Tag Archives: Meeting Minutes

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 3/11/25

PLANNING BOARD 03/17/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board

March 11, 2025

Town Hall

Second Floor

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm. He asked Mr. Adams to fill in for the absent board member. Mr. Adams agreed.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Old Business: Public Hearing Site Plan: Bevin Mitchell, 33 Wentworth Road, Walpole. Town Tax Map 19, Lot 72, Residential A District. Ms. Mitchell proposes a four-bedroom, four-bath Bed & Breakfast on the 6-acre lot. Zoning Ordinance Article IV, General Provisions L.

Ms. Mitchell brought in an aerial photo of her 6 acres of property. There are three entrances to the property, two of which form a half circle on the property and all are entered from Wentworth Road. There are many places on the property to park four cars, which is a requirement of the ordinance – one for each bedroom. Ms. Mitchell said she had been touch with Fire Chief Mark Houghton and he is going to come out and look at the space. There being no questions from the public or board, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the site plan on the condition the Board receive a letter of approval regarding the fire safety and a sprinkler system from Chief Houghton. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:

Owner: Acorn to Sky Investments LLC, 135 Main Street, Meriden, NH 03770.

Agent’s Name: Fieldstone Land Consultants PLLC, 208 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055.

Presenter: John Noonan, Project Manager for Fieldstone Land Consultants.

Property: 505 Main Street & Red Barn Lane, Town Tax 12, Lot 13-3-Unit 2, Commercial District, 3.320 acres, 234,8 feet road frontage on Main Street (Route 12). Proposed Use is Domino’s Pizza restaurant.

Mr. Noonan submitted an application for a subdivision and a site plan. There was confusion on the layout of the property. Mr. Noonan said the property had been registered as one lot of record.

First of all, the three condo lots were registered without the town’s knowledge and it violates the town’s subdivision regulations. So until this matter is straightened out, the Planning Board cannot move forward. Mr. Miller said currently the lot is not one lot, but two lots. Therefore, there is no way this application as it is written can be subdivided unless it is one lot of record. One avenue for that to happen is if Mr. Noonan would apply for a voluntary merger and when that is approved and registered he could proceed with his plan. Mr. Noonan agreed with that pathway. 

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The time was 7:25 pm.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 3/5/25

SELECTBOARD 03/13/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 5, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

The meeting was reconvened at 7:18 PM.

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

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

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

HOOPER TRUSTEES

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

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

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

Mrs. Pschirrer left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

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

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,949.83 dated 3/7/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,182.10.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

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

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 27, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 27, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

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

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

NEW BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

The meeting was reconvened at 9:30 PM.

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 3/3/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 03/09/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MARCH 3, 2025

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, John Peska, Co-Chair (Presiding), Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent: Peter Palmiotto, Co-Chair

CALL TO ORDER: John called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM in the Town Hall. 

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

France moved to accept the February 3, 2025 minutes as written. Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report: 

  • Conservation $ 244,033.71
  • Forestry $ 51,988.87
  • The Hubbard Fund donated $9,731.25 that will be added to Conservation.

Correspondence:  Cheshire County Conservation’s Meet and Greet will be March 6.

NEW BUSINESS

Member Renewals: Alicia Flammia is not renewing, and she will be missed.  Peter and France have submitted letters to the Selectboard Office expressing interest in another three-year term.  Wendy moved the Commission approve Peter and France as continuing members on the Commission.  Nicole seconded.  With all present in favor, Peter and France were unanimously approved for another term.  Next month a new member will be selected to succeed Alicia.  Everyone on the Commission is asked to recruit possible Alternates. 

Commission and Property Monitoring Files: The Commission’s left cabinet is not full.  The bottom drawer of the right cabinet could be cleared to the other cabinet to make room for property monitoring records.  At some point, John and Peter need to look at historical files to determine what can be purged.  By consensus the bottom drawer will be cleared and used for property monitoring.  In the future the old files can be sorted and purged.  NHACC may be able to provide guidance on what to save and the Selectboard Office may also have guidelines.

