Author Archives: The Walpolean

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/17/25

SELECTBOARD 04/27/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 17, 2025

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $922,305.92 dated 4/21/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,048.86 dated 4/18/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,612.83.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting #2 – April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting #1– April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – April 7, 2025
  • Library Trustees Meeting – April 8, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

CURRENT USE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the following property for Current Use:

  • Map and Lot # 012-058-000 – 58.99 acres
  • Map and Lot # 005-057-000 – 2.8 acres to be added to a larger parcel

Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion was approved for Current Use.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-055-010: Ms. Vose moved to approve the All Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-010.  The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENTS

Map and Lot # 015-011-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 015-011-000 for Cold River Materials.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 014-013-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 014-013-000 for Cold River Materials.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-09, Map and Lot# 010-026-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit 2025-09 for Map and Lot # 010-026-000 to construct a 20’ x 24’ master bedroom and bathroom addition. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-10, Map and Lot# 010-024-002-2: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit 2025-10 for Map and Lot # 010-024-002-2 to construct a 104’ x 34’ Single family home with an attached garage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Mill Pond and Reservoir Dam Inspections: Inspections of both dams are scheduled for this year.  The notice of inspections was acknowledged.

NEW BUSINESS

Walpolean Support Request: Ms. Mayberry noted that the Town received a request to pay the annual fee of $99 for the WordPress.com Premium Plan and $19 for the domain name for the Walpolean website.  The Board will discuss this next week when Mr. Dalessio is present.

RTP Grant Support Letter Request: The Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club are looking for support for their Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant application for a new trail groomer.  Mrs. Downing will prepare a letter of support for the Board to sign next week.

Dunkin Donuts Grand Opening Event: Ms. Mayberry announced that the date of the grand opening event is to be determined.  The Planning Board will handle the event signage request.  There was an agreement that traffic is a concern. Dunkin Donuts may need to have a police detail.  There will be more discussion once more information is available.

Thank You Letter:  Big Brothers Big Sister sent a thank you letter for the yearly donation from the Town.  The letter was acknowledged.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:02 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:41 PM.

Ms. Vose moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:41 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:04 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry 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 April 24, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Reminder: Walpole Players Holding Auditions for Our Town – 4/26/25

Uncategorized 04/24/2025 1 Comment

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder

Two more chances to audition for this Pulitzer Prize-winner play – SATURDAY April 26
10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Hope to see you there! – Tara

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 4/24/25

SELECTBOARD 04/24/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

April 24, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $31,705.74 dated 4/25/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,031.14.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – April 17, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – April 17, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Planning Board Meeting – April 8, 2025
  • Trail Committee Meeting – April 9, 2025

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT

  • Op# 24-461-02, Map and Lot# 014-013-000
  • Op# 24-461-03, Map and Lot# 015-011-000

REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 009-033-002-1

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2025-10, Map and Lot# 012-013-004
  • 2025-11, Map and Lot# 010-049-000
  • 2025-12, Map and Lot# 011-001-002

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, and the Special Use Permit (SUP)

  • Reservoir Dam Grant Disbursement Form
  • Hooper Hill Hopper RTP Grant Support Letter
  • SUP Application and Bond
  • Walpolean Support Request
  • Old Home Days Flyer

NEW BUSINESS

  • Drewsville Common Gazebo Donation
  • Rancho Viejo Liquor Endorsement Letter
  • River Valley Seniors at Home Thank You Letter

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/10/25

SELECTBOARD 04/18/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 10, 2025

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 6:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Ms. Mayberry moved to enter Non-Public Session.  Ms. Vose seconded. The Board unanimously agreed to enter Non-Public Session. The Selectboard remained in Non-Public Session until 6:32 PM for reason (a) Personnel. Ms. Vose moved for the minutes to be sealed. Ms. Mayberry seconded. There was a unanimous vote to seal the minutes.

Ms. Vose moved to return to the public session. Ms. Mayberry seconded. All members voted in favor to returning to the public session of the Selectboard.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $39,780.34 dated 4/11/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,311.85. This payroll register includes retroactive payments and new wage rates for all employees except the Police Department and the Selectboard.   Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll register was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Mayberry brought to the Chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – April 1, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refunds for:

  • Map and Lot # 028-121-000 of $16.65. 
  • Map and Lot # 029-048-000 of $160.73.

Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENTS

Map and Lot # 001-016-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 001-016-002, off Old Route 12 North.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-08, Map and Lot# 011-027-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit 2025-08 for Map and Lot# 011-027-000 to construct a 481 square foot ramp for a home. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Fountain for Recreation: Ms. Vose moved to approve purchase of the water fountain for the Recreation Park.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Asset Management Grant: An updated grant agreement is needed to extend the completion date.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and have the Chair to sign the updated asset management grant agreement.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Special Use Permit:   Mr. Dalessio reported that Attorney Hockensmith has not yet responded to the request for review of the Special Use Permit and Bond.

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment Notice: Paul Happ is recommended to become a full member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Vose moved to approve Paul Happ as a full Commission. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Purchase Order for 6-Wheel Dump Truck: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign Purchase Order 201446 for $279,802.00 to purchase a Western Star 47x 6-wheel dump truck from ATC Patriot LLC.  The purchase includes the cab, chassis and plow.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the purchase order was signed. The purchase of the 6 Wheel dump truck was approved under Warrant Article #9.                   

Purchase Order for Exterior Lighting at the Library: Ms. Vose moved to approve and sign Purchase Order #619056 for $800.00 for E.E. Houghton Co. to add compact LED flood fixtures to the soffit of the porch.  The new lights illuminate the steps and ramp and are connected to the existing porch light switch.  The purchase will be paid for from the Library maintenance line.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Home Days Request: The Walpole Fire Department would like to use the north lawn of Town Hall and the Recreation Field across Westminster Street for Old Home Days.  Ms. Mayberry moved to allow the Walpole Fire Department to use of the Town Hall’s north lawn and the recreation field for Old Home Days.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Town Hall Use Request: Mr. Dalessio explained that the Walpole Democratic Party would like to host a presentation at the Town Hall.  By consensus, the request is refused.

DADU Letter: A property owner is adding a 2-bedroom apartment within an existing barn and has the septic permit. However, the property is in the Industrial Zone.  A letter has been prepared explaining the special circumstances and the steps necessary to obtain permission to build.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter as written.   Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter signed. 

Hooper Trustees and Hooper Board: The Trustees and the Board will meet the candidates for Executive Director of Hooper Institute on Thursday, May 1st. 

In Person Staff Meeting on Wednesday, May14th:  The topic will be how to create a process.

Selectboard Meetings: The Board will meet Thursday, May 1st. That meeting is not moving to the prior Wednesday.  The May 15th meeting will be moved to Wednesday, May 14th. The in-person Staff Meeting will also be moving to Wednesday, April 14th.

Selectboard Liaison Assignments:   The Board will continue to look for additional ways to improve efficiency in their tasks.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c)

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:22 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:37 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 7:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 17, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 4/17/25

SELECTBOARD 04/17/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

April 17, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $922,305.92 for checks issued 4/21/2025

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $38,048.86 dated 4/18/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,612.83.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – April 17, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – April 17, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session #1 – April 17, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – April 7, 2025
  • Library Trustees Meeting – April 8, 2025

CURRENT USE

  • Map and Lot# 012-058-000
  • Map and Lot# 005-057-000

ALL VETERANS TAX CREDIT

  • Map and Lot# 012-055-010

EXCAVATION INTENTS

  • Map and Lot# 015-011-000
  • Map and Lot# 014-013-000

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2025-08, Map and Lot# 010-026-000
  • 2025-10, Map and Lot 010-024-002-2

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, and the Special Use Permit (SUP)

  • Mill Pond and Reservoir Dam Inspections

NEW BUSINESS

  • Walpolean Support Request
  • RPT Grant Support Letter Request
  • Dunkin Grand Opening Event
  • Thank You Letter

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – April 2, 2025

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • March 2025 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Education Fund
  • March 2025 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund
  • Hooper Institute Building Renovation Invoices
  • Revised “Meet and Greet” Date for Executive Director Candidate
  • Security Alarm Purchase

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Walpole Players to Hold Auditions for “Our Town”

EVENTS 04/15/2025 Leave a comment
Walpole Players 2025 Old Home Days Production: Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Auditions! Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, at the Walpole Town Hall. Rehearsals being Wednesday the 30th of April; then every Sunday at 2:00 pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:00 pm, until the performance. Only people in the scenes to be worked on will be needed for the rehearsals. Performances will be at the end of June. For more information, call Tara Sad at 603-756-4861.

Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 4/8/25

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 04/15/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

April 8, 2025

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Jana Sellarole, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Visitors:  Bevin Mitchell, Gretchen Fowler

Call to Order:  Amy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at the North Walpole Library. She welcomed Bevin Mitchell and Gretchen Fowler to the meeting and welcomed Jana Sellarole to the library Board of Trustees.

Recognition of Visitors:  Amy recognized Bevin and Gretchen, who came to give an update from the Friends of the Library.  Bevin reported that the book sale was very successful and the Friends were able to donate $17,000 to the library.  She said the Friends have made $3500 from book sales at the Reuse Center and offered a short history of the book area at the center. The 2026 book sale will take place October 25th and 26th, no Friday night.  She said it was difficult to coordinate that with the school.

Bevin stated that volunteers and board members are welcome to help sort books starting Wednesday, June 11th (and Wednesdays thereafter) at 9:30.  She also invited board members to join the Friends for their working meetings this summer on the third Thursday of the month from 5-6 at the coop. They discuss business as they sort and move books and pallets. Gretchen stated that they need more banana boxes. There has been a shortage but Kathy said she believes that is over.  Amy thanked Bevin and Gretchen for the update; they left the meeting at 4:38.

Elections:  After discussing the roles of Chair and Treasurer, Amy was reelected to the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees; Kathy was reelected as Treasurer and Jean as Secretary. 

Approval of Minutes:  Amy made a motion to accept the March minutes as written. Gail seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.  

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy reported that our CD came due and was automatically renewed.  

Bills:  Jane reported that magazine subscriptions are ordered once a year through one company and that explains the high bill reflected in the report. She also said she bought a $20 library ad for the FMRHS playbill.  Susan thanked Jane for the new Mahjong cards. Sarah moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business

Old Home Days:  Sarah found a musician, “Mr. Aaron”, to perform in the library after the parade. Time of the performance will be determined after the Old Home Day Committee has their next meeting.

There was a discussion about the parade: who would march, what they would do, what they would offer parade-goers. It was decided that bookmarks, rather than candy would be offered. Bill volunteered to make those; Sarah offered to help him. Gail and Erin suggested using the bubble machine and dancing to the accompanying song, encouraging children along the parade route to join in. Plans will be finalized via email;  Amy, Bill, Sarah, and Jane will serve as organizers.

Scholarship: Kathy reported that the scholarship can be funded by fees and donations. As a reminder, this scholarship is needs-based, merit-based, and the recipient must be civic-minded (school and community). The recipient will be chosen at the high school.  Bill will find out the name of the recipient and Amy will write a letter of congratulations to accompany the check. This individual will also be invited to a trustees meeting to be photographed with Shirley Capron. 

New Business

Impact of Funding Changes: Jane reported that the state is working on the state budget now;  there will likely be library cuts because the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has been told to make cuts. Jane said she met with the Alstead Library Director and they felt Inter Library Loan (ILL) would be the service most impacted by cuts in IMLS funding. They discussed the possibility of a mini consortium of local libraries but driving is a primary concern due to insurance and sorting and paperwork would need to be organized. Jane said she thinks Libby would continue but it would cost more and talking books are at risk. NH Humanities was cut, so grants will not be available. Everything is up in the air right now.  The trustees discussed ways they could lobby against these cuts; Sarah offered to draft a letter of support for state libraries on behalf of our Board of Trustees and will email it to members of the board for approval before sending it to local and state officials. Such a letter from the trustees supporting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) can also be sent to our senators and representatives in Washington D.C.

Policy Changes:  Jane will clarify the policy regarding meetings and events in the Community Room to read:  “All meetings, programs, and events utilizing the library” must be open to the public.

