Hooksett Safety Committee Meeting Summary - October 2, 2026

The Safety Committee met on October 2, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, updates on fire hydrant relocation and a new fire apparatus turnaround, traffic count analysis, introduction of a new committee member, and a resident request for a convex traffic mirror. Key decisions included approving the previous meeting minutes, discussing funding alternatives for the hydrant, and agreeing to reach out to the state regarding the mirror request.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the July 31, 2026 meeting with one abstention (the new member, who was not yet appointed at that time).
• No appointments were made; the new member (Vincent) was already appointed previously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public attendees were present during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Fire Hydrant Relocation (Legends Drive): Fire Chief reported a quote of $16,000–$18,000 from Central Water to move a hydrant from near the department's driveway into their parking lot for safer training. The current hydrant location is near EverSource's building and has become a traffic hazard. Chief noted the cost is not in the current budget, and they are exploring alternatives including bundling with a future training building project or impact fees. Councilor Smith (absent) provided written comments: he does not support using town funds for this, suggesting the fire department fund it from its own budget if necessary. The board discussed the need and agreed it is not an immediate emergency.
• New Fire Apparatus Turnaround (North Candia Road): The Fire Chief described a recurring problem at the end of North Candia Road (a privately maintained dead-end road) where fire apparatus must back out a half-mile to turn around, adding 5–7 minutes to emergency responses. Three options were considered: conservation land, Baybrook State Park, and Manchester Waterworks property. The Manchester Waterworks land appears most feasible, with minimal grading needed (a 3–4 foot swale). Waterworks has been cooperative and willing to supply materials; they also want their loitering signs posted. Councilor Smith suggested contacting the resident near the dead end about using their driveway, but that was deemed infeasible for 40-foot apparatus. Both residents are supportive. The town does not maintain the road, so legal coordination is needed. The cost is expected to be minimal (a machine operator for a day). The Chief will follow up with Waterworks.
• Traffic Counts (No-Through Trucking Complaints): The Chief reviewed traffic data provided by the Southern Planning Board. The counts addressed complaints about potential through trucking in a neighborhood. Analysis showed that most vehicles are passenger cars (axle classes 1-2), with very few large trucks. The data does not currently justify a no-through trucking designation. The department will respond to complainants and may revisit next spring if needed. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of counts on Main Street due to placement between two driveways; the Chief will sit down with a councilor to explain the data. The Chief also noted perception of speed can be misleading; radar often shows vehicles are not exceeding limits.
• School Drop-Off Fees: A discussion arose from Councilor Smith's previous suggestion about charging parents for dropping off children at school. The committee strongly opposed this idea, noting parents already pay taxes and have the right to choose. It was clarified that this was just an idea and is not being pursued. The Chief noted that drop-off traffic has improved since implementing reminders and designated zones at Memorial and Underhill schools.
• Introduction of New Member: Vincent (last name not fully given) was welcomed as a new committee member. He has lived in town for 50 years and was the first to volunteer for the safety committee but the last to be appointed.
• Convex Mirror Request (Casey Drive and Whitehall Road): A resident requested a convex traffic mirror at the intersection of Casey Drive and Whitehall Road because a red box truck parked on private property blocks the view of traffic. The Chief noted that the truck owner is within his legal rights to park it there, and the town cannot force him to move it. Since Whitehall Road is a state road, the town may not have jurisdiction to install a mirror; the committee agreed to reach out to the state for guidance. Liability and maintenance concerns were raised (e.g., snow clearing, proper adjustment). The committee will also check with code enforcement regarding unregistered vehicles.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the July 31, 2026 meeting minutes (with one abstention).
• Fire hydrant relocation: No funding decision made; the Fire Department will continue exploring cost-sharing or inclusion in future projects.
• Turnaround project: The Chief will obtain a formal agreement/plan from Manchester Waterworks and report back with cost estimates.
• Traffic counts: Determined not to pursue no-through trucking at this time; may revisit in spring 2027.
• Mirror request: The committee will contact the state regarding jurisdiction and possible installation; also will check with code enforcement about the vehicle.
• Next meeting scheduled for November 6, 2026 (was rescheduled); the following meeting is January 8, 2027.