The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 24, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant and Tax Collector, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 9:00 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,799.54 dated 12/27/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,817.49.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 19, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 19, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of December 19, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Trail Committee Event – December 11, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Second Tax Warrant for 2024: Ms. Mayberry stated that the total amount of the warrant was $7,382,202 with Walpole having a tax rate of $18.12 and North Walpole having a tax rate of $20.11 per thousand. The difference between the rates is related to the two Fire Departments.  Tax bills will be mailed on or before Friday, December 27th.  Tax bills will be due on Monday, January 27, 2025. Mr. Dalessio made a motion to issue the Tax Warrant for $7,382,202.  The tax rate is $18.12 for Walpole and $20.11 for North Walpole.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the Tax Warrant was signed. 

Draft Purchase and Sales Agreement for Police Station Land: It was reported that Peggy Pschirrer sent the draft agreement to Attorney Hockensmith who has confirmed receipt.   This item is holding for the Attorney’s comments.  The location of the parcel in the agreement needs to be corrected in the sections of the document.

Thank you Note:  Dave Chioffi thanked the Selectboard Office for assistance for having the old poles removed from Elm and South Streets.

NEW BUSINESS

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 9:06 AM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

The meeting was reconvened at 9:24 AM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:24 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 31, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 19, 2024

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

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Rich Kreissle, Steve Varone, Ray Boas, John Jones, Peter Graves, Joey Andros and Akbar Ashoury

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

2024 TAX RATE: The Board decides on an overlay and any other changes to reporting to the DRA.  

After an extended discussion, the Selectboard decided to use $400,000 from unassigned funds to mitigate the impact of the significant increase in school taxes.  The negative effect of this decision is that money planned for projects in 2025 will not be available.  The tax increase will be 5.59% for the Town compared to 9.8% if the unassigned funds are not used.  There is an additional North Walpole Village tax.  Mr. Dalessio moved that $400,000 be taken from unassigned funds to lower the tax rate.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.   Mr. Kreissle will update the portal first thing on Friday to reflect the additional funds that will be used.  

Mr. Varone, Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Boas left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:13 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms.  Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:23 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Andros left the meeting.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL ARTICLE BALLOT QUESTION: This item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.  Mr. Graves said that he would like to see the School Withdrawal vote on the Tuesday ballot so that more people would vote on it.  Ms. Mayberry will consult Attorney Hockensmith.  This will be one of several items on which legal advice is needed.  It may take a little time to get an opinion.

Mr. Graves left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,802,302.05 dated 12/20/2024 including $1,699,364.00 payment to Cheshire County for 2024 County taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,915.16 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,010.76.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $2,793.33 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $414.18.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   This second register is for an employee’s one time retirement funding payment.

SELECTBORD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 12, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 12, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 12, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 12, 2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved. The minutes were not sealed and will be made public.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Planning Board Meeting – September 11, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 008-062-000: Ms. Mayberry noted that the intent was held over from last week.  The intent cannot be held per the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  It is a tax document.  A written note from the easement holder is to be sent to the Town.  The Selectboard is not responsible if they sign a timber intent, and the easement owner is not aware of the project.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 008-062-000 which is the Hooper Golf Properties. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 010-034-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 010-034-000. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Conservation Easements: There was a follow-up discussion on the Conservation Commission easement tracking spreadsheet. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Peter Palmiotto, co-chair of the Conservation Commission.  The spreadsheet of the Town’s Conservation lands and easement holders is a Town document that is a useful tool for Town leaders.  It needs to be updated since this is critical information and made available to Town leaders.

BUILDING PERMIT

2023-43 Renewal, Map and Lot# 003-001-002: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2023-43 Renewal for Map and Lot # 003-001-002 to construct a one and a half story home. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-39, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-39 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 to construct a drive-on scale at Ruggerio Processing Facility.  The site plan was approved, but the building permit was never submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-40, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-40 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 for an office trailer at Ruggerio Processing Facility. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-41, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-41 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 to construct a pole barn at Ruggerio Processing Facility. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

John Jones left the meeting.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) (d) (e) at 7:52 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:53 PM.

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

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement Request: Ms. Mayberry stated the request for $21,233.75 reimbursement needs to be signed by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the reimbursement request.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the reimbursement request.

