Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 4/8/25

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 04/15/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

April 8, 2025

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Jana Sellarole, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Visitors:  Bevin Mitchell, Gretchen Fowler

Call to Order:  Amy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at the North Walpole Library. She welcomed Bevin Mitchell and Gretchen Fowler to the meeting and welcomed Jana Sellarole to the library Board of Trustees.

Recognition of Visitors:  Amy recognized Bevin and Gretchen, who came to give an update from the Friends of the Library.  Bevin reported that the book sale was very successful and the Friends were able to donate $17,000 to the library.  She said the Friends have made $3500 from book sales at the Reuse Center and offered a short history of the book area at the center. The 2026 book sale will take place October 25th and 26th, no Friday night.  She said it was difficult to coordinate that with the school.

Bevin stated that volunteers and board members are welcome to help sort books starting Wednesday, June 11th (and Wednesdays thereafter) at 9:30.  She also invited board members to join the Friends for their working meetings this summer on the third Thursday of the month from 5-6 at the coop. They discuss business as they sort and move books and pallets. Gretchen stated that they need more banana boxes. There has been a shortage but Kathy said she believes that is over.  Amy thanked Bevin and Gretchen for the update; they left the meeting at 4:38.

Elections:  After discussing the roles of Chair and Treasurer, Amy was reelected to the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees; Kathy was reelected as Treasurer and Jean as Secretary. 

Approval of Minutes:  Amy made a motion to accept the March minutes as written. Gail seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.  

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy reported that our CD came due and was automatically renewed.  

Bills:  Jane reported that magazine subscriptions are ordered once a year through one company and that explains the high bill reflected in the report. She also said she bought a $20 library ad for the FMRHS playbill.  Susan thanked Jane for the new Mahjong cards. Sarah moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business

Old Home Days:  Sarah found a musician, “Mr. Aaron”, to perform in the library after the parade. Time of the performance will be determined after the Old Home Day Committee has their next meeting.

There was a discussion about the parade: who would march, what they would do, what they would offer parade-goers. It was decided that bookmarks, rather than candy would be offered. Bill volunteered to make those; Sarah offered to help him. Gail and Erin suggested using the bubble machine and dancing to the accompanying song, encouraging children along the parade route to join in. Plans will be finalized via email;  Amy, Bill, Sarah, and Jane will serve as organizers.

Scholarship: Kathy reported that the scholarship can be funded by fees and donations. As a reminder, this scholarship is needs-based, merit-based, and the recipient must be civic-minded (school and community). The recipient will be chosen at the high school.  Bill will find out the name of the recipient and Amy will write a letter of congratulations to accompany the check. This individual will also be invited to a trustees meeting to be photographed with Shirley Capron. 

New Business

Impact of Funding Changes: Jane reported that the state is working on the state budget now;  there will likely be library cuts because the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has been told to make cuts. Jane said she met with the Alstead Library Director and they felt Inter Library Loan (ILL) would be the service most impacted by cuts in IMLS funding. They discussed the possibility of a mini consortium of local libraries but driving is a primary concern due to insurance and sorting and paperwork would need to be organized. Jane said she thinks Libby would continue but it would cost more and talking books are at risk. NH Humanities was cut, so grants will not be available. Everything is up in the air right now.  The trustees discussed ways they could lobby against these cuts; Sarah offered to draft a letter of support for state libraries on behalf of our Board of Trustees and will email it to members of the board for approval before sending it to local and state officials. Such a letter from the trustees supporting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) can also be sent to our senators and representatives in Washington D.C.

Policy Changes:  Jane will clarify the policy regarding meetings and events in the Community Room to read:  “All meetings, programs, and events utilizing the library” must be open to the public.

Jane suggested changing the policy on library cards to say that a parent must sign for a library card along with their child, assuming responsibility for the materials the child checks out.

Buildings and Grounds: Jane reports that neighbors have complained the new lights on the porch are too bright.  She will talk to Brad about this;  perhaps there are warmer bulbs to use or the lights can be tilted differently. She will discuss this with Brad.

Technology:  Because Jane cannot get the router password from Consolidated, the printer manager suggested paying Consolidated $58/month for a new router and service. We cannot change providers;  we are part of a town contract with Consolidated and manage our own internet. Jane said we have enough money in the technology budget to pay for this. Amy suggested buying a new router elsewhere and finding someone to install it. Sarah suggested that Jane write a list of everything that needs to be done once we have a new router, and we will look for someone who is capable of doing all these tasks.  Trustees had a few names of people to contact. Sarah said she would have her husband send his recommendation for a router.  She asked Jane to take a picture of the existing router so he could find something comparable.

