License your dog in the Town of Walpole, by April 30th
This year with your dog license you might win a great prize!
Dog Licenses can be purchased online if you go to the Town Clerk’s page on the Town of Walpole Website: www.walpolenh.us/town-clerk
For more information please call the Walpole Town Clerk’s Office at 603-756-3514
You can also purchase your dog license in the Town Clerk’s Office
Additional dog licensing info:
Dog owners who are 65 or older by April 30th receive a discount on one dog license
Dogs can be licensed for 2025 until April 30th – after that date they will be charged a late fee
Dog Licenses are an affordable way to “I.D.” your dog
Lost Dogs are more easily identified with their license and can be returned to their owners
Dog Licenses prove vaccination for Rabies, should your dog bite someone
It’s THE LAW to license dogs in NH, yearly, see RSA 466.1
In 2025, licensing your dog will include you in a drawing for some great prizes some of which include:
25-pound bag of Blue Seal Feed’s ENTRUST dog food, from Walpole’s Blue Seal Feedstore
A $25.00 Gift Card from Walpole’s Tractor Supply
One of FIVE FREE Pet Wellness Exams from the Walpole Veterinary Hospital
A Basket full of Dog Treats and Toys from Featherstone Kennel, Walpole
License your dog in the Town of Walpole, by April 30th, and your tag # will be used as a ticket for the drawing of these great prizes, donated by Blue Seal Feeds of Walpole, Tractor Supply of Walpole, Featherstone Kennel and Walpole Veterinary Hospital. The drawing will be on May 1, 2025. You don’t have to be present to win.
Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Pauline Barnes, Shane O’Keefe and alternate Myra Mansouri. Absent: Board member Tom Winmill and alternate Don Sellarole.
Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Mr. Murray asked alternate Ms. Mansouri to sit in for the absent board member. She agreed.
Minutes: Tonight’s minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the board’s regular March meeting for corrections.
Minutes of January 2025: Mr. Sellarole’s name was misspelled in two places: in the section on Call to Order and the section on Minutes. In the section titled 2024 Town Report the result of the Joint Meetings with the Southwest Region Planning Commission and Planning Board was one warrant not “a number of warrant articles.” Mr. Edkins made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected, Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Variance:Jennie Cure, Map 11, Lot 27, 529 Valley Road, Rural/Ag District. Proposed is a wheelchair ramp. But will be too be too close to the center of the road. Mr. Phelps is asking for a public hearing for a variance. He has talked with Zoning Coordinator, Ernie Vose. Zoning Ordinance: Article VIII D-2.
Mr. Edkins recused himself from sitting as a board member on Mr. Phelps’ request because he is a long-time friend of not only Mr. Phelps but also the applicant, Jennie Cure.
Mr. Phelps came to the meeting, explained what he wanted to do and submitted an application, sketch of the situation and wrote check for the application and letters to the 8 abuttters. He asked for a public hearing in March 2025.
Ms Barnes read RSA 6754:33 Section V. The ordinance says:
“V. Notwithstanding subparagraph I(a)(2), any zoning board of adjustment may grant a variance from the terms of a zoning ordinance without finding a hardship arising from the condition of a premises subject to the ordinance, when reasonable accommodations are necessary to allow a person or persons with a recognized physical disability to reside in or regularly use the premises, provided that: (a) Any variance granted under this paragraph shall be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance. (b) In granting any variance pursuant to this paragraph, the zoning board of adjustment may provide, in a finding included in the variance, that the variance shall survive only so long as the particular person has a continuing need to use the premises.” She gave Mr. Phelps a copy.
There was discussion about when to hold the meeting on the public hearing for Ms. Cure’s proposal. Two board members were not going to be at the March meeting. Also the Board would vote on election of officers. Should the Board wait until the April meeting for the public hearing? However, Mr. Phelps said if the wheelchair ramp were to be approved, Ms. Cure wanted him to to start building it on March 20.So a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to hold a public hearing for Mr. Phelps’ client at its regular March 2025 meeting to build the handicap ramp and proceed with the election of Board member titles for the new term.
