Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 8/8/26

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Walpole Planning Board Minutes

August 8, 2026

Town Hall

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.  A full board was present so an alternate was not needed to fill in. 

Review Minutes of the July 2026 meeting: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

Presenter: Sarah Bollinger from Southwest Region Planning Commission was at the meeting to answer questions about the proposed adoption of an amendment to Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances to include the following:

1. Adding definitions for “family day care home” and “family group day care home” to Article XX.

2. Adding a new subsection, Article IV.O. addressing these uses, and

3. Amending the table of permitted uses, to identify where the uses are permitted and to cross-reference Article IV.O.

Ms. Bollinger said the state is very much behind this addition to zoning ordinances in the state because of the need for child care of young child so parents can become part of New Hampshire’s workforce. The two types of child care she was speaking of were:

Family Day Care Home: As defined in RSA 170-E:2, IV(a): an occupied residence where child day care provided for less than 24 hours per day, except in emergencies, generally for up to 6 children from one or more unrelated families, subject to applicable State licensing requirements.

And Group Family Day Care Home: As defined in RSA 170-E:2 IV(b); an occupied residence where child day care is provided for less than 24 hours per day, except in emergencies, generally for 2 to 12 children from one or more unrelated families, subject to applicable State licensing requirements.

These would be allowed in any zoning district where residential use is permitted in the primary dwelling or within an existing accessory building. In Walpole that would be Residential A and B, Rural/Ag and Commercial Districts but not in the Industrial or Timberland districts.

The NH Department of Health and Human Services under He-C 4002 will oversee the requirements of these day care homes.  It does not require a special exception and shall not be subject to a local site plan review. Nothing in this section shall be construed to override any private covenant, including homeowners’ association covenants. The state does the licensing and caregivers follow their criteria. The state requires fire and septic inspections.

Towns have no say in any of the requirements including parking, picking up and dropping off children. Concerns of the Board were parking and more importantly that neighbors of these homes taking care of children would not be notified in advance.

The next step in the process is to have a public hearing this fall. The Board has to vote on the final language of the amendment and make a recommendation to support or not support the final language. If there are substantial changes in the language of the amendment, it may need an additional public hearing. If the amendment stands as written, it will go to the Town Clerk to be placed on the warrant and voted on in March 2027 at the town election.

The amendment will be available for public inspection at the Town Hall and will be put on the town website, which is www.walpolenh.us, before the public vote by ballot in March.

The amendment will read something like this:

Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 1 as proposed by the Planning Board to amend the Walpole Zoning Ordinances by adding definitions for family day care homes and family group day care homes, adding a new subsection to Article IV governing these uses, and amending Appendix B. Table of Permitted Uses to identify where these uses are permitted?

This amendment updates Walpole Zoning Ordinances to align with State law allowing home-based child care by right as an accessory use to primary zoning districts where residential uses are allowed, subject to applicable State requirements.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/6/26

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Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

August 6, 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: Charlotte King, from the Reformer, and Jack Franks, Abenaki Springs/Avanru Dev.

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

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $41,022.17 dated 8/7/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,528.22.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – July 30, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 30, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – July 30, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 30, 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.

Building Permit

2014-10, Map and Lot# 012-013-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to table the renewal of Building Permit #2014-10 for Map and Lot # 012-013-004 to construct a third phase of Abenaki Springs development until the Town receives the construction drawings from Mr. Franks. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved. 

Old Business

FMRSD Payment Request: FMRSD is requesting the July payment and future payments through the tax rate setting date. The Treasurer, Steve Varone, has already made the ACH payment for July.  The School District did not provide the Town with a payment schedule past the June payment.  The Articles of Agreement says they will provide Towns with a schedule until the new rate is set  which is typically in October.  The Selectboard requests that Steve Varone attend the next meeting.

Jack Franks arrived during the discussion of the FMRSD Payment Request.

Great River Hydro’s FERC License: Great River Hydro is requesting expedited approval by the government.  By consensus, the Selectboard supports the request since Great River Hydro has met all the requirements for the license.

Hubbard Inc. Solid Waste Permit Waiver: The permit is no longer required since they have an incinerator. Ms. Vose acknowledged receipt of the letter from NHDES.

