PEANUT BUTTER (and jelly) and school snacks
DRIVE-BY / DROP OFF
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
10:00 – 12:00
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC, WALPOLE
On the Common
Benefit for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 3/3/25
TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MARCH 3, 2025
Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, John Peska, Co-Chair (Presiding), Lewis Shelley
Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ
Members Absent: Peter Palmiotto, Co-Chair
CALL TO ORDER: John called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM in the Town Hall.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
France moved to accept the February 3, 2025 minutes as written. Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.
PUBLIC BUSINESS
Financial Report:
- Conservation $ 244,033.71
- Forestry $ 51,988.87
- The Hubbard Fund donated $9,731.25 that will be added to Conservation.
Correspondence: Cheshire County Conservation’s Meet and Greet will be March 6.
NEW BUSINESS
Member Renewals: Alicia Flammia is not renewing, and she will be missed. Peter and France have submitted letters to the Selectboard Office expressing interest in another three-year term. Wendy moved the Commission approve Peter and France as continuing members on the Commission. Nicole seconded. With all present in favor, Peter and France were unanimously approved for another term. Next month a new member will be selected to succeed Alicia. Everyone on the Commission is asked to recruit possible Alternates.
Commission and Property Monitoring Files: The Commission’s left cabinet is not full. The bottom drawer of the right cabinet could be cleared to the other cabinet to make room for property monitoring records. At some point, John and Peter need to look at historical files to determine what can be purged. By consensus the bottom drawer will be cleared and used for property monitoring. In the future the old files can be sorted and purged. NHACC may be able to provide guidance on what to save and the Selectboard Office may also have guidelines.
John moved that the Commission thank Alicia Flammia and recognize her for her twelve years on the Commission, including several as Chair. Seconded by France. The motion passed unanimously, and the Conservation Commission thanked Alicia for her service.
Annual Goals:
- Old Home Days: it was agreed that the Commission wants to have a booth on the Common on Saturday. We will have a map of the conservation land in Town, and perhaps experts on the local wildlife. The Trail Committee will also have a table next to Conservation with maps of trails.
- The tree planting will continue this year. The Tree Committee will develop a plan for the Common and some of the streets in the village.
- There is interest in determining if some Class VI roads should be designated as Class A trails so they can be improved and maintained. A Class A trail is a temporary status, and abutting landowners may continue to use vehicles on the trail. The Selectboard can designate Class A trails and can also change them back to Class VI roads.
OLD BUSINESS
All agenda items will be discussed next month when the appropriate experts are available.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dam: John just received the minutes of the January meeting to determine how to proceed with the Reservoir Dam. The project will be broken into two parts: first the culvert replacement and drainage which is critical to prevent property damage, and later the slope of the dam.
Hooper Institute Board Update: The Board meets Wednesday. They are focusing on finding Helen Dalbeck’s successor and filling the part-time educator position.
Trail Committee: The Rail Trail brush Hogging will need another special use permit this year as the long-term permission form is being revised and not currently available. Walpole did not get the 2024 bond back, so it needs to be rolled over to 2025. Brush hogging will be $450 each time for the third year, but the price may have to increase in 2026.
Help Our Trails, a town-wide trail work event, will be held on May 3rd. This year the Trail Committee plans to focus its trail maintenance work on the Rail Trail and the Mill Pond Trail.
Conservation Commission on the Town Website: Access has been granted, and training is available so the Conservation Microsite can be updated as discussed last month.
Rest Area Work: Due to the weather this winter the April workday will have to be postponed to June.
AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2025
- New Commission member
- Gateway and Hooper Invasives – Alex Barrett
- Fanny Mason Logging – Alex Barrett
- Bird Study – Antioch graduate student
ADJOURNMENT: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 7, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)
Notes from the Article 4 Discussion – 3/8/25
Tom Winmill shares these notes from the Article 4 discussion that took place at the library on Saturday. [Editor’s Note: This was not a town-sponsored event.]
Article 4 Discussion
The information session on Article 4 held on Saturday, March 8 in the Walpole Library community room was well-attended, with a good discussion lasting over an hour reviewing the pros and cons of the proposal to keep Walpole beautiful by restricting drive-up window joints in the Walpole Village and other commercial districts in Walpole. However they view this issue, Walpoleans are urged to vote on Tuesday, March 11. Please visit www.PreserveWalpole.org for more information on Article 4.
Walpole Schools Newsletter – March 2025
Click the link below to download the latest newsletter from the Walpole schools.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/27/25
TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
FEBRUARY 27, 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 Cassarino, Principal at Walpole Elementary School
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
WALPOLE SCHOOLS
Mr. Cassarino asked to talk with the Selectboard about the process for consolidation. This year, his relationship with the Selectboard seemed to be different from the past. Mr. Cassarino felt that he was caught off guard during recent meetings. Mr. Cassarino wants good working relationships and to do what is best for the Town. Walpole is currently at the minimum required staff. The school district has asked him to look at buildings, etc. to cut expenses. One option is consolidating the schools into one campus, but that means changes to the buildings will be required. For some time now the Selectboard has received no information from the school. Mr. Cassarino will ensure Site Based Team minutes and newsletters are sent to the Selectboard. A discussion followed on how to improve communications and how to get community buy-in which is critical for anything to succeed. It was decided that Mr. Cassarino will attend Selectboard meetings regularly.
Mr. Cassarino left the meeting.