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio reported that a meeting has been scheduled online on 1/7/2025 at 10:30 AM to discuss the preliminary design.  Representatives from Walpole, Fuss and O’Neill and DES will attend.

Five Water and Sewer Proposals for ARPA Grant Funding: The proposals and Purchase Orders are ready.  The Board Chair needs to sign the proposals.  The whole Selectboard signs the purchase orders. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024381 to install a new propane generator at the Watkins Hill Pump Station and Purchase Order #201290 for $46,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024382 to rebuild a total of six Crane/Crown sewer pumps at the North Walpole, Mill Pond and Bailey’s Pump Stations and Purchase Order #201291 for $64,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.  Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024373 to install a new propane generator at the Mill Pond Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201293 for $121,500.00. Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024379 to install a new propane generator at the Bailey’s Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201293 for $106,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024380 to install a new propane generator at the North Walpole Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201294 for $102,400.00.  The generator will be installed on the existing roof due to space constraints. Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Petition Article Legal Review: This item was continued from last week.   Attorney Hockensmith has been asked to research the question.

NEW BUSINESS

2024 Municipal Assessment to Sales Ratio Study – Equalization: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the 2024 Municipal Assessment to Sales Ratio Study.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the study was accepted.

Highway Safety Grant Agreement: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Highway Safety Grant Agreement and for Ms. Mayberry to sign it.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the agreement was accepted, and Ms. Mayberry signed it. The Selectboard noted there were a lot of additional Police Department signatures needed.  The Police Department needs to provide the Selectboard Office with a copy of the signed agreement for the Town records.

Municipal Tax Rate Setting Portal: The Town Clerk’s Office requested access to the Municipal Tax Rate Setting Portal.  Last year a scan of the paper form could be loaded.  This year is the first time all the data needs to be keyed into the portal.  Mr. Kreissle is the administrator of the portal.  Ms. Vose will ask him to give Mrs. Hansson access after he returns from vacation.  Ms. Vose will also start scheduling Mrs. Goudy to train as the Assistant Tax Collector.

Zoning Warrant Articles:   The Zoning Warrant Articles were submitted to the Selectboard and the Town Clerk’s Offices this week.  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the Zoning Warrant Articles.

Accident Reports: Because of icy conditions, there were two slip and fall accidents.   One was at the Police Department at the end of the day as an employee was leaving at 5:35 PM.  The second fall was a guest at Recycling where the unpaved areas get icy. The Selectboard asked that each department spread salt as needed until the Highway Department can get to every site.

Employee Resignation: Lilla DeCoste resigned from her part-time Librarian position. Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the resignation and thanked Mrs. DeCoste for her service.

Thank You: Meghan Hansson thanked the Selectboard for the Shaw’s holiday gift card. Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of the thanks.

Meetings during the Holidays: Because of travel plans during the holidays, there will be no meeting on December 26^th.  The Board will tentatively meet December 24^th at 9:00 AM to approve and sign the tax warrant if the tax rate is available from the DRA.  Otherwise, the meeting will be December 28^th at 5:00 PM. 

Ms. Vose moved that Mrs. Downing have permission to sign the December 27, 2024 Payroll.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

The Selectboard will also meet on December 31^st at 9:00 AM because of New Years and scheduling conflicts in the evenings.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 24, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION

DECEMBER 12, 2024

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

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio moved that the meeting enter a Non-Public Session at 7:35 PM. Ms. Vose seconded the motion.

LETTER TO FMRSD: Mr. Dalessio moved the Board sign the letter, which is a vote of no confidence in the FMRSD business department, to the Superintendent of Fall Mountain Regional School District and the Chair of the School Board.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.  After further discussion it was decided the letter should be shared with the Selectboards in the other Towns in FMRSD. The very overdue FMRSD tax rate information is impacting all the towns in the school district.

MEETING WITH LANGDON: Steve Varone bought Devin Gallagher, Chair of the Langdon Selectboard, coffee.  After their coffee, Mr. Varone and Ms. Mayberry were invited to meet with the Langdon Selectboard on Monday at 7:00 PM.  By consensus, the Board supports working with the other towns in FMRSD and attending the meeting on Monday.

FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING RENOVATION GRANT:   In order to get the grant, the Town needs to submit the 2023 Audit Report and a balance sheet.  Mr. Kreissle stated that AccuFund cannot create a balance sheet, but he can create one in Excel.  Ms. Mayberry will contact the auditors and get the 2023 audit report.   Once the grant is approved, there needs to be another meeting with Jenny Vose, Mr. Kreissle, Mr. Houghton and the Selectboard to create a process for handling the grant money which will come to the Town but be managed by the Fire Department. 

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER: The UEI renewal is due 6/25/2025. The Board requested that Mrs. Downing put a reminder on her calendar for June 2, 2025.  Ms. Mayberry recommended that while completing the renewal in the application, one should select “Do Not Share Info”.  

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Vose moved to adjourn this Non-Public Session of December 12, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. These minutes will be sealed.

Respectfully Submitted, 
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 19, 2024, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 12, 2024

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

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:37 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,915.16 dated 12/13/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,966.70.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 4, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 4, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – November 21, 2024:  An email was received from Ruggerio Processing Facility requesting a change in the minutes.  The minutes said there would be no employees on the processing floor, but it should state there will be employees on the processing floor.  Ms. Vose moved to amend the minutes as requested by Ruggerio Processing Facility.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the minutes are amended.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Trail Committee Meeting – September 11, 2024
• Trail Committee Meeting – October 9, 2024
• Trail Committee Meeting – November 13, 2024
• Cemetery Trustees Meeting – November 4, 2024
• Police Building Committee Meeting – November 19, 2024
• Conservation Commission Meeting – December 2, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 008-062-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Cut timber on Map and Lot# 008-062-000, the Hooper Golf Properties, pending confirmation from Monadnock Conservancy.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the intent to cut timber was approved pending confirmation.

Map and Lot# 011-001-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Cut timber on Map and Lot# 011-001-000 for a property off Reservoir Road.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the intent to cut timber was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-38, Map and Lot# 013-036-001-2: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2024-38 for Map and Lot # 013-036-001-2 to install a 591.8 square foot roof-mount solar array.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Map and Lot# 009-023-002 Agreement and Deposit Receipt: Ms. Mayberry reminded the group that this form was for the landlocked, tax-deeded property sold by sealed bid last week.  Mr. Dalessio moved that Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, sign the receipt.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the receipt.

Map and Lot# 009-023-002 Quitclaim Deed: It was noted that the deed was related to the above item.  Checks for the balance due, the NH Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) and the recording fees were  received.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Quitclaim Deed be accepted and signed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Quitclaim Deed was accepted and signed.

School Withdrawal Article: After some discussion, it was believed that the School Withdrawal article should be voted on at the Town Meeting. To be certain, Ms. Mayberry will check with Atty. Hockensmith.  

NEW BUSINESS

Voter Petition Article: By consensus the Selectboard acknowledged it received the petition which was already sent to the Planning Board. Mr. Dalessio will send the article to Mr. Hockensmith requesting an explanation of grandfathering with respect to this petition article.  For example, is Dunkin Donuts grandfathered?  If Walgreens closes and a new company buys the store, would they be able to have a drive through prescription pickup window?

DES Dredge and Wetlands Permit Application Notice: The application is for 602 Cold River Road.  The home was destroyed during the Alstead Flood and then rebuilt. However, Cold River is washing away the riverbank. The property owner has received a grant for bank stabilization. The Board acknowledged the notice was received.

Town Website Landing Page Change Request: A request was received to add the Recycling Department as a button/icon.  Mrs. Downing’s recommendation is to remove all the buttons except for action buttons/icons such as “Register a Vehicle”.  By consensus all the buttons/icons will be removed from the home page because not all the departments fit on the landing page. Department links are available on the menu at the top of the landing page.

There was a request for a disposal list on the website (i.e. the cost for disposal of big items).  Mr. Hoy should be contacted directly with the request.  He can add it to the Recycling pages since he manages those pages.

January 2nd Selectboard Meeting:   Ms. Mayberry is required to attend a meeting for her job on Thursday, January 2nd.  With New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day being holiday time, there is no other time for the Board to meet.  Ms. Vose moved that the January 2nd meeting is to be cancelled, and Mrs. Downing is authorized to sign the payroll for January 3, 2025.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting for January 2, 2025, is cancelled and Mrs. Downing is authorized to sign payroll that week.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 7:35 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:01PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 19, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 4, 2024

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

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, John McCollister, Devin Gallagher, Brendan Hayes, Dennis Wright, Kim Surles, Shane Lake, Terri Lake, Ben Northcott, Josette Britton, Griffin Dussault, Jennifer Marquay and Akbar Ashoury.

