The Walpolean

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.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 21, 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: Jenny Plante and Jeff Miller representing the Walpole Players, and John Jones, Tim Williams and Kyle Teamey representing Ruggerio Processing Facility

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:43 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest waiting to speak to this item.

Walpole Players: Jenny Plante & Jeff Miller attended the meeting to respond to the Selectboard letter to the Players of October 2, 2024, regarding no Thursday night practices after January 1^st.  Ms. Plante stated that the Players have always practiced Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  They feel it is unfair to say no Thursday practices.  Since the Selectboard meets from 6:30 – 8:30 on Thursdays, Ms. Plante suggested excluding just those hours from practice times.  When asked about who to contact in the Players, Ms. Plante and Mr. Miller responded that there is no president.  Ms. Plante is the vice president and acting president.  Ms. Plante said that in the future, the Players will notify the Selectboard Office who to contact for each play.

Ms. Plante and Mr. Miller left the meeting.

Ruggerio Processing Facility – Fine:  Ruggerio was fined $1,000 for the second offence of having no building permit.  John Jones of Elastic Executive Solutions who represents Ruggerio Processing Facility said the Selectboard letter says the fine is to pay for the past offenses.  When the new owners purchased the property, NH stated the facility was in compliance.   If the new owners pay the fine, they are admitting guilt. Therefore, the new owners of Ruggerio are asking for relief from the fine.  They are willing to submit the outstanding building permit applications to make things right, and they will apply for building permits in the future.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the $1,000 fine based on the previous owner be waived.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in agreement, the motion passed, and the fine will be waived.  Mrs. Downing will prepare a letter to Ruggerio Processing Facility stating the fine is retracted. 

Ruggerio Processing Facility – Permit Modification:  Mr. Jones wished to explain the NH DES letter that noted that the application to modify the current permit was incomplete.  Mr. Jones stated that the letter was really a request for additional information beyond that listed on the application form.  Mr. Jones and the new owners are currently preparing the additional information. Mr. Teamey, one of the new owners, explained that the plan is to create a fully automated facility with no workers on the floor. There will be machine operators. The new machinery will be able to separate all elements of trash from a garbage bag.  Mr. Dalessio reminded the Ruggerio representatives that before any expansion occurs at the property, Ruggerio representatives must attend two monthly Planning Board meetings as part of the Site Plan Review process. Additionally, there is to be no site preparation before a building permit application is approved.

Mr. Jones, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Teamey left the meeting at 7:21 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $726,650.51 dated 11/22/2024 that includes a $581,631.87 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  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 $33,614.89 dated 11/22/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,716.87.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll register was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – November 13, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 13, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November 13, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 13, 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:

• Conservation Commission Minutes – November 4, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND

Map and Lot# 027-001-006: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 027-001-006 for $290.46 due to overpayment. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Tax Rate Update: Ms. Mayberry noted that the School District has not submitted their DOE form.  Mr. Dalessio has been told they expect to have the form completed tomorrow, 11/22/2024, in which case the School Board will DocuSign the form on Friday.  Otherwise, it will be signed on Monday at the FMRSD Board meeting.

Reservoir Dam: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Hydrology and Hydraulics Study from Fuss & O’Neill for the Reservoir Dam.

ARPA projects: Mr. Dalessio reported that Steve Grenier of E.E. Houghton Co. is working on the cost numbers. The quote should be done next week.  Then a contract can be prepared and the funds encumbered for the three sewer pumping stations.  

Fire Department Renovation Grant: Mr. Dalessio said that the Fire Department is doing the work to get their grants.  They will ask for any information when they need to complete the forms.   After the grants are approved, there needs to be a meeting to determine exactly how the funds will flow between the Town and the Fire Department.

Thanks to Grange: Mr. Dalessio moved that the Board approve and sign the letter to the Walpole Community Grange thanking them for all the work they did during the election.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed. 

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment Notice: Mr. Dalessio moved Nicole Adams be appointed a full member of the Conservation Commission.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Adams was appointed a full member of the Conservation Commission.

MS-535: Mr. Dalessio moved the Board approve and sign the MS-535.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the MS-535 was approved and signed.  The form will be uploaded to the DRA tax portal by Mr. Kreissle. 

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Disbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the reimbursement form for the $20,230. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form. The Hydrology and Hydraulics (H & H) Study costs were included in this reimbursement.

Encumbrance Request:   The Town Clerk’s Office would like to encumber purchase order number 201306 for $8,000 for a new ballot counting device.  The expense will be applied to account 01 4140.30 830.  Ms. Vose moved to encumber $8,000 for the Town Clerk’s Office for the purchase of a new ballot counting device.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the funds were encumbered.

Reimbursement Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds: The Selectboard reviewed a reimbursement request for $200 to reimburse the Town for a roofing deposit for the Fanny Mason Rest Area shelters on Route 12 per purchase order 201264.  Mr. Dalessio moved the Town to be reimbursed by the Fanny Mason Fund for the rest area shelters.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the reimbursement was approved, and purchase order # 201264 was signed.

