Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/9/25

SELECTBOARD 01/21/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 9, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Justin Sanctuary, Police Chief and Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance

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

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 6:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:13 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.

Chief Sanctuary and Mr. Kreissle left the meeting during the Non-Public Session.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,757,021.60 dated 1/10/2025 which included a $381,195 tax payment to North Walpole Village District, $358,700 to the Walpole Fire District, and $581,631.87 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District for the December 2024 billing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,185.48 dated 1/10/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.46.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 31, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 31, 2024.  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.

TAX REFUNDS

Map and Lot # 017-012-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Refund of $450 for an overpayment for Map & Lot # 017-012-000.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

TAX ABATEMENTS

Map and Lot # 028-105-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $2,116 on for Map & Lot # 028-005-000.  This property at 11 Merchant Street is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 014-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $6,929 on for Map & Lot # 014-005-000-000.  This property at 522 Whitcomb Road is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 025-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $3,968 on for Map & Lot # 025-005-000.  This property is a tax-deeded house in Drewsville.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

SOLAR EXEMPTION

Map and Lot # 003-068-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 003-068-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 019-039-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 019-039-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

CURRENT USE

Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001: Ms. Vose move to approve Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001 for Current Use.  These lots are off Ramsey Hill Road.  The prior form was not recorded.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-1, Map and Lot# 011-007-003:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-1 for Map and Lot # 011-007-003 to construct a 36’ x 30’ barn. Seconded by Ms. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Update:  Mr. Dalessio attended an online meeting about Reservoir Dam earlier this week, with DES and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.  The dam is now in the permitting process.  The meeting asked a lot of questions.  The proposed 3 feet of run per foot of height to strengthen the dam is not magic, but it puts the project into a category to be a much bigger and more expensive project.   There was a suggestion to change to a 2.89’ run to keep it a smaller project category.  Walpole stressed that the project needs to be finished by the end of 2026 to meet ARPA funding requirements.   It was suggested to widen the spillway and do the primary outlet first, to protect the Town and fix the dam later. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Fuss and O’Neill next week.

2025 Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the second draft of the Warrant Articles.  Some of the articles were revised and the order of the articles was rearranged.  On the advice of the Town’s Attorney, the School Withdrawal Article will be voted upon at Saturday’s Town Meeting and it will be addressed early in the meeting.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations at Town Parking Lot:  The Walpole Foundation will take care of the stations for 2025. 

2023 Financial Audit: Ms. Mayberry has been in contact with the auditors and reminded them that the 2023 audit report is needed for the Fire Station Grant.

NEW BUSINESS

Total Notice Agreement: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the annual agreement and for the Chair to sign the contract with Total Notice.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the agreement was signed by Ms. Mayberry.

Purchase Order for 4-Station Voting Boot:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the purchase of a 4-station voting booth from Inclusion Solutions for $1,396.20 and to sign Purchase Order # 201315.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the purchase order was signed.

Letter to Secretary of State Office re: New Voting Machine: Ms. Mayberry explained that a letter is required before Walpole can start using a new voting machine.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the letter to the Secretary of State saying Walpole is going to buy and use a Voting Works Ballot counting machine.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the letter was approved.

Selectboard Recap for the 2024 Town Report: Ms. Vose offered to do a first draft of the Selectboard’s report for the Town Report. She will send it to Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio for comments. 

Old Home Days: The OHD Committee reported that the event will be held on June 25th through 29th.  There will be fireworks on the evening of June 27th and a parade on the morning of June 28th with activities on the Common to follow the parade. 

Selectboard Meeting for the first week of February: The Fall Mountain Regional School District Deliberative Session is Wednesday, February 5th.  Because of meeting conflicts, the Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, February 4th at 6:30 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 9:17 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms.  Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:39 PM.

Adjournment:  Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 16, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/14/25

PLANNING BOARD 01/21/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

January 14, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr Miller called the meeting to order promptly at 7 pm. The minutes of this meeting are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 2025 meeting for corrections.

