OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Board of Public Works Meeting - October 23, 2025

Board of Aldermen MeetingsThursday, October 23, 2025
BodyNashua, New Hampshire
SessionBoard of Aldermen Meetings
DateThursday, October 23, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

All right, we're gonna call the meeting of the Board of Public Works to order on October 23rd, 2025.

0:07

Um Ms.

0:09

Edwards, would you please call a roll?

0:11

Uh Commissioner Greg?

0:13

Here Commissioner Speedia?

0:15

Here, Mayor Donchus?

0:16

Here.

0:17

And we're missing uh Commissioner Shea and Commissioner Lemon is out tonight.

0:22

Okay.

0:22

And we have uh Alderman O'Brien and German McDowell here.

0:27

All right.

0:28

Um first item is item two.

0:32

Uh Commissioner Gregg.

0:34

I was just gonna point out what the changes are, why it's a golden rod agenda.

0:38

Okay, go ahead.

0:40

Um so I I just I wanted to draw your attention to uh a couple of changes, and that's why you have a golden rod uh agenda under wastewater.

0:49

Motion C was removed.

0:51

We still have some work to do on that contract.

0:54

Um we've added uh motion B under solid waste, and um also uh under the fleet department on motion A.

1:03

We've just added um a bond to this because this is uh we'll define it through a bond.

1:08

So I just want to bring that to your attention.

1:11

All right, so we're looking at the um the new agenda.

1:14

Correct.

1:15

So you saw uh Claire gave you a new agenda that you should follow.

1:19

Yes, Commissioner Gregg.

1:22

Uh so would I say the agenda is submitted just because it's a new one when I motion to approve it?

1:28

Yeah, yeah.

1:29

Okay.

1:30

So I motion to approve the agenda as amended and submitted.

1:34

All right, all those in favor say aye.

1:36

Aye.

1:37

Motion passes.

1:39

Um next item three, commit commissioner Speedia.

1:43

Move to approve the minutes of the Board of Public Works meeting of September 30th, 2025.

1:48

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

1:51

Aye.

1:52

Motion passes.

1:53

We have public comment.

1:54

Is there any member of the public who would like to address any of the items on today's agenda?

2:02

No one is here.

2:04

Uh so we'll move to wastewater.

2:06

Uh commission item A, Commissioner Gregg.

2:09

I motion to approve the user warrants as presented.

2:15

All those in favor say aye.

2:17

Aye.

2:17

Aye.

2:18

Motion passes.

2:19

We have item B.

2:21

Uh, Commissioner Speedia.

2:24

Move to approve the contract with TC control group of Oxford, Massachusetts for the purchase and installation of gas monitoring safety equipment through wastewater treatment facility in an amount not to exceed 400,879.

2:36

Funding will be through Department 169 wastewater fund.

2:40

Uh WERF uh account classification 81 capital.

2:44

All right, and uh Commissioner Shea uh arrived at 403.

2:50

Um the motion now is to is item B under wastewater?

2:56

Any discussion or questions?

3:00

Dave Boucher Wastewater Superintendent.

3:02

Oh, yes, please go for go ahead.

3:04

Thank you, Mayor.

3:05

Plenty of questions.

3:07

Uh the wastewater facility has uh several buildings uh on site, they're multi-level buildings that uh receive processed water through them.

3:16

We have a gas monitoring system in most of these buildings.

3:20

Uh they are at their end of the life expectancy.

3:23

So this motion is to uh purchase all new controllers, uh sensors and alarms, and also uh the cost of the installation.

3:32

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

3:36

Anyone all those in favor of the motion say aye.

3:42

Aye.

3:43

Motion.

3:45

We're on to the street department.

3:47

Um item A, Commissioner.

3:50

The move to approve the purchase of winter road salt from Granite State Minerals of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Eastern Minerals Incorporated of Chelsea Mass in the amount of five hundred and forty-five thousand dollars.

4:02

Funding will be through Department 161 Streets Fund General Account Classification 61 supplies of materials.

4:12

Johnny Barrett, Superintendent of the Street Department.

4:15

Um, this is our annual rock salt purchase.

4:19

We're looking to award this through the motion to Granite State Minerals, who won the state bid again this year.

4:26

So we're piggybacking on that state contract.

4:31

Happy to answer any questions.

4:35

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

4:37

Aye.

4:41

Thank you.

4:41

Thank you.

4:44

Solid waste department.

4:45

Item A.

4:46

Commissioner Greg.

4:48

A motion to approve the contract with Jay Bates and son of LLC of Clinton Mass and the amount of 30 379,120 for the construction of the 2025 landfill gas collection system expansion project.

5:00

Funding will be through Department 168 solid waste fund bond activity landfill gas expansion.

5:08

Jeff LaFleur, Superintendent of Solid Waste.