John moved that the Commission thank Alicia Flammia and recognize her for her twelve years on the Commission, including several as Chair.  Seconded by France.  The motion passed unanimously, and the Conservation Commission thanked Alicia for her service.

Annual Goals: 

  • Old Home Days: it was agreed that the Commission wants to have a booth on the Common on Saturday.  We will have a map of the conservation land in Town, and perhaps experts on the local wildlife.  The Trail Committee will also have a table next to Conservation with maps of trails.
  • The tree planting will continue this year.  The Tree Committee will develop a plan for the Common and some of the streets in the village.
  • There is interest in determining if some Class VI roads should be designated as Class A trails so they can be improved and maintained.  A Class A trail is a temporary status, and abutting landowners may continue to use vehicles on the trail.  The Selectboard can designate Class A trails and can also change them back to Class VI roads.

OLD BUSINESS

All agenda items will be discussed next month when the appropriate experts are available.

OTHER BUSINESS

Dam: John just received the minutes of the January meeting to determine how to proceed with the Reservoir Dam.  The project will be broken into two parts: first the culvert replacement and drainage which is critical to prevent property damage, and later the slope of the dam.

Hooper Institute Board Update: The Board meets Wednesday.  They are focusing on finding Helen Dalbeck’s successor and filling the part-time educator position.

Trail Committee:  The Rail Trail brush Hogging will need another special use permit this year as the long-term permission form is being revised and not currently available.  Walpole did not get the 2024 bond back, so it needs to be rolled over to 2025.  Brush hogging will be $450 each time for the third year, but the price may have to increase in 2026.

Help Our Trails, a town-wide trail work event, will be held on May 3rd.  This year the Trail Committee plans to focus its trail maintenance work on the Rail Trail and the Mill Pond Trail.

Conservation Commission on the Town Website: Access has been granted, and training is available so the Conservation Microsite can be updated as discussed last month.

Rest Area Work: Due to the weather this winter the April workday will have to be postponed to June.

AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2025

  • New Commission member
  • Gateway and Hooper Invasives – Alex Barrett
  • Fanny Mason Logging – Alex Barrett
  • Bird Study – Antioch graduate student

ADJOURNMENT: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the April 7, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/27/25

SELECTBOARD 03/06/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Justin Cassarino, Principal at Walpole Elementary School

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

WALPOLE SCHOOLS

Mr. Cassarino asked to talk with the Selectboard about the process for consolidation.  This year, his relationship with the Selectboard seemed to be different from the past. Mr. Cassarino felt that he was caught off guard during recent meetings.  Mr. Cassarino wants good working relationships and to do what is best for the Town.  Walpole is currently at the minimum required staff.  The school district has asked him to look at buildings, etc. to cut expenses. One option is consolidating the schools into one campus, but that means changes to the buildings will be required. For some time now the Selectboard has received no information from the school. Mr. Cassarino will ensure Site Based Team minutes and newsletters are sent to the Selectboard. A discussion followed on how to improve communications and how to get community buy-in which is critical for anything to succeed.  It was decided that Mr. Cassarino will attend Selectboard meetings regularly. 

Mr. Cassarino left the meeting.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,161.89 dated 2/28/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,272.68.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – February 20, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 20, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2025. The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

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

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these reports.

TIMBER TAX CERTIFICATION OF YIELD AND WARRANT

Op # 24-461-06, Map and Lot # 013-059-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the taxes assessed and warrant for $1,531.81.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and both forms were signed.