Jane suggested changing the policy on library cards to say that a parent must sign for a library card along with their child, assuming responsibility for the materials the child checks out.

Buildings and Grounds: Jane reports that neighbors have complained the new lights on the porch are too bright.  She will talk to Brad about this;  perhaps there are warmer bulbs to use or the lights can be tilted differently. She will discuss this with Brad.

Technology:  Because Jane cannot get the router password from Consolidated, the printer manager suggested paying Consolidated $58/month for a new router and service. We cannot change providers;  we are part of a town contract with Consolidated and manage our own internet. Jane said we have enough money in the technology budget to pay for this. Amy suggested buying a new router elsewhere and finding someone to install it. Sarah suggested that Jane write a list of everything that needs to be done once we have a new router, and we will look for someone who is capable of doing all these tasks.  Trustees had a few names of people to contact. Sarah said she would have her husband send his recommendation for a router.  She asked Jane to take a picture of the existing router so he could find something comparable.

Friends:  After Amy, Sarah, and Jane met with various members of the Friends of the Library, they felt all outstanding matters of concern have been addressed and need not be discussed further.  

Adjournment: Gail moved to adjourn the meeting; Erin seconded, and all voted in favor. Amy adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

The next meeting will be May 13, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the May 13, 2025 meeting.

Poetry Reading at the Walpole Town Library – 4/23/25

EVENTS 04/14/2025 Leave a comment

April Ossmann & Lesle Lewis

Wednesday, April 23 @ 7pm, Walpole Town Library

The Walpole Town Library is delighted to host a reading with poets April Ossmann and Lesle Lewis.

Please come prepared to share. WE seeks what unites us, how to change our perceptions to heal families, friendships, and country of incivility and villainization by practicing greater compassion, by seeing past egos to souls. April will read from WE, share stories of being a bridge, and invite audience participation with short (2-minute) personal stories of positive interactions with people you know or met: fellow shoppers, travelers, service providers, neighbors, etc., whose politics may differ from yours, but with whom you shared a moment of mutual humanity. April is the author of We (Red Hen Press, 2025) and Event Boundaries and Anxious Music (Four Way Books), recipient of a Vermont Arts Council Creation Grant, and former executive director of Alice James Books. She is an independent editor at: www.AprilOssmann.com; and has taught at the low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program at Sierra Nevada College.

Lesle Lewis will read from her forthcoming chapbook, Hydrogen, as well as a few poems from previous books. Her poems do not genreally tell good-feeling stories or stories of any sort; she likes to think that by putting disparate things together and favoring inclusivity, the new sense in her poems might be useful. Why should we deny contradictions and juxtapositions and why should we not give each other everything? She is the author of five poetry collections: Small Boat (2003), Landscapes I & II (2006), lie down too (2011), A Boot’s a Boot (2014), Rainy Days on the Farm (2019) and the chapbook It’s Rothko in Winter or Belgium (2012). Lesle lives in Alstead, New Hampshire. Her website is www.LesleLewisPoetry.com.

www.WalpoleTownLibrary.org

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 4/7/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 04/13/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

APRIL 7, 2024

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Co-Chair), John Peska (Co-Chair, Presiding), Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent: Carolyn Vose (Selectboard)

Visitors Present: Chris Liazos, Hale Morrell, Alex Barrett

CALL TO ORDER: John called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall. 

SEATING OF ALTERNATES:  All members present – no alternates needed

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

France moved to accept the March 3, 2025 minutes as written. Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried. 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report: No account balances were available.  We received the annual income from the Hubbard Endowment in the amount of $9,731.25 for this year. 

Correspondence:

  • Reservoir Dam Wetland Application has been submitted.  The application and maps were available.
  • National Grid will be using herbicide from Bellows Falls to the Surry town line starting in June.  The landowners have been notified. 
  • Monadnock Conservancy’s 2025 fundraising goal is $2,000,000.  Amanda Littleton has been appointed the new Executive Director.
  • A deed was shared that indicated William S. Fletcher granted the Town an easement for Cranberry Meadow Bog Dam back in the 1990s.
  • We received the new NH Planning and Land Use Laws book. 

