Hooksett Town Council Meeting – August 26, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on August 26, 2026, at approximately 6:06 PM to conduct public hearings, receive public comment, discuss town business, and vote on multiple items. Key actions included accepting donations for a track and wellness project, approving Old Home Day fireworks and fire detail funding, adjusting gym rental fees, and forming a charter review subcommittee.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the July 22, 2026 regular and non-public meetings and the August 12, 2026 workshop, with corrections including date, roll call errors, and a budget transfer amount.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Cody (26 Benton Road) expressed grievance about snow storage behind his property from Merchant's operations. He stated that the town’s code enforcement and administration failed to provide documented findings or enforce approved plans, and that he felt dismissed after months of follow-up. He requested a fair investigation and corrective action.
• Phyllis Heaney offered her family’s property (Map 26 Lot 4, landlocked, abutting town and school district land) for sale to the town. She noted the property has been in her family since 1941 and is not suitable for development without access.

Discussion Items

• Donations for Stride Together Track and Wellness Project: Town Administrator André explained that Samara Dalal is fundraising for improvements at Denati Park (multi-gym, asphalt pathway, etc.). The project was scaled back from $41,000 to $24,000, with fencing postponed. The council held a public hearing, waived rules to take immediate action, and voted to accept donations up to $24,000.
• Old Home Day Fireworks and Fire Detail: Carrie Hyde, chair of Old Home Day, reported an $8,000 fireworks sponsorship from Cork Dealers. The council voted to provide written permission for a fireworks display on September 19, 2026. A separate request for the town to cover a $1,665 fire detail cost (three firefighters for 7.5 hours) was debated. Several councilors noted that other towns do not charge, and the fire department’s $500 apparatus fee was already removed. The motion passed 5–2.
• Lambert’s Park Storyboards: Hyde presented storyboards that arrived with square edges instead of the curved corners originally requested for safety at the playground. The Heritage Commission proposed using rubber protective corners instead. The council accepted the signs as delivered, overriding an earlier advisory committee request for curved edges.
• Gym Rental Fee Increase: A staff recommendation to raise gym rental fees from $25 to $30 for nonprofits and from $45 to $55 for for-profit organizations was amended to a $5 increase for both ($30 nonprofit, $50 for-profit) to align with the Parks and Rec Advisory Board’s original proposal. The amendment and the motion as amended passed.
• Charter Amendments: Four potential charter amendments were discussed: changing supermajority to simple majority in sections 4.1 and 4.3, changing the Planning Board from appointed to elected (section 11.1), and a conflict-of-interest amendment (section 7.2). A subcommittee of three councilors (Smith, Lapierre, Walzek) was formed to review the proposals and recommend which to advance, with a target of early October for initial recommendations due to the state review deadline.
• Town Administrator Report: Hires and resignations were noted (Deborah Ghost for Family Services; Nicholas Kiro and Mary May resigned). The goal-setting session on August 12 was summarized. A proposed monthly council recap (template by Councilor Sullivan) was discussed and will begin with the Town Council, Planning Board, ZBA, and Conservation Commission. Budget review meetings are scheduled for September 2 and 16. Upcoming events: National Night Out recap, Old Home Day (Sept. 19), 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial, and a TIF info night (Sept. 8).
• Sale of 1558 Hooksett Road Condo: The council authorized a sealed bid process for a tax-deeded condo unit that is landlocked and of no use to the town. The previous owner has a 90-day right of first refusal.
• Purchasing Policy Waiver: Approved bulk diesel and salt purchases without the normal RFP process for 2026–2027, because current prices exceed the $20,000 threshold used when prices were lower.
• Subcommittee Reports: Planning Board approved a 22-unit 55+ housing development on Farmer Road. Economic Development Committee reported a TIF public information night on Sept. 8 and a productive meeting with State Representative Stevens. Conservation Commission discussed adjusting park hours (dawn/dusk to 6 AM–8 PM) and repairs to a trail kiosk. Highway Safety Advisory Board addressed no-through trucking requests, school drop-off congestion (urging bus use and carpooling), and a potential fire apparatus turnaround at a dead-end street. Village Water Precinct liaison noted a critical need for a new supplemental drinking water supply.

Key Outcomes

• Donations for Stride Together project: Accepted (unanimous roll call).
• Old Home Day fireworks permission: Approved.
• Fire detail cost coverage (town pays $1,665): Passed 5–2.
• Gym rental fees: Increased to $30 (nonprofit) and $50 (for-profit).
• Charter review subcommittee: Established with three members.
• Sale of 1558 Hooksett Road: Authorized via sealed bid with right of first refusal.
• Purchasing policy waiver for diesel and salt: Approved.
• Bulk material donation from HYA (value $1,522.50): Accepted.
• Site bond release ($3,000): Approved for the developer.
• Minutes approved: July 22 regular and non-public, August 12 workshop, all with corrections.