Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/12/25

SELECTBOARD 06/26/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

June 12, 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: Meghan Hansson and Ben Hoy

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

The following two items have been moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wish to speak to these items.

Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update: Mr. Hoy updated the Board on the solar system repairs.  The replacement inverter failed in one day.  Solar Dave has another inverter from a domestic company.  The engineers in the domestic company are concerned that something else in the system may have caused the replacement inverter to fail.  The engineers are working remotely to determine whether there are other issues that need to be addressed before the new inverter is installed.  The Recycling Center and Solar Dave are awaiting an approval to install the new inverter. The inverter is covered by the warranty, so there is no cost to the Town.

Mr. Hoy is now taking responsibility for the solar system.  He will reach out to Paul Looney to learn about the system. It was recognized that it will take time to learn about the system.  Mr. Hoy should reach out to the Selectboard if he needs anything. 

Mr. Hoy left the meeting.

Unlicensed Dogs Annual Report: Mrs. Hansson presented the required report on unlicensed dogs.  The RSAs require the report to be delivered to the Selectboard between June 1st and 20th each year.  Mrs. Hansson prepared reports that show there are a lot of dogs that should have been licensed this year that have not been.  There are a number of steps that the Town can take to encourage licensing.  The Selectboard needs to reach a decision on what will be done within twenty days after June 20th.

Mrs. Hansson left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,451.75 dated 6/13/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,206.08.  Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – June 4, 2025: The minutes were amended to include David Adams, former Treasurer, in the list of names to be removed from the Mascoma account.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 4, 2025 as amended.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

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

Committee Reports

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

  • North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – April 1, 2025
  • North Walpole Commissioners Meeting – April 23, 2025
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting – March 5, 2025
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting – April 1, 2025
  • Hooper Institute Board Meeting – May 6, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meting – April 16, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – May 21, 2025
  • Conservation Commission Meeting – June 2, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Refund

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 030-021-000 of $100.00. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Abatements

Map and Lot # 010-009-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Abatement for Map and Lot # 010-009-002 and a refund of $392.81 because of a property card data error. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 012-073-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 012-073-000.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 012-044-020: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 012-044-020.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 011-033-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Abatement request for Map and Lot # 011-033-002. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Mascoma Bank Account: Ms. Vose moved to approve and sign a letter requesting changes to the signers for the account.  Peggy Pschirrer (former Selectboard member) and David Adams (former Town Treasurer) are to be removed from the account and Carolyn Vose (Selectboard member) and Steve Varone (Town Treasurer) are to be added to the account.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and the letter was signed.

Special Use Permit (SUP) for the Rail Trail:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Special Use Permit (SUP) application and for Mr. Dalessio to sign it.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the SUP application was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed it.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: Southwestern Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) needs information on two open items.  By consensus, the Selectboard appointed Mike Symonds to be the Floodplain Administrator for Walpole, which is the first piece of information SWRPC needs.  The second is that the only agreement we have with other towns is Cheshire County Mutual Aid. 

New Business

American Red Cross (ARC) Licensed Training Provider Agreement:  The Chair needs to sign the agreement, and the ARC needs to be covered by the Town insurance for Walpole to use their licensed training.  Ms. Vose explained that this is much stricter process than what was done in the past.  The Pool Manager will provide lifeguard training.  There were two extra slots, and two Charlestown lifeguards will use them. They will pay $100 each to the Town.  The training cost agreement will go in the lifeguards’ employee folders. Ms. Vose moved to approve the Licensed Training Agreement with ARC and for Mr. Dalessio to sign the agreement to provide lifeguard training.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the agreement was signed.

Appointment of Hale Morrell to be an Alternate on the Conservation Commission: The Conservation Commission has recommended Hale Morrell to be an alternate. Ms. Morrell submitted her letter of interest to the Selectboard Office.  Ms. Vose moved to appoint Hale Morrell to the Conservation Commission as an Alternate.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Hale Morrell is now an Alternate to the Conservation Commission.

Derry Hill Road Complaint: Ms. Vose explained that Ron Kingsbury is planning a timber cut on his property and that the Class VI portion of Derry Hill Road is in very poor condition. Mr. Kingsbury claimed that the damage is done by off-road vehicles.  The road is class VI, and the Town does not maintain it.  Landowners often need to prepare or repair a road for logging access.  Class VI roads can have a rope with a sign across it to discourage use, but it cannot be locked with gates and bars.  

