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.

Cast of Witnesses: A Musical – 4/11/25

EVENTS 04/07/2025 Leave a comment
Cast of Witnesses: A Musical. Music by local lyricist Carol Clark. Musical Direction by Tim Golden. Script by Philip Turner.

Cast of Witnesses – A new Cantata comes to Walpole

On April 11, 7-8 PM, Walpole Congregational Church will host the performance of an original cantata, Cast Of Witnesses. The cantata recounts the events of Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem, his subsequent trial and unjust execution, and his Easter resurrection. The main witnesses sing solos written by local lyricist, Carol Clark, outlining their feelings and motivations as these events unfold around them. The nine soloists are supported by a large chorus who round out the Cast of Witnesses. Musical Direction by Tim Golden; Director, Philip Turner. Come, hear and see this unique musical retelling of the Passion narrative.

A matinee performance 1:30-2:30 PM will be hosted on April 13th at Life on Main and a final evening 7-8 PM performance on April 15th at St. Luke’s, both in Charlestown. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com for $10 and at the door. Children will be admitted for free. More information? Call 603-504-4637. Reserve your seat soon.

Great Decisions – 4/14/25

EVENTS 04/07/2025 Leave a comment

“Great Decisions” 

Our Public Forum Resumes on Monday, April 14

“America at a Global Crossroads”

“America at a Global Crossroads”— our next “Great Decisions” public forum — will be moderated by Adrian Basora, former United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. This discussion will be on Monday, April 14, 6:00 p.m., in the Walpole Town Library, and promises to be a timely and illuminating analysis of what we now might describe as “American Foreign Policy in the Crosshairs.”

We are grateful to have Adrian Basora – trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and member of the Council on Foreign Relations – to guide us through this uncharted territory.. During his 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Adrian served in former Soviet Bloc countries and worked on programs supporting their transition to democracy.

The Foreign Policy Association’s article by G. John Ikenberry, “America at a Global Crossroads,” is available at the library.  Writing in November 2024, following the election, Ikenberry describes three strategic choices for American foreign policy. The America First agenda of Trump’s administration has already broken with liberal internationalism, challenging rules-based, multilateral cooperation and traditional alliances. What are the dangers and advantages this nationalism poses for our future security? A copy of the relevant article can be emailed to you upon request by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org 

All are welcome to join at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, in the Hubbard Meeting Room, Walpole Town Library, or via Zoom. We begin with a Master Class video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association which cannot be shown over Zoom. So those of you joining via Zoom, please join at 6:20 p.m. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

Sue Kibbe

Walpole Trail Challenge Winners

Uncategorized 04/05/2025 Leave a comment
Trail challenge winners: Cindy Stewart won a backpack; Becky Pearson won a stove; Kara Dexter won a windscreen. And, you all won time on our beautiful trails! Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming summer challenge that starts at the end of mud season.