Friends:  After Amy, Sarah, and Jane met with various members of the Friends of the Library, they felt all outstanding matters of concern have been addressed and need not be discussed further.  

Adjournment: Gail moved to adjourn the meeting; Erin seconded, and all voted in favor. Amy adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

The next meeting will be May 13, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the May 13, 2025 meeting.

Poetry Reading at the Walpole Town Library – 4/23/25

EVENTS 04/14/2025 Leave a comment

April Ossmann & Lesle Lewis

Wednesday, April 23 @ 7pm, Walpole Town Library

The Walpole Town Library is delighted to host a reading with poets April Ossmann and Lesle Lewis.

Please come prepared to share. WE seeks what unites us, how to change our perceptions to heal families, friendships, and country of incivility and villainization by practicing greater compassion, by seeing past egos to souls. April will read from WE, share stories of being a bridge, and invite audience participation with short (2-minute) personal stories of positive interactions with people you know or met: fellow shoppers, travelers, service providers, neighbors, etc., whose politics may differ from yours, but with whom you shared a moment of mutual humanity. April is the author of We (Red Hen Press, 2025) and Event Boundaries and Anxious Music (Four Way Books), recipient of a Vermont Arts Council Creation Grant, and former executive director of Alice James Books. She is an independent editor at: www.AprilOssmann.com; and has taught at the low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program at Sierra Nevada College.

Lesle Lewis will read from her forthcoming chapbook, Hydrogen, as well as a few poems from previous books. Her poems do not genreally tell good-feeling stories or stories of any sort; she likes to think that by putting disparate things together and favoring inclusivity, the new sense in her poems might be useful. Why should we deny contradictions and juxtapositions and why should we not give each other everything? She is the author of five poetry collections: Small Boat (2003), Landscapes I & II (2006), lie down too (2011), A Boot’s a Boot (2014), Rainy Days on the Farm (2019) and the chapbook It’s Rothko in Winter or Belgium (2012). Lesle lives in Alstead, New Hampshire. Her website is www.LesleLewisPoetry.com.

www.WalpoleTownLibrary.org

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 4/7/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 04/13/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

APRIL 7, 2024

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Co-Chair), John Peska (Co-Chair, Presiding), Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent: Carolyn Vose (Selectboard)

Visitors Present: Chris Liazos, Hale Morrell, Alex Barrett

CALL TO ORDER: John called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall. 

SEATING OF ALTERNATES:  All members present – no alternates needed

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

France moved to accept the March 3, 2025 minutes as written. Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried. 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report: No account balances were available.  We received the annual income from the Hubbard Endowment in the amount of $9,731.25 for this year. 

Correspondence:

  • Reservoir Dam Wetland Application has been submitted.  The application and maps were available.
  • National Grid will be using herbicide from Bellows Falls to the Surry town line starting in June.  The landowners have been notified. 
  • Monadnock Conservancy’s 2025 fundraising goal is $2,000,000.  Amanda Littleton has been appointed the new Executive Director.
  • A deed was shared that indicated William S. Fletcher granted the Town an easement for Cranberry Meadow Bog Dam back in the 1990s.
  • We received the new NH Planning and Land Use Laws book. 

NEW BUSINESS

Forest for the Birds – Chris Liazos, Antioch: Chris’ thesis is to create a standardized process and report for developing a Conservation Value Index which looks at birds (the varieties and number) in treated and untreated forests.  This project works with NRCS, towns and landowners.  For his thesis, he can do 10 study points in an area.  Each point would be monitored 10 minutes five times a year.  Treated property can impact birds in the surrounding land also. eBird tracks hotspots and the monitored land would be added to eBird.  After a discussion of possible forests, it appears that the Hooper Forest has the best ages and species of trees, some small clearcuts (1-3 acres) and some wetlands.  Alex will send Chris a map of Hooper Forest.  Chris will put together a proposal that will be shared with the Hooper Board to see if they are interested.

Forest Management Update – Alex Barret, Longview Forestry:  Fanny Mason will probably be harvested next winter unless this summer is super dry because the landing is very wet.  Chris Ricci will do the timber pricing closer to the harvest – lumber sales are even more in flux now (pine and ash are no longer purchased by China). 

