Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/3/26

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

September 3, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, and Steven Dalessio

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

Guest Present: Jane Malmberg, Library Director; Amy Howard and  Susan Johnson, Library Trustees;  Paul Looney, Chair of the Community Power Committee; Steve O’Connor, Recycling Dept. Manager

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The first four items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:32 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:53 PM.

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

Mrs. Malmberg, Ms. Howard and Mrs. Johnson left the meeting during the Non-Public session.

Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Looney joined the meeting.

Recycling Center Replacement Truck

Mr. O’Connor attended the meeting to answer questions about the replacement box truck for the Recycling Center.  The old truck can no longer be used on the road.  Mr. O’Connor test drove several box trucks and found one that seemed adequate with an asking price of $10,195.  He submitted a bid for $9,195 to U-Haul which was accepted.  There was a $49 processing fee.  A $100 in person deposit is required to hold the truck for pickup.  Mr. O’Connor plans to go to Rutland tomorrow to put down the $100 deposit.  The following Friday, 9/11/2026, he will go pick up the truck after paying for the truck with a cashier’s check for $9,144.00. Ms. Mayberry reviewed that the cashier’s check would be for $9,244.00 total coast less the $100.00 deposit. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Purchase Order # 295597 for $9,244.00 to purchase a replacement truck for the Recycling Center.  The truck will be an asset, not an expense.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried and the Purchase Order was signed.

Mr. O’Connor would like to sell the old truck and plow.  He will put them near the Re-Use Center with a for sale sign and directions to see Mr. O’Connor to make a sealed bid.  At a later date, Mr. O’Connor will sell the Bobcat snowblower and purchase a plow for the Bobcat.

Mr. O’Connor left the meeting.

Electricity Contract

Mr. Looney explained that there is a new contract available from First Point Power at a rate of $0.13168 per kilowatt hour for power November 2026 to November 2027.  This is a slight drop from the current rate.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the First Point Power contract for a year starting November 2026 at a price of $0.13168.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved and the contract signed by Ms. Vose.  This is less than CPCNH by $1,000 – 1,500 per year.  

Solar System Tax Refund

Mr. Looney state that the Town had provided all the information and forms required to the IRS. However, the tax refund has not been released for the solar installation at the Recycling Center.  The status is that it is awaiting review by IRS council. Mr. Looney commented that the Town of Franklin did get their tax refund.  Mr. Looney is talking to other NH towns to try to find something that will help with the release of the Town’s solar refund.

Additionally, Mr. Looney commented that the Town has not been paid for the solar electricity credits produced by the solar panels.  The automated system was set up to be processed by a company that apparently is no longer doing that.  There is a manual system that could be used. The Town should be getting about $1,200 per year. However, no payments have not received anything since the last quarter of 2025.  He will continue to work on the issue.

Mr. Looney left the meeting.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $45,111.33 dated 9/4/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,416.25.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 27, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 27, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 27, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 27, 2026 with the minutes to remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant

Op #26-461-01, Map and Lot #010-026-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $260.20. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved and signed.

Building Permits

2014-10, Map and Lot# 012-013-4U3: Upon review of previous minutes and consultation with the Town attorney, the Selectboard is issuing Building Permit #2014-10 and reaffirming the stipulation regarding compliance as indicated on the permit:  

This permit is issued in accordance with an application on file in the Office of the Selectboard.

Contingent upon compliance with all applicable local, state and federal building, fire safety, and life safety codes and requirements prior to the commencement of Phase III construction.  Documentation demonstrating such compliance shall be submitted to the Selectboard before construction begins.  

Permit valid for one (1) year from date of issue.

Timber Intents

Map and Lot # 006-008-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 006-008-000, off Derry Hill Road.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Town Wide Emergency Alert System: Water and sewer user alerts are to be included in a future emergency alert system.  Ms. Vose is working on finding a system that will address the Town’s needs.

New Business

HealthTrust Medicare Advantage Rate Package: This is a healthcare package that will be available to retirees if they choose to opt in at their expense.  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the contract.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried and Ms. Vose signed the contract.

NH Assessing Officials Ballot:  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair vote and complete the ballot.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion passed.

