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH to discuss the proposed issuance of a bond in the amount of $3,000,000 to finance the construction of a new police facility. The bond issue will be voted on at the August 17, 2026 special meeting.
Budget Hearing
Pursuant to RSA 32:5, I, the Selectboard of the Town of Walpole will hold a public budget hearing on July 1, 2026, following the 6:00 p.m. public bond hearing at the Town Hall located at 34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH to discuss the Town’s proposed budget for the August 17, 2026 special meeting.
If canceled due to weather, the bond and budget hearings will be rescheduled to July 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Town of Walpole, NH
Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/25/26
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
June 25, 2026
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
NORTH WALPOLE SCHOOL
SEASONAL MOBILE HOME OCCUPANCY REQUEST
SELECTBOARD MEETING
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
- Accounts Payable Check ACH approval requests for the E.E. Houghton invoice for the Town Hall mini split installation, 10-year service contract and 10-year labor warranty of $107,050.00. This was funded by warrant article #10 in 2026.
PAYROLL
- Payroll Register totaling $36,593.56 dated 6/26/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,733.17
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
- Selectboard Meeting – June 18, 2026
- Selectboard Non-Public Session – June 18, 2026
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Police Station Building Committee Meeting – June 15, 2026
- Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – March 20, 2026
REFUNDS
- Map and Lot# 003-030-000
- Map and Lot# 003-062-000
- Map and Lot# 027-002-000
BUILDING PERMITS
- 2026-19, Map and Lot# 008-029-000
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Parking Ordinance, Reservoir Dam, Library Ramp Railing Extension
- Black River Design Architects PLC’s Standard Form of Agreement
- 160 Prospect Hill Road Revised Letter
- NHDES Letter re: Closed Landfill
- Boston Post Cane
- DADU Questions
NEW BUSINESS
- North Walpole Park Donation
- Planned Power Outage at Town Hall
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
Library Announces Scholarship Winner
The Shirley Capron Scholarship was established in 2024 to honor Shirley, who served as a library trustee for 50 years. Each year, the merit-based scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Fall Mountain Regional High School who demonstrates civic-mindedness at school and in the community. This year’s recipient is Emily Heddon of Walpole.
Local Author and Illustrator Publish Inclusive Children’s Book Series
Local author Vicky Riggio and illustrator Jillian Bishop are proud to announce the release of the first set of books in the Sammie Series, an inclusive children’s book series created to celebrate kindness, learning, representation, and accessibility for young readers.
The series stars Sammie, a curious, kind, and joyful young girl who learns, explores, and discovers the world in her own special way. Through gentle storytelling, playful learning, and child-friendly illustrations, the Sammie Series encourages children to celebrate differences, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful educational adventures.
Riggio, a Walpole, New Hampshire resident and graduate of Fall Mountain Regional High School, created the series with inclusion and early childhood learning at its heart. The books are designed for families, classrooms, and young readers who benefit from stories that are warm, accessible, and engaging.
The first release in the series includes Sammie’s Amazing Adventure with the Letter A, along with an accompanying coloring and activity book and a classroom activity book. Together, these books support early literacy, creativity, hands-on learning, and classroom participation.
Bishop, also a Walpole, New Hampshire resident and graduate of Fall Mountain Regional High School, brings Sammie’s world to life with gentle, child-friendly artwork that supports the welcoming and inclusive message of each story.
The first books in the Sammie Series are now available on Amazon, marking the beginning of a growing collection designed to inspire learning, kindness, and representation for young readers.
For more information about the Sammie Series, please contact:
Vicky Riggio
Author
hellosammiebooks@gmail.com
Police Station Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 6/15/26
Police Station Building Committee Minutes
June 15, 2026
Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Selectboard Office. Present were Officers Roger Landry and Josh Merkle, Trevor MacLachlan, Andrew Dey, Cheri Watson, and Peggy Pschirrer. Jay Punt was absent.
Black River Architects have approved minor changes to the contract.
After conversations with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Chief Sanctuary, Black River has prepared three options for the size and layout of the proposed police station. The Committee reviewed all three options and focused on option three, which has slightly larger sally ports, some offices changed in location, and secure gates to the back parking lots. The sally ports will have drainage. Option three also has a staircase to an upper area for mechanicals. Mr. Dey suggested the space for mechanicals will need to be insulated. A suggestion from the group is to change a storage area on the main floor, to the opposite side of the building to add an exit to the parking lot. Individuals who have been brought in for any reason need to be able to leave the building without going through the public entry.
Black River architects will visit the current police station on Thursday, June 20. They have already contacted Liberty Utilities and will contact Houghton’s about water/sewer lines.
Black River will meet with Steve Dalessio, Chief Sanctuary and Peggy Pschirrer online on July 2 at 2:00 pm. Anyone may join that review/discussion.
Officers Merkel and Landry expressed some concern about how the police will leave the site for calls.
