Hooksett Town Council Meeting – September 23, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including the introduction of a new town planner, updates on Old Home Day and the Heritage Commission, adoption of a town flag, approval of the salary market analysis changes, discussion on recruiting a new town administrator, and a detailed debate over drainage issues at Merchants Auto impacting a resident. The council also handled public input regarding a former firefighter's resignation and pay, and recognized the 2026 Citizens of the Year.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the public minutes from September 2, 2026 (budget review) and September 9, 2026 (regular meeting). The council member who was absent abstained.
• Approved the non-public minutes from August 26 and September 9, 2026.
• Approved the nomination and appointment of Vincent Limbo Jr. to the Highway Safety Advisory Board (term expiring June 30, 2029).
• Approved the nomination and appointment of Denise Pouchette Vogue as an alternate member to the Hooksett Planning Board (term ending June 30, 2027).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Clifford (21 Virginia Street) spoke during public input about firefighter Mitchell Dean, who resigned after being indicted. Clifford questioned why the town continued to pay him for two years after his resignation. The town administrator cited HIPAA laws and noted that the first year involved medical leave, and thereafter the town was limited in action until the investigation concluded. Clifford expressed that many residents are frustrated. The council acknowledged receiving emails and promised transparency when legally possible.
• Carrie Hyde (36 Headwater Drive), representing the Heritage Commission, gave an update on the history book "Flowing Through Time: Hooksett's History 1968 to 2026" (pre-sale discount to be announced, print in May). She reported the successful rededication of Alpha J. Lambert Riverside Park at Old Home Day with 40–50 attendees, and praised JPI for donating a $16,000 fireworks show and cleanup. She thanked the council for support. Council members lauded her efforts, noting she largely organized the event single-handedly.

Discussion Items

1. Introduction of New Town Planner Town Administrator Andre introduced new Town Planner Avery Opalin, who started Monday, September 21. She attended her first planning board meeting that day. The resignation of Mitchell Dean (firefighter) was also noted; he left after investigation and charges.

2. Town Flag Adoption After a long debate, the council voted to adopt a town flag using the town seal (adopted 1972) on a background of "resolute blue" (the darker blue matching the state flag). The motion passed with council members expressing preferences. Councilor Sullivan noted the flag idea originated from a constituent, Jacob Hurlika.

3. Salary Market Analysis The council addressed the salary classification study (cost $12,375). Motions were handled separately:

• Motion 1: Adopt the proposed FY2027 classification pay plan (sets pay ranges, no immediate raises). Passed 4-2-1 (one abstention).
• Motion 2: Incorporate $11,669 into the FY2027-28 operating budget to bring six part-time employees to minimum pay grade levels. The motion was amended to adjust the total budget from $22,614,964 to $22,626,633. Passed on roll call. The council debated whether the study was necessary given in-house HR expertise.
• Motion 3: To consider the report's recommendations (future classification, HR director position, assistant TA). Passed 5-2, with direction to the town administrator to present a detailed organizational plan at a future meeting.

4. Town Administrator Recruitment The council considered a proposal from MRI to conduct a nationwide search for the next town administrator (retiring next summer). Cost: $15,000 plus up to $1,500 in advertising. Some council members wanted to first advertise locally before hiring a firm; others argued MRI is the only firm doing this and the process is thorough. The motion to authorize the contract was tabled to the October 14 meeting to allow for more information (e.g., average candidate pool size, background check costs).

5. Drainage Issue at Merchants Auto (Mr. Cody's Complaint) Mr. Cody (property abutting Merchants Auto) alleges snow storage on the merchant's site causes water runoff onto his property. The council discussed site plans from 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2008. Code Enforcement Officer Dana Pendegas reported multiple visits to the site; he met with the merchant's facilities manager and directed snow removal to stay within designated areas. He noted the merchant extended a berm per former engineer Bruce Thomas’s suggestion. Mr. Cody provided video showing dump trucks and a bulldozer pushing snow near the property line. Council debated whether the merchant is in violation (no explicit height/volume limits in the plan) and whether snow is being trucked from off-site. A motion to have the town's engineering firm review the snow storage limit and drainage was approved verbally but later a formal motion to send a letter to Merchants Auto requiring compliance with the approved snow storage area passed 4-1. Council also asked Dana to continue monitoring.

6. Old Home Day & Park Rededication Council recognized the success of Old Home Day (September 18–19) and the rededication of Lambert Park. Sponsors donated $17,500, with an in-kind value of $25,000. The event remains free to the public. Future considerations include parking and possibly a Battle of the Bands at Lambert Park.

Key Outcomes

• Town flag adopted (resolute blue background, town seal) – effective immediately.
• Salary plan and part-time wage increase approved – $11,669 added to FY2027-28 budget; total budget now $22,626,633.
• Town administrator recruitment – tabled to October 14, 2026; staff to provide MRI candidate pool data and cost breakdown.
• Merchants Auto drainage – council votes: (1) town engineer to review snow storage limits (motion passed by voice vote, details unclear); (2) letter to merchants to comply with approved snow storage area (passed 4-1). Code enforcement will continue monitoring.
• Heritage Commission history book – pre-sale discount to be announced; print date May 2027.
• Citizen of the Year Proclamation – Robert and Sue Wiley recognized; dinner on October 2, 2026 (correction made from original typo).
• Subcommittee reports – Charter amendment subcommittee to meet; Old Town Hall Preservation Committee membership to be clarified.
• Correspondence – NH DOT paving notice on Route 3 and 3A was received after the fact; council expressed frustration over lack of timely notice.
• Non-public session – council entered non-public per RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and (b) to discuss personnel and contractual matters, then adjourned.