Landfill Methane Monitoring:   The Selectboard Office received a letter from the DES along with feedback from the Town’s environmental scientist.  The Selectboard would like Mr. McKibben to consult with DES on behalf of Walpole.    Mrs. Downing will ask Mr. McKibben if he is willing to consult with DES on our behalf.   It appears that high methane readings at one well were not being reported with an additional form to DES.

School Withdrawal Feedback: An email was received from a Walpole family in favor of the potential Walpole School Withdrawal warrant article.   

Thank You Note:   The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a thank you note from Children’s and Technology Librarian, Julie Rios.

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 8:03 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:44 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.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:44 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:58 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:58 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.)

 TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

November 13, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Paul Looney and Toni McDougle

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. She introduced herself, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Chair, Steve Dalessio and Carolyn Vose and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

CPCNH REC AGREEMENT: The Chair recognized Paul Looney, the Chair of the Walpole Community Power Committee. Mr. Looney explained that the contract the Selectboard was reviewing was similar to the prior contract with a different vendor. The Renewable Energy Credit (REC) contract with CPCNH would be for one year, will auto-renew and offer $35 per REC. Mr. Dalessio asked what the next step would be for the Town. Mr. Looney replied there should not be a need to do anything. Mr. Looney explained how the credits will be recorded and used by CPCNH. The proceeds from the sale of the RECs will offset the purchase price of the solar energy system. Mr. Looney reported that a State refund of $6,000 had been received. Two additional reimbursement grants are being applied for, as planned per the warrant article.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve that the Chair sign the CPCNH REC Purchase and Sale Agreement for 2024 and 2025.  Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Looney departed the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES:  

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:44 PM. Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalesio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

The meeting was reconvened at 7:01 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer departed the meeting.

RECREATION COMMITTEE: Toni McDougle understood that the Recreation Committee had been dissolved. Ms. Vose explained that going forward, the Recreation Director, Kaian Richards-Wilkes, will have support from a collection of volunteers with different backgrounds, ages and interests. The Recreation Director is developing a master plan for the Whitcomb Recreation Area that will allow space for multiple purposes. Ms. Vose recommended that Ms. McDougle speak with Mr. Richards-Wilkes. Ms. McDougle asked if Ms. Mayberry could assist with finding grants for improving the pickleball courts. Ms. Mayberry thought there were several private and government funded grants available for improving recreation facilities. There was a discussion about a petition warrant article related to pickleball courts. Ms. Mayberry confirmed that the Selectboard decides upon funding sources for articles. Mr. Dalessio put forth the idea of a warrant article using money from grants and/or donations with a portion being Town funded.

Ms. McDougle departed the meeting.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,540.37 dated 11/15/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,675.85.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 6, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 6, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – November 6, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of November 6, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Walpole Recreation Committee Minutes (approved) – August 19, 2024
• Walpole Recreation Committee Minutes (unapproved) – September 11, 2024
• Walpole Recreation Committee Minutes (unapproved) – October 14, 2024

OLD BUSINESS: 

ARPA Grant Funding: Mr. Dalessio reported that the cost for propane generators for the 3 sewer pump stations should be determined this week. Mr. Dalessio confirmed with Ms. Mayberry that this is a reimbursement grant. Once the contract is signed, the generators will be ordered.

Dog Complaint: Ms. Mayberry stated Officer Merkle is following up about the loose dogs on High Street. The Police Department cannot pre-emptively act regarding potential dog bites. Charges must be made for action to be taken.

2024 Tax Rate: Ms. Mayberry will contact the North Walpole Commissioners to find out how they are progressing with their MS-434 and MS-535 forms. Mr. Kreissle is working with the auditors to complete the Town’s MS-535. The Selectboard agreed that the tax rate setting will continue to be delayed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Vose moved to approve PO# 204574 for $1,499 to Bull Dog Design for basketball jerseys. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. Ms. Mayberry asked if sponsors would be reimbursing the cost of the jerseys. Ms. Vose confirmed this would happen.

Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds: Ms. Vose moved to accept the reimbursement request to the Trustees of Trust Funds in the amount of $4,425 from the Fanny Mason Fund for timber harvesting planning and preparation. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Camping Complaint for Fanny Mason Rest Area: Mr. Dalessio stated he had spoken with Police Chief Sanctuary regarding the issue. The people living in the motor home had lost their housing and were looking for a new living situation in the area. The Selectboard Office received a citizen complaint about the unhealthy impact of the motor home on the rest area. The NH DOT alerted the Town that “No Camping” signs would be installed soon. The request had been made earlier to the DOT by an unknown party.

Tree Lighting on the Drewsville Common: The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 1^st. Mr. Dalessio confirmed that the start time will be 4:30 PM. Santa will arrive in a horse drawn wagon.

Thanksgiving Selectboard Meeting: The Selectboard agreed by consensus not to meet Thanksgiving week. Mrs. Downing was given authorization to sign the Town’s weekly payroll.

Staff Meeting: There will be an in-person Staff Meeting on Nov. 21^st. Mr. Dalessio would like department managers to speak about special requests, changes and projects in each department’s budget.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 8:01 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

The meeting was reconvened at 8:39 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.

