Public Meetings - Hooksett, New Hampshire

At its January 22, 2026 meeting, the Hooksett Budget Committee reviewed the 2026 operating budgets of the Central Hooksett Water Precinct and the Hooksett Village Water Precinct, held a combined public hearing, and unanimously recommended all eight monetary warrant articles to the ballot. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the January 5 meeting minutes after members confirmed they had reviewed the emailed copies, despite missing printed pages. Two abstentions were recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward to speak during the combined public hearing on the water precinct budgets. - Committee members asked clarifying questions about water capacity, new developments, hydrant rental fees, trust-fund balances, and future supply options. - In other business, two written public communications were reported: one from a future Hooksett voter urging higher police salaries based on Londonderry experience, and one from a public hearing attendee who felt the budget process and available information were not explained clearly enough. Discussion Items - Central Hooksett Water Precinct: Chairman Richard Barham and Superintendent Chris Cobelson presented a self-funded water utility serving about 1,700 metered services and drawing water from Manchester Waterworks interconnections. The proposed 2026 operating budget was $1,403,832.96, including a 3 percent rate increase mirroring Manchester Waterworks. Labor costs rose just over 9 percent because the budget included six months of salary and benefits for a future superintendent successor and an overlapping replacement for the retiring business administrator. Payroll taxes were budgeted about 50 percent higher because of those anticipated hires. The precinct also planned a $50,000 transfer to its source development trust fund. Officials stated the warrant articles carry no tax impact. Without the two anticipated hires, the budget increase would have been about 1.92 percent. Aggregate trust-fund balances were reported at about $1.6 million. - Hooksett Village Water Precinct: Chairman Todd Smith and Superintendent Mike Iarn described a self-funded, medium-sized system with about 1,200 customers, 30 miles of pipe, four large wells, and three tanks. The proposed 2026 operating budget was $1,720,535.07, a 2.9 percent increase. Officials emphasized affordability, noting the average customer pays about $200 less per year than the New Hampshire average. They discussed aging infrastructure, service-line investigations, a proposed river crossing, and the search for new water sources. New development, including a 438-unit project and the Brady Sullivan project, was noted as a future demand challenge. The committee also heard about six trust funds with a combined balance of about $1.1 million. - Warrant Articles: The Central precinct’s monetary articles were the $1,403,832.96 operating budget, a $50,000 source development transfer, a $1,000 increase in commissioners’ stipends, and a $480 increase in treasurer and clerk stipends. The Village precinct’s monetary articles were the $1,720,535.07 operating budget, a $190,000 transfer to the water main trust fund, a $32,000 transfer to the facility trust fund, and a $34,000 transfer to the source development trust fund. The Village transfers were to come from unassigned fund balance with no amount raised from taxation. - Future Town Council appearance: The committee discussed an invitation from the Town Council to appear later in the spring, after the election, and agreed to coordinate a date and possible opening remarks. - Police contract article: A committee member attempted to move Article 9, the police officer’s contract, by changing the amount by $1. The committee concluded the request was untimely after the public hearing and recommendations; the next opportunity would be at the deliberative session. Key Outcomes - Approved the January 5 minutes, with two abstentions. - Accepted the Central Hooksett Water Precinct 2026 operating budget of $1,403,832.96 and moved it to the public hearing. The amount was corrected after an initial motion stated $1,455,312.96. - Accepted the Hooksett Village Water Precinct 2026 operating budget of $1,720,535.07 and moved it to the public hearing. - After the public hearing, the committee voted 11-0 to recommend all eight monetary warrant articles to the ballot: Central Articles 5 through 8 and Village Articles 5 through 8. - All Central precinct commissioners’ recommendations were described as unanimous; all Village precinct commissioners’ recommendations were described as unanimous. - The deliberative session was identified as the next opportunity for voters to amend dollar amounts on warrant articles, including the police contract article.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on January 21, 2026 (the meeting was called to order at approximately 1:02 PM, though the official start time was listed as 6:00 PM). The board approved minutes, reviewed ongoing park maintenance, discussed the controversial installation of heritage plaques at Riverside Park, and received updates on a proposed volleyball court and a community track project. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. Motion made, seconded, and passed by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to provide input. Discussion Items - Old Business – Riverside and Lambert's Park Updates: Rob (DPW) reported that after snowmelt and rain, crews cut down growth at Lambert's Park, though the wood chip pile was frozen and could not be buried. Cemetery trimming and other site work were completed. The board also discussed storing cornhole boards on an A-frame closer to the pavilion to accommodate players seeking shade. New cornhole bags were made with “Hooksett DPW” markings to deter theft, and a portable set of boards and horseshoes were acquired. - HYAA Report – Goodwin Building Flooding: Scott reported that the Goodwin Building (blue building) flooded with water that froze due to a frozen ground and thawing. This is a recurring winter issue; the board typically uses sandbags and squeegees. A French drain exists but does not fully prevent the problem. Suggestions included regrading the area to pitch water away from the building. - New Business – Heritage Commission Plaques at Riverside Park: The board extensively reviewed the Alfred J. Lambert sign, identifying multiple errors: (1) The park name was listed as “Alpha J. Lambert Riverside Park” instead of “Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park”; (2) A reference to “brother” should be “uncle” and “nephew”; (3) The “Parks and Rec Committee” should be the “Parks and Rec Advisory Board”; (4) The phrase “Ann Hooks and Falls” was included despite the board and council having voted against that addition. The board noted that the Heritage Commission had reneged on prior agreements to include radii and to send draft text for review. The board made a motion to approve installation of the plaques contingent on making the corrections submitted to administration. The motion passed 3-0. The board also discussed controlling QR code content through the town administration to prevent unauthorized changes. - Fraser Park Volleyball System: Judy presented research on outdoor volleyball systems, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500. The board favored a removable pole system under $1,000. They will look into funding from the operating budget, capital reserve, or donations. Rob will help identify a suitable location away from wet areas. - Sam's Running Track Project: An update was provided: Sam is obtaining quotes for fencing, benches, and concrete work. She plans to solicit donations directly to the town, which will be accepted via consent agenda at council meetings. The project is moving forward but requires significant fundraising. - Proposal for “Cars and Coffee” Event: Andy suggested a free, informal car show at a park, but other board members were not interested and noted their schedules were already full. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - The board passed a motion (3-0) to approve the installation of the Heritage Commission plaques at Riverside Park only if the corrections (corrected name, family relationships, committee title, removal of “Ann Hooks and Falls”) are made. The motion will be forwarded to the town moderator, Leanne. - The board will continue to review the other two proposed signs (industrial era and indigenous people) for accuracy, with members researching local historians and sources. - The volleyball system proposal will be further researched, with a target cost under $1,000, and funding options will be explored. - Sam's track project will proceed with donation solicitation; the board will assist as needed. - No action was taken on the car show idea.

The Hooksett Town Council met on January 21, 2026, at 6:05 PM to consider the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget and the default budget. The meeting was called to order with a roll call showing all members present. After discussion, the council voted to recommend the operating budget and the default budget for voter consideration. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget: Councilor Sullivan made a motion to recommend the operating budget amount of $25,699,803. He stated the budget meets the goal of keeping tax increases near 2%, accounts for necessary services, and is well thought out. Councilor Duhaim expressed a desire for a smaller budget and called for cuts in departments, citing a need to listen to taxpayers. Councilor Liberty noted that the council had already cut $94,800 from the budget, including reductions in paving and infrastructure, and that health insurance costs (14.5% increase) were largely beyond the town's control. Chair Santulis emphasized the balance between serving lower-income residents and meeting expectations of higher-income taxpayers. Councilor Smith explained that the default budget under SB2 acts as the tax cap; if voters reject the operating budget, the default budget (which does not exceed contractual obligations) takes effect. The council acknowledged the challenge of rising insurance costs and the need for long-term planning. - Default Budget: Councilor Duhaim made a motion to recommend the 2026 MSD T B (municipal) default budget of $24,643,338. He noted that this budget represents the tax cap and allows voters to decide. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Vote on Operating Budget: The council voted 3-1 to recommend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget of $25,699,803. Councilor Duhaim voted no; Councilors Smith, Liberty, Lapierre, Walsick, Sullivan, and Chair Santulis voted yes. (Councilor Lapierre and Walsick's votes were noted as 'aye' in the roll call.) - Vote on Default Budget: The council voted unanimously to recommend the 2026 default budget of $24,643,338. - Item 3 Postponed: The third agenda item (related to a separate matter with Christine) was postponed to the next meeting on January 28, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion and second.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) met on January 21, 2026, to discuss updates on the Exit 10 sewer extension project, review a presentation for the upcoming tax increment financing (TIF) bond informational meeting, and receive a development update from staff. The meeting focused on finalizing materials for the March 10, 2026 town vote on a $9.5 million TIF bond to fund sewer infrastructure across the Merrimack River. Discussion Items - Exit 10 Engineering Design Update: - The town engineer has left, and a new agreement with Underwood Engineering is in place to secure remaining easements, including those needed from DOT to cross Route 3A. - Staff recommended prioritizing a sewer line up Quality Drive to serve Target, Kohl’s, and Home Depot (the “low-hanging fruit”) before extending north toward Kimball Drive and Market Basket. Elevations must be verified to ensure gravity flow without pumping. - The Martin’s Ferry force main replacement project (approximately 4,500 feet of directional drilling and 4,000 feet of gravity line) is scheduled to open bids on January 22, 2026. Twenty-one firms pulled plans, and all permits and easements are in place. The estimated project cost is $9 million (for the river crossing bond? unclear), but the overall TIF bond request is $9.5 million. - TIF Bond Informational Meeting Preparation: - A public informational meeting is set for Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Hooksett Library. The committee reviewed a PowerPoint presentation designed to explain TIF concepts, the history of the Exit 10 TIF district, and the specific bond request. - Members suggested adding slides to show: - The growth in assessed value (baseline $206 million, incremental $36 million as of 2025) and corresponding tax revenue generated. - The breakdown of the $12.5 million total project cost reduced to a $9.5 million bond by applying $2.5 million in remaining funds from the 2017 bond and $2.1 million in sewer commission contributions. - A clear statement that the bond will be repaid solely from future incremental tax revenue within the TIF district, with no impact on existing property taxes. - Discussion included inviting local business owners (e.g., Dunkin’ Donuts, Kohl’s) to share how sewer access would support development and potentially increase attendance. The committee decided to reach out informally. - The presentation will be recorded and made available on the town website and social media; a segmented version will be released later to address common questions. - Development Update: - New listing: 14 Central Park Drive (west side of Exit 10) has 40,000 sq. ft. of second-floor office space available, subdividable to 3,100 sq. ft. Medical storage and training uses are possible. - Granite Woods (Hackett Hill) has conditionally approved a land condominium for a 500,000 sq. ft. building divided into three units (100,000 + 400,000 + undeveloped), but no tenants are confirmed. - Old Dominion has broken ground on Technology Drive; site clearing and road work are underway. - Brady Sullivan plans to submit site plans in March for phase two and three, including approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of commercial space (two buildings). A potential restaurant user was mentioned during a DOT scoping meeting. - Zoning amendments on the March ballot include: restricting automotive uses in the Performance Zone, clarifying that warehouse uses in Industrial zones do not include self-storage, and rezoning five parcels in Mixed Use 5 to Industrial. - Other projects: Panera at Exit 9 is under construction; Irving station at Exit 9 is being remodeled; a new car wash approved at the old Auto Host site has raised concerns about market saturation. - Town Council Update: - EDAC must schedule an annual update to the Town Council. Members recommended preparing a summary of recent discussions (Exit 10 outreach, business development, etc.) and key accomplishments (e.g., Marman expansion, Old Dominion groundbreaking). Key Outcomes - Slides for the January 26 TIF bond informational meeting will be revised to include additional charts on assessed value growth, tax revenue impact, and the project cost reduction breakdown. The presentation will be posted online in full and in segmented form. - Committee members will invite local business owners to attend the meeting and share their perspectives on sewer needs. - EDAC will prepare an annual report for the Town Council, highlighting recent economic development activities. - The meeting adjourned after approving the general direction of the presentation and outreach plan.

