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Selecboard Meeting Minutes – 1/16/25

SELECTBOARD 01/24/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 16, 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: Ben Hoy, Recycling Center/Transfer Station Manager; Jean Kobeski, Diana Watson Petrie, Steve Varone, and Ray Boas

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

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

M. 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 and Mr. Dalessio 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.

Mr. Hoy left the meeting and Ms. Mayberry arrived during the Non-Public Session.

Old business was moved to this point in the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to speak to the agenda items.

OLD BUSINESS

Walpole School Withdrawal Warrant Article: Mrs. Kobeski, Mrs. Watson Petrie and Mr. Varone attended with questions for the Board so they can better explain what the vote at Town Meeting means.  Mr. Dalessio explained that a “Yes” vote means we direct Fall Mountain Regional School District to do a feasibility and sustainability study.  The school district will create a team of one Selectboard and one School Board member from each Town to work with the School District Business Administrator to study all aspects of a school.  The report of this study must be submitted to the NH Department of Education (DoE) by November 1, 2025.  If DoE approves the withdrawal, it comes back to the Town for a Yes/No vote in 2026 on whether to withdraw.  It would then be about 16 months before the actual withdrawal could be implemented.

Mrs. Watson Petrie and Mrs. Kobeski left the meeting.

Information Request from the Clarion: Mr. Boas also attended to get information on the Warrant Articles for the Clarion to help educate voters.  February Clarion will have reminders of important dates, a list of articles and whether they will be in the Tuesday ballot or voted on at Town Meeting on Saturday.   The March Clarion will have details on exactly what the votes on each article mean.

Mr. Varone left the meeting.

2025 Warrant Articles and the Town Budget: The order of the Warrant Articles was updated and the text edited per earlier discussions.  The Selectboard was aware that there is a potential petition warrant article coming.  Advice from Attorney Hockensmith on the School Withdrawal article was received.   Additional clarification of the wording of the articles was discussed and a review of the budget is planned for the 1/23/2025 meeting.

Mr. Boas would like more information about the School Withdrawal Article.  He will also talk to Jeff Miller, the Chair of the Planning Board, about the Zoning Warrant Articles.

Mr. Boas left the meeting.

2025 Town Budget Hearing: There will be a hearing on the 2025 Town Budget on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall First Floor Meeting Room.   The Selectboard meeting will follow the hearing.

Fire Department Building Renovation Grant:   Mr. Dalessio reminded the Selectboard that the 2023 audit needs to be completed because it is holding up the million-dollar grant for the Fire Department expansion.  Ms. Mayberry will follow up again with the auditors.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,320.13 dated 1/17/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,608.84.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 9, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 9, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 9, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 9, 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 remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Conservation Commission Minutes – January 6, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

WARRANTS

Walpole Water Tax Lien: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Water Tax Lein in the amount of $766.56.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Sewer Tax Lein in the amount of $1,247.05.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer Tax Lein in the amount of $7,344.95.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Landfill Post Closure Report: The report noted that methane levels decreased significantly in 2024 at the closed landfill.   Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio 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.

NH DES Culvert Replacement Notice: NH DOT is planning to replace a culvert near 125 Prospect Hill Road. The estimated start time is the spring or summer of 2025.  The Selectboard acknowledged they received the approval notice from the NH DES regarding the upcoming project.

Thank You Notes: Thank you notes were received from the Walpole Players and from a citizen thanking Officer Merkle in the Police Department for his help when she was locked out of her car.  

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 23, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/9/25

SELECTBOARD 01/21/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 9, 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 Sanctuary, Police Chief and Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(b) at 6:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:13 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.

Chief Sanctuary and Mr. Kreissle left the meeting during the Non-Public Session.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,757,021.60 dated 1/10/2025 which included a $381,195 tax payment to North Walpole Village District, $358,700 to the Walpole Fire District, and $581,631.87 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District for the December 2024 billing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,185.48 dated 1/10/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.46.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 31, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 31, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 31, 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.

TAX REFUNDS

Map and Lot # 017-012-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Refund of $450 for an overpayment for Map & Lot # 017-012-000.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

TAX ABATEMENTS

Map and Lot # 028-105-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $2,116 on for Map & Lot # 028-005-000.  This property at 11 Merchant Street is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 014-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $6,929 on for Map & Lot # 014-005-000-000.  This property at 522 Whitcomb Road is to be sold by sealed bid.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 025-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Tax Abatement of $3,968 on for Map & Lot # 025-005-000.  This property is a tax-deeded house in Drewsville.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

SOLAR EXEMPTION

Map and Lot # 003-068-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 003-068-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

Map and Lot # 019-039-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Solar Exemption for Map and Lot # 019-039-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.

