Public Meetings - Claremont, New Hampshire

The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Key topics included a failed motion to create a motor sports speedway ad hoc committee, public testimony from downtown business owners about safety and maintenance concerns, a failed second reading of a merit system ordinance, approval of revised Francis Tolles Home bylaws, and acceptance of a $10,000 grant for youth sports. Consent Calendar - Minutes from June 14, 2026, and July 22, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Appointments: Christine Hawkins appointed to Claremont Arts History and Cultural Resource Preservation Commission (seat 6, term to May 31, 2027). - Francis Tolles Home Board of Trustees appointments were deferred pending bylaws discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Nicole Dermadi (owner, Style House Salon) and Kelly Gillette (employee) described chronic issues with a public bench outside their business, including smoking, drinking, drug use, and congregation. They requested relocation of the bench, improved police response, and better maintenance of Pleasant Street planters. They expressed support for recovery services but argued that businesses also need a safe environment. They noted that police often drive by without following up on video evidence. - Molly Chamblay (child care director, ReadySet Grow) reported similar problems on School Street, including criminal activity and lack of police response. She stated that her center has lost families and that she spends time monitoring for safety instead of working with children. - A letter from Elise Lizat (Executive Director, TLC Family Resource Center) was read, supporting relocation of the bench to reduce congregation and improve accessibility for neighboring businesses. - A member of the public raised concerns about the landscaping at the visitor center, noting that a pollinator garden had been accidentally mowed down by volunteers. Discussion Items - Motor Sports Speedway Ad Hoc Committee: Council debated forming a committee to draft an ordinance regulating the racetrack. Chief Wilmot had requested it, but some council members argued the licensing board could handle it. A motion to create a committee with 7 members (licensing board, fire chief, two councilors, and a citizen) failed on a roll call vote of 4–5. - Merit System Ordinance (Ordinance 648, Attachment B): The second reading proposed updating job titles and classifications. Discussion focused on the clarity of job descriptions, grading discrepancies (e.g., part-time health officer graded two levels above a full-time deputy health officer), and the role of the city manager. The ordinance failed on a roll call vote of 3–6. - Francis Tolles Home Bylaws: The board proposed updates to the bylaws. Council amended the proposal to allow up to two trustees who are residents of the home (changed from one) and removed the clause that "terms continue until successor is appointed." The amended bylaws were approved unanimously. - LWCF Residual Funds: Approximately $170,000 in leftover grant funds were discussed for community center improvements. Council agreed to pursue projects 3 (pickleball court), 4 (lighting for pickleball), and 6 (softball field lighting, reallocating funds originally designated for a parking lot safety net). The city manager was directed to seek state approval for the revised project list. - Byrne Foundation Grant: A $10,000 grant to support youth sports registration fees was accepted unanimously. - Capital Improvement Fund Balance: Two projects (fire station roof replacement at $316,086 and Freedom Street project at $590,050) totaling $906,136 were approved from general fund balance with no tax impact. The resolution passed unanimously after removing the erroneous phrase "city hall" from the purpose statement. Key Outcomes - Ad Hoc Committee: Motion failed (4–5). No committee formed; the licensing board will continue to work on an ordinance for October presentation. - Merit System Ordinance: Failed (3–6). The item will be revised and brought back for a first reading. - Tolles Home Bylaws: Approved (9–0) with amendments increasing resident trustee limit to two and deleting the holdover clause. - Tolles Home Appointments: Four trustees appointed unanimously: Larry Johnson (seat 4, term to July 31, 2029), Mildred Fenning (seat 6, term to July 31, 2029), Keith Raymond (seat 5, term to July 31, 2028), and Molly Tremblay (seat 7, term to July 31, 2029). - Byrne Grant: Accepted unanimously (9–0). - Capital Improvements: Resolution 2027-14 passed unanimously (9–0) appropriating $906,136 from fund balance. - LWCF Funds: Council consensus to pursue pickleball court, lighting, and softball field lighting; city manager to proceed with state approval.

