From France Menk:

Keeping the community up to date on community topics
From Marilyn Wilking. Marilyn says, “We still have room for more young folks to sign up for a six week summer art program that starts this Tuesday, July 8th!”
SUMMER ART FOR KIDS
Free program
Tuesdays July 8th – August 12th
9 – 11 am
For ages 6 – 11 yrs
Emphasis on nurturing imagination, building community and encouraging creativity
Held at St. John’s Parish Hall (“the stone church”) supported by donations and the Richard Schmid Fine Art Foundation
Register at artinfo@stjohnswalpole.org as space is limited to 20
• Plan to arrive before 9 AM to complete registration, get name tag, and meet volunteers.
• We may/will get messy so old clothes that can handle permanent art materials (paint etc.) are advised. We have some smocks and old t-shirts but kids may prefer to bring their own (old large shirt from a parent).
• Our teachers are trained in art (BFA degrees) and have experience working with children. They will also talk briefly about art history while children have a small snack. They will be assisted by adult volunteers.
• If you can help with providing snack, that would be greatly appreciated. See handout with suggested snacks and signup sheet.
• We will want to know who is picking up your child from each session.
• If your child will not be attending, please let me know by phone or text.
Questions / Concerns:
Marilyn Wilking 713-410-7372
(Chief volunteer and cup washer)
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
June 26, 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: Sue Nadeau, George Gowdy, Matthew Benoit, John Sheldon, Davis Barratt, Fritze Till, Annette Newton, Ezra Leby, Bas den Hand, and Joe Fennessey
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:30 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 6:57 PM.
Ms. Nadeau and Mr. Gowdy left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
Mr. Benoit, Mr. Sheldon, Mr. Barratt, Ms. Till, Ms. Newton, Mr. Leby, Mr. den Hand, and Mr. Fennessey joined the Selectboard meeting. The following item was moved up in the agenda to accommodate a guest who wished to speak to it.
Proposed Gazebo/Pavilion on the Drewsville Common: Mr. Benoit presented the proposed layout for a gazebo on the Drewsville Common. The concept is to have a gazebo and flagpole on a concrete slab. Mr. Dalessio explained that since the gazebo is intended for public use, it needs to adhere to commercial construction guidelines. Everyone who works on the structure must be licensed. Part of the Common is commercial, and part is residential. That also needs to be considered. There is also a wet area at the north end of the common. It was also explained what information would be needed for a public hearing in two weeks. Mr. Benoit was told that a petition with 15 or 18 signatures was submitted last week. Mr. Benoit felt that with those at the meeting tonight and the petition, he did not want to continue with the project. Mr. Benoit left the meeting. The Selectboard had listed the rules and data needed for the public hearing and offered to schedule a public hearing in two weeks. No decision was made regarding the gazebo. The Selectboard and the Drewsville Village residents present appreciated all the Drewsville Store does for the Town.
The remaining guests left the meeting.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,202.28 dated 6/27/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,701.93. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – June 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 19, 2025 with two changes: 1) on page 3 under Vilas Bridge Review, “how imbedded Walpole people are in greater community” should read “how imbedded Walpole people are in the greater community”, and 2) in the next paragraph, “will be postponed until it needs to be done” should read “will be postponed until the remediation needs to be done”. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved as amended.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – June 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of June 19, 2025 with one change. The GED one applicant had was from North Carolina. The minutes will remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved as amended and remain sealed.
Committee Reports
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant
Op # 24-461-04, Map and Lot # 004-033-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the assessed taxes and warrant for $2,339.40. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Old Business
Safe Streets Grant Support Letter: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Safe Streets Grant Support Letter. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.
Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update: There was no update for this week.
Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant: Mr. Dalessio reported that the timeline for this project needs to be amended. The request went to Fuss & O’Neill. They have not yet responded. Mr. Dalessio has asked that Fuss & O’Neill keep the Selectboard and the Selectboard Office informed.
Strategic Planning Grant: Mr. Dalessio stated that if the project is complete, the Town needs to send an email. The grant is managed by the Water Department and tied to asset management. Mrs. Downing will send a copy of the email to Mr. Houghton since he was not included in the distribution.
Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio reported that the Dam Bureau would like an update from Fuss & O’Neill. They want a timeline to complete the project. No response has been received to date.
New Business
Cemetery Deed for Lots E618 and E619: Ms. Vose moved to approve the sale of lots E618 and E619, and to sign the deed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the sale was approved, and the deed was signed.
License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the renewal application for Eric Frink of 131 Merriam Rd. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the license application was approved and signed. Mrs. Downing will send a copy of the license application to Police Chief Sanctuary.
Sewer Manhole Rehab Proposal: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the RFQ to have 50 manholes and two wet well holes fixed. The Chair needs to sign the RFQ. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the RFQ. This project will repair collapsing manholes on Rt 12.
Central Air System Failures: Mr. Dalessio reported that both central air systems in the Town Hall and Police Department’s system have failed this week. The Police Department bought two small window air conditioning units for the station. The Town Hall is borrowing window units from staff. A quote is being prepared for one larger system that will cool the Selectboard Office, the Town Clerk’s Office, the hallway and the restrooms.