CURRENT USE

Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001: Ms. Vose move to approve Map and Lot # 011-013-000 and 011-013-001 for Current Use.  These lots are off Ramsey Hill Road.  The prior form was not recorded.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-1, Map and Lot# 011-007-003:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-1 for Map and Lot # 011-007-003 to construct a 36’ x 30’ barn. Seconded by Ms. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam Update:  Mr. Dalessio attended an online meeting about Reservoir Dam earlier this week, with DES and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.  The dam is now in the permitting process.  The meeting asked a lot of questions.  The proposed 3 feet of run per foot of height to strengthen the dam is not magic, but it puts the project into a category to be a much bigger and more expensive project.   There was a suggestion to change to a 2.89’ run to keep it a smaller project category.  Walpole stressed that the project needs to be finished by the end of 2026 to meet ARPA funding requirements.   It was suggested to widen the spillway and do the primary outlet first, to protect the Town and fix the dam later. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Fuss and O’Neill next week.

2025 Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the second draft of the Warrant Articles.  Some of the articles were revised and the order of the articles was rearranged.  On the advice of the Town’s Attorney, the School Withdrawal Article will be voted upon at Saturday’s Town Meeting and it will be addressed early in the meeting.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations at Town Parking Lot:  The Walpole Foundation will take care of the stations for 2025. 

2023 Financial Audit: Ms. Mayberry has been in contact with the auditors and reminded them that the 2023 audit report is needed for the Fire Station Grant.

NEW BUSINESS

Total Notice Agreement: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the annual agreement and for the Chair to sign the contract with Total Notice.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the agreement was signed by Ms. Mayberry.

Purchase Order for 4-Station Voting Boot:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the purchase of a 4-station voting booth from Inclusion Solutions for $1,396.20 and to sign Purchase Order # 201315.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the purchase order was signed.

Letter to Secretary of State Office re: New Voting Machine: Ms. Mayberry explained that a letter is required before Walpole can start using a new voting machine.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the letter to the Secretary of State saying Walpole is going to buy and use a Voting Works Ballot counting machine.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the letter was approved.

Selectboard Recap for the 2024 Town Report: Ms. Vose offered to do a first draft of the Selectboard’s report for the Town Report. She will send it to Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio for comments. 

Old Home Days: The OHD Committee reported that the event will be held on June 25th through 29th.  There will be fireworks on the evening of June 27th and a parade on the morning of June 28th with activities on the Common to follow the parade. 

Selectboard Meeting for the first week of February: The Fall Mountain Regional School District Deliberative Session is Wednesday, February 5th.  Because of meeting conflicts, the Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, February 4th at 6:30 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 9:17 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms.  Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:39 PM.

Adjournment:  Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 16, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/14/25

PLANNING BOARD 01/21/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

January 14, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

Role Call: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, alternate Bill Carmody. Absent: Board members Trevor MacLachlan and Jeff Harrington and alternate Travis Adams.

Call to Order: Mr Miller called the meeting to order promptly at 7 pm. The minutes of this meeting are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 2025 meeting for corrections.

Minutes: Review minutes of the December 2024 meeting: There was 1 correction on page 2, paragraph 2. The new Walpole Village School will be heated by heat pumps, not propane, making the entire school electric. Mr. Marcom made a motion to amend the December minutes. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Public Hearing: Recommendation of Planning Board for a petition to be placed on the March 2025 warrant.

To see if the Town will vote to Amend (Article VI, Section B, 3) of Zoning Ordinances.

“Shops, restaurant and other retail building not exceeding 40,000 square feet in gross floor area, except to protect the welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Walpole with respect to traffic, pollution, health, and safety, and to preserve the unique and distinctive appeal of the Town’s character and commercial development, drive-up window service shall not be allowed.” By petition: 31 signatures. Mr. Tom Winmill spoke to the petition.