Minutes: Review minutes of the December 2024 meeting: There was 1 correction on page 2, paragraph 2. The new Walpole Village School will be heated by heat pumps, not propane, making the entire school electric. Mr. Marcom made a motion to amend the December minutes. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Public Hearing: Recommendation of Planning Board for a petition to be placed on the March 2025 warrant.

To see if the Town will vote to Amend (Article VI, Section B, 3) of Zoning Ordinances.

“Shops, restaurant and other retail building not exceeding 40,000 square feet in gross floor area, except to protect the welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Walpole with respect to traffic, pollution, health, and safety, and to preserve the unique and distinctive appeal of the Town’s character and commercial development, drive-up window service shall not be allowed.” By petition: 31 signatures. Mr. Tom Winmill spoke to the petition.

Mr. Winmill said the reason for the petition was to retain the character of the town of Walpole. Drive-ups dehumanize the vending of services, he said. He added that there are two provisions. Businesses that may want to have a drive-up window can get one by getting a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and businesses that discontinue their drive-up operation for one year will lose their drive-up window permit. He cited several town in New Hampshire that already have an ordinance banning drive-up window service – Berlin, Derry, Gofffstown, Center Harbor, etc

Mr. Winmill foresees the commercial district with Kentucky Fried Chicken establishments, Taco Bells and MacDonald’s. Walpole will attract more people from all over the region only because of these fast-food businesses. It means more traffic, cars idling, and litter.

Peggy Pshirrer said she thought the petition was too broad and it would take two pages of information to explain the meaning of the ordinance. She didn’t see any problems with the drive-up establishments currently in existence. 

Leroy Watson opposed the petition saying it penalizes people with disabilities. He has a family member with a disability and knows how difficult it is to navigate in the current environment. It is already difficult for people with disabilities to get out of a car and go into an establishment just for a cup of coffee or a piece of pizza. Why make it any harder for these people by restricting honest commerce? he asked.

There being no more questions from the public, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:18 pm. Planning Board members then spoke. Mr. Marcom said it would be very hard to explain to the public why the town needed such a policy. Mr. Dalessio added Walpole has an aging population. Mr. Miller couldn’t see why the town would need such an ordinance. He pointed out that one of the criteria for a variance is proving the hardship of the land. Where is the hardship here? Also, he said, the intent is that the drive-up window comes with ownership of the property

Mr. Carmody made a motion that the Planning Board not recommend the petition. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. However, the petition will automatically go on the warrant but without the recommendation of the Planning Board.

Voluntary Merger: Larry Britton, who has a farm on Watkins Hill Road, won the sealed bid for a small landlocked lot that abuts the Britton property. He wanted to merge it with the rest of his property.

Mr. Britton brought in the Voluntary Merger application notarized by Sarah Downing on January 9, 2025 that indicates the lot will be merged with the rest of his farmland and will hence be known as Tax Map 5, Lot 57. He paid the $50 application fee. The Voluntary Merger will be registered with the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds in Keene.

Subdivision: One lot into 2 lots:

Fieldstone Land Consultants proposes a two-lot subdivision of property owned by George P. Achille, Jr. Revocable Trust in Peterborough, Tax Map 12, Lot 59, 334 Main Street. Currently there is an existing retail store, Blue Seal, in the commercial district on one lot that will be 4.0 acres. The additional 45.97 acres will be in Residential A District with no development proposed. 

John E. Noonan, Senior Project Manager for Fieldstone, presented the proposal of a one-lot into two-lots subdivision and requested a public hearing for February 2025. Mr. Noonan displayed his plan. Basically it would separate the 4.0 acre parcel that Blues Seal is on from the rest of the property. Blue Seal is a retail farm and garden store which abuts Routes 123 and Route 12. It has road frontage of 150 feet on Main Street and 315.97 feet on Main Street/Route 123.  Also planned is a proposed access and utility easement of the existing water lines that currently service the garden center as well as two lots to the south. There is no proposed utility work to be done.

Fieldstone is also applying for a waiver regarding the above referenced subdivision application. 

