Public Meetings - Hooksett, New Hampshire

The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDACT) met on August 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM to discuss the Marman business tax exemption, the TIF district sewer project, a meeting with Councilor Stevens, and next steps for infrastructure development. Key speakers included Jim Sullivan (Chair), Alden Boschman, Jim Petrie, Andre (Town Administrator), Ken (Sewer Commission engineer), and Brian (sewer staff). Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 15, 2026: Approved unanimously as presented. Discussion Items - Marman Business Tax Exemption: The committee reviewed the outcome of the Marman application (18 Leak Legends Drive). EDACT had recommended a 7-year, 30% exemption. The Town Council voted 3-3 on that motion (failed), then approved a modified 5-year, 25% exemption by a 5-1 vote. Members expressed disappointment, noting the TIF district confusion may have influenced the vote. Andre clarified that the ordinance allows up to 7 years and 30% on a case-by-case basis. The council’s decision stands, and no further action by EDACT is required. - Meeting with Councilor Stevens: Anthony and Jesse (absent, but reported via Jim Sullivan) met with Councilor Stevens. Topics included moving the I-93 toll plaza south of Exit 11 to improve traffic flow, a potential cut-through road parallel to Hooksett Road connecting Route 3A to Route 3, and creating a village district in collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University. Councilor Stevens supported these ideas and offered to arrange a meeting with the state DOT. - TIF District Sewer Project Update: Ken from the Sewer Commission provided an update. The TIF fund currently holds approximately $2.4 million. A $12.5 million bond for the full west-side sewer extension failed by 1% in March 2026. The committee explored breaking the project into phases. Ken estimated that a double-barrel siphon under the Merrimack River could be completed for $1 million using existing TIF funds. This would prove commitment to businesses and reduce future borrowing. The remaining project (pump station, lines to Bass Pro, Walmart, etc.) would require a bond of around $8–10 million. Bass Pro Shop is facing septic failure and is considering a $300,000–$400,000 replacement; Walmart and other businesses are similarly interested. The committee discussed private-public partnerships to share costs. - TIF Informational Night: Scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the library (time TBD) to present the sewer plan to the public and businesses. - Engineering Status: Ken reported that the Thomson Avenue sewer line is largely complete. A 90% design for the north-end sewer (serving Heads Pond, Greens Marine, etc.) is ready for state approval, with minimal wetland impacts. Key Outcomes - Recommendation to TIF Committee: EDACT passed a motion (by voice vote with abstentions from members also serving on the TIF committee) recommending that the TIF committee take immediate steps to begin the first phase of the sewer project using existing TIF funds. This primarily means proceeding with the double-barrel siphon under the river. - Next Steps: The TIF committee will meet on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to consider the recommendation. Ken will provide updated cost estimates for the pump station and remaining infrastructure. The committee also agreed to invite key businesses (Walmart, Bass Pro, Market Basket, etc.) to a separate meeting to discuss contributions and private-public partnerships. - Future Meetings: TIF Informational Night on September 8, 2026. The council may take up the TIF committee’s recommendation as early as November 2026. - Village Water Issue: Alden Boschman raised that Village Water needs a new well source but is constrained by conservation restrictions on town-owned land near Heads Pond. The committee will seek ways to assist. No other business was discussed.