PAYROLL
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,161.89 dated 2/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,272.68. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
Selectboard Meeting – February 20, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 20, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 20, 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.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Police Building Committee Meeting – January 13, 2025
- Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 19, 2025
- Safety Committee Meeting – February 20, 2025
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these reports.
TIMBER TAX CERTIFICATION OF YIELD AND WARRANT
Op # 24-461-06, Map and Lot # 013-059-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $1,531.81. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and both forms were signed.
BUILDING PERMIT
2025-03, Map and Lot# 011-027-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-03 for Map and Lot # 011-027-000 to construct a 397 square foot deck around a home addition. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
2025-04, Map and Lot# 008-015-006: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-04 for Map and Lot # 008-015-006 to construct a 70’ x 50’ single story home. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Meeting and Warrant Articles: At Town Meeting the articles, discussion will be led by:
Article 5: The Budget – Ms. Mayberry
Article 6: Conduct a feasibility and sustainability study of withdrawal from Fall Mountain Regional School District – Ms. Vose
Article 7: Police Building Capital Reserve Fund and appropriate $55,000 – Mr. Dalessio
Article 8: Raise and appropriate $40,000 to the Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Mayberry
Article 9: Raise and appropriate the sum of $280,000 for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck – Mr. Dalessio
Article 10: Raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000 for the Highway Capital Reserve Fund – Mr. Dalessio
Article 11: Raise and appropriate the sum of $80,000 for a vehicle for the Police Department – Ms. Mayberry
Article 12: Raise and appropriate $15,000 for the Police Department Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Mayberry
Article 13: Raise and appropriate the sum of $26,000 for the Town Wide Assessment Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Vose
Article 14: To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting – All as needed
Police Station Land Closing: The attorneys are still working on setting up the closing date. The process is moving ahead.
Fire Station USDA Grant: Form SF424 and the attorney representation form are complete. No signatures are needed. The Selectboard acknowledged the forms.
NEW BUSINESS
Authorization Letter for the Road Agent: The letter gives the Road Agent permission to register the new 2025 International dump truck. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the authorization to register the 2025 International dump truck. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the authorization was accepted and signed.
School District Reorganization Study: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the letter. A Selectboard member from each town is to serve on the Town committee that is part of a Research Group. Additionally, a resident, school Board member and school administrator are also to serve on the committee. The Selectboard is ready to participate.
2025 Community Funding Requests: A notice from Maggie Goodlander’s Office for funding requests states the due date is Friday, March 7,2025. The notice was acknowledged.
Zoning Violation: This item will be addressed next week to allow time for additional preparation.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e)
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 7:28 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:48 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.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the March 5, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
Article 4 Discussion at the Library – 3/8/25
Tom Winmill wanted to make you aware of an upcoming public meeting. [Editor’s Note: This is not a town-sponsored event.]
Article 4 Information Session
An information session to discuss Article 4 is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. this Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the Walpole Town Library community room. All are welcome to learn more about this important vote on Tuesday, March 11th, to keep Walpole beautiful by restricting drive-up window joints in the Walpole Village and other commercial districts in Walpole.
Please visit www.PreserveWalpole.org for more information.
Cat Found – Looking for Owner
From Surry resident Lesley Johnson:
I have a found cat and would like to find his home – which may be in Walpole.
I am in Surry, and he’s been in the neighborhood for a while. He’s currently in my house, but getting him to his home would be great.
This cat is gray with a white blaze on his chest, originally had a blue collar, and is an un-neutered male. He’s quite the gentleman.
If this is your cat, or you know who he might belong to, please contact Lesley via email at surrylesley@gmail.com or via text at 603-566-3297
Walpole Town Library Community Survey
You Can Help Improve the Library!
The Walpole Town Library is seeking feedback from the community we serve, to help inform our services, programs, and long-range planning. Please follow the link below to take the library’s brief survey. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!
Link to the survey: https://forms.gle/GrZM7Tz5ME2AKVmJA
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/20/25
TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,190,559.00 dated 2/21/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable check register was approved.
PAYROLL
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,156.58 dated 2/21/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,704.44. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll register was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
Public 2025 Budget Hearing – February 13, 2025: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the minutes of the Public 2025 Budget Hearing. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved. Ms. Vose abstained since she was unable to attend the hearing.
Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 13, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 13, 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.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
- Library Trustees Meeting – February 11, 2025
- Planning Board Meeting – February 11, 2025
Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.
OLD BUSINESS
2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant Funds: Lindsey Guyette in the Highway Department downloaded information from the grant portal. Mr. Kreissle forwarded to the auditors, Vachon Clukay.
Exempt Organization Business Tax Return: Tax Form 8879-TE needed to be signed by the Chair so it can be submitted with the federal tax return. The return is related to a federal tax credit for the solar system installation at the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Tax Form 8879-TE and to have the Chair sign the form. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and Ms. Mayberry signed the form.
The Selectboard thanked Bob Kimball for donating his time and expertise to prepare the tax filing.
NEW BUSINESS
MS-636: Once the warrant is finalized, the MS-636 form for the proposed budget could populate. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept MS-636. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the MS-636 was accepted and signed by the Board.
Scholarship Award: The NHTCA/NHCTCA Committee Chair would like to attend a meeting to present the scholarship to the Town. Meghan Hansson was a scholarship recipient. Mrs. Downing will schedule with the Committee Chair and confirm Ms. Hansson can be present.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e)
Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 6:48 PM. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 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.
ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry 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 February 27, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)
The Walpolean 
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