5:10

So this is uh our annual or semi-annual gas collections uh expansion to uh capture all the methane that's up in the landfill.

5:19

We're up at a decent height that we uh projected that we should uh put some in some gas collection to help mitigate any uh odors or uh emissions to this to the atmosphere.

5:33

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

5:35

All right.

5:37

Motion passes.

5:39

Uh item B, Commissioner Speed.

5:42

We'll to approve the contract with Sam Bornhead and associates of Bedford uh New Hampshire and the amount of 324,100 providing engineering oversight of the four hills landfill.

5:58

Uh perfect lead ship PFAS removal and destruction pilot test.

6:02

Um funding will be through Department 168 solid waste fund grant activity PFAS pilot program.

6:09

Jeff LaFleur, Superintendent Solid Waste.

6:11

So I um I'm sure you guys remember a few months ago I came forward uh asking to accept some grant money from the state of New Hampshire.

6:18

Uh we had to sub uh secure a an engineer that was qualified to do the work and uh help us go through this pilot program.

6:26

Sanbornhead came out way on top of everything.

6:28

They they're experts in this field, so we uh decided to go with them and they're gonna do the work with us throughout the pilot program.

6:40

Any questions or comments?

6:42

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

6:45

All right, aye.

6:48

Um item C.

6:51

Excuse me.

6:51

We've completed uh wastewater.

6:53

So now we'll go to the fleet department.

6:56

I think Mr.

6:56

Garage is here.

6:59

Uh item A, Commissioner Shea.

7:02

I move to approve the purchase of one 624 P tier John Deere Wheeled Loader from United Construction and Forestry for the total purchase price of 399,800.

7:15

Additionally approved the purchase and installation of radio of a radio system in an amount not to exceed $5,000.

7:23

Funding will be through Department 161 streets fund bond activity DPW Street Truck and Loader.

7:33

Good evening, Michael Rush, Fleet Superintendent.

7:36

Uh, this is a scheduled purchase as corrected on your sheets.

7:40

It is a bond purchase.

7:41

Um, it is going to replace our 2016 caterpillar wheeled loader that we currently use at the street department.

7:48

Um this is used year-round for different projects throughout the city.

7:52

Um it has a couple of quick attachments to move uh manhole covers and structures and those large plates you see in the road.

7:59

Um it's also going to be equipped with a snowfighter package, plow and wing to use in our snow operations uh when we need it for that.

8:07

Um there it is worth noting it did come in under budget, and there is a trade-in.

8:12

We're gonna trade one of our back line uh loaders towards this purchase.

8:16

And I'm happy to answer any questions you have on the scheduled purchase.

8:21

Anyone all those in favor of the motion say say aye.

8:26

Aye opposed, motion passes.

8:29

Next communication is or excuse me.

8:32

The next item is B.

8:34

Commissioner Gregg.

8:36

Motion to approve the purchase of two 2026 Ford F 350 four-wheel drive trucks from Gripponi Ford for the price of 91,436 each.

8:45

Pricing for this purchase will be off the New Hampshire State bid contract.

8:49

Additionally, approve the purchase and installation of radio system in an amount not to exceed 5,000.

8:53

Funding will be through Department 177 parks fund trust activity served.

8:58

Michael Rush, fleet superintendent.

9:00

Uh this purchase is to replace two older vehicles in the park department.

9:05

Uh, these trucks are equipped with maintenance bodies on them, and they service all the parks all around the city, um, you know, for pools, swing sets, sprinkler systems, and other maintenance tasks that may need to be completed.

9:17

They're also equipped with a plow package to assist in winter operations.

9:21

Uh happy to answer any questions you have on this scheduled purchase.

9:27

No, no idea.

9:28

Commissioner for it.

9:31

Um yeah, I just uh question around question around the current um because it's obviously meant to uh replace them.

9:39

Uh is there those are gonna be traded in?

9:42

Uh these two these two units will be moved to the back line.

9:45

Um we did take quite a few park vehicles off the road this year um for during their annual inspection that were deemed just not feasible or uh financially feasible to fix this year.

9:56

So we sold those at auction, took those off the road.

10:00

Um the current vendor did not want to take those in trade.

10:03

Um they saw no value in in taking them as trades, so we sold those units at auction.

10:08

So we would move these units to the back line.

10:10

Um and it'll take about about a year, maybe a little over a year to get these new ones in.

10:17

And as a follow-up to that, um these are these are obviously brand new.

10:22

We we know the driving off the lot all of a sudden they lose their value.

10:25

Is it was there any talk about like the potential of looking at used vehicles, or was part of the whole state bid contract thing that it has to be?

10:34

So there is there is times um if it meets the specifications for what we're looking for.

10:38

We'll buy a leftover vehicle.