Mr. Winmill said the reason for the petition was to retain the character of the town of Walpole. Drive-ups dehumanize the vending of services, he said. He added that there are two provisions. Businesses that may want to have a drive-up window can get one by getting a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and businesses that discontinue their drive-up operation for one year will lose their drive-up window permit. He cited several town in New Hampshire that already have an ordinance banning drive-up window service – Berlin, Derry, Gofffstown, Center Harbor, etc

Mr. Winmill foresees the commercial district with Kentucky Fried Chicken establishments, Taco Bells and MacDonald’s. Walpole will attract more people from all over the region only because of these fast-food businesses. It means more traffic, cars idling, and litter.

Peggy Pshirrer said she thought the petition was too broad and it would take two pages of information to explain the meaning of the ordinance. She didn’t see any problems with the drive-up establishments currently in existence. 

Leroy Watson opposed the petition saying it penalizes people with disabilities. He has a family member with a disability and knows how difficult it is to navigate in the current environment. It is already difficult for people with disabilities to get out of a car and go into an establishment just for a cup of coffee or a piece of pizza. Why make it any harder for these people by restricting honest commerce? he asked.

There being no more questions from the public, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:18 pm. Planning Board members then spoke. Mr. Marcom said it would be very hard to explain to the public why the town needed such a policy. Mr. Dalessio added Walpole has an aging population. Mr. Miller couldn’t see why the town would need such an ordinance. He pointed out that one of the criteria for a variance is proving the hardship of the land. Where is the hardship here? Also, he said, the intent is that the drive-up window comes with ownership of the property

Mr. Carmody made a motion that the Planning Board not recommend the petition. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. However, the petition will automatically go on the warrant but without the recommendation of the Planning Board.

Voluntary Merger: Larry Britton, who has a farm on Watkins Hill Road, won the sealed bid for a small landlocked lot that abuts the Britton property. He wanted to merge it with the rest of his property.

Mr. Britton brought in the Voluntary Merger application notarized by Sarah Downing on January 9, 2025 that indicates the lot will be merged with the rest of his farmland and will hence be known as Tax Map 5, Lot 57. He paid the $50 application fee. The Voluntary Merger will be registered with the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds in Keene.

Subdivision: One lot into 2 lots:

Fieldstone Land Consultants proposes a two-lot subdivision of property owned by George P. Achille, Jr. Revocable Trust in Peterborough, Tax Map 12, Lot 59, 334 Main Street. Currently there is an existing retail store, Blue Seal, in the commercial district on one lot that will be 4.0 acres. The additional 45.97 acres will be in Residential A District with no development proposed. 

John E. Noonan, Senior Project Manager for Fieldstone, presented the proposal of a one-lot into two-lots subdivision and requested a public hearing for February 2025. Mr. Noonan displayed his plan. Basically it would separate the 4.0 acre parcel that Blues Seal is on from the rest of the property. Blue Seal is a retail farm and garden store which abuts Routes 123 and Route 12. It has road frontage of 150 feet on Main Street and 315.97 feet on Main Street/Route 123.  Also planned is a proposed access and utility easement of the existing water lines that currently service the garden center as well as two lots to the south. There is no proposed utility work to be done.

Fieldstone is also applying for a waiver regarding the above referenced subdivision application. 

“Proposed ‘Soils & Topographic Contours’

                 “Wetland location’

  “ Proposed lot 12-59-3 is a 4-acre lot that has already been developed with a commercial building and parking lot. There is no additional development proposed for with this lot or the parent lot at this time. The entire lot is over 49 acres. Adding soil information and performing at topographic survey over the entire lot would incur undo added cost to our client with no added benefit to the town. We therefore respectfully request the Planning consider a waiver for the proposed subdivision application.

“Proposed lot 12-59-3 was inspected for wetlands but none was found. As stated above no additional development is proposed and the parent lot is over 49 acres. Performing an inspection for and further location wetlands would incur undo added cost to our  client with added benefit tot the town. We therefore respectfully request the Planning Board consider a waiver for the proposed subdivision application.”

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the subdivision in February.  Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC, owned by Douglas and Laura Palmer propose adding an 8,400 square-foot warehouse on their property, Tax Map 24, Lot 14, commercial district.

Douglas Palmer said that the warehouse would be on the grassy area in back of his current warehouse at 308 Main Street. He submitted a design showing the warehouse, parking area, two loading docks and the driveway. He had already spoken with his neighbors about the project and they were not opposed, he said. It was suggested that he plant more trees so the warehouse wasn’t visible from his neighbors’ properties and that 30 percent of the property had to be green space. He requested a public hearing for February 2025.