“Proposed ‘Soils & Topographic Contours’

                 “Wetland location’

  “ Proposed lot 12-59-3 is a 4-acre lot that has already been developed with a commercial building and parking lot. There is no additional development proposed for with this lot or the parent lot at this time. The entire lot is over 49 acres. Adding soil information and performing at topographic survey over the entire lot would incur undo added cost to our client with no added benefit to the town. We therefore respectfully request the Planning consider a waiver for the proposed subdivision application.

“Proposed lot 12-59-3 was inspected for wetlands but none was found. As stated above no additional development is proposed and the parent lot is over 49 acres. Performing an inspection for and further location wetlands would incur undo added cost to our  client with added benefit tot the town. We therefore respectfully request the Planning Board consider a waiver for the proposed subdivision application.”

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the subdivision in February.  Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC, owned by Douglas and Laura Palmer propose adding an 8,400 square-foot warehouse on their property, Tax Map 24, Lot 14, commercial district.

Douglas Palmer said that the warehouse would be on the grassy area in back of his current warehouse at 308 Main Street. He submitted a design showing the warehouse, parking area, two loading docks and the driveway. He had already spoken with his neighbors about the project and they were not opposed, he said. It was suggested that he plant more trees so the warehouse wasn’t visible from his neighbors’ properties and that 30 percent of the property had to be green space. He requested a public hearing for February 2025.

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the site plan in February. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed. 

Simon Gascoyne, owner of the Walpole Veterinary Hospital, 6 Walker Road, Tax Map 18, Lot 2, Rural/Ag District was in for a discussion of adding a permanent motor home on property behind the clinic. 

Mr. Gascoyne showed a forest area behind the clinic where a motor home could go. It would be a residence for an intern and his/her family to live while working at the clinic. Mr Miller said it was the Select Board who issued permits for a situation of this type. Mr. Dalessio suggested that Mr. Gascoyne contact Fire Chief Mark Houghton who knew all the regulations about fire, water, etc. for this type of situation.

Adjournment

Mr. Carmody made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

Cancelled: Walpole Seniors’ Potluck – 1/20/25

EVENTS 01/19/2025 Leave a comment

The Walpole Seniors’ Potluck Lunch, scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, has been cancelled due to weather advisories.

Cabin Fever Radio Follies Auditions – 1/23/25

EVENTS 01/19/2025 Leave a comment

From Judy Epstein:

Cabin Fever Radio Follies are back again this year! Auditions Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Helen Miller Theater, Walpole Town Hall. The performance will be on March 15, 2025.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 1/16/25

SELECTBOARD 01/16/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

JANUARY 16, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

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

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $32,320.13 dated 1/17/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,608.84.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – January 9, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – January 9, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Conservation Commission Minutes – January 6, 2025

WARRANTS

  • Walpole Water Tax Lien
  • Walpole Sewer Tax Lien
  • North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam

  • Walpole School Withdrawal Warrant Article
  • 2025 Warrant Articles
  • 2025 Town Budget
  • Information Request from the Clarion
  • 2025 Town Budget Hearing

NEW BUSINESS

  • Annual Landfill Post Closure Report
  • NH DES Culvert Replacement Notice
  • Thank You Notes

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

February 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 1/22/25

Uncategorized 01/15/2025 Leave a comment

Your one week warning, yes it is time again, and I have already begun work on your February issue of the CLARION. Your submissions will be due by 5 PM (Walpole time) on Wednesday, January 22, a week from now. And just so you know why I have trouble knowing the current day or month, I am also already working on the March issue as well with annual Town Meeting information.

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.

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 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

Walpole Seniors’ Potluck Lunch – 1/20/25

EVENTS 01/14/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Seniors’ January potluck lunch will “recur” on Monday, January 20, at the Congregational Church at noon.  Hope to see all you pot-lickers there!

Walpole Community Power Spring Rate

Uncategorized 01/13/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Community Power Spring Rate update starting 2/1/2025

Twice a year, the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH) sets their electricity rates for the coming six months. The rates are affected by a variety of factors, most notably the wholesale electric market. 

