The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

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

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

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,190,559.00 dated 2/21/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable check register was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,156.58 dated 2/21/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,704.44.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll register was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public 2025 Budget Hearing – February 13, 2025:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the minutes of the Public 2025 Budget Hearing.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.  Ms. Vose abstained since she was unable to attend the hearing.

Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 13, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 13, 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 – February 11, 2025
• Planning Board Meeting – February 11, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant Funds: Lindsey Guyette in the Highway Department downloaded information from the grant portal. Mr. Kreissle forwarded to the auditors, Vachon Clukay. 

Exempt Organization Business Tax Return: Tax Form 8879-TE needed to be signed by the Chair so it can be submitted with the federal tax return.  The return is related to a federal tax credit for the solar system installation at the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Tax Form 8879-TE and to have the Chair sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and Ms. Mayberry signed the form.

The Selectboard thanked Bob Kimball for donating his time and expertise to prepare the tax filing. 

NEW BUSINESS

MS-636: Once the warrant is finalized, the MS-636 form for the proposed budget could populate.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept MS-636.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the MS-636 was accepted and signed by the Board.

Scholarship Award: The NHTCA/NHCTCA Committee Chair would like to attend a meeting to present the scholarship to the Town.  Meghan Hansson was a scholarship recipient.  Mrs. Downing will schedule with the Committee Chair and confirm Ms. Hansson can be present.

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 6:48 PM.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 27, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose (via phone)

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

Guests Present: Paul Looney, Community Power Committee; Peggy Pschirrer (via phone), and Joanna Andros

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:15 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,431.30 dated 2/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,540.34.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Conservation Commission Meeting – February 3, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-055-016: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-016.  The applicant has a total disability connected to military service. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

OLD BUSINESS

2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the updated warrant. The Police Station article was removed, the articles renumbered, and the dump truck purchase article text was updated.  Mr. Dalessio stated that although everyone agreed a new Police Station is needed at the Monday night public meeting, more work is needed before the project moves forward.  In the meantime, the fundraising will proceed, which was the original plan.  The Police Building Capital Reserve Fund article will have the amount changed from $25,000 to $55,000. Also, the Selectboard are the agents of the fund will be added to the text. The additional $30,000 is for a grant writer.

The type of funding for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck was adjusted. The DRA requested the change. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Warrant Articles as amended.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Warrant Articles were approved and signed.

Total Loss of Highway Dump Truck: Ms. Mayberry reported that the value of the truck was $21,023.  The Town’s deductible of $1,000 will be applied to this amount.  The truck’s title needs to be signed by one member of the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair sign the Title of the burned dump truck so it can be turned over to the insurance company.   Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the Title. 

Follow-up Item – Financing the replacement of the driver’s lost personal items:  By consensus, the money to replace the employee’s personal items lost in the truck fire will be taken from the “staff relations” line in the Executive budget.  It was noted that Keene DMV employees paid for the employee’s new license since he his wallet was burnt up. A thank you note was sent to the DMV.

2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant: The auditors need some 2023 information from Highway and the Police Department.  The employees are both away this week, but they will work on it next week.

Article 2: The whole of Article 2 must be printed on a single legal-size sheet of paper as part of the official ballot. The long article makes the font extremely small and difficult to read.  There will be copies of large font version available for all voters to read on Voting Day.

Mr. Looney arrived.

Ms. Andros left the meeting.

Mrs. Pschirrer was called and put on speaker phone.

NEW BUSINESS

Solar System Refund Federal Tax Forms: Mr. Looney has been working on federal tax forms for the Selectboard to review and sign.  The forms must be submitted to obtain a refund of almost $26,000.  Mr. Looney has spent many hours on this project. He would like the forms reviewed by an expert before they are signed. Mr. Looney has not been able to find anyone to do it.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that he ask Bob Kimball to review it or recommend someone who could.  Mr. Looney hopes to have it done by next week.

Mr. Looney gave a rate update. CPCNH had a contract with a power producer up north fall through. They now need to purchase power at a higher rate.  The Town will get its $0.089 rate all year per the contract, but the rate will increase on March 2^nd to $0.097 for individuals.  Liberty’s rate is $0.084.  Mr. Looney will put something in the Clarion and Walpolean about the new rates and remind people they can opt out of CPCNH and come back later when rates are more favorable.  This is a period of uncertainty in power rates.