There is a lot of red pine scale in Swanzy.  We should probably harvest the red pine at the west rest area on Route 12 soon.  There are white oaks among the pine.  If we decide to thin the red pine, there is a chance there will be blowdown, but the surviving trees will get stronger in a few years.  Could clearcut to get a view to the west, but the removal of all trees may be shocking.  Alex will check with the State, but he thinks we may be able to use the rest area for the landing since it is Walpole’s property and provides two paved drives to Route 12.  There is already some root rot, but new stumps can be treated to prevent further infection.  There are invasives on fence but not in woods yet and they need to be treated this summer. Peter made a motion to contract Longview to prepare a recommendation for the red pine harvest and invasives treatment.  France seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Beaver Deceivers – Mill and East Street Ponds:  The Beaver Deceiver at Mill Pond is working – the brook is not rising.  The one at East Street Pond is not working and the Highway Department had to clear the culvert.  There is one beaver still active.  Mike Symonds has a trapping license and hopes to remove the beaver.  A larger deceiver is needed for that culvert, so it blocks beaver access to the culvert.

Old Business

Gateway and Hooper Invasives: The plans for the Hooper treatment are in place, but the Commission is awaiting a revised plan for the Gateway.  Alex will remind them to send it.  Treatments at Hooper need to be avoided the week of July 21st and just before that because there will be an Adventure Camp in the Forest.  The Trail Committee is planning an event for June 29th at the Gateway for Old Home Days.  Usually treatment is done July – September so treatment will not interfere with either event.

Commission and Property Monitoring Files – Record Keeping (RSA 33-A:4-a): A file hanger is needed for the property management files. The keys to all the file cabinets have been found and the Town is making copies.  There was a discussion of missing information and how to fill the gaps.  We will talk about the record-keeping goals for the conservation property at some time.  Perhaps some of the information should be electronic and available to the public.

Old Home Days Planning (6/25-29): Gary Speed was mentioned, but he is no longer trapping. One suggestion was a bird walk around the Common.  The Fish and Game Warden in Walpole might be part of our booth, not necessarily with his working dog (black lab).  The Trail Committee will have a table next to the Conservation Committee.

MCA Mount Kilborn – Letter of Support:  Peter recommended a list of tasks that MCA needs to do, including preparing a management plan that can shared with the towns involved before the Conservation Commission can write a letter of support.  France will contact them for an update.

Common Tree Planting – Committee Meeting:  Peter will reach out to the Committee members to plan a meeting.

TRAIL COMMITTEE

Updates: The Trail Committee is planning  Help Our Trails (HOT) Day for May 3rd.  Everyone will meet at the Town Hall.  The Committee is also planning an Old Home Days event on Sunday, June 29th, hopefully at the Gateway.  There will be an inspection of the Mill Pond trail so a plan for needed maintenance can be prepared. 

Rail Trail Brush Hogging: The Town now has the 2024 Bond back.  Nicole has insurance and is working with Rich Kreissle so he is ready to do a check for the 2025 bond as soon as the Selectboard gives approval to the application and bond.  We would like to have permission by mid-May so brush hogging can be scheduled for early June.

OTHER BUSINESS

Hooper Institute Board Update:  Nicole will share the Forest for the Birds proposal with the Hooper Board as soon as it arrives.

New Commission Member:  France moved to add Paul as a Commissioner.  Lew seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.  Paul will send a letter to Sarah Downing stating that he wishes to join the Commission.

Town Website:  France reported the town website update is complete.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: John is working on the team updating the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

AGENDA – NEXT MEETING MAY 5, 2025

  • Old Home Days Plan
  • Forest for the Birds Proposal

ADJOURNMENT: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:42PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 5, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 4/8/25

PLANNING BOARD 04/13/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Alternates Travis Adams, Bill Carmody. Absent Board member Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm. He asked Mr. Adams to sit in for the absent board member. Mr. Adams agreed.

Minutes: Review minutes of March 2025 meeting. Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the March minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Election of Officers

Mr. Harrington made a motion to keep the slate of officers the same as those who are currently serving. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:

Agent Chad Branon, Fieldstone Land Consultants presented. Applicant is Acorn to Sky Investments LLC in Meriden, NH. Discussion of the condo land and application for a site plan. Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 Unit 2, commercial district. Proposed use is a 1,400 square-foot Domino’s Pizza restaurant.

