Hooksett CIP Committee Workshop – May 6, 2026

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee held a workshop on May 6, 2026, to review and discuss numerous capital project requests from various town departments. No formal actions were taken; the workshop was intended to gather information and prepare for a future prioritization vote. The meeting covered conservation, transportation, public works, facilities, and recreation projects.

Discussion Items

• Quimby Mountain Parking Area (Conservation Commission): Joe Carroll presented a request for $75,000 to build a dirt parking lot (approximately 6 spaces) near the gate of the 97.7-acre conservation area. The parking is needed before trails can be constructed. Funding would come from the conservation capital reserve fund ($73,000 currently) and a recently approved $20,000 warrant article. The stewardship plan must be approved by the Town Council before proceeding. The project is expected to start in spring 2027 at the earliest. Committee members discussed timing, funding sources, and the need for an engineering RFP. The Student Conservation Association could build trails for about $15,000 after parking is complete.
• Route 3A TIF Project – Exit 10: Ben (DPW) reported that the project is ongoing, with only a few easements remaining. The sewer commission has completed portions of the force main and pump station, reducing the remaining scope. The TIF bond vote was close, with a significant increase in yes votes compared to the previous year. Committee members discussed traffic concerns and the need for state improvements on Hackett Hill. The sewer portion came in under budget.
• Hackett Hill / Route 3A / Main Street Improvements: The project was originally estimated at $4.4 million but has grown to $11.8 million due to design refinements (dual roundabouts, bridge upgrade). It is now scheduled for 2028, moved out one year. The local share (10–20%) is covered by impact fees. The state's Route 3 widening project is also in the plan but facing cost overruns.
• Martins Ferry Road Improvement: The committee announced receipt of a $2 million federal grant for the project, which has failed at the ballot multiple times. This grant, combined with existing block grants and impact fees, may fully fund the project. An engineer is needed to proceed.
• Drainage Projects: Edgewater Drive riverbank drainage ($170,000 already in reserve) and Arden Drive drainage (far out, no action needed now) were briefly discussed.
• Technology Drive / Route 3A Southbound Right Turn Lane: This project is tied to future development of the property across from Old Dominion. The state does not currently require an intersection improvement. The Richmond Group contributed funds for this.
• Guardrails on Auburn Road: Ben proposed installing 560 feet of guardrail at a sharp curve near the town line, where accidents have occurred. The project is planned for 2031, funded by impact fees, but could be moved up if funds are available sooner.
• Paving Program: The town's road assessment from 2019 recommended $900,000 annually to maintain the rating. The past two years have only funded $600,000. A new road assessment is planned this spring. The committee discussed the need to increase the paving budget to at least $1.05 million.
• Vehicle Replacements: The main focus was the 2005 Freightliner plow truck (42,000 miles) with a replacement cost of $255,000. The committee recommended using a warrant article rather than a capital reserve, as the reserve is insufficient. One plow truck (T-106) will be eliminated from the fleet.
• Safety Center Parking Lot Replacement: $600,000 estimate, but funding is short. The project has been pushed out repeatedly. Options include splitting the work or using a warrant article.
• Town Hall AC Replacements: Multiple units are failing; window units are in use. Plan to install mini-splits (16 units) over two years, costing $250,000 total.
• Town Hall Boiler Replacement: The original boilers are at least 30 years old; one was down all winter. Replacement projected for 2030–2031, estimated $150,000.
• Town Hall Chairlift: The existing stair-climbing lift is outdated. A vertical lift is being considered, possibly cheaper than the $85,000 estimate for a replacement.
• Library HVAC Unit: Replacement of the rooftop unit, estimated at $100,000 (including inflation), planned for 2029.
• Parks and Recreation Facility Renovation (Donati Garage): Addition of a bay and renovation of break/office space to centralize equipment. Cost not specified.
• Historic Old Town Hall: Minimalist plan to make the main hall operational (heating, plumbing, bathrooms, flooring). A survey showed low public interest but no desire to sell. Roof repair is needed soon.
• Petersbrook Field Lighting: Second phase lighting for the field, with existing infrastructure. Quote from Musco is high; project is being pushed out.
• Petersbrook Irrigation Well: New request to save costs on water and avoid summer bans. Estimated $200,000, with long-term savings.
• West Side Park: Placeholder in the CIP. The committee discussed the need for a park or sports field on the west side. HYAA (Hooksett Youth Athletic Association) uses fields heavily; a soccer field was suggested. Parking and maintenance are concerns.
• Recycle and Transfer Scale House & Office Replacement: The warrant article failed by 30–40 votes. The committee plans to get firm bids before returning to the ballot.
• Overhead Door Replacements (Transfer Station & Recycle Building): Four large doors, approximately 25+ years old, need replacement. Estimated $100,000, to be funded from solid waste special revenue.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken, as this was a workshop. The committee will vote on project priorities at the next workshop on May 20, 2026.
• The committee recommended using a warrant article for the $255,000 plow truck replacement rather than a capital reserve.
• The conservation commission will work with town finance to determine the appropriate funding source for the Quimby Mountain parking lot.
• The Martins Ferry Road grant of $2 million was celebrated; the project will proceed with an engineer.
• The committee agreed to adjust the Hackett Hill project estimate from $10.2 million to $11.8 million.
• The next meeting was scheduled for May 20, 2026, to include school board projects and finalize priorities.