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.)

Tagged: Meeting Minutes, SELECTBOARD