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the site plan in February. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed. 

Simon Gascoyne, owner of the Walpole Veterinary Hospital, 6 Walker Road, Tax Map 18, Lot 2, Rural/Ag District was in for a discussion of adding a permanent motor home on property behind the clinic. 

Mr. Gascoyne showed a forest area behind the clinic where a motor home could go. It would be a residence for an intern and his/her family to live while working at the clinic. Mr Miller said it was the Select Board who issued permits for a situation of this type. Mr. Dalessio suggested that Mr. Gascoyne contact Fire Chief Mark Houghton who knew all the regulations about fire, water, etc. for this type of situation.

Adjournment

Mr. Carmody made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 1/6/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/12/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

JANUARY 6, 2025

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, Wendy Grossman, Peter Palmiotto (Presiding), John Peska, Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present:  Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent:  Nicole Adams, France Menk

Visitors Present:  Whit Aldrich, Eileen Spiltoir, Becky Brown

CALL TO ORDER: Peter called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. 

SEATING OF ALTERNATES:  Since five Commissioners were present, no Alternates were seated.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Peter moved to accept the December 2, 2024minutes as written. John seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried. 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report:  Conservation $242,288.58

Forestry $51,617.09

Mason Forest Expendable $525,402.62

Mason Forest Nonexpendable $23,371.73

Correspondence:   A letter was received from the Town stating that Nicole Adams is officially a Commissioner.  A report was received informing the Town of a project to prevent Cold River from washing out a lot containing a home.

NEW BUSINESS

Town Report input due on 1/21/2025:  John will do a first draft and circulate it.

Overnight Parking at the Route 12 Rest Areas:  Becky Brown and Eileen Spoltoir attended the meeting to discuss the issue of dog poop and tires at the eastside rest area – it was difficult to access the trail due to the numerous poop piles, so they cleaned up the poop.  It was noted that two Great Danes are living in the RV that frequently is seen parked at the rest stop and others frequent the site with dogs.  There is a no overnight parking sign that has been up two days.  The Police Department is working on the issue, but the first step was to put up the no overnight parking sign.   

Eileen and Becky left the meeting.

It was discussed that Tim Smith will be starting any time to roof the shelters.  They will put up tape to designate the work area.  A barricade to keep vehicles out of the lots would be better for roofing and the harvest later this year.  Further discussion of the continued rest area problems that have occurred over the years was a suggestion to eliminate the U-shaped drive and make it a trail head parking lot with one entrance.  The trail is popular, so parking for local walkers is needed. 

OLD BUSINESS

Dam Updates:  Tomorrow there will be a Zoom meeting with the State, Walpole, and Fuss and O’Neill on the dams to determine what needs to be done.  Alicia, John and Steve plan to participate.

Barry Conservation Camps: The Hooper Institute has not yet nominated a student for the conservation scholarship to attend the camp, but they are working on it.   

Timber Harvest this Summer:  The harvest on the east side of Route 12 is planned for this summer.  The commission will review the contract once it is received in late spring when more updated timber prices can be included closer to the planned harvest time.  The commission is considering adding the red pine on the west side of Route 12 to the contract.  The Mason Fund would be requested to pay for the costs during the harvest (estimated at $1,500 for overseeing the harvest).  Income from the harvest will go into the Mason Fund.  

OTHER BUSINESS

Trail Committee Report:  The Happy Trails party had about thirty people, including several new people.  The evening included a picture presentation, talks, food and entertainment.  It was a successful evening.  Wendy distributed a list of 2024 trail repairs.  The Trail Committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.  The next meeting is Wednesday, January 8th, in the Town Hall.

The Monadnock Rail Trail Coalition is creating a map which shows parking.

Property Monitoring:  The snowmobile bridge that washed downstream into conservation property has been removed from the Town Forest.  The snowmobile trail in Great Brook has been closed due to the washout.  Rob Westover will GPS the snowmobile trails in town if there is snow, and he can take out his snowmobile.  This will allow the trails to be superimposed on maps of Town property.   In December Wendy monitored Mill Pond, Graves, Ballam Farm, March Town Forest, and Nelson Town Forest.

