Claremont City Council Meeting – October 22, 2025

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.