April 2025 Clarion Closing Date – 3/22/25

Uncategorized 03/15/2025 Leave a comment

From Ray Boas:

Yes, time again – “no fooling’ – and this is your warning the closing date for the April edition of your CLARION comes on Saturday, March 22, 5 pm (Walpole time), a week from today. 

Again I will ask for your early submissions which help as I start developing the layout well before the closing date (in fact I began April’s issue today). 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 Minutes – 3/5/25

SELECTBOARD 03/13/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 5, 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: Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance; Police Chief Justin Sanctuary; Janet Clough, Police Department Administrative Assistant and Peggy Pschirrer

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

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 6:31 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:18 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.

Mrs. Clough, Mr. Kreissle and Chief Sanctuary left during the Non-Public Session.  

Mrs. Pschirrer joined for the meeting of the Hooper Trustees.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:19 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry and in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

Congressional Funding Grant: Mrs. Pschirrer asked to address one other item before she left the meeting.  There is a Congressional Funding Grant available, but the application is due Friday, March 7th and it requires a letter from the Selectboard.  The Police Station Grant writer will prepare the grant application using the revised $6,200,000 price estimate for a smaller station.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter for the Selectboard and email it to the Board.  Once approved, Mrs. Downing has permission to apply the electric signatures and email the letter.

Mrs. Pschirrer left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $93,529.56 dated 3/7/2025 including $25,669.91 payment to Eastern Minerals for road salt.  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 $34,949.83 dated 3/7/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,182.10.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – February 27, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 27, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 27, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 27, 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:

  • Trail Committee Meeting – January 8, 2025
  • Trail Committee Meeting – February 12, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Shade Structure at the Pool: Ms. Vose explained the unexpected complication.  The shade structure needs stronger concrete footers than the existing concrete around the pool to support it. The issue is being investigated.

School District Reorganization Study: There was a response deadline of March 3rd.  By consensus, if none of the Towns pass the withdrawal study then Walpole will respond with a team (one Selectboard member, the School Board member, and a resident).  At this point no one knows if the study will even happen.

2025 Community Funding Requests: This is a follow-up item from last week.  By consensus, the Selectboard decided to pass on this.  The acceptable categories were not a good fit for Walpole.

Police Station Grant Writer: Cheshire County offers training for grant writers periodically and a class will begin soon.  No one can commit to the class at this time even though there is interest.  The current Police Station Grant Writer is already trained.

NEW BUSINESS

Lien Discharge: There is a mechanic’s lien for a property with outstanding sewer fees that were paid off.  The home is being sold.  Mr. Dalessio moved to discharge the Lien on Volume 2816 Page 848 and to have the Chair sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the lien is discharged, and Ms. Mayberry signed the form.

St Peter’s Church as Polling Place: Ms. Vose moved that the Chair sign the annual short-term lease for voting in the church basement.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the lease form.  Mrs. Downing will email the signed form to St. Peter’s Church.  We have a good long-term working relationship with St. Peter’s.  The church pays the insurance to cover polling, and the Town plows the church parking lot. 

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

Ms. Vose moved to return to the Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 8:36 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

The meeting was reconvened at 9:30 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.

ADJOUNRMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the March 12, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 3/12/25

SELECTBOARD 03/12/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

March 12, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $33,085.69 dated 3/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,672.95.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – March 5, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – March 5, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – March 3, 2025

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

  • Map and Lot# 028-159-000
  • Map and Lot# 001-003-006
  • Map and Lot# 030-065-000
  • Map and Lot# 020-044-000
  • Map and Lot# 001-019-000

VETERANS’ TAX CREDITS

  • Map and Lot# 013-027-001

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Streets Bridges/Culverts, School and Union Street Drainage

  • Houghton Brook Bridge – Cost Escalation Update
  • Reservoir Dam Update
  • Reservoir Dam Reimbursement Form
  • Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Initial Meeting

NEW BUSINESS

  • New Police Staton Grant Consultant
  • 2025 Senator Shaheen Congressional Grant Request
  • Recreation Revolving Fund Request
  • Whitcomb Park Reservation Request

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

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

Annual Town Election Results – 2025

Uncategorized 03/12/2025 Leave a comment

Click the link below to view or download the results of the Annual Town Election.

Signed Election Results 3-11-25Download

Peanut Butter and Jelly Food Drive – 3/15/25

EVENTS 03/11/2025 Leave a comment

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

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 03/09/2025 Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized 03/09/2025 Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized 03/07/2025 Leave a comment

Click the link below to download the latest newsletter from the Walpole schools.

WAA March 2025 NewsletterDownload

First Congregational Church Potluck Supper – 3/8/25

EVENTS 03/06/2025 Leave a comment

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/27/25

SELECTBOARD 03/06/2025 Leave a comment

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.)