NEW BUSINESS

Forest for the Birds – Chris Liazos, Antioch: Chris’ thesis is to create a standardized process and report for developing a Conservation Value Index which looks at birds (the varieties and number) in treated and untreated forests.  This project works with NRCS, towns and landowners.  For his thesis, he can do 10 study points in an area.  Each point would be monitored 10 minutes five times a year.  Treated property can impact birds in the surrounding land also. eBird tracks hotspots and the monitored land would be added to eBird.  After a discussion of possible forests, it appears that the Hooper Forest has the best ages and species of trees, some small clearcuts (1-3 acres) and some wetlands.  Alex will send Chris a map of Hooper Forest.  Chris will put together a proposal that will be shared with the Hooper Board to see if they are interested.

Forest Management Update – Alex Barret, Longview Forestry:  Fanny Mason will probably be harvested next winter unless this summer is super dry because the landing is very wet.  Chris Ricci will do the timber pricing closer to the harvest – lumber sales are even more in flux now (pine and ash are no longer purchased by China). 

There is a lot of red pine scale in Swanzy.  We should probably harvest the red pine at the west rest area on Route 12 soon.  There are white oaks among the pine.  If we decide to thin the red pine, there is a chance there will be blowdown, but the surviving trees will get stronger in a few years.  Could clearcut to get a view to the west, but the removal of all trees may be shocking.  Alex will check with the State, but he thinks we may be able to use the rest area for the landing since it is Walpole’s property and provides two paved drives to Route 12.  There is already some root rot, but new stumps can be treated to prevent further infection.  There are invasives on fence but not in woods yet and they need to be treated this summer. Peter made a motion to contract Longview to prepare a recommendation for the red pine harvest and invasives treatment.  France seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Beaver Deceivers – Mill and East Street Ponds:  The Beaver Deceiver at Mill Pond is working – the brook is not rising.  The one at East Street Pond is not working and the Highway Department had to clear the culvert.  There is one beaver still active.  Mike Symonds has a trapping license and hopes to remove the beaver.  A larger deceiver is needed for that culvert, so it blocks beaver access to the culvert.

Old Business

Gateway and Hooper Invasives: The plans for the Hooper treatment are in place, but the Commission is awaiting a revised plan for the Gateway.  Alex will remind them to send it.  Treatments at Hooper need to be avoided the week of July 21st and just before that because there will be an Adventure Camp in the Forest.  The Trail Committee is planning an event for June 29th at the Gateway for Old Home Days.  Usually treatment is done July – September so treatment will not interfere with either event.

Commission and Property Monitoring Files – Record Keeping (RSA 33-A:4-a): A file hanger is needed for the property management files. The keys to all the file cabinets have been found and the Town is making copies.  There was a discussion of missing information and how to fill the gaps.  We will talk about the record-keeping goals for the conservation property at some time.  Perhaps some of the information should be electronic and available to the public.

Old Home Days Planning (6/25-29): Gary Speed was mentioned, but he is no longer trapping. One suggestion was a bird walk around the Common.  The Fish and Game Warden in Walpole might be part of our booth, not necessarily with his working dog (black lab).  The Trail Committee will have a table next to the Conservation Committee.

MCA Mount Kilborn – Letter of Support:  Peter recommended a list of tasks that MCA needs to do, including preparing a management plan that can shared with the towns involved before the Conservation Commission can write a letter of support.  France will contact them for an update.

Common Tree Planting – Committee Meeting:  Peter will reach out to the Committee members to plan a meeting.

TRAIL COMMITTEE

Updates: The Trail Committee is planning  Help Our Trails (HOT) Day for May 3rd.  Everyone will meet at the Town Hall.  The Committee is also planning an Old Home Days event on Sunday, June 29th, hopefully at the Gateway.  There will be an inspection of the Mill Pond trail so a plan for needed maintenance can be prepared. 

Rail Trail Brush Hogging: The Town now has the 2024 Bond back.  Nicole has insurance and is working with Rich Kreissle so he is ready to do a check for the 2025 bond as soon as the Selectboard gives approval to the application and bond.  We would like to have permission by mid-May so brush hogging can be scheduled for early June.

