The Walpolean

The next “Great Decisions” public forum will tackle Climate Change! Are you hopeful or in despair? There is certainly an abundance of books and articles on this hot topic, and we welcome your observations. 

“Great Decisions” will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17, in the Walpole Town Library. We will begin the discussion with a 20-minute “Master Class” video from the Foreign Policy Association. While the ideological divide in the U.S. on climate change has impeded governmental action, extreme weather events have made this inaction far less tenable.The Foreign Policy Association’s “Briefing Book” (magazine with the bright blue cover image, available at the library) presents an overview in the article “The renewed climate change agenda” by Ronald J. Bee. A copy of the article can be emailed to you upon request; please contact the library director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

Also at the library are copies of a Foreign Affairs article, “Can Green Hydrogen Save the Planet?” by S. Julio Friedmann, published September 15, 2022. References to climate action would not be complete without mentioning “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming,” edited by Paul Hawken, published way back in 2017. We will also examine the recent “Inflation Reduction Act” and its clean energy incentives, tax credits, conservation and forestry investment and air pollution mitigation.

There is much to consider. Please join us on Monday, October 17, either in person in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library or via Zoom. For the Zoom link, contact Jane Malmberg, Library Director, in advance of the 6:00 p.m. meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. One member of the public was present, Mr. Paul Looney.

WALPOLE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PLAN UPDATE:

Mr. Looney was present to bring forward changes to the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) that was approved at 2022 Town Meeting. The changes relate to the City of Lebanon’s EAP that was accepted by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission).  The changes in the Walpole plan mirror the changes that were made to the Lebanon plan except for areas that we are not pertinent to Walpole such as solar and sustainability programs which Walpole does not have.

Mr. Looney said there are three types of changes/edits. They are grammatical/typo corrections, some are updates since there are more towns involved and new attachments added to meet PUC requirements.  The Selectboard and Mr. Looney went through each page to discuss the changes. Mr. Dalessio asked who made the changes to the copy being reviewed? Mr. Looney said it was the CCPNH (Community Power Coalition of NH) members and operations team with recommendations from consultants.

Mr. Dalessio asked if there can be CCPNH Board changes? Mr. Looney stated there could be changes and Walpole could lose a seat on the board. Pschirrer said that the agreement would need to be amendment if there is a change. There are now 18 towns that are part of CCPNH with another 35 towns interested in joining. There was continued discussion about the changes in wording. Mr. Dalessio commented there are several layers involved in providing electricity service. Mr. Looney stated once the EAP is submitted to the PUC and approved, then the plan can be taken to Liberty Utilities to get usage data. Whatever vendor the Town chooses, the data will give the vendor an idea of usage time and volume.

Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer moved to accept the amendment to the Walpole Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) as presented at the Selectboard meeting of September 22, 2022.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Looney said that a cover letter needs to be created to accompany the amended EAP. A discussion of NH Electric Coop billing occurred. The coop uses portfolio managed process to buy power. It is different from Liberty Utilities’ or the brokers’ processes. NH Electric Coop is a non-profit.

Mr. Dennis Marcom entered the meeting at 7 PM.

Mr. Looney continued that CPCNH is also a non-profit and will be using a portfolio managed buyer process while Freedom and Standard will be using brokers. Mr. Looney thought if the Town could implement a small municipal solar project, this could help the Town with understanding what is involved for long-term sustainability. If the Selectboard supports the idea of adding solar to the Recycling Center roof, Mr. Looney would be willing to solicit quotes to find the best solution to implement. Mr. Looney said he understands that Mr. Dalessio has concerns with the rate of return. Mr. Dalessio said he had an issue with a 25-year rate of return. Mr. Looney stated it was 15 years. There was a discussion of the numbers on the report. Mr. Looney said that after 25 years, although the amount of power produced decreases, but power is still generated. Mr. Looney asked the Selectboard if they would support his research into the project at the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio had no issue with obtaining quotes. He is concerned that the roof cannot support a solar structure. Everyone agreed this was best to have a structural engineer (PE) to look at the roof. Mr. Looney said that if the roof passes the inspection, he would then get official quotes. The site is close to 3-phase power which is very beneficial. Mr. Dalessio recapped to say his two concerns are the structural integrity of the Recycling Center roof and the return on investment (ROI).

The Community Power Committee is going to meet on Oct. 4^th to discuss Community Solar. Charlestown has a project where people from Hanover purchase panels in the array. It’s a one-megawatt system with 500 panels. This is something outside the Town and not a municipal development. There would be income tax to claim for the shareholder. Mrs. Pschirrer said that NH has not made it easy for people to put together community solar projects. It’s much easier in Vermont.

