Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/26/25

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 Meeting – June 19, 2025
  • Hooper Non-Public Session – June 19, 2025

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $35,202.28 dated 6/27/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,701.93

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – June 19, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – June 19, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Trail Committee Meeting – June 11, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 18, 2025

TIMBER TAX WARRANT AND YIELD TAXES ASSESSED

  • Op# 24-461-04, Map and Lot# 004-033-000

OLD BUSINESS

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

  • Proposed Gazebo/Pavilion at Drewsville Common
  • Safe Streets Grant Support Letter
  • Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update
  • Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant
  • Strategic Planning Grant

NEW BUSINESS

  • Cemetery Deed
  • License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers
  • Sewer Manhole Rehab Proposal
  • Central Air System Breakdowns
  • Old Home Days Committee

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 Meeting Minutes – 6/18/25

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:

  1. Residential District Type A minimum lot area shall be 80,000 square feet
  2. Residential District Type B minimum lot area shall be 50,000 square feet
  3. Rural/Agricultural minimum lot area shall be 80,000 square feet
  4. Timberland not permitted B. 

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

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/12/25

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

From France Menk:

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

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

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

[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

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

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

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.