10:40

We have done that.

10:41

Um for this for these vehicles, there was no currently any leftover vehicles for that, um, just because of the specifications for the body that we put on them for the surface body package.

10:52

Well, thank you for the due diligence on it.

10:54

Yeah, you're welcome.

10:57

Um thank you.

11:00

Um I do I'm looking in this is a purchase of two with uplift packages.

11:06

Is that a lip gate?

11:07

Is what you're talking about?

11:09

Uh no lift gates on these.

11:10

They're just um they're like mechanic service bodies, it's like a a big toolbox um utility body.

11:17

Um so it'll carry tools, um, you know, different various things that they'll use for sprinkler systems, um nuts, bolts, zip ties, tape, um, regular standard hand tools, maybe some power tools.

11:29

Um the trucks are all equipped with an inverter to charge the batteries for those cordless tools, um, or corded tools if they need to run a corded tool.

11:37

Um they're F350s, so they they can hold like a pallet of bricks in the back if they need to get to somewhere to build something, um, lumber and things like that.

11:45

That's why you need a lip gate.

11:49

But I'm good with it, thank you.

11:50

You're welcome.

11:56

Just curious.

11:58

Um, when we get those vehicles like that, do we have them rust proof?

12:02

Uh we'll either do it from the dealer or we'll we do have the capabilities to do that in-house um when manpower is available.

12:09

And these have a bed in the back.

12:11

Um they are lined.

12:13

They have that protective liner in the bed, yes.

12:15

Perfect.

12:19

Commissioner Speedia.

12:21

That's super germane, but kind of germane.

12:24

Uh, how are we doing with our fleet for uh uh snowplush?

12:28

As far as readiness, uh we're about 70 percent as of as of today.

12:35

Good to know.

12:35

We are running, we're running everything through the shop still.

12:38

Um we are three technicians short in the shop, so we are doing the best we can.

12:42

We are a tad bit behind, but we will be ready for snow.

12:45

Great.

12:46

Thank you.

12:46

You're welcome.

12:48

Mr.

12:48

Mantle.

12:49

Alderman O'Brien.

12:50

Yeah, the other day, Tuesday, I think it was we went to work out at the wad.

12:56

And there's your fleet lined up, they have plows on it, and uh is on the back, and it's raining out, and I get scared.

13:06

I said, Do they know something on the weather?

13:09

I don't know.

13:12

You practice and already to get the equipment ready for the weather, which is outstanding.

13:18

Whether it's raining or snowing, we have to get the equipment ready.

13:21

So if we're out there in the weather, we still have to get the equipment ready to go.

13:24

So yep, rain or shine.

13:26

We're out, we're out there getting everything ready to go.

13:28

Thank you for that, but you're scared to heck out of I apologize for the fear.

13:37

All right, well, we're we still have a pending motion, which is item B.

13:43

Um, all of us in favor of the motion say aye.

13:45

Aye.

13:46

Aye.

13:46

Opposed?

13:48

Motion passes.

13:50

Thank you very much.

13:52

So now we'll go on to engineering.

13:57

Item A, uh, Commissioner Speedia.

13:59

Move to approve the sewer service permits and fees are submitted.

14:06

All those in favor say aye.

14:07

All right.

14:08

Motion passes.

14:10

Item B, Commissioner Shea.

14:12

I move to approve the poll license petition as listed in the staff report.

14:18

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

14:20

All right.

14:21

Motion passes.

14:23

Item C, uh, Commissioner Gregg.

14:26

I move to approve the award of the construction contract for Tinker Road guard rail installation to CWS fence and guardrail of Andover, New Hampshire in the amount of 27,350.

14:36

Funding is through 161 streets, fund general account classification 71 equipment.

14:43

Good afternoon, Dan Hudson, uh City Engineer.

14:46

So uh Tinker Row contains uh very sharp corn in the vicinity of number 360.

14:51

Uh it's been the site unfortunately of a number of serious crashes uh over the past uh few years, uh including uh at least one that had uh multiple fatalities.

15:01

Um we have taken a lot of measures to improve the safety by putting up signs.

15:07

Um we've uh uh regraded the shoulder, we put some jersey barriers there as a temporary measure, but um this location is longing for a permanent treatment.

15:16

So we uh bid out uh installation of guardrail and received one bid from CDL CWS fence and guard rail Vanover.

15:24

Um there's only a few guardrail contractors really that do work in New England.

15:28

CWS is is one of them, probably does the most work of of the ones that I'm aware of, and uh the bid was in line with um other bids we've seen for other projects, so we're uh recommending award of this contract to CWS.

15:46

Yeah, my vote.

15:48

But you guys did a phenomenal job on it in attacking that issue head on quickly, and the people on preserve drive are absolutely static because they feel so much safer.

15:59

Good, thank you.

