The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

December 3, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Chas Street; Steve Varone, Treasurer

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:36 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Property Abatement Appeal

Mr. Chas Street requested that the Selectboard approve the revised assessment that he and Avitar agreed upon for 2023.  Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the assessment at 11 Main for $1,062,000 for 2023.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and Mr. Dalessio signed the settlement agreement for 2023.  

There is a question on the assessment for 2024 and 2025.  Mrs. Downing will check with Atty. Hockensmith about how to interpret the RSAs.

Mr. Street left the meeting.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 7:14 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.

Mr. Varone left the meeting during the Non-Public session.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $40,770.81 dated 12/5/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,554.44.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 26, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 26,2025. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November 26, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 26, 2025.  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:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – October 15, 2025

• Trail Committee Meeting – November 12, 2025
• Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting – November 25, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Municipal Work Zone Agreement: The 2026 Route 12 paving project (Project #43910) was discussed last week.  There was an agreement form to be signed by the Chair.  Ms. Mayberry moved that the Selectboard Chair sign the form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.  

Amendment #1 to ARPA Grant for Reservoir Dam: The form needs to be signed by the Chair.  Additional information is needed before this is approved.  This time will be on next week’s agenda.

Pearl Street Repair Work: This item was brought forward from last week.  Ms. Mayberry explained that the Highway Department fixed the holes in the paving on Pearl Street.  As far the Selectboard knows, there has been no ownership change for the end section of Pearl Street to the Town.  Historically there was an easement for sewer lines, and it was paved when lines were put in.  The Highway Department has always repaired it as necessary even though the Town does not own the road because plow trucks use it as a turnaround.  To clear up the issues, North Walpole needs to take the property then the Town can take care of the road.

New Business

Cheshire County 2026 Budget: Cheshire County’s 2026 budget is $32,430,267 which is a 7.79% increase over 2025.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the County budget.

Asset Management Plan (AMP) Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held December 18^th at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall.

Notice of Activity and Use Restriction (AUR): Ms. Vose moved to have the Selectboard Chair sign the Notice of Activity and Use Restriction (AUR).  It will be recorded.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was accepted, and Mr. Dalessio signed the AUR.

Accounts Payable Schedule: Accounts payable will be run for 12/11/2025.  There is no Selectboard meeting during the week of 12/22/2025.  By consensus Mrs. Downing will approve accounts payable that week.

DRA Portal: Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone need access to the portal.  Ms. Vose moved to approve the letter to Jamie Dow requesting that Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone be given access to the DRA Portal effective 12/1/2025.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:27 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:37 PM.

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 11, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

November 26, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Justin Cassarino, Principal of Walpole Schools

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 8:30 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Walpole Schools Update from Justin Cassarino

Mr. Cassarino updated the Selectboard on the Walpole Schools.  Hooper Institute participation within the schools by Greta Drager and George Gowdy is wonderful. The depth of education is so much more than would be possible without them.  Walpole Schools are looking for safety grants for door improvements.  The school year is going well, and previous interventions are now paying off.  This year’s kindergarten is the first year of students born during COVID.  Additional teachers and smaller classes are needed to help these students settle in and grow.  The school is working on the budget for next year.

Mr. Cassarino left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,365.92 dated 11/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,296.44.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 19, 2025. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 19, 2025.  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:

• Cemetery Trustees Meeting – October 24, 2025
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 19, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2025-38, Map and Lot# 025-030-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-38 for Map and Lot # 025-030-000 to construct a 180 sq. ft. round tent platform.  The applicants are now the owners of the property per the Probate Court.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-41, Map and Lot# 021-002-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-41 for Map and Lot # 021-002-000 to construct a 768 sq. ft. deck.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Pearl Street Repair Work: No additional information received. This item will be discussed next week.

New Business

Road Agent Authorization Letter: The Road Agent, Mike Symonds, needs to register a new dump trailer for the Town.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter to authorizing Michael Symonds, Road Agent, to register the dump trailer for Walpole.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Reliance Standard Preliminary Application: The application is for Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurance starting 1/1/2026.  Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the application for group insurance.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Brush Removal at Whitcomb Recreation Park: Mr. Wilkes would like to encumber funds from the part-time employee budget line for 2025 to be used to complete and bill for brush removal at the Rec Park in early 2026.  Kelly Lawn Care has provided an estimate of $2,100.  The work is expected to be completed in three days by two people.  Disposal will be on site.  Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order #457311for $2,100 to have Kelly Lawn Care remove brush at Whitcomb park.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

FMRSD Warrant Articles Reimbursement: FMRSD is seeking a reimbursement for FMRSD Warrant Articles 5 from 2025 and 7 from 2023. In October, FMRSD requested to withdraw money from a capital reserve fund.  The Selectboard acknowledges that the request was made and it will be forward to the Trustees of Trust Funds.  The Selectboard assumes the school district has made the appropriate deposits and the funds are available to withdraw.

Route 12 Paving Project for 2026: NHDOT will be paving Route 12 from the center of East Westmoreland north to the junction of Main Street in Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry commented that the NHDOT is now keeping good roads good.

