Board of Public Works Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Board of Public Works met on April 21, 2026, and approved a corrected agenda, routine consent items, several wastewater and solid waste contracts, a drain layers license, and personnel actions. A detailed presentation on the city's sidewalk inventory and a discussion on the proposed Drop Mobility bike share program highlighted the meeting. The board also entered a non-public session for personnel matters.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda with a correction to move up the Administration Department item on Drop Mobility.
• Approved the minutes of the Board of Public Works meeting of March 26, 2026.
• Approved wastewater user warrants as presented.
• Approved sewer service permits and fees as submitted.
• Approved the pool license petition as listed in the staff report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board.

Discussion Items

• Drop Mobility Bike Share Program: Sustainability planner Levettna Kinchief presented a proposed hub-based bike share system starting with 50 pedal-assist bikes. The service area is downtown, bounded by the Nashua River, the Turnpike, Greeley Park, and Rivier University. Initial pricing: $1.50 to unlock and $0.25 per minute, with a $1.50 tether fee to park temporarily outside a hub. Discounted memberships are available for SNAP recipients. The bikes have GPS and a maximum speed of about 20 mph; the app will prohibit sidewalk use. Bikes will be available from early morning to near midnight (not 24/7). Commissioners raised concerns about hub coverage for areas like South Nashua and Amherst Street, credit card requirements, maximum charges, and potential expansion. No formal vote was taken; the discussion was informational.
• Wastewater Contracts:
  • Approved FY27 purchase of sodium hypochlorite ($300,000) from Borden and Remington of Fall River, MA, pending budget approval.
  • Approved FY27 purchase of sodium bisulfite ($88,000) from PVS Chemical Solutions of Detroit, MI, pending budget approval.
  • Approved contract with Northeast Earth Mechanics LLC for replacement of wastewater treatment facility thickening room drains ($151,918.62).
  • Approved contract with Hazen and Sawyer of Boston, MA for ammonia sampling and identification within the collection system ($107,992). Superintendent Boucher explained that increased ammonia levels are causing compliance challenges with a new EPA permit; the study will help identify sources and inform treatment options.
• Solid Waste: Approved contract with Greg Balcom Landscaping of Milford, NH for brush grinding at the Four Hills Landfill ($35,000).
• Engineering: Approved a drain layers license for BMB Excavation LLC of Chichester, NH, including a six-month probationary period for license suspension if work is unsatisfactory.
• Sidewalk Inventory Presentation: City Engineer Dan Hudson presented a comprehensive sidewalk inventory. Data from a citywide survey: 185 miles of sidewalk, 2,700+ ramps, and 559 crosswalks. Condition breakdown: 48.2 miles good, 100.3 miles fair, 36.2 miles poor (20%). Estimated cost to replace all poor sidewalks is $30 million (about $800,000 per mile). The city has no dedicated sidewalk program but has replaced 850 ramps through the paving program, uses LPA projects (80% federal funding) and sidewalk quadrant funds for repairs. Discussion included prioritization near schools, tree root damage, and dangerous conditions. Alderman Down requested the presentation be sent to aldermen and asked about a long-term plan. Commissioner Gregg expressed interest in a yearly plan. No formal vote was taken.
• Administration: Discussion of Holman Stadium events was postponed to the next meeting due to the absence of Alderwoman Amber Morgan and Commissioners Shea and Speedia.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: All wastewater and solid waste contracts as listed above.
• Approved: Drain layers license for BMB Excavation LLC.
• Approved: Unsealing of non-public minutes from the March 26, 2026 personnel meeting.
• Approved: Acceptance of resignation of Patrick Carr from the wastewater department, effective April 24, 2026.
• Motion passed: By roll call (Commissioner Gregg, Mayor Donchus, and one other), the board entered non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II(b) for the hiring of a public employee.
• Motion passed: To seal the minutes of the non-public session until a future vote deems confidentiality no longer necessary.
• Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.