Hooksett CIP Committee Adopts 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (June 3, 2026)

The Hooksett Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee met on June 3, 2026, shortly after 5:00 p.m., to review follow-up information from town departments and finalize the draft 2026 Capital Improvement Plan ahead of the June 5, 2026 submission deadline. Committee members reviewed school capital requests, adjusted several project amounts and timelines, and unanimously accepted the plan as amended. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based solely on the meeting transcript. Participants included Jared Williams (Planning Board representative), Bob Barker (School Board), Grant McGregor (Town Planner), and members Christine and Andre.

Follow-Up Questions & Department Input

• The fire department had submitted all requested follow-up information, and no additional questions were raised about it.
• The school district's submitted list was described as a long, phased list without dollar amounts, which members could not interpret. The district reportedly has a detailed itemized list with estimated prices for phases one, two, and three; committee members asked that the detailed version be sent so it can be added to the plan backup materials.
• The committee reviewed the school's two CIP projects: a $5.9 million project (scheduled 2029) to replace end-of-life ventilation units and controls and replace the roof at Holly Middle School, and a $6.1 million project (scheduled 2030–31) for ventilation units and controls at Fred C. Underhill School, high-efficiency boilers at David R. Collie and Fred C. Underhill Schools, and ceiling and efficient light fixture replacements at all three schools. Members noted that a $7.25 million bond approved in March is phase one of this work.
• Portable classrooms, referenced in the Heads Pond fiscal impact report as a potential need at Underhill School, were discussed. The committee noted that the item was removed from the school budget, had not gone through the committee's review or scoring process, and therefore should not be added to this CIP. Members noted the Planning Board could add it at its June 15, 2026 meeting if it chooses.

Draft CIP Review & Adjustments

• 2028 revaluation: The assessor's $250,000 estimate for a statistical revaluation (compared with roughly $400,000 for a full revaluation) was debated, especially since the town spent $140,000 in 2023. Members decided to keep $250,000, spread evenly at $125,000 per year over two funding years.
• Fire training structure: The $300,000 project was moved from 2028–29 to 2030–31, consistent with the fire department's impact fee priorities (Londonderry Turnpike first, tower project second, training structure third, craneway fourth).
• Fire station needs study: Moved out one year (from the 2029–30 year) to level out taxation.
• Fire "Car Four replacement": Members noted the existing vehicle will be kept as a spare, so the project is not a true replacement. The title will be changed to something like "new fire inspection vehicle," subject to confirmation from the fire chief.
• South Bow Tower (police): Priority was changed from committed to urgent because the tower is in critical deficiency; members were told the state is still agreeable to a deal and it remains actively pursued.
• Martins Ferry Road intersection (public works): Cost was corrected from $3.5 million to $2.8 million, consistent with the funding already received.
• Drainage capital reserve: Annual contribution reduced from $50,000 to $30,000, in part because funding already exists for the Edgewater Drive project and Arden Drive is roughly four years out.
• Town-wide paving: Kept at $1,050,000. Members expressed concern about the lack of data for an increase above the historic $900,000, but agreed that rising asphalt costs and the need to avoid road deterioration justify the amount.
• Public works vehicles: The committee kept the $255,000 warrant article for a plow sander truck (replacing a 21-year-old 2005 Freightliner) but dropped the additional $50,000 capital reserve request for 2027–28, which members described as appearing to "double dip."
• Town building maintenance: Annual request reduced from $250,000 to $200,000. The $85,000 ADA chairlift project was moved into the current capital year because the lift is broken, and the $600,000 safety center parking lot project was shifted from 2030–31 to 2031–32. Members suggested studying whether the parking lot could be downsized, as it appears largely unused.
• Old town hall: Moved to the end of the plan because the committee lacks information; the project relies on grants and donations, with only $750 currently in the donation account.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously voted to accept the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan as amended. The plan reflects annual capital spending rising from roughly $2.6 million in the first year to $3.9 million in the final year, with the two school bonds as the largest drivers.
• The plan is scheduled to be submitted to the Planning Board on June 5, 2026, and will be reviewed at the Planning Board meeting on June 15, 2026.
• The committee will request the detailed, priced school capital list from the school district and share it for inclusion in the backup materials.