The Walpolean

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

February 19, 2026

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, Carolyn Vose (on the phone) 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 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,585.32 dated 2/20/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,933.82.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – February 10, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 10, 2026.  The purpose of this meeting was to prepare the materials for the three public information sessions on school withdrawal.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – February 12, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 12, 2026. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 12, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 12, 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 following committee reports:

• Conservation Commission Meeting – February 2, 2026
• Planning Board Meeting – January 13, 2026
• Planning Board Meeting – February 13, 2026
• Safety Committee Meeting – February 5, 2026
• Library Trustees Meeting – February 10, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2026-1, Map and Lot# 008-077-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2026-1 for Map and Lot # 008-077-001 to construct a 24.5’ x 12.5’ mud room extension. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

True and Attest Form: The Warrant and MS-636 are to be posted tomorrow. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the True and Attest Form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

ARPA Water and Asset Management Grant Reimbursement Request: Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair sign the reimbursement request for $13,700 from the ARPA Water and Asset Management Grant.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the reimbursement request.

New Business

MS-636: The MS-636 contains the Town’s proposed 2026 budget.  It will be posted with the Warrant Articles.  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the MS-636.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was passed.  

Hooper Institute Fundraising and Tax-Exempt Status: Ms. Drager, on behalf of the Hooper Board had two finance-related questions for the Selectboard. The first question was related to creating a PayPal or Venmo account with the Town’s EIN number.  The second question was regarding donation acknowledgements. Ms. Mayberry commented that If the Town’s tax ID is used, the funds raised would be public funds belonging to the Town, not to Hooper. There are many special rules that apply to Town funds.  It would take some investigation to determine if Hooper Institute can become an independent non-profit. The Friends of Hooper Institute (FoHI) was created to provide a non-profit affiliate with the Institute. The best option may be to reactivate FoHI and have that group handle fundraising for the Hooper Institute.

North Walpole Trash Pick-up: Ms. Mayberry explained that the yellow bags from North Walpole properties are being hauled to Naughton’s in Bradford, NH.  The North Walpole Commissioners are questioning why yellow bags are not being taken by their pickup service to the Recycling Center.  North Walpole needs to use yellow bags because the purchase fees go toward the tipping fees the Town currently pays. It is unclear why things are being done as they are.  Ms. Vose will ask Ms. Hakey to email Ben Hoy to determine if he has any information on the history of the current system.  In the meantime, there is no objection to North Walpole trying to save money if a less expensive option is available.  The North Walpole Commissioners need to gather the costs for the various options so a decision can be made.

Concerts on the Green: Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW) proposes to have concerts June 14, 2026 through August 16, 2026. There will be Scouting America concert on June 28, 2026.  They would also like to change the concert time from 6:30 PM to 6:00 PM with an ending time of 7:30 PM.  They request access to the restrooms in the Town Hall during the concerts and they would like to have the concerts in the Town Hall in case of rain as in the past.  By consensus the Selectboard agreed to SWB’s requests. They thanked SBW for continuing to sponsor the popular concerts.

Road Closure Request for Evening Film Shooting: The Board reviewed the four possible locations for filming the car scenes at night from April 3 at 6:00 PM to April 4 at 6:00 AM.  The Selectboard asked that Mark Houghton, Fire Chief; Mike Symonds, Road Agent, and Justin Sanctuary, Police Chief recommend the location they feel would be best.  Also, the movie company will be expected to pay detail rates for the Police to be present.

