Hooksett Town Council Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council held a regular meeting on February 11, 2026, covering a public hearing on floodplain ordinance amendments, an update on the Route 3 improvement project, approval of a fire department radio system upgrade, and administrative reports.

Public Hearing: Floodplain Ordinance Amendments

• The council opened the second public hearing on proposed amendments to the floodplain development ordinance (Chapter 23132A). Staff noted that the process requires two public hearings; the first was held January 28, 2026.
• After no public comments, the council voted to waive its rules to allow a vote that evening.
• Councilor Walsick moved to amend Ordinance 00-7 to change the reference date of the flood insurance study for Merrimack County and the flood insurance rate maps to January 23, 2026, and to add "FIRM" after "flood insurance rate maps." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Town Administrator's Report (Andre Garron)

• Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District Forum: Held February 5, 2026, with good attendance. Discussed the history of TIF in Hooksett and the upcoming bond for sewer infrastructure on the west side. The bond will be paid entirely by TIF increment. Clarified that private property owners are responsible for their own sewer connections; businesses in the TIF district must connect within 180 days, while residential connections are required when septic systems fail.
• Assessor Services: Granite Hills Assessing Services began on February 2, 2026, after the previous assessor resigned in September 2025. Thanks to Elaine Pearson for maintaining office operations.
• Deliberative Session: Held January 31, 2026; all articles moved forward to the ballot. Candidates Night scheduled for February 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the council chambers.
• Legislative Updates: Supported Senate Bill 605 and House Bill 1491 (maintaining non-assessment health risk pool), opposed House Bill 661 (assessment risk pool).
• Upcoming Meetings: Town meeting March 10, 2026; needs council members for moderator duties. Also noted Parks & Rec, Economic Development, and planning board meetings.

Route 3 Improvement Project Update (NH DOT)

• Dave Smith, project manager, presented the status of the Route 3 improvements from Alice Avenue to White Hall Road (1.4 miles). The project includes adding a lane in each direction, five-foot shoulders, sidewalks, raised median islands, two-way left-turn lanes, drainage, landscaping, and access management. Construction cost estimated at $24.2 million; originally planned for 2027, now moved to 2030-2031 due to 10-year plan funding constraints.
• The project will impact approximately 65 properties. Raised median islands from Alice Avenue to Silver Avenue will restrict left turns into businesses, but improves safety (25% of accidents occur in that segment). A speed study found 50th percentile speed 39 mph, 85th percentile 44 mph (posted 35 mph).
• The Commission concurred with the town's preference for a five-lane layout and signalized intersections at Alice Avenue, Mammoth Road, and White Hall Road. Sidewalks will be maintained by the town.
• DOT is committed to addressing business impacts, including potential full acquisition of Pro Technologies property due to loss of 10 parking spots and steep driveway. Alternative compensation options are available.
• Next steps: Finding of Occasion meeting mid-May 2026 (delayed because one commissioner is in Florida); project work group meeting within a month.
• Executive Counselor John Stephen spoke, emphasizing the importance of keeping the project in the 10-year plan. He noted concerns from business owners but committed to supporting the project through the legislative process. He urged continued town-business collaboration.

Fire Department Radio System Upgrade

• Fire Chief and Lieutenant John Drew presented a proposal to upgrade the aging analog radio system to a digital system at a cost of $366,382.35 (quote from RCI Radio Communications Management). The upgrade will replace equipment at the South Bow tower (installed around 2000) and the Safety Center tower, with digital infrastructure that can eventually expand to five sites for 95% coverage.
• The system will improve portable radio coverage, potentially eliminating the need for costly bi-directional antenna systems (costing $80,000–$100,000 per building) in the Exit 10/11 area. Funding is from fire department impact fees, confirmed as an allowable use by the municipal attorney.
• The proposal includes a two-year warranty, a voting feature for redundancy, and a microwave backhaul system that can be shared with police and DPW at low additional cost. Council asked about tariffs ($12,000 for antennas) and redundancy plans.
• Council voted unanimously via roll call (all ayes) to accept the quote and fund the upgrade.

Approval of Minutes

• The council approved the minutes of the January 28, 2026 meeting as presented, by voice vote with no opposition.

Public Input

• None.

Future Agenda Items and Subcommittee Reports

• Councilor Smith requested revisiting the key fob policy for building access, noting issues with time-out restrictions. The item will be placed on a future agenda.
• Discussion on union contract review timelines: Councilor Smith expressed concern about last-minute contract reviews and suggested setting deadlines. Town administrator noted that union negotiations are governed by state labor laws and subcommittee processes, but will consult with labor attorney about possible timeline adjustments. A suggestion was made to create a briefing packet for new council members.
• Planning board updates (Councilor LaLiberty): Impact fees are being applied to new developments; the Siegel/Brady Sullivan project (81 units) may seek a fee waiver/adjustment. Discussions on Edgewater Drive development and Heritage Commission signage issues are ongoing.
• Conservation commission update (Councilor Walsick): The Access for All project at Heads Pond is going to bid. Earth Day cleanup scheduled for April 18, 2026. Flooding issues at 325 Hackett Hill Road are being monitored by DES. Also: Hooksett Youth Achievers recognition program is still available for outstanding youth.

Key Outcomes

• The floodplain ordinance amendment was adopted unanimously.
• The fire department radio system upgrade was approved (roll call vote).
• The Route 3 project update was received; the Finding of Occasion meeting is expected in mid-May 2026.
• A future agenda item will address key fob policy changes.