16:00

Thanks to the street department.

16:01

They they were great in making those improvements and mobilizing those those barriers to uh address the situation where people are running off the road and in the into the backyards of uh of the neighboring community there on preserved drive.

16:14

And what's the timing on installation?

16:16

Uh that's a good question.

16:17

We have to we have to work with them, work into their schedule.

16:20

So I'm I'm not exactly sure.

16:21

I don't have a deadline for that yet, but we'll get it up as soon as we can.

16:29

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

16:32

Aye.

16:32

Motion passes.

16:35

Um next item.

16:37

Uh Commissioner Speed to you.

16:39

Move to approve change order number four to the Greeley Park Stonehouse Improvements Project and the amount not to exceed 14,592 dollars and forty-eight cents.

16:48

Funding will be through departments 177 parks fund general activity really park improvements.

16:56

Uh so this project is going along well.

16:58

Um, you may have been by and seen the the roof uh missing, you know, the tiles.

17:03

Um the new ones are coming, trust uh rest assured.

17:06

Um, but there's a lot of other work that's uh been occurring in that project.

17:10

Um and uh over the construction, there's been a series of small change orders.

17:15

We have a three to date totally 19,341 dollars and thirty cents.

17:19

Um this fourth change order that we are seeking to approve uh kicks us over the 25,000 dollar uh amount uh which which triggers um your your review and uh fund finance committee review.

17:32

Um so we're seeking approval of that.

17:34

The changes uh today, change order one.

17:36

We uh we separated some of the water distribution system uh uh in the utility room for the various uses.

17:43

Uh we extended the water service to a waiting pool.

17:45

Uh change order two relocate electric meter per ever source requirements, installed conduit, added a vertical grab bar in the bathroom per building department, uh and so installed some other uh facilities.

17:58

Change order three, we replaced some timber blocking on the roof tile due to some additional damage uh greater than we expected when we started.

18:05

And uh this current change order was or is to install a tempered water system uh for the sinks because that's uh required per building department and um purchase and installation of two lighting foundations.

18:18

There was some old utility pole mounted lights uh in the vicinity of the stone house, and we were replacing those with some decorative lighting.

18:26

So be happy to address any additional questions.

18:32

Commissioner Shay.

18:33

So that that building is like um or as it has been is kind of like up lit in the um is that gonna be assembly, those the lights you're talking about, and is it going to be a similar arrangement?

18:45

No, the lights lights I'm referring to are uh they're you know, poles, uh single pole lights for the area outside of the building.

18:54

Um we are improving the lighting inside the stonehouse, so in the I don't know what you call the the porch sort of area, the first area when you walk up into the building around the fountain there.

19:04

Um there'll be some uh better uh lighting in that area, which which is downlit.

19:09

Um I'm not personally familiar with the up lighting, but it's something we can review whether that should remain or not when we're all done.

19:15

Once we get everything up to up to working condition and lit up, then we'll kind of we can reassess if anything should be changed.

19:21

Okay, yeah, I appreciate it.

19:23

The um I know one of the topics that we've covered is um light pollution and um I I want to say it's it's a ground light, but it could have been on an adjacent lamp post.

19:33

It's kind of like a big um like a big old halogen type of um fixture.

19:38

Um and depending on what the new lighting is like, that might be something that we could lose or uh shield um in a way that um reduces the light pollution.

19:49

So appreciate it.

19:55

All right, all is in favor of the motion, sorry.

19:57

All right.

19:58

All right, I motion passes.

