Claremont City Council Meeting - February 25, 2026

The meeting was held on February 25, 2026, and was chaired by Assistant Mayor Mattow in the absence of Mayor Gerard. The council addressed routine business, discussed a proposed partnership with the Upper Valley Aquatic Center, passed several resolutions, and received committee reports.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of February 11, 2026, were approved with a modification to include a note about a motion that failed to get a second on page 10.

Public Comments

• Mr. Blouin, a resident, criticized the city's lack of progress, road maintenance, planning board, housing, and school system, and called for a new approach to running the city.

Discussion Items

• Resignation Acceptance Motion: Councilor Hearn moved to accept the resignation of Mr. Colburn from the Parks and Recreation Committee. After debate over whether the council should accept resignations, Councilor Kalosky moved to table the motion for further review. The motion to table passed 8-1, with Councilor Hearn opposed.
• Upper Valley Aquatic Center Partnership: Recreation Director Martin presented a proposal to partner with the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) to offer swim lessons and team use at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center. Key points included cost accessibility, protection of current lap swimmer access, economic benefits from hosting meets, parking arrangements, and a six-month pilot program. Projected initial losses of $13,000–$15,000 would be borne by UVAC. Council members expressed support, noting the historical significance of swim teams in Claremont. The next step is to bring forward a fee schedule adjustment and contract.
• AARP Pavilion Grant: Director Martin proposed applying for an AARP flagship grant of up to $15,000 to build a pavilion at Manadnock Park, with a total estimated cost of $20,000. The council reached consensus to proceed with the grant application.
• FY27 Budget Schedule: The revised budget schedule was presented, and a public hearing was held with no comments. The schedule was adopted without a formal vote.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-30: Approved a transfer of $19,125 from the finance department regular pay line to IT contracted services for a LinkedIn subscription. Passed unanimously by roll call.
• Resolution 2026-31: Approved $44,730 from water and sewer fund balances for a five-year rate study with Raftelis. Passed unanimously by roll call.
• Resolution 2026-32: Accepted a donated scoreboard valued at $9,535 from Ace Tech Tire and Max Tow LLC, and approved $2,200 in installation costs funded by CYBSA. Passed unanimously by roll call.
• Resolution 2026-33: Accepted a $10,000 donation from the Carnegie Corporation of New York for Fisk Free Library. Passed unanimously by roll call.
• Future agenda items include a discussion on filling the vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Committee and clarifying the process for appointing a councilor as an ex-officio member.