No agenda or minutes were provided with the transcript. The committee discussed playground and field maintenance, a possible walkway, field rotation for flag football, relocation of the Riverside Park gazebo, a Boy Scout project, and officer elections. No formal substantive votes were recorded; the meeting adjourned at about 6:50 PM. Discussion Items Playground and Park Equipment - The fertilizer money is in good shape. - A swingset at Fraser cannot simply be replaced in a new spot: per Ben, new playground guidelines require rubber matting/cushioning under new equipment, as done at Lambert's Park. This would affect cost. - Ben ordered benches about a week ago; delivery is expected in roughly four weeks. - Funding is available for the workout station. Paved Walkway - A contractor recommended an eight-foot-wide path to the football field, narrowing to five feet along the track, because vehicles drive across the area. A narrower path could be broken by tires riding the edge. The committee left this in discussion. Flag Football Fields and Field Rotation - Randall said there are more flag football teams than ever and fields are oriented in roughly the same spots; without more rotation, the fields will end up in the same worn condition as before. - He rotates worn areas each season by five to ten feet, and has moved fields up to twenty feet. He spoke with Travis, the new flag football president, about the need for all fields to recover. - Randall proposed rotor-tilling and reseeding bad areas between spring and fall seasons, as was done for soccer goal areas. He also suggested finding space for a fifth field so one area could be decommissioned and regrow over a full season, with rotation over several years. - Some potential field locations were rejected because of Old Home Day. Randall questioned that objection, saying Old Home Day uses the field only one weekend and could be moved elsewhere, including back to Lambert's Park. Riverside Park Gazebo and Volleyball - The old gazebo at Riverside Park sits in the middle and is unsafe, especially the steps. Members supported moving it out of the middle. - Suggested locations included the far right side of the park toward the power station, near the survey marker by the rock line, near the boat ramp "thumb," or under a tree. The committee agreed to table the decision, measure the gazebo, check mower clearance, and look at possible spots. - If the gazebo is moved, the opened space could be used for a volleyball court, an idea raised during the walkthrough. Boy Scout Cornhole Stands - The committee needs A-frame stands for cornhole boards and usually asks the Boy Scouts for project help. - One member attended a Scout meeting but was unable to introduce himself; he had already emailed the Scout leader. Members were asked to help make contact, or the member will try again. Election of Officers - The election of officers was tabled again because the vice chair was not available to be asked whether she would accept the nomination. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on substantive items. - Officer elections and gazebo relocation were deferred. - Next steps: inspect and measure potential gazebo locations; continue field-rotation discussions with flag football; reach out to the Boy Scouts about cornhole stands; revisit the election when the vice chair can be contacted. - A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the meeting ended around 6:50 PM.

The Hooksett Planning Board met on August 17, 2026, at 6:02 PM with the chair absent; Vice Chair presided. Members present: Jim Sullivan, Paul Scarpetti, Mike Somers, Shane Galbard, David Russell, Jared Williams. The board approved minutes with corrections, reviewed a special exception for a wetland crossing, discussed procedural updates, and set future meeting dates. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes with corrections passed unanimously. Corrections included removing a name of an absent member and adding a detail from Jim Sullivan that in 1991 the approval reaffirmed 20 students, but less than two months later the state approved 22 students via variance; the board noted the answer lies with the state of New Hampshire. Also, David Russell corrected his name spelling (one L). Discussion Items - Special Exception – Chester Turnpike (Map 15, Lot 92): The board reviewed a request for a special exception to cross a wetland for a single-family home driveway. James explained the board’s limited role—to provide comments to the ZBA on whether the crossing is in the most appropriate location. The applicant, Gary Roy, confirmed the parcel was auctioned by the town. Board members noted the crossing had a DES permit, was minimal impact (1,100 sq ft wetland disturbance), and the culvert was upsized to 18 inches for amphibians/turtles. Some members expressed frustration that the conservation commission had not been properly notified earlier in the process. A site walk is scheduled for August 29 at 9 AM (invited by ZBA). Motion to concur with findings in the packet (crossing necessary, minimal impact, no feasible alternative) and forward to ZBA was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Other Business: No impact fee discussion. The next meeting on September 7 is canceled (Labor Day); next meeting is September 22. Land Use Subcommittee meeting set for September 2 at 5 PM. The board discussed updating the Rules of Procedure to codify notice requirements for conceptual plans (not yet reflected on the website). Sheena raised the need for follow-up on the Master Plan, suggesting reconstituting the Master Plan Committee and creating a training manual/resource repository for all land use boards. Several members supported the idea, noting existing BEA training materials but difficulty finding them. The board also noted a potential buffer violation on Route 3 (clear-cutting near a condo development) and will follow up. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved with corrections. - Special Exception motion approved unanimously (all in favor). - Site walk for the special exception property scheduled for August 29, 2026, at 9 AM (not mandatory for board). - No meeting on September 7, 2026; next regular meeting September 22, 2026. - Land Use Subcommittee meeting set for September 2, 2026. - Plan to update Rules of Procedure to include conceptual plan notice provisions and to explore creating a centralized training resource for board members.

The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment convened at approximately 6:37 PM on August 11, 2026, with all four regular members present (alternate absent). The meeting included a continued public hearing for Martin Bernard (case Z25-23) focusing solely on a special exception for a wetland crossing after the variance request was withdrawn, a scheduling discussion for Branton Properties (cases Z26-17 and Z26-18), and an initial hearing for Jackson McCormick (case Z26-16) seeking a side‑yard setback variance for a garage. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 14, 2026: Unanimously approved on a voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew and Anne Marie Scott (north abutter, 323 Hackett Hill Road): Strongly opposed the special exception. They cited ongoing sewage dumping, trespass, encroachment, and devastation of over an acre of their land. They withdrew any permission for the applicant to enter their property and expressed that the special exception criteria had not been met. They questioned the lack of a survey and stated they would consider legal action. - Roger and Claire Bellyle (nearby neighbor, not a direct abutter): Reported that their wetlands had been destroyed (all trees dead) due to the flooding caused by the applicant’s actions. They asked who would be responsible for removing the dead wood and replanting. Discussion Items - Continued Public Hearing – Martin Bernard (Z25-23): - Attorney Lick (new counsel for the applicant) stated that the variance request had been withdrawn; the only request before the board was a special exception for a 12‑foot wetland crossing (three 24‑inch HDPE culverts). The crossing is needed because wetlands completely bisect the 7‑acre parcel, and the rear half is dry upland without alternative access. - The applicant’s experts (Damon Burt of Fraggle Rock Environmental and Katie Weiss of Bedford Designs) explained that DES had approved the wetland restoration plan and the crossing. The berm that caused flooding had been removed, and water flow is being restored. - The town’s engineering consultant, Keach Nordstrom (Jason Lopez and Steve Keach), presented a drainage review dated August 10, 2026. They noted unresolved concerns: the pre‑ and post‑development drainage areas differed by 1.67 acres; the grading changed after the original violation; head walls/trash racks were recommended but later deemed impractical due to amphibian passage requirements; and debris accumulation in the culverts could be a long‑term issue. - Board members questioned whether the restoration would prevent a recurrence of the public nuisance (icing on Hackett Hill Road). The applicant’s experts assured that the lowered crossing elevation (approximately 422 ft) would keep water from backing up, and that the wetland was already recovering. - Special Exception Criteria (Article 18E and Article 24D): Board members deliberated at length. Some members struggled to separate the past damage (nuisance/hazard) from the proposed crossing. Ultimately, a majority found that the crossing itself would not create a new nuisance or hazard and that the criteria were satisfied. - Branton Properties (Z26-17 & Z26-18): - Brandon Roy explained that he is being deployed and requested accommodations. The board agreed to schedule a site walk on August 29, 2026, at 9 AM and to continue both cases to a special meeting on September 1, 2026, to allow his participation. - Jackson McCormick (Z26-16) – Variance for Garage Setback: - The applicant sought a 15‑foot side‑yard setback variance (from 20 to 5 feet) to build a 30×35‑foot garage with a 10‑foot lean‑to. During discussion, it became clear that a front setback variance was also needed (the town requires 35 feet from the property line; the garage would be about 30 feet from the centerline). The board advised that two separate variance applications are required. - No public testimony was offered; the applicant’s neighbors were present but did not speak. - The board was preparing to deliberate on the side‑yard variance when it determined the matter was not properly noticed for both variances. The item was not voted on; the meeting adjourned without a decision, implying it will be continued to a future date. Key Outcomes - Martin Bernard (Z25-23) – Special Exception Approved: Motion carried 4‑1 (Member Tom voted nay). Approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Wetland and wetland buffer markers shall be installed every 50 feet or less on steel posts 36 to 48 inches high. 2. Plantings in the wetland and wetland buffer shall be monitored by a certified wetland scientist through fall 2028, with annual reports submitted to the town in 2026, 2027, and 2028. 3. Only native plants shall be introduced to the buffer, with no mowing or disruption. 4. The applicant shall monitor and maintain the hydrological connectivity of the wetlands, including clearing debris from culverts and the surface of the crossing, and maintaining erosion control. - Branton Properties (Z26-17 & Z26-18) – Continued: Cases continued to September 1, 2026; site walk scheduled for August 29, 2026, at 9 AM. - Jackson McCormick (Z26-16) – No Decision: The board identified that a second variance application is needed. The matter was not resolved; likely to be continued to the next meeting.

The Hooksett Conservation Commission met on August 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The meeting covered routine approvals, appointments, project updates, and strategic discussions. Key actions included approval of invoices, a letter of support for a wetland variance, a site walk for emergency vehicle access, and a tabled proposal for Quimby Mountain engineering. The commission also approved bench donations, kiosk repairs, mowing services, and a warrant article request. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the June 8, 2026 meeting were approved with two abstentions (Joe Carroll and Philip Fitonitas, who were not present at the June meeting). - Invoices Approved: - Moosewood Ecological invoice for $3,807.50 (unanimous). - Three Stantec invoices: 2513031 ($6,065.75 for January), 2584095 ($600 for June), 2599482 ($1,069.50 for August) – all for Heads Pond trail design work. Approved unanimously. - Reimbursement to Joe Carroll for $93.95 for signs at Heads Pond parking lot. Approved with Joe Carroll abstaining. Discussion Items - Emergency Access at North Candia Road (Captain Woolinski): The Fire Department requested a parking/turnaround area at the end of North Candia Road (class six road) to allow emergency vehicle maneuvering and public access. The commission agreed to schedule a site walk to assess feasibility and identify town-owned parcels. No vote was taken; the item was referred to future action. - Wetland Variance Request (Gary Roy): Mr. Roy requested a letter of support for a zoning variance to build a single-family home on a 1.28-acre lot (Lot 92 on Chester Turnpike). The proposal involves 1,100 sq ft of wetland impact and 1,850 sq ft of buffer impact. DES approval was obtained. After discussion, a motion to send a letter of support passed 4-3, with Sheena Gilbert voting nay due to insufficient updated Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) data. - Quimby Mountain Stewardship Plan – Engineering Proposal: The commission debated a $36,000 Stantec proposal for design and permitting of an access road and parking lot. Concerns were raised about the lack of a total project cost estimate, absence of a town engineer, and the need for a strategic plan. A motion to table the proposal until the next meeting passed 4-3 (Joe Carroll, Alan Stein, Bob Barker, Philip Fitonitas opposed). The commission will seek guidance from the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions and the acting town planner. - Heads Pond Trail – Additional Drainage Work: An additional $4,300 for a culvert and grading to prevent flooding under Route 3 was approved. The motion passed unanimously. - Bench Donations: 1. Estelle Smith donated $2,000 for benches at Heads Pond. Approved unanimously. 2. A memorial bench (natural stone) for Logan Prescott, donated by a teacher and group, was approved. Motion passed 7-1, with Bob Marker voting nay due to concerns about material durability and maintenance. - Kiosk Repair at Heads Pond: Approved up to $2,000 for materials (roof, plexiglass, map) to repair the kiosk. The commission also authorized reaching out to Home Depot for donations. Motion passed unanimously. - Riverwalk Trail – Mowing and Invasive Treatment: Approved a $4,700 bid from Keep It Native for brush hogging field one and invasive treatment in field three in 2026. Motion passed unanimously. - Riverwalk Trail – Haying License Issue: The commission discussed a farmer's non-compliance with the haying license on field four. A motion to ask the town administrator to send a certified letter to the licensee notifying them of the violation and requesting cleanup within 30 days passed unanimously. - Warrant Article Request: Approved a request to place a $30,000 warrant article on the 2027 town election ballot for ongoing conservation property maintenance. Motion passed 7-1, with Bob Marker voting nay. - Ordinance Updates: Referred proposed hours-of-operation ordinance (6 AM to 8 PM) to the Land Use Subcommittee for further development. Additional items (e-bike restrictions, no smoking) were noted for future agenda. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Letter of support for Gary Roy variance: Passed 4-3. - Tabling Quimby Mountain engineering proposal: Passed 4-3. - Additional Heads Pond drainage: Approved unanimously. - Bench donations: Both approved (7-1 for memorial bench). - Kiosk repair: Approved unanimously. - Mowing contract: Approved unanimously. - Haying license letter: Approved unanimously. - Warrant article: Approved 7-1. - Next Steps: Site walk for North Candia Road access; town administrator to send letter to haying licensee; research on NRI and training toolkit; workshop planning for November 16, 2026; Old Home Day table volunteer solicitation; follow-up on Stantec proposal with NHACC. - Deferred Items: Bike use on Riverwalk Trail, e-bike ordinances, and ordinance updates postponed to future meetings. - Informational: Easement monitoring scheduled for October; timber harvest notice from state for Fairbrook Park; annual report and magazine distributed.

Date: August 3, 2026 Time: (Evening meeting - exact time not recorded) Location: Hooksett Town Hall Members Present: Paul Scarpetti, Chris Stelman, Mike Somers, David Russell, Jared Williams, Jim Sullivan (Chair), Yuri (last name not given), and others. Seven members voting at start. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, election of a vice chair, a continued public hearing for Cardinal Landing (age‑restricted housing), a contested public hearing for Mary Go Round Childcare Center’s site plan amendment, adoption of rules of procedure, and discussion of a potential cottage‑court zoning concept. --- Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 20, 2026: Approved with two minor corrections (line 873 changed “well” to “within”; line 880 corrected “32 years” to “32 students”). Unanimous. - Vice Chair Election: Mike Somers nominated and elected unanimously to serve as vice chair. --- Public Comments & Testimony Mary Go Round Childcare Center – The applicant (represented by Attorney William Grandfields of Grandfield Legal Services PLLC) requested replacement of Condition 5 from a fixed enrollment cap of 32 children to a condition stating: “Maximum enrollment shall not exceed the number of children authorized by the applicable New Hampshire DHHS/DCYF child care program license as determined by the property square footage, fire safety compliance, and health officer inspections in effect at any given time under RSA 170‑E.” The business (owned by Mary Ann French) has operated since 1988 and received state licenses for up to 41 children (present capacity 41; actual enrollment reported as 28–38 at various times). Testimony in favor (parents and employee): - Several parents praised Mary Go Round’s strict parking/drop‑off rules, high‑quality care, and willingness to accept special‑needs children that other centers reject. They stated drop‑offs are quick (under a minute per car) and that the vast majority of parents follow the provided parking plan. - A lead teacher (Catherine Tilton) stated she parks off‑street and has never seen issues; she noted that the neighborhood’s traffic delays come from school buses, delivery trucks, and general through traffic, not from Mary Go Round families. - Another parent (Derek Chalinus), a former neighbor, said the facility is quiet on weekends and evenings and that she often saw speeders unrelated to the daycare. Testimony opposed (abutters): - Scott McMillan (10 Morgan Drive, directly across) described daily parking violations: cars lining the street, blocking his driveway, speeding, U‑turns, children running between cars. He stated that a 41‑child capacity would make conditions worse and that no one asked abutters about the earlier compromise of 32 children. - Mark Francois (8 Wagon Drive) argued that the business is a commercial use in a residential zone and that future corporate ownership would likely seek to expand further. - Tom Benz (11 Morgan Drive) cited winter ice from water discharge (later traced to Route 3, not the daycare) and constant noise from children in the backyard. - Danielle McCrossan Annable (7 Morgan Drive) noted that 36 neighbors signed a petition against the increased capacity and asked the board to preserve the quiet residential character. --- Discussion Items 1. Cardinal Landing (Map 26, Lots 81 & 811, 65 Farmer Road) – Continued public hearing for a voluntary lot merger and 22 age‑restricted units. The applicant later clarified that the approved number was 37 units (not 22). The town planner recommended a full waiver of school impact fees because the age‑restricted development (Article 7: all occupants 55+ or 40+ for second occupants) is unlikely to generate school‑aged residents and the existing impact fee schedule is outdated. The board voted to approve the waiver, subject to permanent occupancy restrictions. Motion passed unanimously (7‑0). 2. Mary Go Round Childcare Center – The board deliberated at length. Key points: - The planning board’s December 8, 2025 decision had capped enrollment at 32 children as a compromise. - The applicant argued that the state (DHHS/DCYF) regulates daycare capacity via square footage, and the town exceeded its authority by setting a fixed number. - Several board members (Jared, Jim) expressed concern that removing the cap would cede all control to the state and allow future owners to increase enrollment without further site plan review. - The board noted that the current site plan (from 1988) is outdated; there is no survey or parking/ traffic study showing current conditions. - A motion to deny the waiver (i.e., keep condition 5 with 32‑cap) failed 5‑2. - A subsequent motion to disapprove the amended site plan and deny replacement of condition 5 also failed 5‑2. As a result, the original condition (maximum 32 students) remains in effect. 3. Rules of Procedure – The board adopted the 2026‑27 rules of procedure as presented, with the understanding that a clarification about alternates continuing on continued hearings would be brought to a future meeting. Unanimous. 4. Other Business – - The town planner reported receiving a public notice from the Town of Barnstead regarding a communication tower hearing on August 6, 2026. - The next Planning Board meeting (August 17, 2026) will include a special exception request from Gary Roy for a property on Chester Turnpike. - Raven’s Nest storage facility requested an administrative amendment to its phasing plan (no physical changes); the planner intends to approve it administratively. - James (board member) introduced a concept for a “cottage court” residential development on Mammoth Road, a new housing typology not currently allowed by zoning. The board agreed to have the land‑use subcommittee (chaired by Paul and Mike) review examples from Bedford and Londonderry and consider a zoning amendment for the 2027 town meeting. The subcommittee will meet on the second Wednesday of September (September 9, 2026). --- Key Outcomes - Cardinal Landing: Full waiver of school impact fees for the 37 approved age‑restricted units, with permanent occupancy restrictions. Motion carried 7‑0. - Mary Go Round Childcare Center: The board denied both the waiver request and the amended site plan (each 5‑2). The fixed enrollment cap of 32 children remains in place. The applicant may reapply with a complete, up‑to‑date site plan and traffic study. - Rules of Procedure: Adopted unanimously, with a future amendment regarding alternate member voting on continued hearings to be discussed. - Land‑Use Subcommittee: Will reconvene to explore a “cottage court” zoning amendment; first meeting scheduled for September 9, 2026.

The Hooksett Highway Safety Advisory Board met on July 31, 2026, at 9:31 AM. Members discussed school traffic issues, fire department infrastructure, approved the 2026-2027 meeting schedule, reviewed e-bike policy, addressed a board vacancy, considered a fire apparatus turnaround on North Candia Road, and decided to request a traffic study on roads in the Lower Road area. All members were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 12, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items Old Business - School Traffic Backup and Pick-Up/Drop-Off: The board discussed sending reminder letters to parents encouraging bus use, carpooling, and having children ready. Member David Smith suggested exploring a fee-based system for parents driving children to school to offset busing costs (estimated at over $1 million annually for 15 buses), but noted the majority previously was not in favor. Alternatives such as different traffic flow at Memorial School were considered. The board agreed to send a recommendation letter to the school board chair for further review. - Fire Hydrant at Legends Drive: The fire department proposed extending a water main from the road into their parking lot to install a hydrant for training, avoiding blocking traffic on EverSource property. The fire chief will contact Central Hooksett Water about installation and potential rental fees. - Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Meeting Schedule: The board approved the proposed meeting calendar via a motion. One member (Captain James Riley) has a conflict on September 18, 2026, but the meeting will proceed without him. - Ban on E-Bikes: The school board has implemented a policy prohibiting e-bikes on school grounds during school hours, as stated in the middle school handbook. No signs will be installed; police lack manpower to monitor after hours. The board accepted this as a reasonable compromise. - No-Through Trucking Ordinance Update: The board confirmed a no-through trucking ordinance is now in effect and has been communicated to the police department. Traffic counts on Main Street and Martins Ferry Road were previously discussed. New Business - Board Member Resignation: The chair announced Jeff's resignation and will contact previous applicants to fill the vacancy, then bring recommendations to the council. - Fire Apparatus Turnaround on North Candia Road (Map 4 Lot 24): The fire chief reported an incident where emergency vehicles had to back down a half-mile class six road. He proposed creating a small parking/turnaround area on town-owned property across from the last residence, which would also benefit conservation users. He will discuss with the conservation commission and residents before bringing a detailed plan. - Traffic Study for Lower Road Area (Whitehall, Laurel, Spruce Court, Farmer): The board addressed complaints about cut-through traffic. They decided to request SNHPC to conduct speed, classification, and volume counts at three locations: the entrance from Farmer Road to Spruce Court, and the two entrances off Whitehall for Evelyn and Laurel. A summary page was requested. Good of the Board - Discussion on handling resident complaints (e.g., requiring written forms) and criteria for initiating studies. - Update on double utility poles: A contractor will remove remaining double poles on Hooksett Road and Dartmouth Avenue, with work expected by fall 2026. Key Outcomes - Motion passed: Approved June 12, 2026 minutes (unanimous). - Motion passed: Accepted the 2026-2027 meeting schedule (unanimous). - Decision: School traffic issue referred to the school board chair with a recommendation letter. - Decision: Fire department will contact Central Water about a new hydrant at Legends Drive. - Decision: Chair will contact former applicants to fill board vacancy. - Decision: Fire chief will coordinate with conservation and residents on the North Candia Road turnaround. - Decision: Board directed staff to request a traffic study from SNHPC for three locations in the Lower Road area. - Meeting adjourned: No objections. Note: No public comments were received.

The Hooksett Recycling and Transfer Advisory Committee met on July 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Members present included Mr. Turk, Richard Barron, John Giotis, Ray Barney, Sean Dumont, and Jeff Nyan. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the committee approved the minutes of the March 31, 2026 meeting, then heard Sean Dumont's transfer-station report covering disposal costs, state reimbursements, recycling markets, new staff, and the proposed scale house. No public comments were offered. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 31, 2026 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote. Recycling and Transfer Station Report - Disposal costs: As of July 1, 2026, trash disposal is $103 per ton. Demolition/environmental disposal at Resource is $126 per ton plus environmental and fuel surcharges totaling roughly 12%, about $15 more per ton. Waste Management has a $4.75 surcharge and is farther away (44 miles vs. 22 miles to Resource), but would be slightly cheaper; Dumont plans to keep trying to negotiate a lower price with Resource. - State reimbursement: Dumont filed the first reimbursement claim after a runaround; the state required both original invoices and canceled checks as proof of payment. He estimated the reimbursement total at around $17,000 and has second-quarter numbers ready, but cannot submit until September 17 because of the 90-day waiting period after the quarter closes. First-quarter inbound tonnage was roughly 960 tons. - Batteries: A five-gallon bucket of taped batteries melted and charred inside the recycle building, prompting a new green battery barn for storage. Batteries are taped individually; button cells are made into tape ravioli to keep them from touching. More than 80% of batteries dropped off are alkaline and can be thrown in the trash. - Electronics/other recyclables: North Coast's prices vary by weight, e.g., flat panels 20 cents/lb and CPUs/servers/laptops 18 cents/lb; fluorescent bulbs are 28 cents (4-foot) and 56 cents (8-foot). The facility started recycling inkjet cartridges; the first shipment of about 60 cartridges went out, with XL HP/Canon cartridges paying almost $3 each. - Markets: Cardboard is back up to $50 per ton from $40 per ton, and a check was received. Glass remains $50 per ton with GTS. Windfield pays $145 per ton with no freight fee and has faster turnaround. A tractor-trailer load of plastic recently brought only about $80; New Hampshire Recycle has warned that some plastic loads now go out as a cost, with a possible $300 pickup charge, though Dumont noted it may still be cheaper than paying $103 per ton for disposal. - Second-quarter revenue nearly doubled from the first quarter, though tonnage did not quite double. The facility is doing well on concrete after adjusting its price. Radius continues taking copper, steel brake rotors, and aluminum; light iron goes to Windfield. - Staffing: New administrative assistant Carrie started Monday and is described as bubbly and friendly; new heavy-equipment operator Peter Dabinsky needed only two days of training. The crew is fully staffed, and a part-time position appears frozen. Scale House Project - The committee has not given up on the scale house. Public Works Director Ben will contact contractors for realistic bids; last year's estimate was around $600,000, while false Facebook information cited $1.3 million. The building cost about $80,000 to design, and changing the design could require paying again. Dumont hopes to do public outreach videos to explain the need, noting the current building is crowded when the full staff is present. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the March 31, 2026 minutes. - Formal votes were limited to minutes approval and adjournment; no votes were taken on transfer-station pricing or the scale house. - Next steps include negotiating with Resource, submitting the second-quarter reimbursement claim on September 17, and obtaining scale-house bids through the Public Works director. - The committee voted to adjourn.

This meeting convened on July 22, 2026 at 14:00:00 UTC. No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this summary, so no substantive agenda items, public comments, or decisions can be reported.