The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 16, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Ben Hoy, Recycling Center/Transfer Station Manager; Jean Kobeski, Diana Watson Petrie, Steve Varone, and Ray Boas

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

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

M. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:31 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:18 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.

Mr. Hoy left the meeting and Ms. Mayberry arrived during the Non-Public Session.

Old business was moved to this point in the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to speak to the agenda items.

OLD BUSINESS

Walpole School Withdrawal Warrant Article: Mrs. Kobeski, Mrs. Watson Petrie and Mr. Varone attended with questions for the Board so they can better explain what the vote at Town Meeting means.  Mr. Dalessio explained that a “Yes” vote means we direct Fall Mountain Regional School District to do a feasibility and sustainability study.  The school district will create a team of one Selectboard and one School Board member from each Town to work with the School District Business Administrator to study all aspects of a school.  The report of this study must be submitted to the NH Department of Education (DoE) by November 1, 2025.  If DoE approves the withdrawal, it comes back to the Town for a Yes/No vote in 2026 on whether to withdraw.  It would then be about 16 months before the actual withdrawal could be implemented.

Mrs. Watson Petrie and Mrs. Kobeski left the meeting.

Information Request from the Clarion: Mr. Boas also attended to get information on the Warrant Articles for the Clarion to help educate voters.  February Clarion will have reminders of important dates, a list of articles and whether they will be in the Tuesday ballot or voted on at Town Meeting on Saturday.   The March Clarion will have details on exactly what the votes on each article mean.

Mr. Varone left the meeting.

2025 Warrant Articles and the Town Budget: The order of the Warrant Articles was updated and the text edited per earlier discussions.  The Selectboard was aware that there is a potential petition warrant article coming.  Advice from Attorney Hockensmith on the School Withdrawal article was received.   Additional clarification of the wording of the articles was discussed and a review of the budget is planned for the 1/23/2025 meeting.

Mr. Boas would like more information about the School Withdrawal Article.  He will also talk to Jeff Miller, the Chair of the Planning Board, about the Zoning Warrant Articles.

Mr. Boas left the meeting.

2025 Town Budget Hearing: There will be a hearing on the 2025 Town Budget on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall First Floor Meeting Room.   The Selectboard meeting will follow the hearing.

Fire Department Building Renovation Grant:   Mr. Dalessio reminded the Selectboard that the 2023 audit needs to be completed because it is holding up the million-dollar grant for the Fire Department expansion.  Ms. Mayberry will follow up again with the auditors.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,320.13 dated 1/17/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,608.84.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 9, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 9, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 9, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 9, 2025.  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 remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Conservation Commission Minutes – January 6, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

WARRANTS

Walpole Water Tax Lien: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Water Tax Lein in the amount of $766.56.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Sewer Tax Lein in the amount of $1,247.05.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer Tax Lein in the amount of $7,344.95.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Landfill Post Closure Report: The report noted that methane levels decreased significantly in 2024 at the closed landfill.   Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio 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.

NH DES Culvert Replacement Notice: NH DOT is planning to replace a culvert near 125 Prospect Hill Road. The estimated start time is the spring or summer of 2025.  The Selectboard acknowledged they received the approval notice from the NH DES regarding the upcoming project.

Thank You Notes: Thank you notes were received from the Walpole Players and from a citizen thanking Officer Merkle in the Police Department for his help when she was locked out of her car.  

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 23, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 9, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Justin Sanctuary, Police Chief and Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance

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

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 6:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:13 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.

Chief Sanctuary and Mr. Kreissle left the meeting during the Non-Public Session.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,757,021.60 dated 1/10/2025 which included a $381,195 tax payment to North Walpole Village District, $358,700 to the Walpole Fire District, and $581,631.87 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District for the December 2024 billing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,185.48 dated 1/10/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.46.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 31, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 31, 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.

TAX REFUNDS

Map and Lot # 017-012-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Refund of $450 for an overpayment for Map & Lot # 017-012-000.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

TAX ABATEMENTS

Map and Lot # 028-105-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $2,116 on for Map & Lot # 028-005-000.  This property at 11 Merchant Street is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 014-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $6,929 on for Map & Lot # 014-005-000-000.  This property at 522 Whitcomb Road is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 025-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $3,968 on for Map & Lot # 025-005-000.  This property is a tax-deeded house in Drewsville.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

SOLAR EXEMPTION

Map and Lot # 003-068-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 003-068-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 019-039-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 019-039-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

CURRENT USE

Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001: Ms. Vose move to approve Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001 for Current Use.  These lots are off Ramsey Hill Road.  The prior form was not recorded.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-1, Map and Lot# 011-007-003:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-1 for Map and Lot # 011-007-003 to construct a 36’ x 30’ barn. Seconded by Ms. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Update:  Mr. Dalessio attended an online meeting about Reservoir Dam earlier this week, with DES and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.  The dam is now in the permitting process.  The meeting asked a lot of questions.  The proposed 3 feet of run per foot of height to strengthen the dam is not magic, but it puts the project into a category to be a much bigger and more expensive project.   There was a suggestion to change to a 2.89’ run to keep it a smaller project category.  Walpole stressed that the project needs to be finished by the end of 2026 to meet ARPA funding requirements.   It was suggested to widen the spillway and do the primary outlet first, to protect the Town and fix the dam later. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Fuss and O’Neill next week.