The Hooksett Town Council met on January 15, 2026, to discuss and vote on several warrant articles, including bonds for sewer upgrades and a new scale house, a contract for assessing services, the default budget, and other administrative items. The meeting also included a public hearing, public input, and reports from the town administrator and fire department. Consent Calendar - Approved consent agenda items 11.1, 11.2, and 11.3 (donations) unanimously. - Approved surety release of landscape bond for Best Pro Shops ($1,367) and release of landscape bond for Chuckster's Miniature Golf ($10,000) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Alyssa L (Barbary Street, Hooksett) read a right-to-know request (RSA 91-A) seeking access to records related to town council meeting scheduling, attendance, and audio/video recording failures, including specific reference to the December 10, 2025 meeting. She provided nine copies of the request. Discussion Items - Martin's Ferry Sewer Upgrades Bond (Public Hearing): The council held a public hearing on a bond of $12.5 million for sewer upgrades in the Martin's Ferry area. Discussion included the history of the project, the condition of the existing force main (60-year-old, 6-inch cast iron), and the need to replace it to prevent a potential river discharge. The project will shorten the force main from 8,000 feet to 4,000 feet and add a 4,000-foot gravity section, with a 12-inch force main to increase capacity. The bond is funded from the sewer commission's special revenue fund. - Scale House and Retaining Wall Bond (Public Hearing): Ben presented a proposal for a $1,325,840 bond to construct a new scale house (1,530 sq. ft.) and a concrete retaining wall at the transfer station. The existing 700 sq. ft. building is cramped, has inadequate facilities (e.g., a bathroom sink doubling as a dishwashing sink), and lacks proper security. The new building will include showers, lockers, separate offices, and a secure transaction counter. Payment would come from the special revenue fund (average $161,000/year from tipping fees). Councilor Duhamel questioned the cost increase from $650,000 to $1.3 million and the duration of the bond (20 years). Ben noted the engineer's estimate was conservative and that the fund could support payments without additional taxes. Several councilors expressed support for the need but concern over cost. - Contract for Assessing Services: Town Administrator Andre Garrett presented a one-year contract (renewable up to three years) with Granite Hills Assessing Services for $40,467 ($40,467 actually: $40,467 total? The transcript says $40,467 broken out: $96,200? Actually it says "40,467 dollars which is broken out for two 96 thousand um two hundred dollars" - this is unclear. But later it says $40,467 for assessing services and $43,800 for data verification. The council approved the contract to fill the vacancy left by the town assessor who left in September 2025. The service will provide two days per week in-house assistance and data verification for the 2028 revaluation. The council discussed the possibility of training existing staff (Elaine Pearson) to obtain assessor licensure. - Default Budget FY2026-2027: Christine presented the default budget of $24,643,308, an increase of $140,587 over the current year due to contractual increases in police and fire union contracts (third year) and reduced bond interest payments. The council voted to move the default budget to the budget committee for its public hearing on January 16. - Gate on North Candia Road: Discussion about a gate on a Class VI road that had been damaged (one post removed, no longer closes). The RSA requires that gates on Class VI roads not prevent public use and must be openable. Councilor Duhamel motioned to repair the gate but not install a locking mechanism. Councilor Smith argued that the gate should be removed entirely, as it implies restricted access. The fire department noted they had previously placed a lock with the conservation commission for emergency access, but that lock was removed. The motion to repair without locking passed (voice vote, no roll call). - Declaration of Vacancy on Planning Board: On behalf of the Planning Board, Councilor Duhamel moved to declare a vacancy for an alternate member (Seth Albarano) due to poor attendance. The Planning Board had requested this action. After discussion about the importance of attendance, the motion passed (4-2). - Public Hearing Date Change for Floodplain Ordinance: The council approved moving the public hearing on Ordinance 007 (floodplain development) from January 23 to January 28, 2026, to align with an extended FEMA deadline (March 15, 2026). - Administrative Reports: The town administrator reported on the upcoming deliberative session (January 31, 2026, 9 a.m. at Cawley Middle School), the filing period for town and school positions (January 21-30), and the fire department's 2025 call statistics: 2,688 calls (3% increase from 2024), average 7.8 calls per day, 1,050 hours with no coverage, average response time 5.87 minutes. Breakdown: 66 fires, 1,594 medical, 229 motor vehicle accidents, 73 hazardous conditions, 571 false alarms, 155 service calls. Total training hours: 2,922 (average 91 hours per member). - Other Business: Councilor Smith raised concerns about the Highway Safety Advisory Board's quarterly meeting schedule, noting that road issues should not take a year to address. He suggested the acting chair could call additional meetings. The board's next meeting is March 13, 2026. Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend Martin's Ferry Sewer Upgrades Bond ($12.5 million): Approved on roll call vote (6 ayes, 0 nays – recorded as roll call 5). - Motion to recommend Scale House & Retaining Wall Bond ($1,325,840): Approved on roll call vote (6 ayes, 0 nays – recorded as roll call 6). - Motion to approve contract with Granite Hills Assessing Services ($40,467): Approved on roll call vote (all ayes – recorded as roll call 4, but that was for default budget? Actually the assessing contract vote was a separate roll call – the transcript shows a roll call for the assessing contract, but the number is not specified. However, it passed unanimously. - Motion to move FY2026-2027 default budget ($24,643,308) to budget committee: Approved on roll call vote (all ayes – roll call 4). - Motion to repair gate on North Candia Road without locking mechanism: Approved via voice vote. - Motion to declare vacancy on Planning Board alternate position: Approved 4-2. - Motion to change public hearing date for floodplain ordinance to January 28, 2026: Approved. - Consent agenda and surety releases: Approved unanimously. - Next steps: The budget committee will hold a public hearing on January 16; the council may need to meet on January 21 or 23 to finalize the budget if changes are made. The deliberative session is January 31, 2026.

The Hooksett Budget Committee held a public hearing on January 15, 2026, beginning at approximately 11:30 AM and running into the evening, to review and vote on recommendations for 23 town warrant articles and 8 school district warrant articles for the upcoming election. Discussions focused on the tax impact, funding sources, and rationale for each article. Key topics included a $9.54 million TIF bond for sewer expansion to Exit 10, a $1.33 million scale house and retaining wall at the transfer station, a new two-year police union contract with 6% and 8% raises, a $7.25 million school facilities bond, and the school operating budget. The committee voted on each article after public comment and deliberation. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from December 18 (not December 11, which was not an official meeting) passed unanimously with one abstention. Minor corrections noted (dollar sign and name formatting) did not change the motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Public comment on Article 3 (TIF Sewer Bond): Town Councilors Roger Duhaim and David Smith explained their no votes. Duhaim cited traffic concerns and lack of state action on road improvements; Smith argued the project is too costly and should be funded by benefiting businesses, not the TIF district, and that prices are inflated post-COVID. A citizen questioned whether the TIF fund effectively reduces general fund revenue, noting that the increment would otherwise go to taxpayers. - Public comment on Article 4 (Scale House & Retaining Wall): Councilor Smith stated the $1.33 million estimate is too high, suggesting a modular building would suffice. Councilor Duhaim supported the need but wanted a lower cost and criticized lack of departmental budget cuts. - Public comment on Article 9 (Police Union Contract): Councilor Smith spoke against the contract, saying negotiations lacked give-and-take and that no independent salary comparison was provided. A resident (Alan Brennan) asked about police staffing levels (not at 100%) and questioned the 14% increase over two years. - Public comment on Article 10 (Fire Apparatus Capital Reserve): Councilor Duhaim argued the fund already has nearly $1 million and that regional equipment sharing should be explored. Another resident (Alan Brennan) called the $250,000 figure arbitrary and urged the committee to think outside the box. - Public comment on Article 14 (New Fire Radio Capital Reserve): Alan Brennan criticized the $162,000 request as another arbitrary number, noting the lack of earlier planning. - Public comment on Article 16 (Assistant Finance Director): Councilor Smith suggested a part-time hire instead of full-time. Other members noted the position is for succession planning and to enable more revenue-generating fee analysis. - Public comment on Article 22 (Recreation Capital Reserve): Alan Brennan asked whether amounts changed from last year’s defeated articles; staff confirmed conservation land improvements decreased from $30k to $20k. - Public comment on Article 23 (Petition – Village Lighting): Councilor Smith spoke in favor. Mary Darby, chair of Light Up the Village, explained the event’s community and economic benefits, emphasizing the minimal tax impact (0.4 cents per $1,000). Alan Brennan said this is the only article he would vote yes on. - Public comment on School Article 2 (Facilities Bond): Alan Brennan asked how the project differs from last year’s defeated one. School Board member (Wayne?) explained it is a smaller, retooled project focusing on tier-one issues across all three schools with a different architect and contractor. - Public comment on School Article 3 (Operating Budget): Councilor Duhaim criticized poor long-term planning and requested budget cuts. School representatives noted the proposed budget is only 1.11% over default and includes three new teaching positions due to enrollment bubbles. Alan Brennan asked about class size compliance and the cost of those positions (roughly $363,000 total). A resident requested removing