Old Business:
Gravel pit inspection report: Chair Mr. Murray asked for the board to accept a single-signature inspection report for the gravel pit inspection of JP Trucking Inc. on Old Drewsville Road even though gravel pit inspection reports are usually signed by the two people conducting the inspection. Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to accept the single-signature report, Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
One of our own
Ms. Barnes, Ms. Mansouri and Ms. Blaine couldn’t let this meeting end without acknowledging the passing of one of our own, Bob Anderson. When Bob was on the ZBA he was an important member. He was known for his inventiveness, professionalism, fair play, wit and compassion. He was admired by all, even by people who didn’t always agree with him. And, as Ms. Mansouri said, he was one of the kindest men she has ever met.
Mr. Winmill’s last meeting
Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to thank Mr. Winmill for his three years of service on the board. Mr. Murray seconded the motion. Mr. Edkins agreed. Ms. Barnes and Ms. Mansouri abstained.
Adjournment
At 7:48 pm Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose (via phone)
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Paul Looney, Community Power Committee; Peggy Pschirrer (via phone), and Joanna Andros
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:15 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
PAYROLL
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,431.30 dated 2/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,540.34. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
Conservation Commission Meeting – February 3, 2025
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.
VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:
Map and Lot # 012-055-016: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-016. The applicant has a total disability connected to military service. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the updated warrant. The Police Station article was removed, the articles renumbered, and the dump truck purchase article text was updated. Mr. Dalessio stated that although everyone agreed a new Police Station is needed at the Monday night public meeting, more work is needed before the project moves forward. In the meantime, the fundraising will proceed, which was the original plan. The Police Building Capital Reserve Fund article will have the amount changed from $25,000 to $55,000. Also, the Selectboard are the agents of the fund will be added to the text. The additional $30,000 is for a grant writer.
The type of funding for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck was adjusted. The DRA requested the change.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Warrant Articles as amended. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Warrant Articles were approved and signed.
Total Loss of Highway Dump Truck: Ms. Mayberry reported that thevalue of the truck was $21,023. The Town’s deductible of $1,000 will be applied to this amount. The truck’s title needs to be signed by one member of the Selectboard. Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair sign the Title of the burned dump truck so it can be turned over to the insurance company. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the Title.
Follow-up Item – Financing the replacement of the driver’s lost personal items: By consensus, the money to replace the employee’s personal items lost in the truck fire will be taken from the “staff relations” line in the Executive budget. It was noted that Keene DMV employees paid for the employee’s new license since he his wallet was burnt up. A thank you note was sent to the DMV.
2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant: The auditors need some 2023 information from Highway and the Police Department. The employees are both away this week, but they will work on it next week.
Article 2: The whole of Article 2 must be printed on a single legal-size sheet of paper as part of the official ballot. The long article makes the font extremely small and difficult to read. There will be copies of large font version available for all voters to read on Voting Day.
Mr. Looney arrived.
Ms. Andros left the meeting.
Mrs. Pschirrer was called and put on speaker phone.
NEW BUSINESS
Solar System Refund Federal Tax Forms: Mr. Looney has been working on federal tax forms for the Selectboard to review and sign. The forms must be submitted to obtain a refund of almost $26,000. Mr. Looney has spent many hours on this project. He would like the forms reviewed by an expert before they are signed. Mr. Looney has not been able to find anyone to do it. Mr. Dalessio recommended that he ask Bob Kimball to review it or recommend someone who could. Mr. Looney hopes to have it done by next week.
Mr. Looney gave a rate update. CPCNH had a contract with a power producer up north fall through. They now need to purchase power at a higher rate. The Town will get its $0.089 rate all year per the contract, but the rate will increase on March 2nd to $0.097 for individuals. Liberty’s rate is $0.084. Mr. Looney will put something in the Clarion and Walpolean about the new rates and remind people they can opt out of CPCNH and come back later when rates are more favorable. This is a period of uncertainty in power rates.
Mr. Looney left the meeting.
Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form for Reservoir Dam and for Mr. Dalessio to sign he form. The reimbursement is for $8,588.25. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the form was approved, and it was signed by Mr. Dalessio.
Reimbursement Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds: The roofs on the shelters at the rest areas on Route 12 have been replaced by Longs Roofing. The bill for both shelters is $ 7,728.60. Ms. Mayberry moved that the letter to the Trustees of Trust Funds requesting reimbursement be approved and signed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor the letter was approved and signed.
