Tag Archives: Meeting Minutes

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 10/7/24

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 10/14/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 7, 2024

Members Present: Alicia Flammia, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto, Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present: Nicole Adams, Tom Beaudry

Selectboard Present:  Steve Dalessio

Members Absent: John Peska

Alternates Absent: Paul Happ

Visitors Present: Katherine Kopji, North Walpole Village Commissioner

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

Seating of Alternates: no Alternates needed

In Memory of Marcia Galloway: Marcia served on the Conservation Commission for many years and was Chair.  Each member who served with Marcia shared their memories.  By consensus, the Conservation Committee recommends that Marcia be recognized in the Town Report.

Review and Approval of Minutes 

Tabled to the next meeting.

Public Business

Report from co-Chair: A copy of the RSA book has been requested for the meeting room downstairs.  Paul Happ has been approved as an Alternate.

Financial Report: no report

Correspondence:   

  • Ryan Owens is leaving the Monadnock Conservancy to run the New England Forestry Foundation.  He will continue to live in Walpole.
  • NH Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting:  Saturday November 2nd at Pembroke Academy. Keynote: “Something Wild” Stories; A Peek Behind the Microphone with Thoughts on NH’s Natural Heritage.  Presenters are Dave Anderson, Senior Director of Education for the Society of the Protection of NH Forests, and Chris Martin, Senior Biologist with NH Audubon.  The Commission can reimburse cost.
  • Cheshire County Conservation District’s 8th Annual Conservation Commission Potluck is Tuesday, November 19th at Stonewall Farm in Keene. There will be a presentation on turtle conservation in NH and a roundtable discussion. The Commission can reimburse cost.

New Business

Britton Farm – CCCD Cooperator of the Year Award: The Britton Farm will be recognized at the Annual Celebration of the Cheshire County Conservation District on October 10th.

Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam – Wetland Permit: John will continue to work on the Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam.  The issue is that there are lots of requirements because it will now be necessary to go into the water.  This dam is rated as a low hazard.  Because of the problems finding a contractor, this will probably not be done immediately.  Steve Dalessio is also following this project.

Fanny Mason Rest Area – Issues and Updates, Parking, Cleaning Shelters:  

  • Kara’s invoice included a list of the trash she has removed.  There was a camper parked for a number of days recently.  The police were notified.  We need “no overnight parking” signs.
  • Additional signs are needed.  France will check with other places to ask what they have for signs.  The signs need to be consistent, and some of the issues should be eliminated when some dead trees are taken down, the disintegrating steps are removed, etc.  Signs might go on the shelter in a kiosk – a consistent sign plan is needed.  
  • Questions:  should we claim them as Walpole’s rest area?  do we want to shut down rest areas?   we put a fence up on the west – want one on the east too?
  • Today Lew sent out the RFQ’s for roofing the shelters.
  • Lew will schedule a November workday.  That is a popular hunting area.

NHACC Grants for Interns:  Applications are due October 11th.  The grants are for 15 hours per week for three months in the spring.  By consensus, if Peter has the time to submit an application, perhaps to do a wetlands inventory, that is good with the Commission.  Peter will check to be sure this grant is not just for towns in need. 

Old Business

Property Monitoring:   A monitoring request from LCIP was received but the location was not specified.  Wendy offered to be the Commission’s contact for property monitoring and will inform LCHP to change the contact information from Alicia to Wendy.

Trail Committee:  The meetings and minutes are on the Town website.   The invoice for the second brush hogging will be paid Friday.  They are starting to look at Academy Ravine to look at options – brainstorming now.  Note:  Mad Brook is a state name stream, so there are a lot of state rules that apply to any management activities of named streams.  There are a lot of fallen trees that could block the culvert again and cause serious flooding. The Mill Pond trails will be inspected Sunday.  They are planning an in-person public meeting this fall.  There will be an autumn maintenance day for the Rail Trail.  They are considering creating a program for lending outdoor gear for winter.

Fanny Mason Harvesting: no update

Reservoir Dam Updates:  There will be a design review in a couple weeks with DES – Steve, John, and Mark Houghton will attend.  Someone to fix the kink in the culvert has been found.  Mill Pond Dam repairs will probably be coming soon because that is identified as a high-risk dam.

Hooper Institute Board:  Nicole reported they continue to discuss bike trails in the Hooper Forest.  She created a map to help them understand the existing trails.  They discussed invasives information from Alex Barrett.  They might pay for the next treatment, since they have money from the harvest. Renovations are moving ahead with work planned for this winter.

Walpole Street Trees – Common Tree Replacement/Planting:  Donations covered the costs of trees planted on the Common, so the Commission will not need to draw from its funds for them.  The committee will get together and develop a plan for going forward. Old stumps presented a problem in the planting location.  With the use of a chainsaw, and moving the expanding a hole slightly the trees were planted with good spacing.  The plan is to have another planting next year. The fund for the monument maintenance needs to be reviewed to see if there is money that could be used for trees.

Other Business

  • Peter will follow up with Alex Barrett regarding quotes for invasives treatments and the Fanny Mason harvest.
  • The Commission would like to see someone from North Walpole join the commission.  Katherine Kopji is willing to come if her schedule permits.  She will talk to the other Village Commissioners and provide a prioritized list of needs for North Walpole next month.  

Adjournment:  Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 4, 2024 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 10/8/24

PLANNING BOARD 10/11/2024 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

OCTOBER 8, 2024 AT 7PM IN THE TOWN HALL

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

Also a the meeting were presenters Wendy Pelletier and Joe DiBernardo.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Mr. Miller asked Alternate Bill Carmody to fill in for absent board member, Dennis Marcom. He agreed.

Minutes of September 2024 and Joint meeting minutes with members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and two representatives of Southwest Region Planning Commission Executive Director Todd Horner and Senior Planner Carol Ogilvie. Mr. Harrington made a motion to approved these minutes as printed. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Request for a Public Hearing Boundary Line Adjustment: Elm and Pleasant LLC propose a Lot Line Adjustment for property (apartment house) at the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets.

Presenter was Wendy Pelletier of Cardinal Surveying and Land Planning. Ms. Pelletier said that the lot with the apartment house on it owned by Elm and Pleasant LLC..The property is Town Map 20, Lot 32 and Town Map 22, Lot 3 in the Residential B District. After the boundary line adjustment the lot with the apartment will be 1.3 acres and the open lot with the barn will be 18 acres. They were originally 7.3 acres and 11 acres respectively. Frontage on Pleasant Street is 236.93 feet and the road frontage on Main Street is not noted on the plat but the length is longer than the road frontage on Pleasant Street lot so it fulfills the requirement of 150 feet frontage in the Residential B District.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing for a Boundary Line Adjustment for the property at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Request for a Public Hearing: Subdivision for John McKee Pratt Revocable Trust on Reservoir Road.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo explained that the property is at the end of Reservoir Road, on the southeast side of the road, and is part of the John McKee Revocable Trust. Timothy Karpoff, executor of Jack Pratt’s estate and the trustee of the John M. Pratt Irrevocable Trust sent a letter indicating he was aware of the subdivision application. Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1 will now be 26.07 acres with 268.75 feet of road frontage. It is currently a horse farm. The adjacent area to this lot is an Agricultural Easement for the benefit of Lot 1. This lot is 2.20 acres. The second lot, Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1-2, is 15.44 acres with 200 feet of road frontage. The driveway into Lot 2 is part of the frontage. The rear boundary line of both properties abuts properties on Ramsay Road. If you continue on Reservoir Road, the land is in Conservation Easement.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing for a subdivision for the John McKee Pratt
Revocable Trust property in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Finalize Draft Zoning Amendment

The Planning Board has drafted a zoning amendment that excludes formula businesses in the commercial district, Section 6, of Downtown Walpole Village, Article VI. Formula businesses include retail sales and restaurants that regulate by contractual or other arrangements certain standardized features that may include uniforms, logos, interior or exterior design, array of services or merchandise, menus, ingredients and food preparation. If approved, this zoning amendment will go on the warrant at Town Meeting in March 2025.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing on the Zoning Amendment to exclude formula businesses and restaurants in the Downtown Village Commercial District in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Reminder: Joint workshop on Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm with ZBA and SWRPC.

