Select Board meeting October 6, 2026

The Walpole Select Board’s regular meeting on October 6, 2026, included several operational and infrastructure-related financial decisions. The board approved proposed snowplow contractor rate increases after the town reported losing three contractors and hearing that its rates for larger equipment were not competitive with nearby communities. It also approved releasing $5,334 from perpetual care funds to replace a deteriorated fence at Rural Cemetery, and approved raising residential parking-lot and stadium-event parking license fees from $7 to $10 per space to reflect increased inspection and enforcement work. The board also approved a request for Shel Mad Inc. to relocate its business from 1339 to 1391 Main Street; the public hearing described the move as next door to its current location.

The board discussed a support letter concerning the state’s forthcoming RFP process for the former Norwood Hospital property, urging that the RFP reflect the communities’ goal of restoring an acute-care facility. A motion to sign the letter was made, but the transcript does not clearly capture the vote or outcome. The Town Administrator also said that a decision on the fire-station site should precede significant further spending, and proposed a joint work session with the Conservation Commission; no funding decision was made. The town reported that electrical work for the downtown lighting project was scheduled to begin at the bandstand. No contract award or vendor selection was identified.