the three teaching positions to improve budget passage chances. - Public comment on Trust Fund Articles (5-8): No public comments. Discussion Items - Article 3 – TIF Sewer Bond (Exit 10): Staff explained the $9.54 million bond would be financed only up to the available TIF funds ($2.7 million currently), with no residential tax impact. The project includes upgrading a pump station, force main, constructing a double-barrel pipe under the Merrimack River, and a new pump station at Kimball Drive. The Sewer Commission is contributing $2.1 million. Discussion clarified that the TIF increment (new revenue above a base) pays the debt service; no general tax dollars are used. Some members questioned whether the $9.54 million figure is too high given only $2.7 million is available now; staff responded they would bond incrementally as more TIF revenue comes in. - Article 4 – Scale House & Retaining Wall: The $1.33 million cost covers a pre-engineered metal building and an $80,000 retaining wall, paid from the solid waste special revenue fund (tipping fees and recyclable revenue). Staff said the fund has a history of surplus (average $161,000/year net) and no tax impact. Some members questioned the cost, suggesting modular or smaller options. - Article 9 – Police Union Contract: The two-year contract provides 6% and 8% salary increases for officers and 3% for dispatchers. Health insurance options discussed: one plan is 100% employer-paid (lower benefit), another is 80/20 split; premiums can increase, and employees on the 100% plan do not pay more if premiums rise. Members noted the goal is to retain officers. - School Article 2 – Facilities Bond: $7.25 million bond for capital improvements across three schools (roofs, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) with a 15-year term. First-year tax impact is $0.06 per $1,000 (partial year), subsequent years $0.19-$0.20. School Board stated it is a retooled project after previous defeats, with competitive bids and a focus on critical infrastructure. - School Article 3 – Operating Budget: $45,851,643 proposed, $491,477 over default. Increase driven by three teaching positions ($363,000) and additional maintenance. Default budget would not fund those positions. Discussion on enrollment trends and special education cost growth. - School Article 4 – Teacher Contract: Three-year contract with total cost of approximately $990,000; includes salary steps to close gaps, a new HSA health insurance option, an additional parent-teacher conference day, and reduced retirement stipend eligibility from 6 to 5 teachers per year. - School Articles 5-8 – Trust Funds: Articles 5 (building maintenance), 6 (special education), 7 (technology), 8 (curriculum) – various funding sources, some from fund balance (no tax impact) for Articles 5, 7, 8; Article 6 has a tax impact of $0.03 per $1,000. Key Outcomes - Article 3 – TIF Sewer Bond: Recommended 9-0 (with all voting members present). - Article 4 – Scale House & Retaining Wall: Recommended 5-4. - Article 5 – Town Operating Budget: Recommended 7-2 (an amendment to reduce by $75,000 for one police vehicle failed 5-4). - Article 6 – Non-Union Wages: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - Article 7 – DPW Union Contract: Recommended 8-1. - Article 8 – Mid-Management Union Contract: Recommended 6-3. - Article 9 – Police Union Contract: NOT recommended (failed 4-5). - Article 10 – Capital Reserve Fire Apparatus: Recommended 5-4. - Article 11 – Capital Reserve DPW Vehicles: Recommended 7-2. - Article 12 – Capital Reserve Town Building Maintenance: Recommended 8-2. - Article 13 – Radio Console Replacement: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - Article 14 – New Capital Reserve Fire Radios: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - Article 15 – Capital Reserve Police: Recommended 7-2. - Article 16 – New Full-Time Assistant Finance Director: Recommended 5-4. - Article 17 – Capital Reserve Revaluation: Recommended 5-4. - Article 18 – Capital Reserve DPW Drainage: Recommended 8-1 (one no). - Article 19 – Retirement Trust Funding: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - Article 20 – Capital Reserve Fire: Recommended 8-2. - Article 21 – Capital Reserve Information Technology: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - Article 22 – Capital Reserve Recreation: Recommended 7-2. - Article 23 – Petition (Village Lighting): Recommended unanimously (9-0). - School Article 2 – Facilities Bond: Recommended unanimously (9-0). - School Article 3 – Operating Budget: Recommended unanimously (9-0) after an amendment to remove three teaching positions was not formally motioned (discussion only). The committee proceeded to vote on the original motion, which passed. - School Article 4 – Teacher Contract: Recommended (5-1 on school board; budget committee did not vote separately on school articles, only the school board's recommendations were noted. The transcript does not show a separate budget committee vote on school Articles 4-8; the public hearing was closed and the committee moved to town recommendations. It appears the school articles were not individually voted on by the budget committee, only heard. The school board's recommendations are: Article 4 (5-1), Article 5 (4-3), Article 6 (4-3), Article 7 (5-2), Article 8 (7-0). The meeting adjourned after completing town recommendations, with school district recommendations to be addressed at a later meeting (scheduled for January 22 or 23).

No transcript, agenda, or minutes were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Hooksett Planning Board met on January 12, 2026, to discuss regulatory amendments, property compliance issues, and administrative updates. Key topics included a proposed design review phase for development applications, site plan enforcement tracking, updates on several properties, school impact fees, and the schedule for upcoming meetings. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as amended (editorial corrections: line 428 reference changed to 1008.04 Table 1008-2; line 529 name spelling corrected to Kate Rode). Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Design Review Phase Regulations: Planner Grant proposed adding a formal design review phase to the regulations, allowing abutter notification and optional public comment before the 65-day clock starts. The board discussed making it optional, defaulting to design review for larger projects, and allowing public comment at the board's discretion. The regulations will be sent to legal for review, with a public hearing targeted for February 2 or March. - Fire Hydrant Notation: The fire department requested a notation on site plans indicating whether a hydrant is public or private, due to fee implications for the fire department. Grant will add this to the development regulations. - Site Plan Compliance Tracking: Grant introduced a rolling Excel spreadsheet to track site plan violations and compliance issues. Board members can raise items during planner updates; building permit/violation questions should go through the community development department. The board may request other staff appearances with clear questions and copy the town administrator. - 3 Kate Road Update: The applicant is aware the site plan remains unsigned due to unfulfilled conditions (landscaping, building color). Operational issues (stockpiling outside approved areas) may require an amended site plan. The board noted the decision was issued May 10, 2024. - 35 Edgewater Drive: A UDO development submitted for the February 2 meeting. Variances obtained for density and multiple single-family structures. Plans show small homes (less than 1,000 sq ft footprint), boat parking, and no age restriction. - Jersey Mike's (adjacent to Dunkin'): The tenant expressed interest in converting approved retail space to a restaurant. A parking peak-hour comparison will need to be submitted to determine if planning board approval is needed. - School Impact Fees for 2 College Park Drive: Attorney Cronin submitted a letter regarding an objection to school impact fees. The board discussed that impact fee collection requires specific capital improvement projects identified by the school board. Board member Jim (also a school board member) will request a detailed breakdown from the superintendent. - Hag Hill Site Walk: Scheduled for January 17 at 10:00 AM, focused on wetland restoration. Board will restrict observations to wetlands; photos can be discussed at the next meeting. - Labor Day Meeting: The calendar shows a meeting on September 7, 2026 (Labor Day). The board will adjust the schedule when adopting the new calendar in July. - Park Place Townhouses Inquiry: Research indicates the development was approved as apartments, not condominiums. Selling units would require condominium subdivision approval. Key Outcomes - The design review phase regulations will be sent to legal for review and scheduled for a public hearing. The board supported an optional design review with abutter notification and public comment at its discretion. - A rolling site plan compliance tracking spreadsheet will be maintained and updated at each meeting. - The board will formally request the school board provide a detailed CIP project breakdown to support impact fee collection. - The meeting schedule will be adjusted to remove the September 7, 2026 meeting. - Updates on 3 Kate Road, 35 Edgewater Drive, and the Jersey Mike's proposal will be monitored.

The Hooksett Conservation Commission met on Jan. 12, 2026, to approve routine business, hear Moosewood Ecological's draft stewardship report on the Quimby Mountain Conservation Easement, and plan next steps for conservation projects. Commission members were joined by Moosewood ecologists Jeff Littleton and Stephen Lamont, and Town Council representative Alex Walsing. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes of the Dec. 8, 2025 meeting. - The commission approved a consent agenda covering New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) notices: Marman Aerospace's facility expansion permit; a dredge-and-fill wetlands permit for converting a former car dealership into a car wash; groundwater management permit renewals at 264 Londonderry Turnpike; a transmission line structure replacement project; and a Brock Industries DES notification. During discussion, one member asked whether Brock Industries' blasting affected the applications or groundwater; the documents showed no blasting permit and no such impact. - Invoices approved: Stantec Consulting invoice for $6,014.25 for the Heads Pond Access for All project; a $100 Bear-Paw annual fee; and a $100 Greenway invoice. Quimby Mountain Conservation Easement — Moosewood Ecological Report - Jeff Littleton and Stephen Lamont presented Moosewood's draft report, based on eight field days from April through September. They found nine distinct natural communities, three plant species of conservation concern (two sedges and yellow screw stem), and about 60 bird species, including more than a dozen of conservation concern such as scarlet tanager, black-throated blue warbler, and wood thrush. - Wildlife observations included black bear, bobcat, coyote, porcupine dens, and an approximately 600-year-old black gum tree, one of the oldest known in the Merrimack River Valley. The property also contains a vernal pool with spotted salamander egg masses and wood frogs; no rare reptiles or amphibians were found. - Invasives and forest health: beech leaf disease, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese barberry, and multiflora rose were present; hemlock woolly adelgid was sparse; ash trees were dead or dying. Moosewood recommended management to build resilience and diversity. - Landscape context: the property lies within a high-priority wildlife connectivity zone identified in The Nature Conservancy's 2016 resilient and connected networks assessment, the only such zone south of Concord down to the Massachusetts line. The future wildlife hospital on an abutting parcel was expected to cause edge effects but not disconnect the property. - Recommendations included bird-friendly silviculture, vernal pool buffers (maintain more than 75% canopy within 100 feet and more than 50% canopy from 100 to 400 feet), no-cut wetland buffers, management zones (sense of place, recreation, habitat, working forest), a proposed trail and parking area consistent with the conservation easement's 1,000-foot and 5,000-square-foot limits, and possible timber income to help fund trail, parking, and road improvements. Clay Pond Stewardship Plan - Moosewood outlined the next project: a similar inventory and stewardship plan update for the 70-acre Clay Pond Headwaters Conservation Area parcel adjacent to Candia. Work will begin with existing-data review in March, ecological inventory from April through October, a draft plan in November, and finalization in early 2027. A draft contract was under review. Other Discussion Items - Stantec presented revised design C101 for the Heads Pond Access for All project, including a parking area closer to the road, paved accessible spaces, revised trail slope, and drainage improvements. The design is intended to meet U.S. Forest Service accessible guidelines rather than full ADA compliance. - A trail counter report from the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission confirmed extensive use of Heads Pond and Riverwalk Trail. - The commission penciled in the annual Earth Day cleanup for Riverwalk Trail on April 18, 2026. - Members discussed the Hackett Hill site walk, scheduled for Jan. 17, and a property owner's nonconforming structure and wetland alterations. Commissioner Philip Fitonitas raised questions about original permits, past violations, culvert maintenance, mitigation fees, clear-cutting, and driveway permits, and said he would send those questions to the ZBA. - Regarding the North Candia Road gate, the commission voted to advise the Town Council to keep and repair the gate to protect conservation land; Alex Walsing said he would carry that position to the Jan. 14 council meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, consent agenda, and invoices as described above. - Scheduled the Quimby Mountain public hearing for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the library, with promotion through the commission's website and social media. - Approved a motion to obtain survey estimates, including from McClure and at least one other surveyor, to determine the boundary around the scenic rock/viewpoint and the proposed trail corridor on Quimby Mountain. - Approved Stantec design C101 for the Heads Pond Access for All project. - Approved a conditional motion allowing Stantec to solicit construction bids, subject to clarification from the town finance director. - Approved sending the Town Council a recommendation to keep and repair the North Candia Road gate. - Adjourned.