Claremont City Council Meeting Summary - July 8, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM to discuss routine approvals, public comments, and several new business items including CDBG projects, tax deed properties, a city manager search contract, and potential sale of city-owned properties. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance, roll call, and approval of the June 24, 2026 minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miss Lovett (President, Train Station Host Association) clarified that the $2,500 annual allocation for the Amtrak stop was intended for multiple expenses, not just porta-potties. She stated volunteers have donated 12,000 hours valued at over $250,000.
• Mr. Stapleton (Treasurer, Train Station Host Association) explained why a door was installed on the Amtrak pavilion (safety, misuse, drug use) and apologized for not obtaining prior city approval. He detailed misuse by vagrants and safety concerns.

Discussion Items

• CDBG Elevator Improvements (Marion Phillips Apartments) – Update that elevator improvements at 243 Broad Street are complete. All 96 apartments are occupied by elderly and disabled low-income persons. No motion required.
• CDBG Application for Claremont Learning Partnership (CLP) – Proposed acquisition and rehabilitation of 143-147 Main Street for transitional supportive housing for youth exiting homelessness. Request for up to $750,000 in CDBG funds. Seven units will provide affordable housing with supportive services. Council discussion covered tax exemption, program duration (two years in transitional living plus two years in apartments), and income eligibility.
• Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan – Adopted for the CLP project. The building is vacant, so no displacement is anticipated.
• NEA Our Town Grant Application – Resolution 2027-7: Co-applicant with Claremont Makerspace for a $62,000 grant (with $62,000 match from Makerspace) to create a downtown art walk. No financial obligation to the city. Council discussed inclusion of planters on Pleasant Street.
• Tax Deed Properties – City Clerk presented a list of properties eligible for tax deed. Originally 40 properties, reduced to about 12 after payments. Discussion focused on a property at 11 Warren Street (50% ownership) and a former funeral home at 93 Sullivan Street (potential environmental and liability concerns). Council tabled the item to the next meeting for legal review on two specific properties.
• City-Owned Property Potential Sale – City Manager presented a list of city-owned parcels that could be sold. Discussion included verifying ownership, environmental issues, conservation easements, and the process for sale. Council directed staff to research and bring back recommendations, including mapping and input from legal counsel.
• Budget Amendment for City Manager Search – Resolution 2027-8: $25,000 from fund balance to cover search expenses. Approved unanimously.
• Contract with MRI for City Manager Search – Resolution 2027-9: Authorized entering an agreement with Municipal Resources, Inc. for recruitment services. Council amended the resolution to replace "city manager" with "mayor" for signing authority. Approved 8-1 (Councilor Irish opposed).
• Committee Reports – Updates from various committees including CDA budget approval, airport meeting, ZBA approvals, and Arts Commission review of 17 Water Street exterior work.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of June 24, 2026 approved unanimously.
• Reappointment: Raymond Gagnan to the Claremont Arts, History and Cultural Resources Preservation Commission (seat A3, term to May 31, 2029) – unanimous.
• CDBG Application for CLP (143-147 Main St) approved 8-1 (Councilor Lamothe voted no).
• Residential Anti-Displacement Plan adopted unanimously.
• NEA Our Town Grant Resolution (2027-7) approved unanimously.
• Tax Deed Properties tabled to next meeting (July 22, 2026) for legal review; motion carried 7-2 (Councilors Kaloski and Irish voted no).
• Budget Amendment (Resolution 2027-8, $25,000 for city manager search) approved unanimously.
• Contract with MRI (Resolution 2027-9) approved 8-1 (Councilor Irish voted no). Council authorized the Mayor to sign the contract.
• Future Agenda Items: Discussion on catching up with tax deed deeding, Amtrak station host funding and agreement review, e-bike ordinance, and parking arrangements for 17 Water Street.