Nashua Board of Alderman Meeting - February 11, 2026

This meeting of the Nashua Board of Alderman was held on February 11, 2026, at City Hall. It covered a range of topics including a major gas explosion and fire on Amherst Street, snow budget shortfalls, renaming of a community center, adoption of a new city flagpole ordinance, and multiple resolutions and appointments. Fifteen aldermen were present.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The minutes of the special and regular Board of Alderman meetings of October 9, 2025, and October 14, 2025, were accepted, placed on file, and the reading suspended.
• Communications: Two communications were accepted and placed on file without objection: one from Mayor Jim Donchis and President Laurie Wilshire regarding formation of an ad hoc joint committee on debt service planning, and one from Tim Cummings, Director of Administrative Services, providing additional information on O-24-041 relative to exemptions in assessing.
• Committee Reports: The report of the October 22nd Committee on Infrastructure was accepted and placed on file. The rules were suspended to allow an oral report from the Human Affairs Committee meeting of February 9, 2026, which discussed the ongoing exotic species removal program and requested consideration of Resolution R-26-009.
• Mayor's Appointments: The following appointments were confirmed without objection: Stephanie Mall (Arts Commission); reappointments of Jason Talersky and Oscar Velasquez (Citizens Advisory Commission); new appointments of Justin Gerstenfield, Mu Juris, and Adam Thompson (Ethics Review Committee); Paula Lockheed, Justin Hopper, Kamal Masan, Michael Sleewa (Mine Falls Park Advisory Committee); and Nadra Bell (Pennichuck Water Board of Directors). Oaths of office were administered for the Citizens Advisory Commission, Ethics Review Committee, and Mine Falls Park Advisory Committee members. Other appointments (Board of Public Works, Cultural Connections, etc.) were accepted and referred to committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Flagpole Ordinance (O-26-001):

• Michael Gagnan expressed strong opposition to flying LGBTQ+ flags on city property, calling the celebration of Pride Month "celebrating sodomy" and advocating for the flying of a "pro-life" flag instead. He also stated that a court decision regarding Stephen and Beth Scare's request to fly the Pine Tree flag ruled the city's denial violated First Amendment rights.
• Beth Scare asked three questions: whether the new flag policy would be a real change or just encourage private input to the mayor; whether the city will only fly flags it owns rather than loaned flags; and whether the policy will include flags and banners on lampposts and other city property.
• Steven Skeer argued against promoting any ideological or political positions with city flags, stating only the state flag and national flag should be flown to avoid division.
• Simon Amaya-Price initially refused to provide an address but was allowed to speak after a procedural point; he stated his intent to speak on Ordinance 26-001 but yielded his time.

General Public Comment:

• Chief Steve Buxton (Nashua Fire Rescue) thanked the board and community for the outpouring of support following the February 2nd explosion and fire at 440 Amherst Street, where three firefighters were injured. He highlighted the importance of continued investment in public safety and thanked mutual aid partners, police, emergency management, public works, and hospitals.
• Justin Gerstenfield expressed support for the goal of Ordinance O-26-002 (allowing remote public comment for people with disabilities) but criticized its narrow definition tied to a specific state law for parking placards, arguing it excludes residents with other disabilities (e.g., blindness, hearing loss, chronic illness). He also raised concerns about the requirement to mail or drop off private medical records three days in advance.
• Adam Thompson, a disabled veteran, similarly argued the ordinance does not go far enough and could discriminate against those with non-physical disabilities. He urged the board to expand coverage to all residents with disabilities.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Remarks: Mayor Jim Donchis reported on the February 2, 2026, explosion and fire at the Greater Nashua Mental Health building on Amherst Street. Three firefighters sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries; two had been released from the hospital. The cause is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal, but the theory is that ice fell off the roof and broke a gas meter. The mayor also noted the city's snow budget of $1.3 million has been fully expended, and the $300,000 reserve fund is nearly depleted. A request has been made to transfer $500,000 into the snow reserve fund. Finally, he announced a website redesign survey on the city's main page seeking resident input.
• Response to Mayor: Aldermen thanked firefighters, discussed fire hydrant maintenance (reported to Pennichuck if wobbly), and praised Emily Mazio and mutual aid partners. Alderman Lopez commended Greater Nashua Mental Health for reopening access quickly after the fire.
• Resolution R-26-008 (Renaming Arlington Street Community Center): Alderwoman Kelly moved for final passage. Multiple aldermen spoke in strong support, highlighting Gloria Timmins's extensive community service, military background, and role in establishing the center. Alderman Thibault, initially hesitant about naming buildings after people, said her record earned the honor. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Ordinance O-26-001 (Flagpoles on City Hall Grounds): Alderman Thibault moved for final passage, stating the ordinance eliminates the "citizens' flagpole" and returns control to the city to avoid controversy. Alderman Johnson asked for clarification on the number of flagpoles. Alderman Sullivan opposed, fearing future mayors could abuse the policy. Alderman Lopez and others argued that the existing policy was deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge, and the ordinance is needed to respond to that ruling. Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton confirmed the ordinance closes the public forum, preventing anyone from flying any flag previously allowed. The motion carried.
• Resolutions (First Reading):
  • R-26-010: Increase snow removal trust fund maximum by $500,000 from assigned fund balance. Referred to Budget Review Committee with a special public hearing on February 23, 2026.
  • R-26-011: Accept $15,833 from NH Department of Homeland Security for Hazmat grant. Referred to Human Affairs Committee.
  • R-26-012: Appropriate $600,000 of assigned fund balance to hydropower reserve fund. Referred to Budget Review Committee with public hearing on February 23, 2026.
  • R-26-013: Appropriate $280,000 for NHDES surcharge fee in solid waste. Referred to Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R-26-008 (Gloria Timmins Community Center): Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance O-26-001 (Flagpole Policy): Adopted, closing the public forum and making flag display solely a city decision.
• Resolution R-26-009 (Exotic Species Program): Adopted, accepting $80,790 from NH DES and authorizing matching funds.
• Multi-year contract with Pictometry International Corporation for flight imagery services (not to exceed $110,531.25 over six years): Approved.
• Committee Referrals: All first-reading resolutions were assigned to appropriate committees with scheduled public hearings.
• Appointments: Multiple board and commission appointments were confirmed and sworn in.
• Next Meetings: Infrastructure Committee joint meeting with Police Commissioners on February 12 at 7 p.m.; special public hearing and budget meeting on February 19 (Thursday); Planning and Economic Development Committee meetings starting next Thursday.