Finance Committee Meeting Summary (January 21, 2026)

The Finance Committee of the City of Nashua convened on January 21, 2026, to review communications, approve contracts, and address public matters. The committee successfully nominated and elected Alderman Sullivan as the new Clerk for the committee. Key discussions focused on vehicle purchases, infrastructure design updates, and the funding of public art projects, with several members expressing concerns regarding expenditure efficiency and vandalism prevention.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to Elect Clerk: Alderman Clee nominated Alderman Sullivan as the new Committee Clerk; the motion passed unanimously.
• Vehicle Purchase: Approval granted for the purchase of two 2025 Ford Maverick hybrid pickup trucks from Garponi Ford for a maximum of $74,604 (funded via Professional and Technical Services). The committee noted the vehicles replace a 2007 Chevy Malibu and a 2008 Ford Escape.
• Postage Meter Lease: Approval granted for a five-year lease and maintenance agreement with Pitney Bowes for a new postage meter at the National Public Library, max $4,571.40 (funded via Library General Fund).
• Fish Passage Change Order: Approval granted for Change Order No. 4 with Vernonatis LLC for an additional $239,300 regarding the upstream fish passage at Jackson Mills. This funding covers the transition from conceptual to 30% final design, construction estimates, and permitting support (funded via Hydroelectric Operations Capital Improvement Fund). It was clarified that this work is required for federal/state license compliance following turbine changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alderman Clemens: Expressed confusion regarding the vehicle type (confirming they are hybrids) and queried the necessity of replacing a sedan with a pickup, later stating the vehicle's utility for equipment transport.
• Alderman Greg: Expressed strong concern regarding the expenditure of $105,000 for the Renaissance Park mural, citing the recent controversy over trash can costs and the high cost of street cleanup. He questioned if funds could be reallocated to other capital needs like cleanup, noting the difficulty of justifying the cost amidst broader financial constraints.
• Alderman Johnson: Stated concern that the mural could be vandalized with graffiti, referencing the $103,000 trash can incident. He requested assurance that a protection plan exists to prevent the loss of the investment if the wall is defaced.

Discussion Items

• Renaissance Park Mural Project: The committee discussed the awarding of a contract to Jay Graham Studios for a 200x20 foot mural (max $105,000) funded by the Riverfront TIF bond (Bond #70).
  • Project Details: Economic Development Director Liz Hanum and Arts Commission Chair Laurie Spirit detailed the selection process involving 21 proposals and a unanimous vote by a diverse committee. The mural aims to depict the area's French Canadian mill history.
  • Graffiti Prevention: The committee addressed concerns about graffiti. Ms. Hanum clarified that the contract includes anti-graffiti coating with a 10-year warranty allowing up to 100 graffiti removals. Alderman Clee corrected the initial testimony, confirming the warranty covers 100 removals (not 3), and noted that blank walls attract more tagging.
  • Funding Constraints: It was clarified that the funds are restricted to capital projects within the TIF district and cannot be used for maintenance or cleanup. Alderman Wilshire noted the TIF funds were contractual obligations to incentivize developer investment and beautification in that specific quadrant.
  • Cost Justification: Alderman Clemens calculated the cost at approximately 4 cents per square foot, expressing that it was a "very good deal."
  • Alderman Clee's Position: Expressed full support for the mural, arguing that a blank wall would invite more gang-related graffiti and that the long-term cost of cleaning a blank surface would exceed the cost of the art.
  • Alderman Greg's Position: Reiterated that the cost is high but acknowledged the funding restrictions (TIF bond) preventing reallocation to other projects like street cleanup.

Key Outcomes

• Clerk Election: Alderman Sullivan was elected Committee Clerk (Motion Passed).
• Vehicle Acquisition: Approved purchase of two 2025 Ford Maverick hybrids ($74,604 max).
• Library Equipment: Approved 5-year lease for a postage meter ($4,571.40 max).
• Infrastructure Design: Approved Change Order No. 4 for upstream fish passage design ($239,300 max).
• Public Art Award: Approved contract with Jay Graham Studios LLC for the Renaissance Park mural ($105,000 max).
• Expenditure Record: Committee confirmed compliance with city charter regarding the record of expenditures for Jan 2, 2026, through Jan 15, 2026.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Discrepancy Note: During the discussion on the mural warranty, Ms. Hanum initially stated the plan included "three coats" allowing for three graffiti removals. This was later corrected when Alderman Wilshire read the agenda document, which specified "two coats" of mural guard with a warranty of "up to a hundred graffiti removals." Ms. Hanum subsequently acknowledged the discrepancy and stated she was corrected. The summary reflects the final, documented warranty of 100 removals.