BUILDING PERMIT

2025-03, Map and Lot# 011-027-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-03 for Map and Lot # 011-027-000 to construct a 397 square foot deck around a home addition. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

2025-04, Map and Lot# 008-015-006: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-04 for Map and Lot # 008-015-006 to construct a 70’ x 50’ single story home. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Town Meeting and Warrant Articles: At Town Meeting the articles, discussion will be led by: 

Article 5: The Budget – Ms. Mayberry 

Article 6: Conduct a feasibility and sustainability study of withdrawal from Fall Mountain Regional School District – Ms. Vose

Article 7: Police Building Capital Reserve Fund and appropriate $55,000 – Mr. Dalessio

Article 8: Raise and appropriate $40,000 to the Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Mayberry

Article 9: Raise and appropriate the sum of $280,000 for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck – Mr. Dalessio

Article 10: Raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000 for the Highway Capital Reserve Fund – Mr. Dalessio

Article 11: Raise and appropriate the sum of $80,000 for a vehicle for the Police Department – Ms. Mayberry

Article 12: Raise and appropriate $15,000 for the Police Department Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Mayberry

Article 13: Raise and appropriate the sum of $26,000 for the Town Wide Assessment Capital Reserve Fund – Ms. Vose

Article 14: To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting – All as needed

Police Station Land Closing: The attorneys are still working on setting up the closing date. The process is moving ahead.

Fire Station USDA Grant: Form SF424 and the attorney representation form are complete. No signatures are needed.  The Selectboard acknowledged the forms.

NEW BUSINESS

Authorization Letter for the Road Agent: The letter gives the Road Agent permission to register the new 2025 International dump truck.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the authorization to register the 2025 International dump truck.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the authorization was accepted and signed.

School District Reorganization Study: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the letter. A Selectboard member from each town is to serve on the Town committee that is part of a Research Group. Additionally, a resident, school Board member and school administrator are also to serve on the committee.  The Selectboard is ready to participate.

2025 Community Funding Requests: A notice from Maggie Goodlander’s Office for funding requests states the due date is Friday, March 7,2025.  The notice was acknowledged.

Zoning Violation:  This item will be addressed next week to allow time for additional preparation.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 7:28 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:48 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the March 5, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/20/25

SELECTBOARD 02/28/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

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

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

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $1,190,559.00 dated 2/21/2025 including $804,108.96 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the accounts payable check register was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,156.58 dated 2/21/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,704.44.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the payroll register was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public 2025 Budget Hearing – February 13, 2025:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the minutes of the Public 2025 Budget Hearing.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.  Ms. Vose abstained since she was unable to attend the hearing.

Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 13, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 13, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 13, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Library Trustees Meeting – February 11, 2025
  • Planning Board Meeting – February 11, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant Funds: Lindsey Guyette in the Highway Department downloaded information from the grant portal. Mr. Kreissle forwarded to the auditors, Vachon Clukay. 

Exempt Organization Business Tax Return: Tax Form 8879-TE needed to be signed by the Chair so it can be submitted with the federal tax return.  The return is related to a federal tax credit for the solar system installation at the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Tax Form 8879-TE and to have the Chair sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and Ms. Mayberry signed the form.

The Selectboard thanked Bob Kimball for donating his time and expertise to prepare the tax filing. 

NEW BUSINESS

MS-636: Once the warrant is finalized, the MS-636 form for the proposed budget could populate.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept MS-636.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the MS-636 was accepted and signed by the Board.

Scholarship Award: The NHTCA/NHCTCA Committee Chair would like to attend a meeting to present the scholarship to the Town.  Meghan Hansson was a scholarship recipient.  Mrs. Downing will schedule with the Committee Chair and confirm Ms. Hansson can be present.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a)(e) at 6:48 PM.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 27, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/19/25

ZONING BOARD 02/25/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Town Hall

 7 pm

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

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

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

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

New Business:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Business:

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

One of our own

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

Mr. Winmill’s last meeting

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

Adjournment

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/13/25

SELECTBOARD 02/21/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose (via phone)

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

Guests Present: Paul Looney, Community Power Committee; Peggy Pschirrer (via phone), and Joanna Andros

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:15 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,431.30 dated 2/14/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,540.34.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – February 4, 2025:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – February 3, 2025

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-055-016: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 012-055-016.  The applicant has a total disability connected to military service. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

OLD BUSINESS

2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the updated warrant. The Police Station article was removed, the articles renumbered, and the dump truck purchase article text was updated.  Mr. Dalessio stated that although everyone agreed a new Police Station is needed at the Monday night public meeting, more work is needed before the project moves forward.  In the meantime, the fundraising will proceed, which was the original plan.  The Police Building Capital Reserve Fund article will have the amount changed from $25,000 to $55,000. Also, the Selectboard are the agents of the fund will be added to the text. The additional $30,000 is for a grant writer.