At their meeting on 1/2/2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors voted on the Spring rates. The rate for Granite Basic, the base tier, will be .089 cents per kWh. This rate represents a .003 cent increase over the Fall rate period, and it’s the first time that the CPCNH rate will not be equal to or lower than the Liberty default rate, which will be .084 cents for the same period. See the table below for the full set of CPCNH’s Spring rates.

There are two reasons that CPCNH’s rate will be higher than Liberty’s. The first is that because CPCNH is continuing to grow and add towns, it is still incurring start-up costs that were not adequately covered by the Fall rate. The new rate will help to backstop those additional costs. As more towns are added to CPCNH’s roster, the organization’s buying power will continue to increase. 

The second reason is that the NH PUC has directed the Utilities to change the way that they’re buying power, and this change may result in the Utilities operating at a loss. Historically the Utilities have purchased all of the power needed for a given period up front. The PUC is now requiring them to purchase 50% of the power up front, and 50% on the “day ahead” market. The CPCNH board believes that this change may result in Liberty losing money with their proposed rate. If that happens, then Liberty may try to make up for any losses by adding costs to the Distribution rates that are shared by all customers, including members of CPCNH.

CPCNH feels that if Liberty were to pass along losses to all customers through the Distribution rates, this would be unfair and unreasonable. A better approach would be for Liberty to make up for any losses by charging customers through the Default Service rate, which would not apply to CPCNH members. 

CPCNH is working to convince the NH PUC that the most appropriate way to recover losses based on the Default Service rate is through future electricity rates, rather than through the Distribution rate. This approach is supported by the NH Consumer Advocates office. Legislation is being proposed to address this concern – stay tuned for more information. 

The introduction of CPCNH has helped to bring about much-needed competition in the state’s power supply market. The savings for Walpole have already been significant: in the almost two years of being part of CPCNH, residents of Walpole have saved $482,000 as compared with having stayed with Liberty as the default supplier.

CPCNH Spring Rates:

Granite Basic..089
Granite Plus..096
Clean 50..103
Clean 100..123

Each is .003 higher than the Fall rates.

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 1/6/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/12/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

JANUARY 6, 2025

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, Wendy Grossman, Peter Palmiotto (Presiding), John Peska, Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present:  Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent:  Nicole Adams, France Menk

Visitors Present:  Whit Aldrich, Eileen Spiltoir, Becky Brown

CALL TO ORDER: Peter called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. 

SEATING OF ALTERNATES:  Since five Commissioners were present, no Alternates were seated.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Peter moved to accept the December 2, 2024minutes as written. John seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried. 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report:  Conservation $242,288.58

Forestry $51,617.09

Mason Forest Expendable $525,402.62

Mason Forest Nonexpendable $23,371.73

Correspondence:   A letter was received from the Town stating that Nicole Adams is officially a Commissioner.  A report was received informing the Town of a project to prevent Cold River from washing out a lot containing a home.

NEW BUSINESS

Town Report input due on 1/21/2025:  John will do a first draft and circulate it.

Overnight Parking at the Route 12 Rest Areas:  Becky Brown and Eileen Spoltoir attended the meeting to discuss the issue of dog poop and tires at the eastside rest area – it was difficult to access the trail due to the numerous poop piles, so they cleaned up the poop.  It was noted that two Great Danes are living in the RV that frequently is seen parked at the rest stop and others frequent the site with dogs.  There is a no overnight parking sign that has been up two days.  The Police Department is working on the issue, but the first step was to put up the no overnight parking sign.   

Eileen and Becky left the meeting.

It was discussed that Tim Smith will be starting any time to roof the shelters.  They will put up tape to designate the work area.  A barricade to keep vehicles out of the lots would be better for roofing and the harvest later this year.  Further discussion of the continued rest area problems that have occurred over the years was a suggestion to eliminate the U-shaped drive and make it a trail head parking lot with one entrance.  The trail is popular, so parking for local walkers is needed. 

OLD BUSINESS

Dam Updates:  Tomorrow there will be a Zoom meeting with the State, Walpole, and Fuss and O’Neill on the dams to determine what needs to be done.  Alicia, John and Steve plan to participate.