Old Home Days Committee: The Old Home Days Committee would like to be able to accept credit cards for the hats and shirts they sell, but they cannot get approved. The Town does not have portable credit cards readers. It was suggested that they purchase a square card reader for the day.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c)(e)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c)(e) at 7:44 PM. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:26 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.
The next Selectboard meeting will be July 2nd at 6:30 PM.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the July 2, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
July 2, 2025
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
SELECTBOARD MEETING
PAYROLL
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
TIMBER TAX WARRANT AND YIELD TAXES ASSESSED
TIMBER INTENTS
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage
NEW BUSINESS
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c) (e)
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
From Wendy Grossman:
Brush hogging was completed last Friday on the Walpole section of the Cheshire Rail Trail! With the overgrowth cut back, now is a great time for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians to explore the 7+ miles of State-owned Rail Trail along the west side of Walpole. The usable trail extends from behind the CITGO/Jiffy Mart in the north to the Westmoreland border in the south. The Cheshire Rail Trail then continues southward to Keene and beyond.
In Walpole, the trail is accessible from Blackjack Crossing Rd., Halls Crossing Rd., River Rd., the Walpole Gateway, Route 123, and the Boat Launch WMA. There is a dedicated parking area on River Rd, and limited parking at other locations. Please do not block the gates or the trail when you park.
Please be respectful of the private landowners who abut the trail. Please follow trail signs, especially through Homestead Farm. Please practice “leave no trace” principles. Do not litter. No motorized vehicles are allowed (except for snowmobiles.)
Maps of the Rail Trail are available at walpoleoutdoors.org (the Conservation Commission website) and in Town Hall.
Many thanks to the Walpole Selectboard, the Walpole Conservation Commission, and the Walpole Trail Committee for supporting this project. Thanks also to Mike Hubbard of Connecticut Valley Yard Works for brush hogging the trail.
Enjoy the Rail Trail!
Wendy and Will Grossman
Walpole Trail Committee
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
JUNE 19, 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: Sue Nadeau, Seth Andrews, and Joe Fennessey
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:15 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:17 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Nadeau and Mr. Andrews left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:12 PM. The remainder of the Hooper Trustees agenda was paused because a citizen was waiting to speak to the following item.
Mr. Fennessey joined the meeting.
Pavillion on the Drewsville Common: Joe Fennessey presented a petition to the Selectboard requesting that no pavilion be built on the Drewsville Common. This is in response to plans published on Facebook. Mr. Fennessey state there has been no discussion with landowners around the Drewsville Common. There are several concerns with the proposed project including: 1) the proposed location is in the catch basin, 2) the lack of adequate parking, and 3) if people park on the street, the remaining road is too narrow to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Signatures are just starting to be collected. Additional signatures will be presented at during a public hearing.
Mr. Fennessey left the meeting.
Accounts Payable
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $2,134,118.73 dated 6/23/2025 including $804,108.98 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. This is a new check to replace the one lost in the mail. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,137.67 dated 6/20/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,393.84. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting June 12, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 12, 2025. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – June 12, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of June 12, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved and remain sealed.
Committee Reports
Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Abatements
Map and Lot # 012-013-3U1: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 012-013-3U1. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved and the abatement denied.
Map and Lot # 021-049-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 021-049-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved and the abatement denied.
Map and Lot # 017-005-002 and 017-005-003: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 017-005-002 and 017-005-003. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved and the abatement denied.
Map and Lot # 028-019-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 028-019-000. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved and the abatement denied.
Old Business
Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update: Paul Looney notified the Selectboard that two people from the company that made the replacement inverter will be onsite Tuesday, June 24th to inspect the system for other problems that might cause the new inverter to fail.
Unlicensed Dogs Annual Report: The Selectboard reviewed the unlicensed dog report for dogs they know that are no longer in Walpole. The report needs to be updated accordingly. Mrs. Hansson should try to license dogs with rabies expirations in 2024 or later.
Shade Project at Pool: Ms. Vose updated the Selectboard to say that the shelter is complete and the fence will be done soon. For now, an orange construction fence is being used. A plaque is needed to recognize those who made the shade shelter possible.
Proposed Gazebo at Drewsville Common: Mr. Benoit wishes to present his plan for a gazebo/pavilion at the 6/26/2025 Selectboard meeting. A drawing was delivered. Mr. Benoit of the Drewsville General Store has posted the plans on Facebook. A public hearing will need to be planned for July 10th.
New Business
Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the reimbursement application and for the Chair to sign it. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the reimbursement application.
Sewer Bond and Water-Sewer Rates: Mr. Dalessio reported that there is a lot going on with respect to sewer rates. Bellows Fall Village communicated that the current formulas are not distributing the whole cost. Currently, Walpole cost share is at 24% for cost sharing. The rate needs to change to 25%. Additionally, there needs to be a measurement process to verify if the formulas are correct. Mark Houghton is responding to Bellows Falls with a proposal. The Town will need to set the sewer usage rates in a couple weeks. However, there needs to be models. All this will tie into the new meter reading software by Beacon. The water & sewer department is working on getting the new software to communicate with AccuFund, the Town’s financial software.
