Hooksett Conservation Commission Meeting - March 9, 2026

The Hooksett Conservation Commission met on March 9, 2026, to discuss trail connectivity, property disputes, wetland issues, and several project updates. The meeting featured public testimony from residents affected by unauthorized wetland rerouting, a presentation from the Town Administrator on council goals, and votes on financial approvals and project scopes.

Consent Calendar

• No consent agenda items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Manning and Doris Manning (317 Hackett Hill Road) reported severe flooding in December 2023 due to rerouted wetlands by neighbor Martin Bernard (325 Hackett Hill). They said water exceeded the quarry road banks, entered their property, caused their sump pump to fail, and damaged their basement. They expressed concern that the situation may repeat and requested progress updates. They noted they filed a complaint with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) in May 2024 but received no follow-up.
• Ann Marie Scott (323 Hackett Hill) described water on her property up to six to seven feet high on trees, killing vegetation. She said two of three mitigation pipes were installed too high, so water diversion is incomplete. She expressed concerns about septic system impact and noted that the unauthorized buildings may encroach on her land. She stated that DES confirmed the property had wetlands before the disturbance.
• Councilor Alex Walzick (arrived late) advised the residents to contact the town code enforcement officer (Dana Pendergast) if flooding recurs and noted that the installed culverts should prevent future issues, but monitoring is needed.

Discussion Items

• Trail Connectivity and Open Space Goals: Town Administrator Andre Guerri presented council goals including leveraging Bow and Pembroke plans to develop a municipal open space trail system, and seeking conservation easements for large undeveloped parcels. Commissioners discussed connecting Heads Pond Trail to the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, Pinnacle Park to Robies area, and the potential for the Granite State Trail through Hooksett. They noted challenges with railroad rights-of-way and bicycle restrictions on conservation-funded trails.
• Quimby Mountain Conservation Area: The commission is planning trail development and has engaged a surveyor for boundary survey. Bids are needed because the survey cost may exceed $5,000. A public meeting on the stewardship plan is scheduled for March 12, 2026 (Thursday).
• Heads Pond Trail Access for All Project: Stantec is managing design and bidding. Bids will be opened March 19, 2026. The commission discussed an additional services request from Stantec for $10,500 to cover construction administration and oversight, as the original contract did not include these phases. After clarifying that the $10,500 is for net new work (not an overage on the original contract), the commission approved the change order.
• Kiosk Repairs at Riverwalk Trailhead: The commission noted the kiosk is in poor condition (faded plexiglass, failing hinges). It was decided to defer repairs until after the Heads Pond construction project to avoid potential damage from construction equipment.
• Letter to Zoning Board and Planning Board Regarding 325 Hackett Hill: The commission discussed sending letters to the property owner and to Fraggle Rock (the business operating there) to request compliance and information. The letters have not yet been drafted. The commission will ask member Alan (absent) for clarification and will invite Code Enforcement Officer Dana Pendergast to the next meeting (April 13) for an update.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: The minutes from the February 9, 2026 meeting were not approved due to missing content. They were tabled until the next meeting.
• Stantec Invoice Approved: Motion to approve the Stantec invoice of $1,464.19 for civil design of the Heads Pond trail access passed unanimously.
• Stantec Additional Services Approved: Motion to authorize additional services from Stantec in the amount of $10,500 for the Heads Pond project (construction phase) passed with one nay (Bob).
• Quimby Mountain Survey: The commission will obtain two additional bids for the survey, as the initial quote exceeded $5,000.
• Beautify Hooksett Event: The cleanup date is set for April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a breakfast at the Congregational Church and lunch at Lambert Park.
• CIP Requests: The commission will submit Capital Improvement Program requests for the Heads Pond trail project (estimated cost unknown) and Quimby Mountain trail parking (likely over $50,000).
• Next Steps: Dana Pendergast will attend the April 13 meeting. Letters to the property owner and Fraggle Rock will be pursued after consulting with Alan. The commission will present to the Town Council in late May.