Christmas Eve & Labyrinth of Lights at the Unitarian Church

EVENTS 12/20/2024 Leave a comment

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

WALPOLE UNITARIAN CHURCH

ON MAIN STREET

5:30 P.M. This is a service of Christmas carols, music, and readings, both traditional and contemporary, culminating with the lighting of candles and singing “Silent Night.”  Guest musicians  Peter Eldridge, Eugene Friesen, and Ajlan Beer will contribute to this special service.  

LABYRINTH OF LIGHTS

HASTINGS HOUSE BALLROOM ON UNION STREET

The Labyrinth will be open December 22 and 23, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. December 27, 28, and 29th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.There is no fee for entry, but donations are gratefully accepted.  Proceeds from donations will go to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 12/18/24

ZONING BOARD 12/20/2024 Leave a comment

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024

TOWN HALL

7pm

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed for corrections at the January 2025 meeting. 

Roll Call: Board members present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Pauline Barnes. Alternate: Don Sellarole. Absent: Board members Shane O’Keefe and Tom Winmill, and alternate Myra Mansouri. 

In the absence of Recording Secretary Marilou Blaine, Clerk Pauline Barnes took the minutes. 

Call To Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and asked Mr. Sellarole to fill in for a missing member. He thanked Ms. Barnes for stepping in to take the minutes. 

Minutes: Review of the October 2024 and November 2024 minutes. Mr. Murray stated that the reason to return to the October minutes was Mr. Winmill’s view that the minutes did not accurately reflect his motion on signage. Mr. Edkins moved that Mr. Winmill’s email of 3:59 p.m. Sunday, October 20th to the recording secretary be incorporated as an amendment to the October 2024 minutes. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Edkins then moved that the October minutes be approved as amended, with Ms. Barnes seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 

Review of November 2024 minutes. In the sixth paragraph on page one, change Winmilt to Winmill. On page two, paragraph two, first line, substitute the word “motion” for “below.” Mr Edkins 

moved that the November minutes be approved as amended, with Mr. Murray seconding. The motion passed unanimously. 

Placement of Unapproved Minutes Statement. A discussion followed about where to place the statement that minutes are unapproved. Mr. Edkins moved that the disclaimer “These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the following meeting” be placed at the beginning of the minutes rather than at the end. Mr. Murray seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 

2024 Town Report. Mr Murray asked if members had any suggestions for inclusion in his summary of ZBA activities for the 2024 Town Report. Ms. Barnes offered the following: “In consultation with the Southwest Region Planning Commission, the ZBA worked with the Planning Board to update, reorganize, and clarify the Walpole zoning ordinance. This resulted in a number of warrant articles to be presented at the 2025 town meeting.” 

Adjournment: At 7:30 p.m. Mr Murray moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Edkins. The motion passed unanimously. 

Respectively submitted, 

Pauline Barnes, ZBA Clerk 

Selectboard Non-Public Session Minutes – 12/12/24

SELECTBOARD 12/20/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION

DECEMBER 12, 2024

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: Mr. Dalessio moved that the meeting enter a Non-Public Session at 7:35 PM. Ms. Vose seconded the motion.

LETTER TO FMRSD: Mr. Dalessio moved the Board sign the letter, which is a vote of no confidence in the FMRSD business department, to the Superintendent of Fall Mountain Regional School District and the Chair of the School Board.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.  After further discussion it was decided the letter should be shared with the Selectboards in the other Towns in FMRSD. The very overdue FMRSD tax rate information is impacting all the towns in the school district.

MEETING WITH LANGDON: Steve Varone bought Devin Gallagher, Chair of the Langdon Selectboard, coffee.  After their coffee, Mr. Varone and Ms. Mayberry were invited to meet with the Langdon Selectboard on Monday at 7:00 PM.  By consensus, the Board supports working with the other towns in FMRSD and attending the meeting on Monday.

FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING RENOVATION GRANT:   In order to get the grant, the Town needs to submit the 2023 Audit Report and a balance sheet.  Mr. Kreissle stated that AccuFund cannot create a balance sheet, but he can create one in Excel.  Ms. Mayberry will contact the auditors and get the 2023 audit report.   Once the grant is approved, there needs to be another meeting with Jenny Vose, Mr. Kreissle, Mr. Houghton and the Selectboard to create a process for handling the grant money which will come to the Town but be managed by the Fire Department. 

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER: The UEI renewal is due 6/25/2025. The Board requested that Mrs. Downing put a reminder on her calendar for June 2, 2025.  Ms. Mayberry recommended that while completing the renewal in the application, one should select “Do Not Share Info”.  

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Vose moved to adjourn this Non-Public Session of December 12, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. These minutes will be sealed.

Respectfully Submitted, 
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 19, 2024, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/12/24

SELECTBOARD 12/20/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 12, 2024

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 6:37 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,915.16 dated 12/13/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,966.70.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 4, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 4, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – November 21, 2024:  An email was received from Ruggerio Processing Facility requesting a change in the minutes.  The minutes said there would be no employees on the processing floor, but it should state there will be employees on the processing floor.  Ms. Vose moved to amend the minutes as requested by Ruggerio Processing Facility.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the minutes are amended.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Trail Committee Meeting – September 11, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – October 9, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – November 13, 2024
  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – November 4, 2024
  • Police Building Committee Meeting – November 19, 2024
  • Conservation Commission Meeting – December 2, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 008-062-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Cut timber on Map and Lot# 008-062-000, the Hooper Golf Properties, pending confirmation from Monadnock Conservancy.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the intent to cut timber was approved pending confirmation.

Map and Lot# 011-001-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Cut timber on Map and Lot# 011-001-000 for a property off Reservoir Road.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the intent to cut timber was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-38, Map and Lot# 013-036-001-2: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit #2024-38 for Map and Lot # 013-036-001-2 to install a 591.8 square foot roof-mount solar array.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Map and Lot# 009-023-002 Agreement and Deposit Receipt: Ms. Mayberry reminded the group that this form was for the landlocked, tax-deeded property sold by sealed bid last week.  Mr. Dalessio moved that Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, sign the receipt.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the receipt.

Map and Lot# 009-023-002 Quitclaim Deed: It was noted that the deed was related to the above item.  Checks for the balance due, the NH Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) and the recording fees were  received.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Quitclaim Deed be accepted and signed.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Quitclaim Deed was accepted and signed.

School Withdrawal Article: After some discussion, it was believed that the School Withdrawal article should be voted on at the Town Meeting. To be certain, Ms. Mayberry will check with Atty. Hockensmith.  

NEW BUSINESS

Voter Petition Article: By consensus the Selectboard acknowledged it received the petition which was already sent to the Planning Board. Mr. Dalessio will send the article to Mr. Hockensmith requesting an explanation of grandfathering with respect to this petition article.  For example, is Dunkin Donuts grandfathered?  If Walgreens closes and a new company buys the store, would they be able to have a drive through prescription pickup window?

DES Dredge and Wetlands Permit Application Notice: The application is for 602 Cold River Road.  The home was destroyed during the Alstead Flood and then rebuilt. However, Cold River is washing away the riverbank. The property owner has received a grant for bank stabilization. The Board acknowledged the notice was received.

Town Website Landing Page Change Request: A request was received to add the Recycling Department as a button/icon.  Mrs. Downing’s recommendation is to remove all the buttons except for action buttons/icons such as “Register a Vehicle”.  By consensus all the buttons/icons will be removed from the home page because not all the departments fit on the landing page. Department links are available on the menu at the top of the landing page.

There was a request for a disposal list on the website (i.e. the cost for disposal of big items).  Mr. Hoy should be contacted directly with the request.  He can add it to the Recycling pages since he manages those pages.

