Hooksett Town Council Meeting - October 28, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on October 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM to discuss a variety of topics including the acceptance of public roadways, warrant articles for the upcoming ballot, a major infrastructure project cost increase, and several other administrative and policy matters. All council members were present: Smith, LeCass, Sullivan, Lapier, Walzik, Duhaim, and Chair La Liberty.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident proposed using an 8-inch pipe to address a driveway flooding issue on University Circle, based on a similar fix on Heritage Drive.
• The same resident questioned why fire equipment capital reserve funds were requested again (clarified as recurring annual funding), suggested using battery-operated candles for Light Up the Village to reduce fire risk, and expressed concern about state inspection of salons.
• Councilor Duhaim raised concerns about Brady & Sullivan's request for a waiver of impact fees, fearing the Planning Board may grant it without sufficient information, especially given the town's new planner. He noted the lack of an updated master plan for College Park Drive.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing: Acceptance of University Circle, Alumni Drive, and Crawford Lane as Town Roads – Engineer Ben and town staff presented that all deeds and easements were recorded and punch list items corrected. A resident's driveway ponding issue was debated: staff argued it was a driveway construction problem (builder error), while some councilors felt the road pitch contributed. After extensive discussion, the council voted 4-3 to accept the roads.
• DOT Hackett Hill/Main Street Project Update – The project cost increased from $4 million to $12.2 million, raising the town's 10% share from $700,000 to $1.8 million. Funding decisions postponed to November 18 meeting.
• Warrant Article Review – The council debated and voted on numerous warrant articles for the 2027 town ballot, including several capital reserve funds. Many were reduced from original proposals (see Key Outcomes for details).
• HeNe Property Acquisition – Councilor Lapier proposed purchasing 26.5 acres adjacent to the school for approximately $78,000 ($3,000/acre). The council agreed to proceed with due diligence, including legal review and survey, under RSA 41:14-A (requires public hearings).
• Town Charter Amendment Committee – Delayed due to scheduling conflicts; agreed to reconvene in February 2027.
• Underwood Engineering Contract Amendment – Approved $48,000 for final engineering and bidding assistance for the Merrimack River sewer project (vote 5-2).
• Light Up the Village – Approved placement of two fire pits at Veterans Park and use of old town hall for storage, with a hold harmless agreement to be signed.
• Fire Rules Review – Councilor Duhaim requested a review of Hooksett-specific fire regulations (e.g., fireworks, hydrant placement, enunciators). Fire chief agreed to provide information on specific policies at a future meeting.
• Budget Process Clarification – Discussion regarding the council's 3-2 vote to forward a $22.6 million budget to the Budget Committee. Some councilors felt misrepresented; Town Administrator clarified that the budget becomes the Budget Committee's once forwarded.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 11.1 & 11.2) – Approved unanimously via roll call.
• ZBA Appointment – Matthew Foley appointed as alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (term expiring June 30, 2029).
• Warrant Articles (all approved for ballot):
  • DPW: New CDL plow truck ($264,000) – Unanimous.
  • Electronic Poll Pads ($14,200) – Unanimous.
  • Town Building Maintenance Capital Reserve – Amended from $200,000 to $150,000 (vote 4-2 on amendment, then approved).
  • Parks & Rec / Conservation Capital Reserve – Amended to $60,000 total ($40k parks, $20k conservation) – Unanimous.
  • DPW Drainage Upgrades ($30,000) – Unanimous.
  • Automated Collection Equipment ($30,000) – Unanimous (5-1).
  • New Dumpsters and Curbside Barrels (amended to $26,500 total) – Unanimous.
  • Information Technology Capital Reserve ($40,000) – Unanimous.
  • Fire Apparatus Capital Reserve – Amended from $250,000 to $225,000 (vote 3-3 on amendment, chair broke tie for passage; final vote 7-0).
  • Fire Radio Capital Reserve – Amended from $162,500 to $150,000 (unanimous on amendment; final vote 7-0).
  • Fire Air Packs & Rescue Tools Capital Reserve ($80,000 total: $40k each) – Unanimous.
• Road Acceptance – University Circle, Alumni Drive, and Crawford Lane accepted as town roads (4-3).
• Underwood Engineering Contract – Approved $48,000 for sewer project assistance (5-2).
• Light Up the Village – Approved use of fire pits and storage, with hold harmless agreement.
• Minutes – Approved public and non-public minutes from October 14, 2026 (as amended).