Mr. Branon stated thee has been confusion over this property. He acknowledged that a plat was registered at the Cheshire County Deeds without approval of the Planning Board. Mr. Branon provided a new plat. This plat consolidates the unapproved lots into one lot that conforms to the Walpole subdivision regulations. This plat supersedes the plan that was registered before at CCRD, which was Plan No 22117. The property is designated as Unit 2A.

Mr. Dalessio reminded Mr. Branon that regarding development of the entire parcel, 30 percent must be green space. After a quick look at the what the building would look like, Mr. Miller asked if there were any other models. Ms. Andros asked about vegetation and Mr. Branon  said there would probably be trees and shrubs in the front of the building. Mr. Dalessio didn’t approve of the flat roof. Is this a restaurant with seating inside? Mr. Branon thought it was mainly a drive-thru. More discussion on the building will take place next month.

Caitlyn Baucom asked. “Why would we want this? There is zero reason why people need a Domino’s.” Ms. Baucom thought someone local should be investing in commercial property in Walpole. It needs local owners and local workers. Walpole already has plenty of drive-thru eateries already, she said.

Mr. Miller explained that this is property in the commercially zoned district and the Planning  Board cannot determine who owns a particular lot or piece of property nor what he/she does with the property. These businesses add to the town’s taxes. Also, the people working at all these establishments are local. He reminded her that a couple of years ago there was a proposal to ban any more franchise businesses and it was voted down.

Mr. Branon asked for a public hearing next month, May, for a site plan for Domino’s. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing next month. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Lot Line Adjustment: Nathan Bisson and Allegra Pickering, Town Tax Map 24, Lot 15; Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC Tax Map 24, Lot 13; and BNB Realty, LLC Tax Map 24, Lot 14-1 11 Maplewood Drive. Mr Bisson and Ms. Pickering want to swap some land with the owners of Hewitt Barn Properties. 0.13 acres will be annexed to the Bisson and Pickering couple in exchange for 0.14 acres in the north and west corner to the Old Hewitt Barn property. Mr. Bisson and Ms. Pickering are also purchasing 0.04 acres from BNB Realty, LLC, After the adjustment, Mr. Bisson and Ms. Pickering will have 8.67 acres and Old Hewitt Barn property will be 1.50 acres.

Mr. Jed West presented the Lot Line Adjustment for vacationing surveyor Joe DiBernardo and asked for a public hearing for next month. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a hearing for the lot line adjustment next month. Mr. Adams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Mr. Miller announced that Mr. Todd Horner, executive director of Southwest Region Planning Commission, will have the Master Plan in 25 binders. Each Planning Board member will receive a copy.

Adjournment: Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passes unanimously.

These minutes are unapproved and will reviewed at the May 13, 2025 for corrections.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Secretary

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Offices, The Walpolean. Posted: Inside Town Offices, outside Post Office, www.walpolenh.us

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/2/25

SELECTBOARD 04/11/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 2, 2025

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair; and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Selectboard Absent: Carolyn Vose

Guests Present: Nicole Adams and Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP)

Mrs. Adams attended to present the Special Use Permit from the State that the Conservation Commission needs to submit to maintain the Rail Trail with motorized equipment. Large fallen trees will be removed with a chainsaw. A brush hog will be used to control grass and weeds.  By consensus the Board agreed to get a legal review of the bond language. If the Board has the Town attorney’s comments for next week’s meeting, a decision can be made on the permit.

Mrs. Adams left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:36 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 PM.

Mrs.  Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $82,587.64 dated 4/7/2025 including a $40,118.26 payment to EE Houghton for work on Hooper Institute, which will be reimbursed to the Town by the Hooper Institute.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,346.20 dated 4/4/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,425.20.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – March 27, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 27, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – March 27, 2025:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 27, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Library Trustees Meeting – March 11, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

LAND USE CHANGE TAX

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for the following properties: 

  • Map and Lot # 005-016-001 in the amount of $11,400
  • Map and Lot # 010-009-001 in the amount of $2,200
  • Map and Lot # 004-013-000 in the amount of $1,400

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion was approved.  The first $25,000 in Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) each year goes to the Conservation Commission. The remainder of the LUCT income is deposited into the Town’s General Fund.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refunds for

  • Map and Lot # 023-014-000 of $155.80
  • Map and Lot #027-001-006, of $279.23

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 019-009-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 019-009-000.  The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-07, Map and Lot# 013-031-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit # 2025-07 for Map and Lot # 013-031-002 to construct a 16.4’ x 17.2’ three season porch. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Irving Oil and Propane: Irving Energy will waive the 10% tariff charges incurred during the tariff period March 4-6, 2025.  The change will be reflected in the accounts shortly.  The Board appreciates having the tariff waived.

