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Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 6/10/25

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 06/18/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

June 10, 2025

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, 

Susan Johnson, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jana Sellarole, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Absent:  Gail Lahaise

Visitor:  Eryn Sellarole

Call to Order:  Amy called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Hubbard Community Room.

Approval of Minutes:  Amy moved to approve the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor;  motion carried.

Introduction of Eryn Sellarole:  Amy welcomed Eryn Sellarole to the meeting.  Eryn introduced herself as the new Chair of the Friends of the Library, working along with Gretchen Fowler in this role.  Eryn provided an update on their activities. The Friends board approved an additional $5,000 to the library for programming and newspapers.  The annual book sale is on again for the end of October. Every Wednesday during the summer from 9:30-10:30 at the Coop, the Friends will  sort books and accept donations for the book sale. They prefer that donations be dropped off here but will still accept books at the reuse center. They also welcome volunteers to help with the sorting process.  

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy reported that last month we received a quarterly check from the Library Trust Fund for $5,000. It was more than expected but it was based on interest that they make. The library also received a large amount of donations in memory of Gary Rhodes.

Bills:  The biggest expense last month was renewal of Library Aware software.  Jane said she is considering changing to a less expensive software, but Julie finds it useful when sending out the newsletter each month.  They will continue to look for a less expensive option. Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Erin seconded and all voted in favor; motion carried. 

Old Business

Old Home Days:  Jane reported that preparations for the march are underway and six staff members will participate.  Bill had the bookmarks printed and Sarah will order the temporary tattoos.

Library Scholarship: Amy delivered a letter and check to the high school prior to Awards Night.  Analiese Kenyon received the scholarship.  Susan suggested putting an announcement of this award in the Clarion. 

Bill suggested possibly refining the scholarship guidelines, but this could be done at a future meeting.

Long Range Planning:  Jane will send copies of the 2018 Five-Year-Plan to the trustees to review during the summer in preparation for writing the new long range plan.    

New Business

Policy Review:  Jane recommended reviewing one policy per meeting, as suggested at a recent regional trustees meeting. Trustees agreed it is a good idea.

At this board meeting Jane presented her ideas for our display policy, referring to the Nashua Public Library policy as an example.  Bulletin board and rack displays were discussed.  Kathy suggested rack displays follow bulletin board guidelines.  Susan recommended formalizing each policy by stating the policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees. It was also suggested that a statement saying all policies apply to both the main and North Walpole branches of the library appear at the beginning of the policy handbook. Jane said we can also make that statement on our website link to library policies. Jane will revise our display policy this summer and send it to the board for approval.

Operations:  Jane sent her operations report to the trustees for review prior to this meeting. She noted at the meeting that the Savings Bank of Walpole presented the library with a $200 grant, which Jane said would be used for the Walpole Reads program in the fall. The SBW will be listed as a co-sponsor of the event.

Jane said with increased funding from the Friends, she can plan some additional adult programs. She is currently working on one with a chocolate theme for late August or early September.

The frustration over the router continues.  No progress has been made.  Jane will contact Sarah Downing or Carolyn Vose to see if the Town can contact Consolidated on behalf of the library. In the meantime, it was suggested that staff give patrons who want to print the password for the other router.   

Adjournment: With no further discussion, Erin moved to adjourn the meeting. Sarah seconded and all voted in favor.  Amy adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.

The next meeting will be September 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,  

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the September 9, 2025 meeting.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/10/25

PLANNING BOARD 06/16/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Minutes

June 10, 2025

Town Hall 

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so there was no need to appoint an alternate to fill in.

Minutes: Review minutes of May 2025. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business: 

Signage at Blue Seal:

Free-standing sign near Route 12, with an Electronic Messaging Board. Internally Lit Wall Sign on building. Couple of smaller signs: on the containing propane silo and one near driveway entrance to the store. Presenter Justin Parker of Classic Signs Inc. LLC in Amherst, NH. The property is at 334 Main Street, Tax Map 12, Lot 59 in the commercial district. Blue Seal was formerly owned by Achilles Agway.