2025 Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the second draft of the Warrant Articles.  Some of the articles were revised and the order of the articles was rearranged.  On the advice of the Town’s Attorney, the School Withdrawal Article will be voted upon at Saturday’s Town Meeting and it will be addressed early in the meeting.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations at Town Parking Lot:  The Walpole Foundation will take care of the stations for 2025. 

2023 Financial Audit: Ms. Mayberry has been in contact with the auditors and reminded them that the 2023 audit report is needed for the Fire Station Grant.

NEW BUSINESS

Total Notice Agreement: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the annual agreement and for the Chair to sign the contract with Total Notice.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the agreement was signed by Ms. Mayberry.

Purchase Order for 4-Station Voting Boot:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the purchase of a 4-station voting booth from Inclusion Solutions for $1,396.20 and to sign Purchase Order # 201315.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the purchase order was signed.

Letter to Secretary of State Office re: New Voting Machine: Ms. Mayberry explained that a letter is required before Walpole can start using a new voting machine.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the letter to the Secretary of State saying Walpole is going to buy and use a Voting Works Ballot counting machine.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the letter was approved.

Selectboard Recap for the 2024 Town Report: Ms. Vose offered to do a first draft of the Selectboard’s report for the Town Report. She will send it to Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio for comments. 

Old Home Days: The OHD Committee reported that the event will be held on June 25th through 29th.  There will be fireworks on the evening of June 27th and a parade on the morning of June 28th with activities on the Common to follow the parade. 

Selectboard Meeting for the first week of February: The Fall Mountain Regional School District Deliberative Session is Wednesday, February 5th.  Because of meeting conflicts, the Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, February 4th at 6:30 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 9:17 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms.  Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:39 PM.

Adjournment:  Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 16, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 31, 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; Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 9:03 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,755.71 dated 1/3/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,452.71.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 24, 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:

• Police Building Committee Meeting – December 17, 2024 
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 18, 2024 

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 009-006-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-006-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 009-008-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-008-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was  approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Highway Safety Grant Agreement: The agreement was approved at the last meeting, but more signatures and initials were required.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair of the Selectboard sign and initial the remaining places on the form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed and initialed the agreement as needed.

Mr. Dalessio made a motion that Chief Justin Sanctuary provide a letter to the Selectboard stating that he is taking full responsibility for this Grant.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was passed.  Mrs. Downing will request the letter from Police Chief Sanctuary.

NEW BUSINESS

Tipping and Haul Fee Contract for Recycling Center: Ben Hoy analyzed the proposals and recommended NRRA with its lower fees.  Mr.  Dalessio moved the Chair sign the contract with NRRA for tipping and haul fees for 2025.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the contract.

Assurances Form, SF 424D, for Fire Station Renovation Project:  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the assurance form SF 424D.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed form SF 424D.

Mr. Dalessio request that when the contract is ready to start, the Selectboard will write a letter giving Steve Horton, the project manager, permission to sign as the designated owner representative.  At this point, the grant is on hold awaiting the 2023 Town audit and a balance sheet.  Mr. Kreissle will check the status of the Town audit. 

Draft 2025 Warrant Article Listing: There was a discussion of the first rough draft of the 2025 Warrant Articles. The final version needs to be completed by the end of January. Additional information is needed to finalize the Warrant Articles including the results of the Planning Board’s public hearing on January 14^th at 7:00 PM.  Mrs. Downing will make a request to reserve the Walpole School gymnasium for Town Meeting since there most likely will be high attendance at this meeting.

Drummond Woodsum Rate Change Notice:  The Town’s human resources legal firm has raised its rates due to increased operating costs.  The Town has an ongoing client agreement with them.  The information was acknowledged by the Board Chair.

Current Use and Recreation Credit: Some citizens requested a letter be sent to all current use property owners regarding the recreational credit and no trespassing/hunting postings. Some current use property owners did not take the recreational credit and are therefore not required to permit hunting.  Pulling together data to create such a letter would be a big project for the appropriate property owners.  By consensus, the Board decided there would be no letter to all current use property owners.  However, a letter will be sent to property owners who are identified as having their property posted if they are taking the recreational credit.

Thank You Notes:  Two thank you notes were received from the Library staff.  

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 9:51 AM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 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.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 10:08 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 9, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

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.)