Mr. Dalessio recessed the meeting at 7:07 PM to attend the Walpole Community Grange’s “Meet the Candidates” Night.  Mr. Dalessio called the meeting back to order at 8:05 PM.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (e) at 8:05 PM. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:09 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 8:09 PM. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:22 PM.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 26, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

February 12, 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 6:40 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,873.62 dated 2/13/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,632.02.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

2026 Budget and Warrant Article Hearing – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the 2026 Budget and Warrant Article Hearing of February 5, 2026.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Hearing minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 5, 2026.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 5, 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 following committee reports:

• Walpole Fire District Meeting – January 7, 2026 

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Elderly Exemption:

Map and Lot # 028-094-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-094-000.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000.  This is an updated application because of a change in ownership.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Blind Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000.  This is an updated application because of a change in ownership.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Veterans’ Exemption:

Map and Lot #028-132-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Exemption for Map and Lot# 028-132-000. The applicant’s spouse served more than 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged.  This is an updated application because of a change in ownership.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio explained that the delay in work on the Reservoir Dam was caused because funds needed to be moved to permitting from engineering and construction.  This has been taken care of.  There is no change in the budget for the project.

2027 Senator Shaheen Congressional Spending Grant: The deadline is 2/18/2026.  Mr. Dalessio passed the grant information to the Police Department to see if they want to apply.

250th Anniversary of American Independence – Walpole Event:  Two additional ideas have been put forward. Mrs. Downing will contact all who made suggestions for the celebration.  The Selectboard will meet with all who have responded after Town Meeting to make plans for the event.

Town Report: The Town Report needs to be finalized by 2/18/2026 so that the printer has a couple of weeks to complete the printing.  Mrs. Downing is still missing several pieces including the MS-9, the MS-636 and several other reports.  Proofing is underway for completed pages.

New Business

Town Hall Use by Civic Groups: There are repeated issues with groups not scheduling when they will be in the Town Hall and with doors being propped open during heating season.  Mrs. Downing explained that any cardholder can always get in, but doors do not stay unlocked unless scheduled.  As a result, groups who for not schedule their time in Town Hall prop open the doors so that fellow group members can get in. Walpole citizens pay the Town Hall heating bills with their taxes.  By consensus, the Selectboard asked that an email be sent to civic groups using the Town Hall to please remember to be good stewards in the care and use of the Town Hall. 

Goodlander Community Project Funding Notice: This is another legislative funding opportunity.  Mr. Dalessio will review the requirements to determine which departments might apply.

MG Building on South Street: Ms. Vose expressed concern regarding the recent Planning Board minutes related to the “MG” building, noting that it appeared the process for granting a special exception was not being followed. Mr. Dalessio assured Ms. Vose that the required process will be followed when the “MG” building is sold, and the property is proposed for commercial development. He also clarified that, at the time of the Planning Board meeting, no site plan application had been submitted, which is the first step in the approval process.

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 7:15 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:07 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 8:07 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 19, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 10, 2026

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

Others Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Steve Varone, Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 5:36 PM in the Selectboard Office of the Town Hall. Mr. Dalessio introduced the Selectboard and others present at the meeting.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL PRESENTATION: Ms. Vose handed out copies of the draft PowerPoint slides for review. The Selectboard went through the ten slides and gave Ms. Vose feedback with suggested changes and additions. The titles on the slides were Vision, Fiscal Accountability, Why Withdraw?, 2026 Legal Framework, Financial Realities and Responsibilities with the Withdrawal, Definitions: SAU vs. School District, Forming a Walpole School District, Proposed Timeline for 2026-2027 and Community Information and Next Steps.

There was a consensus that questions would be held until after the presentation was completed.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL MAILINGS: The Selectboard received a question regarding the cost of the mailings. The Selectboard accepted a donation for the entire cost of the three mailings. There was no taxpayer funds used to post the mailings.

The appropriateness of the Selectboard endorsement at the end of the letter on the first mailing was questioned by a citizen. By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to sign both mailed letters. The Walpole Selectboard has a responsibility to address the impact of the school district’s budget on the Walpole tax rate. The Town approved a warrant article at the 2025 Town Meeting to conduct a feasibility study for the Town to withdraw from the cooperative school district. The initial study group concluded that it would be beneficial to the Town to withdraw from FMRSD. It is up to the voters if they want educational and financial control of the Walpole Schools.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:48 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore 

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 19, 2026, Selectboard meeting.)