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

OPENING SEALED BIDS FOR TAX DEEDED PROPERTIES

The bids for the tax-deeded properties were opened.  The winning bids were:

• Tax Map 9 Lot 23-2 – Off Derry Hill Road: Lawrence, Wyatt, and Jossie Britton bid of $6,850.
• Tax Map14 Lot 5 – 522 Whitcomb Road:  Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $82,099.
• Tax Map 29 Lot 105 – 11 Merchant Street:  Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $17,095.
• Tax Map 28 Lot 120 — 27 Center Street: Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $72,099.

Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Wright, Ms. Surles, Mr. Lake, Mrs. Lake, Mr. Northcott, Mrs. Britton, Mr. Dussault, Ms. Marquay and Mr. Ashoury left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTREES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:57 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms.  Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.    

The meeting was reconvened at 7:26 PM.   Mrs. Pschirrer left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $321,832.91 dated 12/06/2024 including $174,687.50 payment to Daniels Construction for the emergency repair of the Elm and Main Street bridge.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $39,530.07 dated 12/06/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,484.69.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public Meeting for School Withdrawal Study Committee Findings – November 20, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Public meeting for the School Withdrawal Study Committee Findings of November 20, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – November 21, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 21, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – November 21, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 21, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Planning Board Meeting – November 12, 2024
• Library Trustees Meeting – November 12, 2024
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 20, 2024
• Safety Committee Meeting – November 21, 2024
• Planning Board Workshop – November 26, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-37, Map and Lot# 010-020-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-37 for Map and Lot # 010-020-000 to pour a 19’ 10” x 10’ 2” Alaskan slab foundation for a future greenhouse. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

ARPA Grant – Water and Sewer: Mr. Dalessio explained that the pending contract will replace the generator at Prospect Hill water reservoir. The current generator is too small for the water system. Once the new generator in installed, the old generator will be used at the Town Hall for backup power.  In addition, generators will be purchased for the 3 sewer pump stations.  Mr. Dalessio said that the contract will be reviewed by the Selectboard on Dec. 13^th during the departmental budget meetings. The total cost may be slightly over the ARPA grant, in which case the Water and Sewer Reserve will be used for the remainder.  The wording of the contract is that the project will be completed after all materials are available because of the backlog in generator orders.

Pending Projects: Mr. Dalessio reported that the School Street drainage project is ready for a wetlands permit.  The Houghton Brook Bridge needs to be looked at soon.  Future projects will probably not involve Fuss & O’Neill because of their workload.  Both projects are going to be expensive, and it will be hard to find funding.   Mill Pond Dam is also on the pending list.  Mrs. Downing will put all three projects on the agenda for next week.

Walpole Players Letter: As follow-up to the discussion with the Players on November 21^st, Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter to the Walpole Players.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was accepted, and the letter was signed.

Ruggerio Processing Facility – Waive Fine Letter:  As a result of discussions with representatives of Ruggerio on November 21, 2024, Mr. Dalessio moved the Board sign the letter waiving the fine, which should have been applied to the previous owner.  Ms. Vose seconded the motion.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and the letter was signed.

FMRSD Letter: Steve Varone, the Town Treasurer, prepared a letter to FMRSD about the very late submission of the MS-25 form which impacts all five towns in the School District.  Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.  Mrs. Downing will scan the signed letter and send it to the School District’s Superintendent and Business Administrator. After discussion, the Selectboards requested a copy of the letter be emailed to other the other four towns in FMRSD.

NEW BUSINESS

Winter Parking Ban: The North Walpole Commissioners Office sent an email inquiring about enforcement of the parking ban this winter.  Ms. Mayberry will talk to Police Chief Sanctuary about enforcing the ban.  Mrs. Downing will put a notice in Clarion and the Walpolean reminding people the ban is in effect.

Cheshire Country Proposed 2025 Budget: The total budget is $74,992,938, which is slightly less than last year.  Proposed taxes for the municipalities are $31,118,488 which is an increase of 6.96% over the 2024 budget. 