There was a discussion about extending 3-phase power to Industrial Park Drive. There was a recommendation to look at Northern Borders funding. Mr. Dalessio said that the application is difficult but doable. Bensonwood would also like 3-phase power. Mr. Dalessio recommended working with Congresswoman Annie Kuster’s Office. He also recommended finding a professional grant writer. Mr. Dalessio mentioning contacting Nancy Merrill, the Director of Planning and Development in Claremont for assistance. Mr. Looney said that the cost to extending our 3-phase power is significant since there are upgrades that need to occur with the system. Ms. Mayberry recommended calling SWRPC to find a grant writer.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $84,918.74 for checks issued September 23, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $37,933.44 to HealthTrust.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending September 17, 2022, in the amount of $31,036.73 dated September 23, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,110.13.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 15, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Dalessio abstained since he was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 15, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Dalessio abstained.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• .
• Conservation Commission Meeting – September 12, 2022
• Planning Board Meeting – September 13, 2022

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #029-043-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #029-043-000.  An updated PA-29 form was required due to a change in ownership name. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

DEMOLITION PERMIT

Permit #2022-41, MAP and LOT #001-008-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit No. 2022-41 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-008-000 to demolish a home located on Seward Road”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam, School and Union Streets Drainage Project, Letter to Jon MacClaren:

Election Results on the Town Website: There was a request from the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office to post election results on the website. There was a consensus that it is fine do the posting.

Updated Website Request from Town Clerk- Tax Collector’s Office: Mr. Dalessio said it would be part of the discussions for next year’s budget.

NEW BUSINESS:

Delegation of Deposit Authority Forms:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Delegation of Deposit Authority Forms.  The approved form allows the Tax Collector, Town Clerk and Selectboard Office to make deposits. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SWRPC Fall Meeting: Notice received that the meeting would occur in the Keene Public Library Annex on Oct. 11^th at 5 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer is planning on attending since she’s interested in housing.

Mr. Looney and Mr. Marcom depart the meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:33 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 22, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer   Absent: Cheryl Mayberry

Committee Presenters:  Paul Looney; Rod Bouchard

Staff Present:    Mike Rau (Road Agent); Jonah Merkle (Police Officer/Dept. Representative) Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration)

North Walpole Village Commissioner:   Celeste Aumand

Twenty-four or more members of the public were present.

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Meeting on regarding Infrastructure projects to order at 7:00 PM. This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio welcomed and thanked the audience for attending the meeting. Selectboard member Peggy Pschirrer, Power Committee Chair, Paul Looney and Police Committee Chair, Rod Bouchard were introduced.

The meeting began with Mr. Dalessio speaking on the topic of roads, dams and bridges. There was a big rain last July that caused about 2 million dollars’ worth of damage. A shout-out of thanks was given to Mike Rau, the Road Agent and to the Highway Department crew for having Town roads in passable condition within 24 hours of the extreme weather event.

Mr. Dalessio began with an overview of the process, which can be hard to understand. The first step is to look for FEMA money to help pay for the repairs. Walpole was very fortunate to have enough money in reserve to immediately fix roads without waiting for FEMA funding. It takes quite a bit of time for this funding to be allocated. From the displayed PowerPoint, Mr. Dalessio went on to state FEMA will reimburse the Town 90% of the cost to return the damage to pre-event conditions. The funding can only be used to restore it back to its original condition. State will pay an additional 5% of the remaining 10% that FEMA does not cover. Reimbursements for expenses are coming into the town slowly. Town has +/- $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA).

The next step is mitigation. These funds are used to stop the damage from reoccurring. All these projects have things that must be done. To apply for mitigation monies, engineering work needs to be done upfront. We are at this phase with engineering occurring for some of the projects.

Mr. Dalessio continue to speak on mitigation projects that are currently underway. He began with the School Street flooding area. The Town knows this is a major problem location. The area runs from School Street to Main, towards Ford Avenue. The problem with the project is defining the type of water runoff from Prospect Hill. A “stream”, “seasonal brook”, or a “manmade gulley” each have a different set of requirements. The manmade gulley has the least number of requirements. Mr. Dalessio is hoping that by the spring or summer of 2023, there will be answer to this question with work to begin in 2024. A walkthrough with NH DES has been completed. A lot of damage and blockages were found in the gulley. In the meantime, the Road Department will keep catch basin clear of debris. The cost estimate is +/- $650,000. Access is an issue with having to cross private property to reach to gulley.