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 7:43 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:15 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 8:15 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:49 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 19, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Conservation Commission & Trail Committee Events – 6/28 & 6/29

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 06/26/2025 Leave a comment

From France Menk:

Cancelled: Education in NH Discussion – 6/24/25

EVENTS 06/24/2025 Leave a comment

From Marilyn Wilking:

Sorry for late notice, but the Education in NH forum with state legislators to be held Tuesday, June 24th at 6:30 at the library has been cancelled.  We hope to reschedule.

Education in NH Discussion – 6/24/25

EVENTS 06/23/2025 Leave a comment

From Marilyn Wilking:

ATTENTION:  Parents, educators, school board members, voters 

Want to learn how our state supports education?

What are the issues?

Learn some facts in the comfort of the air conditioned library tomorrow evening. 

June 24th – Education in New Hampshire

Join Representatives Patty Cornell, Dave Luneau, and Nick Germana as they discuss various aspects of education in our state. Topics will include state resources, property taxes to support K-12 education, vouchers, charter schools, and the low level of state support for higher education. The event will be moderated by our own Rep. Lucy Weber 

When: Tuesday, June 24

Where: Walpole Town Library at 6:30 pm

Repost: Old Home Days Nature Outings – 6/28 & 6/29

Uncategorized 06/20/2025 Leave a comment

[Editor’s Note: Something went wrong with the formatting on the initial version of this post, which made the text difficult to read. I’m re-posting to make sure everyone gets a chance to hear about these wonderful events! – Kelli]

In connection with Old Home Days, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Trail Committee, are offering several nature outings for the community.

Saturday, 6/28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am, Chris Liazos, an Antioch University MS graduate student, will lead a birding walk around town on behalf of the Conservation Commission.  To join the walk, please come to the Conservation Commission booth on the Common at 8:30 am.

Sunday, 6/29, the Walpole Trail Committee invites you to visit the Gateway, the town-owned property nestled against the Connecticut River across Route 12 from South Street.  At 7 am, Sharyn Tullar will lead a birding outing next to the river.  Bring your own binoculars.  At 10 am, there will be a guided hike along the Gateway River Ramble, a short new trail with outstanding views of the Connecticut River.  The meeting spot for both events is the kiosk at the top of the hill.  Dress for an outdoor adventure (comfortable shoes, tick and insect protection, etc.)

On Saturday, the Conservation Commission and the Trail Committee will have side-by-side booths on the west side of the Common opposite the Congregational Church.  Please visit us to learn more about conservation and trails in Walpole.

Old Home Days Nature Outings – 6/28 & 6/29

CONSERVATION COMMISSION, EVENTS 06/20/2025 Leave a comment

From Wendy Grossman:

In connection with Old Home Days, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Trail Committee, are offering several nature outings for the community.

Saturday, 6/28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am, Chris Liazos, an Antioch University MS graduate student, will lead a birding walk around town on behalf of the Conservation Commission. To join the walk, please come to the Conservation Commission booth on the Common at 8:30 am.

Sunday, 6/29, the Walpole Trail Committee invites you to visit the Gateway, the town-owned property nestled against the Connecticut River across Route 12 from South Street. At 7 am, Sharyn Tullar will lead a birding outing next to the river. Bring your own binoculars. At 10 am, there will be a guided hike along the Gateway River Ramble, a short new trail with outstanding views of the Connecticut River. The meeting spot for both events is the kiosk at the top of the hill. Dress for an outdoor adventure (comfortable shoes, tick and insect protection, etc.)

