Board of Public Works Meeting - July 25, 2025

The Board of Public Works convened on July 25, 2025, to discuss a range of infrastructure projects, approve multiple funding resolutions, and hear public testimony regarding a proposed sign at the DPW administration building. The meeting also featured recognition of the DPW Employee of the Year and the retirement of Assistant Director Andy Christian.

Consent Calendar

• Approve Agenda – Approved unanimously.
• Approve Minutes – Minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting approved.
• Resolution R25-22 – Authorizing an amended federal aid agreement for the involvement street intersection project and accepting an additional $1,134,476.74. Approved.
• Resolution R25187 – Authorizing bonds up to $500,000 for the landfill gas expansion project. Approved.
• Resolution R25188 – Authorizing borrowing up to $6,192,000 for wastewater treatment plant Phase 1 upgrades. Approved.
• Resolution R25189 – Authorizing bonds up to $3,280,000 for various wastewater capital improvements. Approved.
• Resolution R25192 – Authorizing bonds up to $4,025,000 for sewer infrastructure and drain casting replacement programs. Approved.
• Resolution R25193 – Authorizing bonds up to $3,800,000 for design and construction of a wastewater treatment facility vehicle and maintenance garage. Approved.
• Wastewater Garage Construction – Motion to approve the construction as depicted in attached documents passed.
• User Warrants – Approved as presented.
• Solid Waste Contract Amendment – Approval of amendment with Sanborn Head & Associates for field observation and quality assurance on phase three temporary cap insulation, not to exceed $42,000. Approved.
• Purchase of Recycling/Trash Carts – Approval for FY26 purchase of totes from Toter (Statesville, NC) not to exceed $145,000. Approved.
• Sewer Service Permits – Approved as submitted.
• Change Order No. 12 – To the 2023 sewer rehabilitation program contract with RWC Enterprises, not to exceed $655,000. Approved.
• Hardship Request (Pennichuck Water Works) – Approved for excavation to replace critical water mains on multiple streets. Approved.
• Informational Item E – Accepted and placed on file.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ernie Jetty (Alderman, resident of 15 Fox Club Court) – Opposed the proposed oversized sign at 848 West Hollis Street. He stated that residents were promised minimal impact, that the sign violates zoning regulations (previously denied by the zoning board), and urged the board to deny the request and instead use a sign compliant with the 10 square foot, 6-foot height limit.
• Nancy Queen Burns (resident of 5 Brayberg Drive) – Opposed the large sign, stating the existing small sign is clearly visible and appropriate. She asked the board to vote against the variance or exception.
• Claudia Johnson (adjacent resident) – Opposed the large sign, noting the land was cleared for a large sign without prior approval. She questioned the cost and the process, and requested the board go back to the drawing board for a smaller sign.

Discussion Items

• DPW Sign at 848 West Hollis Street (Administration Item A) – The board discussed a motion to authorize the director to seek approval of the DPW sign from the zoning board.
  • Commissioner Shay spoke in favor, noting the sign was part of original planning board approvals, materials already purchased, and that the sign would be attractive and visible for safety, especially during snowstorms.
  • Alderman Dowd supported the motion, arguing the sign is necessary for wayfinding, that the neighborhood has other large signs, and that the sign is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Commissioner Speedia noted other large signs exist on West Hollis Street and that employees deserve pride in their workplace.
  • The motion passed unanimously (voice vote).

Recognitions

• Lions Club DPW Employee of the Year – Presented to Brian Denise. The award is based on peer votes. Honoree was praised for leadership, mentoring, and dedication during emergencies.
• Lions Club Recycling Partnership – A plaque was presented to the city for partnering in eyeglass recycling (over 75,000 pairs collected over 35 years).
• Retirement of Andy Christian – Assistant Director Andy Christian, with 38 years of service, was honored by Director Foto and the board. He started as a laborer in Parks and rose to Assistant Director. Remarks highlighted his leadership, trust, and contributions to many major projects (skate park, Main Street sidewalks, DPW building, fleet assessment).

Director's Report

• Update on ongoing projects: Pine Street pedestrian crossing, Greeley Park Stonehouse renovations, pavement program on Congress and Manchester Streets, Fields Grove masonry repairs, new electric Nissan Leaf for engineering, Stella Stadium field groomer, and concert series/play-in-the-park programs.
• Noted a busy sinkhole season with multiple repairs (6210 Broad, 53 Ford Street, Main Dunstable, etc.).
• Reminder about state ban on lithium-ion batteries in trash (effective July 1, 2025); disposal options described.

Other Business

• Commissioners' Comments – Commissioner Shea requested resetting a pad for the children's museum at Greeley Park (to be done). Alderman Dowd shared a citizen's thank-you for DPW work on a dangerous curve (widened shoulder, concrete barriers installed).
• Personnel Items – Approved unsealing non-public minutes from June 26, 2025; accepted resignation of Russell Tedford, senior staff engineer, effective August 1, 2025.
• Non-Public Session – Motion by Commissioner Shea to enter non-public session (RSI number one) passed by roll call. After reconvening, minutes of non-public session were sealed by roll call vote.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items approved unanimously.
• Motion to authorize the director to seek approval of the DPW sign passed (voice vote, no opposition).
• All funding resolutions (R25-22, R25187, R25188, R25189, R25192, R25193) passed.
• Wastewater garage construction approved.
• Contracts and change orders approved.
• Hardship request from Pennichuck Water Works approved.
• Personnel actions approved.
• Non-public session held and minutes sealed.
• Meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.