The Claremont Planning Board met on Monday, August 10, 2026. The board approved minutes from July 27, 2026, held a public hearing for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a ground-mounted solar array at the Claremont Senior Center, discussed a regional pilot project on family-based child care zoning, and touched on pending updates to chicken regulations and the noise ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the July 27, 2026 meeting (motion made and seconded, unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - For the solar array public hearing: No oral public comments were received. A written letter from Thomas and Denise Livingston (abutters at 5 Acer Heights Road) was read into the record. The Livingstons stated they do not oppose the solar array but expressed concern about visual impact from their home, especially in winter when leaves are gone. They requested that the array closest to the center be moved 10 feet north (toward Maple Avenue) to reduce visibility, and suggested planting evergreens or installing a fence. The board discussed the request. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit for Solar Array (PL2026-00014): The board reviewed an application by the Claremont Senior Center, Inc. for a 28.6 kW AC ground-mounted commercial solar array. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The applicant, Mr. Austin (Light on Earth Solar), confirmed the array would be placed in two small arrays near the senior center, surrounded by tall trees. Board member Richard Burley raised concerns about glare near the airport; the board agreed to require an FAA statement and glare treatments if needed. The board also discussed the abutters' request to shift the array 10 feet north; the applicant stated this would not affect efficiency and could improve production slightly. The board moved to approve the CUP with conditions (listed below). Additionally, the board waived formal site plan approval but required a revised site plan sketch showing the adjusted array location. - Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLS RPC) – Family-Based Child Care Pilot Project: Renee Thiel from UVLS RPC presented a pilot project to update zoning ordinances to comply with recent state law changes (House Bill 1195). The law now requires that home-based family day care (up to 6 children) and group family day care (7–12 children) be allowed by right in all residential zones, eliminating special exceptions and site plan review for these small-scale operations. Claremont was selected as one of four pilot communities. The board expressed interest in participating and discussed the need to revise the zoning ordinance to remove conflicting special exception requirements. They also noted the importance of supporting child care availability while ensuring safety. - Chicken Regulations: The board briefly revisited the ongoing issue of updating chicken regulations. Staff noted that efforts to draft amendments had stalled due to public feedback complexities. The board agreed to move forward with developing a clear set of rules to avoid a free-for-all situation and to re-engage public input. - Noise Ordinance: Board member Nick Palacios raised the issue of duplicative and unenforceable noise ordinances in the zoning code. The board agreed to ask the city attorney for legal guidance on how to reconcile the two ordinances. - Master Plan Update: Staff reported that they are working on drafting zoning amendments and hope to begin a master plan update later in 2027, with a target completion in early 2028. The board discussed whether to update the entire plan or focus on specific chapters. Key Outcomes - Solar Conditional Use Permit (PL2026-00014): Approved unanimously with conditions: 1. Development in substantial conformance with the application and testimony. 2. Obtain all necessary permits and approvals. 3. No work until local, state, and federal compliance is submitted and approved. 4. Permit valid for two years from date of approval. 5. Failure to comply constitutes a zoning violation. 6. Applicant shall obtain a statement from the FAA regarding glare; if required, add appropriate glare treatments. 7. Applicant shall move the array 10 feet north (or northwest if needed to maintain setbacks) to reduce visibility from the Livingstons property. - Site Plan Waiver: The board waived formal site plan approval, but directed the applicant to submit a revised site sketch showing the relocated array for the record (unanimous). - Child Care Pilot Project: The board agreed to participate in the UVLS RPC pilot project. Staff will conduct an audit and draft language for zoning amendments, with a target to present preliminary findings in September 2026. - Chickens: The board committed to revisiting the chicken ordinance and bring a draft for public discussion. - Noise Ordinance: The board will request a legal opinion from the city attorney to resolve inconsistencies. - Master Plan: Staff will continue groundwork and aim to establish a steering committee and begin work in 2027. Meeting adjourned.

