Police Station Building Committee Minutes

April 8, 2026

The Police Building Committee met at the Hooper Institute, at 12:30 pm, April 8, 2026, for the purpose of interviewing the principals of two companies who had presented proposals for the construction of a new Police Station for the Town of Walpole. Present were Steve Dalessio, Trevor MacLachlan, Jay Punt, Cheri Watson, Andrew Dey, Chief Justin Sanctuary and Peggy Pschirrer.

Black River Design Architects made the first presentation to the committee. Mr. Dalessio stated that he is currently working with Black River at the American Precision Museum. 

Black River was represented by Keith Robinson, the Partner in charge; Mark Montminy, Partner; and Jess Dahline, Project Manager.  The group made a formal presentation and presented the group with copies of their suggestions and remarks.  Their recommendations included, among other things, suggestions to turn the building so that the front is visible from the upper Walpole Road, build a flat roof, consider shifting the Chief’s office to an exterior wall, consider high windowsills to avoid bullet resistant glazing.  The Black River Team indicated they have no experience with Buy America, Build America.  They also stated to meet the demand of BABA they would need to adjust their price.  They also prefer to work without an owner’s representative and or a construction manager. Their presentation was thorough and the committee asked many questions.  Black River was thanked for their presentation and assured the committee will discuss their presentation and be in touch in the following week.

Banwell Architects made the second presentation to the group. Ms. Pschirrer indicated she is currently working with Banwell Architects on the Walpole Village School Project. Mr. Dey and Mr. MacLachlan both stated they have worked with Banwell Architects. 

Banwell Architects was represented by Ingrid Nichols, President; Tom Daniels, Project Architect; and Matt Giffin, Project Manager.  They distributed a handout which stated their mission is to improve the human condition one building at a time. They also had a projection of their plans and ideas for Walpole.  They asked the committee many questions about room placement, placement of mechanicals, timing of the town vote on a bond.  Banwell Architects stated they had jobs which demanded Buy America, Build America and are used to meeting those demands.

Mr. Dalessio thanked Banwell staff for their presentation and told them we would make our decision soon and contact them with our decision.

The Committee resumed meeting after a short break and reviewed both presentations.  It was generally agreed that both companies could easily deliver a new Police Station but ultimately the group voted to engage Black River.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 pm.   The next meeting will be scheduled for April 22, 2026, at the Hooper Institute at 6:30 pm.

The date was later changed to April 23, 2026, at 6:30 at the Hooper Institute.

Tagged: Meeting Minutes, Police Building Committee