Personal Human Affairs Committee Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Personal Human Affairs Committee convened on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:10 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber to review public interviews for various city board appointments and to deliberate on the formation of a special committee regarding unhoused policy. The meeting featured extensive discussion on the role of the Board of Alder, the dangers of policy siloing, and the authority under City Charter Section 47-a. Five appointments were recommended for board confirmation, and a proposed ordinance limiting aldermanic remarks was moved to indefinite postponement.

Consent Calendar

• Greeley Park Advisory Committee: Recommended appointments for Kathleen Lodi (term expiring November 13, 2028) and Richard Smart (term expiring October 14, 2028).
• Historic District Commission: Recommended appointment for Michelle Ernest as an alternate (term expiring November 11, 2028).
• Planning Board: Recommended appointment for Benjamin Zoller as an alternate (term expiring November 11, 2028).
• Treasurer Tax Collector: Recommended appointment for Diane Mulholland for an indefinite term.
• National Housing and Redevelopment Authority: Recommended reappointment for Thomas Monahan (term expiring October 14, 2030).
• Zoning Board of Adjustment: Recommended reappointments for Steve Lionel (term expiring September 30, 2028) and Jamon Caro (term expiring September 11, 2028).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen Lodi (Candidate for Greeley Park): Expressed deep love for Greeley Park and the neighborhood; stated she volunteered to join the committee to advocate for the park's preservation and expansion of gardens. She noted her connection to Alderwoman Clee began during the development controversy next to the park.
• Richard Smart (Candidate for Greeley Park): Stated that he is not there to introduce disc golf to Greeley Park, clarifying that the existing practice area ("putt putt") should be removed now that a full course exists elsewhere. He expressed a desire to see the park expanded for community use, emphasizing that the area should be accessible from Manchester Street to the river.
• Michelle Ernest (Candidate for Historic District): Expressed a desire to preserve the historical integrity of the district. She shared that her motivation stems from her family's renovation of her home at 40 Concord Street and her mother's past service on the commission.
• Benjamin Zoller (Candidate for Planning Board): Expressed a strong position that the Planning Board is not a "catalyst for activism" but a body to enforce existing rules. He promised to recuse himself from conflicts of interest and adhere strictly to ordinances passed by the Alderman, suggesting rule changes should only occur via the master plan review process.
• Diane Mulholland (Candidate for Treasurer Tax Collector): Expressed enthusiasm for Nashua's "forward-thinking" approach, specifically citing the bus system. She stated her comfort level in educating the public on tax laws and handling difficult public interactions regarding tax payments and valuations.
• Alderman Senate: Expressed support for both Greeley Park nominees, highlighting Lodi's role as an outspoken advocate for park preservation during the development controversy. He noted the presence of LARPers in the park but agreed with the candidates' vision for expanded community use.
• Alderman Jetty: Expressed high regard for Michelle Ernest's mother, her former employer in legal services. He posed questions to Benjamin Zoller regarding the balance between Planning Board enforcement and Aldermanic rule-making authority.
• Alderman Clemens: Expressed a desire to see more developed uses for the Greeley Park area, such as gardens, and thanked the nominees for their stewardship.

Discussion Items

• Formation of a Special Aldermanic Committee on Unhoused Policy:
  • Alderman Moran proposed forming a special committee comprising chairs of Human Affairs, Personnel, Budget, Infrastructure, and PDC to break down "silos" and provide oversight on unhoused policy, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling and the lack of coordinated action.
  • Positions on Committee vs. Working Group:
    • Aldermen Clemens and Jetty: Expressed concern that ad-hoc committees often become defunct or run their course quickly. They argued that a "working group" model including stakeholders from city services and the community (similar to the outdoor dining process) would be more effective and flexible than a permanent special committee.
    • Alderman Moran: Reiterated that the city is in a reactionary stage, not prevention, and argued that current committees lack the "heart" for social issues compared to those with social service backgrounds. He emphasized the need to utilize City Charter Section 47-a to bypass traditional procedural barriers when necessary.
    • Alderman Sena (Senator/Jetty/other speakers referencing the Charter): Discussed the limitations of the "right to know" law (RSA 91A) and the prohibition on aldermen discussing upcoming business outside of formal meetings without violating the charter. He noted that a Strategic Planning Committee existed but had never met in his four years as Chairman of PDC, suggesting a need for new members to be educated on their powers.
    • Alderman Clee: Noted the precedent of a previous committee formed to address a "no-tell motel" issue, which was disbanded only because no issues progressed. He agreed that a flexible mechanism is needed but emphasized that the current board has the authority to create such a body.
  • Outcome of Discussion: Alderman Moran and the committee agreed to keep the discussion alive, move the topic to the next meeting to allow for input from absent members (Aldermen Lopez and Clemens), and continue brainstorming whether a formal committee or a working group is the optimal route.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment Recommendations: The committee unanimously voted to recommend all listed candidates to the full Board of Alder for confirmation.
• Ordinance O25056: A motion was made and carried to recommend the indefinite postponement of the ordinance "Rules for remarks by Alderman at meetings," which aimed to limit aldermanic remarks to three minutes. Aldermen Jetty and Clee expressed strong support for the withdrawal, stating that limiting aldermanic discussion would hinder their ability to do their jobs and educate constituents.
• Future Agenda Items:
  • The discussion on the "Unhoused Policy Committee" was tabled to continue at the next meeting.
  • Alderman Moran's legislation regarding foreign ownership was requested to remain on the table until Alderman Clemens returns to provide comment.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 PM.