The next mitigation area is Butternut Brook from Wentworth/Old Keene Road to Ford Avenue. The culvert under Wentworth Road at Old Keene Road is damaged somewhere under the road. It’s a project that once it is started, it must be finished. The amount of damage cannot be determined until the area is opened.

Butternut Brook has significant erosion. The outlet at Ford Avenue is not adequate. The status is that FEMA, DES and mitigation inspections have been completed.

The underside of the bridge at High and School Streets is beyond repair and will need to be replaced. This project falls under mitigation. The required engineering work is in-process with hydraulic studies which will determine how big the bridge needs to be to avoid future damage. Mr. Rau confirmed that this bridge had been replaced in 2005.

The bridge under Old North Main at Colonial Drive also has an underside that is beyond repair. Again, once work starts, the Town must be able to finish it. Engineering work is in process. There are no cost estimates available currently. Fuss and O’Neill is the engineering firm working on these projects.

The Cold River Culvert was repaired under FEMA funding. However, under mitigation findings it may be too small. The mitigation engineering is in process. The cost estimate is not available. During the July 2021 rain event, the road washed away, and land locked a couple of houses. Within the same day, the area was repaired enough to allow traffic access. Thank you to the Highway Department for a really good job.

There has been a question of why North Walpole is not on the list. Those projects are not forgotten. Once the current projects which will take a year or longer are complete, those projects will be added to the list.

Mill Pond Dam is a red listed dam. The Dam Bureau has issued a letter of deficiency. Engineering work has not started and there are no cost estimates to fix the dam/culvert.

Reservoir Dam has been classified as a high hazard dam. Engineering work has started. The estimated cost for repair or removal could be as high as 1 million dollars. Celeste Aumand asked what high hazard meant. Mr. Dalessio explained that under this classification, the projection is if the dam failed there would be a huge amount of damage to the Town. A cost benefit analysis is being undertaken right now. No decisions have been made about the dam related to removal or repair.

Mr. Dalessio moved onto an update regarding bridges. The Houghton Brook Bridge over Wentworth Road engineering is completed, and the project is out for bid. The estimate is cost to repair is $520,000. The Town received an Aquatic Resource Mitigation Grant for $250,000. The estimated completion will be in 2023. There will be some Town resources used in the project.

The Vilas Bridge Waste Line Bypass has an engineering study in process that will cost +/- $85,000. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds are being used to pay for the study. Mr. Dalessio said the intention is to use the Vilas Bridge waste line as long as possible and then to tie into the Green Street line. Mr. Boas asked if the estimated $2 million dollars for the project would be a bond that would be paid by the water and sewer users? Mr. Dalessio could not speculate on this. Mr. Boas said that there had been recent newspaper articles that the Vilas Bridge repair was moving up to 2028. Mr. Dalessio said that the funding for the bridge repair was back to 100% funding due to an influx of grant funding. Ms. Aumand asked that during the bypass if traffic would be held up. Mr. Dalessio replied until the plan is ready, he cannot answer this question.

Mr. Dalessio opened the meeting for questions and/or comments. Mr. David Johnson asked is it would be easier to drain the Reservoir Dam rather than spend 1 million dollars to repair or remove? Mr. Dalessio responded that at minimum the DES would require for the dam be removed which could be just as expensive as repairing the dam. There will be public information session to discuss the project. There is a high recreation value to the dam. Mr. Joe Coneeny asked if the dam was needed for the Town water system. Mr. Dalessio said that it used to be, but not anymore.

Ms. Aumand asked about the plan to fix the catch basins for Mountain View Road. There are only two basins for the handling stormwater. Mr. Dalessio stated that it needs to be properly engineered. The cost could be between $50,000 to $75,000. This project will be added to the list of projects.

Mr. Baucom asked about the School Street project. Mr. Dalessio said that the current drainage pipes need to be dug up and resized. There was a discussion of the issues with the current drainage pipes.

There being no other discussion, Ms. Dalessio introduced Mr. Paul Looney to speak on Community Power.

Mr. Looney did not have a PowerPoint but handed out a “road map” to the project. He explained that after the Town voted to implement Walpole Community Power at the 2022 Town Meeting, the following milestones have been or will be achieved.

The NH Public Utilities worked on approving administrative rules. This was completed on 7/30/2022.

