Tag Archives: Meeting Minutes

Public Hearing Minutes – 12/18/25

Uncategorized 01/04/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Public Hearing

Asset Management Plan (AMP) Grant Hearing

December 18, 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: Brian Scadova-Vose (Northeast GIS), Jenna Rzasa (Tata & Howard), Peggy Pschirrer, Mark Houghton, Ernie Vose, Kyle Houghton, Steve Grenier, Eric Smith, Bryan Wetherby, and Michael Flynn.

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Public Hearing to order at 5:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Presentation: Mr. Scadova-Vose and Ms. Rzasa gave a presentation summarizing the Walpole Water Department Asset Management Plan (AMP) project.  Asset management is managing infrastructure and cost for level of service.  The Water Department’s infrastructure can be categorized as 1) water supply and storage, and 2) water mains and customers.  During the project the parts of the system were prioritized based on impact of failure and cost of future improvements.  As a result, a plan emerged for what parts of the system will be updated first.  Options for increasing income were reviewed and possible grant funding sources were identified.

The Water Department feels this was a useful project and that the project and report were well done.  The final written report will be available this month.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 31, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Public Hearing Minutes – 12/18/25

Uncategorized 01/04/2026 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Public Hearing

Community Facilities Grant Agreement – Memo of Understanding

December 18, 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: Mark Houghton, Fire Chief; Michael Flynn, WFD Clerk; Ernie Vose, WFD Commissioner and Peggy Pschirrer

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Public Hearing to order at 6:54 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Memo of Understanding (MoU): Mark Houghton explained the history of the grant, to help explain the current situation.  Walpole Fire District applied for the grant.  At some point Congress dropped “District”, so the applicant became Walpole Fire, i.e., the Town of Walpole, not the Walpole Fire District (WFD).  The Memo of Understanding (MoU) documents how the Town will receive the funds and pass them to the WFD with all the necessary controls.  The attorneys representing the Town and the Walpole Fire District have reviewed the agreement. The agreement applies from now until the end of the Fire Station Expansion project.

Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign Memo of Understanding between the Town of Walpole and the Walpole Fire District.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the MoU.

Michael Flynn, on behalf of the Walpole Fire District, also signed the MoU. Mr. Houghton will ensure that both lawyers sign the MoU.

The Walpole Fire District expressed their appreciation to the Selectboard for working together to find a way to make this grant funding available to the Walpole Fire District.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 31, 2025 Selectboard meeting.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/18/25

SELECTBOARD 01/04/2026 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 18, 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: Paul Looney and Peggy Pschirrer

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 7:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Old Business

CPCNH Rate Update: Mr. Looney explained that CPCNH has a rate of $0.146 for February to July 2026. CPCNH made some serious mistakes last year and now they are doing OK, but they have cash flow issues.  They need to buy power now, but they don’t get paid for that power until March.  A higher rate is necessary to get CPCNH back on track financially. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) did not allow Liberty Utilities to recover losses with higher rates. No one knows why this was not allowed.  Liberty goes to the PUC tomorrow. The new Liberty rates for next year will be announced after the meeting.  Walpole electricity users have the option to go back to Liberty if the rates are better.  Mr. Looney recommended that he write an article for the Clarion to explain that people can go to another power producer.  Unfortunately, there are not many power producers that will work with Liberty.  Mr. Looney needs the most recent bills for all Town departments to recommend the best course of action.   Ms. Mayberry will gather and send the Liberty Utility invoices to Mr. Looney 

Solar Energy System at the Recycling Center – Federal Reimbursement: Mr. Looney discussed the delay.  Mr. Kimball has been calling the IRS and is on hold for 4 – 6 hours. There is no one working in the IRS to address issues.   The Selectboard needs to make it clear to the public and in financial records that the Town has done everything it could do. However, it is unknown when the reimbursement money will be available.

Mr. Looney and Mrs. Pschirrer left the meeting.

2026 Budget Hearing Date: The previously announced date of February 12, 2026, was reconsidered and changed to February 5, 2026, with a snow date of 2/12/2026.

