Hooksett Town Council Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 22, 2026, at 6:01 PM. The meeting included two public hearings, a bid award for trail improvements, annual updates from the Cemetery Commission and Budget Committee, a capstone project presentation, and administrative approvals.

Public Hearings

• No-Through Trucking Ordinance (Ordinance 0026/2601): The first public hearing addressed amendments to sign regulations and adoption of a new ordinance clarifying no-through trucking on town roads. Leanne noted that Goffstown Road was missing from the list of sign locations and that the Planning Board requested review. Councilor Duhaim raised concerns about enforcement and the definition of "destination on that roadway." The public hearing was closed with no public comment. The matter will return for a second hearing after Planning Board input.
• Sale of Tax-Deeded Property (Ordinance 2602): The second public hearing considered adoption of RSA 80:83 to allow sale of tax-deeded properties "as justice may require" without public auction. Town Administrator Andre Garant explained the mechanism would enable the town to approach abutters directly. Councilor Duhaim expressed concern about language allowing sales for affordable housing development without planning/zoning input. The public hearing was closed; further refinement is expected before the second hearing.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Two consent agenda items (specifics not detailed in transcript).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Theosoplas (resident at 7 Coker Avenue) complained about an ongoing junk/vehicle collection issue at a neighboring property. He stated that despite previous complaints, the situation has worsened, and the code enforcement officer has not responded. He offered to start a petition. The Council referred him to the Town Administrator for follow-up.
• Elizabeth Spitzer (Budget Committee member) asked whether the proposed subcommittee between the Town Council and Budget Committee to discuss structural budget changes could be addressed at the upcoming legal counsel meeting. The Council indicated the Town Administrator would first obtain legal guidance on feasibility.

Discussion Items

• Town Administrator's Report: Andre Garant reported on several items: Macy Industries received the SBA Family Business of the Year award; police training will occur at Town Hall on Fridays June 5 and June 12 after hours; World Trade Center artifacts were relocated outside the safety center with help from Manchester School of Technology and donations; three new firefighters (Abigail Heuston, Brian Coyle, Roy Doris) were sworn in; and a meeting with legal counsel on meeting procedures is proposed for April 29 or May 6, 2026.
• Heads Pond Access for All Project: Joe Carroll Woodburn presented the bid for improved trail accessibility at the 483-acre Heads Pond Conservation Area. The trail sees approximately 229 users per day (6,421 in one month). The project includes an 8-foot-wide crushed gravel switchback trail and two paved handicap parking spaces. Seven bids were received; the low bidder was Advanced Excavating and Paving at $50,390 (trail $39,150, parking $11,240). Funding would come from the Conservation Fund, with a $20,000 donation from the Hooksett Kiwanis. Councilor Duhaim abstained due to working with the contractor.
• Cemetery Commission Annual Update: Kathy McLean presented a detailed report. Highlights: 24 new lot sales and 12 burials since April 2025, generating $11,700 in trust funds. Records have been transitioned from the Cemetery Fine database (saving $500/year) to sortable spreadsheets, correcting decades of errors. The Commission plans to install signs at four cemeteries to enforce rules against unauthorized decorations. 33 headstones were straightened using a $10,000 warrant article; $3,600 remains for repairs. Eight Revolutionary War soldiers' headstones will be cleaned for the semiquincentennial. The historic Stuart Ironworks fence at Martin Cemetery needs painting and repair. The Commission seeks a paid sexton to maintain records and handle issues.
• Budget Committee Annual Update: Abigail Angler spoke about the difficulty of balancing taxpayer concerns with town needs, especially under a default budget for the third year. Councilor Lapierre suggested a structural review of the budget, noting that 80% of spending is tied to salaries, benefits, and buildings. Councilor Duhaim expressed frustration that the Budget Committee had not made more cuts. The update included a discussion about forming a joint subcommittee to explore long-term budget efficiency.
• Capstone Project – Stride Together: Samara Delalu presented a student-led project to improve safety, accessibility, and wellness at the town's running track. The project includes fencing, ADA pathways, benches, and fitness equipment (total budget $40,769). So far, $4,300 has been raised from local businesses and a GoFundMe. She requested town approval to apply for two grants ($10,000–$30,000 each) on behalf of the town, as she cannot apply as an individual. The Council voted to authorize her to apply for grants in coordination with town staff.
• Town Council Goals Update: Andre Garant reported progress on three goals: trail connectivity with Pembroke plans (discussed with Conservation Commission and potential trail committee), land conservation via cluster development (meeting with Planning Board), and wellhead protection program reactivation (with water precincts).

Key Outcomes

• Bid Award: Motion to award the Heads Pond Access for All project to Advanced Excavating and Paving for $50,390 from conservation funds passed (4-0-1, Councilor Duhaim abstained).
• Grant Authorization: Motion to approve Samara Delalu to apply for grants on behalf of the town for the Stride Together project passed unanimously.
• Council Schedule: Motion to approve the FY 2026-2027 meeting schedule passed unanimously.
• Minutes: Minutes of April 8, 2026, approved unanimously.
• Nomination: Mike Summers was nominated and appointed to the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (term expiring June 30, 2030).
• Legal Counsel Meeting: The Town Administrator will schedule a meeting with legal counsel on April 29 (preferred) to discuss meeting procedures and feasibility of a joint budget subcommittee.
• Public Input Follow-Up: The code enforcement officer will follow up on Tom Theosoplas' property complaint; the Town Administrator will consult legal counsel on the proposed budget subcommittee and report back on May 13.