The Claremont Zoning Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on August 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Board members present: Richard Collins, Michael Hurd, Wayne Hemingway, Mike Lemieu, and John Dean (appointed to sit for James Petran). The meeting addressed three agenda items: a continued density variance application, a new side/rear setback variance, and a new variance to allow street-level dwelling units. Key actions included denial of the density variance, continuation of the setback variance with a site visit, and approval of the mixed-use variance with conditions. No public comments were made on any item. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 6, 2026: Approved unanimously with no amendments. Old Business - ZO 2026 00006 – Density Variance for 236 North Street (Isaiah Higgins and Doris Higgins): The application sought a density variance to allow six dwelling units on a 0.39-acre lot in the CR2 district (requiring 5,000 sq ft per unit; proposed density: 2,831.4 sq ft per unit). The applicants did not attend, having notified staff the day of the meeting that they were out of state. After debate, the board voted to proceed with the hearing despite the applicants’ absence. The existing building has five permitted units (four with certificates of occupancy) and one illegally converted garage apartment; no exterior changes were proposed. No abutters spoke. Board deliberation focused on the five variance criteria. Members found that the variance would be contrary to public interest due to overcrowding, would not serve substantial justice (benefit to applicant outweighed community harm), did not present unnecessary hardship (financial hardship not sufficient), and the property had no unique characteristics distinguishing it from others. On criterion four (property values), the board was uncertain but leaned no impact. A motion to deny with findings of fact was made and seconded. Vote: 4-1 in favor of denial (one opposed). The variance was denied. New Business - ZO 2026 00007 – Variance for Rear/Side Setbacks at 67 West Pleasant Street (Mark Lamoges): The applicant proposed constructing a lean-to on the north side and a deck on the rear of an existing commercial building (former Haynes Real Estate) to convert it to residential use. The lot (0.11 acre, R1 district) has existing nonconforming setbacks; the original 1983 variance required a 13-ft side yard and 25-ft rear yard. Conflicting survey maps showed different distances from the building to the property line (approximately 3–5 ft on the north side). The applicant requested a five-foot side setback variance. No abutters appeared to comment. The board expressed concern about the uncertainty of exact lot lines and suggested a site visit. A motion to continue the hearing to September 8, 2026, with a site visit at 6:00 PM was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. - ZO 2026 00008 – Variance to Allow Street-Level Dwelling Units at 65 Pleasant Street (65 Pleasant Street LLC): The applicant sought a variance from Section 22-387-1 to allow residential units on the first floor for the portion of the building fronting School Street (a corner lot with Pleasant Street). The ordinance prohibits street-level dwellings on Pleasant Street between Opera House Square and Glidden Street. The applicant proposed preserving commercial space on the Pleasant Street frontage (approx. 460–469 sq ft) and converting the School Street frontage to four new residential studios. The existing building has 11 units on upper floors and a vacant commercial ground floor. Board discussion covered parking (municipal and agreement with adjacent lot), the size of the commercial space, and the unique nature of the corner lot. Deliberation on the five criteria: members concluded the variance would not increase congestion, would not change the character of the district negatively, would not diminish property values, and the property’s corner location made it unique (criterion five). A motion to grant the variance was made with conditions: (1) the development shall substantially comply with the application and testimony, (2) the planning board shall review and determine final commercial/residential ratio, (3) commercial space shall be a minimum of 469 sq ft (as presented) or larger, and (4) four residential units shall be provided on the first floor. Standard validity and permitting conditions were included. Vote: Unanimous in favor (one board member stated “opposed” but the chair recorded all in favor; motion carried). The variance was granted. Key Outcomes - Denial of Density Variance (ZO 2026 00006): Motion to deny passed 4-1. The variance was denied with specific findings that it failed criteria one (public interest), three (substantial justice), and five (unnecessary hardship). - Continuance for Setback Variance (ZO 2026 00007): Continued to September 8, 2026, with a site visit at 6:00 PM. - Grant of Variance for Street-Level Dwellings (ZO 2026 00008): Motion to grant passed unanimously. Conditions include minimum 469 sq ft commercial space, four first-floor residential units, and planning board review of final ratios. - Meeting Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed.

The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, city manager updates, public comments, discussions on tax-deeded properties, a grant update from Merchant McIntyre, capital improvement plan, ordinances on the merit system (pay scales and classification), resolutions for highway safety and airport weather system grants, a traffic advisory committee update, and a discussion on selling city parking spaces with retained vertical rights. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes from June 30, 2026, and July 8, 2026 (motions by Councilor Kaloski and Hemingway, seconded). - Highway Safety Grant: Approved Resolution 2027-11 accepting $9,700 from the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety for enforcement activities, with no tax rate impact (unanimous roll call). - Airport Weather System Grant: Approved Resolution 2027-12 accepting $552,484 from the FAA for an automated weather observing system, with a city match of $18,472 from the airport reserve account (unanimous roll call). Public Comments & Testimony - Gary Dickerman (Ward 3, Conservation Commission): Reported on Stevensbrook Conservation Easement trail development with Upper Valley Trails Alliance; expressed concern that the Conservation Commission has received no land use change tax revenue since 2022 despite the council lifting the cap; also noted the Parks and Recreation Commission has not been allowed to meet due to lack of a director. - Eric Dean Ruleau (Ward 2, Vice Chair of Trustees of the Tolls Home): Presented a second copy of amended bylaws for council approval, noting the original submission in June 2025 had not been placed on the calendar. - CYBSA Representative (Ms. Dayola): Requested council approval to convert field 2 at Monadnock Park to accommodate 50/70 dimensions, funded by a $5,000 Byrne Foundation grant and $8,500 raised by the association, with no city financial impact. Highlighted competitive disadvantages and the need for proper field dimensions for youth development. Discussion Items - Tax-Deeded Properties: City Manager Bates recommended accepting deed for 11 Warren Street but holding on 93 Sullivan Street pending legal counsel due to concerns about the building (Roy's funeral home). Two properties (62 McCusker Place and 96 Chestnut Street) were removed because they were paid off. The council voted to accept 11 Warren Street and hold 93 Sullivan Street for legal review (unanimous). - Merchant McIntyre Grant Update: Tristan Sutland reported securing $3.3 million in new federal funding since October, bringing total to $7.1 million. Projects include riverwalk renovation ($430,000 NBRC, $850,000 congressional), child care center for Sullivan County, fire engine application ($948,000), Safe Streets implementation ($603,000), and pending wastewater treatment plant upgrade ($2.4 million). Expanded services now include grant management support. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): City Manager Bates presented a preliminary CIP recommending $3.4 million in projects, funded by drawing $2.985 million from fund balance and using capital reserves. Priority projects: paving ($732,000), Pleasant Street sidewalk/paving ($299,000), Belden/Freedom Street infrastructure (sewer, water, drainage), municipal facilities including Opera House clock tower and gutter work ($1M), Fiske Free Library roof replacement with synthetic slate ($316,000), police department bathroom renovation ($191,000), and fire apparatus capital reserve ($250,000). Council discussed waiting for final FY25 audit but expressed support for moving forward with Belden/Freedom Street and library roof. Also discussed historic district commission review for city projects and need for warranty tracking. - City Hall Clock Tower & Gutter Repairs: Paul Rastiance of Valley Restoration presented an assessment recommending scaffolding for bell tower, hybrid copper repair (25-50 year fix), roof repointing (40%), clock replacement with backlighting, and Bluetooth-controlled lighting system. Council noted this is more substantial than other CIP items. - Ordinance 647 - Merit System Pay Scale (Attachment C): First reading. Director of Human Resources presented a comprehensive update to the merit system, including creating 12A and 12B grade levels, market-based adjustments, a three-year 4% increase pool distributed based on compa-ratio, and part-time benefits. Supporters (Councilors Irish, Cogswell, Greenrose, Assistant Mayor Mattau) argued it provides a modern compensation structure, improves recruitment/retention, and is cost-neutral this year. Opponents (Councilors O'Hearn, Lamoges, Hemingway) cited concerns about large range increases (up to 35% for top grades), lack of classification for 12A/B positions, and that lower-level workers received smaller increases. The motion to approve failed on a 4-4 roll call (Mayor Gerard broke the tie, voting no). - Ordinance 648 - Job Classification Plan (Attachment B): First reading. Updated job titles, removed obsolete positions, added part-time roles (health officer, building inspector), and defined temporary vs. part-time classifications. Passed on a 6-2 roll call (Councilors O'Hearn and Hemingway opposed). - Traffic Advisory Committee Update: Chair reported on U-turn restriction at Washington & Winter Street (signs to be installed), pending ordinance for weight restrictions (proposed change from 10,000 to 12,001 lbs), and future work on School/Franklin Street one-way traffic. Council also discussed enforcement of muffler noise and speeding on Winter Street and Cat Hole. - Community Center Roof: City Manager Bates reported condensation and delamination issues; recommended seeking three quotes for repairs (estimated under $30,000) to extend roof life 5-8 years. Council agreed to proceed with quotes and check for warranty coverage. - Water Street/Crescent Street Parking: Developer of 17 Water Street proposed purchasing parking spaces. City Manager recommended selling with the city retaining vertical rights to allow future parking deck construction. Council directed staff to draft a purchase and sale agreement with attorney involvement, retaining vertical rights. Key Outcomes - Tax-Deeded Properties: Accepted deed for 11 Warren Street; held 93 Sullivan Street pending legal counsel. Two properties removed from list due to payment. - Merit System Pay Scale (Ordinance 647): Motion to approve failed 4-4 (Mayor Gerard voted no). Ordinance did not pass first reading. - Job Classification Plan (Ordinance 648): Approved 6-2. Will proceed to second reading. - Highway Safety Grant: Unanimously approved. - Airport Weather System Grant: Unanimously approved. - Field 2 Renovation (CYBSA): Approved unanimously to accept the donation of work and allow the project to move forward with Parks and Rec Department. - Traffic Advisory Committee: Council consented to installing no-U-turn signs at Washington & Winter Street; weight limit ordinance to be drafted. - Community Center Roof: Council directed staff to obtain three quotes for repairs and explore warranty. - Water Street Parking: Council directed staff to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with the developer, retaining vertical rights. - Future Agenda Items: Tolls Home bylaws, noise ordinance review, Parks and Rec Commission meeting status, residual pickleball grant funds, ad hoc committee for Claremont Speedway, and updated council goals/objectives.