Adjournment: Mr. Harrington made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron second the motion and the motion carried.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed in November for corrections.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 10/2/24

SELECTBOARD 10/03/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 2, 2024

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

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

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,034.77 dated 10/4/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,830.75. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – September 26, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 26, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – September 26, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 26, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Planning Board and Zoning Board Joint Workshop – September 24, 2024
  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – September 26, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 013-059-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the intent to harvest timber for Map and Lot # 013-059-000. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the timber intent was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-31, Map and Lot# 003-076-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-31 for Map and Lot # 003-076-001 to construct a 26’ x 26’ garage. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the building permit was approved.

2024-32, Map and Lot# 003-076-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-32 for Map and Lot #003-076-000 to construct a26’ x 26’ garage. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the building permit was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam, ARPA Funding Grants, UCC Sign at Rt 12/South Street

Reservoir Dam: We received an update and forwarded it to Steve Doyon at the Dam Bureau.

Letter to Walpole Players: A letter was drafted as requested at a prior meeting. Ms. Downing will confirm that we have their current insurance. Ms. Vose moved the Selectboard approve the letter and sign it. The letter requests the Players no longer practice on Thursday evening starting January 1, 2025, because the overhead noise makes it difficult for the Selectboard to meet. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.

2nd Political Sign Complaint: Another complaint was received about 27 Main Street’s large banner. We need to respond as with the last complaint: the Selectboard has no governance over political signs during election season.

November 20th Informational Meeting – Zoom Option Request: There was a request that Zoom be offered at the November 20th Informational Meeting. The Town doesn’t have all the equipment to Zoom a large meeting. However, we will do our best or we might need to record it and put it on the walpolenh.us website.

Vendor Review Request: The request is for work completed on the west side of Town Hall. Ms. Downing has permission to put a positive review online for the work on the west side of Town Hall.

NEW BUSINESS

Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement: Mr. Dalessio needs to sign the reimbursement for $9,829.32. Ms. Mayberry moved we approve the reimbursement and that Mr. Dalessio sign the form. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the reimbursement was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

Request to Use Whitcome Rec Area Parking Lot: The request is for the Walpole Elementary School’s Fall Festival and Touch a Truck. This request is consistent with prior agreements and is not inconvenient for the Rec Area. By consensus, use of the parking lot was approved.

WES Halloween Parade and the Bridge at Elm and Main: Can the students and staff cross the closed bridge? The students and staff can cross the bridge during the Halloween Parade as long as the students and staff go behind (on the work side of) the barriers, not on the traffic side.

Tractor Supply Parking Lot Event: Is a permit needed? The vendor is seeking a confirmation of no permit needed. No permit is needed. Ms. Downing will send an email to the vendor.

Adding a Civic Group to Town Hall No-Fee Listing: Can the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club be added to the “no fee” list to use the Town Hall? The Hooper Hill Hoppers can be added to the list for free use of Town Hall. Reminder: If they plan to have alcohol at the Christmas Party, they need to be sure their insurance covers alcohol use.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 7:02 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:14 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 7:14 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October
10, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/26/24

SELECTBOARD 10/03/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

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

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Andrew Dey and David Chioffi

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The following item from NEW BUSINESS was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a
guest.

Utility Poles on the Common: David Chioffi attended because he has questions. What is timeline of moving the remaining lines from the old to the new poles and removing the old poles? The remaining lines need to be transferred to the new poles from the top down. Mrs. Downing is addressing the issue. The top tier has been moved which is the electric line from Liberty Utilities. The second line may be First Light, a commercial fiber service. The third line is Comcast Cable. The last, bottom line is Consolidated Communications (CCI). Each utility will notify the following company when their work is complete. CCI, formerly FairPoint, owns the poles. Mrs. Downing will move the process along. Mr. Chioffi volunteered to help make phone calls to the utilities.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:42 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:25 PM.

Ms. Pschirrer, Mr. Dey, and Mr. Chioffi left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $689,852.31 dated 9/27/2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. This included a $581,631.87 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Starting in November, payments will be available the first week of the month, not early. Ms. Mayberry will discuss the change with Mr. Kreissle

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,650.32 dated 9/27/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,430.12. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public Informational Meeting – September 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 19, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

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

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – September 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 19, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Trail Committee Meeting – February 2, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – March 13, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – April 10, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – May 8, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – June 12, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – July 10, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – August 14, 2024
  • Police Building Committee Meeting – September 5, 2024
  • Library Trustees Meeting – September 17, 2024
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – September 18, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam

New Trees on the Common: Thank you to Peter Palmiotto and his team for quickly getting trees and getting them planted. Great Job! Also, thanks to Brad Nash for setting up the automatic watering.

