Nashua Board of Aldermen Meeting – June 2, 2026

The Board of Aldermen met on June 2, 2026, at approximately 6:30 PM, with Chairwoman Soshana Kelly presiding. The meeting included public comments, an interview for a Board of Health appointment, discussion of several resolutions and ordinances, and final votes on multiple items. The session adjourned at 9:10 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laurie Ordlano (Nashua) commented on the single candidate for the Board of Health, supported restricting electronic device use during meetings (but noted concerns about virtual participants voting without attending non‑public sessions), and criticized board attendance, stating that attendance at special meetings should count toward compensation requirements.
• Katie (Hooksett, store on 100 Main Street) spoke on behalf of secondhand dealers, stating that the current 30‑day holding period makes it impossible to operate and that the hobbyist community supports revised regulations; she also noted that stores already keep detailed records of purchases and cooperate with police.
• Laurie Ordlano (second appearance) questioned the status of the Ethics Committee, specifically the non‑renewal of Chair Tim Bush and the reappointment of another member, and expressed concerns about transparency and gender bias in committee proceedings.

Interviews & Appointments

• Board of Health – Social Worker Position: Christian Jimenez (licensed social worker, 12 years’ experience) was interviewed. He described his work in forensic social work, case management, and community involvement. Questions addressed his perspective on public health. No other candidates applied.
• Motion to Recommend Appointment: A motion to recommend Christian Jimenez (term expiring December 31, 2027) and to reappoint Stephanie Valentine (Greeley Park Advisory Committee, term expiring June 13, 2029) passed on a roll‑call vote of 3 ayes, 1 abstention (Alderman Lopez abstained citing a workplace conflict), and 1 no (Alderman Johnson). The abstention was recorded due to a conflict with the candidate’s employer.
• Arts Commission Interview: Scheduled interview was postponed as the candidate was not present; rescheduled for a later date.

Discussion Items – Resolutions

• R‑26‑036 – CPACER Program (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy & Resiliency): Energy Manager Doria Brown presented, explaining that the program is funded by private lenders, not the city, and allows commercial property owners to finance energy efficiency and resiliency improvements through a voluntary property assessment lien that transfers with ownership. The city’s role is to opt into the state program and review projects. Alderman Johnson requested success/failure data from other states. The motion to recommend final passage passed 4‑1 (Johnson voting no; Lopez, Thibault, Clemens, Kelly voting yes).

Discussion Items – Ordinances

• O‑26‑007 – Medical Insurance Opt‑Out Stipend (Unaffiliated Employees): Administrative Services Director Tim Cummings (participating remotely) explained the stipend incentivizes employees to waive city health coverage by offering payments for single, two‑person, and family plans; employees must have three years of prior coverage. He projected 3–5% participation initially. The motion passed 3‑2 (Lopez and Johnson voting no; Thibault, Clemens, Kelly voting yes).
• O‑26‑010 – Use of Electronic Devices During Meetings: Sponsored by Alderman Johnson, the ordinance proposed restrictions on phone/texting during meetings. Several aldermen spoke against it, noting that phones and tablets are used for legitimate work (e.g., accessing meeting materials, looking up information, receiving family emergencies) and that enforcement would be impractical. The motion to recommend final passage failed 1‑4 (Johnson yes; Lopez, Thibault, Clemens, Kelly no). A subsequent motion to indefinitely postpone passed 4‑1 (Johnson no).
• O‑26‑011 – Virtual Meeting Participation (Camera Requirement): The ordinance would require remote participants to keep cameras on. Opponents cited bandwidth issues, connectivity problems (as demonstrated by Director Cummings), personal privacy during illness or crisis, and a preference for hearing over seeing. The motion to recommend final passage failed 1‑4, and indefinite postponement passed 4‑1.
• O‑26‑012 – Amending Definition of Secondhand Dealers: Alderman Senate presented, stating the ordinance exempts coin dealers, trading card shops, and collectibles dealers from the 30‑day holding period and secondhand dealer classification. He noted similar legislation had stalled in 2021. Proponents argued the 30‑day rule is outdated for non‑serialized goods and that shops already keep records and cooperate with police. Alderman Clemens expressed concern about losing documentation requirements and suggested a middle ground, but no amendment was offered. The motion to recommend final passage passed 4‑1 (Clemens no).
• O‑26‑014 – Board of Aldermen Compensation (Attendance Requirements): Sponsored by Alderman Johnson, the ordinance would expand absentee triggers to include committee and special meetings (combined three absences per quarter would forfeit the stipend). Opponents argued that the current system (three regular meetings missed) is sufficient, that work outside meetings (newsletters, constituent service) is also valuable, and that extenuating circumstances are better handled case‑by‑case. The motion to recommend final passage failed 1‑4, and indefinite postponement passed 4‑1.
• O‑26‑002 (Attempt to Remove from Table): Alderman Johnson attempted to bring this ordinance (related to ADA/Zoom participation) off the table, but after brief discussion she withdrew the motion, agreeing to defer to the next meeting to allow review of new federal documents.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Christian Jimenez (Board of Health) and Stephanie Valentine (Greeley Park Advisory Committee) recommended for approval.
• R‑26‑036 (CPACER): Recommended for final passage (4‑1).
• O‑26‑007 (Insurance Opt‑Out): Recommended for final passage (3‑2).
• O‑26‑010 (Electronic Devices): Indefinitely postponed (4‑1).
• O‑26‑011 (Camera Requirement): Indefinitely postponed (4‑1).
• O‑26‑012 (Secondhand Dealers): Recommended for final passage (4‑1).
• O‑26‑014 (Compensation Attendance): Indefinitely postponed (4‑1).

All recommendations will be forwarded to the full Board of Aldermen for final action.