The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 30, 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: Jeff Miller, Planning Board Chair

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 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.

Mr. Miller left during the non-public session.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,147.08 dated 1/31/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,583.61.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

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

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 23, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 23, 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 are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Trustee of Trust Funds Minutes – January 15, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

WATER AND SEWER WARRANTS

Walpole Water Fees: Ms. Vose moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Water Fees for $45,238.53.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the warrant was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Vose moved to approve the warrant for Walpole Sewer Fees totaling $70,892.56.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the warrant was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Vose moved to approve the warrant for North Walpole Sewer Fees for $56,707.05.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the warrant was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-02, Map and Lot# 010-026-002: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-02 for Map and Lot # 010-026-002 to construct a 36’ x 24’ inground pool. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the permit was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

2025 Warrant Articles: The Board received feedback from Attorney Hockensmith regarding Article #7.  No petition articles have been received.  The last day petition warrant articles can be submitted is February 4th.

2024 Town Report Covers: The Selectboard selected and/or approved front, inside front and back cover designs for the Town Report 

2024 Selectboard Report for Town Report: The Selectboard Report was reviewed and edited.  A revised copy will be sent to the Board for final approval. 

2023 Town Financial Audit:  The Vachon Clukay letter was received and sent to Mark Houghton.  The audit should be complete by February 28th.

NEW BUSINESS

Highway Truck Incident: Mr. Dalessio gave a report regarding the incident. A Town dump truck was returning from being repaired. While the truck was going up the beginning of Valley Road, the truck started to smoke. The driver pulled over into the entrance of Sand Hill Road. As the driver reached for his belongings, fire burst through the dashboard. A Report of First Injury was filed for the driver who had his hair singed. He lost his wallet, lunchbox and other personal items in the fire. An insurance liability claim was also submitted for the truck.  The Town is now down to two working trucks, with two more waiting for parts that are expected soon.  Additionally, the loader may need a new wiring harness.  It has been wired back together but is only partially working and cannot load salt/sand.

Reservoir Dam Grant Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to have Mr. Dalessio sign the Reservoir Dam Grant reimbursement form in the amount of $3,267.50.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed. Mr. Dalessio signed the Reservoir Dam Grant reimbursement form.

School Board Study Memo: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a FMRSD memo regarding a School Board Study Pursuant to RSA 195:16a. The Selectboard attended a School Board meeting earlier in the week.

Walpole Schools Budget Request Memo: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a community letter from Principal Justin Cassarino regarding Walpole Schools budget requests and two proposed warrant articles. Copies of the letter are available at the Town Hall.

Federal Grant Funding Freeze and Un-Freeze: Mr. Dalessio stated that the internal grant tracking spreadsheet has been updated.  The Reservoir Dam funds are held by the State. Only the memo freezing funds was rescinded, not the freeze.  The legality of the freeze will be determined by the federal courts.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry will participate in the update.  The rest of the team will be similar to the group who created the plan. There was discussion about needing meetings set up or whether they will be on Zoom.

Community Power Membership: The committee membership is included in the committee’s report in the Town Report.  The committee will likely work together for a couple more years.

Thank You Note and Cake: All the people working at Town Hall received a thank you note and wonderful carrot cake from Pam Baucom in appreciation for all they do.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 4, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 23, 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: Steve Varone, Town Treasurer

Call to Order:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $959,750.11 dated 1/24/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to January billing to the 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 $30,704.46 dated 1/24/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,107.35.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 16, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 16, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 16, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 16, 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 are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2025
• Planning Board Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot # 024-033-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 024-033-000.  The applicant met the income and assets limitations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-044-016: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-044-016. The applicant was honorably discharged and served over 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

School Withdrawal Warrant Article:  This item was postponed until Mr. Varone arrived from the meeting with the Alstead Selectboard – see New Business.

Purchase and Sales Agreement for New Police Station Land: Mr. Dalessio moved that Ms. Mayberry sign the Purchase and Sales Agreement for the New Police Station Land.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and Ms. Mayberry signed the agreement.

2025 Town Budget: Discussion continued from last week. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the 2025 budget of $4,737,098.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry noted that one typo was fixed, and the budget numbers were added.  Petition articles can be submitted until February 4, 2025. Therefore, Warrant Articles will not be signed until after the deadline.

2023 Town Financial Audit: Ms. Mayberry has spoken with the Town’s auditor, Vachon Clukay. The audit will probably not be completed within the next few weeks. This means the grant for the Fire Department expansion is stalled.  There are several items that have been requested. The Town has a balance sheet in Form MS 535, and the budget was just signed, which leaves just the 2023 audit outstanding.  Mrs. Downing will send the MS 535 form and 2025 budget to Mr. Houghton and see if there is anything else that would suffice while we wait for the completion of the audit.  Ms. Mayberry will also have Vachon Clukay write a letter stating they are currently working on our 2023 audit.

Shade Canopy at the Town Pool: A schematic was received from Bensonwood.  Mr. Richard-Wilkes is concerned about what might be under the concrete such as plumbing or electrical lines or pipes that must be avoided when constructing the shade canopy.  Mr. Richards-Wilkes is taking on the project, working with Bensonwood, and keeping the Selectboard in the loop. The Selectboard felt he was doing a great job.

NEW BUSINESS

Accounts Payable Check Dating: This item was postponed until Mr. Varone arrived.

Comcast Support Letter Request: Comcast hopes to partner with the State to provide broadband access in areas that are unserved/underserved and has asked Walpole for a letter of support. Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter supporting Comcast.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.

Employee Resignation: Stephanie Green has submitted a letter of resignation from the position of Pool Manager at the Town Pool.  The Selectboard acknowledges her resignation and thanks her for all her dedicated service to the Walpole Pool, and for serving as the Pool Manager for the last six years.

Fall Mountain Regional School District School Board Invitation: The School Board has invited the Selectboard to attend the meeting on Monday, January 27th at 5:30 PM.  The School Board will be discussing the articles of agreement and the Superintendent search.  All three Selectboard members plan to attend the meeting.

Mr. Varone arrived.

SWRPC Winter Meeting Invitation: The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 11th at 5:30 PM at the Keene Library.  The social time is at 5:00 PM.  Ms. Mayberry is on the SWRPC Board and will be there. Ms. Vose will attend.  Mr. Dalessio will be attending the Planning Board meeting that night.

Accounts Payable Check Dating: Mr. Varone suggests changing check dating from Friday to Monday.  The checks will go into the mail on Monday, and the PDIP transfer will occur on Monday. This will give the Town three more days of PDIP interest. The funds will be available in the checking account on Tuesday so checks can be cashed when received. By consensus, the Selectboard agreed to changing the check dates to Monday.

It was noted that there was a late penalty in Accounts Payable.  Mr. Varone will remind Mr. Kreissle that it is important to pay bills on time and avoid penalties.

School Withdrawal Warrant Article: Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone have visited the Selectboards in the other four towns in Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD) to explain what the Town of Walpole is doing with its warrant article and the advantages available to each town.  There were a variety of reactions and discussions.  The goal of discussing the information with all the towns within the school district has been met.

Mr. Varone left the meeting.

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 8:15 PM.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:52 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. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:52 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:00 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 30, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

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.)