Streetlight on Kilburn Street: The homeowner has an open request for a shade to be added to the bright streetlight.  Mrs. Downing will notify Steve Grenier, who will notify Liberty to put the shield on the light.

NEW BUSINESS

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: An outdoor water fountain is needed at the Whitcomb Park Recreation Area.  The cost is $10,200.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the use of funds from the Recreation Revolving Fund to purchase the outdoor water fountain and to sign the Purchase Order # 204591 for $10,200.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and the purchase order was signed. 

FMRSD Invitation: The community is invited to meet Mr. Cohn, a finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools.  The Q & A Session is Monday, April 7th starting at 5:30 PM at the FMRHS Library.  The Selectboard encourages as many citizens as possible to attend the meeting.

Stone Plaques on the Common: Ms. Mayberry explained that four plaques were removed, and it now time to reinstall them.  One option would be to make a wood frame filled with cement that the plaques could be embedded in to keep them from sinking or raising up. Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Symonds will develop a plan.

Signage on the Common: The signs on the Common are faded and hard to read.  The street signs are red on white for no parking, but something different would be nice on the Common.  Mr. Dalessio just purchased green reflective historic looking signs for American Precision.  He will find out where they were purchased.

Thank you Note:  A thank you note was received from Southwestern Community Services for the Town’s annual donation to help citizens in the Town of Walpole.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:35 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:22 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 10, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 4/10/25

SELECTBOARD 04/10/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

April 10, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $39,780.34 dated 4/11/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,311.85.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – April 2, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – April 1, 2025

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 028-121-000
  • Map and Lot# 029-048-000

EXCAVATION INTENTS

  • Map and Lot# 001-016-002

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2025-08, Map and Lot# 011-027-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, and the Special Use Permit (SUP)

  • Asset Management Grant

NEW BUSINESS

  • Appointment Notice
  • Purchase Order for 6 Wheel Dump Truck
  • Purchase Order for Exterior Lighting at Library
  • Old Home Days Request
  • Town Hall Use Request
  • DADU Letter
  • In person Staff Meeting in May
  • April 30th Selectboard Meeting
  • Selectboard Liaison Assignments

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

Help Our Trails Day – 5/17/25

EVENTS 04/10/2025 Leave a comment

3rd Annual

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day

Saturday, May 17, 9 am – 12 pm

For the 3rd consecutive year, the Walpole Trail Committee is inviting the public to help us prepare our town’s trails for the upcoming hiking season.  This year’s Help Our Trails (HOT) Day will take place on May 17, 2025, from 9 am to 12 pm.  Due to the chilly weather and slow vegetation growth so far this spring, we have postponed HOT Day by two weeks from the date announced in the April Clarion.

Volunteers will meet at the Walpole Town Hall, divide into small teams, and go out to work on trail maintenance projects at designated locations around Walpole.  HOT Day trail work will include clearing fallen branches, trimming vegetation, maintaining drainage, picking up litter, and making selected repairs and improvements on trails at Mill Pond Sanctuary, Fanny Mason Forest, the Cheshire Rail Trail, and elsewhere in Walpole.  

Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, work gloves, and hand tools (clippers, loppers, hand saws, etc.) if you have them.  Do not bring chain saws or power tools.  Litter bags will be provided.  No dogs, please.

To sign up or to get more information, please email walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com.  Advance sign-up is strongly recommended.

This is a great chance for Walpole trail users to help our trails while having fun together. Please join us for the 3rd Annual HOT Day, Saturday, May 17th, from 9 am to noon.  Rain date is Sunday, May 18th.  

Wendy Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee

Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 4/1/25

Police Building Committee, Uncategorized 04/10/2025 Leave a comment

POLICE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE

Minutes, April 1, 2025

Steve Dalessio called the meeting of the Police Building Committee to order at 6:30 pm.  Present were Jay Punt, Trevor MacLachlan, Chief Justin Sanctuary, Peggy Pschirrer and present by zoom were Cheri Watson, Dave Adams and Architect Michael Petrovick. Andrew Dey was absent.

Jay Punt moved the minutes of March 3, 2025, be approved; the motion was seconded by Cheri Watson and unanimously approved by the committee.

The purpose of the meeting was to examine and discuss the revised drawing of the proposed police station. Mr. Dalessio had suggested changes to the proposed plans for the new police station. Mr. Petrovick made the suggested changes to the draft which were distributed to the committee.