Mr. Parker said he was at the meeting to get approval for four signs: a wall sign on the building, a free-standing sign near Route 12, a sign near the entrance driveway to the store and a sign on a propane tank, which is 118 feet to the north of the doors to the building. The sign on the propane tank is 3.89 square foot, single sided vinyl. The entrance sign is 3 feet 1 3/4-inches. The size of these signs comply with Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances on signage.

 However, the wall sign on the building and the free-standing sign are larger than the 32 square-foot maximum spelled out in the zoning ordinance. So he is asking for a variance. He said he believes these signs should not be smaller because cars going by at 55 mph wouldn’t even notice the Blue Seal sign and reducing the size of the sign takes away from their intrinsic design. Actually the cars passing Blue Seal should be going 35 mph. Variances are decided by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The secretary will put him on the agenda for June 18.

The wall sign on the building has the Blue Seal logo and below it says FARM – HOME. Its size is 49.58 square feet, single-sided and internally lit. The free-standing pylon sign has the Blue Seal Logo and the words Farm – Home. Between the words FARM and Home is a tiny rooster on both signs. There is an additional space for a “reader” board of 2 lines of 6-inch copy on the Route 12 sign. This sign is double faced and the electronic reader board would change every couple of minutes to say something else. The choice of what goes on the message board is up to the owners.

 Mr. Harrington worried the message board might distract drivers. He read from sign provision No. 3 “oscillating, rotating flashing, neon, or other tubular gas signs are not permitted except when used for public safety purposed by a governmental entity?” Mr. Marcom also mentioned provision 3 but other Board members didn’t stater concerns about the message board.. 

Mr. Parker also submitted back-up renditions of the signage on the building and near Route 12 that comply with Walpole’s sign ordinance in case his request for a variance is turned down.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the sign on the propane tank and sign at the entrance driveway. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Phase 3 at Abenaki Springs

Mr. Miller said the Select Board recently had a discussion of Phase 3 at Abenaki Springs. He said given that there have been so many changes in that area over the last few years he thought Phase 3 would need go through a Site Plan Review. Mr. Dalessio said Avanru Development used the words “substantially complete” to indicate they might be ready. However, Mr. MacLachlan, who works in construction, said Avanru may have some of the infrastructure in place such as electrical, water and sewer but that doesn’t cover “substantially complete” in the construction industry. There isn’t even a draft of the building, he said. The Board will revisit this topic next month.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:35 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed on July 8 for any corrections.

Police Building Committee Meeting Minutes – 6/9/25

Police Building Committee, Police Dept 06/13/2025 Leave a comment

POLICE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Minutes, June 9, 2025

Steve Dalesio called the meeting to order in the Offices of the Selectboard at 6:30 pm, June 9, 2025. Present in person were Trevor MacLaclan, Jay Punt, Peggy Pschirrer and on Zoom, Dave Adams and Cheri Watson.  Absent were Chief Justin Sanctuary who is on vacation and Andrew Dey.

The Committee agreed the building design work is complete and the next step is to develop an RFP for constructions drawings.  Several architectural firms were suggested: Banwell Architects, Black River, Dan Scully and Chris Adams.  There is a competitive bid environment.

We need to consider when we wish to break ground by establishing a timeline.  We will also need to be alert to the next Town budget cycle.

Nancy Merrill has been asked to ask Northern Borders if we are eligible for the grant which is awarded to buildings erected from wood.  We will also ask that she look for funding from the Department of Agriculture which might be applicable to police stations.

The Committee discussed our need to form a fund-raising committee with local volunteers. We could agree to establish a method for naming individual rooms within the new building – e.g.- the Training room, individual offices, the evidence room etc.

We will have a table at Old Home Days on the Common, June 28, with our building design. Mr. Dalessio offered his pop-up tent and agreed to have posters made of our floor plan.  Ms. Watson and Mr. MacLaclan both offered to staff the table for short periods of time.  We will expect a Police Officer will also be available to answer questions about the new building. It was suggested we have items to give to children such as badges or other paraphernalia.

The Highway Department does not have the equipment to brush hog the piece of property we own on Upper Walpole Road. Mr. Dalessio will contact a local company to do the work.

 Ms. Watson reported she had been contacted by a Cheshire County Commissioner.  We also discussed the importance of another public meeting.

 The meeting adjourned at 7: 20 pm.  The next meeting will be June 23 at 6:30 pm.

Peggy Pschirrer

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/4/25

SELECTBOARD 06/13/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

June 4, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Nicole Adams, Peggy Pschirrer and Tara Sad

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

The following item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a guest who wished to speak to it.

Special Use Permit (SUP) for Rail Trail: Nicole Adams had marked up SUP application with suggested edits.  She asked if Attorney Hockensmith needed to review the form.  By consensus, the Selectboard approved the draft version of the form and that Atty. Hockensmith did not need to review the form.  The State needs a copy of the insurance for the company doing the brush hogging and the $1,000 bond.  

Mrs. Adams left the meeting.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:41 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:05 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

Accounts Payable 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $94,050.64 dated 6/9/2025 including $47,155.29 payment to Health Trust for employee medical insurance.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Payroll

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,320.68 dated 6/6/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,028.44.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 28, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 28, 2025: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 28, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Committee Reports 

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

  • Trail Committee Meeting – May 14, 2025
  • Safety Committee Meeting – May 29, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Abatements

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot # 12-056-002 of $1,104 because the prior owner was incorrectly billed.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot # 012-056-004 of $1,352 because this is the future Police Station lot. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot #012-058-000 of $3,104 because a large portion of the property was placed in current use.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Supplemental Tax Warrant

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Supplemental Tax Warrant for Map & Lot # 012-056-002 for $1,104 to the correct owner of the property. Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion carried, and the Supplemental Tax Warrant was approved.

Excavation Intent

Map and Lot # 012-073-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot #012-073-000, located off Old Drewsville Road.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Recycling Center Solar System Repair Update: Ms. Vose reported that the new inverter had a bad component and failed within twenty-four hours.  Solar Dave is looking for a new, American made inverter here rather than from China. Mr. Dalessio had read that the Chinese manufacturer is having a serious reliability issue and that this type of inverter keeps failing.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: There was no feedback from the public.  The plan must be finished by August 3, 2025.  The Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) is aware of the deadline. They are working to complete the updated plan on time.

Route 12 Paving Project in North Walpole Update: Mr. Dalessio stated that the estimated start time is the third week in August.  All interested parties have been alerted.

CPCNH Meeting and Rate Update: There are a series of meetings starting June 6th.  The new rates will be posted on July 1st.  Everyone has been notified.

New Business

Mascoma Bank Account for the Charging Stations: By consensus, the Selectboard wants Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Adams, as the former treasurer, to be removed from the account since Mrs. Pschirrer is no longer on the Selectboard.  Also, by consensus, Ms. Vose, a member of the Selectboard, and Mr. Varone, the Town Treasurer, are to be added to the account. Mr. Kreissle will follow up regarding next steps.

Walpole Players Banner on the Town Hall: Ms. Sad joined the meeting to discuss the request.  The Players would like to hang an 8’ x 4’ banner on the Elm Street side of the Town Hall.  It will be white with blue letters and will read, “Our Town by Thorton Wilder”.  It will be hung after a wedding event in the Town Hall.  By consensus, the Selectboard agrees if it only advertises the play and will only display for a couple weeks.  Mr. Nash has already been consulted and is willing to hang it.  Ms. Sad left the meeting.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Vose moved to approve the use of the Recreation Revolving Fund to purchase jerseys for Summer Basketball for a total of $1,123, and to sign Purchase Order # 655602 for Bulldog Design LLC.  The expense will be reimbursed by the sponsors.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the Purchase Order was signed.

Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Request: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request to purchase tires for cruisers for a total of $1,148 from the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign Purchase Order # 67269 for $1,148 for the tires for the cruisers. Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Drinking Water Sustainability ARPA Grant Reimbursement: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Drinking Water Sustainability ARPA Grant Reimbursement request for $14,500.00 and for the Chair to sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:26 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:48 PM.

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

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 6/2/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 06/07/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Conservation Commission Minutes

June 2, 2025

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

Members Present: Nicole Adams, Wendy Grossman, Paul Happ, Peter Palmiotto (Co-chair), John Peska (Co-chair & Presider), Carolyn Vose (Selectboard)

Alternates Present: Tom Beaudry

Members Absent: France Menk, Lewis Shelley

Visitors Present: Kara Dexter, Hale Morrell, Nick Tsichlis

Call to Order: John called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternatives: No Alternates were needed for this meeting.

Review and Approval of Minutes

After a discussion of the process of creating, publishing and storing minutes, Peter moved that the word “Minutes” be added to the title, and the notice that these are draft minutes be moved from the end to the top of the minutes.  Nicole seconded and the motion carried unanimously.  (See above.)

There is one correction to the 5/5/2025 minutes: the bird walk to be led by Chris Liazos will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 28th, i.e. before the Old Home Days Parade, not after as the minutes said.  Paul moved to accept the May 5, 2025 minutes as amended. John seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 

Public Business

Financial Report: 

  • Conservation $280,663.74 (as of 5/13/2025)
  • Forestry $52,368.91

It was noticed that the budget vs. actual report seems to have too high an actual figure for trail maintenance.  John will follow up with Rich Kreissle.

Correspondence: The Commission received the Selectboard approval for Paul to serve as Commissioner. There is a postcard from NH Lakes for a meeting on June 5th.  We received thanks from Becky Pearson, winner of the winter trail contest, for her prize which she looks forward to using as she hikes around Town.

The Commission also received a letter from Hale Morrell stating that she would like to serve as an Alternate on the Conservation Commission.  Peter moved to approve Hale as an Alternate.  Paul seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.  Hale is recommended to the Selectboard. 

New Business

None

Old Business

Forest for the Birds Contract: Nicole reported that the Hooper Board approved the study and agreed to pay half the cost.  They also requested that a Conservation member be point person – Peter volunteered to continue. Chris Liazos contacted Monadnock Conservancy about the two study points on their land.  There is no problem continuing to use the two points, but they cannot help pay for the study.  As a result, Chris took the two study points out of the cost to Walpole, but the sites will still be monitored and included in the final report.  The cost to the Conservation Commission and to Hooper Institute will be $572 each.

Gateway Invasives: The contract was amended to state that treatments will be done after June 30th as agreed to in email conversations.  The contract has been signed.

Old Home Days Planning: Not everything for Conservation is in the current published schedule, but it will be in a printed update and all electronic versions of the schedule.  Fish and Game has been asked to be at the Conservation table.  There will also be a chart of invasives.  The invasives chart will be posted at Recycling after Old Home Days to help people recognize any invasives so they can be burned instead of composted.  The bird walk in town will be on Saturday at 9:00.  The Trail Committee will be at the Gateway on Sunday for a 7:00 AM bird walk and 10:00 AM River Ramble on the new trail.  The Trail Committee table on Saturday will have maps of Walpole trails available.  Wendy will send an update to the Walpolean after the Trail Committee meets this month. 

Trail Committee

Updates: The Trail Committee would like to have a tablecloth with the Committee’s name for Old Home Days.  The cost for the tablecloth and the printing is $150.  Since it would only be used a couple times a year, the Commission doesn’t feel it is a good use of tax dollars.  Several less expensive ideas were suggested. 

HOT (Help our Trails) Day had fewer people this year, but they accomplished a lot.  Seventeen people broke into four groups.  Three groups worked on the Rail Trail and the other group worked at Mill Pond removing a downed tree and leveling the path.  The new tools (two pulaskis and a rogue hoe) arrived in time and were helpful, and the cost ($225.49) was significantly less than the amount approved.  

Green Mountain Club looked at the Academy Ravine.  It is very steep, and it is not a good idea to put a trail there.  There could be a rim trail, but it is all private property.  Concern was expressed about some of the trees down in the Ravine and damage that could be caused if one gives way and causes flooding.

Rail Trail Brush Hog: The hay at the Gateway is looking good.  The Town has insurance information for brush hogging the Rail Trail.  The latest version of the contract from the State just arrived and is awaiting Selectboard approval.

Other Business

Dam Updates: no report

Hooper Institute Board Update: The Bird Count approval was already discussed.  The Board meets Tuesday.

Fanny Mason: Kara reported there is a lot of standing water which means lots of wet trash.  However, there is less litter since Fance put up the signs.  It is not clear whether the signs or wet weather are responsible.  The north-bound rest area is particularly bad with standing water in the path to the shelter and deeper standing water beside the walk.  This area is always a problem, not just this year.  There was a discussion of unmowed grass, standing water and needing a new path to the shelter.  It was decided additional information and estimates are needed in order to develop a plan to correct the issues.

Next Meeting July 7, 2025 – Agenda

  • North-bound rest area:  unmowed grass, standing water and the path to the shelter.

Adjournment:  John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 4/16/25

ZONING BOARD 06/07/2025 Leave a comment

Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

April 16, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm

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

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. He asked Don Sellarole to sit in for an absent board member. There was a quorum present.

Minutes: Review minutes of March 2025: Mr. Sommers made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Mr. Murray seconded the motion. Ms. Barnes abstained from voting because she was not at the March meeting. The motion passed with 3 yeas, no nays.

NH Planning and Land Use Regulation: 2024-2025 edition: One copy was given to the new Board member, Bill Sommers, and one copy was given to Don Sellarole, who had ordered the book. There are still two more to distribute to board members who ordered the manual.

Discussion: Zoning Ordinances booklet: Mr. Murray thought we should hold off on starting to work on alphabetizing the definitions in the Zoning Ordinances document. He said since Carol Ogilvie, who works for Southwest Region Planning Commission, was working on organizing and integrating the amendments to the zoning ordinance that were approved and part of the town warrant, he wasn’t sure whether or not she was also alphabetizing the definitions. The Board hopes to hear more on the matter before the May meeting from Todd Horner, Executive Director of SWRPC.

Adjournment: Mr. Sommers made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/28/25

SELECTBOARD 06/06/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

May 28, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer & Greta Drager

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

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:30 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:20 PM.  Ms. Drager and Mrs. Pschirrer left during the Hooper Trustees meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,002.37 dated 5/30/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,841.23.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 22, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 22, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – May 22, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 22, 2025.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Committee Reports

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

• Conservation Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 

• Library Trustees Meeting – May 13, 2025 

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Route 12 Paving Project in North Walpole: The Preconstruction Meeting will be held June 5th at NH DOT District 4 Building in Swanzey at 9:30 AM.  All the appropriate Walpole people have been notified.  The paving of Route 12 has already started in Winchester per Ms. Mayberry.

Fuss & O’Neill Meeting: Mr. Dalessio will call an in-person meeting with Fuss & O’Neill in a week or so.  They do not provide reports every two weeks as agreed.

New Business

Waiver of Municipal Liability for Private Highway for Map and Lot # 003-056-000: Map and Lot # 003-056-000 is located on the Class VI portion of Merriam Road.  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept and sign the Waiver of Municipal Liability already signed by the landowner.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the waiver was signed and notarized.

Repairs on the Solar Energy System at the Recycling Building: Ms. Vose reported that the replacement inverter for the solar energy system on the pole barn at the Recycling Center arrived and is being installed.

The Selectboard discussed the topic of Town committees. They do not have the authority to make financial decisions or sign contracts.  Only the Selectboard can negotiate and make these decisions.

2024 Total Equalized Valuation Notice: With utility and railroad parcels, Walpole’s total valuation is $824,193,874.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the 2024 Total Equalized Valuation Notice from the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).

Showcase at North Walpole School: The second grade will have a showcase on their study of the Early American West at the North Walpole School on Friday, 5/30/2025 at 9:30 AM.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b)(c) at 7:53 PM.  Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.The meeting was reconvened at 8:20 PM.

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

The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 PM.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the June 4, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 5/21/25

ZONING BOARD 06/04/2025 Leave a comment

Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Town Hall

7 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 18, 2025 meeting for corrections.

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

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Murray made one correction. He mentioned that the caveat about the minutes not being approved was not at the beginning of the April minutes. Ms. Barnes made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Walpole Zoning Ordinances: The Board received copies of the updated zoning ordinances booklet recently reorganized by Southwest Region Planning Commission. This update reflects the recent changes voted on by townspeople at the March warrant vote. After members have had a chance to look over the booklet, they’ll come back next month with their comments. A quick look showed that all the definitions were in alphabetical order. 

Conway in the news again: Ms. Barnes said Conway, NH was in the news again. The NH Superior Court recently made a decision about a bakery that had a mural painted over the top of its sign. The mural had pictures of pastries in it. The bakery was said to be in violation of the sign ordinance, however the high court found in favor of the bakery owner.

Gravel Pit Inspections: Mr. Murray said that later this year he will go over the gravel pit inspection process with the Planning Board. Inspections are required once a year and this is done usually in the fall. The Zoning Board has been doing this for years but legally it’s under the purview of the Planning Board. There are three gravel pits in Walpole that are still operating – Cold River Materials on Brewery Road, Tim Graves gravel pit at the end of Wentworth Road and the former Hodgkins gravel pit on Old Drewsville Road now owned by Josh Perry Trucking. 

It was suggested by Mr. Sellarole that he may want to get an expert to help him because it can be complicated. Mr. Edkins suggested a geologist who lives in Charlestown. Someone else suggested an engineer from a company that is hired to do this from a nearby town such as Westmoreland. He will also cover reclamation or closing of gravel pits and add what happens to those inspections: letter to gravel pit owners including a copy of the inspection report. Regulations on gravel pit are RSA 155:E.

Mr. O’Keefe briefly brought up development of regional impact. He referenced RSA 36:56, Section I. “A local land use board as defined in RSA 672:7, upon receipt of an application for development, shall review it promptly and determine whether or not the development, if approved, reasonably could be construed as having the potential for regional impact. Doubt concerning region impact shall be resolved in a determination that the development has potential regional impact.”

Spring conference: Ms. Barnes said she virtually attended a webinar on Saturday, May 10 put on by the New Hampshire Office of Planning and Development Spring Conference. This is what she gleaned from the conference in the afternoon question and answer session.

Recusing oneself:

  • The refusal of a Board member to recuse him/herself when there is a perceived conflict. When that happens, you can be 100 percent sure that there will be an appeal.

There was a lot to say about variances:

  • The applicant must answer all of the five questions. Otherwise the application is incomplete.

Hardship is often the hardest part of application to answer. Here’s some help:

  • Figure out what the underlying purpose of the restriction is about.
  • Is that purpose affected by a request?
  • Focus on the merits of the proposition.
  • What is the purpose behind the zoning restriction for which the variance is being requested. Is the purpose furthered when you apply the restriction to this particular property? If so, then there may not be a hardship.
  • Be tolerant on matters of procedure and focus instead on the merits of the proposition.

Equitable Waivers:

  • The lecturers themselves couldn’t agree on some questions about equitable waivers, underscoring how complicated they are. An equitable waiver does not confer protected status.  Once granted, it does not create a non-conforming use. Ms. Barnes wondered if the Board had ever dealt with an equitable waiver, leading to a discussion about them.  No member could recall having done so.     

Adjournment

Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/22/25

SELECTBOARD 05/30/2025 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire

Meeting of the Selectboard

May 22, 2025

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

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

Guests Present: Adrian Basora and Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wished to speak to it.

River Valley Seniors at Home (RVSAH): RVSAH thanked the Town for the annual donation.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Basora explained the new initiative. There are currently 771 seniors in Walpole, about two-thirds are living alone.  They have a new project to create a database that will help the Fire District and EMS respond to calls.  There will be refrigerator magnets with emergency contacts and medical issues plus more extensive data in a database for first responders.  They will be working with community organizations and the churches and request two advocates from each organization to help gather data and create the database.  They will start at Old Home Days. 

Two additional issues for seniors are filling out forms and keeping up with bills.  There is a service in NH that when the State sends a form or bill to a senior, they can send a copy to a registered advocate.  However, the word needs to get out, so people know about the service.

Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Basora left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $280,202.65 dated May 27, 2025.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,550.29 dated 5/23/2025 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,001.80.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 14, 2025: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 14, 2025.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Committee Reports

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

  • Police Building Committee Minutes May 12, 2025
  • Walpole Planning Board Minutes May 13, 2025

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Property Tax Warrant

Spring Property Tax Warrant: Ms. Vose moved to approve the property tax warrant for $6,954,220.00 with payment due July 1, 2025.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the property tax warrant was approved.

Building Demolition Permits

2025-16, Map and Lot# 002-008-000: Ms.  Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-16 for Map and Lot # 002-008-000 to demolish a 40’ x 12’ lean-to between chicken coops. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the permit was approved.

2025-17, Map and Lot# 014-005-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2025-17 for Map and Lot # 014-005-000 to demolish the house and barn. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the permit was approved.

Old Business

Pool Pavilion Contract: Bensonwood submitted the contract for the Shade Structure at the Town Pool.  Ms. Vose moved to have the Chair sign the contract dated May 13, 2025 for Bensonwood to build a shade structure at the Town Pool for $21,700.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the contract.

New Business

Consultant Selection Justification Form for ARPA Grant: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Consultant Selection Justification Form for ARPA and for Mr. Dalessio, the Chair, to sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement Form: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Disbursement Form, and for Mr. Dalessio to sign the form. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the invoices from Weston and Sampson.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the invoice was signed.

Police Building Capital Reserve Fund: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to the Trustees of Trust Funds requesting them to issue a check to Walpole for $5,425.10 for reimbursement of the expenditures for the Police Station.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Eagle Scouts: Two of the Walpole Scouts will become Eagle Scouts on Sunday.  There will be a Court of Honor and Pig Roast at Hogue Base.

  • Ms. Vose moved to sign the certificate and congratulate Bennett Hook on his accomplishment.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the certificate was signed.
  • Ms. Vose moved to sign the certificate and congratulate David Northcott on his accomplishment.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the certificate was signed.

The Town of Walpole congratulates the two new Eagle Scouts. The Town is proud of the scouts’ accomplishments.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a, b, c, e) at 7:21 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:04 PM.

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

The Selectboard will meet next week on Wednesday, May 28th at 6:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the May 28, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)

Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 5/13/25

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 05/21/2025 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

May 13, 2025

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, 

Bill Ranauro, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), 

Absent:  Jana Sellarole

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the main library.

Approval of Minutes:  Gail made a motion to accept the April, 2025 minutes as written.  Erin seconded the motion and all voted to approve. 

Treasurer’s Report: The trustees decided it would be more appropriate to change the name of the line item “Volunteer Dinner” to “Staff Appreciation” in the budget. This could then include dinners or other tokens of appreciation and avoid confusion.

Bills:  Jane discussed the library passes, which appeared in the bills.  She stated we will no longer purchase passes to the Currier Museum because they are seldom used.  She has added the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough.  With no further discussion, Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Gail seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Old Business

Survey Results:  There were 102 responses to the survey.  Sarah compiled results and shared them with Jane, who highlighted the most frequently mentioned comments with the board. Results include the following:

  1. 89.6% of respondents feel the library is meeting its mission while 10.4% feel it is somewhat meeting its mission.
  2. The library needs more adult programming, including more intellectual programming (history, science, etc.).
  3. Many feel the library should engage more with the school and community.
  4. Roughly 52% of respondents come to the library once/week, 17% more than once/week, and 17% once/month. 90% come to the library to borrow books, 87% attend programs. Many use the library for the downloadables.
  5. Expand the collection to include more fiction in addition to best sellers.
  6. Several patrons expressed frustration using the moveable stacks; however, due to limited space in the library, the board feels it is the practical solution for meeting our collection goals.

Patrons were asked how they learn of announcements and events at the library and they replied:

  1. Library newsletter and emails
  2. Walpole Clarion
  3. Library website
  4. Sandwich board outside the library
  5. Library staff

Patrons feel the following are the strengths of our library:

  1. The staff 
  2. Children’s programming
  3. Large number of books
  4. Lovely space
  5. Customer services
  6. Inter-Library Loan
  7. Safe and inclusive
  8. Great for all ages

After looking at the survey results, it was decided that the 5-year planning should address:

  1. More resources for students and families
  2. More programs
  3. Opportunities for volunteers to participate in the library
  4. Increased resources for seniors
  5. Promotion of community partnerships

It was also decided that the library needs to do more self-promotion.  It was clear from the survey that many people are not aware of many services the library and its staff already provide.  

Next step is to set a time to do the long-range planning, which will include the entire board and some staff members.

Old Home Days

The musician is scheduled for the afternoon program at the library.  The parade was discussed. The staff felt that the idea proposed at last month’s board meeting focused too much on children;  the theme should include both adults and children.  The new and final idea was presented and Jane invited board members to participate, either by marching and/or doing the needed artwork. 

Bill presented his idea for the bookmark and asked for board input.  After a short discussion, decisions were made and Bill said he would take care of getting them made. 

Operations

Porch Lights:  Jane reported that Houghton came and adjusted the new lighting;  neighbors are satisfied with the adjustment.

State Budget:  Jane stated that monies are still available for libraries, so none of the services, ILL, Libby, and talking books, are threatened at this time. She has heard nothing new about the progress with the state budget but will keep the board informed of any news from Concord.

Circulation:  Libby and Hoopla continue to be very popular services, with Hoopla the most widely used.  Sarah asked Jane to explain the differences between the two.  Hoopla does not necessarily have all the latest best sellers that Libby does and it never requires a hold.  Holds on books in Libby can last several weeks.  Hoopla also has audio books (as does Libby) and videos.

Printer Problems:  Jane said Sarah’s husband came to the library to try to solve the printer problem but was unable to do so. Jane has been in contact with Consolidated again, and is waiting to hear when they can come to the library. Bjorn will meet with them when they come.

Buildings and Grounds:  Jane reported that the bark on one side of the new tree was scraped by machinery being used for roof repair next door. 

Friends of the Library:  The Friends have told Jane they want to give more money to the library.  Jane suggested the money be used for programming because she is unsure if grant money will be available for that.  The Friends also mentioned paying for newspapers and magazines.

Adjournment:  With no further business to discuss, Gail made a motion to adjourn;  Erin seconded. Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:08 p.m.

The next meeting will be June 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the June 10, 2025 meeting.