HOOPER TRUSTEES:  

Mr. Dalessio moved to reconvene the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:40 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

The Selectboard meeting was reconvened at 9:07 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:08 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 21, 2024, Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 6, 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 and Paul Looney

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Town Properties and CPCNH: Mr. Looney, on behalf of the Community Power Committee, requested the Town’s source of electricity be moved to CPCNH. The Town’s contract with Constellation Energy ends in mid-November.  CPCNH can offer us a rate of $0.086 for the remainder of the year, which is better than the quote from Constellation Energy.  Next year CPCNH will have a one-year rate of $0.089, part of which goes into the reserves.  It is expected that two waves of towns/cities will be joining CPCNH in 2025. Therefore, rates will continue to be low for everyone.   Constellation Energy has a rate of $0.0945 for a one-year contract. The Community Power Committee recommended that the Town go with the $0.086 contract for the rest of the year.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve moving the Town’s electricity supplier from Constellation Energy to CPCNH with a rate of $0.086 until 12/31/2024.  Ms. Vose seconded the motion.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the Town will switch to CPCNH as the Town’s electricity supplier.

Mr. Looney reported that the updated contract to sell solar electricity credits arrived today, just before the meeting. It has not been reviewed.  Mr. Looney and Mrs. Pschirrer will be back with the contract next week.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Looney left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $135,027.92 dated 11/08/2024 including $70,082.76 payment to the Village of Bellows Falls for the third quarter sewer usage and bond.  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 $31,447.57 dated 11/08/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,332.34.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll register was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

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

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2024
• Joint Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – October 22, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-36, Map and Lot# 011-001-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2024-36 for Map and Lot # 011-001-001 to construct a 38’ x 12’ overhang roof to a garage. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Building Permit 2024-36 was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and ARPA Funding Grants

Police Station Land Purchase Deposit: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Purchase Order #201256 to make a $10,000 deposit on the land for the Police Station and the cover letter.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion passed, and the purchase order and cover letter were signed.

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio reported that NH DES has reached out Fuss & O’Neill.  The DES are nervous about the completion of the contract. The Dam Bureau is contacting Fuss and O’Neill directly to make sure the latest guidelines are followed.  This will ensure that the planning is done correctly.

Petition Warrant Article: There is a question about appropriations being requested within a petition warrant article for pickleball courts.  Per research conducted, only the Selectboard can decide upon funding. Given this information, if a warrant article passes that states where funding will come from, it will not necessarily happen. 

Invitation to Bid: Four properties have been tax-deeded and will be going up for sale by sealed bid on December 4, 2024. The pamphlet has been updated.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the invitation to bid on tax-deeded properties.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the invitation to bid was approved, and the letter was signed.

NEW BUSINESS

Facility Agreement for North Walpole Polling Area:  A form was received from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, which is used for the North Walpole polling area on November 6, 2024, and the Town Election Day on March 11, 2025.  Their insurance vendor also requests a Certificate of Liability.  Mr. Dalessio moved the Town continue to use St. Peter’s Church for voting, complete the form, and provide the Certificate of Liability.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the form. Mrs. Downing will send the Certificate of Liability with the form to All Saints Parish.

Recreation Committee Letter: Ms. Vose moved to accept the letter to the Recreation Committee members.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the letter was accepted and signed.  Mrs. Downing will email the letter to the committee members.

Payroll Service: Mr. Kreissle sent an email to the Selectboard requesting the Town hire a payroll service. Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Daigle are having trouble entering benefit time and Colonial Life deductions.  They have a work-around, but it is very clumsy and produces incorrect information on paycheck stubs. There is also an issue with water and sewer invoices.  If the owner has multiple properties and has a credit on one, the credit shows on all the properties. Mrs. Daigle must create manual invoices for these accounts.  AccuFund is not supportive in getting the issues resolved.  The Selectboard agreed by consensus to keep using workarounds until a better financial software system can be found.  The research on possible systems is not yet complete and will take some time.

Ms. Mayberry added that because of the incorrect benefit time printed on payroll stubs, Mrs. Clough in the Police Department is asking for a monthly payroll report with the correct information.  Ms. Mayberry felt this request was reasonable, and Mr. Kreissle needs to send the reports monthly.  A decision on this item is postponed while research on potential alternative systems continues.

Thanksgiving Feast Invitation: The Selectboard and Town Hall Office Staff have been invited to the Thanksgiving Feast at the Walpole School.  The Selectboard Office staff are planning to attend.  Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose have prior commitments.  Mr. Dalessio is uncertain whether he will be able to attend.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:05 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:26 PM.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 8:26 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:43 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.

Ms. Mayberry felt that Election Day went very well because of the hard work and professionalism of everyone involved.  The other Selectboard members agreed with Ms. Mayberry. The Selectboard wished to thank everyone involved: the Supervisors of the Checklist, all the volunteers and paid workers, the Walpole Community Grange and everyone who participated in any way.  Thank you!! 

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 14, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)