Hooksett Town Council Regular Meeting - March 25, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 25, 2026, at 6:03 PM. The agenda included a special recognition, a legal discussion regarding meeting procedures, updates from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Old Home Day Committee, the Town Administrator's report, consent agenda items, goal review, and several bid acceptances. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter non-public session to discuss the police chief contract.

Special Recognition

• The Council recognized Kathy Lawrence, a longtime town employee retiring after ten years of service (2016–2026). Council members praised her dedication and presented her with a key to the town.

Legal Discussion with Town Counsel Matt Surge

• Councilor Smith raised allegations regarding illegal meetings held before the regular 6:00 PM start time, referencing 12 specific meeting dates and 17 additional unlisted meetings. He argued these constituted improper "council mandaring" (loading the deck on attendance).
• Town Attorney Matt Surge clarified that non-meetings (e.g., with legal counsel) and non-public sessions under RSA 91-A are permissible before 6:00 PM. He emphasized that special meetings require 24-hour written notice per charter rules, but he lacked data on whether notice was given for the listed meetings. He noted that the charter does not specify a start time for regular meetings (only the rules of procedure do) and that there is no legal consequence for violating the council's own procedural rules.
• Councilor Smith demanded reconciliation of all dates, stating he had invested 20 hours into the issue and wanted a determination of legality or illegality, with potential consequences including a public apology or legal action in Superior Court.
• Councilor Lapierre and Vice Chair Sullivan suggested scheduling a separate training session with the attorney to address all procedural questions, which Surge offered free of charge. The Council agreed to set up that session.
• Councilor Duhame questioned whether the council could lawfully have non-meetings with a future councilor present; Surge replied that only sworn council members are clients, so a future member could not attend but notes could be shared.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Update (Andy Janice)

• Reported on various park improvements: basketball backboard repairs at Fraser Park, new volleyball nets, a memorial at Veterans Park to be installed April 11, a pavilion project at Peterbrook, and correction of errors on the Alfred J. Lambert storyboard sign.
• Requested permission to add a plaque at Denati Park Bridge thanking the Macy/Mercier family for donations; the Council asked for confirmation from the family and a formal proposal.

Old Home Day Update (Carrie Hyde, Chairperson)

• Old Home Day set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, with the theme "250 Years of Hometown Strength, 250 Years of American Spirit" in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.
• Expanded to include Lambert's Park, with two school bus shuttles and the Heritage Trolley. Vendors will receive placement maps three days in advance to streamline check-in. Over 50 vendors already registered.
• Councilor LaLiberty thanked Hyde for her 15 years of leadership and noted the free nature of activities (bounce houses, entertainment, no entrance fee).
• Councilor Duhame asked about budget: Hyde estimated the event costs $15,000–$20,000 (excluding town-provided porta-potties, tents, staff), funded by vendor fees (~$5,000), sponsors, and town support. The town provided no funding in 2025.

Town Administrator's Report (Andre Garron)

• New hire: Brian Coyle as firefighter/EMT, start date April 13.
• Route 3A projects: Hackett Hill/Main Street project moved to 2028; White Hall Road project moved to 2029–2033. Both remain in the 10-year plan.
• Health Trust: Discussed Senate Bill 661 and House Bill 1491; Council voted to support HB 1491 to preserve the non-assessed risk pool.
• Cell tower: Exploration for a tower to address a dead zone on Londonderry Turnpike; Garron contacted Vertex Towers and identified a potential property owner willing to discuss.
• Assessor and Town Engineer positions: Only one application received for assessor, but candidate lacked required licenses. Hiring challenges persist.
• Capital Improvements Program: Seeking a council volunteer for the CIP committee (term April–June).

Consent Calendar

• Grant acceptance: $5,000 from NH the Beautiful Recycles Program for DPW recycling. Approved unanimously.
• Donation acceptance: $2,000 from Teamsters Local 633 to the Police Department RAD program. Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Communication goals: Town forums increased voter turnout. A parcel at Legends Drive and Route 3 donated by Anki (subsidiary of Manchester Sand and Gravel) for potential message board; deed review will come to next meeting.
• Cygna building development: Phase 1 (conversion to 81 apartments) approved; phases 2 and 3 (commercial out parcels) under review by Planning Board. Councilors expressed concerns about facade aesthetics and pedestrian connectivity; Town Administrator agreed to have Planning Director Grant McGregor provide clarification.
• Water/wastewater: Garron met with DES regarding PFOS in the Farm Road/Auburn Road area; a well testing program and reimbursement up to $5,000 for treatment systems are available.
• Trail system: Conservation Commission interested in connecting to Bow and Pembroke trails, and the Granite State Rail Trail.

Key Outcomes

• Road striping bid: Awarded to Pro Finish Lines Co. for $33,328.99; funded from FY25–26 budget. Roll call vote passed 6-1 (Councilor Duhame opposed).
• HVAC/plumbing support bid: Awarded to Northern Peabody LLC for a two-year contract. Unanimous.
• Electrical support bid: Awarded to Denisco Electric, with Ian Cody as backup, with option to terminate if work unsatisfactory. Unanimous.
• MS-232 report: Approved appropriations totaling $26,241,740, reflecting default budget and approved warrant articles. Estimated tax impact: 57-cent increase (13.3% above current rate). Unanimous roll call.
• Minutes of March 11, 2026: Approved with a minor correction (removal of exclamation point). Unanimous.
• Non-public session: Council voted 7-0 to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (b) to discuss the police chief contract.