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.)

Article 4 Discussion at the Library – 3/8/25

EVENTS 03/05/2025 Leave a comment

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

LOST & FOUND 03/03/2025 Leave a comment

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

Uncategorized 03/01/2025 Leave a comment

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

SELECTBOARD 02/28/2025 Leave a comment

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.)

Walpole Players Board Meeting – 3/2/25

Uncategorized 02/27/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Players Board Meeting
Sunday, March 2nd
4pm in the Helen Miller Theater

The Walpole Players will hold their next board meeting this Sunday, March 2nd, at 4pm upstairs in the Town Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend. We are taking suggestions and searching for a director for this year’s Old Home Days show. Bring your ideas to Sunday’s board meeting or email walpoleplayers@gmail.com

– Walpole Players Board of Directors

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 2/27/25

SELECTBOARD 02/27/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA 

February 27, 2025

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING 

WALPOLE SCHOOLS – Justin Cassarino, Principal

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $38,161.89 dated 2/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,272.68.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – February 20, 2025
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – February 20, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – January 13, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 19, 2025
  • Safety Committee Meeting – February 20, 2025

TIMBER TAX CERTIFICATION OF YIELD AND WARRANT

  • Map and Lot# 013-059-000

BUILDING PERMIT

  • 2025-03, Map and Lot# 011-027-000
  • 2025-04, Map and Lot# 008-015-006

OLD BUSINESS

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

  • Town Meeting and Warrant Articles
  • Police Station Land Closing
  • Fire Station USDA Grant

NEW BUSINESS

  • Authorization Letter for the Road Agent
  • School District Reorganization Study
  • 2025 Community Funding Requests
  • Zoning Violation

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

March 2025 Clarion Now Online

Uncategorized 02/26/2025 Leave a comment

From Ray Boas:

It is Town Meeting time, and now on-line the March CLARION has information to assist you in casting your ballot on Tuesday March 11, and join the conversations on Saturday March 15. Explained are Articles 2 and 4, and you will find a link to read all the Warrant Articles on the CLARION website.

Your hardcover copy is at the post offices for delivery to you shortly. Remember, the on-line edition is in full color.

So CLICK THIS LINK to take a look at the February CLARION, or click on the front cover image below. Stay safe and well, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Important Dog Licensing Info & Deadline – 4/30/25

Uncategorized 02/26/2025 Leave a comment

From Holly Gowdy, Deputy Town Clerk:

License your dog in the Town of Walpole, by April 30th

This year with your dog license you might win a great prize!

Dog Licenses can be purchased online if you go to the Town Clerk’s page on the Town of Walpole Website: www.walpolenh.us/town-clerk

For more information please call the Walpole Town Clerk’s Office at 603-756-3514

You can also purchase your dog license in the Town Clerk’s Office

Additional dog licensing info:

  • Dog owners who are 65 or older by April 30th receive a discount on one dog license
  • Dogs can be licensed for 2025 until April 30th – after that date they will be charged a late fee
  • Dog Licenses are an affordable way to “I.D.” your dog
  • Lost Dogs are more easily identified with their license and can be returned to their owners
  • Dog Licenses prove vaccination for Rabies, should your dog bite someone
  • It’s THE LAW to license dogs in NH, yearly, see RSA 466.1

In 2025, licensing your dog will include you in a drawing for some great prizes some of which include:

  • 25-pound bag of Blue Seal Feed’s ENTRUST dog food, from Walpole’s Blue Seal Feedstore
  • A $25.00 Gift Card from Walpole’s Tractor Supply 
  • One of FIVE FREE Pet Wellness Exams from the Walpole Veterinary Hospital
  • A Basket full of Dog Treats and Toys from Featherstone Kennel, Walpole

License your dog in the Town of Walpole, by April 30th, and your tag # will be used as a ticket for the drawing of these great prizes, donated by Blue Seal Feeds of Walpole, Tractor Supply of Walpole, Featherstone Kennel and Walpole Veterinary Hospital. The drawing will be on May 1, 2025. You don’t have to be present to win.

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/19/25

ZONING BOARD 02/25/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Town Hall

 7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Mr. Murray asked alternate Ms. Mansouri to sit in for the absent board member. She agreed. 

Minutes: Tonight’s minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the board’s regular March meeting for corrections.

Minutes of January 2025: Mr. Sellarole’s name was misspelled in two places: in the section on Call to Order and the section on Minutes. In the section titled 2024 Town Report the result of the Joint Meetings with the Southwest Region Planning Commission and Planning Board was one warrant not “a number of warrant articles.” Mr. Edkins made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected, Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Variance: Jennie Cure, Map 11, Lot 27, 529 Valley Road, Rural/Ag District. Proposed is a wheelchair ramp. But will be too be too close to the center of the road. Mr. Phelps is asking for a public hearing for a variance. He has talked with Zoning Coordinator, Ernie Vose. Zoning Ordinance: Article VIII D-2.

Mr. Edkins recused himself from sitting as a board member on Mr. Phelps’ request because he is a long-time friend of not only Mr. Phelps but also the applicant, Jennie Cure. 

Mr. Phelps came to the meeting, explained what he wanted to do and submitted an application, sketch of the situation and wrote check for the application and letters to the 8 abuttters. He asked for a public hearing in March 2025.

Ms Barnes read RSA 6754:33 Section V. The ordinance says:

“V. Notwithstanding subparagraph I(a)(2), any zoning board of adjustment may grant a variance from the terms of a zoning ordinance without finding a hardship arising from the condition of a premises subject to the ordinance, when reasonable accommodations are necessary to allow a person or persons with a recognized physical disability to reside in or regularly use the premises, provided that:
(a) Any variance granted under this paragraph shall be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance.
(b) In granting any variance pursuant to this paragraph, the zoning board of adjustment may provide, in a finding included in the variance, that the variance shall survive only so long as the particular person has a continuing need to use the premises.” She gave Mr. Phelps a copy.

There was discussion about when to hold the meeting on the public hearing for Ms. Cure’s proposal. Two board members were not going to be at the March meeting. Also the Board would vote on election of officers. Should the Board wait until the April meeting for the public hearing? However, Mr. Phelps said if the wheelchair ramp were to be approved, Ms. Cure wanted him to to start building it on March 20. So a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to hold a public hearing for Mr. Phelps’ client at its regular March 2025 meeting to build the handicap ramp and proceed with the election of Board member titles for the new term.  

Old Business:

Gravel pit inspection report: Chair Mr. Murray asked for the board to accept a single-signature inspection report for the gravel pit inspection of JP Trucking Inc. on Old Drewsville Road even though gravel pit inspection reports are usually signed by the two people conducting the inspection. Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to accept the single-signature report, Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.

One of our own

Ms. Barnes, Ms. Mansouri and Ms. Blaine couldn’t let this meeting end without acknowledging the passing of one of our own, Bob Anderson. When Bob was on the ZBA he was an important member. He was known for his inventiveness, professionalism, fair play, wit and compassion. He was admired by all, even by people who didn’t always agree with him. And, as Ms. Mansouri said, he was one of the kindest men she has ever met.

Mr. Winmill’s last meeting

Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to thank Mr. Winmill for his three years of service on the board. Mr. Murray seconded the motion. Mr. Edkins agreed. Ms. Barnes and Ms. Mansouri abstained. 

Adjournment

At 7:48 pm Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary