OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Claremont City Council Budget Work Session – May 9, 2026

City Council — Saturday, May 9, 2026
BodyClaremont, New Hampshire
SessionCity Council
DateSaturday, May 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good morning.

0:03

Welcome to Claremont City Council meeting for Saturday, May 9th, 2026.

0:07

Who's joining me in the plug, please?

0:10

I plugged the flag of the United States of America.

0:15

And to the republic for which it stands one nation under God individual with liberty and justice for all.

0:23

Thank you.

0:24

Ms.

0:24

Bizarro, when you have a moment, get a roll call, please.

0:27

Councilor O'Hearn.

0:28

Present.

0:28

Counselor Conswell.

0:30

Here.

0:30

Counselor Greenrose.

0:31

Assistant Mayor Mattow?

0:33

Here.

0:33

Councilor Kaloske?

0:34

Here.

0:34

Counselor Lemoche?

0:35

Here.

0:36

Counselor Hemingway?

0:37

Present.

0:37

Councilor Irish.

0:39

Here.

0:41

Where?

0:41

Where are you joining the meeting from?

0:44

May and council.

0:46

And is anyone else in the room with you?

0:50

No.

0:53

Mayor Gerard.

0:54

Here.

0:54

Thank you.

0:55

In New Hampshire or is that a mistake?

0:58

He's in New Hampshire.

1:02

So first up this morning is our first budget, which is Streets and Road, which is on page 95 in the packet.

1:09

Director Gleason, thank you for joining us.

1:12

Thank you very much.

1:13

So good morning.

1:15

This morning we'll be presenting all the department's budgets as we work through this work session.

1:22

That'll be streets and roads, municipal complex, cemetery division, sanitation, water and sewer utilities.

1:29

Across all the budgets, our focus is maintaining reliable day-to-day services.

1:34

We're making targeted investments in infrastructure and addressing known service members.

1:45

We guys wanted to say a big thank you to the DPW from the front end staff all the way through every department.

1:51

They go above and beyond with their service with all their work, their after hours calls.

1:55

So I just wanted to thank them for everything they do for public service for the city.

2:01

So as we're on page 95 of your budget book, um starting with 441.

2:08

So this budget uh is focused on maintaining uh improving the city's transportation infrastructure with roads, sidewalks, drainage, and winter ops.

2:18

The total proposed budget is around 4.05 million supporting personnel, ops, equipment, and infrastructure investments.

2:27

One of the largest cost drivers in the budget include personnel with CBA contractual increases, winter maintenance operations, fleet and equipment costs, and ongoing infrastructure work, such as paving and sidewalk improvements and maintenance.

2:41

Um the core services that directly impact our residents on a daily basis.

2:46

This past year there was approximately 2.6 miles of paving, um, which is currently underway.

2:54

Um the paving of Washington Street and sidewalk work on Grand Palmer Street, also currently underway.

3:01

Um this year's budget includes a continued focus on roadway improvements throughout our pavement management with reconstruction and pavement projects for about 2.7 miles.

3:10

So we'll get a little bit more this year across multiple streets, um, which you've seen in the notes as a full list there with with costs as well as sidewalks.

3:19

Um in addition, in the new fiscal year, we've created a separate line for city parking lot maintenance for council's request, just so we can divide that out and have better transparency as to the maintenance costs associated with with all those city laws and the respective treatment options for for each one in the coming year.

3:38

Overall, um our goal is to create a balanced focused budget that maintain maintains service levels while continuing to make targeted investments in infrastructure.

3:47

Um again, some of the standout items, road and sidewalk, as you've seen in the list.

3:53

Um the more transparent look at parking lot separation.

3:56

Um increase in salt slash winter ops.

4:00

You'll see three pieces of equipment on the um vehicle inventory and fleet needs.

