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.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/10/25
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
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
Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 6/9/25
POLICE BUILDING COMMITTEE
Minutes, June 9, 2025
Steve Dalesio called the meeting to order in the Offices of the Selectboard at 6:30 pm, June 9, 2025. Present in person were Trevor MacLaclan, Jay Punt, Peggy Pschirrer and on Zoom, Dave Adams and Cheri Watson. Absent were Chief Justin Sanctuary who is on vacation and Andrew Dey.
The Committee agreed the building design work is complete and the next step is to develop an RFP for constructions drawings. Several architectural firms were suggested: Banwell Architects, Black River, Dan Scully and Chris Adams. There is a competitive bid environment.
We need to consider when we wish to break ground by establishing a timeline. We will also need to be alert to the next Town budget cycle.
Nancy Merrill has been asked to ask Northern Borders if we are eligible for the grant which is awarded to buildings erected from wood. We will also ask that she look for funding from the Department of Agriculture which might be applicable to police stations.
The Committee discussed our need to form a fund-raising committee with local volunteers. We could agree to establish a method for naming individual rooms within the new building – e.g.- the Training room, individual offices, the evidence room etc.
We will have a table at Old Home Days on the Common, June 28, with our building design. Mr. Dalessio offered his pop-up tent and agreed to have posters made of our floor plan. Ms. Watson and Mr. MacLaclan both offered to staff the table for short periods of time. We will expect a Police Officer will also be available to answer questions about the new building. It was suggested we have items to give to children such as badges or other paraphernalia.
The Highway Department does not have the equipment to brush hog the piece of property we own on Upper Walpole Road. Mr. Dalessio will contact a local company to do the work.
Ms. Watson reported she had been contacted by a Cheshire County Commissioner. We also discussed the importance of another public meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7: 20 pm. The next meeting will be June 23 at 6:30 pm.
Peggy Pschirrer
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/4/25
Town of Walpole, New Hampshire
Meeting of the Selectboard
June 4, 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: Nicole Adams, Peggy Pschirrer and Tara Sad
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
The following item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest who wished to speak to it.
Special Use Permit (SUP) for Rail Trail: Nicole Adams had marked up SUP application with suggested edits. She asked if Attorney Hockensmith needed to review the form. By consensus, the Selectboard approved the draft version of the form and that Atty. Hockensmith did not need to review the form. The State needs a copy of the insurance for the company doing the brush hogging and the $1,000 bond.
Mrs. Adams left the meeting.
Hooper Trustees
Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:41 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:05 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
Accounts Payable
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $94,050.64 dated 6/9/2025 including $47,155.29 payment to Health Trust for employee medical insurance. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Payroll
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,320.68 dated 6/6/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,028.44. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 28, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 28, 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:
- Trail Committee Meeting – May 14, 2025
- Safety Committee Meeting – May 29, 2025
Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.
Property Tax Abatements
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot # 12-056-002 of $1,104 because the prior owner was incorrectly billed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot # 012-056-004 of $1,352 because this is the future Police Station lot. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot #012-058-000 of $3,104 because a large portion of the property was placed in current use. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Supplemental Tax Warrant
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Supplemental Tax Warrant for Map & Lot # 012-056-002 for $1,104 to the correct owner of the property. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion carried, and the Supplemental Tax Warrant was approved.
Excavation Intent
Map and Lot # 012-073-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot #012-073-000, located off Old Drewsville Road. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Old Business
Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update: Ms. Vose reported that the new inverter had a bad component and failed within twenty-four hours. Solar Dave is looking for a new, American made inverter here rather than from China. Mr. Dalessio had read that the Chinese manufacturer is having a serious reliability issue and that this type of inverter keeps failing.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: There was no feedback from the public. The plan must be finished by August 3, 2025. The Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) is aware of the deadline. They are working to complete the updated plan on time.
Route 12 Paving Project in North Walpole Update: Mr. Dalessio stated that the estimated start time is the third week in August. All interested parties have been alerted.
CPCNH Meeting and Rate Update: There are a series of meetings starting June 6th. The new rates will be posted on July 1st. Everyone has been notified.
New Business
Mascoma Bank Account for the Charging Stations: By consensus, the Selectboard wants Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Adams, as the former treasurer, to be removed from the account since Mrs. Pschirrer is no longer on the Selectboard. Also, by consensus, Ms. Vose, a member of the Selectboard, and Mr. Varone, the Town Treasurer, are to be added to the account. Mr. Kreissle will follow up regarding next steps.
Walpole Players Banner on the Town Hall: Ms. Sad joined the meeting to discuss the request. The Players would like to hang an 8’ x 4’ banner on the Elm Street side of the Town Hall. It will be white with blue letters and will read, “Our Town by Thorton Wilder”. It will be hung after a wedding event in the Town Hall. By consensus, the Selectboard agrees if it only advertises the play and will only display for a couple weeks. Mr. Nash has already been consulted and is willing to hang it. Ms. Sad left the meeting.
Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Vose moved to approve the use of the Recreation Revolving Fund to purchase jerseys for Summer Basketball for a total of $1,123, and to sign Purchase Order # 655602 for Bulldog Design LLC. The expense will be reimbursed by the sponsors. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the Purchase Order was signed.
Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Request: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request to purchase tires for cruisers for a total of $1,148 from the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign Purchase Order # 67269 for $1,148 for the tires for the cruisers. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Drinking Water Sustainability ARPA Grant Reimbursement: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Drinking Water Sustainability ARPA Grant Reimbursement request for $14,500.00 and for the Chair to sign the form. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:26 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:48 PM.
Ms. Vose moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 12, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
The Walpolean 
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