On Saturday, the Conservation Commission and the Trail Committee will have side-by-side booths on the west side of the Common opposite the Congregational Church. Please visit us to learn more about conservation and trails in Walpole.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/19/25

SELECTBOARD 06/19/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

June 19, 2025

Starting at 6:15 PM in the Town Hall

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – June 12, 2025
  • Hooper Non-Public Session – June 12, 2025

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Thank You Letter
  • Hooper Renovation Invoices
  • May 2025 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Education Fund
  • May 2025 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $2,134,118.73 for checks issued 6/23/2025

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $33,137.67 dated 6/20/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,393.84

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – June 12, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – June 12, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – June 9, 2025
  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – June 10, 2025
  • Library Trustees Meeting – June 10, 2025
  • Planning Board Meeting – June 10, 2025

ABATEMENTS

  • Map and Lot# 012-013-3U1
  • Map and Lot# 021-049-000
  • Map and Lot# 017-005-002 and 003
  • Map and Lot# 028-019-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam, and Houghton Brook Bridge

  • Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update
  • Unlicensed Dogs Annual Report
  • Shade Project at Pool Update
  • Proposed Gazebo at Drewsville Common

NEW BUSINESS

  • Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement
  • Sewer Bond and Water-Sewer Rates
  • Vilas Bridge Review by State Reps
  • Closed Landfill Gas Monitoring Report
  • Complete Streets Grant Announcement
  • Site Plan Reviews and Building Permits for Commercial Properties

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

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 6/10/25

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 06/18/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

June 10, 2025

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, 

Susan Johnson, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jana Sellarole, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Absent:  Gail Lahaise

Visitor:  Eryn Sellarole

Call to Order:  Amy called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Hubbard Community Room.

Approval of Minutes:  Amy moved to approve the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor;  motion carried.

Introduction of Eryn Sellarole:  Amy welcomed Eryn Sellarole to the meeting.  Eryn introduced herself as the new Chair of the Friends of the Library, working along with Gretchen Fowler in this role.  Eryn provided an update on their activities. The Friends board approved an additional $5,000 to the library for programming and newspapers.  The annual book sale is on again for the end of October. Every Wednesday during the summer from 9:30-10:30 at the Coop, the Friends will  sort books and accept donations for the book sale. They prefer that donations be dropped off here but will still accept books at the reuse center. They also welcome volunteers to help with the sorting process.  

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy reported that last month we received a quarterly check from the Library Trust Fund for $5,000. It was more than expected but it was based on interest that they make. The library also received a large amount of donations in memory of Gary Rhodes.

Bills:  The biggest expense last month was renewal of Library Aware software.  Jane said she is considering changing to a less expensive software, but Julie finds it useful when sending out the newsletter each month.  They will continue to look for a less expensive option. Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor; motion carried. 

Old Business

Old Home Days:  Jane reported that preparations for the march are underway and six staff members will participate.  Bill had the bookmarks printed and Sarah will order the temporary tattoos.

Library Scholarship: Amy delivered a letter and check to the high school prior to Awards Night.  Analiese Kenyon received the scholarship.  Susan suggested putting an announcement of this award in the Clarion. 

Bill suggested possibly refining the scholarship guidelines, but this could be done at a future meeting.

Long Range Planning:  Jane will send copies of the 2018 Five-Year-Plan to the trustees to review during the summer in preparation for writing the new long range plan.    

New Business

Policy Review:  Jane recommended reviewing one policy per meeting, as suggested at a recent regional trustees meeting. Trustees agreed it is a good idea.

At this board meeting Jane presented her ideas for our display policy, referring to the Nashua Public Library policy as an example.  Bulletin board and rack displays were discussed.  Kathy suggested rack displays follow bulletin board guidelines.  Susan recommended formalizing each policy by stating the policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees. It was also suggested that a statement saying all policies apply to both the main and North Walpole branches of the library appear at the beginning of the policy handbook. Jane said we can also make that statement on our website link to library policies. Jane will revise our display policy this summer and send it to the board for approval.

Operations:  Jane sent her operations report to the trustees for review prior to this meeting. She noted at the meeting that the Savings Bank of Walpole presented the library with a $200 grant, which Jane said would be used for the Walpole Reads program in the fall. The SBW will be listed as a co-sponsor of the event.

Jane said with increased funding from the Friends, she can plan some additional adult programs. She is currently working on one with a chocolate theme for late August or early September.

The frustration over the router continues.  No progress has been made.  Jane will contact Sarah Downing or Carolyn Vose to see if the Town can contact Consolidated on behalf of the library. In the meantime, it was suggested that staff give patrons who want to print the password for the other router.   