Land Use Manual Order:   Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) makes the manuals available each year.  The Selectboard Office will request three copies. The order is one copy for Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and the Selectboard Office.

Farmers Market on the Common: Saturday, November 21, 2026 is the annual holiday market.  The Farmers Market would like to use the Common again that day as they have in the past.  By consensus the Board approves the Farmers Market using the Common.

Thank You Letter: Ms. Vose acknowledged the thank you letter from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont.  They expressed their gratitude for the budgeted donation the Town made. 

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry  moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:09 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 10, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

Great Decisions at the Library – 9/21/26

“GREAT DECISIONS”

Returns One Week from Today

“America First versus the Liberal International Order”

“Great Decisions” will resume on Monday, September 21, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Library. Our topic of discussion will be U.S. foreign policy under the second Trump administration which has upended our international relations. Moderating the discussion will be Adrian Basora, former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. 

The suggested reading from the Foreign Policy Association is an article by renowned author and professor from Princeton University, G. John Ikenberry: “Debating America’s Global Role: America First versus Liberal Internationalism.” A copy of this article can be emailed to you upon request to Library Director Jane Malmberg: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

All are welcome to join in person or via Zoom. You can click above to request the Zoom link from Jane Malmberg, but please join at 6:30 pm, following the “Master Class” video which cannot be shown on Zoom.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 9/10/26

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

September 10, 2026

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $706,660.24 for checks issued 9/15/2026.
  • ACH approval request for Fall Mountain Regional School District, Sept. 2026, for $583,655.19
  • ACH approval request for Colonial Life for $561.68
  • ACH approval request for Reliance Matrix for $4,049.39
  • ACH approval request for Consolidated Communications for $955.63
  • ACH approval request for Amazon for $1,056.70

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $37,517.65 dated 9/11/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,953.36

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – September 3, 2026
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – September 3, 2026

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting – September 2, 2026

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Old North Main Bridge/Culvert, School and Union Street Drainage, Parking Ordinance

  • Recycling Center Truck – Authorization Letter to Register
  • MS-1 Update

NEW BUSINESS

  • Highway Safety Grant
  • Highway Safety Equipment Grant with a Certificate of Authority
  • Employee Resignation Letter

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

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

“North Walpole vs. The Connecticut River” at the Library – 9/26/26

The main event of the century. North Walpole vs the Connecticut River. Three heavyweight floods one indomitable village. Route 1: The Great Flood of 1927; Round 2: The Ice & Rains of 1936; Round 3: The Great Hurricane of 1938. Will the mighty Connecticut deliver the knockout, or will North Walpole stand tall? Saturday, September 26, 1:30 pm at the Main Library. Ringside commentary by presenter Julie Rios. Free admission! Bring your boots!

Employment Opportunity: Town of Walpole Library Director

TOWN OF WALPOLE 

Library Director 

DEPARTMENT: Walpole Town Library 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time Exempt, 40 hours per week 

The Walpole Town Library seeks a dynamic Library Director to lead both the Bridge Memorial Library and North Walpole Branch Library. Set in a historic New Hampshire village along the Connecticut River, this role offers a vibrant community near Keene and a Dartmouth-Hitchcock affiliate, requiring strong administrative vision and independent leadership.

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all aspects of the library in conformity with Trustee policies and municipal and state law and regulations. 

EXPERIENCE:

  • A Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree plus substantial work experience in a management position at a public library may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. 
  • At least three (3) years of progressively responsible library experience, including supervisory experience, preferably in a public library setting. 
  • Demonstrated library management and leadership experience with financial and planning responsibilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

  • Ability to interact effectively with staff, patrons, the Board of Trustees, Town leadership and peers in the library community. 
  • Knowledge of current resources, programs and services available to libraries and how to implement those resources. 
  • Experience with digital media including social media, web design and maintenance.
  • Ability to configure, use and maintain an Integrated Library System and online catalog (e.g. KOHA).

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

  • Commensurate with background & experience. $50,000-$60,000 plus benefits package. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Walpole Library – Director Search 

P.O. Box 487 

Walpole, NH 03608 

EEO Statement: The Walpole Library is and Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The Walpole Library is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The Walpole Library prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information and political orientation. 