Meeting Schedule: Next week the Selectboard will meet on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard office.  The Board will meet Thursday, December 11th and Thursday, December 18th.  The Select board will not meet Christmas week.  The last meeting of the year will be Wednesday, December 31st at 8:30 AM. 

School Budget: Mr. Dalessio summarized the FMRSD budget process for next year. 

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 9:30 AM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 9:51 AM.

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 9:51 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 3, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

November 12, 2025

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry

Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair

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

Guests Present: Toni MacDougle and Kaian Wilkes

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Pickleball: Toni MacDougle and Kaian Wilkes discussed the Recreation Department sponsored program.  Ms. MacDougle feels Mr. Wilkes is doing a great job.  People are asking her about the courts. She understood the courts will stay the same because there are other higher priorities such as a safe Police station, a Town pool that is leaking, etc. Ms. MacDougle is teaching three groups each with about twenty-eight people on Sundays.  She feels the courts provide reasonable surface conditions, but they would like to look for grants for future improvements.  The Selectboard reminded everyone that the Whitcomb Recreation Area is funded by Walpole taxpayers. There needs to be a focus on Town needs.  Currently, the pickleball players are not paying anything for the use of the facility, but all others (swimming, basketball, soccer, …) pay a fee to participate.  Both Mr. Wilkes and Ms. MacDougle feel that the interactions this year are positive and are a wonderful change from the past.  Balls and paddles are available to anyone, anytime. There was a question about the Town policies on donations.  Mrs. Downing will look up the rules.  All Recreation Department donations would have to be approved by Mr. Wilkes, the Manager of Recreation.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,371.26 dated 11/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,848.39.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 5, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November   5, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 5, 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 – November 3, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2025-40, Map and Lot# 012-055-020: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-40 for Map and Lot # 012-055-020 to build a 12’ x 20’ addition for two home offices. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

2025 Tax Rate Status: Per Mr. Kreissle’s recap the Town needs the MS 535 uploaded to the portal.

Selectboard Meeting Dates: It was requested that in the first week of December, the Selectboard meet on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.  That date is good for everyone.

New Business

Terra Map Mapping Services Agreement: Terra Map is a subsidiary of Avitar, and they update the maps with lot line adjustments, zoning changes, etc. It is beneficial for the maps to accurately represent recent changes.  A 1-year limited license is $3,120 for 2026, and that will update all the 2024 and 2025 changes.  There is a question on what is in the budget, what account is used to pay both Terra Map and Avitar, and payments made to both in the last few years.  Mr. Kreissle will be asked to gather that information.  This item will be voted on next week.

Utility Statutory Permit by Notification: Soil boring is needed under the transmission lines in North Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the notification.

Thank You Letter: Shirley Capron thanked the Town for Highway Department work done on Pearl Street.  The Selectboard needs to clarify what was done and what the Town needs to do regarding ownership.  Did North Walpole Village Commissioners agree to the work?  The Town also needs to determine who owns the land where improvements were made.

Thanksgiving Feast: The Selectboard is invited to a Thanksgiving feast at the School on November 20^th in the Gym at 11:30 AM.  Ms. Mayberry expects to attend and will RSVP.  Ms. Vose will not be available.

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 7:48 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:41 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.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 19, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

October 29, 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 6:34 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,373.11 dated 10/31/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,779.23.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – October 23, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 23, 2025.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – October 23, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of October 23, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved and remain sealed.

Committee Reports

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

• Trustees of Trust Funds Meeting – October 22, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Ms.  Mayberry arrived at 6:38 PM.  The finance meeting with Hooper Institute ran late.

Old Business

Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio reported that a new budget is due to DES on or before November 1st.   At a meeting on Monday evening with Mark Houghton, Mr. Dalessio, John Peska, the Dam Bureau and Fuss & O’Neil, it was agreed that to protect the village, it will be necessary to breech part of the dam so there is less water in the reservoir.  The Town needs to get permits, but obtaining permits and breeching the dam can be done before the ARPA grant expires, and this will make the Town much safer in severe storms.  A bridge will be built across the part of the dam that is breeched so the footpath can still be enjoyed.

Mr. Dalessio is preparing a summary of all on-going projects.  It should be ready in a couple of weeks.

Artwork Raffle: Per Attorney Hockensmith’s feedback, a third party is recommended to host the raffle to raise funds for the new Police Station.  Mr. Dalessio is looking into the options.

Dumpster Proposal: An updated proposal has been received.  There was a question as to why Ruggerio is not providing the dumpster as part of their pickup service.  This is the metals dumpster.  Ms. Hakey will follow up. Once this is resolved, the Recycling Department will need to ask the same questions about the solid waste dumpsters.

Selectboard Meeting Dates: Next week the Selectboard will meet on Wednesday, November 5th.

Tax Rate Status: Mr. Kreissle sent an update based on information available in the portal.  There are several tasks in the report that don’t specify the status.

New Business

STD/LTD/Life and AD&D rates for 2026 – 2027: The insurance rates will hold at the current rate for two years with a new vendor. By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to the new two-year rates.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 7:06 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:35 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 November 5, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)