Claremont City Council Meeting – August 12, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Key topics included a failed motion to create a motor sports speedway ad hoc committee, public testimony from downtown business owners about safety and maintenance concerns, a failed second reading of a merit system ordinance, approval of revised Francis Tolles Home bylaws, and acceptance of a $10,000 grant for youth sports.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from June 14, 2026, and July 22, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Appointments: Christine Hawkins appointed to Claremont Arts History and Cultural Resource Preservation Commission (seat 6, term to May 31, 2027).
• Francis Tolles Home Board of Trustees appointments were deferred pending bylaws discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nicole Dermadi (owner, Style House Salon) and Kelly Gillette (employee) described chronic issues with a public bench outside their business, including smoking, drinking, drug use, and congregation. They requested relocation of the bench, improved police response, and better maintenance of Pleasant Street planters. They expressed support for recovery services but argued that businesses also need a safe environment. They noted that police often drive by without following up on video evidence.
• Molly Chamblay (child care director, ReadySet Grow) reported similar problems on School Street, including criminal activity and lack of police response. She stated that her center has lost families and that she spends time monitoring for safety instead of working with children.
• A letter from Elise Lizat (Executive Director, TLC Family Resource Center) was read, supporting relocation of the bench to reduce congregation and improve accessibility for neighboring businesses.
• A member of the public raised concerns about the landscaping at the visitor center, noting that a pollinator garden had been accidentally mowed down by volunteers.

Discussion Items

• Motor Sports Speedway Ad Hoc Committee: Council debated forming a committee to draft an ordinance regulating the racetrack. Chief Wilmot had requested it, but some council members argued the licensing board could handle it. A motion to create a committee with 7 members (licensing board, fire chief, two councilors, and a citizen) failed on a roll call vote of 4–5.
• Merit System Ordinance (Ordinance 648, Attachment B): The second reading proposed updating job titles and classifications. Discussion focused on the clarity of job descriptions, grading discrepancies (e.g., part-time health officer graded two levels above a full-time deputy health officer), and the role of the city manager. The ordinance failed on a roll call vote of 3–6.
• Francis Tolles Home Bylaws: The board proposed updates to the bylaws. Council amended the proposal to allow up to two trustees who are residents of the home (changed from one) and removed the clause that "terms continue until successor is appointed." The amended bylaws were approved unanimously.
• LWCF Residual Funds: Approximately $170,000 in leftover grant funds were discussed for community center improvements. Council agreed to pursue projects 3 (pickleball court), 4 (lighting for pickleball), and 6 (softball field lighting, reallocating funds originally designated for a parking lot safety net). The city manager was directed to seek state approval for the revised project list.
• Byrne Foundation Grant: A $10,000 grant to support youth sports registration fees was accepted unanimously.
• Capital Improvement Fund Balance: Two projects (fire station roof replacement at $316,086 and Freedom Street project at $590,050) totaling $906,136 were approved from general fund balance with no tax impact. The resolution passed unanimously after removing the erroneous phrase "city hall" from the purpose statement.

Key Outcomes

• Ad Hoc Committee: Motion failed (4–5). No committee formed; the licensing board will continue to work on an ordinance for October presentation.
• Merit System Ordinance: Failed (3–6). The item will be revised and brought back for a first reading.
• Tolles Home Bylaws: Approved (9–0) with amendments increasing resident trustee limit to two and deleting the holdover clause.
• Tolles Home Appointments: Four trustees appointed unanimously: Larry Johnson (seat 4, term to July 31, 2029), Mildred Fenning (seat 6, term to July 31, 2029), Keith Raymond (seat 5, term to July 31, 2028), and Molly Tremblay (seat 7, term to July 31, 2029).
• Byrne Grant: Accepted unanimously (9–0).
• Capital Improvements: Resolution 2027-14 passed unanimously (9–0) appropriating $906,136 from fund balance.
• LWCF Funds: Council consensus to pursue pickleball court, lighting, and softball field lighting; city manager to proceed with state approval.