20:00

ground light but it could have been on an adjacent lamp post it's kind of like a big um like a big old halogen type of um fixture um and depending on what the new lighting is like that might be something that we could lose um or uh shield um in a way that um reduces the light pollution appreciated all right all is a favorable motion sorry aye all right i motion passes we have item e commissioner shay i move to approve change order number three to the 2025 sewer replacement project contract one with crisp contracting of Nashra New Hampshire and the amount not to exceed one million dollars funding will be through 169 wastewater fund bond activity sewer rehab uh so we at bid out 2025 sewer replacement uh contract crisp was a little bitter uh you know we had an entry contract within this year for uh to the tune of the 810830 dollars um they've been performing well we're seeking to uh and they've nearly expended all that funding we're seeking to change order in uh million dollars so that we can continue the work we're doing it will carry us well in the next year um to continue the work they're doing they've been doing things such as we're we have this extensive uh CCTV uh and then pipelining work we're doing um as we uh as we prep pipes for lining we realize there's some some of the manhole covers have been buried they need to be raised to grade sometimes there's long runs of pipe that didn't have a manhole in them or we need to add a manhole to facilitate that work so they've been doing that kind of work as well as uh uh crisp helps us with emergency repairs as they come up you know if we have a collapsed sewer main which we still have occasionally um they they they would mobilize and take care of that for us so and they've done some of that work this year so um that's what our request is to extend this contract um at the uh you know within the purchase policy uh rate increases if any um from their bid this year happy to address any questions anyone and I go ahead the they're a company in good standing at the attorney general's office yes yes did they shoot up the car yeah there's an issue that was resolved today yeah that kind of stuff gets gets um all the time it's it's yeah and and I am really appreciative that um we were able to get it resolved and didn't have to delay the item and um that's good but that's not what my question is about I surmise that from from these notes here okay good sorry but thank you um yeah I just want to confirm my understanding of this that the the 169 wastewater fund is uh from user fees is that is that correct it's that's correct this is funded from sewer bonds um so yeah it's it we pull annual bond um that that's I guess the account accounting that it runs through but this is sewer bond which is uh paid through sewer user rates appreciate it thank you welcome all those in favor of the motion say aye motion passes uh we're on to administration um and what we have is the director's report so this first slide uh shows RWC installing under drain um on that drive on October 6th to address historic drainage and icing issues uh city engineer just spoke a little bit about uh the greeley park stone health renovations uh cobb hill construction is completing renovation they recently started painting roofing and installation of new fixtures in the bathrooms uh as shown in these photos from october 13th uh morin's landscaping is shown installing loam in bicentennial park on october 6th and concrete pavers in renaissance park on october 16th if you haven't been down at look it's coming along really nice uh a new swing was installed at Bellevue deer park and uh also some new playground mulch all three you'll probably recall about the epoxy on the floors all three of our city pool locker rooms have had uh the epoxy applied and uh they look great the uh parks department will be very busy well into the fall uh with um aerification overseeding um and other field work this is lincoln park um being aerated the the parks department replanted the landscape bed in front of the library walk and odd fellows uh this is the parks department cutting out a worn out area uh and resotting it in at Holman Stadium we had a huge turnout for Boo Bash over 4,000 people it was a beautiful day uh last Saturday uh there's a haunted house trunk retreat pumpkin decorating hayride and and a fun maze and thanks to Alderman Clee for our her help with our haunted house we have over 700 boys and girls registered for our 2526 season of bitty basketball evaluations and drafts began this week and the season will begin in November we have two trips planned this fall the first is to see the Celtics play on October 29th and the second is a holiday season trip to New York City which is on December 13th.

25:02

The Celtics trip is 150 per person, and includes the ticket and coach bus ride to Boston, and the New York City trip is 90 dollars and includes the round trip coach bus ride to the city, and there are still seats available for both of these trips.

25:32

And this is of course is a free event to all residents who are over 60 years old.

25:38

And we sold it sold out.

25:40

We've sold 250 tickets, so it's always extremely popular.

25:44

So it actually sold out within the first 10 days that they're available.

25:48

So it's a great event.

25:50

Bugs love it.

25:52

As the year draws to a close, we want to thank our local businesses that support us each year so we can offer uh our extensive summer fund program.

26:01

And I just would like to name them because we do appreciate their support.

26:05

Uh Hazy Ice Cream, Triangle Credit Union, Penichuck, Nashua Silver Knights, Ace Hardware, Player Choice MD, Johnson's Electric, Harvey, Warren's, Ultiplay, Continental Paving, Eaton and Baruby, Giant of Siam, and Smith Plumbing and Heating.

26:23

So thank you for your supports.

26:43

Enhancing pedestrian visibility and safety.

26:48

Street department crew worked on a sinkhole at the catch basin in the parking lot of bicentennial school.

26:54

The structure was unsafe and required immediate attention.

26:59

The street department crew repaired a long stretch of sidewalk at 43 Parish Hill Drive.

27:04

The sidewalk was in poor condition and had become a trip hazard.

27:11

We continue our citywide effort to cut back overgrown brush.

27:15

This crew was on Revere Street cleaning overgrowth using the mulcher head attached to our mini excavator.

27:24

Our street department crews repaired the sidewalk at 51 Temple Street, making it ADA compliant.

27:30

Again, the structure had deteriorated and become a safety hazard.

27:35

This is the repairable washout at 32 Sullivan Street that had affected a resident's side yard.

28:00

This again, you can tell how busy the street department is.

28:03

They completed three manhole repairs along the riverwalk downtown behind the library and Temple Street.

28:13

Our welder fabricated a custom leaf box for one of the parks department trucks to maximize capacity, ensure efficiency during fall cleanup.

28:21

So this is just one of the many great things that our welter can do.

28:26

Very talented.

28:29

Our fleet team, as as you had mentioned, asked about uh Commissioner Speedia.

28:35

Um they're performing maintenance on all of our vehicles now.

28:38

This is our one of our trackless sidewalk plows to ensure that we're ready for the winter.