HOOPER TRUSTEES
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:52 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
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 7:13 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:56PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Chair, read the Notice of the Budget Hearing and called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. She introduced herself, Mr. Steve Dalessio, Selectboard, Mr. Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance, Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ms. Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary. Ms. Carolyn Vose, Selectboard, was unable to attend. Ms. Mayberry also recognized the department managers that were present: Mrs. Jane Malmberg, Library; Mr. Kaian Wilkes, Recreation; Mr. Ben Hoy, Recycling; Mrs. Meghan Hansson, Town Clerk, and Mr. Steve Varone, Treasurer.
Ms. Mayberry went through the budget highlighting changes, both increases and decreases, including:
The Selectboard has been paid $3,000 per year for more than 20 years. The stipend is to increase to $5,000 a year.
Health insurance increased by 7.9%.
The financial audit estimate was up and the Selectboard is evaluating how to proceed.
During the budget preparation, three years of historical data was considered to ensure the budget is realistic.
Overall, the increase for 2025 is only 0.53%, which is much lower than inflation.
There was a discussion of the solar panels at the Recycling Center. Mr. Hoy said that 24.6 MW of solar power was generated in 2024, starting in June. That covered all the power needs at Recycling Center and the excess was applied to the Town Hall bill.
It was noted that there is a 14.33% budget increase for the Recycling Center, partly because of an extra full-time employee. The position was previously part-time. Mr. Varone suggested raising the price of yellow bags. However, there was a concern that the increase would unfairly impact lower income residents.
It was noted that our Police Department is doing a good job keeping Walpole safe despite the working conditions in our current police station. It was also noted that our Fire and EMS are doing an excellent job. Walpole is extremely lucky that all our First Responders are outstanding.
There being no further discussion, Ms. Mayberry closed the Public Budget Hearing at 6:01 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,190,559.00 for checks issued 2/21/2025.
PAYROLL
Payroll Register totaling $36,156.58 dated 2/21/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,704.44.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
Public 2025 Budget Hearing – February 13, 2025
Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025
Selectboard Non-Public Session – February 13, 2025
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Library Trustees Meeting – February 11, 2025
Planning Board Meeting – February 11, 2025
OLD BUSINESS
Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam
2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant Funds
Exempt Organization Tax Return
NEW BUSINESS
MS-636
Scholarship Award
Reimbursement Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e)
**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**
In early February, one of the electric suppliers that sells power to CPCNH failed to meet their commitment. This required CPCNH to find other suppliers under short notice when the cost of electricity had gone up due to the cold weather. As a result, your rates will be going up to .097 cents per kWh on 3/1/25 from the .089 cents that was established on 2/1/25. This is an increase of .009 cents.
This is an unfortunate outcome and one that CPCNH will be taking steps to insure will not happen again in the future.
We think it is important to point out that CPCNH has brought a level of competition to the Electricity Supply rates for the whole state and has saved Walpole residents around $508,000.00 in the last two years.
Beginning on 2/1/2025 the Electricity Supply rates are higher than Liberty’s rates which is set at .084 cents. As we told you in the 2023 Town Meeting you have the right to ask to be converted back to Liberty’s Electricity Supply. If you do that, and in the future you want to return to Walpole Power and CPCNH you will be able to do that without any additional costs. Please note that moving from one supplier to another can only take effect when your meter is read. To change your Electric Supplier you can call the CPCNH help desk at 1-866-603-7697.
Join Walpole Grange #125 for Meet the Candidates Night at the Walpole Town Hall on Tuesday, February 18th at 7 pm Those running for a local office are invited to join us to speak about their goals for their respective office. All are invited.
Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, alternate Bill Carmody. Absent: Travis Adams.
Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7pm.
Minutes: Tonight’s minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed for corrections at the regular March meeting.
January 2025 minutes: Ms. Andros added a period at the end of etc., corrected one typo and added the word “out” to the word “with” on page 3, paragraph 2. Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the amended minutes, Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Public Hearing No. 1. Subdivision, one lot into two lots.
Fieldstone Land Consultants propose a two-lot subdivision of property owned by George P. Achille Jr., Revocable Trust in Peterborough. Tax Map 12, Lot 59, 334 Main Street. Adequate road frontage is on Main Street and Route 123. There are also requests for a waiver and a utility easement on the remaining property. Contacts are Jim Axton and John E. Noonan.
