Hooksett Town Council Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on June 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM (approximate start) with all seven councilors present, forming a quorum. The meeting covered a public hearing, town administrator's report, public input, multiple agenda items including donations, budget adjustments, personnel changes, and approvals of upcoming events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items 11-1, 11-2, and 11-4 (including acceptance of a town safe donation from the Hardy family and other routine actions).
• Unanimously accepted a donation of labor and materials valued at $20,000 from the Hooks at Quarnes (Kiwanis) for the Heads Pond Trail Access for All project. The total project cost is $50,390. Vote was a roll call: 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Lacass (new owner of 34 Quimby Mountain Road) spoke against the Conservation Commission's draft stewardship plan for Quimby Mountain, stating the proposed trail to the summit violates the conservation easement deed. He argued the commission approved the plan without surveying boundaries or addressing abutter concerns, and requested reconsideration before the July 22 council meeting.
• Jesse Tringelli (30 Quimby Mountain Road) echoed Lacass's concerns, citing trespass risks, fire hazards, and lack of meaningful public engagement. He also noted a deed restriction on Lacass's property prevents fencing.
• Sarah Rogers (candidate for Merrimack County Attorney) introduced herself, emphasizing her experience in county attorney offices and advocacy for victims, bail reform, and data transparency.

Discussion Items

• Town Administrator's Report (Andre Garrin):
  • New hires: Peter Dembitsky (Public Works, starts June 29) and Brian Gormbly (Community Development, starts June 22).
  • Capital Improvements Program (CIP) will be presented to the Planning Board next, then to the Council for FY 2027-2028 budget.
  • Addressed miscommunication regarding the Ancant land donation sign removal: the council intended to keep the pole, but only a 15-inch stub remains. Future sign options discussed.
  • DOT Route 3 widening project (from three to five lanes between Alice Sav and Whitehall Road) is moving forward with two lighted intersections and sidewalks. A workshop reaffirmed the plan.
  • Tax bills mailed June 5, due July 6, with a newsletter included.
  • Police participated in Special Olympics torch run.
  • Approved $2 million CPF grant for Martins Ferry Road realignment and bridge.
  • Complaint form launched on town website.
  • Workers' comp rebate of $33,240 and unemployment rebate of $610 from Primex.
  • Non-meeting (council rules) postponed to July to include new councilor.
  • Property cleanup on the donated parcel (Route 3/Legends Drive) will start with first four feet from road, added to maintenance rotation.
  • Administrator to post clarification on Facebook about the assessing measures and list process.
• Dog Licensing Civil Forfeitures: Town Clerk Karina Town reported 362 unregistered dogs (down from previous year), with 1,640 licensed. She requested additional time to send one more reminder before proceeding with forfeitures. Council approved her request by voice vote.
• TIF Advisory Committee Update: Chair Mike Summers and Planner Grant McGregor presented the TIF district status. The $12 million bond for Phase 1-2 (Exit 10) failed by 1.3% at election; administration will include in next CIP. Phase 3 (Exit 11) is complete. Future phases 4 and 5 pending funds. Other projects: Martins Ferry Road intersection ($2.8 million, $2 million from federal grants) and Route 3 intersection (state-funded, town share 33.3%). Discussion included traffic concerns and need for better public messaging.
• Kiwanis 5K Race: Sue Wiley requested approval for the annual 5K race on September 19, using Heads Pond Trail, town roads, and port-a-potties. Council approved with support from administration.
• POW/MIA Flag Donation: The Crusoe family donated 13 POW/MIA flags to be raised at various town locations. A formal flag-raising event is planned for June 26. Council accepted the donation with a voice vote.
• Appointments: Approved a slate of term renewals for Conservation Commission, Zoning Board, Planning Board, Economic Development, and other boards as presented.
• Budget – Over 80s Dinner: Council passed a motion (roll call 7-0) to add $3,500 from the default budget to fund the annual Over 80s dinner. The default budget was then approved (6-1, with Councilor Walzik opposed) including that addition.
• Personnel Plan Amendments: Approved three amendments: (1) replacing replacement pages with annual sign-off, (2) updating exit interview procedures (HR conducts, invites others at employee's request), and (3) removing death benefits section per legal advice; final wages will be paid to estate/spouse.
• Insurance Benefits: Authorized the town administrator to execute a three-year agreement with Hartford for life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance totaling approximately $88,000 per year. Passed roll call 6-1 (Councilor Walzik opposed).
• Encumbrance Preview: Finance presented two lists of encumbrances (operating and non-budgetary) for FY 2026-2027. No motion required; will return for approval at next meeting.
• Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes of May 13 and May 27, 2026, with one abstention.

Key Outcomes

• Accepted $20,000 donation from Kiwanis for Heads Pond Trail.
• Approved dog licensing reminder process before civil forfeitures.
• Approved 5K race for September 19.
• Accepted 13 POW/MIA flags and approved June 26 flag-raising event.
• Approved $3,500 addition for Over 80s dinner and default budget.
• Approved three personnel plan amendments.
• Approved three-year insurance contract with Hartford.
• Moved into non-public session (RSA 91-A:3, II, a) for two items: ambulance hardship request and town administrator performance evaluation.