NEW BUSINESS

Refund Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds: The work on the west side of Town Hall is complete. The transfer amount was $19,765. Mr. Dalessio made a motion to direct the Town Facilities Maintenance Fund be used to pay $19,765. for the repairs on the Town Hall.

Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

HealthTrust Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plan Package: HealthTrust has updated their retiree medical package. Currently, there are no Town employees that participate in age 65+ plans. Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the agreement. It would only take effect if someone retires and uses the program. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the agreement was signed by Ms. Mayberry.

Appointment Notice for Conservation Commission: Mr. Dalessio made a motion to accept Paul Happ as an Alternate member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed and Paul Happ is now an Alternate Member on the Commission.

Inspection Notice and OMR for Knapp Cranberry Meadow Dam: The notice will be sent to John Peska who has been trying to get the dam repaired but cannot get a contractor. If Mr. Peska needs anything, he should let the Selectboard Office know.

Emergency Vehicle Weight Limits on Bridges: Signage is to be added by the State. The notice was sent to the Fire Chief and Highway Department. Mr. Dalessio said that the State is posting the signs, but the Town is responsible for the signs once installed.

Primex Workplace Injury Notice: Ms. Mayberry noted that In cases of death or severe injury of an employee while working, there are shorter notification times to Primex and the State DOL.

SWRPC Fall 2024 Meeting Invitation: The meeting will be October 8th and starts at 5:30. The topic is building a brighter housing future. Ms. Mayberry will be there.

Political Signage Complaint: There was a complaint about a sign at 27 Main Street. Political signs during the political season are exempt from regulation due to Freedom of Speech protections. Ms. Mayberry responded to the person who complained and explained the laws.

Tanker Cars near Route 12: A Harrisville resident had safety questions for our environmental officer, which we do not have. There item defaulted to the Selectboard. The inquirer asked, what is the condition of the tank cars and the contents? We have emergency plans, but the cars are on railroad property and the Town has no governance over railroad property. Mrs. Downing will respond and include the phone number for Green Mountain Railroad.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:59 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:31 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 8:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 2, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Public Information Meeting Minutes – 9/19/24

Police Building Committee, School Withdrawal Committee 09/30/2024 Leave a comment

Town of Walpole, New Hampshire Public Information Meeting

School Withdrawal Study and Police Station Study

September 19, 2024

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

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

Total Attendance: 62 People

Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Chair, opened the meeting at 5:32 PM. She introduced the
Selectboard and reminded the public that questions should come from Walpole residents only,
but all are welcome to listen.

Police Station Study Committee – Steven Dalessio

Mr. Dalessio introduced the members of Police Building Committee who are Dave Adams, Rod Bouchard, Steve Dalessio – Selectboard member and Committee Chair, Andrew Dey, Trevor MacLachlan, Peggy Pschirrer, Jay Punt, Justin Sanctuary – Police Chief, and Cheri Watson. A new building is being considered because the current building has several deficiencies including that the building is not strong enough (it was breached when a car backed into it), the drug hood is in kitchen where the officers eat lunch, there is no decontamination area if officers are exposed to drugs or bio-hazards, it is too crowded so space must be shared by multiple officers and for multiple purposes (e.g. lockers are in the bathroom), it is not efficient or safe, there is no private interview room, and the auto storage in the sally port is inadequate and exhaust fumes leak into the building. Last year a drug addict destroyed the holding cell. Because of this incident, people taken into custody must be handcuffed to a bar. That is not an appropriate detention method. Although we tend to think of Walpole as a sleepy little town, there are typically 250-350 calls per month. The count has been as high as 500 calls in a month. The Police Department consists of the Chief, an administrator, (5) Full-time officers, (1) part-time officer, and (1) part-time clerk.

The Committee has so far determined that the current station is not adequate now or for the future, visited five facilities in this area, identified space requirements (8,500 square feet), selected a potential site which was approved at the 2024 Town Meeting (which is 2.6 acres and will have a drive to Upper Walpole Road), hired Michael Petrovick Architect for the schematic phase (completed 9/24), and discussed the need for community input.

The next steps include information meetings for the public and with smaller community groups, complete purchase of the land in 2024, develop a cost model in September 2024, determine how funds are to be raised, and create a realistic timeline for completion.

The Committee has prepared a rough magnitude of cost and schedule. The cost is estimated to be $7M – $7.25M for the land and construction. Additionally, the Town needs to raise 50% through grants and donations, needs to determine the size and timing of a bond for the balance, and the target date for completion is in 2026 or 2027 depending on funding. A potential grant writer has been identified and which grants to apply for. Contractors are currently hard to get, which may be an issue during construction.

Tom Aldrich would like the schematic drawings taken to MacMillian so see what they think of the plan. He would also like the meeting to discuss only the School Withdrawal Study.

John Peska pointed out that this is a big project for our small town. It is critical it is done right.

Tom Beaudry asked if the training/common room might be removed to cut costs. Mr. Sanctuary pointed out that officer training is critical, but the space can be shared with the community when not needed by the Police Department. They also hope to share training with surrounding towns. A square space with lower security, like the training room, is relatively low cost – most of the cost will be in the secure areas of the building.

School Withdrawal Study Committee – Carolyn Vose

Ms. Vose was the Selectboard Liaison to the School Withdrawal Study Committee and introduced the study. Warrant Article 11 was created to gauge voter interest after a group of concerned citizens met with the Selectboard. The Selectboard has no position on this issue. Article 11 passed with a majority vote. Following the approval, a Walpole School PreK to 8th Grade Withdrawal Study Committee was created and charged with considering options for Walpole students’ education in this age range. The Committee is made up of volunteers with varied backgrounds and interests. They focused on different areas of potential impact on the students’ education as well as school funding. Over roughly four months of weekly meetings, conversations included the feasibility of working within the current structure as well as creating an alternative structure.

It is critical to understand an SAU (School Administrative Unit) versus a School District. An SAU includes a superintendent and business office. It is responsible for managing the education system to comply with regulations including special education in their school districts. A School District manages the education of the children through a School Board and creates budgets, contracts, hires, manages bussing and building maintenance to provide education services. An SAU may contain one or multiple School Districts. A School District may be made up of one or multiple towns.

The Committee considered related RSA’s, laws in NH are called Revised Statutes Annotated, available related financial data and statistics for Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD) and the State of New Hampshire, the structure of other multi-town districts in New Hampshire, and discussions with knowledgeable individuals in FMRSD and in other local school districts.

This Study Committee recommends the Selectboard issue a warrant article to vote on whether to form an official study committee to pursue withdrawal from FMRSD. This would be one of several steps, each voted on by the citizens, before any change to the current structure.

Tom Aldrich suggested that a better meeting time would be 7:00 PM. Charlestown went through this process, but in the end, the other towns voted against it. Why would it be different for Walpole? Mr. Dalessio said he does not know why it was voted down. Alissa Bascom from Charlestown and the FMRSD School Board said she has no conjecture on why people voted against it. Mr. Aldrich said he votes for his wallet. He thinks others do the same, and he thinks it will be hard to convince people to vote for it.

Steve Varone pointed out that there has been a rule change since the vote on Charlestown withdrawal. At that point, it was a simple majority vote. As of July 2023, it now requires a 60% vote in the withdrawing town plus a 40% vote in the whole School District.

Diana Watson Petrie reminded everyone that so far there has been no change in the school structure. The Committee was looking to see if it makes sense to have a warrant article to see if there is another better way to educate our students.

Another resident pointed out that so much information is missing at this time that it is impossible to decide. Mr. Varone said the Committee compared per student costs in FMRSD and nearby towns. Most were less expensive than FMRSD’s current rate. In general, cooperative education does not save money. He thinks a better education for our students is the goal, not saving money.

Tom Beaudry asked if we could get comparison costs. A committee member said the Committee did not present cost data because everything will change so much before a new structure can take effect.

Mrs. Watson Petrie said it was frustrating for the Committee not to be able to answer all the questions, but they were charged with determining what it might look like if Walpole were alone.

Becky Sethi said that enrollment is related to expenses and that is a real issue. If you are required to have one teacher per ten students, the cost per student is much higher if there are eleven students than if there are nineteen in the classroom.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that if there is a 2025 Warrant Article and it passes, state statue directs the School Board to form a Withdrawal Committee of Selectboard and School Board members from all five towns to work with the FMRSD Business Administrator to answer all the questions in a written report to the Department of Education in 180 days. It is a big project and hard work.

