Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 12/18/25

SELECTBOARD 12/18/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

December 18, 2025

1st Hearing Starts at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall

ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN (AMP) GRANT HEARING

WALPOLE FIRE STATION EXPANSION PROJECT HEARINGS

  • USDA Grant Agreement Forms
  • Community Facilities Grant Agreement – MOU

SELECTBOARD MEETING

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Town Hall Generator, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant

  • CPCNH Rate Update
  • Solar Energy System at Recycling Center – Federal Reimbursement
  • 2026 Budget Hearing Date

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Total Monies Spent on Hooper Renovation Project

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – December 3, 2025

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – Continued

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $33,819.38 dated 12/19/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,474.13

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – December 11, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – December 11, 2025

TIMBER INTENTS

  • Map 7 Lots 5, 6 and 7

BUILDING PERMIT

  • 2025-42, Map and Lot# 004-035-001

NEW BUSINESS

  • Cemetery Trustees Encumbrance Request
  • Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
  • School District Payment Schedule and Tax Amounts
  • Donation Request to Whitcomb Rec. Park
  • Restaurant at Burdicks/Walpole Grocery Open Container Requests for 2026 Events

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

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

Town Clerk’s Office Closed – 12/18/25

Uncategorized 12/17/2025 Leave a comment

The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed on Thursday, December 18th.

– Meghan Hansson, Walpole Town Clerk

Walpole Police Building Fundraiser Update

Uncategorized 12/17/2025 Leave a comment

The Walpole Police Building Fundraiser Raffle is this THURSDAY, 12/18!

If you still want to purchase raffle ticket there will be a table set up at the Town Hall from 3:30 til 3:50 pm so tickets can be purchased before the raffle at 4:00 pm.

Thank you to all who have participated: 

  • Savings Bank of Walpole
  • Mascoma Bank
  • In the Company of Flowers
  • The Drewsville Store
  • Aubuchon Hardware

Good Luck to all who purchased a raffle ticket!

Walpole Planning Board Public Notice

PLANNING BOARD 12/15/2025 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD

WALPOLE, NH 03608

PUBLIC NOTICE

You are hereby notified of the following two Public Hearings to be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The following submitted application and copy will be reviewed by the Board for completeness and, if complete, accepted by the Board and a Public Hearing held.

Ideal Location LLC, owned by Greg Gay, 1134 Main St., North Walpole proposes an addition of 2,100 square feet for the building at Town Tax Map 27, Lot Sub 1, for office space and parts inventory. 

Community Facilities and Services is the final section of the updated Master Plan that needs Planning Board approval. 

All abutters and interested parties are encouraged to attend. To be heard on this matter you or a duly authorized agent must either attend the hearing in person or submit your comment in writing, prior to the hearing to Walpole Planning Board, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH. 03608

If final action is delayed or the hearing continued, the application will remain on the agenda for the following Planning Board meeting, or until a decision is reached, without further notice. The application and plans are available for public inspection at the Town Offices. Meeting minutes and public notices are posted inside the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/3/25

SELECTBOARD 12/15/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

December 3, 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: Chas Street; Steve Varone, Treasurer

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:36 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Property Abatement Appeal

Mr. Chas Street requested that the Selectboard approve the revised assessment that he and Avitar agreed upon for 2023.  Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the assessment at 11 Main for $1,062,000 for 2023.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and Mr. Dalessio signed the settlement agreement for 2023.  

There is a question on the assessment for 2024 and 2025.  Mrs. Downing will check with Atty. Hockensmith about how to interpret the RSAs.

Mr. Street left the meeting.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c)

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 7:14 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:07 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.

Mr. Varone left the meeting during the Non-Public session.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $40,770.81 dated 12/5/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,554.44.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 26, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 26,2025. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November 26, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 26, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved.

Committee Reports

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

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – October 15, 2025
  • Trail Committee Meeting – November 12, 2025
  • Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting – November 25, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Municipal Work Zone Agreement: The 2026 Route 12 paving project (Project #43910) was discussed last week.  There was an agreement form to be signed by the Chair.  Ms. Mayberry moved that the Selectboard Chair sign the form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.  