2025 Tax Rate Update: Ms. Mayberry announced that the Town’s MS-535 form from the auditors had been uploaded to the tax portal.  Ms. Mayberry said the Town is waiting on North Walpole Village’s MS-535 form to be processed by the DRA. It appeared their MS-535 was uploaded this evening.  When a preliminary rate is issued, the Town will need to provide the overlay amount for future abatements.  Ms. Mayberry moved to use the same rate of $60,000 that was used last year.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, an overlay of $60,000 was approved.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,819.38 dated 12/19/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,474.13.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – December 11, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 11, 2025. Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 11. 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 11, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved and remain sealed.

Timber Intents

Map and Lots # 007-005-000, 007-006-000 and 007-007-000: These lots are in the Fanny Mason conservation parcels owned by the Town.  The timber tax has been waived.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lots #007-005-000, 007-006-000 and 007-007-000near the rest area on Route 12.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.  

Building Permit

2025-42, Map and Lot# 004-035-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-42 for Map and Lot # 004-035-001 to construct a 10’ x10’ gazebo.   Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the building permit was approved and signed.

New Business

Cemetery Trustees Encumbrance Request: The Cemetery Trustees would like to encumber the amount of $4,190.00 from the 2025 Cemetery budget, appropriated from the unspent budget lines for trees, headstone repairs, training, seminars, mileage and general supplies.  The request was declined by the Selectboard because there must be contracts or quotes and purchase orders associated with the funds to be encumbered for work to be completed in early 2026. Ms. Mayberry will contact Mr. Woodward.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program: Ms. Mayberry stated that continuing with the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program in Keene will cost $5,215.56 for twelve collection days in 2026 and 2027.  Ms. Vose will discuss the collection program with Ms. Hakey.  If the Town participates in the program, the collection dates should be well advertised so that citizens take advantage of it.  The decision regarding the expense will be made at the first meeting in January.

School District Payment Schedule and Tax Amounts: For the 2025-26 school year, the Town’s payments to FMRSD were $804,108.98 per month from July to December 2025. The amount will change to $583,655.19 per month from January to June 2026.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the payment schedule. 

Donation Request to Whitcomb Park: The Joshua Druke Foundation would like to donate a replacement bulletin board to Whitcomb Park. Ms. Vose moved to accept the donation and thanked the donors.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.  The Selectboard would like to thank the Joshua Druke Foundation for their generous donation.

Restaurant at Burdicks and Walpole Grocery Open Container Requests for 2026 Events: Luca Paris would like to continue with the traditional Bastille Day (July 10-11, 2026) and Oktoberfest (September 25-26, 2026). Mr. Paris would like to add Calen DiMaggio event (May 15-16, 2026).  Calen DiMaggio is an Italian festival of spring.  All three events will be focused around the 20’ x 40’ tent in the parking lot at 47 Main Street.  For each event, setup will be Friday with food and beverages on Saturday.  Mr. Paris requested written permission for the events.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the three events with open containers permitted in the tent and parking area at 47 Main Street.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the events were approved.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:56 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:03 PM.

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 8:03 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:38 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 8:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 31, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 12/17/25

ZONING BOARD 12/20/2025 Leave a comment

Zoning Board of Adjustment

December 17, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the January 2026 meeting for corrections. 

Role Call: Present board members: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Pauline Barnes, Shane O’Keefe, William Sommers. Alternate Don Sellarole. Absent: Myra Mansouri.

Call to order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

Minutes: Review of minutes of  November 2025.

Mr. Murray made two additions. He said under old business he said he would discuss more about ADUs. He reminded the secretary to put the unapproved minutes notice at the beginning of all minutes. Ms. Barnes made a motion to approved the amended minutes. Mr. Sommers seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Permanent Posted Meeting Time.

Mr. Murray talked with the staff at Town Offices and offered two laminated signs that would permanently be posted on the outside bulletin board at the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside of the Post Office. It said Zoning Board meeting third Wednesday of every month at the Town Hall at 7 pm. Mr. Edkins suggested it say Zoning Board of Adjustment and Ms. Barnes thought (ZBA) should also be included. Mr. Murray will add these to the permanent laminated signs.

Old Business: 

In regard to a joint meeting with the Planning Board, Mr. Murray and Ms. Barnes attended a meeting in November about ADUs. At that meeting new state mandates for ADU ordinances were the topic of discussion.