28:45

Residents with hazardous waste to dispose of can attend the last household hazardous waste collection for 2025, which will be at Trown Street on Saturday, November November 8th from 8 to noon.

28:59

We will be having extended hours for soft wit yard waste drop-off.

29:03

The landfill will be open from 8 to 4 on Saturday, November 8th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 29th for residents to drop off soft yard waste.

29:15

The four hills landfill will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.

29:21

Curbsite collection will be delayed by one day that week.

29:26

And also uh the Four Hills landfill will be closed on Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving, and Curbside Collections for Thursday and Friday routes will be delayed by one day.

29:37

And that's it.

29:38

Any questions?

29:40

Oh thank you very much.

29:46

Um Commissioners Commons.

29:51

Uh Commissioner Speaker.

29:53

Yeah, I just want to say I um I saw the construction along Kinsley Street.

30:00

I think a lot of folks have noticed it.

30:02

Um, but I'm really thankful that the ball uh ballards are being put in.

30:07

I think you know, I think some people like to treat Kinsley Street like a highway and go above the above the street limit quite often.

30:16

So I think traffic calming measures along that street will be very helpful, and uh because there are a lot of residents who live on that street, so um excited to see it.

30:25

I was very excited to see when they first got my remember when we approved it, and now seeing it being put in.

30:30

I'm uh really excited for that.

30:32

So thank you.

30:37

Commissioner Gregg.

30:38

Sorry, I didn't know if I had to be called on.

30:40

So we were we were actually canvassing near the Janats area, the Holman Stadium area on Sergeants.

30:47

Um Sergeants in Campanella has a um uh playground, kind of in that area, like right near Holman Stadium on that on Sergeant Savage.

30:58

One of the I I we heard enough from people in that area that they were super concerned about the barrier.

31:03

So the way that it kind of works is it look it's basically like these posts with a poll that goes through the posts all the way across it, and it's high enough so that a kid could literally just run into traffic.

31:14

And it's been uh it's been I guess a point of concern for those folks in that area um to see whether or not there could be some sort of fence or something that's actually put in there just to give a little bit more protection around that.

31:25

Uh I just thought it was interesting that we heard not from one person, not from two, but probably about 15 in that in that area that they were super concerned about that barrier being the design that it was.

31:36

So I just wanted to bring it up to to public works and folks.

31:40

At least take a look at it, analyze it, see if there's anything that we can do.

31:42

It looks like whatever was I mean, it almost looks like they were like the old horse posts.

31:47

I don't know how long they've been actually been there, but they've obviously been there for quite some time where there's just a like kind of a poll that was just put through it to connect them.

31:54

But yeah, I would would love it if somebody could do an analysis there because we we definitely heard enough from that group from that area that like they'd love something else.

32:03

Okay, cool, appreciate it.

32:05

Thank you for letting us know.

32:08

I have a picture of it too that I can send you.

32:10

Yeah, that's it.

32:10

It's interesting that you say that because that is one of my favorite playgrounds.

32:13

I love that playground, and I never see any kids playing there, so it's good to hear it.

32:17

Obviously, there are some might be the reason some family's using it, so that's good.

32:20

Though kids definitely play there.

32:22

Yeah, I never I rarely see kids playing there for some reason, but that's great.

32:27

Well, the kids are getting bigger than well.

32:30

I think I think there's a shift on the case.

32:31

I mean it would take it on this patch where some there's less smaller children, probably, but uh I'm glad to hear kids are using it because it's a great playground.

32:43

Commissioner's comments.

32:45

No, thanks.

32:46

All right.

32:47

Um thank you.

32:49

Personnel.

32:52

Uh item A.

32:54

Uh Commissioner Gregg.

32:56

I move to approve and unseal the non-public minutes for personnel from the Board of Public Works meeting of September 30th, 2025.

33:04

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

33:06

Aye.

33:07

Aye.

33:07

Motion passes.

33:09

Item B, Commissioner Speedia.

33:11

Move to approve the creation of a second solid waste assistant.

33:14

The hourly wage for this position will be 24.94 cents.

33:18

Funding will be through Department 168 Solid Waste Fund, Solid Waste Account Classification, 51 salaries and wages.

33:25

Mr.

33:25

LaFleur.

33:26

Jeff LaFleur, Superintendent of Solid Waste.

33:28

Um, I don't know if you remember back when we were doing the budget.

33:31

I actually budgeted for this position stating that the uh state of New Hampshire is you know requiring us to do a lot more litter pickup in the landfill.

33:39

Um, this is the actual creation of the position.

33:42

I had to go through you know the the uh collected bargaining collective bargaining unit to get this uh approved.

33:49

We did all that, so uh we're ready to move forward and fill this position to get us going.

33:59

All right, all those in favor of the motion say aye.

34:02

Motion passes.

34:04

Item C Commissioner Shay.

34:07

I move to accept the retirement of Jeff Courier.

34:10

His last day will be October 31st, 2025.

34:14

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

34:16

All right.

34:17

Motion passes.

34:19

Now we have a scheduled non-public session.

34:22

Uh Commissioner Shay.

34:24

I move by roll call that the board go into non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A 3 2 B, the hiring of any person as a public employee.

34:38

Commissioner Shay.

34:40

Yes, Commissioner Gregg, yes, Commissioner Speedia?

34:43

Yes, Mayor Donchus.

34:45

Yes, all right.

34:46

Motion passes.

34:47

We're gonna go into non-public session.

34:50

Public.

34:51

All right, um, sorry.

34:53

All right, we're back in public session.

34:56

Um we need a motion, I believe, of Commissioner Shay.

35:03

I move by roll call to seal the minutes of the Board of Public Works personnel non public meeting of October 23rd, 2025.

35:11

Until such time as the majority of the board votes that the purpose of the confidentiality would no longer be served.

35:18

Commissioner Shea?

35:20

Yes.

35:20

Commissioner Greg?

35:21

Yes.

35:21

Commissioner Speedia?

35:22

Yes.

35:23

Mayor Donchus.

35:24

Yes.

35:24

Motion passes.

35:27

Um now we are back in public session.

35:31

Or we are already in public session, but uh the next motion is uh unless anyone wants to add anything.

35:38

The next motion would be a motion to adjourn.

35:42

Uh Commissioner Shay.

35:44

I motion to adjourn.

35:45

All those in favor of the motion say aye.

35:48

Aye.

35:49

Motion passes, and the meeting of the Board of Public Works is adjourned at 4 47 or 4 48 p.m.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Works██████████████████████████████████████████42%
Public Safety█████████████████████21%
Water And Wastewater Management██████████████████18%
Procedural███████████11%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Board of Public Works Meeting - October 23, 2025

The Board of Public Works convened on October 23, 2025, to review amendments to the agenda, approve various contracts regarding wastewater, streets, fleet, and engineering projects, and address personnel matters. The meeting proceeded with a vote on the amended agenda, approval of minutes from the September 30th session, and multiple unanimous votes on financial motions totaling over two million dollars. No public comments were received. The session included a closed personnel meeting before adjournment.

Consent Calendar

  • Motion passed to approve the agenda as amended, including updates under Wastewater (removal of Motion C), Solid Waste (addition of Motion B), and Fleet (addition of a bond purchase for Motion A).
  • Motion passed to approve the minutes from the Board of Public Works meeting held on September 30, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Comment: No members of the public were present to address the agenda items.

Discussion Items

Wastewater Department

  • Gas Monitoring Equipment: Dave Boucher, Wastewater Superintendent, explained that the gas monitoring system in multi-level buildings at the treatment facility is at the end of its life expectancy. The proposal involves purchasing new controllers, sensors, and alarms, including installation costs, funded by the Department 169 Wastewater Fund.
  • Sewer Service Permits and Fees: Commissioner Speedia moved to approve the submitted permits and fees.

Street Department

  • Winter Road Salt: Johnny Barrett, Street Department Superintendent, reported that the city is awarding the annual rock salt purchase to Granite State Minerals and Eastern Minerals Incorporated, piggybacking on a state bid to facilitate the purchase of $545,000 worth of salt.
  • Tinker Road Guard Rail: Dan Hudson, City Engineer, discussed the installation of guardrails on Tinker Road (near number 360) to address a history of serious crashes, including a fatal incident. He noted the location requires permanent treatment beyond temporary Jersey barriers. The contract was awarded to CWS Fence and Guardrail.
  • Kinsley Street Safety: Commissioner Speedia expressed strong support for the upcoming installation of traffic calming measures (ballards) on Kinsley Street, noting community concerns about vehicles exceeding speed limits.

Solid Waste Department

  • Landfill Gas Collection: Jeff LaFleur, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented the project to expand the gas collection system at the landfill to capture methane and mitigate odors. The contract for construction was awarded to Jay Bates and Sons LLC.
  • PFAS Pilot Program: LaFleur introduced the contract with Sanborn, Bornhead, and Associates for engineering oversight of the PFAS removal pilot test at Four Hills Landfill, noting the firm's expertise.
  • Budget Context: LaFleur explained the budgeting process for the creation of a new assistant position to meet state litter pickup requirements.

