Claremont City Council Regular Meeting – September 10, 2025

The Claremont City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Mayor Gerard presided, with all nine councilors present. The meeting lasted approximately [duration not specified in transcript] and covered agenda changes, approvals, appointments, public forum, a third reading of a merit system amendment, a charter amendment ballot question, a highway safety grant, and committee reports.

Consent Calendar & Approvals

• Minutes of August 27, 2025: Approved with 8 ayes and 1 abstention (motion by Councilor Kaloski, second by Councilor Zuter).
• Agenda Changes: Items A and B under new business were moved to the September 24 meeting to allow councilors to attend a school board meeting later that evening; both presenters agreed.

Appointments & Resignations

• EPA Multi-Purpose Steering Committee (Seat Two, Planning Board Representative): Application from G. Michael Sanborn received. Councilor O’Hearn noted that a recommendation from the Planning Board is customary; the council agreed to postpone consideration until that recommendation is obtained.
• Tolles Home Trustee Resignation: Councilor O’Hearn moved to accept the resignation of trustee Jamie DeRosa; seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.

City Manager & Department Reports

• Washington Street Project: Complete; a walk‑through will be scheduled soon.
• North Maine Upgrades: Ongoing, on track for base paving before winter.
• 17 Water Street: Purchase and sale agreement signed; first deposit expected this week; anticipated closing within the month.
• FY26 Approved Budget Book: Finished, digital copy emailed to councilors; print copies available within days.
• Planning & Development Director: Three solid candidates identified; hope to make an offer by end of next week.
• Health Trust: Public hearing scheduled for September 25, 2025, in Concord on rate setting and surplus determination for coverage lines (time TBD).
• Community Notices: City election filing period September 17–26; school board vacancy with letters due by September 15; Claremont Brewfest (September 20); Fall Festival & Chili Cookoff (October 4).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens Forum: One individual, Joe Haas (non‑resident of Claremont), attempted to speak. The mayor explained that only Claremont residents are allowed to address the council during citizens forum. Mr. Haas was invited but declined to remain; no other speakers signed up.
• Third Reading – Ordinance 640 (Merit System Amendment): No public testimony was offered.
• Resolution 2026-15 (Highway Safety Grant): No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 640 – Merit System Amendment to Attachment B (Payroll & Human Resources Specialist): Third and final reading with public hearing. Director Thibodeau explained the reorganization: a part-time Payroll and HR Specialist (reporting to HR) and a full-time Accounting Specialist (focused on AP/AR) replace the previous Finance HR Specialist role. The change aims to improve efficiency, clarify oversight, and strengthen internal controls. No questions from council. The ordinance was read into the record by Councilor Hayden, seconded by Councilor Kaloski. Roll call vote: 9 yes. Passed.
• Charter Amendment Ballot Question: Following approval from the Attorney General’s office (received mid‑August), the council debated placing a proposed charter amendment on the November ballot. Councilor Kaloskie requested a copy of the exact ballot language before the final vote; others noted a similar process was used for a citizen‑proposed charter question. Motion to authorize placement on the ballot, with the understanding that the language would be brought back for review, was made by Councilor O’Hearn and seconded by Councilor Lamoges. Roll call: 9 yes. Motion carried.
• Resolution 2026-15 – Highway Safety Grant: The Claremont Police Department was awarded $8,500 from the NH Office of Highway Safety for motor vehicle enforcement and speed‑related equipment. The city’s match is $2,125, all in‑kind (no tax impact). The resolution was read by Councilor Kaloskie, seconded by Councilor O’Hearn. Public hearing held; no comments. Roll call vote: 9 yes. Resolution adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 640 approved, creating a part‑time Payroll & HR Specialist and an Accounting Specialist position.
• Charter amendment question will appear on the November 2025 ballot; specific text to be provided to councilors before final posting.
• Highway Safety Grant accepted with no impact on the local tax rate.
• Steering committee appointment deferred pending Planning Board recommendation.
• Tolles Home trustee resignation accepted.
• Meeting adjourned by motion (Councilor O’Hearn, second Councilor Lamoges) with unanimous voice vote.