Hooksett Town Council Meeting - October 14, 2026

Meeting called to order at 6:02 PM with all councilors present. A moment of silence was observed for Cynthia Sullivan, a former resident and nurse. The council then opened a public hearing for a donation from the Hooksett Youth Athletic Association (now Friends of Hooksett Youth Athletics).

Consent Calendar

• Donation for Lighting Repairs: Accepted a donation valued at $6,010 from the Friends of Hooksett Youth Athletics to cover lighting repairs at the Donati Softball and Flag Football Fields. The public hearing was opened and closed with no testimony; the council unanimously approved the donation on a roll call vote (6 ayes, 0 nays).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jody Pinard (11 Morningside Drive): Expressed concerns about the town administrator search contract with MRI (cost $16,500) and the proposed assistant town administrator position. Argued the town should first utilize internal resources and that the new position adds $37,645 in unbudgeted costs during a third year of default budget. Also urged the council to reinstate the assistant finance director position, noting the current finance director's institutional knowledge and the risk of vacancy.

Discussion Items

• Town Administrator Report:
  • New Hires: Alyssa Salman (police officer, start Nov 1, 2026), Jackson Crosby and Todd Fasano (firefighters, start Nov 2, 2026).
  • Dental/Health Insurance Rates for 2027: Health insurance rates decreased by 2% (after four years of increases up to 14.5%), while dental rates increased by 1.9%. Full presentation scheduled for November 4.
  • Hackett Hill Road/Main Street Project: Cost estimate rose from $4.4 million to $11.8 million for two roundabouts at the Route 3A intersections. Project moved from 2027 to 2028. The town’s share is covered by impact fees. A revised agreement is expected October 28.
  • 10-Year Plan: SNHPC is soliciting projects; councilors urged to submit priorities (e.g., Route 3 widening, sewer projects).
  • Halloween: October 31, 2026, 6–8 PM.
  • Hazard Mitigation: Fire department held first meeting on October 7; further meetings planned.
• Employee Longevity Recognition: Recognized employees ranging from 5 to 41 years of service, including 41-year veteran Gary Blanchette (police) and 39-year veteran Brian Toll (wastewater).
• TIF District Sewer Pipe River Crossing: Presentation by Town Administrator Andre and TIF Committee Chair Mike Summers. Proposed expenditure of $1 million from TIF funds to install double-barrel sewer lines under the Merrimack River from Martin Ferry pump station to the west side (Exit 10 area). Supporters argued this is critical for future development, that $2.4 million is currently in TIF funds, and that businesses (e.g., Market Basket) have expressed interest in contributing. Opponents (Councilors Duhaim and Smith) cited traffic congestion, lack of firm business commitments, and the burden on residents. A motion to approve passed on a roll call vote: 4 ayes (Lacasse, Lapierre, Sullivan, La Liberty) and 2 nays (Duhaim, Smith). Councilor Walzik’s vote is not recorded in the transcript.

Key Outcomes

• Donation Accepted: Unanimously approved (6-0) contribution of $6,010 for field lighting.
• Sewer Pipe Project Approved: $1 million from TIF funds for river crossing (4-2).
• Non-Public Session: Council voted 4-2 to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:2, II(a) for discussions on negotiations. The meeting then went into non-public session.