Mr. Looney left the meeting. 

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form for Reservoir Dam and for Mr. Dalessio to sign he form.  The reimbursement is for $8,588.25.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the form was approved, and it was signed by Mr. Dalessio.  

Reimbursement Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds:  The roofs on the shelters at the rest areas on Route 12 have been replaced by Longs Roofing.  The bill for both shelters is $ 7,728.60.   Ms. Mayberry moved that the letter to the Trustees of Trust Funds requesting reimbursement be approved and signed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor the letter was approved and signed.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:52 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) 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 7:56PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 4, 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: Peggy Pschirrer and Kaian Richards-Wilkes, Recreation Director

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)

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) 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 7:15 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. Richards-Wilkes left during the Non-Public Session.  Mrs. Pschirrer arrived for the Hooper Trustees meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:15 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:47 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $31,066.30 dated 2/10/2025 including $7,975.00 payment to All Service Office Machines.  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 $34,827.11 dated 2/7/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,194.58.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 30, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 30, 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.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 022-015-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 022-015-000.  The applicant served over 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot # 022-015-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot # 022-015-000.  The applicant met the income and asset limitations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Petition Warrant Article: Ms. Mayberry stated that a petition warrant article was submitted today but fewer than twenty-five registered Walpole voters signed the petition. The petition article could not be accepted by the Selectboard because according to the RSA, there are not enough signers.  Mrs. Downing will write a letter to the petitioner to let her know why the article cannot be included in the warrant.

2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry read each article, starting with Article 5, with a Selectboard vote following the reading of each article. The articles and votes for each were as follows: 

Article Number & Description	Selectboard Votes to Recommend	Selectboard Votes not to Recommend	Selectboard Abstains
5. Town Budget	3	0	0
6. Request to Withdraw from FMRSD	3	0	0
7.  Approve Funding/Building New Police Station	3	0	0
8. Police Building Capital Reserve Fund	3	0	0
9. Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund	3	0	0
10. Purchase a 6-Wheel Truck for the Highway Department	3	0	0
11. Highway Capital Reserve Fund	3	0	0
12. New Vehicle Walpole Police Department	3	0	0
13. Police Department Capital Reserve Fund	3	0	0
14. Town-wide Assessment Capital Reserve Fund	3	0	0

The Selectboard signed the last page of the Warrant and the True and Attest Form.

2024 Selectboard Report for the Town Report: By consensus, the Selectboard is satisfied with their report, and it is ready for the Town Report.

Police Building Public Meeting: The public meeting for the Police Building is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Mrs. Downing will post the meeting on the website and will sign everyone in.

Burnt Highway Truck: Primex, the Town’s insurance company that will cover the loss of the burnt truck, is working with two companies. NEFCO is investigating the cause of the fire, and the second will determine the value of the truck.  

Mr. Dalessio reported that the Highway Department is struggling with equipment this year. Of the six 6-wheel dump trucks, two are operational, three are waiting for service, and one just burned up on the way back from being serviced. All four of the 1-ton trucks are operational although some need repairs.  Two of the trucks are 2011 models and the rest more recent.

Mr. Dalessio noted that to overcome the shortage of equipment and staff, one highway employee comes in early to load the trucks with sand and salt before the others arrive.

NEW BUSINESS

Drewsville Common Use Request: A STEAM educational group would like to use the Drewsville Common for an “Astronomy Night”.  The Pastor at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who used to teach science, will be running the event. Mr. Brummel uses the Common and opens the Church for the restrooms and as a warming place.  By consensus, the Selectboard approves the use of the Drewsville Common.

Curriculum Change at FMRSD: “Great Minds” program is moving to “Arts and Letters”.  This is a vendor upgrade to a program available at FMRSD. The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter.  Mr. Dalessio will discuss it further with the school. 

Walpole Fire District Meeting: The annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 PM. The Selectboard plans to attend, so the Selectboard meeting will be moved to Wednesday March 19th. 

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretar789y

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 13, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

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.)