January 2nd Selectboard Meeting:   Ms. Mayberry is required to attend a meeting for her job on Thursday, January 2nd.  With New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day being holiday time, there is no other time for the Board to meet.  Ms. Vose moved that the January 2nd meeting is to be cancelled, and Mrs. Downing is authorized to sign the payroll for January 3, 2025.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting for January 2, 2025, is cancelled and Mrs. Downing is authorized to sign payroll that week.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 7:35 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 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 8:01PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 19, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 12/19/24

SELECTBOARD 12/19/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

December 19, 2024

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

2024 TAX RATE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Griffin Construction Contract
  • Hooper Maintenance Trust
  • November 2024 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Education Fund
  • November 2024 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – December 4, 2024

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING (continued)

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,802,302.05 for checks issued 12/20/2024.

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $33,915.16 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,010.76.
  • Payroll Register totaling $2,793.33 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $414.18.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – December 12, 2024
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – December 12, 2024

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Planning Board Meeting – September 11, 2024

TIMBER INTENTS

  • Map and Lot# 008-062-000
  • Map and Lot# 010-034-000
  • Conservation Easements

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2023-43 Renewal, Map and Lot# 003-001-002
  • 2024-39, Map and Lot# 001-010-001
  • 2024-40, Map and Lot# 001-010-001
  • 2024-41, Map and Lot# 001-010-001

OLD BUSINESS

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

  • Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement Request
  • Reservoir Dam Update
  • Five Water & Sewer Proposals re: ARPA Grant Funding
  • Petition Article re: Legal Review
  • School Withdrawal Article Ballot Question

NEW BUSINESS

  • 2024 Preliminary Assessment to Sales Ration Study – Equalization
  • Highway Safety Grant Agreement
  • Municipal Tax Rate Setting Portal
  • Zoning Warrant Articles
  • Accident Reports
  • Employee Resignation
  • Thank You

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

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

Thank You from Cub Scout Pack 299

COMMUNITY NEWS 12/16/2024 Leave a comment

From Deb Pawelczyk:

Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299 would like to say “Thank You” to everyone who helped make our Bake Sales at the plays a huge success. Also a big Thank You to the Walpole Players for thinking of us to do this. If anyone is doing an event and they would like some concession done Cub Scout Pack 299 may be able to help. If interested please contact Deb Pawelczyk at 603-445-5475.

No Wiggle Time at the Library Today – 12/16/24

Uncategorized 12/16/2024 Leave a comment

There will be no Wiggle Time today, December 16th, at the Walpole Town Library.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/4/24

SELECTBOARD 12/13/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 4, 2024

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

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, John McCollister, Devin Gallagher, Brendan Hayes, Dennis Wright, Kim Surles, Shane Lake, Terri Lake, Ben Northcott, Josette Britton, Griffin Dussault, Jennifer Marquay and Akbar Ashoury.

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

OPENING SEALED BIDS FOR TAX DEEDED PROPERTIES

The bids for the tax-deeded properties were opened.  The winning bids were:

  • Tax Map 9 Lot 23-2 – Off Derry Hill Road: Lawrence, Wyatt, and Jossie Britton bid of $6,850.
  • Tax Map14 Lot 5 – 522 Whitcomb Road:  Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $82,099.
  • Tax Map 29 Lot 105 – 11 Merchant Street:  Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $17,095.
  • Tax Map 28 Lot 120 — 27 Center Street: Jiffy Real Estate LLC bid of $72,099.

Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Wright, Ms. Surles, Mr. Lake, Mrs. Lake, Mr. Northcott, Mrs. Britton, Mr. Dussault, Ms. Marquay and Mr. Ashoury left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTREES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:57 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms.  Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.    