4:06

And um, if you'd like, we can just uh get into things if you have any questions on any of the lines questions for director Gleason and regards the streets and roads budget counselor Greenrose.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████████████25%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████████████23%
Parks and Recreation█████████████████17%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████████14%
Community Engagement██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Planning and Development██2%
Fiscal Sustainability██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Claremont City Council Budget Work Session – May 9, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 4:00 AM UTC for a budget work session. Director Gleason presented proposed budgets for multiple departments. The council discussed operational challenges, infrastructure needs, and revenue concerns. Several budgets were tentatively approved, while others were deferred pending additional information and a forthcoming rate study.

Streets and Roads Budget

  • Presentation: Director Gleason presented the 4.05 million dollar budget, focusing on pavement management, sidewalk improvements, and winter operations. Highlights include 2.7 miles of paving in the coming year and a new separate line for parking lot maintenance transparency.
  • Discussion: Councilors questioned fringe benefits, fuel costs, street lighting maintenance, guardrail replacement schedule, and the prioritization of paving projects. Councilor Kaloski expressed concern that current funding levels are insufficient to catch up on road deterioration. City Manager Bates noted that additional paving from fund balance will be considered. Councilor Irish suggested reviewing the ordinance for granite vs. asphalt curbing to reduce costs.
  • Vote: Motion to tentatively approve the budget (489-41-0? Actually total 4,053,668) passed unanimously (9-0).

Municipal Complex Budget

  • Presentation: The proposed budget is 624,975 – an increase of 29,500 due to utility costs and HVAC maintenance. Key projects include electrical and plumbing upgrades at the police department and court bathrooms.
  • Discussion: Councilors raised concerns about the insufficient funding for the PD bathroom project (previously estimated over $100,000) and ongoing elevator issues. Trash removal and other services consolidation was discussed; City Manager Bates indicated that a finance director position would help coordinate contracts. Councilor Kaloski urged faster action on consolidating services.
  • Outcome: Council deferred approval pending more information on the bathroom project.

Cemetery Budget

  • Presentation: Proposed appropriations of 311,788 with 126,000 in offsetting revenues from lot sales and services. The department maintains five cemeteries with a staff of one.
  • Discussion: Councilor Kaloski inquired about tree hazards, gate repairs (Pleasant Street cemetery gate needs attention), and the accuracy of revenue projections. Councilor O'Hearn questioned the optimistic lot sale revenue. Director Gleason noted a partnership with the prison for seasonal help.
  • Vote: Motion to approve passed 8-1, with Councilor Kaloski voting no.

Sanitation Budget

  • Presentation: A small budget of 28,000 for post-closure landfill monitoring, mowing, and community cleanup activities. The tire day event will be held over a full week in June to reduce overtime.
  • Discussion: Councilor Matto asked if the $2 tire fee covers costs; Director Gleason acknowledged it likely does not and explained that shifting to a weekday event reduces city expenses. Councilor Kaloski inquired about past membership in a regional planning commission.
  • Vote: Motion to approve passed unanimously (9-0).

Water Department Budget

  • Presentation: Proposed budget of approximately 2.86 million, balanced with revenues from water rates. The budget supports plant operations, hydrant maintenance, meter replacements, and water line replacements (including Belding Street and Sullivan Street crossing).
  • Discussion: Councilor Kaloski highlighted the upcoming contract renewal with H2O Innovations and requested transparency regarding past contract clauses. Councilor Greenrose asked about water main repairs after a harsh winter; Director Gleason said the budget level is adequate. Councilor Kaloski raised concerns about transferring a vehicle from an enterprise fund to the general fund. City Manager Bates noted the budget depends on a rate study to be voted on Wednesday, May 13.
  • Outcome: No vote; council will await the rate study discussion.

