Police Station Building Committee Minutes

June 15, 2026

Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Selectboard Office.  Present were Officers Roger Landry and Josh Merkle, Trevor MacLachlan, Andrew Dey, Cheri Watson, and Peggy Pschirrer.  Jay Punt was absent.

Black River Architects have approved minor changes to the contract.

After conversations with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Chief Sanctuary, Black River has prepared three options for the size and layout of the proposed police station.  The Committee reviewed all three options and focused on option three, which has slightly larger sally ports, some offices changed in location, and secure gates to the back parking lots. The sally ports will have drainage. Option three also has a staircase to an upper area for mechanicals. Mr. Dey suggested the space for mechanicals will need to be insulated.   A suggestion from the group is to change a storage area on the main floor, to the opposite side of the building to add an exit to the parking lot. Individuals who have been brought in for any reason need to be able to leave the building without going through the public entry.

Black River architects will visit the current police station on Thursday, June 20. They have already contacted Liberty Utilities and will contact Houghton’s about water/sewer lines. 

Black River will meet with Steve Dalessio, Chief Sanctuary and Peggy Pschirrer online on July 2 at 2:00 pm. Anyone may join that review/discussion.

Officers Merkel and Landry expressed some concern about how the police will leave the site for calls. 

Walpole’s request for a Special Meeting with Bond and Budget Hearings was approved by the Superior Court.  Notices have been posted.  Hearings will be held to discuss the bond and budget on July 1st at 6 pm at the Town Hall.  The Special Meeting is scheduled for August 17th at 7 pm at the Town Hall.

The Committee discussed the need to hire a construction manager as well as an owner’s representative.

Fundraising materials are being prepared which will include letters to residents as well as local businesses.  Each letter will have an envelope addressed to the Town for contributions to the construction of the new station.

The next meeting of the Committee will be June 29, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Selectboard Office.

Tagged: Police Building, Police Building Committee