The meeting was reconvened at 7:26 PM.   Mrs. Pschirrer left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $321,832.91 dated 12/06/2024 including $174,687.50 payment to Daniels Construction for the emergency repair of the Elm and Main Street bridge.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $39,530.07 dated 12/06/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,484.69.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public Meeting for School Withdrawal Study Committee Findings – November 20, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Public meeting for the School Withdrawal Study Committee Findings of November 20, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Selectboard Meeting – November 21, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 21, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – November 21, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 21, 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:

  • Planning Board Meeting – November 12, 2024
  • Library Trustees Meeting – November 12, 2024
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 20, 2024
  • Safety Committee Meeting – November 21, 2024
  • Planning Board Workshop – November 26, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-37, Map and Lot# 010-020-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-37 for Map and Lot # 010-020-000 to pour a 19’ 10” x 10’ 2” Alaskan slab foundation for a future greenhouse. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

ARPA Grant – Water and Sewer: Mr. Dalessio explained that the pending contract will replace the generator at Prospect Hill water reservoir. The current generator is too small for the water system. Once the new generator in installed, the old generator will be used at the Town Hall for backup power.  In addition, generators will be purchased for the 3 sewer pump stations.  Mr. Dalessio said that the contract will be reviewed by the Selectboard on Dec. 13th during the departmental budget meetings. The total cost may be slightly over the ARPA grant, in which case the Water and Sewer Reserve will be used for the remainder.  The wording of the contract is that the project will be completed after all materials are available because of the backlog in generator orders.

Pending Projects: Mr. Dalessio reported that the School Street drainage project is ready for a wetlands permit.  The Houghton Brook Bridge needs to be looked at soon.  Future projects will probably not involve Fuss & O’Neill because of their workload.  Both projects are going to be expensive, and it will be hard to find funding.   Mill Pond Dam is also on the pending list.  Mrs. Downing will put all three projects on the agenda for next week.

Walpole Players Letter: As follow-up to the discussion with the Players on November 21st, Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter to the Walpole Players.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was accepted, and the letter was signed.

Ruggerio Processing Facility – Waive Fine Letter:  As a result of discussions with representatives of Ruggerio on November 21, 2024, Mr. Dalessio moved the Board sign the letter waiving the fine, which should have been applied to the previous owner.  Ms. Vose seconded the motion.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and the letter was signed.

FMRSD Letter: Steve Varone, the Town Treasurer, prepared a letter to FMRSD about the very late submission of the MS-25 form which impacts all five towns in the School District.  Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.  Mrs. Downing will scan the signed letter and send it to the School District’s Superintendent and Business Administrator. After discussion, the Selectboards requested a copy of the letter be emailed to other the other four towns in FMRSD.

NEW BUSINESS

Winter Parking Ban: The North Walpole Commissioners Office sent an email inquiring about enforcement of the parking ban this winter.  Ms. Mayberry will talk to Police Chief Sanctuary about enforcing the ban.  Mrs. Downing will put a notice in Clarion and the Walpolean reminding people the ban is in effect.

Cheshire Country Proposed 2025 Budget: The total budget is $74,992,938, which is slightly less than last year.  Proposed taxes for the municipalities are $31,118,488 which is an increase of 6.96% over the 2024 budget. 

January 2, 2025 Selectboard Meeting: The first week each month the Selectboard typically meets on Wednesday, but that will be January 1st which is a holiday.  Ms. Mayberry requested this item be added to next week’s agenda for follow-up.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business, Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 12, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Walpole Seniors Potluck Lunch – 12/16/24

EVENTS 12/13/2024 Leave a comment

Walpole Seniors’ Potluck Lunch – Monday, Dec. 16:

High Noon at the Congregational Church

Bring a dish and chat with friends!

Walpole Players Show is Sold Out

EVENTS 12/13/2024 1 Comment

ALL shows of the Walpole Players 2024 Holiday Fundraiser of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” are SOLD OUT. You cannot buy tickets at the door! 

Please text (no calls) Jenny Plante at 603-313-9319 if you bought tickets and are not coming, if you would like to be put on the waitlist or if you have any questions.

Congratulations to the ACS Cast & Crew on a wonderful opening night!