Tour Carpenter Hill with the Walpole Historical Society – 9/12/26

Please join us this Saturday, September 12 at 12:30 pm to visit a hidden corner of Walpole. On our tour of Carpenter Hill, we will discover a cemetery holding the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and their families. We’ll also find the foundations of an 18th century tavern and the site of the encampment made by John Stark and his soldiers on their way to the Battle of Bennington in 1777. Let’s meet at the Walpole Historical Society at 12:30 pm and travel to the site together — rain or shine.

* * *

An event every Saturday, 12:30 pm at the Museum

September 19 – Professor RAB’s Wagon of Wonders – Prof. RAB will be exhibiting recently discovered artifacts illustrating Walpole’s unique and colorful history. The exhibit will continue throughout the afternoon, with wonderful refreshments and fun prizes!

September 26 – Walking Tour of Walpole’s Architectural History – Bill Ranauro, author of Frontier Elegance, will lead a tour of notable buildings in the village.

October 3 – Historical Treasure Hunt – a hunt throughout the museum, devised by Liam and Lily Schoen, which will reward visitors with surprising discoveries as well as delicious refreshments and great prizes!

October 10 – Favorite Dolls From Our Childhoods – Loribeth Robare will share her knowledge of dolls as she leads a discussion of dolls and the role they play in our early lives and why some of us still collect them. We invite you to bring a favorite doll for show and tell.

October 17 – Celebration of George and Martha Washington – with tea, cake, and special refreshments featuring the Washington favorite – cherries! The couple’s love story will be explored with readings from Mary Higgins Clark’s thoroughly researched book, Mount Vernon Love Story. Enter a raffle to win an antique tea set complete with vintage linens.

* * *

The collections of the Walpole Historical Society contain thousands of items: clothing of all descriptions and eras, photos, pamphlets, books, tools, business ledgers, furniture, minutes of civic organizations, souvenir china, kitchen implements, even some vehicles. These objects have entered our collections through myriad sources: individuals and families donating family heirlooms, eagle-eyed folks at the Transfer Station or the Library Book Sale, basement and attic explorers, collectors seeking a home for their treasures. The Walpole Historical Society collections contain the commonplace and the rare and everything in between–all representing possible stories to discover. Please visit www.WalpoleHistory.com.

Thank You from Cub Scout Pack 299

Memorial Service for Charles H. Montgomery

A memorial service for Charles H. Montgomery (who died in May) will be held at 10 o’clock on Saturday, September 19 at the First Congregational Church of Walpole. All are welcome.

Hooper Institute Silent Auction – Call for Donations

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/27/26

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

August 27, 2026

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry, and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Tax Collector-Water & Sewer Clerk, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present: Pat Kiniry, Katherine Kopij, and Joe DiBernardo as North Walpole Commissioners

Call to Order: Ms. Vose called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (e)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c)(e) at 6:33 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:56 PM.

Mr. Kiniry, Mrs. Kopij and Mr. DiBernardo left during the Non-Public session.

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

Accounts Payable

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $158,640.38 dated 9/1/2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the ACH payments totaling $69,762.25 as listed. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $46,117.90 dated 8/28/2026 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,674.62.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 20, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 20, 2026. Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 20, 2026: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 20, 2026.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Committee Reports

Mr. Dalessio brought to the Board’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – May 5, 2026
  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – June 2, 2026
  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – July 7, 2026
  • Hooper Institute Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2026
  • Safety Committee Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2026
  • Zoning Board of Adjustments Meeting Minutes – August 19, 2026

Ms. Vose acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Refunds

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 028-121-000 of $141.90 for overpayment of the spring tax bill.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business – None 

New Business

Extension to file MS-1: An extension until September 15, 2026 to file the MS-1 has been submitted.  Avitar has not completed the utilities updates which must be included in the MS-1.  Ms. Vose acknowledged the extension.

Walpole Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Mr. Wilkes has requested $2,149.00 to purchase Fall Soccer Jerseys from Bulldog Design, LLC on Purchase Order # 263012.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Purchase Order # 263012 for $2,149.00 for Bulldog Designs for Fall Soccer jerseys.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 7:06 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:59 PM.

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

Adjournment: Ms. Vose declared the meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 3, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)