Mr. Dalessio explained why the Warrant Article which asked voters to approve a plan for the new station was dropped from the Town meeting agenda. Public meetings had confirmed the voters support for a new station but asked for a smaller, more affordable station.

Mr. Petrovick was asked to bring out the front of the sally port to make it even with the front of the building on this latest version of the station. Mr. Petrovick responded that getting things proportionate may raise the costs of the building and would change the roof line.

Mr. MacLachlan asked if we could get rid of the stairs and have only a pull down.  The answer was yes, the stairs could be removed easily but we will need access to the mechanicals which will be above.

Mr. MacLachlan will do a cost analysis after the changes suggested at this meeting.

Mr. Petrovick stated the changes have removed about 2,000 square feet from the earlier plan. We are now about 5,700 square feet, which drops the cost to about 4.5 million dollars.

Mr. Dalessio suggested that the northwest corner be squared off so that the electrical systems could be out of the secured area. This will allow a bigger evidence room, which will be useful. The Training room has been reduced in size. It was agreed to leave the window placements as designed.

 Mr. Petrovick will make the recommended changes and return them as soon as possible for the committee to review.

Mr. MacLachlan commented that we will need a fenced area, a covered compound area and probably a chain link fence around the impound area. It will be important that there is an ability to maneuver a tow truck.

The impound area will need to meet DES requirements for drains. The sally port will need an oil separator.

There will be landscaping around the building. Ms. Watson recommended that we use some boulders in front of the building which can double as protection and landscaping.  Perhaps we can work with the Hooper Institute on appropriate gardens.

The non-impound yard needs to be four cars wide and four cars deep with an alley and double gates.

Chief Sanctuary said the building will have room for an office for the State police or another employee.

Mr. Dalessio reported we have a contract with Nancy Merril as grant writer and she has filed our first grant for congressional funding.

The group also agreed they need to have a conversation with both Ted Benson of Bensonwood and with Mr. Franks who has offered some ideas for building.

The next meeting will be Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Selectboard office at 6:30 pm.

Additional Dog Licensing Info – Deadline 4/30/25

Uncategorized 04/10/2025 Leave a comment

From Holly Gowdy, Deputy Town Clerk:

In the state of New Hampshire dogs must be licensed every year by April 30 th  as per RSA 466:1.

RABIES vaccinations must be current and documented – bring your proof of vaccination with you if you have any doubt.

New dogs registered after April 30 are not penalized, other dogs are charged a late fee of $1/month.

Any owner of record 65 and older by April 30 th  of the current registration year are eligible for a registration discount.

A “puppy” is a dog 6 months or younger.

Dog Fees:

  • Male Un-neutered $9.00 (unless puppy)
  • Female Un-spayed $9.00 (unless puppy)
  • Neutered Male $6.50
  • Female Spayed $6.50
  • If the owner is over 65 reg fee $2.00
  • Puppies 3-6 Mos $6.50
  • 5 or more Dogs = Kennel
  • Annual Kennel fee $20.00

In 2025 dogs who are licensed before the April 30 th Deadline, are eligible for the FREE Dog License Give-Away. Prizes include FREE Pet Wellness Exams from The Walpole Veterinary Hospital, Gift Cards from Tractor Supply, EnTrust Dog Food from Walpole Blue Seal, and gift baskets for your Best Friend from: The Pawtastic Nanny, Horse and Buggy Feed, and Featherstone Kennel. Prizes will be drawn on May 1st you do not have to be present to win!

Questions? Please call the Walpole Town Clerk at 603-756-3514 or email at townclerk@walpolenh.us

Walpole Planning Board Agenda – 4/8/25

PLANNING BOARD 04/07/2025 1 Comment

Walpole Planning Board Agenda

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

7 pm

Town Hall 

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Call to order: 

Minutes: Review minutes of the March 2025 meeting.

New Business:

Election of Officers

Old Business:

Voluntary Merger: Fieldstone Land Consultants: John Noonan, Condo lot. 504 Main Street and Red Barn Lane, Town Tax Map 12, Lot  13-3, Units 1 and 2, Commercial District.

New Business:

Agent Chad Branon or John Noonan, Fieldstone Land Consultants. Applicant is Acorn to Sky Investments LLC in Meriden, NH. Possible application for subdivision of property and site plan, proposed use is Domino’s Pizza restaurant, which is 1,400 square feet. 504 Main Street, Commercial District.