Mr. Noonan said that the property, owned by George P. Achilles, Jr. Rev. Trust, is at the corner of Main Street and Upper Walpole Road and will be divided into two parcels. The parcel with the garden center will be 4 acres in the commercial district. The remaining property, 45.97 acres in the rural/ag district, will remain undeveloped. Also proposed is a utility and access easement in the driveway going into the garden center. The easement will also be for the property adjoining the driveway in the rural/ag district and includes the two houses on Main Street south of the driveway.
In an email, abutter Dave Edkins said he was unaware there was a waterline there and suggested that a formal easement with him and his neighbor would be appropriate. Mr. Miller suggested that Mr. Noonan get in contact with the town’s Water and Sewer Department and talk to Mark Houghton about the easement. Mr. Noonan said he would do that. Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:07 pm. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the subdivision as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing No. 2:
Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC, owned by Douglas and Laura Palmer, 308 Main St., Tax Map 24, Lot 13, commercial district. they, propose a new 8.400 square-foot warehouse on property in back of their current storage facility. This warehouse is also for storage.
Mrs. Laura Palmer handed out copies of the checklist to the board. Mr. Douglas Palmer said the square-footage of the warehouse has been changed to 8,000 square-feet. Mrs. Palmer said the lot at 308 Main Street is 1.49 acres and 64,904 square feet. The existing building is single-story, 8,000 square feet and 18-feet tall. Mr. Miller asked if the abutters nearest the proposed building had been contacted about the additional warehouse. Mr. Palmer said that he had talked with both couples. Mr. MacLachlan asked about lighting. Mr. Palmer said lighting on the existing building is one dark-sky compliant light over each entry, one on the south side, one on the east side. Lighting on the proposed new building would also be dark-sky compliant with one light over each entry door, one on the northeast loading dock corner and one on the south end. A small sign on the existing building is located on the southeast corner. No additional signage is proposed.
The proposed new building will utilize the exiting driveway with minimal changes to the layout within the property. There are eight parking spaces for the existing building. An additional six parking spaces will be south of the proposed building. There will be one loading dock on the northwest corner of the proposed building. Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:15 pm. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the additional building as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Site Plan: Bevin Mitchell, 32 Wentworth Road, Walpole, Town Tax Map 19, Lot 72, proposed a four-bedroom, four-bath Bed & Breakfast on the 6-acre parcel.
This is the zoning ordinance for Bed and Breakfast establishments:
“Bed and Breakfast establishment for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests, may be maintained as home occupations in all zoning districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four and further provided that breakfast shall be the only meal and that only for bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other buildings to a “bed and breakfast” shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board. Off-street parking for one car per rented room plus space for owner parking shall be provided.”
Mrs. Mitchell said that she would be converting most of her 1770 house on Wentworth Road to a bed & breakfast. There will be four bedrooms and four baths and she will be serving only breakfast. She mentioned in her application that 5 acres of the property will be for garden/walking paths for her guests.
Mr. Miller asked Mrs. Mitchell about the parking and she said she had plenty of room to accommodate the parking. She also said that she was planning on talking to Mark Houghton about putting in a sprinkler system. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the proposed bed and breakfast in March. Mr. Marcom second the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Site Plan: Shane Podmore proposes a doggie day care and kennel at 561 Main Street. Tax Map 12, Lot 19-1, commercial district.
Mr. Podmore proposes a kennel and fenced in area at 0- for dogs. The property is 1 acre with a1,296 square-foot home. The backyard has a 130-by-40-foot fenced-in area. Mr. Podmore plans to add a 24-by-54 square-foot building with 16 runs, which would provide pet sitting options for up to 20 dogs. Ms. Andros asked what will happen with the dogs’ poop. He said it will be collected, bagged and disposed of appropriately. Mr. Podmore needs a license and inspection from the state.
Mr. Podmore doesn’t own the property as yet but will know by week’s end if he intends to buy it. A public hearing will be held on the matter in March as requested by a motion made by Mr. Marcom, seconded by Mr. Perron and unanimously approved by the entire board. If the purchase had not been made by the March meeting date, Mr. Podmore’s agent, the owner of the house, will write a letter to the Planning Board that the closing date on the property hasn’t been made yet but will be purchased at a specific date.
