The Walpolean

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: David Joyce of Arcomm; Brad Nash, Maintenance Technician; Kara Dexter and Peter Dexter

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

The following items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate the guests who wished to speak to the items.

PRESENTATION ON A NEW PHONE SYSTEM FOR TOWN HALL: David Joyce from Arcomm said that the Town can save money by switching from an analog phone system to a VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication system. Each analog line removed can save $50 per month.  With an analog system, there is a charge for each line. With VOIP, there is a charge for each published number (i.e. the numbers listed on the Town website, walpolenh.us).  The GoTo phone system offers online meetings, voicemail, text in meetings, voicemail to email, calls forwarded when away from office via GoTo app on a cell phone, etc.  Mr. Joyce explained that Arcomm works with Consolidated Communications (CCI). Arcomm would be the contact for all call and internet issues.  It would be $295 per month for the GoTo phone system for the Town Hall. The phones will be free of charge.  Headsets are available. Installation and training for the Town Hall would take about a day and cost $1,200. The Selectboard chose to convert all Town phones to allow employees access to all the features and allow for additional monthly cost savings. Mr. Joyce will do all the training. The Town needs to provide Mr. Joyce with the additional phone bills. Mr. Nash will verify internet to all sites.  Mr. Joyce will put together an updated quote.

Mr. Joyce left the meeting.

REQUEST FOR WRITTEN STATEMENT ON STATUS OF OLD ROADS: Jeremy Turner has requested a written statement on the status of old roads, particularly Scovill and Derry Hill Roads, which cross his property (Map # 006, Lots # 019, 020, and 021).  He also requests that the Selectboard view the current condition of the roads and woodlands firsthand.  The Selectboard agreed that there are no ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) are permitted on Class VI roads. They recommended that Mr. Turner call NH Fish & Game to get this issue resolved.  Mr. Turner’s letter stated that ATVs are damaging roads and his forested property. By consensus, the Selectboard recommends that Mr. Turner, and anyone else who sees ATVs on Class VI roads, should call NH Fish & Game.  Property owners can put up game cameras. The emergency lane portion of Derry Hill Road must be maintained by the Town. The Road Agent, Mike Symonds, needs to check the condition of the emergency lane.

Peter and Kara Dexter left the meeting.

TOWN HALL FOLDING CHAIRS COLOR CHOICE: There were 3 suggested color combo options.  The Town Hall staff recommendation is black pads with silver frames.  By consensus, the Selectboard decided to go with the staff recommendation.

Mr. Nash left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $903,625.97 dated 9/29/2025 including $804,108.98 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,394.18 dated 9/26/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,732.92.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – September 17, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 17, 2025.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting Part 1 – September 17, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting Part 1 of September 17, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public Part 1 minutes were approved and remain sealed.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting Part 2 – September 17, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting Part 2 of September 17, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public Part 2 minutes were approved and remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Trail Committee Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2025
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – September 17, 2025
• Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant

Op # 25-461-01, Map and Lot # 011-012-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $4,682.21. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Property Tax Refunds

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 030-065-000 of $6.08 due to overpayment of spring 2025 taxes.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Timber Intents

Map and Lot # 006-019-000, 006-020-000 and 006-021-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 006-019-000, 006-020-000, and 006-021-000, with access from Proctor Road in Surry.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permits

2025-29, Map and Lot# 001-015-008: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-29 for Map and Lot # 001-015-008 to construct a home, attached garage and deck with a total of 2,314 square feet. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-30, Map and Lot# 003-007-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-30 for Map and Lot # 003-007-001 to add a 298 square foot sunroom. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-31, Map and Lot# 001-008-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-31 for Map and Lot # 001-008-000 to construct a 36’ x 32’ two-story home. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-32, Map and Lot# 009-003-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-32 for Map and Lot # 009-003-000 to construct an 80’ x 32’ two-story barn. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-33, Map and Lot# 021-013-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #205-33 for Map and Lot # 021-013-000 to construct a 12’ x 10’ deck with exterior staircase. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Reservoir Dam Update: The application with payment was received at DES.  The Dam Bureau sent questions to Fuss & O’Neill related to the permit application. 

New Police Station: The sign was installed 9/20/2025 announcing the location of the new Police Station.