The type of funding for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck was adjusted. The DRA requested the change. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Warrant Articles as amended.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Warrant Articles were approved and signed.

Total Loss of Highway Dump Truck: Ms. Mayberry reported that the value of the truck was $21,023.  The Town’s deductible of $1,000 will be applied to this amount.  The truck’s title needs to be signed by one member of the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio moved that the Chair sign the Title of the burned dump truck so it can be turned over to the insurance company.   Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor the motion passed, and Ms. Mayberry signed the Title. 

Follow-up Item – Financing the replacement of the driver’s lost personal items:  By consensus, the money to replace the employee’s personal items lost in the truck fire will be taken from the “staff relations” line in the Executive budget.  It was noted that Keene DMV employees paid for the employee’s new license since he his wallet was burnt up. A thank you note was sent to the DMV.

2023 Financial Audit and FEMA Grant: The auditors need some 2023 information from Highway and the Police Department.  The employees are both away this week, but they will work on it next week.

Article 2: The whole of Article 2 must be printed on a single legal-size sheet of paper as part of the official ballot. The long article makes the font extremely small and difficult to read.  There will be copies of large font version available for all voters to read on Voting Day.

Mr. Looney arrived.

Ms. Andros left the meeting.

Mrs. Pschirrer was called and put on speaker phone.

NEW BUSINESS

Solar System Refund Federal Tax Forms: Mr. Looney has been working on federal tax forms for the Selectboard to review and sign.  The forms must be submitted to obtain a refund of almost $26,000.  Mr. Looney has spent many hours on this project. He would like the forms reviewed by an expert before they are signed. Mr. Looney has not been able to find anyone to do it.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that he ask Bob Kimball to review it or recommend someone who could.  Mr. Looney hopes to have it done by next week.

Mr. Looney gave a rate update. CPCNH had a contract with a power producer up north fall through. They now need to purchase power at a higher rate.  The Town will get its $0.089 rate all year per the contract, but the rate will increase on March 2nd to $0.097 for individuals.  Liberty’s rate is $0.084.  Mr. Looney will put something in the Clarion and Walpolean about the new rates and remind people they can opt out of CPCNH and come back later when rates are more favorable.  This is a period of uncertainty in power rates.

Mr. Looney left the meeting. 

Reservoir Dam ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the ARPA Grant Funding Reimbursement Form for Reservoir Dam and for Mr. Dalessio to sign he form.  The reimbursement is for $8,588.25.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the form was approved, and it was signed by Mr. Dalessio.  

Reimbursement Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds:  The roofs on the shelters at the rest areas on Route 12 have been replaced by Longs Roofing.  The bill for both shelters is $ 7,728.60.   Ms. Mayberry moved that the letter to the Trustees of Trust Funds requesting reimbursement be approved and signed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor the letter was approved and signed.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:52 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:13 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) 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 7:56PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/11/25

PLANNING BOARD 02/17/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

February 11, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7pm.

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

January 2025 minutes: Ms. Andros added a period at the end of etc., corrected one typo and added the word “out” to the word “with” on page 3, paragraph 2. Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the amended minutes, Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Old Business:

Public Hearing No. 1. Subdivision, one lot into two lots.

Fieldstone Land Consultants propose a two-lot subdivision of property owned by George P. Achille Jr., Revocable Trust in Peterborough. Tax Map 12, Lot 59, 334 Main Street. Adequate road frontage is on Main Street and Route 123. There are also requests for a waiver and a utility easement on the remaining property. Contacts are Jim Axton and John E. Noonan.

