The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 24, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Matt Benoit

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following New Business item was moved to the top of the agenda.

Drewsville Common Gazebo Donation: Mr. Benoit, owner of the Drewsville General Store, attended the meeting to discuss his request with the Selectboard.  He would like to lead the fundraising and building of a small gazebo on the north end of the Drewsville Common. Mr. Benoit wanted to know what the process would be to build the gazebo.  After Mr. Benoit submits a sketch with measurements and distances to the edge of the Common, etc. to the Selectboard, there will be two public hearings, usually two weeks apart for public feedback.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that it would help if extra funds were raised to establish a maintenance fund.  The construction can be done by volunteers, but the electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician with a license number on the building permit.

Yellow Bags: Mr. Benoit also recommended that the yellow Walpole garbage bags be made available at the Recycling Center for the convenience of users and the stores that sell them.

Mr. Benoit left the meeting.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,705.74 dated 4/25/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,031.14.  Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 17, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 17 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 17, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 17, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose 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:

• Planning Board Meeting – April 8, 2025
• Trail Committee Meeting – April 9, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT

Op # 24-461-02, Map and Lot # 014-013-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant for $118.84.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Op # 24-461-03, Map and Lot #015-011-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant for $4,734.70.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for

• Map and Lot # 009-033-002-1 of $29.03

Seconded by Ms. Vose.   With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2014-10 Renewal, Map and Lot# 012-013-004: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit Renewal #2024-10 for Map and Lot # 012-013-004 to construct the third building at Abenaki Springs Phase I & II.  Since there are a lot of TBD’s (To Be Determined) on the application, a letter will accompany the renewal restating that compliance with the Town laws is required, including the names and licenses of the electrician and plumber must be on file in the Selectboard Office. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

2025-11, Map and Lot# 010-049-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-11 for Map and Lot # 010-049-000 to construct a 26’ x 24’ detached garage. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-12, Map and Lot# 011-001-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-12 for Map and Lot 011-001-002 to construct a 40’ x 30’ single family home. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Grant Disbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the Reservoir Dam Grant Disbursement form for $21,850.50 from the ARPA grant.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

Hooper Hill Hoppers RPT Grant Support Letter: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter of support for the Hooper Hill Hoppers grant application.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio announced that In the next week or two, there will be a letter explaining what is needed when requesting a letter of support from the Selectboard.

Walpolean Support Request: This item has been continued from last week.   By consensus, since the Town has no control over the content of the Walpolean, no funding is available.

Old Home Days: The Old Home Days flyer has been posted on bulletin boards, and on the Town website.  Two Committee members will be attending the Selectboard meeting next week to discuss the Street Dance and an open container request.   

NEW BUSINESS

Rancho Viejo Liquor Endorsement Letter: The letter is to support the application for a full liquor license with seating on the deck.  Ms. Vose moved to approve the letter of endorsement for Rancho Viejo.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter was signed.

River Valley Seniors at Home: A letter was received from the River Valley Seniors at Home thanking the Town for the donation which will be used to provide scholarships for those who cannot afford the membership fee.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged the letter.

The Bellows Falls Senior Center: Ms. Mayberry explained that the Bellows Falls Senior Center is no longer permitted to serve “Meals on Wheels” to residents in NH. Friendly Meals will be providing Meals on Wheels to 5 to 7 additional residents of Walpole.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:16 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:59 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio 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 May 1, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

April 17, 2025

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair

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 $922,305.92 dated 4/21/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,048.86 dated 4/18/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,612.83.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting #2 – April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting #1– April 10, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

• Conservation Commission Meeting – April 7, 2025
• Library Trustees Meeting – April 8, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

CURRENT USE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the following property for Current Use:

• Map and Lot # 012-058-000 – 58.99 acres
• Map and Lot # 005-057-000 – 2.8 acres to be added to a larger parcel

Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion was approved for Current Use.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-055-010: Ms. Vose moved to approve the All Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-010.  The applicant served more than 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENTS

Map and Lot # 015-011-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 015-011-000 for Cold River Materials.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 014-013-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 014-013-000 for Cold River Materials.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-09, Map and Lot# 010-026-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit 2025-09 for Map and Lot # 010-026-000 to construct a 20’ x 24’ master bedroom and bathroom addition. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-10, Map and Lot# 010-024-002-2: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit 2025-10 for Map and Lot # 010-024-002-2 to construct a 104’ x 34’ Single family home with an attached garage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Mill Pond and Reservoir Dam Inspections: Inspections of both dams are scheduled for this year.  The notice of inspections was acknowledged.

NEW BUSINESS

Walpolean Support Request: Ms. Mayberry noted that the Town received a request to pay the annual fee of $99 for the WordPress.com Premium Plan and $19 for the domain name for the Walpolean website.  The Board will discuss this next week when Mr. Dalessio is present.

RTP Grant Support Letter Request: The Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club are looking for support for their Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant application for a new trail groomer.  Mrs. Downing will prepare a letter of support for the Board to sign next week.

Dunkin Donuts Grand Opening Event: Ms. Mayberry announced that the date of the grand opening event is to be determined.  The Planning Board will handle the event signage request.  There was an agreement that traffic is a concern. Dunkin Donuts may need to have a police detail.  There will be more discussion once more information is available.

Thank You Letter:  Big Brothers Big Sister sent a thank you letter for the yearly donation from the Town.  The letter was acknowledged.

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 7:02 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:41 PM.

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

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:41 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:04 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 24, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 10, 2025

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

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Ms. Mayberry moved to enter Non-Public Session.  Ms. Vose seconded. The Board unanimously agreed to enter Non-Public Session. The Selectboard remained in Non-Public Session until 6:32 PM for reason (a) Personnel. Ms. Vose moved for the minutes to be sealed. Ms. Mayberry seconded. There was a unanimous vote to seal the minutes.

Ms. Vose moved to return to the public session. Ms. Mayberry seconded. All members voted in favor to returning to the public session of the Selectboard.

PAYROLL

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $39,780.34 dated 4/11/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,311.85. This payroll register includes retroactive payments and new wage rates for all employees except the Police Department and the Selectboard.   Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll register was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – April 2, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of April 2, 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:

• Police Building Committee Meeting – April 1, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refunds for:

• Map and Lot # 028-121-000 of $16.65. 
• Map and Lot # 029-048-000 of $160.73.

Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENTS

Map and Lot # 001-016-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot # 001-016-002, off Old Route 12 North.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-08, Map and Lot# 011-027-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit 2025-08 for Map and Lot# 011-027-000 to construct a 481 square foot ramp for a home. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Fountain for Recreation: Ms. Vose moved to approve purchase of the water fountain for the Recreation Park.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Asset Management Grant: An updated grant agreement is needed to extend the completion date.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and have the Chair to sign the updated asset management grant agreement.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Special Use Permit:   Mr. Dalessio reported that Attorney Hockensmith has not yet responded to the request for review of the Special Use Permit and Bond.

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment Notice: Paul Happ is recommended to become a full member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Vose moved to approve Paul Happ as a full Commission. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Purchase Order for 6-Wheel Dump Truck: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign Purchase Order 201446 for $279,802.00 to purchase a Western Star 47x 6-wheel dump truck from ATC Patriot LLC.  The purchase includes the cab, chassis and plow.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the purchase order was signed. The purchase of the 6 Wheel dump truck was approved under Warrant Article #9.                   

Purchase Order for Exterior Lighting at the Library: Ms. Vose moved to approve and sign Purchase Order #619056 for $800.00 for E.E. Houghton Co. to add compact LED flood fixtures to the soffit of the porch.  The new lights illuminate the steps and ramp and are connected to the existing porch light switch.  The purchase will be paid for from the Library maintenance line.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Home Days Request: The Walpole Fire Department would like to use the north lawn of Town Hall and the Recreation Field across Westminster Street for Old Home Days.  Ms. Mayberry moved to allow the Walpole Fire Department to use of the Town Hall’s north lawn and the recreation field for Old Home Days.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Town Hall Use Request: Mr. Dalessio explained that the Walpole Democratic Party would like to host a presentation at the Town Hall.  By consensus, the request is refused.

DADU Letter: A property owner is adding a 2-bedroom apartment within an existing barn and has the septic permit. However, the property is in the Industrial Zone.  A letter has been prepared explaining the special circumstances and the steps necessary to obtain permission to build.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter as written.   Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the letter signed. 

Hooper Trustees and Hooper Board: The Trustees and the Board will meet the candidates for Executive Director of Hooper Institute on Thursday, May 1st. 

In Person Staff Meeting on Wednesday, May14th:  The topic will be how to create a process.

Selectboard Meetings: The Board will meet Thursday, May 1st. That meeting is not moving to the prior Wednesday.  The May 15th meeting will be moved to Wednesday, May 14th. The in-person Staff Meeting will also be moving to Wednesday, April 14th.

Selectboard Liaison Assignments:   The Board will continue to look for additional ways to improve efficiency in their tasks.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:22 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:37 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 17, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)