Mr. Murray distributed a copy of a letter written by Town Counsel Jeremy Hockensmith. It was sent after the Planning Board Chair emailed him about a list of new state mandates regarding ordinances about RSA 674:71 to 73, ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units. The Chair wanted to know if Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances required the Planning Board to comply with some changes. Mr. Hockensmith replied with 16 suggested revisions to the Ordinance. For example, one of them was “Per the new statute, definitions of “attached unit” and “detached unit” should be added. I would add another definition of “existing structure” to read as follows: “a structure existing before 2025.”

Mr. Murray talked about following up with the Planning Board. Mr. Edkins didn’t think it should be Zoning Board of Adjustment participation as it’s the Planning Board’s job to write ordinances not the ZBA. But since the Planning Board is planning to work on a new ordinance. Mr. Murray and Ms. Barnes offered to be part of the group as “knowledgeable citizens,” not as Zoning Board of Adjustment members. 

New Business:

Pauline Barnes and the Board will work on prioritizing menu on left side of the ZBA web site content.

Ms. Barnes prepared a suggested menu to put on the left-hand side of the initial page on the web site. The purpose of doing this, Ms. Barnes said, was to make it easier for townspeople to navigate the web site and better understand how to fill out the applications.

1. Zoning Ordinances

2. Variances

  • Definition
  • Application

3. Special Exceptions

  • Definition
  • Application

4. Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use

  • Definition
  • Application

5. Appeal of Administrative Decision

  • Definition
  • Application

6. Fees

7. Meeting Minutes

8. Board Bylaws

The rest of the Board liked what Ms. Barnes has done however they thought the last three, fees, meeting minutes and Board Bylaws should be in another order. Mr. Sellarole thought fees should be last. Mr. O’Keefe thought Bylaws were important and showed procedure so it should be number 6. That made Meeting Minutes between the two, so it remained as 7. The final three entries would now be: 6. Board Bylaws, 7. Meeting Minutes, 8. Fees. The next step is to talk to the staff in the Town Offices and having the menu changed after definitions have been written and applications copied. Also applications should be checked for updated information such as fees.

RSA 91-A

Mr. O’Keefe handed out a couple of copies of RSA 91-A. It was the NH Attorney General’s analysis of the Right to Know law. Mr. O’Keefe said he wanted a Zoning Board of Adjustment agenda posted every month. However, posting an agenda is not a requirement of the Right-to-Know Law. He said he wouldn’t attend a meeting if he didn’t know what was on the agenda of a meeting. If there were a meeting about something happening on the road where he lives, he be interested in attending. But if there is no agenda, he wouldn’t bother to attend a meeting. 

Adjournment

Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried. It was 7:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/11/25

SELECTBOARD 12/20/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 11, 2025

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio, Chair, and Cheryl Mayberry

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

Selectboard Absent: Carolyn Vose

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:35 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $81,131.05 dated 12/15/2025 including $24,050 payment to Pelow and Sons for paving. Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $43,365.03 dated 12/02/2025 for payments to Health Trust for the December billing. Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $804,108.98 dated 11/25/2025 for payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District December billing. Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $100,000.00 for the Village of North Walpole dated 12/15/2025 and $369,000.00 for the Walpole Fire District dated 12/16/2025.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Accounts Payable was approved. 

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,242.29 dated 12/12/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,729.39.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – December 3, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 3, 2025. Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 3, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 3, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Non-Public minutes were approved and remain sealed.

Committee Reports

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

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – December 1, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Refunds

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 024-019-000 of $2,612.50 for a double property tax payment during a home ownership transfer.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

ARPA Grant Agreement for Reservoir Dam Project: Mr. Dalessio explained this is an amendment to the grant because of the change in plans.  Before signing the amendment, the Selectboard needed to talk to Fuss & O’Neill to confirm the details.  Ms. Mayberry moved that the Chair sign the ARPA Grant Agreement amendment.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and Mr. Dalessio signed the amendment.

Department Budget Meeting: The Department Budget Meeting will be on Friday, December 12th. Three people will not be able to attend.  Meals were planned and the schedule reviewed.

Asset Management Plan (AMP) Public Hearing: This public hearing has been posted for Thursday, 12/18/2025 at 5:30 in the Town Hall.  The grant needs to be closed.

Fire Station USDA Grant Agreement and MOU Hearing: This public hearing has been posted for Thursday 12/18/2025 at 6:30. There are two different documents and two different hearings. 