Mr. Noonan said that the property, owned by George P. Achilles, Jr. Rev. Trust, is at the corner of Main Street and Upper Walpole Road and will be divided into two parcels. The parcel with the garden center will be 4 acres in the commercial district. The remaining property, 45.97 acres in the rural/ag district, will remain undeveloped. Also proposed is a utility and access easement in the driveway going into the garden center. The easement will also be for the property adjoining the driveway in the rural/ag district and includes the two houses on Main Street south of the driveway.

In an email, abutter Dave Edkins said he was unaware there was a waterline there and suggested that a formal easement with him and his neighbor would be appropriate. Mr. Miller suggested that Mr. Noonan get in contact with the town’s Water and Sewer Department and talk to Mark Houghton about the easement.  Mr. Noonan said he would do that. Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:07 pm. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the subdivision as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Public Hearing No. 2:

Old Hewitt Barn Properties LLC, owned by Douglas and Laura Palmer, 308 Main St., Tax Map 24, Lot 13, commercial district. they, propose a new 8.400 square-foot warehouse on property in back of their current storage facility. This warehouse is also for storage. 

Mrs. Laura Palmer handed out copies of the checklist to the board. Mr. Douglas Palmer said the square-footage of the warehouse has been changed to 8,000 square-feet. Mrs. Palmer said the lot at 308 Main Street is 1.49 acres and 64,904 square feet. The existing building is single-story, 8,000 square feet and 18-feet tall. Mr. Miller asked if the abutters nearest the proposed building had been contacted about the additional warehouse. Mr. Palmer said that he had talked with  both couples. Mr. MacLachlan asked about lighting. Mr. Palmer said lighting on the existing building is one dark-sky compliant light over each entry, one on the south side, one on the east side. Lighting on the proposed new building would also be dark-sky compliant with one light over each entry door, one on the northeast loading dock corner and one on the south end. A small sign on the existing building is located on the southeast corner. No additional signage is proposed.

The proposed new building will utilize the exiting driveway with minimal changes to the layout within the property. There are eight parking spaces for the existing building. An additional six parking spaces will be south of the proposed building. There will be one loading dock on the northwest corner of the proposed building. Mr. Miller closed the public hearing at 7:15 pm. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the additional building as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Site Plan: Bevin Mitchell, 32 Wentworth Road, Walpole, Town Tax Map 19, Lot 72, proposed a four-bedroom, four-bath Bed & Breakfast on the 6-acre parcel.

This is the zoning ordinance for Bed and Breakfast establishments:

“Bed and Breakfast establishment for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests, may be maintained as home occupations in all zoning districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four and further provided that breakfast shall be the only meal and that only for bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other buildings to a “bed and breakfast” shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board. Off-street parking for one car per rented room plus space for owner parking shall be provided.”

Mrs. Mitchell said that she would be converting most of her 1770 house on Wentworth Road to a bed & breakfast. There will be four bedrooms and four baths and she will be serving only breakfast. She mentioned in her application that 5 acres of the property will be for garden/walking paths for her guests.

Mr. Miller asked Mrs. Mitchell about the parking and she said she had plenty of room to accommodate the parking. She also said that she was planning on talking to Mark Houghton about putting in a sprinkler system. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the proposed bed and breakfast in March. Mr. Marcom second the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Site Plan: Shane Podmore proposes a doggie day care and kennel at 561 Main Street. Tax Map 12, Lot 19-1, commercial district.

Mr. Podmore proposes a kennel and fenced in area at 0- for dogs. The property is 1 acre with a 1,296 square-foot home. The backyard has a 130-by-40-foot fenced-in area. Mr. Podmore plans to add a 24-by-54 square-foot building with 16 runs, which would provide pet sitting options for up to 20 dogs. Ms. Andros asked what will happen with the dogs’ poop. He said it will be collected, bagged and disposed of appropriately. Mr. Podmore needs a license and inspection from the state.

