Claremont City Council Meeting - September 9, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on September 9, 2026, with Mayor Gerard presiding. The meeting covered approval of past minutes, a citizen forum, the city manager's report, committee appointments, several resolutions, and committee reports. All votes were unanimous (9-0) except for the August 26 minutes (7-0-2).

Consent Calendar & Approvals

• Minutes of August 17, 2026: Approved 9-0 after a brief correction regarding Councilor O'Hearn's attendance.
• Minutes of August 26, 2026: Approved 7-0-2 (Assistant Mayor Mattow and Councilor Lamoges abstaining). Councilor O'Hearn requested a letter be added to the minutes.
• Appointment: Charlotte Lacoste appointed to the Climate Arts History and Culture Resources Preservation Commission (term ending May 31, 2028) by a 9-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Anastopolis (Ward 2): Expressed concerns about backfiring cars, e‑bike safety on sidewalks and trails, inadequate crosswalks on Pleasant Street, and the planned downtown cleanup day (questioning the Friday date and use of compostable bags). He urged regulation of e‑bikes and enforcement of noise ordinances.
• Elizabeth Diamond (Ward 2): Supported e‑bike regulation based on miles per hour rather than pedal/peg classification, noting that pedal‑assist bikes can exceed 30 mph and pose danger to pedestrians.
• Rob Walker (Ward 1): Offered his bicycle shop as an educational resource on e‑bike classifications. He introduced the Kearsarge Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), a 10,000‑member group seeking to develop sustainable trails in Claremont with zero taxpayer funding. They have a permit for a multi‑day trail school in Moody Park, funded through membership dues and grants, which would provide infrastructure and economic impact.

Discussion Items

City Manager's Report (Interim City Manager Bergeron)

• The loss of the city planner may create a backlog; the city is subcontracting with the Upper Valley Lake Seneca Regional Planning Commission to keep applications moving. This may cause budget overruns but could be offset by salary savings from vacancies.
• A downtown cleanup day is tentatively scheduled for September 25 or October 9, partnering with the garden club; DPW will provide a truck and paper compost bags.
• A winter warming hut is being planned to complement the overnight shelter; a meeting with shelter operators is scheduled for the next day.
• New hires: Jim Allen (Library Director), Finance Director (starting next Monday), Deputy Building Inspector; the Parks & Rec Director (second candidate) accepted the position with a start date of September 21. One applicant for the planning position is being interviewed.
• The paving list for this year, including East Green Mountain Road, remains on track pending the audit.

Old Business: Resolution 2026‑18 (NBRC Grant Amendment)

• The council held a public hearing and voted 9‑0 to amend the resolution to name Planning & Development Director Gina Gavin as the authorized user for the $430,000 Northern Borders Regional Commission grant for the Sugar River revitalization project. Councilor Hart expressed concern about directing a department head rather than the city manager, but the motion passed.

New Business

• Fidium Fiber Conduit License: The council authorized the city manager to sign a licensing agreement for underground conduit installation on several roads. Work will be done by directional boring to avoid disturbing newly paved surfaces. Passed 9‑0.
• PILOT Agreement with Kearsarge Claremont LLC: The council approved a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes agreement for a 0.814‑megawatt solar array on private property (River Road). Annual payment is $3,400 per megawatt with a $2,700 minimum. The land will leave current use, triggering a conservation commission penalty. The agreement was renegotiated after the mayor noted the initial offer was below state average. Passed 9‑0.
• Resolution 2027‑18 (Vehicle Lease Authorization): The council authorized a 5‑year lease for a DPW sewer pump truck (replacement of Truck 29) at $73,313 principal with an interest rate of 5.03%. The vehicle is ready for pickup. Passed 9‑0.

Committee Reports & Discussion

• Councilor Kaloski: Art committee fundraising for eagle statue restoration is ongoing; restorer has left the area. Upcoming exhibit on Claremont Fire Department history at the visitor center.
• Councilor Lamoges: CDA meeting canceled due to lack of quorum; next meeting September 24.
• Councilor Hemingway: Zoning Board updates: variances for Pleasant Street and Broad Street cottages continued to October 5; home occupation variance approved; Southwest Community Services' 172‑unit application continued to November 2.
• Councilor Irish: Personnel Committee meeting September 16. Proposed incorporating old memorial bricks into downtown planters. Urged immediate local e‑bike ordinance, citing dangerous sidewalk riding. Noted backfiring cars and racing issues.
• Councilor Moche: Requested scheduling a presentation on a new memorial for post‑Vietnam veterans and service members. Announced a recognition event for four youth volunteers on September 17 at the Community Center.
• Assistant Mayor Matto: Noted that bicycle/scooter prohibition signs on Pleasant Street are faded; suggested reinstalling them. Requested signage for double‑yellow lines on Washington Street to inform drivers not to cross them for left turns.
• Councilor Greenrose: Supported a discussion with the Police Chief about e‑bike enforcement and noise ordinances. Mentioned crosswalk safety on Pleasant Street.
• Councilor Kaloski: Asked for a council conversation on the future vision of downtown (fountain recirculation, banners) and an update on the community center's direction. Also requested an update on water/sewer impact fee collections.
• Councilor O'Hearn: Noted that the city manager is an ex‑officio member of the Police Commission but has not received meeting notifications; requested that be addressed.
• Mayor Gerard: Confirmed with Interim City Manager that the tax deed catch‑up process is on schedule; two cycles will be completed this year (autumn 2026 and spring 2027).

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and motions passed unanimously (9-0) except the August 26 minutes (7-0-2).
• Appointment of Charlotte Lacoste approved.
• Council requested updates on e‑bike regulation options, reinstatement of sidewalk signage, Washington Street left‑turn signage, and downtown/community center discussions be placed on a future agenda.
• The city manager will continue work on the warming hut plan and report back.
• The tax deed process will continue with a second cycle in March 2027. Interviews for the permanent city manager are expected in about a month.