Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Public Hearing

USDA Grant for Walpole Fire Station Expansion Project

May 7, 2026

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

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

Fire Department Present: Mark Houghton, Walpole Fire Chief and Brad Nash, Fireman and Town Maintenance Technician

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Public Hearing to order at 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Ms. Vose explained that in order to receive the grant a public hearing that was announced in a local paper seven days ahead must be held.  This meeting was announced in the Keene Sentinel April 24, 2026 and notices were posted in the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.  It is also on the Town’s website (www.walpolenh.us).  This Public Hearing is required before the Selectboard votes to ratify its decision of December 18, 2025 because the earlier meeting was not announced in a local paper, the Keene Sentinel, as required. The Town of Walpole was unaware of this requirement.

Ms. Vose called for discussion.  There being none, the meeting proceeded.

Ratification of the Vote of December 18, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to ratify the Selectboard decision of December 18, 2025 to accept the unanticipated funds from the USDA totaling $1,000,000.00.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried and the Town of Walpole will accept the USDA Grant for the Walpole Fire Station Expansion Project.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the hearing adjourned at 6:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 14, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Tagged: Meeting Minutes, public hearing, SELECTBOARD