Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

August 28, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Peter Dexter, Kara Dexter, Marilyn Wilking, Andrew Wilking, Jana Sellerole, Megan Hughes, Joseph Agnone and Natalie Agnone

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following two items have been moved from New Business to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wish to speak to these items.

RUGGIERO PROCESSING FACILITY: Mr. Dexter would like to know when Ruggerio was granted permission to process municipal waste.  He found some information on the DES website that in 2019 they were approved for municipal waste but does not remember that it was discussed in a public meeting in Walpole.  Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town does not control Ruggerio permits. It is a NH DES decision. Due to changes in rules, Ruggerio Processing must keep reapplying for permits. The Town has no record of what permits they hold.  Someone will need to look through minutes of Town public meetings to determine what was discussed and when.  Mr. Dexter stated that during summer, the odors from the neighboring property have been overwhelming at DexPart. The business could not leave the building doors open and use fans. There was a question of what Town zoning can control.  The Selectboard will do some research and get back to the Dexters.

Mr. and Mrs. Dexter left the meeting.

WORKING FOR DEMOCRACY – TOWN HALL USE REQUEST: Mrs. Wilking, on behalf of Working for Democracy, requested permission to use the Town Hall for an educational meeting.  Working for Democracy is a local group formed in 2024 with monthly meetings to learn about various issues.  Currently they are focused on funding for education and all the changes that are taking place. Working for Democracy used to meet in homes, and then at the Library. However, they need more space.  Mrs. Wilking explained that the group is putting together a presentation/discussion that will be 10 – 15 minutes. Then a moderator will question the panel. Finally, they will take questions from the public. Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry explained that the Town Hall, by design, is a neutral zone. There needs to be balanced presentations with no perception of politics. The moderator must step in if the discussion becomes political.  A decision is on hold until a list of unbiased presenters and an impartial moderator, who will keep things not political, is provided to the Selectboard.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilking, Mrs. Sellerole, and Ms. Hughes left the meeting.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,655.38 dated 8/29/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,456.09.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – August 21, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 21, 2025. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 21, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 21, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved and remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Mayberry called the following minutes to the attention of the Selectboard:

• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – May 13, 2025
• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – June 24, 2025
• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – July 8, 2025
• North Walpole Village Commissioners Minutes – July 22, 2025
• Police Station Building Committee Minutes – August 18, 2025
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes – August 20, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 011-007-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 011-007-002, off Ramsay Hill Road.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS

2025-23, Map and Lot# 021-002-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-03 for Map and Lot # 021-002-000 to construct a 1500 square foot addition of living space and a connector to a garage. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-24, Map and Lot# 010-048-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-24 for Map and Lot #010-048-001 to construct a 20’ x 12’ lean-to shed attached to a barn. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-25, Map and Lot# 008-052-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-25 for Map and Lot 008-052-000 to construct a 100’ x 30’ four car garage with a workshop. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Permitting Forms: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Dam and Wetlands Permits and for the Chair to sign them.  Due to a timing issue, there was a special check run for the permits’ fees.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the forms were approved and signed by Mr. Dalessio.

Great River Hydro Project Boundary: Mr. Dalessio spoke to the request from the Connecticut River Conservancy that Walpole request a change in the project boundary so the river access below the Dam will be part of the project. Connecticut River Conservancy is requesting that Great River Hydro improve the boat landing with bathrooms, picnic area, etc.  The Town’s concern is that improvements would encourage more transient camping at the landing area, which is very low. Flooding occurs regularly, which is a safety concern. The Board felt it is not a good place for the proposed improvements.  The Selectboard discussed the suggestion and by consensus declined to request improvements.

Departmental Procedures: The Selectboard reviewed the new departmental procedures.  All were acceptable except the financial procedure which was too detailed.  Mr. Dalessio explained that there are three levels: policies, procedures which are the steps to implement the policy and work instructions which are detailed instructions to accomplish the procedures. All three levels are needed with policies being the highest level.

NEW BUSINESS

Reimbursement Request: Mr. Kreissle requested a reimbursement from the Fanny Mason Fund to cover invasives treatment.  Ms. Vose felt it was not clear where the treatments were done or which account to use for the payment.  Ms. Vose will request that Mr. Kreissle verify the funding source.

Two Quitclaim Deeds: Two homes had been tax deeded to the Town for lack of payment of taxes and sewer fees.  The former owners of both properties have paid outstanding tax, sewer fees, interest and service expenses to re-purchase their homes from the Town.

• Ms. Vose moved to approve Map and Lot # 029-046-000 Quitclaim Deed to return the home to the former owner.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Quitclaim Deed was approved, and the home returned to previous owner.  
• Ms. Vose moved to approve Map and Lot # 028-013-001 Quitclaim Deed to return the home to the former owner.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Quitclaim Deed was approved, and the home returned to previous owner.

FY 2025-26 Highway Safety Grant Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the grant and for the Chair to sign in Section 1.11 of the Agreement.  The Grant runs from 10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026 and is for $8,500.00.   Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Grant Agreement was accepted and signed by Mr. Dalessio.

Police Detail Rates: Mr. Dalessio and Police Chief Sanctuary discussed the rates.  The Police Chief’s recommendation was not submitted before the meeting.

Employee Resignation: Mr. Hoy submitted his resignation as Recycling Manager.  Ms. Vose moved to accept Mr. Hoy’s resignation.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, Mr. Hoy’s resignation was accepted.  The Selectboard thanks Mr. Hoy for his service to the Town.  Mrs. Downing will request an exit interview before Mr. Hoy leaves.

Resale of Recreation Equipment: Mr. Wilkes would like to sell the extra court tiles and the ice-skating rink frame that are not being used.  The VersaCourt tiles were purchased by warrant article funding for the basketball court. Both items were purchased with Town funds. Therefore, both items must be sold by sealed bid.  The Selectboard must know what the Town paid for these items to prepare for future questions. Research will be conducted.

Water System Inspection: The Walpole Water System met all the State requirements. The State inspects water systems every three years.

Preventing Harassment Training for Employees: Mrs. Downing asked the Selectboard if in-person or online training should be organized for employees this year.  A new online training module is now available through Primex.  By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to online training this year.  

Mr. and Mrs. Agnone left the meeting.

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 7:53 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:31 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 8:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 3. 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Tagged: Meeting Minutes, SELECTBOARD