Mr. Podmore doesn’t own the property as yet but will know by week’s end if he intends to buy it.  A public hearing will be held on the matter in March as requested by a motion made by Mr. Marcom, seconded by Mr. Perron and unanimously approved by the entire board. If the purchase had not been made by the March meeting date, Mr. Podmore’s agent, the owner of the house, will write a letter to the Planning Board that the closing date on the property hasn’t been made yet but will be purchased at a specific date.

Town counsel letter

Mr. Miller shared with the board information from Jeremy Hockensmith about the condo lots near Dollar General. The lots have one owner.

Adjournment

At 7:38 Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

There will be no workshop this month. 

The next meeting is March 11, 2025 at 7 pm. The meeting will be on the second floor because voting will be taking place on the first floor.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 2/4/25

SELECTBOARD 02/15/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 4, 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: Peggy Pschirrer and Kaian Richards-Wilkes, Recreation Director

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

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:15 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. Richards-Wilkes left during the Non-Public Session.  Mrs. Pschirrer arrived for the Hooper Trustees meeting.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:15 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:47 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $31,066.30 dated 2/10/2025 including $7,975.00 payment to All Service Office Machines.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,827.11 dated 2/7/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,194.58.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 30, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – January 30, 2025:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 30, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 022-015-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 022-015-000.  The applicant served over 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict and was honorably discharged.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot # 022-015-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption for Map and Lot # 022-015-000.  The applicant met the income and asset limitations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Petition Warrant Article: Ms. Mayberry stated that a petition warrant article was submitted today but fewer than twenty-five registered Walpole voters signed the petition. The petition article could not be accepted by the Selectboard because according to the RSA, there are not enough signers.  Mrs. Downing will write a letter to the petitioner to let her know why the article cannot be included in the warrant.

2025 Warrant Articles: Ms. Mayberry read each article, starting with Article 5, with a Selectboard vote following the reading of each article. The articles and votes for each were as follows: 

Article Number & DescriptionSelectboard Votes to RecommendSelectboard Votes not to RecommendSelectboard Abstains
5. Town Budget300
6. Request to Withdraw from FMRSD300
7.  Approve Funding/Building New Police Station300
8. Police Building Capital Reserve Fund300
9. Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund300
10. Purchase a 6-Wheel Truck for the Highway Department300
11. Highway Capital Reserve Fund300
12. New Vehicle Walpole Police Department300
13. Police Department Capital Reserve Fund300
14. Town-wide Assessment Capital Reserve Fund300

The Selectboard signed the last page of the Warrant and the True and Attest Form.

2024 Selectboard Report for the Town Report: By consensus, the Selectboard is satisfied with their report, and it is ready for the Town Report.

Police Building Public Meeting: The public meeting for the Police Building is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Mrs. Downing will post the meeting on the website and will sign everyone in.

Burnt Highway Truck: Primex, the Town’s insurance company that will cover the loss of the burnt truck, is working with two companies. NEFCO is investigating the cause of the fire, and the second will determine the value of the truck.  

Mr. Dalessio reported that the Highway Department is struggling with equipment this year. Of the six 6-wheel dump trucks, two are operational, three are waiting for service, and one just burned up on the way back from being serviced. All four of the 1-ton trucks are operational although some need repairs.  Two of the trucks are 2011 models and the rest more recent.

Mr. Dalessio noted that to overcome the shortage of equipment and staff, one highway employee comes in early to load the trucks with sand and salt before the others arrive.

NEW BUSINESS

Drewsville Common Use Request: A STEAM educational group would like to use the Drewsville Common for an “Astronomy Night”.  The Pastor at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who used to teach science, will be running the event. Mr. Brummel uses the Common and opens the Church for the restrooms and as a warming place.  By consensus, the Selectboard approves the use of the Drewsville Common.

Curriculum Change at FMRSD: “Great Minds” program is moving to “Arts and Letters”.  This is a vendor upgrade to a program available at FMRSD. The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter.  Mr. Dalessio will discuss it further with the school. 

