Hooksett Town Council Meeting Summary – September 9, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on September 9, 2026, at 6:02 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, a salary study presentation, updates on town projects, and a policy change for ambulance service hardship waivers. A quorum was present with seven councilors.

Consent Calendar

• National Night Out Donation: The council unanimously approved acceptance of $378 raised at the National Night Out event on August 4, 2026. The funds, collected by the Hooksett Police Department, will be donated to an organization supporting community members in need per RSA 3195-B3(b).
• Heritage Commission Appointment: Kathy Gallo was appointed to the Heritage Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2029. Councilor Sullivan noted Gallo's paralegal and title research background.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the designated public input period.

Discussion Items

• TA Report: Town Administrator Andre provided updates: a drainage issue raised by a resident at the previous meeting (related to Merchants Auto) will be addressed at the next meeting; a reorganization plan for the administration department will be presented on October 4; a new town planner, Avery Upland, will start September 21; a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district informational meeting was held (noting a failed bond in the past two years – 4% failure two years ago, 1.2% failure this year) with another planned for November; the TIF district committee is recommending a project for a double barrel water line under the Merrimack River, which will require council approval; Old Home Day is September 19 with renderings of major projects; the fire department will hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on September 11; the solar array at the old landfill is on schedule for late spring/early summer 2027; and there will be weekly council meetings in September, including budget meetings.
• Resignation and Appointment of Deputy Treasurer: Council accepted the resignation of Linda as Deputy Treasurer and appointed Leanne Moynihan, effective September 1, 2026. Treasurer Carol Anderson noted Linda's long service and Moynihan's prior involvement in town committees. The motion passed unanimously.
• New Banking Relationship: The council authorized the town treasurer to establish a banking relationship with Camden National Bank, citing favorable interest rates. Councilor Duhaim questioned the process for ending bank relationships, noting that only new relationships require council approval. The motion passed unanimously.
• MRI Salary Study: Carol Granfield of MRI presented a market salary study covering 33 non-union positions using nine comparable communities. The study found the town is generally competitive but recommended: reclassification of seven positions (seasonal laborers, custodian, part-time police officer, recycling transfer station attendant, finance clerk, secretary, tax collector) to different grade levels; bringing six employees to the new pay scale minimum at a cost of $11,669; and further review of the Human Resources Coordinator and Project Coordinator positions, as their duties have expanded beyond their titles. The council took no immediate action, with Councilor Duhaim requesting more information on outsourcing practices in comparable communities. The report will be considered during budget discussions.
• Ambulance Service Billing Policy: Captain Talker presented a policy revision to allow the fire department to waive hardship ambulance bills up to $500 without council approval, with amounts over $500 still requiring council review. The policy also updated the paramedic intercept fee to $549 (consistent with the Capital Area Compact). After debate, the council amended the policy to require that waivers under $500 be reported to the council during non-public session. Councilor Duhaime opposed the delegation, preferring to review all hardship cases directly. The amended motion passed 5-1 (Duhaime opposed, one abstention).
• Future Agenda Items: Councilors discussed a potential cell tower to address dead spots, particularly near the former Profile Storage (now Public Storage) on Londonderry Turnpike where a zoning approval previously existed. The town administrator will follow up. Also, a parcel of land near Cawley Middle School is under consideration for conservation; the owner is asking $75,000. Councilor Walzik suggested inviting state representatives for quarterly updates on legislation affecting Hooksett. Councilor Sullivan noted upcoming bill filing deadlines and raised interest in changing state law on dog license forfeiture.

Key Outcomes

• Deputy Treasurer Appointment: Unanimously approved.
• Banking Relationship with Camden National Bank: Unanimously authorized.
• Police Vehicle Purchase: Approved by roll call vote (6-0) to purchase a 2026 Ford Explorer PIU hybrid police vehicle for $61,893.48, including trade-in of a side-by-side utility vehicle for $7,000. The vote was 6-0 (Councilor Walzik absent for vote? Roll call shows all present voted aye).
• Ambulance Billing Policy: Approved as amended, with reporting requirements for under-$500 waivers. Vote: 5-1-1 (one abstention).
• Minutes Approval: The public minutes from August 26, 2026, were approved.
• Non-Public Session: The council voted (roll call 6-0) to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (l).