Hooksett TIFF Advisory Committee Meeting - May 26, 2026

The TIFF Advisory Committee met to receive updates from the Water and Sewer departments, discuss the status of sewer infrastructure projects, review the TIFF fund balance, and plan next steps following the failed bond vote. The meeting focused on leveraging existing TIFF funds for critical infrastructure and preparing for a potential future bond request.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from July 23, 2025: Motion made and seconded, passed unanimously (all ayes, no opposed).

Discussion Items

• Sewer Updates (Ken Connetty):

  • The Quality Drive sewer design is under contract with Underwood, expected completion January/February.
  • The Martins Ferry force main project received favorable bids; gravity portion is nearly complete, and the directional drill will be done in July, with online service expected in August.
  • Favorable bids may allow additional work on the pump station (generator ~$200,000, pumps ~$300,000) using TIFF funds.
  • The double barrel force main under the Merrimack River (estimated $1.2 million) has completed engineering and is ready for construction.

• TIFF Fund Status (Andre):

  • Approximately $2.4 million remains in the TIFF fund.
  • The failed bond vote (12.5 million) does not preclude using TIFF funds for projects within the district.
  • The committee expressed strong interest in using existing funds for the under-river force main, as it would demonstrate progress and encourage private investment.

• Water Supply Challenges (Mike Hydarn):

  • Hooksett Village Water is at capacity for new connections; existing commitments exceed supply.
  • Options include a new river crossing (estimated $2 million) to improve circulation, an interconnection with Bow, and potential wells on the west side (e.g., Continental parcel).
  • Funding applications are being submitted for these projects, including a congressional earmark.

• Traffic Concerns:

  • Committee members noted that public opposition to the bond was largely due to traffic issues at Exit 10.
  • The state's 10-year plan includes two roundabouts at Hackett Hill Drive and Main Street (construction in 2028), and the Route 3A project (Alice Ave to Whitehall Road) is moving forward.
  • Members argued that waiting for traffic fixes would delay economic development, and the two should proceed concurrently.

• Public Outreach for Future Bond Vote:

  • The committee discussed starting early community education (September/October) to combat negativity and clarify that the bond has no tax impact.
  • Ideas included presentations to the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and other local groups, as well as social media outreach.

• Other Developments:

  • The town received a $2 million grant (Congressionally Directed Spending) for realignment of Martins Ferry Road/North River Road and bridge construction.
  • New developments (Marman 355,000 sq ft, All Dominion) are contributing incremental tax revenue to the TIFF district.
  • Ken Connetty offered to manage the under-river project at no cost to the town, saving engineering fees.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve Minutes: Passed unanimously.
• Direction to Staff: The committee directed Andre, Ken, and Mike to work together to develop a proposal for using TIFF funds (approximately $2.4 million) to advance the double barrel force main under the Merrimack River and possibly upgrade the pump station, then report back.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for mid-to-late October to review the proposal and determine the scope of a future bond request.
• Motion to Adjourn: Passed unanimously.

Note: The meeting date inferred from the instruction is May 26, 2026, though the transcript references approval of minutes from July 23, 2025, indicating a possible discrepancy in the source material.