Abenaki Springs – Phase 3: Mr. Franks stated that he wants the 2014 building permit renewed. Ms. Vose explained that it was tabled earlier in the meeting because construction plans are not available. Mr. Franks stated that he will not go to the Planning Board for another Site Plan Review.  Ms. Vose commented that it was clearly stated that until the Town and State Fire Marshall have the construction plans, it is impossible to approve a building permit.  Mr. Franks was reminded that since Phase 3 is to be built now, the design must be consistent with today’s standards and safety codes. Mr. Franks said he will pay to have up-to-date site plans and construction drawings, including electrical and plumbing prepared by his architects.  He will get the drawings to Mark Houghton, the Fire Chief and the State Fire Marshall when they are ready for review.

Mr. Franks left the meeting.

New Business

Authorization for Registering Vehicles Letter: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the letter to authorize Mike Symonds to register the new truck for the Town of Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the letter was approved and signed.

2027 Highway Block Grant: Ms. Mayberry said there is $143,096.88 in the 2027 Block Grant for Walpole.  There will be four payments throughout the year.  The Town is lucky to have this grant because it is a big part of our Highway budget.

Thank You Letter: The Town received a thank you letter in appreciation for Walpole’s donation to Our Place.  Ms. Vose acknowledged the letter.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:56 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:00 PM.

Charlotte King left the meeting.

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 7:04 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:55 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 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the August 13, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Police Station Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 8/10/26

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POLICE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes

August 10, 2026

Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Selectboard Office. Present were Andrew Dey, Cheri Watson, Trevor MacLachlan, Jay Punt, Chief Justin Sanctuary and Peggy Pschirrer.

The Committee reviewed the final floor plan of the proposed new Police Station.  All agree that if the building were to be built tomorrow, they would be happy with results.  

Both Trevor MacLachlan and Andrew Dey reviewed the detailed cost estimates.  The Committee discussed potential cuts to the proposed budget.  Granite curbing will be limited to the front of the building. Cost of siding will be reviewed.

Mr. Dalessio reminded the Committee of the public informational meeting to be held Saturday, August 15 at 10 am in Town Hall.  The Special Meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm in Town Hall.  Jack Wozmak, Town Moderator, will conduct the meeting as he does every Town Meeting.  The only agenda is whether the Town will vote to accept a three-million-dollar bond for construction of the new station.  Voters will register as they do at any Town Meeting.  Bond issues require a 3/5 vote to pass – or 60% of the voters present and voting.  The Committee will meet briefly at the end of the Special Meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Police Station Bond Information Meeting Minutes – 8/15/26

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[Editor’s Note: The Selectboard has requested a Special Town Meeting that will be held tonight, August 17, 2026 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, for the purpose of approving a Municipal bond of $3,000,000 to build the new police station. Walpole residents are encouraged to attend.]

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire Information Meeting

New Police Station Bond

AUGUST 15, 2026

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

Staff Present: Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Public Present: Sign in Sheet Attached to Official Minutes in Selectboard Office

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Information Meeting to order at10:04 AM in the Walpole Town Hall. This is a discussion in preparation for the Special Town Meeting Monday evening, August 17th at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall.

Why do we need a new police station? For the protection of our officers, to provide an adequate work environment, and for efficiency. The discussion bounced around a lot, so rather than chronological minutes, the questions are grouped by topic.

The Building: The Committee has worked on the design of the building for three years. When first presented to the voters, it was larger and would have cost $7,000,000 to build. The Town felt that was too much space and too expensive, so it was back to the drawing board and the frills were removed.

  • The Charlestown Police Station, built in 2010, has a much smaller footprint. What does it not include that we need? They have two stories, but they have less holding space and fewer Sallie ports. When both stories are considered, the Walpole plan is just slightly bigger.
  • Will the Juvenile holding be separate from adults? Yes, there are three one-person cells, one of which can be totally separate from the others, including solid walls and a pull-down shade (similar to what schools have for classroom security).
  • How are we going to prevent vehicles from driving into the building? Although not shown in the rendering, there will be granite boulders between the parking and the building.
  • What is the maximum size of the force that the building is designed for? It is designed to accommodate up to ten officers. We currently have six. It is expected that the building will be adequate for fifty years. There is also space to the north to enlarge the building if needed.

The Police Department: The Department consists of Police Chief Justin Sanctuary and five other officers.