New Business

Cemetery Deeds: Ms. Vose moved to approve the sale of the Cemetery deed for Lots D591 and D592. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the deeds were signed.  Area D is officially sold out.  Area E is available for current lot sales. 

Recreation Center – Outdoor AED: The Whitcomb Recreation Area users requested an AED that is accessible when the pool is not open.  It will be mounted on the north side of the pool building at Whitcomb Park.  Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order #665642 to AEDTeam.com for $1,195.00 for an outdoor AED cabinet that is weatherized and locked to ensure there will be an AED there when needed.  It will be purchased with a credit card and will be charged to the Park and Recreation Revolving Fund.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Purchase Order was approved and signed. 

PFA Health Insurance Proposal: The Baldwin Group insurance rep asked to present a PFA medical insurance proposal at next Wednesday’s Selectboard Meeting via MS Teams.  By consensus, the Selectboard agreed they were not interested in the presentation. The Board felt that the plan was not a good fit for Town employees. The plan had some positive benefits, but there were several negative elements to consider.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 7:36 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 1, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

September 17, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Andrew Pollock and Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio 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)(c) – Part 1

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 6:32 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:23 PM.

Mr. Miller and Mr. Pollock left during the Non-Public meeting.

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

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,321.18 dated 9/19/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,006.96.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2025.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – September 8, 2025
• Library Trustee Meeting Minutes – September 9, 2025
• Planning Board Meeting Minutes – September 9, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Trail Maintenance Agreement: Ms. Vose moved for the Chair to sign and initial all the pages of the Trail Maintenance Agreement.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the first page and initialed all the other pages. 

NEW BUSINESS

Junkyard Permit: Ms. Vose moved to approve the annual renewal for E.W. Salvage dated 9/17/2025 to continue operating the junkyard.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the permit was signed.

Building Permit Question: Does the new picnic pavilion at Alyson’s Orchard require a Site Plan Review and/or a building permit?  The Selectboard noted that when the Walpole School built a similar pavilion, they needed a building permit. Therefore, the rule applies to Alyson’s Orchard also.  Mrs. Downing will let them know.  On Facebook, the pavilion is already in use.

Recreation Department Update: Ms. Vose reported that over the past year, Mr. Wilkes has worked an average of 16 hours per week.  Mr. Wilkes has been receiving emails asking for an AED near the pickleball courts. He is checking with Mark Houghton about an outdoor AED and a recommended location near the tennis and pickleball courts.

Phone System for Town Hall: David Joyce from Arcomm, would like to explain the change from copper lines with analog phones to an Internet-based phone system to the Selectboard.  Arcomm installed and maintains the key car lock system for Town Hall. Mr. Joyce will explain the challenges that will be encountered when making the change to a new phone system. The Selectboard wants to know the total cost and the potential monthly savings.  Mr. Joyce will be present at 6:30 PM on 9/25/2025 to meet with the Selectboard.

Town Hall Folding Chairs: Mrs. Downing reported that there should be excess funds in the Municipal budget.  She asked the Selectboard if a set of 25 chairs can be purchased for the Town Hall.  These are the same chairs the Fire Department has.  By consensus, the Selectboard approved the plan to get a cart and 25 chairs.

10-Year Transportation Plan Meeting: The meeting is scheduled for September 22nd at the Keene Recreation Center. Lucy Weber cannot attend. NH needs to cut $14,000,0000 [Editor’s Note: It’s unclear what this figure is supposed to be, so I’m publishing it exactly as it appears in the draft minutes.] from its budget.  The Vilas Bridge shifted out to 2032, but it is still on the 10-Year Plan. An alternative date for the meeting is October 22nd in Peterborough.  The current 10 Year Plan includes fixing Rt. 12 in Charlestown.  Ms. Mayberry will draft a letter and emphasize the importance of the Vilas Bridge repairs. She will send it to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose for comments before sending it to the State.

SWRPC Fall Meeting:  The meeting is scheduled for October 14th with the social hour at 5:00 PM with the program to begin at 5:30 PM in the Keene Library.  The program will discuss the flood management program.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:02 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:21 PM.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (b) – Part 2

Ms. Vose moved to re-enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) at 8:21 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:51 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 25, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)