Vilas Bridge Review by State Reps: Mr. Dalessio, Pat Kiniry, and Katherine Kopij attended the meeting with the Executive Counselor Hill and the NHDOT Commissioner. Mr. Dalessio stressed to the visitors that the sewer line crosses the river under the bridge and other issues such as traffic; emergency vehicles; poor access to Bellows Falls, our sister town. Mark Houghton is already talking to the person working on the design of the new bridge. There was a discussion about how imbedded Walpole people are in the greater community.
Closed Landfill Gas Monitoring Report: The methane reading is up this time, but it fluctuates. Remediation may be needed. By consensus, the Selectboard agreed it will be postponed until the remediation needs to be done.
Complete Streets Grant Announcement: Walpole has completed its project but has received a request from Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) for a support letter as they look for additional funding. SWRPC provided a letter template. Mrs. Downing will use the template to create a letter for the Selectboard to sign at the next meeting.
Site Plan Reviews and Building Permits for Commercial Properties:
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 8:13 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 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.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:34 PM to complete the agenda items. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:52 PM.
The next meeting will be July 2nd.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:52 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 26, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
From Ray Boas:
The July 2025 Clarion is now online and ready to go to the post offices for delivery. Sadly fewer pages this month. There were few submissions of recent past happenings, and not much seems to be planned for the next month. Remember, if you do have an event to share with the community, submit your article for possible inclusion in the next issue.
But for now, click on this link for the issue or the front cover below. Stay safe and well, yours– RAY BOAS, Publisher.
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
June 26, 2025
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING
HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (b)
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES
HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS
SELECTBOARD MEETING
PAYROLL
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
TIMBER TAX WARRANT AND YIELD TAXES ASSESSED
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam
NEW BUSINESS
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) (e)
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Town Hall
7 pm
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the July 16, 2025 meeting for corrections.
Roll Call: Board members present: Chair Tom Murray, Clerk Dave Edkins, Shane O’Keefe and Bill Sommers. Alternate Don Sellarole. Absent: Vice-Chair Pauline Barnes and Alternate Myra Mansouri.
Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Mr. Murray asked Alternate Don Sellarole to fill in for the absent Board member. He agreed.
Minutes: Approve minutes of May 2025 meeting: Mr. Edkins made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Sommers seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Justin Parker of Classic Signs in Amherst, NH is asking for a variance for two signs at Blue Seal – a wall sign on the building and a free-standing sign on Route 12. The property is at 334 Main Street, Tax Map 12, Lot 59 in the commercial district. Blue Seal was formerly owned by Achilles Agway.
Also at the meeting were Janus Gibbons, project manager for the Blue Seal re-branding project, Walpole Blue Seal Store Manager Larry Earle and Walpole Blue Seal Assistant Store Manager Tara Pacheco.
Mr. Edkins asked the Board and folks from Blue Seal if he should recuse himself. He is not technically an abutter because the driveway between the Blue Seal building and his home is a right of way. However, his home is next to the driveway. Both the Board and the folks from Blue Seal agreed he could stay on the Board to vote on the variance.
Mr. Murray asked Mr. Parker what occurred at the Planning Board meeting. Mr. Parker said it was decided that the Planning Board would not approve the building sign or the free-standing sign unless they were 32 square feet. However, the Planning Board did approve the signage for the propane tank and the sign to the entrance to Blue Seal. Mr. Parker asked for a public hearing next month.
The next issue was since there were two signs in question for a variance, should there be two applications or one. Mr. Sellarole thought there should be two applications because there might be two different outcomes. One sign might be okay but the other wasn’t. Mr. O’Keefe felt that the board could handle both with just one application and it would cost the applicant twice as much money if there were two applications. Mr. Edkins made a motion to hold one public hearing at the July ZBA meeting for a variance for both signs. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion passed with 4 yeas and 1 nay.
Old Business: Discussion on Updated Zoning Ordinances from SWRPC. No Board member had any comments on the newly reorganized Walpole Zoning Ordinances.
Mr. Murray felt that since there is such a housing crisis issue, the Zoning Board of Adjustment should further discuss DADUs or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. He pointed out four important parts of the document.
1. One Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) shall be allowed in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings. The following requirements apply: A. No change in frontage or setbacks shall be required for a DADU, however, the minimum lot size for any given Zoning District shall be the following:
The maximum area for a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be 900 square feet of living space. A larger living space may be permitted by a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Adequate provisions for water supply and sewage disposal for the detached accessory dwelling unit in accordance with RSA 485-A:38 shall be demonstrated by the applicant. Separate systems, including but not limited to plumbing, heating, electrical and sanitary disposal systems, are not required for the principal and detached accessory dwelling unit provided that occupants of both units
The owner of the property shall occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the detached accessory dwelling unit as their “Principal Place of Residence.” Whichever dwelling unit is not the property owner’s principal place of residence may be rented to a person(s) unrelated to the property owner A.
Adjournment
Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The time was 7:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Recording Secretary
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