Hooksett Town Council Meeting - February 25, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council held its regular meeting on February 25, 2026, at 6:01 PM. The meeting covered administrative reports, public input on charter compliance, approval of a community cleanup event, a property owner's concerns about a proposed road, a policy change for council key fob access, adoption of a veterans tax credit increase, and other business. Key decisions included voting to consult legal counsel about meeting procedures, approving the Beautify Hooksett Day, granting 24/7 building access to councilors, and increasing the veterans disability tax credit.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes of January 21, 2026 (regular meeting) and February 11, 2026 (special budget meeting) with a minor correction.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilor David Smith presented a formal statement concerning compliance with Section 3.5 of the town charter and RSA 91:A (right-to-know law). He claimed that over 25 meetings in the past three years were held at times inconsistent with the charter and council rules, and that meeting schedules had been modified without transparency. He warned that violations carry legal consequences. Chair Santulis responded that special meetings are occasionally called to save attorney costs, and that all actions have been vetted by legal counsel. Councilor Andre suggested inviting legal counsel to discuss the issue. Councilor Smith also raised concerns about separate texted meeting availability inquiries, calling it non-transparent.

Discussion Items

• Administrative Report (Town Administrator Andre): Provided updates on the February 23 snowstorm (town offices closed, paid day for employees), new hires (Bonnie Pierce, Nicholas Donati, Robert Freitas, Stephanie Oberg, Scott Holtzu), and DPW statistics: 23 storm events (16.67 3‑year average), $156,852 overtime spent vs. $120,141 budget ($36,711 over), 2,780 tons of salt used (89% of purchased 2,785 tons), 45% salt shed capacity (~1,000 tons in storage). Town meeting on March 10, 2026 at Collie Middle School (6 AM–7 PM).
• Beautify Hooksett Day – Robert Wiley (Kiwanis) requested April 18, 2026 as the cleanup date, use of Lambert Park for a social gathering, and supply of blue recycling bags (current supply nearly depleted). Council approved the date and the bag supply (cost estimated under $100).
• Property Impact – Bernice Street Extension – Former councilor Clifford Jones expressed concerns that a proposed road through a town right‑of‑way would create two front‑yard setbacks for his legal non‑conforming lot (driveway 25 ft from intersection, house built 1963). He argued the road would make his lot more non‑conforming, lose grandfather rights, and reduce property value. He also raised safety issues about fill material and corrugated steel pipe (not H20 load rated). Council noted that the road must meet town standards; no immediate action was taken. Administrator was asked to gather information from the planning board and report back.
• Key Fob Access for Councilors – Councilor Duhay (Roger) requested 24/7 building access, stating his current key fob only worked during scheduled meetings. He noted that 15 other individuals (police, fire, DPW, night janitor) have 24/7 access. Councilor Smith argued that elected officials are the “bosses” of the town and should have unrestricted access. After debate, a motion was made to give all councilors 24/7 access if they request it; the motion passed.
• Town Administrator Goals Update – Andre reported on the message board project (corner of Legends Drive and Route 3) where legal counsel is reviewing a deed. Developments at College Park include Phase I approval for 81 apartments at the former Cigna building; sewer capacity work is ongoing. DES assistance for water testing (PFAS) was discussed; a reimbursement program up to $5,000 is available. Andre proposed a banner campaign for the March 10 town election; motion to look into up to five banners passed (one opposed).
• Veterans Total Disability Tax Credit – Councilor Alex introduced a motion to increase the credit from $2,800 to $3,220, prompted by HB 99 changes that consolidated exemptions. The increase affects five veterans at a cost of $2,100 total. The motion passed.
• New Business – Councilor Duhay reported complaints about Code Enforcement Officer Dana Pendigraph (vulgar language, mishandling property variance meetings). Chair Santulis noted that personnel matters require a non‑public session. The council agreed to address the issue in a future non‑public meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to consult legal counsel on meeting procedure compliance passed (all aye).
• Beautify Hooksett Day approved for April 18, 2026; use of Lambert Park and recycling bag supply approved.
• Council key fob access – Motion to grant 24/7 access to any councilor requesting it passed.
• Banner campaign – Motion to research up to five election‑day banners passed (6–1).
• Veterans tax credit increase – Motion to raise credit from $2,800 to $3,220 passed.
• Minutes approved – Minutes of January 21 and February 11 approved with minor correction.