ADJOURNMENT:  Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/31/24

SELECTBOARD 01/10/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 31, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant and Tax Collector; Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 9:03 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,755.71 dated 1/3/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,452.71.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 24, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 24, 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:

  • Police Building Committee Meeting – December 17, 2024 
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 18, 2024 

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 009-006-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-006-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 009-008-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 009-008-000, off Maple Grove Extension.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was  approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Highway Safety Grant Agreement: The agreement was approved at the last meeting, but more signatures and initials were required.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair of the Selectboard sign and initial the remaining places on the form.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed and initialed the agreement as needed.

Mr. Dalessio made a motion that Chief Justin Sanctuary provide a letter to the Selectboard stating that he is taking full responsibility for this Grant.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was passed.  Mrs. Downing will request the letter from Police Chief Sanctuary.

NEW BUSINESS

Tipping and Haul Fee Contract for Recycling Center: Ben Hoy analyzed the proposals and recommended NRRA with its lower fees.  Mr.  Dalessio moved the Chair sign the contract with NRRA for tipping and haul fees for 2025.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the contract.

Assurances Form, SF 424D, for Fire Station Renovation Project:  Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the assurance form SF 424D.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed form SF 424D.

Mr. Dalessio request that when the contract is ready to start, the Selectboard will write a letter giving Steve Horton, the project manager, permission to sign as the designated owner representative.  At this point, the grant is on hold awaiting the 2023 Town audit and a balance sheet.  Mr. Kreissle will check the status of the Town audit. 

Draft 2025 Warrant Article Listing: There was a discussion of the first rough draft of the 2025 Warrant Articles. The final version needs to be completed by the end of January. Additional information is needed to finalize the Warrant Articles including the results of the Planning Board’s public hearing on January 14th at 7:00 PM.  Mrs. Downing will make a request to reserve the Walpole School gymnasium for Town Meeting since there most likely will be high attendance at this meeting.

Drummond Woodsum Rate Change Notice:  The Town’s human resources legal firm has raised its rates due to increased operating costs.  The Town has an ongoing client agreement with them.  The information was acknowledged by the Board Chair.

Current Use and Recreation Credit: Some citizens requested a letter be sent to all current use property owners regarding the recreational credit and no trespassing/hunting postings. Some current use property owners did not take the recreational credit and are therefore not required to permit hunting.  Pulling together data to create such a letter would be a big project for the appropriate property owners.  By consensus, the Board decided there would be no letter to all current use property owners.  However, a letter will be sent to property owners who are identified as having their property posted if they are taking the recreational credit.

Thank You Notes:  Two thank you notes were received from the Library staff.  

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(c) at 9:51 AM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 AM.

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.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 10:08 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the January 9, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft) – 12/24/24

SELECTBOARD 12/31/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 24, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant and Tax Collector, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 9:00 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,799.54 dated 12/27/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,817.49.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 19, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 19, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of December 19, 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:

  • Trail Committee Event – December 11, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Second Tax Warrant for 2024: Ms. Mayberry stated that the total amount of the warrant was $7,382,202 with Walpole having a tax rate of $18.12 and North Walpole having a tax rate of $20.11 per thousand. The difference between the rates is related to the two Fire Departments.  Tax bills will be mailed on or before Friday, December 27th.  Tax bills will be due on Monday, January 27, 2025. Mr. Dalessio made a motion to issue the Tax Warrant for $7,382,202.  The tax rate is $18.12 for Walpole and $20.11 for North Walpole.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the Tax Warrant was signed. 

Draft Purchase and Sales Agreement for Police Station Land: It was reported that Peggy Pschirrer sent the draft agreement to Attorney Hockensmith who has confirmed receipt.   This item is holding for the Attorney’s comments.  The location of the parcel in the agreement needs to be corrected in the sections of the document.

Thank you Note:  Dave Chioffi thanked the Selectboard Office for assistance for having the old poles removed from Elm and South Streets.

NEW BUSINESS

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 9:06 AM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

The meeting was reconvened at 9:24 AM.

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 9:24 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 31, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Police Building Committee Minutes – 12/17/24

Police Building Committee 12/27/2024 Leave a comment

POLICE BUILDING COMMITTEE MINUTES

December 17, 2024

Steve Dalessio opened the meeting at approximately 6:31 pm in the Office of the Selectboard. 

