Claremont City Council Meeting – November 12, 2025

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.