OTHER BUSINESS

Hooper Institute Board Update:  Nicole will share the Forest for the Birds proposal with the Hooper Board as soon as it arrives.

New Commission Member:  France moved to add Paul as a Commissioner.  Lew seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.  Paul will send a letter to Sarah Downing stating that he wishes to join the Commission.

Town Website:  France reported the town website update is complete.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: John is working on the team updating the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

AGENDA – NEXT MEETING MAY 5, 2025

  • Old Home Days Plan
  • Forest for the Birds Proposal

ADJOURNMENT: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:42PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 5, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 4/8/25

PLANNING BOARD 04/13/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Alternates Travis Adams, Bill Carmody. Absent Board member Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm. He asked Mr. Adams to sit in for the absent board member. Mr. Adams agreed.

Minutes: Review minutes of March 2025 meeting. Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the March minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Election of Officers

Mr. Harrington made a motion to keep the slate of officers the same as those who are currently serving. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:

Agent Chad Branon, Fieldstone Land Consultants presented. Applicant is Acorn to Sky Investments LLC in Meriden, NH. Discussion of the condo land and application for a site plan. Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 Unit 2, commercial district. Proposed use is a 1,400 square-foot Domino’s Pizza restaurant.

Mr. Branon stated thee has been confusion over this property. He acknowledged that a plat was registered at the Cheshire County Deeds without approval of the Planning Board. Mr. Branon provided a new plat. This plat consolidates the unapproved lots into one lot that conforms to the Walpole subdivision regulations. This plat supersedes the plan that was registered before at CCRD, which was Plan No 22117. The property is designated as Unit 2A.

Mr. Dalessio reminded Mr. Branon that regarding development of the entire parcel, 30 percent must be green space. After a quick look at the what the building would look like, Mr. Miller asked if there were any other models. Ms. Andros asked about vegetation and Mr. Branon  said there would probably be trees and shrubs in the front of the building. Mr. Dalessio didn’t approve of the flat roof. Is this a restaurant with seating inside? Mr. Branon thought it was mainly a drive-thru. More discussion on the building will take place next month.

Caitlyn Baucom asked. “Why would we want this? There is zero reason why people need a Domino’s.” Ms. Baucom thought someone local should be investing in commercial property in Walpole. It needs local owners and local workers. Walpole already has plenty of drive-thru eateries already, she said.

Mr. Miller explained that this is property in the commercially zoned district and the Planning  Board cannot determine who owns a particular lot or piece of property nor what he/she does with the property. These businesses add to the town’s taxes. Also, the people working at all these establishments are local. He reminded her that a couple of years ago there was a proposal to ban any more franchise businesses and it was voted down.

Mr. Branon asked for a public hearing next month, May, for a site plan for Domino’s. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing next month. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Lot Line Adjustment: Nathan Bisson and Allegra Pickering, Town Tax Map 24, Lot 15; Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC Tax Map 24, Lot 13; and BNB Realty, LLC Tax Map 24, Lot 14-1 11 Maplewood Drive. Mr Bisson and Ms. Pickering want to swap some land with the owners of Hewitt Barn Properties. 0.13 acres will be annexed to the Bisson and Pickering couple in exchange for 0.14 acres in the north and west corner to the Old Hewitt Barn property. Mr. Bisson and Ms. Pickering are also purchasing 0.04 acres from BNB Realty, LLC, After the adjustment, Mr. Bisson and Ms. Pickering will have 8.67 acres and Old Hewitt Barn property will be 1.50 acres.

Mr. Jed West presented the Lot Line Adjustment for vacationing surveyor Joe DiBernardo and asked for a public hearing for next month. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a hearing for the lot line adjustment next month. Mr. Adams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Mr. Miller announced that Mr. Todd Horner, executive director of Southwest Region Planning Commission, will have the Master Plan in 25 binders. Each Planning Board member will receive a copy.

Adjournment: Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passes unanimously.

These minutes are unapproved and will reviewed at the May 13, 2025 for corrections.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Secretary

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Offices, The Walpolean. Posted: Inside Town Offices, outside Post Office, www.walpolenh.us