One citizen said that Walpole is not permitted to make improvements to our schools because parity among the towns is required.

Karen Berry pointed out that we will not know any of the answers to the questions being asked unless we vote to form a study committee.

Stan Hutchings reiterated that the next study committee will answer all the detailed questions and money issues. If we become independent, then we will have complete control over the education of Walpole students.

Tina Tidd asked if there will be a cost to Walpole if there is a study committee. Mr. Dalessio said it is not required, but it is recommended that the Town considering withdrawal hire an attorney.

Tom Aldrich asked if there was any study of drugs, violence, LGBTQIA+, or other issues in the high schools we might consider sending Walpole students to. Ms. Vose said high school questions will be part of the next study committee. This Committee was asked to consider only Pre-K through 8th grade.

There was a reminder that the Town voted to form this Withdrawal Study Committee, and they will vote again if we proceed. Mr. Varone also reminded everyone there is no right or wrong way to educate our students. It is about what works for each town.

Mrs. Sethi said that when Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD) was formed, it promised greater opportunities for all the students. Now it offers fewer opportunities. Maybe it is time for each town to look at what is best for their students.

Another resident said we need to put our students first and we should vote on whether to study withdrawal from FMRSD.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Selectboard Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the
September 26, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/19/24

SELECTBOARD 09/30/2024 Leave a comment

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 7:20 PM in the
Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,873.41 dated 9/20/2024 and the
941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,587.01. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr.
Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

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

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – September 12, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the
Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 12, 2024. The minutes will
remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in
favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Committee Reports

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

  • Conservation Commission Meeting – September 9, 2024
  • Planning Board Meeting – September 10, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street
Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam, ARPA Funding Grants, EV Charging
Station Analysis

New Trees for the Common: On Sunday the Conservation Committee will plant four new
trees, two red maples and two sugar maples, on the Common. These trees will replace the ones
that had to be removed. The Tree Committee members Peter Palmiotto, Tom Beaudry, Alicia
Flammia, and Nicole Adams will also be creating a plan for tree replacement in the village.
Representation Letter for the Tax Collector’s Audit: This is a follow up item to close out a
project. The audit covers January 1 – May 16, 2024, a transition period before Jodi Daigle was
appointed Tax Collector. Mr. Dalessio moved the letter be accepted and signed. Ms. Vose
seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the letter was accepted and
signed.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Vose explained that this request is to purchase
soccer shirts for the soccer program at a cost of $1,478. The Rec Committee approved the
purchase on September 11, 2024. Ms. Vose moved the purchase of soccer shirts for the soccer
program to be approved. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms.
Mayberry in favor the purchase was approved.

Ruggiero Processing Facility – Modification to Permit: The comment period has opened.
Abutters have received notice from the owner.

Informational Meeting – School Withdrawal Study and Police Station: Ms. Mayberry
complemented Ms. Vose, saying she did a phenomenal job presenting the study results earlier
this evening.

New Business

Sign Request: The Congregational Church (UCC) wishes to place a sign near Route 12 and
South Street. The request needs to come from the Selectboard. This item was tabled until next
week. A picture and more information are needed.

Draft Zoning Amendments: Mr. Dalessio suggests that all members of the Selectboard read
the proposed changes carefully. The amendments need to go through the Planning Board next.
The proposed amendment will transfer most of the work the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA)
currently handles to the Selectboard. Mr. Delessio asked fellow board members to read the
amendments very carefully.

NHMA Conference: The Conference is being held on October 30-31 st . Mrs. Downing is
planning to attend. Ms. Vose will likely go, and Ms. Mayberry is considering it. Mr. Dalessio will
be out of town on business at that time.

HealthTrust Deductible Funding Limitations: For the Board’s information, HSA’s and HRA’s
can no longer be used to cover all deductible medical expenses.

2025 Planning and Land Use Manuals: What type and how many books would the Board like
to purchase? Ms. Mayberry would like an e-book. Ms. Vose and the Office will order paper
copies.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:57 PM. Mr. Dalessio
seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at
8:00 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the
motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:49 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 8:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the
September 26, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)