Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

January 22, 2026

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, Carolyn Vose (remote due to illness – she is home alone) and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Guests Present: Jo Cowgill

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

The next item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.

Police Assistance to Ice Involved Situations: Jo Cowgill wished to discuss this topic with the Selectboard.  Mrs. Cowgill noted that there are no problems at this time in Walpole, but she wants the community to be prepared for ICE activity, particularly during demonstrations.  There were about 400 people at the last demonstration near Jouvay Chocolate. There was a discussion about drivers who were surprised by the large group of people gathered and that some may be fearful.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Walpole Police have always cooperated with Federal agencies in various investigations. Mr. Dalessio has spoken with Chief Sanctuary regarding the matter. The Walpole Police Department will continue to cooperate with agencies that are acting lawfully.  Mr. Dalessio stated that the Town can depend on Walpole Police to know what is right in the future.   Mrs. Cowgill would also like Walpole Police Officers to protect demonstrators. It was recommended that she call Chief Sanctuary ahead of time, to make the request.

Mrs. Cowgill left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $204,608.82 dated 1/27/2026 including $73,296.50 payment to McGovern MHQ for a new Police vehicle. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. The new police cruiser purchase was approved at the 2025 Town Meeting under warrant article #11.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,307.10 dated 1/23/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,000.09.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 15, 2026.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting –January 15, 2026: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 15, 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 Planning Board – October 14, 2025
• Hooper Institute Board of Directors – November 6, 2025
• Hooper Institute Board of Directors – December 2, 2025
• Police Building Committee – January 6, 2026

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

2026 Town Budget: The Selectboard reviewed and discussed the 2026 budget.   Ms. Mayberry will send the Excel spreadsheet to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose for final review for next week.  The Selectboard feels things are in a very good position in preparation for public meetings, the Town Report, and Town Meeting.

2026 Warrant Articles: Attorney Hockensmith is working on a response to the format question regarding the petition articles to determine if they are legal in the current format. The final version of the Warrant Articles will be ready for next week.

Privacy Release Form re: Federal Legislative Assistance: Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the form giving permission for the Federal Government to speak to Mr. Dalessio or Mr. Paul Looney.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.  The form is to get assistance to process the federal tax reimbursement for the solar energy system at the Recycling Center.

New Business

250thAnniversary of American Independence: Mr. Dalessio has been approached with questions as to what Walpole will be doing to celebrate the anniversary.  There was a consensus that a message should be sent to all civic organizations in Town to see what they might want to do.  Mrs. Downing will send an email to all organizations and others who might be interested.   The email will request a response by March 31st.  July 4th is a Saturday this year.

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 7:41 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 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 7:57 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 PM.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 29, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Tagged: Meeting Minutes, SELECTBOARD