  • How many arrests are there? We have about 100 – 180 arrests per year. However, there are about 400 calls per month. Because currently the only way to detain someone is to handcuff them to the wall, the three holding cells will provide better options for the officers and they will not have to do as much on the side of the road. The holding cells are a much better option.
  • How do we get to see the monthly Police stats? The Police Department prepares the statistics monthly and they are sent to the Walpolean and Clarion, but that doesn’t mean they are published. Moving forward, they will be published on the Police page on the Town website (WalpoleNH.us) – that way the Town can ensure this information is published.
  • Why is the Walpole Police Department so much larger than surrounding towns?
  • If the population is greater than 3,000, the Town is required to have a Police Department. Walpole is the only Town around that has managed to be fully staffed for the last two years. Alstead is now down to one officer, other towns such as Westmoreland and Chesterfield depend on the State Troopers for policing, but the Troopers are also overloaded, and they need to prioritize which calls to respond to, often when the situation has escalated to an emergency.
    • Because of our location, we are easily accessible from Interstate 91 via the two bridges in Walpole, and there is a lot of traffic between Claremont and Keene. All of this means more police calls and more patrols.
    • Our Police handle personal disputes. People don’t talk to each other and work things out, so the Police handle the resolution. This is better than not having issues resolved as in other towns.
  • Why does Walpole respond to calls in other NH towns and in Bellows Falls? Walpole is a member of Mutual Aid (both Fire and Police). When there is an emergency Walpole will respond if requested. The Towns with no Police Department can’t return the favor. However, it works very well with Bellows Falls – Walpole is there about 6 times a week and they help us about 6 times a week, especially when there is no one on duty in Walpole. We do not have enough Officers to cover 24 x 7, and they help us while our officers get to the emergency from their homes.
  • Why do the officers take their cars home, especially when they live outside Walpole – that’s a big expense? We do not have full-time coverage, so when there is an emergency, the officers respond directly from home to the scene. That saves a lot of time over driving their own cars to the police station to get their cruisers to go to the scene.
  • Statistics say that when there are more cops, there is more crime. Actually, the crime is there either way, but it is not being addressed or reported unless there are police officers.

Funding the Construction of a New Police Station: There seems to be a consensus that the current Police Station is not adequate, but there is concern about how a new station will be paid for, and how much it will cost taxpayers.

  • How much will the new Police Station cost and how will it be paid for? The estimate is that the Station will cost about $5,200,000 – the previous estimate is 18 months old. An additional professional estimate is being prepared. At the same time value engineering is starting so the Committee will know which items add the least value. For example, granite curbs all the way around might be replaced by concrete.
  • Walpole has already been approved for a $2,058,000 Federal grant. On Monday night there will be a vote on whether to get a 20-year $3,000,000 bond to build the Police Station. If the bond is accepted, a Police Station will be built on Upper Walpole Road. In addition, checks are arriving almost daily in response to the fundraising request.
  • If the bond is approved, how much will it cost taxpayers? The interest rate on the bond will be released in January. It is likely it will be 3-4% as the current rate is 3.84%. It will be a fixed rate bond, which means the annual expense will decline as it is paid off. If our rate is 3.84%, the impact on taxes would be $0.35 per $1,000 assessed (about $88 on a $250,000 assessed home) in the first year and decline for the remaining years.
  • Someone could build a house that size for $1,000,000, so why is it so much more expensive to build a police station? There are special codes for public buildings, and a police station has additional costs like a separate HVAC system for the area where drugs are processed, walls must be bullet proof, and it will have ballistic glass.
  • Are there special requirements for the grant? The Federal government requires that competitive wages be paid and that we “Buy America – Build America” (i.e. use American made products”), which increases the cost.
  • How can construction costs be controlled? There will be an escalation clause in the contract, and there will be a competitive bid process to build the Police Station.

The Process to Get a New Police Station: The next step is the Special Town Meeting on Monday, 8/17/2026 at 7:00 at Town Hall.