Present were Dave Adams, Chief Justin Sanctuary, Peggy Pschirrer and by Zoom, Cheri Watson and Rod Bouchard.   Absent were Jay Punt, Trevor MacLachlan, and Andrew Dey.  

Ms. Pschirrer reported that Jim Clifford of Ball Park Realty will send the Committee as well as the Town Attorney a Purchase and Sale Agreement this week.  The Planning Board has approved the subdivision of the land owned by Dunkin Donuts and the issue of driveway cuts has been resolved.  The Police Station will have one driveway which will split into two when inside the property line – one way will lead to public parking, the other to private impound areas.

Ms. Pschirrer has written a grant writer in Westmoreland but has not had a reply.  (The day after the meeting Ms. Pschirrer spoke with Lauren Bressett and will have another conversation after the New Year.)

The group agreed to ask Michael Petrovick for new drawings that can be posted on the Town’s website.  Ms. Watson reported that members of the Walpole community do not know what the building looks like.  The drawings of the new building have been part of a public meeting, but Chief Sanctuary will see that these drawings are posted on the Town website.  In addition, it was agreed that Michael Petrovick will be asked to create some posters of the new building which can be displayed in the Town Hall.

Chief Sanctuary asked if we could put a Warrant on the Town Meeting agenda asking voters to approve the new police station to be built when the Town has raised four million dollars and had approval or a 3.5-million-dollar bond.  There is precedent in Town Meetings to approve capital expenditures dependent upon fund raising.   

The committee also discussed fund raising within the community and offering naming opportunities for individual rooms in the new station. 

The Police Department has not had a Capitol Reserve Fund, so the discussion led to a proposal that a warrant article to create a CRF for the Police Department be put on Town Meeting agenda for $100,000 dollars.

The Police Department’s Annual Report will include pictures of the site and building.  

The next meeting will be January 13, 2025, in the Selectboard Office.

The meeting adjourned about 7:35 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/19/24

SELECTBOARD 12/26/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 19, 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, Rich Kreissle, Steve Varone, Ray Boas, John Jones, Peter Graves, Joey Andros and Akbar Ashoury

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

2024 TAX RATE: The Board decides on an overlay and any other changes to reporting to the DRA.  

After an extended discussion, the Selectboard decided to use $400,000 from unassigned funds to mitigate the impact of the significant increase in school taxes.  The negative effect of this decision is that money planned for projects in 2025 will not be available.  The tax increase will be 5.59% for the Town compared to 9.8% if the unassigned funds are not used.  There is an additional North Walpole Village tax.  Mr. Dalessio moved that $400,000 be taken from unassigned funds to lower the tax rate.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.   Mr. Kreissle will update the portal first thing on Friday to reflect the additional funds that will be used.  

Mr. Varone, Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Boas left the meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:13 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms.  Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:23 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Andros left the meeting.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL ARTICLE BALLOT QUESTION: This item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest.  Mr. Graves said that he would like to see the School Withdrawal vote on the Tuesday ballot so that more people would vote on it.  Ms. Mayberry will consult Attorney Hockensmith.  This will be one of several items on which legal advice is needed.  It may take a little time to get an opinion.

Mr. Graves left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,802,302.05 dated 12/20/2024 including $1,699,364.00 payment to Cheshire County for 2024 County taxes.  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 $33,915.16 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,010.76.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $2,793.33 dated 12/20/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $414.18.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   This second register is for an employee’s one time retirement funding payment.

SELECTBORD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – December 12, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 12, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – December 12, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 12, 2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved. The minutes were not sealed and will be made public.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Planning Board Meeting – September 11, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot# 008-062-000: Ms. Mayberry noted that the intent was held over from last week.  The intent cannot be held per the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  It is a tax document.  A written note from the easement holder is to be sent to the Town.  The Selectboard is not responsible if they sign a timber intent, and the easement owner is not aware of the project.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 008-062-000 which is the Hooper Golf Properties. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 010-034-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Timber Intent for Map and Lot # 010-034-000. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Conservation Easements: There was a follow-up discussion on the Conservation Commission easement tracking spreadsheet. Mr. Dalessio will talk to Peter Palmiotto, co-chair of the Conservation Commission.  The spreadsheet of the Town’s Conservation lands and easement holders is a Town document that is a useful tool for Town leaders.  It needs to be updated since this is critical information and made available to Town leaders.

BUILDING PERMIT

2023-43 Renewal, Map and Lot# 003-001-002: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2023-43 Renewal for Map and Lot # 003-001-002 to construct a one and a half story home. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-39, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-39 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 to construct a drive-on scale at Ruggerio Processing Facility.  The site plan was approved, but the building permit was never submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-40, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-40 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 for an office trailer at Ruggerio Processing Facility. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2024-41, Map and Lot# 001-010-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-41 for Map and Lot # 001-010-001 to construct a pole barn at Ruggerio Processing Facility. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

John Jones left the meeting.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) (d) (e) at 7:52 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:53 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.

OLD BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Reimbursement Request: Ms. Mayberry stated the request for $21,233.75 reimbursement needs to be signed by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the reimbursement request.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the reimbursement request.

Reservoir Dam Update: Mr. Dalessio reported that a meeting has been scheduled online on 1/7/2025 at 10:30 AM to discuss the preliminary design.  Representatives from Walpole, Fuss and O’Neill and DES will attend.

Five Water and Sewer Proposals for ARPA Grant Funding: The proposals and Purchase Orders are ready.  The Board Chair needs to sign the proposals.  The whole Selectboard signs the purchase orders. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024381 to install a new propane generator at the Watkins Hill Pump Station and Purchase Order #201290 for $46,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024382 to rebuild a total of six Crane/Crown sewer pumps at the North Walpole, Mill Pond and Bailey’s Pump Stations and Purchase Order #201291 for $64,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.  Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024373 to install a new propane generator at the Mill Pond Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201293 for $121,500.00. Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024379 to install a new propane generator at the Bailey’s Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201293 for $106,200.00.  Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept EE Houghton’s Proposal #2024380 to install a new propane generator at the North Walpole Wastewater Pump Station and Purchase Order #201294 for $102,400.00.  The generator will be installed on the existing roof due to space constraints. Ms. Mayberry, the Selectboard Chair, is to sign the proposal, and the Board is to sign the Purchase Order.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, Ms. Mayberry signed the contract, and the Board signed the purchase order.

Petition Article Legal Review: This item was continued from last week.   Attorney Hockensmith has been asked to research the question.

NEW BUSINESS

2024 Municipal Assessment to Sales Ratio Study – Equalization: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the 2024 Municipal Assessment to Sales Ratio Study.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the study was accepted.

Highway Safety Grant Agreement: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Highway Safety Grant Agreement and for Ms. Mayberry to sign it.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the agreement was accepted, and Ms. Mayberry signed it. The Selectboard noted there were a lot of additional Police Department signatures needed.  The Police Department needs to provide the Selectboard Office with a copy of the signed agreement for the Town records.

Municipal Tax Rate Setting Portal: The Town Clerk’s Office requested access to the Municipal Tax Rate Setting Portal.  Last year a scan of the paper form could be loaded.  This year is the first time all the data needs to be keyed into the portal.  Mr. Kreissle is the administrator of the portal.  Ms. Vose will ask him to give Mrs. Hansson access after he returns from vacation.  Ms. Vose will also start scheduling Mrs. Goudy to train as the Assistant Tax Collector.

Zoning Warrant Articles:   The Zoning Warrant Articles were submitted to the Selectboard and the Town Clerk’s Offices this week.  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the Zoning Warrant Articles.

Accident Reports: Because of icy conditions, there were two slip and fall accidents.   One was at the Police Department at the end of the day as an employee was leaving at 5:35 PM.  The second fall was a guest at Recycling where the unpaved areas get icy. The Selectboard asked that each department spread salt as needed until the Highway Department can get to every site.

Employee Resignation: Lilla DeCoste resigned from her part-time Librarian position. Ms. Mayberry acknowledged the resignation and thanked Mrs. DeCoste for her service.

Thank You: Meghan Hansson thanked the Selectboard for the Shaw’s holiday gift card. Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of the thanks.

Meetings during the Holidays: Because of travel plans during the holidays, there will be no meeting on December 26th.  The Board will tentatively meet December 24th at 9:00 AM to approve and sign the tax warrant if the tax rate is available from the DRA.  Otherwise, the meeting will be December 28th at 5:00 PM. 

Ms. Vose moved that Mrs. Downing have permission to sign the December 27, 2024 Payroll.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

The Selectboard will also meet on December 31st at 9:00 AM because of New Years and scheduling conflicts in the evenings.

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 9:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the December 24, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

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.)