Walpole Fire District Meeting: The annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 PM. The Selectboard plans to attend, so the Selectboard meeting will be moved to Wednesday March 19th. 

ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretar789y

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 13, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 2/3/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 02/10/2025 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Members Present:  Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (Co-Chair), John Peska (Co-Chair, Presiding), Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present:  Tom Beaudry, Paul Happ

Members Absent:  Alicia Flammia,

Visitors Present:  John McCollister 

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

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Peter moved to accept the January 6, 2025 minutes as written. Lew seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried. 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Financial Report: 

  • Conservation $242,206.76
  • Forestry $51,812.70
  • Mason Forest Expendable $516,984.35
  • Mason Forest Nonexpendable $22,962.00

Correspondence:

  • Notification was received from the state that they plan to replace a culvert at the top of Prospect Hill.  The work is planned for this spring or summer.
  • An Antioch grad student is available to do a bird study/count in an area that was last managed two to ten years ago, and he would work with the Town Forester.  Peter will invite the Antioch student and Alex Barrett, Town Forester, to the March meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Webpage: Currently the town website goes directly to the Conservation website when Conservation Commission is clicked.  Other organizations and departments have a page with useful details.  Each group was given the opportunity to create a page when the site was being set up.  It was decided that France will work with Sarah Downing to get trained and create a Conservation Commission webpage for the Town website that will link to the Conservation Commission’s website.

OLD BUSINESS

Route 12 Rest Areas – Shelters, Cleanup:  Both shelters have new roofs that look great.  Although not in the initial quote, some of the pine boards needed to be replaced.  A deposit was made so the remaining amount due is $7,728.60. Lew moved that we accept the invoice and pay it.  France seconded and all voted in favor.  The motion carried.

 Additional cleanup is needed, e.g. any timber that needs replacing, painting, power washing, etc.  The work will be planned at the March meeting and the work session will be in April.

Fanny Mason Harvesting – Update: The contract will be presented to the Commission in the spring.  Peter will ask Alex for an update at the March meeting.

Gateway & Hooper Invasives: An update is needed in March.  Nicole will check with the Hooper Board to see if they have concerns.

Property Monitoring: In December all the sites that needed monitoring were visited and the reports were filed.  

There was a discussion of where records are kept, the issue being very full files.  Wendy and Peter will sort out the files and have it done by the end of the month.  Monitoring reports need to also be filed in the property folders and there is some information in the property folders that Conservation needs.  Wendy will work with Sarah on new processes after Town Meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

Reservoir Dam: Steve and John attended an online meeting with DES, the Army Corp of Engineering, and Fuss and O’Neill. The goal is to avoid mitigation while fixing the dam – Steve will work with Fuss & O’Neill.  Walpole also needs to split the project into two parts.  The first will be the culvert and spillway to protect the Town, and the second will be the slope of the dam.

The ARPA funds will be used to put generators on the pump houses.  The generator from the cistern on Prospect Hill will be moved to Town Hall.

Hooper Institute Board Update: The renovation is ongoing, and they are looking for Helen’s successor.  There will be a pause in the construction for summer camps and renovations should be finished in the fall. 

Trail Committee:  It was a good meeting on January 9th with three new people.  The focus was planning for this year.  There was a discussion about whether trails should be publicized online.  It was suggested that this should be a decision of more than just the Trail Committee because of the impact on the whole area.

 Nicole said she has a lighter load this time of year and offered to work on the permit for the Rail Trail maintenance.  She would work on getting a permit for more than just this year.

AGENDA FOR MEETING ON MARCH 3, 2025

  • Alex – Updates on harvest, invasives
  • Peter – Antioch student
  • Annual  Goals – including tree planting
  • Old Home Days – what does the Conservation Commission want to do?  In the past we had the game warden once; Gary Speed another time

MEMBER RENEWALS:  Alicia, France and Peter need to renew their membership on the Commission.  Send a brief letter to Sarah Downing to start the process.

ADJOURNMENT: John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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