Fleet Department

  • Wheeled Loader Purchase: Michael Rush, Fleet Superintendent, presented the purchase of a 624 P Tier John Deere Wheeled Loader ($399,800) to replace a 2016 Caterpillar loader. The purchase includes snowfighter packages and is funded through a bond. A trade-in of an older loader was part of the transaction.
  • Park Department Trucks: Commissioner Gregg inquired about the specifications and potential trade-ins for the new 2026 Ford F-350 trucks ($91,436 each). Rush clarified that the trucks feature mechanic service bodies (not lift gates) equipped with inverters for tools. He confirmed the old units could not be traded in due to lack of value to the vendor and would be moved to the back line after auctioning off other infeasible vehicles. Rush also noted that 70% of snowplow equipment is currently ready, with three technicians missing from the shop to meet demand.

Engineering Department

  • Greeley Park Stonehouse Improvements: Commissioner Gregg detailed a series of change orders required for the restoration, including plumbing, electrical, and roof repairs. Commissioner Shay expressed support but requested a review of exterior lighting to ensure it minimizes light pollution and potential uplighting issues.
  • Sewer Replacement Project: Commissioner Shay moved to approve Change Order No. 3, extending the contract with Crisp Contracting by $1 million. Crisp has been performing well, conducting CCTV, pipelining, manhole adjustments, and emergency repairs. Funding is derived from sewer bonds paid through user rates.

Administration and Personnel

  • Directors Report: Michael Mantle provided updates on RWC drainage work, Greeley Park and Cobb Hill renovations, park landscaping, and community events including the successful Boo Bash. The Parks Department announced two group trips: one to see the Celtics and a holiday trip to NYC.
  • Hazardous Waste & Landfill Updates: The last household hazardous waste collection is scheduled for November 8th. The Four Hills Landfill will be closed for Veterans Day (Nov 11) and Thanksgiving (Nov 27), with curbside collections delayed accordingly.
  • Community Safety Concerns: Commissioner Gregg relayed concerns from approximately 15 residents regarding the barrier design at the playground on Sergeant Savage near Holman Stadium, which they feel poses a risk for children running into traffic. Commissioner Speedia agreed to review the design.

Key Outcomes

  • Approval of Contracts: Unanimous approval granted for:
    • Wastewater gas monitoring equipment ($400,879 with TC Control Group).
    • Winter road salt purchase ($545,000 with Granite State Minerals & Eastern Minerals).
    • Landfill gas collection expansion ($30,379,120 with Jay Bates and Sons LLC).
    • PFAS pilot engineering ($324,100 with Sanborn, Bornhead, and Associates).
    • Fleet purchase: 1 John Deere Wheeled Loader ($399,800) and 2 Ford F-350 trucks ($182,872).
    • Tinker Road guard rail installation ($27,350 with CWS Fence and Guardrail).
    • Greeley Park Stonehouse Change Order No. 4 ($14,592.48).
    • Sewer Replacement Change Order No. 3 ($1,000,000 with Crisp Contracting).
  • Personnel Actions:
    • Unsealed minutes for personnel from September 30th.
    • Approved the creation of a second Solid Waste Assistant position (hourly wage $24.94).
    • Accepted the retirement of Jeff Courier, effective October 31, 2025.
    • Sealed minutes from the non-public personnel session.
  • Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we're gonna call the meeting of the Board of Public Works to order on October 23rd, 2025. Um Ms. Edwards, would you please call a roll? Uh Commissioner Greg? Here Commissioner Speedia? Here, Mayor Donchus? Here. And we're missing uh Commissioner Shea and Commissioner Lemon is out tonight. Okay. And we have uh Alderman O'Brien and German McDowell here. All right. Um first item is item two. Uh Commissioner Gregg. I was just gonna point out what the changes are, why it's a golden rod agenda. Okay, go ahead. Um so I I just I wanted to draw your attention to uh a couple of changes, and that's why you have a golden rod uh agenda under wastewater. Motion C was removed. We still have some work to do on that contract. Um we've added uh motion B under solid waste, and um also uh under the fleet department on motion A. We've just added um a bond to this because this is uh we'll define it through a bond. So I just want to bring that to your attention. All right, so we're looking at the um the new agenda. Correct. So you saw uh Claire gave you a new agenda that you should follow. Yes, Commissioner Gregg. Uh so would I say the agenda is submitted just because it's a new one when I motion to approve it? Yeah, yeah. Okay. So I motion to approve the agenda as amended and submitted. All right, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Motion passes. Um next item three, commit commissioner Speedia. Move to approve the minutes of the Board of Public Works meeting of September 30th, 2025. All those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Motion passes. We have public comment. Is there any member of the public who would like to address any of the items on today's agenda? No one is here. Uh so we'll move to wastewater. Uh commission item A, Commissioner Gregg. I motion to approve the user warrants as presented. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Motion passes. We have item B. Uh, Commissioner Speedia. Move to approve the contract with TC control group of Oxford, Massachusetts for the purchase and installation of gas monitoring safety equipment through wastewater treatment facility in an amount not to exceed 400,879.

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