Nashua Finance Committee Meeting - March 5, 2026

The Nashua Finance Committee met on March 5, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. The committee approved seven communications and the record of expenditures, all by unanimous roll-call votes. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Sidewalk plow purchase: Approved a contract with HP Fairfield for a MT Trackless sidewalk plow (not to exceed $195,005) for the School Department, funded from SERF 81 capital outlay. The plow replaces a 2012 McLean machine.
• Pavement management engineering services: Approved a contract with IMEG Consultants Corp (formerly Hainer Swanson) for management and construction administration of the 2026 paving program ($400,000), funded from Bond 53 professional and technical services.
• 2026 paving program contract: Awarded a construction contract to Sunshine Paving Corporation for Contract Two of the 2026 paving program ($4,972,326.50), funded from Bond 54 property services.
• Construction materials testing: Approved a contract with SW Cole Engineering for asphalt and concrete testing related to the paving program ($41,330), funded from Bond 53.
• Class A biosolids upgrade final design: Approved a contract with Wright Pierce for final design (up to 60% plans) of a sludge drying facility ($1,061,779), funded from SRF Loan 53.
• Landfill gas well raising change order: Approved a change order with SCS Field Services for raising gas recovery wells at Four Hills landfill ($70,150), funded from Bond 54.
• Murray Field lighting upgrade: Approved the purchase of an LED lighting structure system from Musco Lighting for Murray Field ($205,000), funded from Capital 54.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Discussion Items

• Sidewalk plow: Sean Smith (Plan Operations Director) stated the replacement is needed because the city's maintenance vendor works on that brand. Alderman Clemens confirmed the price was firm. Amy Gerard (Purchasing Manager) noted the use of a SourceWell cooperative agreement to secure competitive pricing.
• Pavement management and paving program: Mark Saunders (Deputy City Engineer) detailed that the 2026 paving program covers about 8 miles (50 streets) of mostly local residential roads, with 80% mill and overlay and 20% full reclamation. The original budget of $7.5 million was split into two contracts; only the local-road contract (Contract Two) was awarded due to high bids on arterial roads. The city will rebid or add roads to the current contract for the remaining funds. Alderman Clemens asked about the list of streets (not in packet but available via the city website). Alderman Johnson asked about road lifespan (10-35 years depending on usage) and cost increases. He noted frost heaves and preservation methods.
• Construction materials testing: Saunders explained that SW Cole tests asphalt plant mixes and field compaction to ensure quality. Alderman Smith supported the practice, referencing past paving problems.
• Class A biosolids upgrade: David Bouchard (Wastewater Superintendent) explained that the city produces Class B biosolids and faces increasing disposal costs and regulatory pressure. Moving to Class A will reduce volume and expand disposal options. Total construction cost is estimated at $40 million, funded through bonds. Alderman Clemens asked about cost savings and noted that the design contract will provide a cost-benefit analysis. Alderman Johnson clarified that the facility would be near the current biosolids facility, requiring relocation of the maintenance garage as a separate project.
• Landfill gas well raising: Mr. LaFleur (Superintendent of Solid Waste) stated that raising vertical wells is necessary to maintain airspace for trash placement until Phase Four opens.
• Murray Field lighting: Brian Conant (Parks Superintendent) said the upgrade will replace outdated lights at the youth baseball field with LED technology similar to other city parks. Alderman Clemens inquired about timing: materials take 12 weeks, so installation will occur after the spring baseball season, during summer.
• Records of expenditures: The committee acknowledged compliance with city charter and ordinances for the period February 13–26, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• All seven contract/change-order approvals and the record of expenditures passed unanimously by roll call (five votes in favor).
• No new business, ordinances, or tabled items were considered.
• The committee adjourned at 7:37 p.m.