Special Joint Public Meeting – Claremont City Council and Claremont Development Authority – March 17, 2026

This special joint meeting between the Claremont City Council and the Claremont Development Authority (CDA) was held on March 17, 2026, to discuss the CDA's role, financial health, ongoing projects, and proposed structural and bylaw changes. The meeting included a presentation from the CDA board, a financial overview, discussion of the 56 Opera House Square roof project, and a non-public session for lease and acquisition matters. No public comment was taken.

CDA Presentation

• Andy LaFrenier, CDA chair, provided an overview of the CDA's history, legal basis (RSA 162G), and its role as a tool for economic development. He emphasized that the CDA does not replace the city's economic development office but provides additional bandwidth for real estate, financing, and long-term projects.
• Key projects highlighted included: Ashley's Landing (value grew from $700,000 to $1.9 million, 30 employees), Farwell building (valued at $550,000), 21 Water Street project (value over $10 million, 100+ jobs at peak), 329 River Road (value increased to $359,000), Brown block (created seven apartments, multiple businesses), North Country Smokehouse (62,000 sq ft facility), and Jewel trucking (24,000 sq ft). These projects have generated over $600,000 in annual tax revenue.
• Current projects include the New Hampshire Solar Gardens Greenhouse (20-acre solar-powered greenhouse), 56 Opera House Square (WCCMA project), and a newly awarded $465,000 federal grant for the Claremont Small Business Center.
• Councilor Cogswell noted that the CDA's goal is economic revitalization, not profit maximization, and that fiscal sustainability is the measure of success.
• Councilor Kaloski raised concerns about the use of the city's single tax ID number, arguing it limits funding opportunities and puts the city at risk. He requested a separate tax ID for the CDA.

Financial Overview

• Martha Mackey, CDA financial chair, presented the CDA's financial picture. The CDA projected a net income of about $5,000 for the year but a negative cash flow of $12,400 due to principal payments on loans. Ending unrestricted funds were estimated at $32,000.
• The Farwell block was projected to break even, with a potential positive of $15,000 annually if a vacant unit is filled. The 56 Opera House Square project is break-even with tenant paying property taxes, loan payments, and half of elevator expenses.
• As of the meeting, the checking account balance was $36,886. The PDP account (savings) held $53,687 in USA grant funds untouched since 2011, plus $18,000 in unrestricted funds and $3,200 reserved for loan losses.
• Councilor Kaloski requested a copy of the financials. Councilor Greenrose asked about marketing of available spaces; LaFrenier acknowledged the need for better marketing and potential use of a real estate agency.

56 Opera House Square Roof Project

• The roof project is nearly complete, with only asbestos remediation remaining. The CDA received a $31,740 grant from the CRDC Brownfields program (no match required) to cover the remediation. The council must formally accept the grant.
• Councilor Kaloski asked whether accepting this grant would affect other CRDC funding for Claremont; City Manager Nancy Bates agreed to investigate before the council vote.
• Councilor Greenrose confirmed the grant fully covers the asbestos remediation (pipe wrap in the ceiling).

Structure & Bylaws Discussion

• The council and CDA discussed the need to clarify the ordinance regarding the CDA's authority to enter into leases and land deals versus the requirement for council approval. LaFrenier noted this ambiguity was inherited from the old ordinance.
• Councilor Cogswell emphasized the need for clear procedures for leases, especially when grants are delayed, to ensure the CDA remains solvent. He cited RSA 162-G requirements for lease terms.
• Councilor Kaloski proposed researching and establishing a separate tax ID number for the CDA, and including a first right of refusal for the city in the bylaws. He also raised concerns about tracking staff time used for CDA work, as individual board member requests can burden staff.
• Councilor Greenrose asked about the obligation of the city when using a shared EIN; City Manager Bates confirmed that the shared EIN likely obligates the city. Councilor Cogswell noted that other municipalities require separate tax IDs.
• Gary Merchant suggested consulting the New Hampshire Municipal Association for legal opinions on compliance with RSA 162-G and the tax ID issue, but City Manager Bates clarified that NHMA does not review contracts or bylaws—that would require the city attorney.
• City Manager Bates highlighted the burden on staff, especially with the current vacancy in the economic development director position. She noted the bylaws require the CDA to reimburse the city for staff time, but doing so would put the CDA in the red. She called for a balance.
• Councilor Cogswell proposed forming an ad hoc committee to improve operating procedures, but LaFrenier suggested that standard operating procedures (directing inquiries through the economic development director) would help reduce staff burden.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on substantive matters; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-based.
• The council will consider accepting the $31,740 CRDC Brownfields grant for asbestos remediation at a future meeting after City Manager Bates confirms no impact on other Claremont funding.
• The council and CDA agreed to continue discussions on clarifying bylaws, establishing a separate tax ID, and improving staff time tracking and reimbursement procedures.
• The council voted unanimously to enter non-public session (RSA 91-A:3, II, d) to discuss leases and acquisitions, and later voted to seal the minutes of that session.
• The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.