Barry Conservation Camps: The Hooper Institute has not yet nominated a student for the conservation scholarship to attend the camp, but they are working on it.   

Timber Harvest this Summer:  The harvest on the east side of Route 12 is planned for this summer.  The commission will review the contract once it is received in late spring when more updated timber prices can be included closer to the planned harvest time.  The commission is considering adding the red pine on the west side of Route 12 to the contract.  The Mason Fund would be requested to pay for the costs during the harvest (estimated at $1,500 for overseeing the harvest).  Income from the harvest will go into the Mason Fund.  

OTHER BUSINESS

Trail Committee Report:  The Happy Trails party had about thirty people, including several new people.  The evening included a picture presentation, talks, food and entertainment.  It was a successful evening.  Wendy distributed a list of 2024 trail repairs.  The Trail Committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.  The next meeting is Wednesday, January 8th, in the Town Hall.

The Monadnock Rail Trail Coalition is creating a map which shows parking.

Property Monitoring:  The snowmobile bridge that washed downstream into conservation property has been removed from the Town Forest.  The snowmobile trail in Great Brook has been closed due to the washout.  Rob Westover will GPS the snowmobile trails in town if there is snow, and he can take out his snowmobile.  This will allow the trails to be superimposed on maps of Town property.   In December Wendy monitored Mill Pond, Graves, Ballam Farm, March Town Forest, and Nelson Town Forest.

ADJOURNMENT:  Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 3, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/31/24

SELECTBOARD 01/10/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 31, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant and Tax Collector; Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 9:03 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,755.71 dated 1/3/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,452.71.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 24, 2024.  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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – December 17, 2024 
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 18, 2024 

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 009-006-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-006-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 009-008-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-008-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was  approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Highway Safety Grant Agreement: The agreement was approved at the last meeting, but more signatures and initials were required.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair of the Selectboard sign and initial the remaining places on the form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed and initialed the agreement as needed.

Mr. Dalessio made a motion that Chief Justin Sanctuary provide a letter to the Selectboard stating that he is taking full responsibility for this Grant.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was passed.  Mrs. Downing will request the letter from Police Chief Sanctuary.

NEW BUSINESS

Tipping and Haul Fee Contract for Recycling Center: Ben Hoy analyzed the proposals and recommended NRRA with its lower fees.  Mr.  Dalessio moved the Chair sign the contract with NRRA for tipping and haul fees for 2025.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the contract.

Assurances Form, SF 424D, for Fire Station Renovation Project:  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the assurance form SF 424D.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed form SF 424D.

Mr. Dalessio request that when the contract is ready to start, the Selectboard will write a letter giving Steve Horton, the project manager, permission to sign as the designated owner representative.  At this point, the grant is on hold awaiting the 2023 Town audit and a balance sheet.  Mr. Kreissle will check the status of the Town audit. 

Draft 2025 Warrant Article Listing: There was a discussion of the first rough draft of the 2025 Warrant Articles. The final version needs to be completed by the end of January. Additional information is needed to finalize the Warrant Articles including the results of the Planning Board’s public hearing on January 14th at 7:00 PM.  Mrs. Downing will make a request to reserve the Walpole School gymnasium for Town Meeting since there most likely will be high attendance at this meeting.

Drummond Woodsum Rate Change Notice:  The Town’s human resources legal firm has raised its rates due to increased operating costs.  The Town has an ongoing client agreement with them.  The information was acknowledged by the Board Chair.

Current Use and Recreation Credit: Some citizens requested a letter be sent to all current use property owners regarding the recreational credit and no trespassing/hunting postings. Some current use property owners did not take the recreational credit and are therefore not required to permit hunting.  Pulling together data to create such a letter would be a big project for the appropriate property owners.  By consensus, the Board decided there would be no letter to all current use property owners.  However, a letter will be sent to property owners who are identified as having their property posted if they are taking the recreational credit.

Thank You Notes:  Two thank you notes were received from the Library staff.  

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 9:51 AM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 AM.

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.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 10:08 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 9, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)