New Business

MetLife Termination Letter: Walpole will cease using MetLife vendor services as of 12/31/2025 in preparation for switching to Reliance Standard. Ms. Mayberry moved the Chair sign the letter notifying MetLife Walpole will cease using their services on 12/31/2025.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and Mr. Dalessio signed the letter.

Reliance Standard, W-2 Service Agreement: The new insurance group will create W-2s for employees receiving benefits.  Payments are made directly to the employee.   Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the agreement so Reliance Standard can prepare W-2s on benefits paid to employees.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion carried, and Mr. Dalessio signed the agreement.

NHRS User Access Forms: Ms. Mayberry explained that Town must change users.  Ms. Mayberry moved to have Chair sign NHRS User Access Forms.  The first removes Mr. Kreissle as a user and the second adds Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the forms.

Scheduling: There are two items.  First, the date of the Budget Hearing will be February 12, 2026, with a snow date of 2/13/2026.  Second, the Town Offices will close on December 24, 2025, at noon.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b)(c) at 7:03 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:22 PM.

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

Note of Gratitude: Mr. Dalessio thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS for a recent search and rescue in Drewsville.  They all did a great job!

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 18, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

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.)

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

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/26/25

SELECTBOARD 12/06/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

November 26, 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: Justin Cassarino, Principal of Walpole Schools

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 8:30 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Walpole Schools Update from Justin Cassarino

Mr. Cassarino updated the Selectboard on the Walpole Schools.  Hooper Institute participation within the schools by Greta Drager and George Gowdy is wonderful. The depth of education is so much more than would be possible without them.  Walpole Schools are looking for safety grants for door improvements.  The school year is going well, and previous interventions are now paying off.  This year’s kindergarten is the first year of students born during COVID.  Additional teachers and smaller classes are needed to help these students settle in and grow.  The school is working on the budget for next year.

Mr. Cassarino left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,365.92 dated 11/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,296.44.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Payroll was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 19, 2025. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Selectboard minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November 19, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 19, 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:

  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – October 24, 2025
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 19, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2025-38, Map and Lot# 025-030-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-38 for Map and Lot # 025-030-000 to construct a 180 sq. ft. round tent platform.  The applicants are now the owners of the property per the Probate Court.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-41, Map and Lot# 021-002-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit #2025-41 for Map and Lot # 021-002-000 to construct a 768 sq. ft. deck.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Pearl Street Repair Work: No additional information received. This item will be discussed next week.

New Business

Road Agent Authorization Letter: The Road Agent, Mike Symonds, needs to register a new dump trailer for the Town.  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter to authorizing Michael Symonds, Road Agent, to register the dump trailer for Walpole.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Reliance Standard Preliminary Application: The application is for Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurance starting 1/1/2026.  Ms. Mayberry moved to have the Chair sign the application for group insurance.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Brush Removal at Whitcomb Recreation Park: Mr. Wilkes would like to encumber funds from the part-time employee budget line for 2025 to be used to complete and bill for brush removal at the Rec Park in early 2026.  Kelly Lawn Care has provided an estimate of $2,100.  The work is expected to be completed in three days by two people.  Disposal will be on site.  Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order #457311for $2,100 to have Kelly Lawn Care remove brush at Whitcomb park.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

FMRSD Warrant Articles Reimbursement: FMRSD is seeking a reimbursement for FMRSD Warrant Articles 5 from 2025 and 7 from 2023. In October, FMRSD requested to withdraw money from a capital reserve fund.  The Selectboard acknowledges that the request was made and it will be forward to the Trustees of Trust Funds.  The Selectboard assumes the school district has made the appropriate deposits and the funds are available to withdraw.

Route 12 Paving Project for 2026: NHDOT will be paving Route 12 from the center of East Westmoreland north to the junction of Main Street in Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry commented that the NHDOT is now keeping good roads good.

Meeting Schedule: Next week the Selectboard will meet on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard office.  The Board will meet Thursday, December 11th and Thursday, December 18th.  The Select board will not meet Christmas week.  The last meeting of the year will be Wednesday, December 31st at 8:30 AM. 

School Budget: Mr. Dalessio summarized the FMRSD budget process for next year. 

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 9:30 AM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 9:51 AM.