Amendment #1 to ARPA Grant for Reservoir Dam: The form needs to be signed by the Chair.  Additional information is needed before this is approved.  This time will be on next week’s agenda.

Pearl Street Repair Work: This item was brought forward from last week.  Ms. Mayberry explained that the Highway Department fixed the holes in the paving on Pearl Street.  As far the Selectboard knows, there has been no ownership change for the end section of Pearl Street to the Town.  Historically there was an easement for sewer lines, and it was paved when lines were put in.  The Highway Department has always repaired it as necessary even though the Town does not own the road because plow trucks use it as a turnaround.  To clear up the issues, North Walpole needs to take the property then the Town can take care of the road.

New Business

Cheshire County 2026 Budget: Cheshire County’s 2026 budget is $32,430,267 which is a 7.79% increase over 2025.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the County budget.

Asset Management Plan (AMP) Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held December 18th at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall.

Notice of Activity and Use Restriction (AUR): Ms. Vose moved to have the Selectboard Chair sign the Notice of Activity and Use Restriction (AUR).  It will be recorded.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was accepted, and Mr. Dalessio signed the AUR.

Accounts Payable Schedule: Accounts payable will be run for 12/11/2025.  There is no Selectboard meeting during the week of 12/22/2025.  By consensus Mrs. Downing will approve accounts payable that week.

DRA Portal: Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone need access to the portal.  Ms. Vose moved to approve the letter to Jamie Dow requesting that Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Varone be given access to the DRA Portal effective 12/1/2025.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:27 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:37 PM.

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 11, 2026 Selectboard meeting.)

January 2026 Clarion Closing Date – 12/20/25

Uncategorized 12/15/2025 Leave a comment

No, not a “typo” really the year is ending and it is time to begin putting together next year’s first issue of the CLARION – January 2026. Due to the holidays and the printer’s schedule, the closing date is Saturday, December 20th. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Your early submissions are always welcome and 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

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 12/11/25

SELECTBOARD 12/11/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

December 11, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall


SELECTBOARD MEETEING

CPCNH RATES

SOLAR SYSTEM AT RECYCLING CENTER

EV STATIONS AT NEW PARKING LOT

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $81,131.05 for checks issued 12/15/2025

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $34,242.29 dated 12/12/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,729.39

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – December 3, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – December 3, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – December 1, 2025

REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 024-019-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Town Hall Generator, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage, Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant

  • ARPA Grant Agreement for Reservoir Dam Project
  • Department Budget Meeting
  • Asset Management Plan (AMP) Public Hearing
  • Fire Station USDA Grant Agreement and MOU Hearing

NEW BUSINESS

  • MetLife Termination Letter
  • Reliance Standard, W-2 Service Agreement
  • NHRS User Access Forms

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

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

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 12/1/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 12/07/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole

Conservation Commission

December 1, 2025

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 5, 2026 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, Paul Happ, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Cochair & Presiding), John Peska (Cochair), Lewis Shelley, Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Rep)

Alternates Present: Hale Morrell

Members Absent: Tom Beaudry

Visitors Present: Chris Liazos, Alex Barrett

Call to Order: Peter called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternates: A quorum was present, so no Alternates were seated.

Review and Approval of Minutes

Paul asked for two corrections to his comments under Hooper Institute Board: “just beautiful” should be “beautiful” and he feels both Greta Drager and George Gowdy are doing a great job.  Wendy said the header “Rail Trail Work Plan” should be “Rail Trail Work”.  John moved to accept November 3, 2025 minutes as amended. France seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.   

Public Business

Financial Report: 

  • Conservation $283,352.18
  • Forestry $53,687.58

Correspondence: (2) Monadnock Conservancy newsletters

New Business

Bird Friendly Family Forests: Chris Liazos’ goal is to help us understand our Town.  He brought a printed draft report.  His three suggestions for Walpole are (1) encourage white oak regeneration, (2) try to make large blocks of forest with mixed canopy, and (3) use report as ongoing resource because of all information he included.  We need to get Hooper Institute involved, especially getting the students building boxes (plans available) for the birds found in his study.  The Town will need to plan what to harvest next to make more young forests of at least 2.5 acres.  Chris asked that the Commission review his report and get comments to him right away.  His goal is to have the final copy of report by the beginning of 2026.