The next step is to gain approval from the JLCAR (Joint Legislative Council on Administrative Rules). This is a group of NH House and Senate members. On last Friday, September 16^th, they approved the rules and sent them back to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a final approval.

The Walpole Energy Aggregation Plan has been modified to correspond with the rules as approved.

The Walpole Community Power committee voted to present the changes to the Selectboard on September 22, 2022.

Once approved, the revised plan will be submitted to the PUC for approval. They have 60 days to approve or deny.

Once the Walpole Community Power Plan is approved, Walpole will request data from Liberty which will be the basis for a request for proposal (RFP) to vendors. The committee will send an RFP to the 3 vendors they have met with.

The committee is estimating this will be a first quarter of 2023 implementation. There will be proposals to review. The committee will recommend one to the Selectboard for approval.

Walpole Community Power will be implemented in the second quarter of 2023.

There are about 35 town in NH interested in Community Power. Eleven have gone through the approval process with the remainder starting the process. Once all have completed the process, approximately 25% of electric use in NH would be sourced through the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH).

Mr. Looney asked if there were any questions.  Mr. Coneeny asked if they would be working with resellers? Mr. Looney stated that CPCNH is a non-profit. However, they will need to have contracts to buy power. The answer is yes, they must buy through third parties.

Ms. France Menk asked if solar was being considered? Mr. Looney said that when they move forward with one of the vendors, his expectation is that those vendors will start power purchase agreements for supplying power in community. There is no solar project with the Town of Walpole. The Town does not own that much property. Over time, there will be opportunities to be part of solar of projects that may be in another town. Mrs. Pschirrer stated some of the vendors are buying power from wind and solar projects along with hydro power. The cost of the increase in Liberty Utility rates is tied to the increase in natural gas costs. Mr. Looney added that 60% our power is generated with natural gas.

Mr. Charlie Lennon asked if community power would be available to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Mr. Looney said yes.

There were no additional questions. The microphone was passed to Rod Bouchard of the Police Building Committee. Mr. Bouchard stated the committee has been meeting since Nov. 17, 2022. There were two members of the committee in the audience, Cheri Watson and Andrew Dey.

The work they have been doing over the past 10 months has been assessment to figure out what is needed in the Town for a Police Department building. Mr. Bouchard reviewed the following bullet points on the printed handout.

The current building is located at 4 Russell Street, North Walpole. It can be a bit tricky getting in and out of there at times. The facility is separated from most of the town by railroad tracks that can cause delayed response.

The building is approximately 1800 Sq. Ft. built in 1996 on .2 of an acre lot to the rear of the North Walpole Fire Station.  It is 26 years old and has outlived its usefulness in size and capabilities. It is out-of-date. Ms. Aumand asked if the Town would sell the building back to North Walpole Village Precinct for $1. Both Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Bouchard said they had no idea since the project has not progressed that far. There is a question if there is a need for meeting space. That is a question that will be forth to the community.

Travel from 4 Russell Street to outlying areas of Walpole can take as much as 24 minutes to arrive on scene. Average time to outlying areas is over 14.5 minutes.

The building does not meet many/most of the current operational standards and requirements as outlined in the Police Facilities Planning Guidelines from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Russell Street Facility Does not have:

• A proper and safe holding cell.
• Separate space to handle domestic violence cases.
• Adequate or sufficient workspaces for the officers.
• A separate evidence room of with mandated security and adequate space.
• A safe area for processing and holding dangerous drugs and narcotics.
• A private space for meeting with attorneys or bail bond staff.
• An acceptable interview/interrogation room.
• Sound proofing for security and privacy requirements.
• A separate break room for officers and staff.
• The ability to meet ADA requirements.
• Adequate secure areas for public and non-sworn staff.
• A safe and secure entrance to escort arrests into and from the facility.
• File storage and IT requirements that meet current and future requirements.
• A space for maintaining training certification requirements and additional training needs.
• Public meeting spaces for emergency and non-emergency use.

The current building needs extensive physical repairs and upgrades and has been modified haphazardly over its 26 years of very hard use.

A new facility should be more centrally located on or near Routes 12 and 123 to reduce call response times and would be significantly closer to the village area.

The operational costs for a new building should be substantially reduced by using present energy saving equipment and construction technology and should offer public meeting spaces.

A new facility will greatly enhance the ability to recruit and retain personnel potentially resulting in better community policing and increased safety for residents.

Several Federal and State grants may be available to help lower costs to the town’s taxpayers. Additionally, a private fundraising effort is contemplated to further reduce construction and operating costs. 