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 9:51 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 3, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/12/25

SELECTBOARD 11/23/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

November 12, 2025

Selectboard Present: Carolyn Vose and Cheryl Mayberry

Selectboard Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair

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

Guests Present: Toni MacDougle and Kaian Wilkes

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Pickleball: Toni MacDougle and Kaian Wilkes discussed the Recreation Department sponsored program.  Ms. MacDougle feels Mr. Wilkes is doing a great job.  People are asking her about the courts. She understood the courts will stay the same because there are other higher priorities such as a safe Police station, a Town pool that is leaking, etc. Ms. MacDougle is teaching three groups each with about twenty-eight people on Sundays.  She feels the courts provide reasonable surface conditions, but they would like to look for grants for future improvements.  The Selectboard reminded everyone that the Whitcomb Recreation Area is funded by Walpole taxpayers. There needs to be a focus on Town needs.  Currently, the pickleball players are not paying anything for the use of the facility, but all others (swimming, basketball, soccer, …) pay a fee to participate.  Both Mr. Wilkes and Ms. MacDougle feel that the interactions this year are positive and are a wonderful change from the past.  Balls and paddles are available to anyone, anytime. There was a question about the Town policies on donations.  Mrs. Downing will look up the rules.  All Recreation Department donations would have to be approved by Mr. Wilkes, the Manager of Recreation.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,371.26 dated 11/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,848.39.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – November 5, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – November   5, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of November 5, 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 – November 3, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2025-40, Map and Lot# 012-055-020: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-40 for Map and Lot # 012-055-020 to build a 12’ x 20’ addition for two home offices. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

2025 Tax Rate Status: Per Mr. Kreissle’s recap the Town needs the MS 535 uploaded to the portal.

Selectboard Meeting Dates: It was requested that in the first week of December, the Selectboard meet on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.  That date is good for everyone.

New Business

Terra Map Mapping Services Agreement: Terra Map is a subsidiary of Avitar, and they update the maps with lot line adjustments, zoning changes, etc. It is beneficial for the maps to accurately represent recent changes.  A 1-year limited license is $3,120 for 2026, and that will update all the 2024 and 2025 changes.  There is a question on what is in the budget, what account is used to pay both Terra Map and Avitar, and payments made to both in the last few years.  Mr. Kreissle will be asked to gather that information.  This item will be voted on next week.

Utility Statutory Permit by Notification: Soil boring is needed under the transmission lines in North Walpole.  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the notification.

Thank You Letter: Shirley Capron thanked the Town for Highway Department work done on Pearl Street.  The Selectboard needs to clarify what was done and what the Town needs to do regarding ownership.  Did North Walpole Village Commissioners agree to the work?  The Town also needs to determine who owns the land where improvements were made.

Thanksgiving Feast: The Selectboard is invited to a Thanksgiving feast at the School on November 20th in the Gym at 11:30 AM.  Ms. Mayberry expects to attend and will RSVP.  Ms. Vose will not be available.

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 7:48 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:41 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.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 19, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 11/19/25

ZONING BOARD 11/23/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

Role Call: Board present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Pauline Barnes, Bill Sommers. Absent: Board members Clerk Dave Edkins and Shane O’Keefe. Alternates Don Sellarole and Myra Mansouri.

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. Three members constitute a quorum, so the Board continued its meeting.

Review of Minutes: Minutes of October 2025. Mr. Sommers made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Old Business:

Recap: Joint meeting and ADUs Legislative Position and Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance.

Mr. Sommers received copies of the talking points made by Chair Murray and Vice-Chair Barnes at the joint meeting of the ZBA and the PB in October about ADUs. He also received a copy of that meeting’s minutes.

New Business: 

Applications: Mr. O’Keefe did not attend the meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment on the town’s web site

Using the big screen Ms. Barnes was able to get on the town’s web site and pulled up the information about the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Tonight’s and next month’s concern was and will be the “menu” on the left side of the page and the organization of that menu. The current web shows the first two items are “Meetings” and “Appeal of an Administrative Decision.”

Ms. Barnes posed the question if you were a citizen of Walpole what would you want to see first. While minutes are written for every meeting, Appeal of Administrative Decision would be a very special meeting and  something in which the Board rarely would be involved.. Ms. Barnes was also concerned about how does the board make it “user friendly” so townspeople know what the different applications (variances and special exceptions) were for and about. She thought the Board should start with definitions and explanations of the applications.

The Board will continue to tackle these questions at its December meeting.

Adjournment 

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Sommers seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:46 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary