Nashua City Council Meeting Summary - February 3, 2026

The Nashua Board of Aldermen convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. to address committee nominations, a new board appointment, utility reports, and post-emergency inquiries regarding recent municipal services. Alderman Lopez was elected to the Penatech Special Committee clerk position, while Nadra Bell was nominated and approved for the Penichuk Water Board of Directors. The meeting also featured a discussion on the third-quarter financial report from Penichuk Corporation and a detailed review of hydrant accessibility following a recent fire incident.

Consent Calendar

• Committee Clerk Election: Alderman O'Brien nominated Alderman Lopez for the Penatech Special Committee clerk position for the 2026-2027 term; the nomination was seconded and carried unanimously (Aye, Aye, Aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nadra Bell (Nominee): Expressed full dedication and drive for the position. She stated that her personal background, including being born in Flint, Michigan, and having family who experienced the water crisis there, makes the issue of water safety 'very near and dear to her heart.' She articulated a strong commitment to ensuring the city does not come 'close to a Flint, Michigan situation.' She also clarified that her Air Force service was for 'five years, two months and one day' and acknowledged she is new to board positions but has conducted research and met with the board president.
• Alderman O'Brien: Expressed support for Ms. Bell, noting her impressive resume and extensive business operations experience, stating he feels 'very comfortable' supporting her nomination despite her lack of prior board service.
• City Council Members (General): Alderman Chess and the Mayor emphasized the importance of residents contacting utility customer service directly regarding water issues rather than posting on social media or complaining generally, noting that feedback is a 'gift' that helps tracking and resolution. They acknowledged that some residents in specific wards experience higher rates of issues like discoloration but noted recent infrastructure improvements.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Nadra Bell: The Mayor nominated Nadra Bell, a Ward 3 resident, Air Force veteran, and MIT Lincoln Lab technology professional. Alderman Chess recommended her appointment to the Penichuk Water Board. During the session, Bell described her expertise as 'vague' regarding the unique corporate structure of Penichuk (the sole shareholder vs. sole owner) but expressed willingness to learn. Alderman Wilshire offered to share a detailed presentation on the utility's creation and court history.
• Penichuk Corporation Q3 2025 Report: George Doris (CFO) and Chris County (COO) presented the quarterly report. They noted a material increase in operating expenses, primarily driven by the need to change carbon filter media every 12 to 15 months to remove PFOA (a 'forever chemical') emerging from upstream industrial activity. This shift from capital to operating expense results in an annual cost of approximately $1.8 million. They warned that with flat revenue in Q4, the entity operates in negative EBIT territory.
• Recent Fire Incident & Hydrant Issues: The Mayor thanked emergency personnel and residents following a fire at a building where 60 people were trapped. Alderman O'Brien and Penichuk representatives discussed hydrant accessibility issues. Officials confirmed that two hydrants near 440 Amher Street were damaged by snowplows and one private hydrant was inoperable. They clarified that while the city maintains over 3,000 public hydrants, private hydrants on the property are the owner's responsibility. They provided instructions on how residents can identify damaged hydrants (shaking the top) and encouraged residents to shovel around hydrants.
• Water Quality and Usage: The Mayor reminded constituents that discolored water events, often caused by hydrant usage for street paving or fire training, require residents to flush their hot water tanks if concerned. Officials reiterated the 24-7 customer service number (888-251-9191) for reporting issues.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment Vote: The nomination of Nadra Bell to the Penichuk Water Board of Directors was approved (Aye, Aye). The appointment requires a final vote and swearing-in at the full Board of Aldermen meeting the following Tuesday.
• Financial Report: The Q3 2025 Penichuk report was accepted and placed on file without objection.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. upon motion carried by Alderman O'Brien.

Agenda Discrepancies Note

• The meeting was officially opened on a date referred to as "Friday, February 3" by the presiding officer, which was self-corrected to "Tuesday, February 3, 2026" in the roll call. This aligns with the calendar year 2026, as February 3, 2026, was a Tuesday.