Adjournment: With no further discussion, Erin moved to adjourn the meeting. Sarah seconded and all voted in favor.  Amy adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.

The next meeting will be September 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,  

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the September 9, 2025 meeting.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/10/25

PLANNING BOARD 06/16/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

June 10, 2025

Town Hall 

7 pm

Roll Call: Board present: Chair Jeff Miller, Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate: Travis Adams. Absent: alternate Bill Carmody.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so there was no need to appoint an alternate to fill in.

Minutes: Review minutes of May 2025. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business: 

Signage at Blue Seal:

Free-standing sign near Route 12, with an Electronic Messaging Board. Internally Lit Wall Sign on building. Couple of smaller signs: on the containing propane silo and one near driveway entrance to the store. Presenter Justin Parker of Classic Signs Inc. LLC in Amherst, NH. The property is at 334 Main Street, Tax Map 12, Lot 59 in the commercial district. Blue Seal was formerly owned by Achilles Agway.

Mr. Parker said he was at the meeting to get approval for four signs: a wall sign on the building, a free-standing sign near Route 12, a sign near the entrance driveway to the store and a sign on a propane tank, which is 118 feet to the north of the doors to the building. The sign on the propane tank is 3.89 square foot, single sided vinyl. The entrance sign is 3 feet 1 3/4-inches. The size of these signs comply with Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances on signage.

 However, the wall sign on the building and the free-standing sign are larger than the 32 square-foot maximum spelled out in the zoning ordinance. So he is asking for a variance. He said he believes these signs should not be smaller because cars going by at 55 mph wouldn’t even notice the Blue Seal sign and reducing the size of the sign takes away from their intrinsic design. Actually the cars passing Blue Seal should be going 35 mph. Variances are decided by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The secretary will put him on the agenda for June 18.

The wall sign on the building has the Blue Seal logo and below it says FARM – HOME. Its size is 49.58 square feet, single-sided and internally lit. The free-standing pylon sign has the Blue Seal Logo and the words Farm – Home. Between the words FARM and Home is a tiny rooster on both signs. There is an additional space for a “reader” board of 2 lines of 6-inch copy on the Route 12 sign. This sign is double faced and the electronic reader board would change every couple of minutes to say something else. The choice of what goes on the message board is up to the owners.

 Mr. Harrington worried the message board might distract drivers. He read from sign provision No. 3 “oscillating, rotating flashing, neon, or other tubular gas signs are not permitted except when used for public safety purposed by a governmental entity?” Mr. Marcom also mentioned provision 3 but other Board members didn’t stater concerns about the message board.. 

Mr. Parker also submitted back-up renditions of the signage on the building and near Route 12 that comply with Walpole’s sign ordinance in case his request for a variance is turned down.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the sign on the propane tank and sign at the entrance driveway. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Phase 3 at Abenaki Springs

Mr. Miller said the Select Board recently had a discussion of Phase 3 at Abenaki Springs. He said given that there have been so many changes in that area over the last few years he thought Phase 3 would need go through a Site Plan Review. Mr. Dalessio said Avanru Development used the words “substantially complete” to indicate they might be ready. However, Mr. MacLachlan, who works in construction, said Avanru may have some of the infrastructure in place such as electrical, water and sewer but that doesn’t cover “substantially complete” in the construction industry. There isn’t even a draft of the building, he said. The Board will revisit this topic next month.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:35 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed on July 8 for any corrections.

July 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 6/21/25

Uncategorized 06/16/2025 Leave a comment

From Ray Boas:

A packed two weeks with OLD HOME DAYS approaching the end of the month – make sure to get involved. But also I am now starting work on the JULY issue of the CLARION. Inputs for your articles are due Saturday, June 21, 5 pm (Walpole time). The files will go to the printer on Monday the 23rd. Make sure to visit the CLARION website for contact information, and article and advertising submission details.

Your early submissions help as I start developing the layout well before the closing date. If you have some “news” send it along. I also like to have on-hand material of interest that is not time-sensitive to fill space to round out a pleasing issue. So, if you would “like to be in print” and have something to write and share (images as well), send along for possible inclusion space permitting. Please do remember, it is the advertisers in each issue that make this community publication possible, so please support and thank them.

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1,900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher