Claremont City Council Meeting - January 28, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on January 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes from January 6 and January 14, community announcements, a detailed presentation from the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) on using the community center pool, passage of two resolutions (water system sustainability grant and cemetery repair fund transfer), committee reports, and future agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting (motion by Councilor Kaloski, seconded by Assistant Mayor Matto) and the January 14, 2026 meeting (motion by Assistant Mayor Matto, seconded by Councilor Greenrose). Both votes were by voice vote with no opposition noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizen Forum: No members of the public spoke during the citizen forum.
• Public Hearing – Resolution 2026-28 (Water System Grant): No one spoke. The hearing was closed.
• Public Hearing – Resolution 2026-29 (Cemetery Repair Transfer): No one spoke. The hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• UVAC Pool Use Presentation: Representatives from the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (Executive Director Joe Major, Swim School Director Sam [last name not given], Swim Team Coach Ian Quinn via Zoom, and others) presented a proposal to use the pool at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center for swim lessons and a competitive swim team. Key points:
  • Trial Period: A three-week trial for preschool and youth swim lessons, morning (9-10 AM) and afternoon (3:30-5 PM), expected 80 swimmers. A learning period to gauge community needs.
  • Swim Team: A conservative first-year estimate of 35 swimmers, requiring about 4 lanes of pool space for afternoon practices. Lane rental revenue to the city: approximately $9,000-$10,000 annually, with annual increases of $2/hour per lane. Long-term potential for larger teams and hosting swim meets (250-300 swimmers per meet), which could generate additional local economic impact (hotels, restaurants).
  • Financial Projections: UVAC projected swim lesson revenue of $34,000, swim lesson expenses of $39,000, and swim team expenses of $91,000, leading to a net operating income of -$13,000 in the first year. UVAC emphasized this negative figure demonstrates their commitment to a long-term partnership.
  • Community Access: UVAC stated they would keep lanes open for existing members and hire local instructors. Scholarships are available for both lessons and swim team (up to 50% of cost). Coach Quinn highlighted the facility's diving board as an asset for Stevens High School, noting it is one of only two diving boards in the Upper Valley (along with Dartmouth).
  • Next Steps: The presentation was informational; the council will receive further analysis from Director Martin at a future meeting. Councilor Cogswell requested details on potential parking impacts and the city's associated costs (e.g., facility wear).
• Resolution 2026-28 – Water System Sustainability Grant: Director Gleason presented a $30,000 strategic planning grant from the NH Department of Environmental Services for a water treatment plant facility study. The city would provide a 50% match of $15,000 from the department's operating budget. The grant requires council approval.
• Resolution 2026-29 – Cemetery Repair Transfer: Director Sparks presented a request to transfer $3,675 from the cemetery capital reserve to cover additional costs for pillar and gate repairs at Broad Street Cemetery (originally budgeted $5,000). The transfer has zero tax impact.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-28 (Water System Grant): Passed unanimously (8-0) by roll call vote with all councilors present voting "Yes."
• Resolution 2026-29 (Cemetery Repair Transfer): Passed unanimously (8-0) by roll call vote with all councilors present voting "Yes."
• Directives and Future Agenda Items: Council requested the following for future meetings or follow-up:
  • Forward a resident's stop sign request to the administration.
  • Schedule a council goals-setting meeting (Councilor Hemingway).
  • Provide an update on sports/team fees at the community center.
  • Address a citizen's complaint about incomplete assessment updates for completed construction projects.
  • Locate the missing wheelchair transport chair from the vestibule.
  • Investigate possible membership renewal lags at the community center.
  • Address a long-standing issue with access to a locked filing cabinet containing personnel files (Councilor Kaloski).
  • For the UVAC proposal, include analysis of parking impacts and city costs.
• Committee Reports: Various committees reported updates, including CCTV (budget strong, investing excess funds), Conservation (goals set, review of 492 Washington Street wetlands), Energy (presentation from Frontier Energy Logistics at Feb 19 meeting), Arts (meeting changed to second Tuesday at 5 PM at visitor center), CDA (greenhouse project land swap, roof completed at 56 Opera House Square, tenant compliance issues), Water/Sewer Rate study (narrowed bids to two, meeting Jan 30), Procurement (organizing), and Airport (weather system bid opening Jan 30, fuel sales, pump repairs).