January 2, 2025 Selectboard Meeting: The first week each month the Selectboard typically meets on Wednesday, but that will be January 1^st which is a holiday.  Ms. Mayberry requested this item be added to next week’s agenda for follow-up.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business, Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 12, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF 

THE SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

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

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

Residents and Non-Residents Present: Twenty-seven in person plus four via Zoom

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 7:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Carolyn Vose summarized the Committee’s work and recommendation as presented at the previous public meeting on September 19^th.   Article 11 passed with a majority vote in March 2024, and thus the Committee was formed.  They were charged to study PreK – 8^th grade educational opportunities.  In weekly meetings over about four months, different areas impacting education and funding were discussed including working in the current structure or creating an alternate structure.

Areas of consideration include SAU vs School District:

• An SAU (School Administrative Unit) includes the Superintendent and Business Office.  It is responsible for managing the educational system to comply with regulations, including special education within the school districts.
• A School District manages the education of the children through a School Board.  Districts create budgets, contracts, do hiring, organize buses and maintain buildings to provide educational services
• An SAU contains one or more School Districts
• A School Districts is made up of one or more towns

The Committee considered related RSA’s, related financial data and statistics from FMRSD and statewide, structure of multi-town districts in NH, discussions with knowledgeable individuals within FMRSD and other multi-district SAU’s.  The Committee recommended the Selectboard issue a warrant article to form an official sturdy committee to pursue withdrawal from FMRSD.   There were discussions relating to finding a means for the five towns in FMRSD to address the dissatisfaction between towns and to reexamine how to best meet the needs of the students, staff and taxpayers.

There was a discussion to understand why we want to vote in March to go forward with the next Study Committee.   Tom Aldrich asked why we are not hearing from unsatisfied families.  One father said he has two students, one at each end of the spectrum and neither is getting what they need.  Another father knows several families who are taking kids out of Walpole schools, and he may have to do the same.  Diana Watson Petrie stated that the Committee did talk to a lot of unsatisfied people, but they are not going to talk negatively in a public meeting about the school, which might also be their employer.  She recommended private discussions to get a more personal view.

A discussion of high school followed.  If the Town moves forward, the next study committee will need to provide detailed plans for everything (all ages and all services).  Josh Beer was concerned we would have little or no control if our students were tuitioned to FMRSD.  Mr. Varone replied that the Town has one of seven seats on the schoolboard.  The Town does not have control now. There was a comment that the Town has trouble getting someone to run for the Schoolboard.  Mr. Varone stated that the Keene School District will take Walpole students only if they get them all. However, families need the option to choose what is best for their students.   There are currently about 285 students in Walpole Schools and 115 in high school.  Jackie Ronning talked about the math teacher, 5^th grade teacher and support staff that were removed from Walpole.  Teachers are sometimes relocated to other towns.  PreK – 8 is when the students need to learn the basic skills that prepare them for any high school.

Steve Varone, who was the Business Administrator at FMRSD for twenty years and is a forty-year resident of Walpole, talked about finances.  Based on EquVal per student in 2022 – 2023, Walpole is just about exactly in the middle for the State.  Walpole was   $1,895,714 and the NH average was $1,896,826.  Each town has made decisions over the years that molded the town. But, due to apportionment, Walpole is now expected to pay more.  For the same year, the cost per elementary student was $24,264 for FMRSD. The State average is $20,901.  Student populations are dropping, and some schools are managing the change more effectively to control costs.  Fifteen years ago, FMRSD had one of the lowest costs per student. Now it is among the highest. Walpole and Charlestown raise almost the same amount in taxes, but Walpole has far fewer students. This is why the Town struggles with apportionment.  However, in school districts of just one town, apportionment is never an issue.  Mr. Varone felt that if the Town was getting more than it paid, FMRSD would be happy to see Walpole go.

Mr. Varone reported that there are about 490 total students in the High School.  If FMRHS lost Walpole’s 115 students, that would be a serious problem for the High School.  One person said that Walpole is concerned about education and would have been willing to pay to keep teachers, but we are not allowed to because of the current structure.  Annie Ewaskio asked what “local control” means. People mentioned lost teachers and staff. Additionally, Walpole can no longer use a proven curriculum that produces higher test scores because the district uses a different curriculum.  Ms. Ewaskio also asked what will happen to the other four towns if Walpole withdraws from the district.  The reply was that FMRSD could become a school district of four towns, or all five towns could work together to address the dissatisfaction between towns and to reexamine how to best meet the needs of the students, staff and taxpayers.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 4, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)