Town counsel letter
Mr. Miller shared with the board information from Jeremy Hockensmith about the condo lots near Dollar General. The lots have one owner.
Adjournment
At 7:38 Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
There will be no workshop this month.
The next meeting is March 11, 2025 at 7 pm. The meeting will be on the second floor because voting will be taking place on the first floor.
Your one week plus a day warning since the closing date comes on Saturday next. I have already spent time this week working on your March issue of the CLARION which historically contains information on Town Meeting in March. Your submissions will be due by 5 PM (Walpole time) Saturday, February 22, a week and a day from now.
You have heard me say, and again I will say, your early submissions are appreciated as I start developing the layout well beforehand. If you have some “news” send it along. In addition, I 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.
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer and Kaian Richards-Wilkes, Recreation Director
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:30 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:15 PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Richards-Wilkes left during the Non-Public Session. Mrs. Pschirrer arrived for the Hooper Trustees meeting.
HOOPER TRUSTEES
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:15 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:47 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $31,066.30 dated 2/10/2025 including $7,975.00 payment to All Service Office Machines. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,827.11 dated 2/7/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,194.58. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 30, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 30, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.
VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:
Map and Lot # 022-015-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 022-015-000. The applicant served over 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
ELDERLY EXEMPTION:
Map and Lot # 022-015-000:Ms. Vose moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot # 022-015-000. The applicant met the income and asset limitations. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Petition Warrant Article: Ms. Mayberry stated that a petition warrant article was submitted today but fewer than twenty-five registered Walpole voters signed the petition. The petition article could not be accepted by the Selectboard because according to the RSA, there are not enough signers. Mrs. Downing will write a letter to the petitioner to let her know why the article cannot be included in the warrant.
2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry read each article, starting with Article 5, with a Selectboard vote following the reading of each article. The articles and votes for each were as follows:
Article Number & Description
Selectboard Votes to Recommend
Selectboard Votes not to Recommend
Selectboard Abstains
5. Town Budget
3
0
0
6. Request to Withdraw from FMRSD
3
0
0
7. Approve Funding/Building New Police Station
3
0
0
8. Police Building Capital Reserve Fund
3
0
0
9. Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund
3
0
0
10. Purchase a 6-Wheel Truck for the Highway Department
3
0
0
11. Highway Capital Reserve Fund
3
0
0
12. New Vehicle Walpole Police Department
3
0
0
13. Police Department Capital Reserve Fund
3
0
0
14. Town-wide Assessment Capital Reserve Fund
3
0
0
The Selectboard signed the last page of the Warrant and the True and Attest Form.
2024 Selectboard Report for the Town Report: By consensus, the Selectboard is satisfied with their report, and it is ready for the Town Report.
Police Building Public Meeting: The public meeting for the Police Building is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Mrs. Downing will post the meeting on the website and will sign everyone in.
Burnt Highway Truck: Primex, the Town’s insurance company that will cover the loss of the burnt truck, is working with two companies. NEFCO is investigating the cause of the fire, and the second will determine the value of the truck.
Mr. Dalessio reported that the Highway Department is struggling with equipment this year. Of the six 6-wheel dump trucks, two are operational, three are waiting for service, and one just burned up on the way back from being serviced. All four of the 1-ton trucks are operational although some need repairs. Two of the trucks are 2011 models and the rest more recent.
Mr. Dalessio noted that to overcome the shortage of equipment and staff, one highway employee comes in early to load the trucks with sand and salt before the others arrive.
NEW BUSINESS
Drewsville Common Use Request: ASTEAM educational group would like to use the Drewsville Common for an “Astronomy Night”. The Pastor at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who used to teach science, will be running the event. Mr. Brummel uses the Common and opens the Church for the restrooms and as a warming place. By consensus, the Selectboard approves the use of the Drewsville Common.
Curriculum Change at FMRSD: “Great Minds” program is moving to “Arts and Letters”. This is a vendor upgrade to a program available at FMRSD. The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter. Mr. Dalessio will discuss it further with the school.
Walpole Fire District Meeting: The annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 PM. The Selectboard plans to attend, so the Selectboard meeting will be moved to Wednesday March 19th.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretar789y
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 13, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
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