Trail Committee

Rail Trail Work Plan: Will and Wendy will not manage rail trail maintenance next year because of other commitments.  They will turn the project over to someone else, but Wendy is willing to consult on the 2026 Work Plan.  She gave a summary of rail trail work history, potential projects for 2026, and responses from the Bureau of Trails to questions about work plan preparation.  As a minimum, Nicole is willing to use the 2025 special use permit to write the rail trail work plan for next year.  Wendy will prepare the history section.

The state is willing to do a certification for chain saw users and we should do that.

Other Trails: Will, Wendy and Greta Drager walked the Hooper Woods to help her plan for future uses.  On 11/8 at Rail Trail Work Day they had twelve people and did a lot of ditch and drainage work.

Old Business

  • Fanny Mason Forest Management: Fanny Mason Forest winter harvest: Alex did the intent to cut; Chris Ricci will file it.  Then they will create a contract.  They can do the harvest once the ground freezes.  The property boundaries are marked as are the trees to be cut.
  • Red Pine and Invasives: Today was the second day of invasives treatments, and that is complete.  The red pine at the rest area must all be cut (about 4 acres).  This lot is not yet marked but red pine scale has reached Keene.  Alex will get a variance – cannot remove all trees within 150 feet of a highway, but leaving these trees would create a hazard.  Alex will mark the trees, create the RFP, and contact the bidders.  Since time is critical, he recommends not limiting the equipment to be used in the RFP.  He hopes to harvest late this winter/early spring.  He will specify that slash be mitigated near the rest area as it would be a fire hazard.  Carolyn will check who should receive the quotes, the Selectboard or the Conservation Commission.

Easement Monitoring: Peter and Wendy did Wendy’s property, and the report has been submitted.  Wendy just did Mill Pond, Graves, and Ballam Farm.  All are OK, but the reports have not been submitted. Wendy will be going with a representative of Monadnock Conservancy to monitor Nelson Town Forest and the adjacent one.

Reservoir Dam: Fuss & O’Neill are working on detailed plans for the option of breaching the dam.

Mt. Kilborne: The Commission is awaiting North Walpole comments before signing a letter of recommendation.

Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam: The Fletcher estate owns adjacent property.  Paul is thinking about asking DES Dam and DES Wetlands for joint onsite advice.  Since the bog is almost filled in, does it make sense to breach the dam?  It would be difficult to get an excavator to the dam unless it could go across the bridge.  Lew and Paul will look to see if it has I-beams. Paul will start asking abutters what they think about breaching the dam.

Other Business and Updates

Hooper Institute Board: Paul will ask what the Board thinks about breaching the Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam and what they think the area could be used for if the dam is breached.

Agenda for the January 5, 2026 Meeting

  • No items

Adjournment: Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Walpole Police Building Fundraiser

Uncategorized 12/07/2025 Leave a comment

Still time to purchase your raffle tickets benefiting the Walpole Police Building Fundraiser.

Date for the drawing of “Westminster St” print is December 18th. 

Drawing held at the Town Hall at 4:00p.m. 

Raffle tickets available at: 

  • Mascoma Bank
  • In the Company of Flowers
  • Drewsville Store
  • Aubuchon Hardware

 or contact Robin @ 603-313-9165

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Prints are available for purchase of “Walpole Town Hall” and “Westminster St”

The prints are displayed in the window of In the Company of Flowers. Take a look – they make fabulous gifts!

Reminder: Drewsville Tree Lighting – 12/7/25

EVENTS, HOLIDAY EVENTS 12/06/2025 Leave a comment

The annual Drewsville Tree Lighting, which was postponed from last weekend, will be held this Sunday, December 7th, at 4:30 pm on the Drewsville Common. We will have horse and wagon rides, as well as cookies and cocoa. And, of course, Santa!