Public Meetings - Claremont, New Hampshire

The meeting was called to order at a public session on Monday, December 8, 2025, with roll call and approval of previous meeting minutes. The board conducted a public hearing for a conditional use permit, approved the 2026 meeting schedule, and received updates on zoning ordinance amendments and the master plan update process. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (November 10, 2025): Motion to approve, seconded, passed unanimously with one abstention. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant Chris Fuller (34 High Street): Presented the application for a conditional use permit to convert a single-family home at 50 West Terrace Street into a duplex. He stated that the property already has internal separation for two units, and he had consulted with the fire department and building inspector. He expressed surprise about receiving a suspicious email requesting a $4,800 fee, which the board confirmed was a scam and not a legitimate city fee. No other public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit (PL 2025-00013): Staff presented the property details: a 0.79-acre triangular lot in the CR2 district, with a 2,830 sq ft single-family home that was previously used as a three-unit multifamily dwelling but has been single-family since the 1970s. The proposed duplex conversion involves interior renovation with no increase in building size, conforming to zoning regulations. Parking requirements: due to NH Senate Bill 284 effective September 13, 2025, only one parking space per unit is required, resulting in a total of two spaces (reduced from the minimum three under prior ordinance). The application is solely for a conditional use permit because a duplex requires it in the CR2 district; an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) would be by right under current state law, but the applicant chose a duplex layout. Board members asked clarifying questions about the drawings (ADU vs. duplex terminology) and expressed support for the project. - 2026 Meeting Schedule: Reviewed a proposed schedule; one date (May 26) was noted in red because it falls on a Tuesday after Memorial Day. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Reports of Officers & Committees: - Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Staff reported that a holistic update is in progress to comply with multiple state law changes. Due to the complexity and need for caution to avoid unintended consequences, the amendments are expected to be brought to the board and city council in January 2026. The Zoning Ordinance Review Subcommittee will reconvene in February 2026 at the request of a board member, allowing staff time to finalize the draft. - Master Plan Update: The board was informed that the master plan update process will begin in January 2026, with the formation of a steering committee composed of planning board members, council members, and public volunteers. Staff requested approval to advertise for public members, which was agreed upon. Discussion included strategies for public engagement (e.g., video presentations, surveys, and potential use of facilitators from UNH Cooperative Extension). The update is required every 10 years by statute; the scope (full rewrite vs. update) will be determined by the steering committee. - Communication: A notice from DES regarding an amendment to the AOT permit for a solar array (Kearsarge Grissom LLC) was read; it involves only a change of permittee name, with no change to operations. Key Outcomes - Approval of Conditional Use Permit (PL 2025-00013): Motion by board member, seconded, passed unanimously (roll call not specified but recorded as all ayes). Permits the conversion of 50 West Terrace Street from single-family to duplex, subject to conditions: development must conform to the application and testimony; all necessary permits must be obtained before work commences; compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations; permit valid for two years from the date of approval. - Approval of 2026 Meeting Schedule: Approved as submitted (unanimous). - Next Steps: Zoning ordinance amendments expected in January 2026; Zoning Ordinance Review Subcommittee to reconvene in February 2026; Master Plan Steering Committee formation and public outreach to begin in January 2026. The applicant was advised to apply for building permits through normal processes. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion carried unanimously.

The Claremont City Council met on Monday, December 1, 2025, to review the final tax rate setting for tax year 2025 and to handle routine council matters. The meeting was led by the Mayor and included a moment of silence for a councilor's loss. The primary discussion centered on the proposed municipal tax rate and the inclusion of an overlay. The council then adjourned. Discussion Items - Tax Year 2025 Final Tax Rate Setting: Ms. Bates presented the draft preliminary tax rate, including a $75,000 overlay as recommended by the assessor. The proposed rate is $30.54 per thousand, up from the 2024 rate of $29.26. Ms. Bates reported that the overall tax rate increase is just over 4%. The municipal portion did not increase; the increase came from the education and county taxes. The education local portion rose by approximately 8.88%, based on the school budget approved in March. Councilor O'Hearn and Councilor Zutter asked clarifying questions. Ms. Bates emphasized that bringing the rate setting back to the council was intended to ensure transparency, as last year there was confusion about how the overlay was added. - Moment of Silence: The Mayor requested a moment of silence for the loss of a councilor's mother, which the council observed. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken on the tax rate; the presentation was for discussion and transparency. The council accepted the information. - The Mayor noted that he would forward paperwork to Ms. Bates from the prior meeting. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried by a voice vote (all in favor, none opposed).

The Claremont Zoning Board of Adjustment met on December 1, 2025, to consider two applications from the Broad Street Supportive Housing Trust concerning 189 Broad Street. The board dismissed an administrative appeal (ZB 2025-13) for lack of jurisdiction and continued a variance request (ZB 2025-14) to the next meeting on January 5, 2026. The board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule. Appeal ZB 2025-13 – Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction - The applicant appealed two emails from the Chief Building Official and Health Officer Paul Thibodeau, which applied the state fire code to limit occupancy at 189 Broad Street. The applicant sought to apply RSA 674:16, paragraph eight to permit two unrelated persons per bedroom (up to 14 residents) in a single-family dwelling. - The board discussed whether it had jurisdiction under RSA 674:33, I(a)(1), which limits appeals to errors in enforcement of the zoning ordinance. The Chief Building Official’s emails referenced only the state fire code, not the zoning ordinance. - The zoning administrator confirmed that no zoning determination was made in this case. A board member noted that the emails did not mention zoning. The applicant argued the official was using the fire code to interpret zoning, but the board disagreed. - A motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (4-0, with one abstention). Variance ZB 2025-14 – Continued to January 5, 2026 - The applicant sought a reasonable accommodation variance from Section 221 of the zoning ordinance (definition of family) to allow up to 14 unrelated individuals (persons in recovery from substance abuse) to reside in the seven-bedroom home. The applicant argued that RSA 674:16 preempts the city’s definition of family and that a variance is necessary to provide housing for disabled individuals. - The board discussed the complexity of the issue, including the interplay of state law, preemption, and reasonable accommodation under federal and state law. One board member moved to continue the hearing to the next meeting (January 5, 2026) to allow time for review. The motion was seconded and passed. - The applicant did not support the continuance, but the board proceeded. Key Outcomes - Appeal ZB 2025-13: Dismissed unanimously (4-0) because the board lacked jurisdiction under RSA 674:33, I(a)(1). The Chief Building Official’s decision was based on the state fire code, not the zoning ordinance. - Variance ZB 2025-14: Continued to the regular meeting on January 5, 2026, for further deliberation. - 2026 Meeting Schedule: Approved by motion (seconded, all in favor) with the Labor Day meeting rescheduled due to the holiday.

Note: The meeting metadata indicates a date of November 11, 2025, but the transcript begins with the Mayor stating "Wednesday, November 12th, 2025." This summary uses the date from the transcript. The Claremont City Council met on November 12, 2025, at 6:51 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, announcements, manager's report, assessor's presentation, appointments, citizens forum, and several new business items. Key decisions included approval of a CDA roof project loan, a private hangar lease, and restoration of a merged lot, while a supplemental appropriation for Washington Street pavement failed. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 22, 2025: Approved unanimously (8-0-1? roll call shows all yes). - Minutes of November 6, 2025: Approved with one abstention (Councillor Kaloski and Greenrose abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Tate (Citizens Forum): Requested the Mayor place a revote of the Citizen Initiative Charter Petition on the November 2026 ballot. He characterized the election as having "mean-spirited negativity" and requested the item be placed on a future agenda. The Mayor did not respond. - Chief Jim Chamberlain (speaking as Fire Chief): Thanked Councilor Lamoges for donating parts and time to repair the fire department's heating system. - Elizabeth Cram (Ward 1): Invited the public to a pie and bake sale on November 25 from 12-6 PM at the library for the Friends of the Fiske Free Library. Discussion Items - Mayor's Announcements: - Congratulations to Stevens High School girls' soccer team for winning the Division III state championship. - Ribbon cutting at Raven House Guitar (16 Pleasant Street) on Friday, November 14 at 11 AM. - Hometown Holiday Lift at Broad Street Park on November 28 starting at 6 PM with tree lighting and Santa. - Manager's Report (Yvonne Hamilton): - Right-of-way request: An attorney approached regarding a landlocked parcel off Grissom Lane; council consensus to invite them to a future meeting. - Landlocked lot purchase inquiry: A resident abutting a city-owned half-acre lot (with power line) is interested in purchasing; council consensus to hear the proposal. - Valley Regional Hospital easement: Signed conduit license agreement; work starting. - Structural engineering bids: Bids open December 1; building monitored but no imminent danger. - Main Street project: Season work ends November 17. - Water/sewer rate study: RFP deadline December 5. - Election signs: Reminder to remove by statutory deadline. - 13 Edgewood Street: Owner filed appeal of 155B order; now a legal case. - Assessor's Report (Mr. Hamilton): - Presented MS1 report for tax year 2025. Total taxable value decreased 0.15% due to a required equalization of utility property values (from 93.3% to 80.8% of market value) resulting in a $7 million drop in utility valuation. Non-utility values increased slightly. Final assessed value after TIF adjustment: $1.1812 billion (up from $1.177 billion). - In response to Councilor Kaloski, noted the comprehensive current use parcel review (3 years ago) and the recreation discount verification process. - Councilor Comments: - Councilor O'Hearn noted dark street lights on North Street near Main Street project; manager will look into it. - Councilor Kaloski praised the city's pothole paving and inspection process (after RAN block tour), noting positive feedback from property owners. - Appointments to Boards and Committees: - Christopher Cogswell to EPA Multi-Purpose Grant Steering Committee (seat 5, exp. 12/31/2026) – Approved unanimously. - G. Michael Sanborn as Planning Board rep (seat 2, exp. 12/31/2026) – Approved unanimously. - Vicky Corless to OLCS Education Fund Trustee (1-year term, exp. 10/31/2026) – Approved unanimously. - New Business – Restoration of Involuntary Merged Lot (9 First Street): - City Planner Mr. Ford presented: Country Bumpkins Real Estate LLC requests restoration of tax map 121 lot 64 to two tracts (6,000 sq ft vacant and 7,500 sq ft improved) under RSA 674:39-a. No evidence of voluntary merger; lot will be buildable. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - New Business – Ice and Snow Removal Policy Presentation: - Assistant Director Mr. Wadley presented updated policy (last updated 2016). Key details: 126 miles of centerline roads (252 lane miles), 33 miles of sidewalk, 30 employees. Operations begin at 2" accumulation or icy conditions. Use of 2,000 tons salt and 1,000 cubic yards sand annually. New technology: GPS tracking, pre-wetting with magnesium chloride, prescription spreading (reduced from 300 to 175 lbs/lane mile). Public outreach: sand piles, downtown maps, yearly review. Councilor Kaloski suggested naming plows and a public plow tracker; Mr. Wadley noted interest in public-facing portal. No vote taken. - New Business – Resolution 2026-21: Use of Fund Balance for CDA Roof Project: - Resolution to transfer $200,000 from general fund balance to CDA as working capital for roof repair at 56 Opera House Square, to be repaid upon final reimbursement. Grant is 80/20. Council debated timing and lack of completion date. Councilor Kaloski expressed reluctance but voted yes. Motion passed 8-1? (Roll call: 8 yes, 1 no – exact tally unclear due to transcript ambiguity). - New Business – Private Hangar Lease Agreement (Resolution 2026-45): - Chief Chamberlain presented: Automotive Realty LLC (Christian Gomes) to build a 75x50 ft hangar. 20-year lease at $2,250/year, increasing $375 every 5 years. Land rent only; lessee pays property tax. Airport Advisory Board approved. Approved unanimously. - New Business – Resolution 2026-24: Washington Street Supplemental Appropriation: - Interim City Manager Bates requested $21,150 from fund balance for added labor costs signed by former city manager in April 2025 without prior council approval. Councilors expressed frustration over lack of process and voted unanimously (9-0) against the resolution. The manager noted the invoice will likely be covered by DPW budget. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: October 22 (unanimous) and November 6 (with abstentions). - Appointments to committees: All three approved. - Restoration of merged lot (9 First Street): Approved. - CDA roof project loan: Resolution 2026-21 approved (8-1). - Private hangar lease: Resolution 2026-45 approved unanimously. - Washington Street supplemental appropriation: Resolution 2026-24 failed (0-9). - Non-public session: Motion to enter under RSA 91-A:3 II(a) (personnel) with city manager, approved unanimously. Future Agenda Items - Councilor Kaloski asked about restoring the vintage airport sign (on Sullivan Street/Airport Hill). - Councilor Greenrose suggested looking into the statutory requirement for monthly planning board meetings that lasted under one minute; request for LSR (legislative service request) to examine the statute.

The meeting was called to order and proceeded quickly with no old business, no new business, and no reports or communications. The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting and adjourned. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting were approved by a unanimous voice vote (all ayes) after a motion and second. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried by unanimous voice vote.

The Claremont Planning Board met on Monday, October 27, 2025. The board approved minutes from the October 13, 2025 meeting, authorized a conduit license agreement with Valley Regional Hospital, and discussed a letter regarding the Washington Street twin culvert replacement project. No public comments were made during the public hearing. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 13, 2025: Approved unanimously (motion, second, all aye). Discussion Items - Valley Regional Hospital Conduit License Agreement: The board considered a request from Valley Regional Hospital to run conduit with fiber optic cable from their existing campus to a new building, requiring excavation and repaving of Elm Street. After opening a public hearing with no attendees, the board unanimously authorized the city manager to negotiate and enter into a license agreement under the same conditions set by the City Council on October 8, 2025. Specific motion included approval for non-exclusive use of the right-of-way and restoration of the pavement. - Beta Group Letter – Washington Street Culvert Replacement: The board discussed a letter responding to Beta Group’s request for priority mitigation efforts for the replacement of severely deteriorated twin five-foot diameter corrugated metal culverts on Washington Street. Key concerns raised included: - Water quality impacts to the nearby drinking water intake and stormwater management. - Potential hazardous materials from historic uses (e.g., sawmill, fuel stations, car washes, fire losses, asbestos from demolished structures). - Historic resources, including a downstream stone wall. - Beaver activity in the area. - Traffic disruption during construction. The board opted to defer detailed priority mitigation lists and species-specific concerns to the Conservation Commission, which is actively engaged. Staff will incorporate the board’s input into a final letter. - Subcommittee Update on Proposed Regulatory Changes: Jonathan inquired about progress on proposed regulation changes. Staff indicated work is ongoing with legal review, aiming to present before the City Council in winter. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous vote. - Conduit License Agreement Approved: Unanimous vote to authorize the city manager. - Beta Group Letter: Staff to finalize letter incorporating board’s concerns; Conservation Commission to handle priority mitigation details. Board requested an update once completed. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

The Claremont City Council met on October 22, 2025, to approve minutes, receive departmental updates, hear presentations on the North & Main reconstruction project and Amtrak station volunteer activities, and adopt three tax-related ordinances and a grant resolution. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 30, 2025 and October 8, 2025 meetings as presented. City Manager Report - Washington Street traffic lights: No changes to timing; red lights may be experienced due to normal cycles, traffic volume, or pedestrian signals. Monitoring continues. - 17 Water Street sale: Buyer requested an extension under the purchase and sale agreement; two $150,000 deposits have been placed in escrow. - CDA funding: The CDA does not require the $200,000 before the November 12, 2025 council meeting; a resolution is prepared for that date. - Water/sewer billing: Bills generated October 22; paper bills will be mailed October 29; online access is available. - FY25 audit: Auditors will be on site next week; the city manager’s availability will be limited. - Tax rate setting: All reports submitted to the DRA; preliminary rate will be presented to council for final approval. - Broad Street Cemetery Pillars and Gate: Three quotes received; lowest is $8,100 (under competitive bidding threshold). Council consensus allowed the city manager to proceed with repairs using FY26 budget and a cemetery trust fund, with work to be completed before the nation’s 250th anniversary. - Loud exhaust enforcement: Since January 1, 2025, police have issued 11 citations for illegal exhausts and 5 criminal complaints for disorderly conduct related to backfiring vehicles. The city planner will recommend modifications to the noise ordinance. - Rail trail railing: Repaired. - Leaf pickup and Pleasant Street chair removal: First week of November. North & Main Project Update - Brian Coleburn of McFarland Johnson, the owner’s representative, reported that paving will occur next week (four days) with detours on Main Street or North Street. The final 800 feet to the northern limit (near Bunell’s) will not be completed this year due to unexpected issues: a concrete roadbed under Main Street, significant ledge requiring blasting, and a water main tie-in located 40 feet into a parking lot instead of the curb line. Approximately $6.9 million of the $8.7 million budget has been spent. The project is expected to be complete by end of June 2026. Councilor Koloski noted that BUR has faced public criticism and appreciated the context. Amtrak Station Presentation - Charlene Lovett, President of the Claremont Station Host Association, and volunteer Chuck Allen reported that 22 volunteers have provided about 11,680 hours since 2014. Ridership increased 67% from FY14 to FY24; in the first 11 months of FY25, 3,221 passengers boarded or alighted in Claremont. Hosts assist passengers with mobility issues, language barriers, and connecting to local services, and have helped direct visitors to local businesses (e.g., Common Man Inn, car dealerships). The association seeks city support in marketing to recruit additional volunteers. Councilors expressed appreciation and noted the value of the station to the community. Ordinance 641 – Veterans Tax Credit - Second reading and public hearing. The ordinance increases the tax credit for totally and permanently disabled veterans from $1,400 to $1,900 to offset the loss of the ability to “stack” two credits due to a state law change. Councilor Hayden noted the current standard veterans credit is $500 and raising it to the $750 state maximum would cost about $94,000. Passed unanimously (9-0). Ordinance 642 – Elderly Tax Exemption - Second reading and public hearing. Adjusts income and asset thresholds upward by 3% for inflation: single income to $28,400 (from $27,560), married combined income to $37,500 (from $36,400), and assets to $77,600 (from $75,400). Passed unanimously (9-0). Ordinance 643 – Disabled Tax Exemption - Second reading and public hearing. Also adjusts thresholds by 3%: single net income to $25,400, married combined income to $34,300, and assets for any applicant to $45,003. Passed unanimously (9-0). Resolution 2026-20 – VOCA Grant - Public hearing and vote. The U.S. Department of Justice Victims of Crime Act grant of $40,000 for a six-month period (January 1 – June 30, 2026) funds the ACERT coordinator position (Miss Whitman). The city provides a $10,000 match ($5,000 in-kind, $5,000 cash) absorbed within the FY26 police budget. Miss Whitman described her role supporting children and families exposed to trauma. Passed unanimously (9-0). Committee Reports - Arts: Joy Foundry molds from the 250th celebration are being returned to the city. - Energy Advisory Committee: Received a presentation on Community Power from Clean Energy NH; considering whether to invite a speaker to the council or submit a written summary. Committee is at minimum membership and seeking new members. - CDA: Voted to extend a 30-day deadline for a developer of the greenhouse project at Sid Clark Park due to power cable and wetland mapping issues. - Planning Board: Approved two minor subdivisions (First Street and Old Newport Road). - Conservation Commission: Reported a successful Ink Factory Cleanup Day; several members will attend the NH Association of Conservation Commissions annual meeting. Future Agenda Items & Directives - Councilor Koloski noted that Viewpoint, a production company working with Dennis Quaid, has offered to produce a national TV spotlight on Claremont at an estimated cost of $40,000 or less. The city manager will continue conversations after council expressed interest. Councilor Koloski suggested potential business contributions. - Councilor Greenrose raised the possibility of reducing the size of committees that struggle to reach quorum (energy, EPA). The energy committee will draft a charter amendment for council review. - Councilor Kaloski requested a motion to rescind the Board of Assessors, which appears to still be listed but is inactive. - Councilor Hayden noted concerns about softballs clearing the low fence at Veterans Park; a site visit was suggested. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 30 and October 8 approved. - Broad Street Cemetery pillar repairs authorized (consensus, no formal vote). - Ordinance 641 (Veterans Tax Credit) adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 642 (Elderly Tax Exemption) adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 643 (Disabled Tax Exemption) adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2026-20 (VOCA Grant) adopted unanimously. - City manager directed to explore Viewpoint video opportunity. - Energy committee will propose charter change for reduced membership. - Future agenda items include noise ordinance modifications, committee size adjustments, and Board of Assessors rescission. Meeting adjourned.

The Planning Board of Claremont, New Hampshire, met on October 10, 2025, at 6:32 PM. The meeting covered the approval of previous minutes, a minor subdivision application, a nomination for an EPA grant steering committee, and a discussion of priorities for the Washington Street twin culverts replacement project. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the August 25, 2025 meeting were approved by voice vote. - Application PL 2025-0001 was withdrawn per the applicant's request and will proceed under RSA 674:39 AA; no board action needed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated public hearing period for the minor subdivision application. Discussion Items - Minor Subdivision Application PL 2025-00012 (Norm St. Alban, 130 Old Newport Road): The applicant proposed to subdivide a 136-acre lot (Tax Map 123, Lot 8) into four lots. Approximately 60% of the lot lies in the R2 district, with the remainder in the Agricultural Residential district. The property features three cleared areas, a gravel pit, small streams, and a roughly north-south bisecting stream. The applicant's representative, Palak Nabrowski, noted that all three new lots exceed 11 acres and have suitable soils (well-drained) for septic systems, though test pits would still be required at time of construction. The board considered four waiver requests: waiver of the preliminary layout phase (per Section 4.10), waiver of boundary survey for the entire parcel, waiver of utility and drainage plans, and waiver of the sewage disposal design plan. All waivers were granted unanimously. The board then found the application complete and approved it with six conditions, including substantial conformance with submitted plans, receipt of necessary permits, and recording within six months. The vote was unanimous. - EPA Multi-Purpose Grant Steering Committee Representative: The board discussed the need for a representative to serve on a steering committee meeting monthly on the first Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the visitor center. Michael Sandboy volunteered and was nominated based on his master's degree in environmental science and experience with EPA reports. The nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote. - Washington Street Twin Culverts Replacement: A letter from Jonathan Nero of Beta Group requested the board's input on mitigation priorities for the replacement project of twin 5-foot diameter culverts carrying Grandy Brook under Washington Street. Staff provided an overhead map and Google Street view. Board members raised concerns about the water supply intake downstream (providing 30% of the city's drinking water), potential pollution from the demolished house, drainage from Walmart parking lot, flood flow capacity, invasive species, and coordination with the water department. The board directed staff to draft a letter incorporating these priorities for review at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of August 25, 2025. - Granted Waivers and Approved Subdivision: Application PL 2025-00012 approved unanimously with conditions. - Nominated: Michael Sandboy as the planning board representative for the EPA multi-purpose grant steering committee (to be forwarded to city council for final approval). - Directed Staff: To prepare a letter to Beta Group regarding mitigation priorities for the Washington Street culverts, to be discussed at the next meeting. - Adjourned: Motion passed to adjourn.

The Claremont City Council met on October 6, 2025, to address routine approvals, hear public comments, receive a federal funding update, and act on several ordinances and resolutions. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 24, 2025): Approved as amended, with corrections including a clarification on the Energy Advisory Committee report and a spelling correction requested by Councilor O’Hearn. Motion by Assistant Mayor Matto, seconded by Councilor Hemingway. - Board/Committee Appointments: - Chiara Tossi Nelson reappointed to Fiske Free Library alternate seat A1 (exp. 9/30/2028). - Arthur Vito reappointed to Fiske Free Library seat 5 (exp. 9/30/2028). - Sheila Rook appointed to Parks and Recreation at-large seat 4 (exp. 5/31/2028). - Michael True appointed to Parks and Recreation alternate Ward 2 seat (exp. 5/31/2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Sean McCarthy (Ward 1): Urged council to raise the veterans deduction from $500 to $700, calling it an election-year opportunity. Expressed accessibility concerns at Monadnock Park for scooter users, requesting smoother trail access and solar lights at park openings. Criticized the school board for tabling a motion to fill a vacancy after a tie vote instead of following RSA 671:35 to send the matter to the city council. He noted he had contacted the state attorney general’s office and the county attorney without resolution. - Chris Cogswell (Ward 3): Announced his candidacy for an at-large council seat. Outlined a platform focused on promoting Claremont, retaining local talent, protecting taxpayer money, and modernizing city systems. Committed to holding weekly office hours and emphasized transparency and communication. Discussion Items - Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Mayor Gerard read a proclamation designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Representatives from Turning Point Network accepted and thanked the council. - Community Announcements: Upcoming events included the Eastern States Cup downhill bike race (Oct 11–12), Claremont Food Truck Festival (Oct 11–12, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), Rail Trail Rendezvous (Oct 18), Claremont Schools Benefit Softball Tournament (Oct 18–19), and the Fireman’s Parade (Oct 10). Manager Bates noted the police bike auction (Oct 11, 9 a.m. at Broad Street Park), new Monday community center video clips, and several recently posted RFPs (Sullivan Street sidewalk, Fiske Free Library roof, visitor center structural engineering, Shot Creek dam, water/sewer rate analysis, and 127 Sullivan Street asbestos/demolition). She introduced new Planning and Development Director Annie Steed, who began work that Monday and expressed enthusiasm for the city. - Federal Funding Update – Merchant McIntyre: Tristan Suther and Yasmin Sadudi presented. They reported securing $3.7 million since the partnership began, with $3.3 million currently pending. They described adapting to the new administration by proactively forecasting federal opportunities, engaging congressional leaders, and tracking legal actions. Specific opportunities included: a Riverwalk renovation application to the Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC), pending appropriations for the Sugar River project ($850,000 secured by Congresswoman Goodlander), a small business development center, and $1.5 million for Sullivan County’s child care center (Senator Shaheen). Other areas covered: public safety (police mental health, fire apparatus), transportation (Charlestown Road redevelopment, Safe Streets implementation up to $25 million, Trestle Bridge and Wall Street trail connections). They noted that one more year of Infrastructure Bill funding remains. - Ordinance 641 – Veterans Tax Credit (First Reading): City Assessor Hamilton proposed increasing the total and permanent disabled veterans tax credit from $1,400 to $1,900 to offset a state law change that no longer allows stacking of the standard veterans credit ($500) and the disability credit. Of 375 veterans receiving the standard credit, 74 receive the disability credit. The change has a nominal fiscal impact. Council approved unanimously. - Ordinance 642 – Elderly Tax Exemption (First Reading): Proposed inflationary adjustments: single income limit from $27,560 to $28,400; married income limit from $36,400 to $37,500; asset limit from $75,400 to $77,600, effective April 1, 2025. Assessor Hamilton noted few residents are affected by the changes. Council approved unanimously. - Ordinance 643 – Disabled Tax Exemption (First Reading): Similar inflationary adjustments: single income from $24,700 to $25,400; married income from $33,300 to $34,300; assets from $44,000 to $45,300. Assessor Hamilton clarified that a person cannot receive both the disabled and elderly exemptions, and that Social Security disability payments convert to retirement at age 65. Council discussed outreach and encouraged residents to contact the assessing department for information on deferral programs. Council approved unanimously. - Conduit License Agreement – Valley Regional Hospital: Manager Bates requested authorization to sign a license allowing Valley Regional Hospital to install conduit under Elm Street for communication and fiber optic cables. The license is contingent on planning board approval and DPW oversight, with the requirement to restore the road to pre-construction condition. Councilor O’Hearn raised concerns about past restoration quality, and Councilor Lamoge noted that DPW now requires longer replacement sections to avoid dips. Council approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-18 – NBRC Grant for Sugar River Revitalization (Public Hearing): Manager Bates presented an application for up to $430,000 in grant funds from the Northern Borders Regional Commission for the Sugar River revitalization and brownfields redevelopment project. A 20% city match (up to $100,000) would be a mix of cash and in-kind contributions. The funds would complement a pending $850,000 earmark from Congresswoman Goodlander. Merchant McIntyre explained that the request was reduced from $500,000 to remain within the federal 80% cost share cap with planned HUD funding. Council held a public hearing with no speakers. Council approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 24, 2025 as amended. - Approved all board and committee appointments listed above. - Adopted Ordinance 641 (disabled veterans tax credit increase to $1,900) on first reading. - Adopted Ordinance 642 (elderly tax exemption inflation adjustments) on first reading. - Adopted Ordinance 643 (disabled tax exemption inflation adjustments) on first reading. - Authorized the city manager to sign a conduit license agreement with Valley Regional Hospital. - Authorized application for an NBRC grant of up to $430,000 with a 20% city match for the Sugar River revitalization project. - Discussed future agenda items: Broad Street Cemetery gate and wall repairs, cleanup of the Board of Assessors ordinance (565), climate control in council chambers, Boston Post Cane condition, rail trail railing insurance claim, the school board vacancy process (RSA 671:35), Main and North Street construction traffic concerns, outdated contact information on the planning department website, EPA steering committee quorum issues, and exhaust noise complaints. Council sought legal clarification on the school board vacancy matter. Committee Reports - Councilor Kaloski noted the Arts committee meets next. - Councilor Greenrose reported the Energy committee will present on community power next week. - Councilor Lamoge (CDA) reported rent at Renter 56 is up to date, Bailey is proceeding, and the committee will discuss an RFP to sell industrial park land; the solar project is moving forward despite wetland concerns. - Assistant Mayor Matto noted the Planning board meets Monday. - Councilor Zuter reported on CCTV’s video-on-demand metrics: a 75% increase in shows aired, 66% increase in viewers, and 64% increase in viewer seconds from 2023 to 2024. - Councilor Hayden noted the Conservation committee meets next week. - Councilor O’Hearn noted the Airport committee meets at the end of the month. The meeting adjourned following a motion by Councilor O’Hearn, seconded by Councilor Lamoge.