Walpole’s request for a Special Meeting with Bond and Budget Hearings was approved by the Superior Court. Notices have been posted. Hearings will be held to discuss the bond and budget on July 1st at 6 pm at the Town Hall. The Special Meeting is scheduled for August 17th at 7 pm at the Town Hall.
The Committee discussed the need to hire a construction manager as well as an owner’s representative.
Fundraising materials are being prepared which will include letters to residents as well as local businesses. Each letter will have an envelope addressed to the Town for contributions to the construction of the new station.
The next meeting of the Committee will be June 29, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Selectboard Office.
Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/17/26
Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Town Hall
7 pm
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the next meeting for corrections.
Roll Call: Board Members Present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Pauline Barnes, David Edkins, Shane O’Keefe. and Alternate Don Sellarole; Absent: Clerk Bill Sommers.
Others in attendance: Zoning Coordinator Ernie Vose, and residents Ryan and Amy Royce, Rosemarie Patch, and Mark McGuirk.
Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Mr. Sellerole was asked to participate as a regular Board member in Mr. Sommers’ absence, to which he agreed.
Review of Minutes of May 20, 2026: The Board members briefly discussed the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. O’Keefe moved to approve the Board minutes of the May 2026 meeting as presented. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Other Business:
Variance Proposal
Ms. Patch inquired about the need for a variance to applicable building setbacks for an existing structure located at 160 Prospect Hill. Mr. Vose and Board members discussed with Ms. Patch the variance application process, noting that the next board meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026 and that a variance can be considered at that time if the required application is submitted soon enough to meet public notice requirements. She thanked the Board members and left the meeting at 7:14 pm.
Public Hearing – Variance request regarding property at 16 Short Lane
Ryan and Amy Royce presented their application for a variance from the applicable 20-foot side yard setback specified in Zoning Ordinance Article 5, Section D2 in order to construct a new 2-car garage, measuring 24’ X 24’. They explained that given the configuration of the existing structures and topography of the site, in particular a slope that prevents construction near the home and outside the required setback, construction of the accessory structure would require significant and expensive site work. The proposed structure would be as close as 10-feet from the side lot line, while 20-feet is required.
It was confirmed by Mr. Murray that all required public notice of the hearing had been given, including to all abutters. It was noted that that there were no abutting property owners present at the meeting to provide testimony.
There was extensive discussion about the proposal and the conditions of the property. Ms. Barnes reviewed in detail each of the variance criteria specified under RSA 674:33 and as set forth in the variance application by the applicants. Each of the criteria were discussed by the Board.
With no further presentation or questions, Mr. Murray closed the public hearing.
Mr. Murray noted that the proposed structure would not be obstructing access or views and therefore not create any safety issues for others. My Sellerole mentioned that the Zoning Ordinance had building setback requirements for a reason and they are important to establish clearance between structures, but less of an issue in remote areas such as this. Ms. Barnes concurred that setbacks are less important in rural settings.
Mr. Edkins moved that the application as presented meets the 5 criteria for the granting of the variance and therefore it shall be approved. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Murray stated that he would draft written findings of fact and a notice of decision. Mr. Edkins noted that there is a 30-day appeal period and that the applicant is at risk if construction begins before that period tolls and an appeal is filed.
At the suggestion of Board members, Mr. Royce amended the sketch plan for his application by drawing in the slope locations.
The Royces thanked the Board members and left the meeting at 7:45 pm.
Other Business:
General Inquiry
Mark McGuirk inquired about whether a seasonal camper can be located on property temporarily in a rural agricultural zone. The Board members suggested that he confer with Ernie Vose and the Selectboard to get an answer on this question.
Planning Board workshop
Mr. Murray noted that the Planning Commission and Zoning Board would be holding a workshop on potential Zoning Ordinance language regarding family-based childcare use of property on the evening of June 23, 2026. O’Keefe and Edkins noted that they would be unable to attend.
Recording Secretary
Mr. Edkins mentioned he noticed that the Selectboard was seeking a recording secretary and wondered whether the ZBA can jump in on this effort to handle its meeting minutes as well. He agreed to connect with the Selectboard office on this. Mr. O’Keefe agreed to write up the minutes for this meeting.
Applications
There was a brief discussion on receipt of application materials ahead of meetings, and it was noted that the variance application reviewed at this meeting had been forwarded about a week ahead of time.
Adjournment
Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. The time was 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Shane O’Keefe, ZBA Member
Growing Together – Canning and Preserving at the Hooper Institute – 7/9/26
Register here: https://forms.gle/gR9vHB18eYGF7x4F8
Springfield Hospital Scholarship Awarded to Local Student
The 21st Annual Eileen Austin Neal RN Memorial Scholarship for Nursing of $1,000 was awarded to Kelsey Fillion of Walpole, NH. Kelsey is a graduate of Fall Mountain High School and will study Nursing in the fall at the University of Vermont. Kelsey found her passion in nursing through different experiences during high school and looks forward to extending the education she receives to future patients under her care.
Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory from Eileen’s family as well as from community members.
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