Claremont City Council Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Claremont City Council met on September 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (all nine councilors present), and approval of the September 9, 2026, meeting minutes. The council heard community announcements, received reports from the city manager and councilors, conducted public hearings on two resolutions, and discussed future agenda items including data center zoning, noise enforcement, and Amtrak station funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the September 9, 2026, meeting (motion by Councilor Kaloski, second by Assistant Mayor Matto; 9-0 vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Harris (Ward 2, NH Food Bank): Representative presented food insecurity statistics for Sullivan County—12.3% of residents and 18.3% of children. She reported that partner agencies distributed 29,362 pounds of food to 1,695 households in the past month. She encouraged support for local food programs and highlighted upcoming mobile food pantries.
• Jim Creighton (State Senate candidate, District 8): Introduced himself, highlighting his military service, business ownership, and six years in the NH House. He expressed desire to work with the council if elected.
• Charlene Lovett (Ward 2, Claremont Station Hosts Association): Expressed concern that the council reduced the train station's annual budget from $2,500 to $2,300 in FY27. She noted that volunteers incurred a $417.39 deficit in FY26 due to door installation costs for a city asset. She requested resolution of the deficit and a sustainable funding allocation for station maintenance.
• Matt Bacon (Developer, 1852 MB Claremont LLC): Criticized city delays regarding a purchase-and-sale agreement for parking related to the 17 Water Street redevelopment. He stated that the city council failed to honor prior commitments, causing costly delays. He requested transparency and inclusion in future discussions.
• Chris Garrety (Ward 3): Presented a petition signed by over 140 residents regarding excessive motor vehicle noise, speeding, and reckless driving. He urged the council to address the issue as an agenda item in coordination with the police commission and chief.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report (Mr. Bergeron): Introduced two new directors: Finance Director Maureen Hulslanter and Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Saucier (a Claremont native and former Park City, UT employee). He noted a contract with Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission to fill the city planner gap. He alerted the council to an unbudgeted $4,250 engineering study bill for the visitor center to be addressed next meeting. He also discussed progress on purchasing a warming hut to operate opposite hours from the Trinity Church shelter (8 AM–8 PM).
• Councilor Irish (Procurement Committee): Reported that the new procurement software is being rolled out, with DPW using it first. Policy updates are forthcoming. He also praised the police commission meeting for addressing muffler and e-bike issues, and commended city staff and first responders for the 9/11 stair climb event.
• Resolution 2027-16 (CSBCC Roof Repairs): City Manager Bergeron explained deteriorating conditions on the CSBCC roof due to improper nailing. A warranty claim was unsuccessful. The winning bid from Chancellor's Son was $19,449. Councilors discussed tracking warranties and lessons learned. After a public hearing with no speakers, the resolution passed unanimously (9-0).
• Resolution 2027-19 (79E Tax Relief for 11 Main Street): Planning Director Gavin presented the application for a $988,380 rehabilitation of the former Ford Autobody building. Construction had started; completion expected spring 2027. The request was for a five-year tax relief. Councilor Irish thanked the applicant. After a public hearing, the resolution passed 8-1 (Councilor O'Hearn voted no). e reports included: Cogswell (CCTV searchability, EPA commision awaiting DES approval, conservation commission trailhead project); Greenrose (energy advisory committee discussing net metering and community power); Assistant Mayor Matto (planning board approved site plan for School & Pleasant st. apartments); Kaloski (new exibit at visitor center); Lamoges (CDA meeting canceled); Hammingway (zoning no update); Irish (procurement progress).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution 2027-16: Authorized transfer of $19,449 from the CSBCC building capital reserve for roof repairs (9-0 vote).
• Approved Resolution 2027-19: Granted a five-year 79E tax relief incentive for 11 Main Street (8-1 vote).
• Future Agenda Directives: The council agreed to (1) request the Planning Board to develop a definition for data centers in the zoning ordinance; (2) address excessive noise and vehicle enforcement with input from the police commission; (3) revisit master plan updates; (4) schedule a dedicated meeting on the community center's future with Parks and Rec; (5) obtain copies of outdated Amtrak station agreements; (6) add a "thank you" letter process for new businesses; (7) review council goals from the retreat; (8) consider reinstating Zoom participation and installing the OWL device; (9) create a map of services in the mill district; (10) audit dormant city email accounts and implement generic departmental emails.
• Motion to Enter Non-Public Session: The council voted to enter consultation with legal counsel (unanimous).