The Claremont Planning Board met on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, two public hearings for subdivision and site plan applications, and other business. Key outcomes included unanimous approval of a minor subdivision for the Barn Cafe and a conditional approval for a self-storage facility at 32 Lafayette Street, with one board member opposed. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 22, 2026: Motion to approve passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during either public hearing. Discussion Items - PL 2026-000010 – Barn Cafe LLC (37-39 Main Street): The applicant, Josh (owner of the Barn Cafe), proposed a minor subdivision of an 18,001-square-foot wedge-shaped lot (tax map 120, lot 29) in the MU district into two lots: 10,900 square feet (with the active restaurant and 25 paved parking spaces) and 7,200 square feet (with the vacant Manadnock Mill building and a yard area). City staff (Austin) confirmed no new streets or utilities were needed. The board granted a waiver of the preliminary layout phase under Section 4.10 of the subdivision regulations. The application was found complete, and a motion to approve with three conditions passed unanimously. Conditions included conformance with the submitted plan, obtaining necessary permits, and recording the subdivision within six months. - PL 2026-000011 – Orange Storage LLC (32 Lafayette Street): The applicant, Nick, sought site plan approval to convert a vacant former warehouse into a 200-unit self-storage facility. The 1.25-acre lot (CR2 district) abuts the Sugar River and has a history of code violations; the certificate of occupancy was revoked in 2024. A variance for the self-storage use was approved by the Zoning Board in September 2025. Staff presentation highlighted concerns about on-street parking, fire access, and limited landscaping. The board discussed parking (12 proposed spaces), loading areas, signage, and fire department access. The applicant agreed to no tractor-trailers, install signage prohibiting on-street parking, clear the back and sides for fire access, and mark loading areas. The board granted a waiver of the landscaping plan. The application was accepted as complete subject to Austin's review of missing items (signature blocks, contours, lighting, etc.). A motion to approve the site plan with 11 conditions passed with one board member opposed. Conditions included no on-street parking signage, clearing of rear and side areas, designation of loading areas with customer directions, and authority for the planning and development office to approve minor modifications due to code requirements. - Other Business: A brief discussion about a no-U-turn sign at the Domino's intersection was noted (sign expected soon). A board member announced this was their last meeting. Key Outcomes - Approval of PL 2026-000010: Minor subdivision for Barn Cafe LLC. Motion passed unanimously. - Approval of PL 2026-000011: Site plan for self-storage at 32 Lafayette Street. Motion passed 1 opposed (one 'nay' vote). - Administrative Authority: The planning and development office was granted authority to approve minor modifications to the site plan prior to final recording. - Next Steps: The applicant must address missing plan elements, obtain permits, and record the site plan within six months. The building must pass fire, health, and building inspections before occupancy.

The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM to discuss routine approvals, public comments, and several new business items including CDBG projects, tax deed properties, a city manager search contract, and potential sale of city-owned properties. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance, roll call, and approval of the June 24, 2026 minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Miss Lovett (President, Train Station Host Association) clarified that the $2,500 annual allocation for the Amtrak stop was intended for multiple expenses, not just porta-potties. She stated volunteers have donated 12,000 hours valued at over $250,000. - Mr. Stapleton (Treasurer, Train Station Host Association) explained why a door was installed on the Amtrak pavilion (safety, misuse, drug use) and apologized for not obtaining prior city approval. He detailed misuse by vagrants and safety concerns. Discussion Items - CDBG Elevator Improvements (Marion Phillips Apartments) – Update that elevator improvements at 243 Broad Street are complete. All 96 apartments are occupied by elderly and disabled low-income persons. No motion required. - CDBG Application for Claremont Learning Partnership (CLP) – Proposed acquisition and rehabilitation of 143-147 Main Street for transitional supportive housing for youth exiting homelessness. Request for up to $750,000 in CDBG funds. Seven units will provide affordable housing with supportive services. Council discussion covered tax exemption, program duration (two years in transitional living plus two years in apartments), and income eligibility. - Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan – Adopted for the CLP project. The building is vacant, so no displacement is anticipated. - NEA Our Town Grant Application – Resolution 2027-7: Co-applicant with Claremont Makerspace for a $62,000 grant (with $62,000 match from Makerspace) to create a downtown art walk. No financial obligation to the city. Council discussed inclusion of planters on Pleasant Street. - Tax Deed Properties – City Clerk presented a list of properties eligible for tax deed. Originally 40 properties, reduced to about 12 after payments. Discussion focused on a property at 11 Warren Street (50% ownership) and a former funeral home at 93 Sullivan Street (potential environmental and liability concerns). Council tabled the item to the next meeting for legal review on two specific properties. - City-Owned Property Potential Sale – City Manager presented a list of city-owned parcels that could be sold. Discussion included verifying ownership, environmental issues, conservation easements, and the process for sale. Council directed staff to research and bring back recommendations, including mapping and input from legal counsel. - Budget Amendment for City Manager Search – Resolution 2027-8: $25,000 from fund balance to cover search expenses. Approved unanimously. - Contract with MRI for City Manager Search – Resolution 2027-9: Authorized entering an agreement with Municipal Resources, Inc. for recruitment services. Council amended the resolution to replace "city manager" with "mayor" for signing authority. Approved 8-1 (Councilor Irish opposed). - Committee Reports – Updates from various committees including CDA budget approval, airport meeting, ZBA approvals, and Arts Commission review of 17 Water Street exterior work. Key Outcomes - Minutes of June 24, 2026 approved unanimously. - Reappointment: Raymond Gagnan to the Claremont Arts, History and Cultural Resources Preservation Commission (seat A3, term to May 31, 2029) – unanimous. - CDBG Application for CLP (143-147 Main St) approved 8-1 (Councilor Lamothe voted no). - Residential Anti-Displacement Plan adopted unanimously. - NEA Our Town Grant Resolution (2027-7) approved unanimously. - Tax Deed Properties tabled to next meeting (July 22, 2026) for legal review; motion carried 7-2 (Councilors Kaloski and Irish voted no). - Budget Amendment (Resolution 2027-8, $25,000 for city manager search) approved unanimously. - Contract with MRI (Resolution 2027-9) approved 8-1 (Councilor Irish voted no). Council authorized the Mayor to sign the contract. - Future Agenda Items: Discussion on catching up with tax deed deeding, Amtrak station host funding and agreement review, e-bike ordinance, and parking arrangements for 17 Water Street.

The Claremont Zoning Board met on July 6, 2026, to address routine approvals and two new business applications. The board approved a special exception for a hair salon home occupation at 302 Old Newport Road and continued a density variance application for 236 North Street to August 3, 2026, after hearing an abutter's opposition. Consent Calendar - Confirmed board attendance and alternate appointments. - Approved the March 2, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote; one board member abstained because they were not present for that meeting. - Old business: none. Public Comments & Testimony - For the Old Newport Road application, no members of the public offered comments for or against the request. - For the North Street application, Renee Davis (Ward 3) opposed the variance. She stated she had lived in her house since 2001, snow is plowed into her yard every winter, the property does not actually have six parking spaces because the horseshoe driveway becomes blocked when one car is parked, the surrounding area is old and congested, property-line pins are not visible, and the applicant's failure to appear was concerning to her. Discussion Items 302 Old Newport Road - Special Exception for Hair Salon Home Occupation (Z2025-00005) - Staff reported that the 2.3-acre RR2 lot on the eastern side of Old Newport Road contains the applicants' single-family home and an 896-square-foot garage, with no known zoning concerns. Customers would visit by appointment, so on-site parking would be needed. Home occupations are permitted in RR2 by special exception. - Applicants Scott and Katie Joe Leatherberry said the salon was in the early planning stages and could be located in the existing garage or in new construction, depending on discussions with building and fire officials. Katie Joe would be the sole employee of a one-girl salon. They stated the salon would not use city utilities; the property has its own well, and the salon would have its own septic system, or an enlarged septic system if the garage is used. - Board members discussed signage and noted the permitted sign-size requirement would need to be coordinated with the planning office. - The board walked through the special-exception criteria and found that the site was appropriate, property values would not be reduced, no nuisance or unreasonable hazards would result, traffic impact would be limited to a combined three to four parking spaces for the home and salon, adequate water, sewer, and parking facilities would be provided, and the use would not place a disproportionate burden on city services because the property uses its own well and septic. 236 North Street - Density Variance for Six-Unit Property (Z2025-00006) - Applicants Isaiah Higgins and Doris Higgins of Brookline, Massachusetts, did not appear. Staff described a 0.39-acre lot with frontage on North Street and Sunnyside Avenue, listed in the application as CR2 district; the staff narrative initially said CRT before citing the CR2 density standard. The property has a multifamily building with three dwelling units and a second building containing a garage apartment that a prior owner illegally converted without permits after 2010. The applicants sought to legalize that unit and obtain a certificate of occupancy for a previously approved fourth unit, bringing the total to six units. - Staff said six units would produce a density of 2,831.4 square feet per unit, below the CR2 maximum of one dwelling unit per 5,000 square feet, requiring a variance. No exterior changes would be required apart from possible structural or egress upgrades. The lot currently has more than six designated parking spaces. - The board opened the public hearing to receive the abutter's comments, then discussed continuing the matter to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved Z2025-00005, the special exception for a hair salon as a home occupation at 302 Old Newport Road, Tax Map 125, Lot 3, subject to conditions: operation must conform to the application and hearing testimony; all necessary local, state, and federal permits and approvals must be obtained and approved by the planning and development department before work begins; and the special exception must be exercised within two years of final approval unless extended. The approval carried by voice vote. - Continued Z2025-00006, the density variance for 236 North Street, Tax Map 95, Lot 5, to the August 3, 2026, zoning board meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The motion to continue carried by voice vote, and the abutter's testimony will remain part of the continued hearing record.

At this special meeting on June 30, 2026, the Council reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, approved interdepartmental budget transfers to address overruns, and debated the process for recruiting a new city manager. No public comments were received. Discussion Items FY 2026 Budget Review - City Finance Director (Ms. Bates) presented revenue and expenditure reports as of June 26, 2026, stating the bottom line was within acceptable range but some budget units exceeded allocations due to unanticipated expenses, including legal costs and police overtime. - Council discussed police department overruns: Chief of Police noted that outside details generated projected revenue of over $80,000 against expenses around $60,000, but because municipal accounting requires expenditures to stay within budgeted lines, the department stopped vehicle maintenance and ammunition purchases to avoid further overages. He attributed part of the overage to the removal of health insurance costs from departmental budgets into a stabilization fund. - Counselor Harsh warned against council members having direct conversations with city employees about budgets, emphasizing the council's role is to oversee the city manager, not department operations. Resolution 2026-61: Interdepartmental Budget Transfers - The resolution authorized transfers totalling $216,740 between budget units: $120,000 from planning to general services, $18,000 from executive to police, $30,000 from community center to police, $18,740 from finance to debt service, $200 from finance to assessing, and $30,000 from fire to communications, with no impact on the tax rate. - A public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote (9-0). City Manager Recruitment - HR Director Shannon Thibodeau presented an in-house option using existing LinkedIn and Indeed accounts, outlining a 12-week timeline and noting she would act solely as a conduit for applications, not as a screener. - Two external firms were considered: MRI (Municipal Resources Inc.), estimated at $12,000–$13,000, and Rethink Local (founded 2025), with monthly fees from $4,000 to $17,500. MRI had previously assisted Claremont with searches. - Council debated the merits: some favored the in-house approach to save time and use already-paid services, while others preferred MRI for its professional network and ability to manage the process, especially given the need for an interim city manager. - Concerns were raised about consistency, past council interference, and the challenge of coordinating nine councilors. Counselor Irish urged immediate action, while Counselor Kaloski stressed the importance of unity. - A motion by Councilor O'Hearn, seconded by Assistant Mayor Mattow, authorized Mayor Gerard to negotiate a contract with MRI (including exploration of interim candidates) and bring it back to the Council for approval. The motion passed 8-1, with only Councilor Irish dissenting. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of Resolution 2026-61 for interdepartmental budget transfers. - Council voted to proceed with MRI for city manager recruitment; mayor to negotiate terms and present contract at a future meeting. - Council agreed to further discuss interim city manager options and the search committee structure at an upcoming regular meeting.

The Claremont City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed start) to address a full agenda including second readings of water and sewer rate ordinances, budget follow-ups for multiple departments, collective bargaining ratification, and funding requests from outside agencies. The meeting featured extensive public comment on the library book budget, deliberation on outside agency allocations, and final adoption of the FY2027 general fund, water, sewer, and TIF district budgets. The council also approved a 4% water rate increase and a 2% sewer rate increase for five years, and ratified a new Teamsters union contract. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 9 and June 10, 2026: Approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Fisk Free Library Budget: Multiple speakers (including library board members, Friends of the Library, and a long-time patron) urged the council to restore the library's book budget from the proposed $20,000 to $25,000. Speakers noted a 33% cut over three years, argued that level funding at $25K is fiscally responsible, and highlighted that patrons saved over $422,000 through library use this year, nearly equaling the library's entire annual budget. They requested the council maintain the $25,000 level to ensure access to current materials for all demographics. Discussion Items - Ordinance 645 – Water Rates (Second Reading/Public Hearing): The ordinance establishes a 4% annual increase for five years (FY2027-2031). Discussion included clarifications on pool-filling policy (an operational update) and that the revised packet with the 4% language was provided to the council but not initially to the public. The council voted 5-3-1 (with Councillors O'Hearn, Kaloski, and Hemingway dissenting) to adopt the water rate schedule. - Ordinance 646 – Sewer Rates (Second Reading/Public Hearing): This ordinance sets a 2% annual increase for five years. No public comment was received. The council voted 7-2 (with Councillors Lamoche and Hemingway dissenting) to adopt the sewer rate schedule. - Resolution 2026-51 – Teamsters Local Union 633 CBA: After a public hearing with no comment, the council unanimously ratified the three-year collective bargaining agreement covering FY2027-2029. The agreement includes salary and benefit increases totaling $55,832 in FY27, $43,240 in FY28, and $44,970 in FY29, with a tax rate impact of 4 cents per thousand in the first year. - Budget Follow-Ups: The council reviewed and tentatively approved several department budgets after adjustments: - Water Budget: Updated revenue to reflect the new 4% rate. - Sewer Budget: Director Gleason explained a shift from a roll-off container lease to a backhoe lease (Caterpillar 2000) due to a state bill (HB 1275) that removed a moratorium on land spreading of sludge. The lease line item decreased by $15,853. - Communications Budget: No changes; held pending Teamsters CBA ratification. - CSB Community Center Budget: Reduced by moving a position from full-time to part-time, and adjusted Teamster wages downward per new contract. Total expenditures set at $1,132,332. - Finance Office Budget: No change. - Information Technology Budget: Reduced by approximately $6,500 due to Teamster wage adjustments; new total $812,297. - Planning & Development Budget: Discussion centered on building maintenance and repair (M&R) at the Amtrak station and code enforcement contingency. The council agreed to increase the M&R line from $5,000 to $15,000 and offset by a $20,000 transfer from capital reserves for blight cleanup, making it tax-neutral. The visitor center building M&R was debated; Councillor Kaloski advocated for proper funding to avoid deterioration. Final net budget: $900,625. - Library Budget: The council voted to restore $5,000 to the book budget, raising it to $25,000. Motion by Councillor Kaloski, seconded by Councillor Irish, passed unanimously (9-0). New library budget: $447,240 net. - Municipal Complex Budget: Adjusted for Teamster wage reductions; included $32,000 for police department bathroom repairs (total project estimated at $223,000). - Resolution 2026-54 – Repurpose Special Revenue Fund: The council repurposed the Claremont 250th Celebration Fund (approx. $6,600 surplus) into a Claremont Special Events Fund, with expenditures to be approved by council. Passed unanimously. - Outside Agency Requests: The council debated funding levels for four agencies and Arrowhead (which did not present). After initial motions failed, a compromise package of $64,000 was approved (5-4): Sullivan County Humane Society ($10,000), Claremont Soup Kitchen ($20,000), Meals on Wheels ($10,000), Southwestern Community Services ($15,000), and Arrowhead ($9,000). The vote was 5-4 (Mayor, Councillors O'Hearn, Kaloski, Hemingway, and Gerard opposed; Councillors Cogswell, Greenrose, Mattow, Lamoche, and Irish in favor). - Adoption of FY2027 Budgets: The council held public hearings and unanimously adopted the following budgets: - Resolution 2027-1: Tax Anticipation Note (up to $5 million). - Resolution 2027-2: General Fund Budget (total expenses $20,534,827; revenues $7,133,869). - Resolution 2027-3: Water Division Budget (total revenues $2,864,520). - Resolution 2027-4: Sewer Division Budget (total expenses $3,657,153). - Resolution 2027-5: Downtown TIF District Budget (total $772,946). - Committee Reports: Various committees reported on upcoming events (Conservation Commission tree walk, Arts Commission exhibit, Planning Board site plan approval for 17 Water Street – 25 market rate units). - Future Agenda Items: Councillor Irish requested the Arrowhead MOU be circulated, and an ad hoc committee on motor park licensing be formed after a non-compliant wrestling event flyer. Councillor Kaloski requested correction of outdated one-way street designations in the city code (Section 1912.01). Key Outcomes - Water Rates: Adopted (5-3), effective FY2027 with 4% annual increases for five years. - Sewer Rates: Adopted (7-2), effective FY2027 with 2% annual increases for five years. - Teamsters CBA: Ratified unanimously (9-0) for FY2027-2029. - Library Book Budget: Restored to $25,000 (unanimous vote). - Outside Agency Funding: Approved at $64,000 total (5-4) with allocations as above. - All FY2027 Budgets (General, Water, Sewer, TIF): Adopted unanimously. - Special Events Fund: Repurposed and renamed (unanimous). - Next Steps: City manager to provide capital budget for paving in July; Arrowhead MOU to be circulated; committee to review one-way street ordinance.