  • What is next? The next step is to attend and vote on Monday.
  • How does the Special Town Meeting work? Just like the Annual Saturday Town Meeting.
  • Can we vote on paper ballots? Typically, the Moderator would call for a voice vote. If there is any question what the outcome is, the Moderator will call for paper Yes/No ballots. Also, if the Moderator is presented with a request signed by five (5) registered voters before the vote, there will be no voice vote, and it would move directly to paper ballots.
  • What if the vote is to approve the bond? The Committee will continue its work finalizing the design details and put the Police Station out for bid. The Selectboard will obtain the Bond.
  • What if the vote fails on Monday? The vote will be back on the ballot in March, but the cost of construction is expected to be higher due to inflation and other factors.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the August 20, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

September Clarion Closing Date – 8/22/26

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I thought I would give you a week and a day warning this month to ready and send your submissions for the September 2026 CLARION. Closing date for the September issue is Saturday, August 22 – 5 pm Walpole time. – or earlier if you can. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

September is also a “light month” for content in the CLARION with folks away, school not in session, resulting in fewer activities to write about and share. But, if you have something to share with the Walpole community, please send it along for possible inclusion.

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

Book Discussion at the Walpole Historical Society – 8/15/26

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An event every Saturday, 12:30 pm at the Museum

Please join us this Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 pm, when Bill Ranauro will discuss his book: The Chosen City: The Owner, The Players, and the New Hampshire City That Integrated Baseball in the United States. Bill’s book recounts events in Nashua, New Hampshire in 1946.

* * *

The collections of the Walpole Historical Society contain thousands of items: clothing of all descriptions and eras, photos, pamphlets, books, tools, business ledgers, furniture, minutes of civic organizations, souvenir china, kitchen implements, even some vehicles. These objects have entered our collections through myriad sources: individuals and families donating family heirlooms, eagle-eyed folks at the Transfer Station or the Library Book Sale, basement and attic explorers, collectors seeking a home for their treasures. The Walpole Historical Society collections contain the commonplace and the rare and everything in between–all representing possible stories to discover. Please visit www.WalpoleHistory.com.

Special Town Meeting – 8/17/26

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Special Town Meetings are a rare event.  Special Town Meetings may be scheduled only with the permission of the Attorney General’s office and an agreement from the Superior Court. The format of the meeting follows the same format as any annual Town Meeting.

The Selectboard requested the Special Town Meeting to be held August 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm in Town Hall for the purpose of approving a Municipal bond of three million dollars ($3,000,000).  Approving this Bond will enable the Town to move forward in the construction of a new Police Station.  Denying the Bond will push the bond vote to March 2027, delay construction and significantly increase the cost.

The New Hampshire Bond Market does not set its interest rates until the date of the Bond sales which will be in January 2027.  However, recent interest rates for twenty-year bonds have been 3.84%. The Town could assume at that rate, their annual principal payment would be $150,000; debt service would be $115,200.  Our tax impact would decline each year as bond balance is paid down and interest expense decreases.  This is hypothetical until the interest rate in determined in January of 2027.

The Police Building Committee has held several public meetings and have responded to citizens’ concerns that the building was too big and/or too expensive.  Walpoleans agreed through these discussions that our current station is too small, unsafe and ill equipped for the Officers who work there.  Our Police Officers are confronted daily by a wide variety of crimes involving drugs (I-91 is a drug corridor), potential suicides, burglaries, speeding, car/truck accidents, battery, domestic violence, runaways etc.  They experience it all.  They deserve a safe, well-equipped building in which to work.

Recently, our Police have seen an increase in retail thefts, an increase in DUIs (often involving motor vehicle crashes), and increased requests by homeowners for house checks while they are on vacation.  

The Speed Radar Trailer was on Main Street by Union Street for a week in July. It was monitoring traffic coming into Town.  In one week 16,563 vehicles were traveling north. One hundred eighty (180) of them were traveling over 35 mph in a 25-mph zone. The average speed was 24 mph.  Currently the radar trailer is on County Road where a recent car clocked by at 70 mph!

All the while our Officers are at work, the Police Building Committee is raising money to supplement a USDA grant of two million dollars and with your support a three-million-dollar Bond.  We will build a new station! Thank you for your contributions.

Please join us all Monday, August 17 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall.

Peggy Pschirrer

Presentation on How to Avoid Scams – 8/14/26

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Correction: Walpole Trail Committee Meeting – 8/12/26

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[Editor’s Note: The original version of this post had the wrong date listed in the post title.]

Walpole Trail Committee Meeting – 7/12/26

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