Sewer Department Budget

  • Presentation: Proposed budget of 3.66 million, covering operations, capital improvements, and debt service. Major projects include Belding Street sewer line, Winter Street Orangeburg pipe replacement, and Pleasant/Summer intersection issues.
  • Discussion: Councilor O'Hearn questioned the purchase of a roll-off truck for biosolids hauling, suggesting a contract service might be more cost-effective. Councilor Kaloski supported that. Councilors also discussed impact fees for new businesses and the need for better tracking of solar array maintenance. City Manager Bates indicated the budget also depends on rate study results.
  • Outcome: No vote; pending rate study.

Parks and Recreation Budget

  • Presentation: City Manager Bates presented highlights of recent improvements (pickleball courts, ADA bathrooms, trestle bridge). The budget includes a staff vacancy since August.
  • Discussion: Councilors debated whether to fill the vacant position or use subcontracting for mowing and field maintenance. Councilor Kaloski noted the job description includes significant labor. City Manager Bates stated she has plans to restructure the department and will present them before the end of the fiscal year.
  • Outcome: Council deferred approval, awaiting the manager's restructuring proposal.

Community Center (CSB) Budget

  • Presentation: The budget shows reduced revenue projections due to competition from Planet Fitness. City Manager Bates acknowledged the need for a focused discussion on the facility's future.[a]
  • Discussion: Councilor Irish called for a comprehensive conversation about the center's identity and financial sustainability, noting that it was never intended to be a health club. Councilor Matto expressed concern that the membership revenue target of $360,000 may be too optimistic. Councilor Kaloski emphasized the need for customer service training and better tracking of program fees and asset warranties. City Manager Bates plans to bring forward a plan before June 30.
  • Outcome: No vote; council will hold a dedicated meeting on the community center before the end of the fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

  • Streets and Roads: Tentatively approved unanimously.
  • Municipal Complex: Deferred for more information on PD bathrooms.
  • Cemetery: Approved 8-1.
  • Sanitation: Approved unanimously.
  • Water and Sewer: Deferred pending rate study vote on May 13.
  • Parks and Recreation: Deferred pending restructuring proposal.
  • Community Center: Deferred pending dedicated discussion and plan.

The council adjourned after a productive session, with several follow-up actions assigned to city staff.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. Welcome to Claremont City Council meeting for Saturday, May 9th, 2026. Who's joining me in the plug, please? I plugged the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands one nation under God individual with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Ms. Bizarro, when you have a moment, get a roll call, please. Councilor O'Hearn. Present. Counselor Conswell. Here. Counselor Greenrose. Assistant Mayor Mattow? Here. Councilor Kaloske? Here. Counselor Lemoche? Here. Counselor Hemingway? Present. Councilor Irish. Here. Where? Where are you joining the meeting from? May and council. And is anyone else in the room with you? No. Mayor Gerard. Here. Thank you. In New Hampshire or is that a mistake? He's in New Hampshire. So first up this morning is our first budget, which is Streets and Road, which is on page 95 in the packet. Director Gleason, thank you for joining us. Thank you very much. So good morning. This morning we'll be presenting all the department's budgets as we work through this work session. That'll be streets and roads, municipal complex, cemetery division, sanitation, water and sewer utilities. Across all the budgets, our focus is maintaining reliable day-to-day services. We're making targeted investments in infrastructure and addressing known service members. We guys wanted to say a big thank you to the DPW from the front end staff all the way through every department. They go above and beyond with their service with all their work, their after hours calls. So I just wanted to thank them for everything they do for public service for the city. So as we're on page 95 of your budget book, um starting with 441. So this budget uh is focused on maintaining uh improving the city's transportation infrastructure with roads, sidewalks, drainage, and winter ops. The total proposed budget is around 4.05 million supporting personnel, ops, equipment, and infrastructure investments. One of the largest cost drivers in the budget include personnel with CBA contractual increases, winter maintenance operations, fleet and equipment costs, and ongoing infrastructure work, such as paving and sidewalk improvements and maintenance. Um the core services that directly impact our residents on a daily basis. This past year there was approximately 2.6 miles of paving, um, which is currently underway.

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