Mr. Bouchard stated that a list of what is required and would be nice to have will be created. The building size has not been determined. The project will take some time since there is a lot or work involved.

The committee has visited 4 police departments and the County jail to see how the operations process works. The committee is trying to figure out what we need. It is not a quick, simple easy process. Costs will also be a driver of the project.

There was a question about the committee meetings. Peggy Pschirrer said the next meeting would be on Oct. 5^th in the Town Hall starting at 6:30 PM. They are public meetings.

Mr. Coneeny said it all sounds very reasonable. He encouraged the group that they maintain transparency and to keep people informed. Mrs. Pschirrer said from their visits to other Police Stations, they have realized that the Walpole Police Station is woefully inadequate. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the that a new Police Officer, Jonah Merkle, was attending the meeting. She thanked Mr. Merkle for attending.

Mrs. Joann Sommer asked what is holding things up to move the project forward? Mr. Dalessio said it was a significant project for the Town. Mr. Bouchard said they were being very deliberate, which takes time.

Mr. William Sommer, a retired police officer, felt that a budget was needed and wonder how the Town is to pay for the new Police Station. Mr. Dalessio that the budget has not been established. Mr. Bouchard that the budget would be the end product of their work. They are capturing their ideas on paper. The question of a deadline voiced. Mr. Bouchard said they will continue working on the process for the next 3-5 months.

Mrs. Pschirrer stated that we are not looking to fix something for just the next 10 years. When we work on these projects, we need to think long term, not short term.  We need to think about tomorrow’s needs. Mr. Dalessio agreed that it was the same concept used for the roads, bridges and dams.

Mr. Dalessio closed the meeting at 7:49 PM. The Selectboard thanked people for attending the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

________________________                 ____________________            ____________________

Steven Dalessio, Chair                          Peggy L. Pschirrer                     Cheryl Mayberry

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 29, 2022, Selectboard meeting.)

Hello to those that access the Town Hall: This is an email notice that there is going to be a high level of activity starting next week at the Town Hall.

• Scaffolding subcontractor will be here next Monday (10/03/22) to start setting up the staging at the front and back of the building.
• There will be no parking at the front of the Town Hall as of next Monday. A dumpster, supplies, and porta potty will be out front in the parking area . Our bathroom was offered but Melanson insisted on having their own facilities.
• Weather permitting, the roof install starts on Wednesday, Oct. 12^th.

There may be limited sidewalk access at times when the contractors are on the job.

Let us hope for good weather so this job can go quickly and smoothly. Feel free to share this information with others. If there are questions, call the Selectboard Office for assistance.

Sarah

Sarah Downing

Manager of Administration

Town of Walpole, NH

34 Elm Street

PO Box 729

Walpole, NH  03608-0729

To: Members of the Fall Mountain Community
From: Dr. Brendan Minnihan, Interim Superintendent
Re: Superintendent Search Committee Members Sought Date: September 28, 2022

The Fall Mountain Regional School District, is seeking individuals (staff, parents, community and school board members) from the five towns that comprise SAU 60 to represent their school communities as they conduct a search for a new full time Superintendent.

This Search Committee will work with New Hampshire School Boards Association and The Bryan Group consultant to craft specific requirements, create an application, conduct interviews, and evaluate candidates. The Search Committee members will need to commit to approximately 25-30 hours from October to March for mostly evening meetings commencing the week of October 10th.

From those who express interest in serving on this committee, the School District will select around 15 members to be a part of the group. Final participants will be chosen to represent different interest groups and regions of our community.

If you are interested and have the time to give to this important task, please notify Misty Bushee (mbushee@sau60.org) by Monday, October 3rd.

The Historical Society would like  to thank all those who participated, helped and attended our event on Saturday September 24th.  

Bill Ranauro started our day with his interesting Architectural Tour of the Village.

Walpole Pack #299 provided a great hotdog lunch with drinks and desserts;

The Walpole Town Library had a busy craft table;  Far Hills Farm had maple syrup, garlic, bluebird houses and much more;  and Jouvay Chocolates had a wonderful variety of yummy chocolate bars.

We also want to give a big thank you to the young entrepreneurs who brought their crafts and talents to share with all of us.  There was a wonderful variety of gift baskets by Ila; creative Christmas decorations by Ian; beautiful crocheted decorations by Emily and delicious baked goods by Bridget.  It gave us great pleasure to have these young people there to share their creativity and initiative.  Thanks to the parents too for their help and support.

  The Historical Society’s museum is open Saturdays 12 – 4pm through October 15th