Claremont City Council Meeting - May 27, 2026

The Claremont City Council convened on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The meeting included a proclamation, a public hearing and vote on the ambulance contract, a presentation on the twin culvert funding grant, approval of the Upper Valley Aquatic Center contract, and detailed budget reviews for multiple departments. The council also made appointments to union negotiation teams.

Proclamation

• Mayor Gerard presented a proclamation declaring the week of June 7, 2026, as Stevens High School Alumni Week, celebrating the 155th anniversary of the alumni association.

Announcements

• City Manager Bates announced: Eastern States Cup bike race at Arrowhead on May 30-31; political party affiliation change deadline June 2; filing period for state offices June 3-12. She also noted bulk water sales started, a meet-and-greet for the new Planning and Development Director on May 28, and property tax bills going out. She asked about a potential easement for 17 Water Street, similar to the Common Man easement. Paving on North and May streets delayed to May 29 and June 1.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from May 5, May 9, and May 13, 2026, were approved unanimously.

Old Business: Ambulance Contract (Resolution 2026-48)

• The council voted to remove from the table (unanimous roll call). City Manager Bates reported that Golden Cross Ambulance Inc. submitted the only bid for a five-year contract at $60,000 per year ($300,000 total), paid monthly, with a non-appropriation clause. A public hearing was held with no public comment. The resolution was passed by a two-thirds vote (unanimous roll call: all nine councilors voted yes).

New Business: Twin Culvert Funding Grant Discussion

• Director Gleason and John Byatt (Beta Group) presented the condition of the Washington Street twin culverts, which are deteriorating (sagging, rusted bottom, separations). The culverts fail to pass 50-year and 100-year flood events. Options: rehabilitation (band-aid, loses capacity), precast concrete culvert (recommended, 75-year life, ~$4M total), or bridge options. Federal funding (75/25 split) through HSEM is available. The pre-application was successful; final application due by July 24, 2026. The council expressed consensus to pursue the precast concrete culvert option and proceed with the grant application. A resolution will be brought on June 10, 2026.

Upper Valley Aquatic Center Contract (Resolution 2026-51)

• City Manager Bates presented a multi-year contract for UVAC to use the CSBC pools for swim lessons and swim team activities. No public comment. The motion passed unanimously (roll call: all nine yes).

Budget Discussions

• Assessing Department Budget: Passed unanimously after clarification of Vision software costs.
• IT Department Budget: Reviewed but not voted. Questions about cybersecurity audit ($50k budgeted in 2025, $15k proposed for 2026), phone system upgrade, computer supplies vs. replacements, and cable franchise revenue. Councilor Kaloski noted the lack of an IT director.
• Finance Department Budget: Reviewed but not voted. The finance director position has been vacant for nearly a year; salary adjustments are part of the merit plan pending Personnel Advisory Board (PAB) quorum.
• Planning & Development Budget: Reviewed but not voted. Discussion included difficulty filling the building inspector/health inspector hybrid role, Amtrak station host expenses (porta-potties vs. repairs), code enforcement revenue decline, health inspection fees and scheduling, and the benefit of Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission membership ($22,000). Council agreed to continue budget discussions at future meetings.

Committee Reports

• Councilor O’Hearn reported on Tolls Home: laundry system change and purchase of a tractor for snow removal.
• Councilor Cogswell reported on CCTV (expansion ideas), EPA (awaiting state update), and Conservation Commission (tree planning for June 10).
• Councilor Greenrose reported Historic District Commission meeting first time since December; Energy Commission finished presentations on community power, recommendations forthcoming.
• Assistant Mayor Matto reported Planning Board approved a conditional use permit for a solar array on River Road.
• Councilor Kaloski reported Arts Commission: consultant evaluated 200-year-old eagle restoration; need for touch-up paint and light bulbs at Visitor Center.
• Councilor Lamothe reported CDA meeting May 28 at 7:30 AM to discuss budget.
• Councilor Hemingway reported Zoning Board did not meet.
• Councilor Irish reported Airport Commission in holding pattern.

Future Agenda Items and Directives

• City Manager Bates sought direction on bringing the Sugar River Revitalization project back to council with updated plans and public engagement. Council agreed to put ideas from previous public input on website with feedback survey.
• Councilor Irish requested an item on the "No U-turn" issue at Winter Street intersection be scheduled for the Traffic Advisory Committee.
• Councilor Greenrose noted chairs on Pleasant Street were misaligned.
• Assistant Mayor Matto requested enforcement of off-site signage on city property, and asked for a ball field project to return to agenda.

Appointments to Negotiation Teams

• The council voted to appoint Mayor Gerard as primary and Councilor Greenrose as backup to sit on the Fire Union and Teamsters negotiation teams, which begin at 9:00 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026. The motion passed 7-2 (Councilors Cogswell and Irish opposed, citing agenda notice concerns).

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned after a motion by Assistant Mayor Matto, seconded by Councilor O’Hearn, with all in favor.