Nashua Finance Committee Meeting - June 18, 2026

The Nashua Finance Committee met on June 17, 2026 (with the meeting timestamp recorded as June 18, 2026, likely due to time zone conversion) to approve multiple contracts, purchases, and resolutions. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted. The meeting included a presentation from Director of Administrative Services Tim Cummings regarding a proposed Human Resources performance audit, which did not require a vote.

Communications & Approvals

• Humane Society Contract Renewal: Approved a one-year contract (FY27) with the Humane Society for Greater Nashua for impoundment and quarantine services, not to exceed $112,353. Funding from Department 171 Community Services Fund/General Fund 56. Director Bobby Bagley noted the 23-year relationship and ordinance 937.
• Hazardous Device Robot: Approved purchase of a caliber Mini R1-5-120 with Claw Robot for the Police Hazardous Devices Unit from I Corps Technology, not to exceed $94,734.30. Funded by Homeland Security Grant (Dept. 150). Assistant Team Leader Pat Darty explained the robot complements a 20-year-old larger platform and is FBI-required.
• Fire Department Ballistic Protection: Approved purchase of ballistic protection equipment from Fire Tech & Safety, not to exceed $44,946. Funded by General Fund 61 (Dept. 152). Fire Chief Steve Buxton cited an incident at Sky Meadow and after-action recommendations.
• Fire Apparatus Tires: Approved purchase of tires from STTC Service Tire Truck Centers, not to exceed $40,615.80. Funded by General Fund 61 (Dept. 152). For 42 rear and 14 front tires on seven apparatus.
• Fire Station 4 Building Controls: Approved contract with Viking Controls for replacement of building controls at Station 4 (70 East Hollis Street), not to exceed $94,500. Funded by Bond 54 (Dept. 152). Deputy Fire Chief Adam Playot stated the system is at end of life (building built in 2006) and currently non-functional.
• PFAS-Free Protective Hoods: Approved purchase of 315 Innotex protective hoods from Fire Tech & Safety, not to exceed $48,825. Funded by General Fund 61 (Dept. 152). Chief Buxton noted this is a first step to remove PFAS from protective gear, with a study underway for turnout gear.
• East Hollis & Bridge Street Intersection Design Amendment: Approved Amendment #3 to the engineering services agreement with McFarland Johnson, not to exceed $50,000. Funded by a DOT grant (100% federally funded). City Engineer Dan Hudson cited final design elements including landscaping.
• Biosolids Management Contract: Approved a three-year contract with Wastewater Management of New Hampshire for biosolids disposal, not to exceed $3,894,445. Funded by Wastewater Fund (Dept. 169). Wastewater Superintendent Dave Boucher explained the city produces ~8,500 wet tons per year; the new vendor owns landfills, while the previous vendor land-applied, which is becoming more regulated (PFAS issues).
• Polymer Purchase (FY27): Approved purchase of polymer from Polydyne Inc., not to exceed $650,000. Funded by Wastewater Fund (Dept. 169). Used for dewatering sludge; Polydyne had the best product at reasonable cost per bench tests.
• Paratransit Bus Purchase: Approved purchase of four Dodge Ram ProMaster ADA accessible low-floor cutaway buses from Model 1 Commercial Vehicles Inc., not to exceed $1,082 (transcript likely missing three zeros; funding breakdown totals $1,008,628: $857,334 federal grant, $75,647 NHDOT grant, $75,647 SURF plan). City share is ~$75,000 (7.5%). Community Development Director Matt Sullivan noted NTS evaluated electric and CNG alternatives but found them unsuitable due to range, length, and federal requirements.
• Transit Operations Contract Extension: Approved Amendment #6 extending the contract with First Transit/Transdev for 51 days (through August 20, 2026), not to exceed $550,000. Funded by FTA grant (Dept. 186). Director Sullivan explained the extension is needed to finalize a new long-term contract; the 51-day period was a negotiation with the vendor.
• Emergency Sewer Repair: Accepted and filed an emergency purchase order for a sewer repair at 125 Temple Street, with no objections.

Discussion Item: Human Resources Performance Audit

• Director of Administrative Services Tim Cummings presented concerns about lack of standardized policies in HR, including inconsistent handling of FMLA compliance, intoxicated employee incidents, harassment reporting procedures, and employee reclassification (25% of unaffiliated/UAW employees reclassified last year without a standardized policy). He proposed issuing an RFP for an outside consultant to conduct a performance audit, noting a new HR manager starts in August. No vote was taken; the discussion was informational and to gauge committee support before proceeding with procurement.

New Business Resolutions

• R26043 - Mine Falls Park Antenna Lease Amendment: Recommended final passage of a fourth amendment to the site lease with Singular Wireless (AT&T). Extends the contract through December 21, 2053, with rent starting at $6,620.45/month on December 22, 2028, with 3% annual increases. The item also goes to the Board of Public Works.
• R26045 - Drop Mobility Lease at Elm Street Middle School: Recommended final passage of a lease agreement with Dropbike Corp. (Drop Mobility) for space at 117 Elm Street (formerly used by a warming station) to repair pedal-assist bikes and charge batteries. Lease runs through October 15, 2026. Sustainability Manager Deb Chisholm explained the bikes are part of a 50-bike share program accessed via the RideNashua app.
• Centennial Pool Design Services (Suspended Rules): After suspending the rules to consider a late communication, approved an engineering service contract with Turner Group for design and bid specifications to replace Centennial Pool, not to exceed $103,600. Funded by Parks Fund (Dept. 177). Parks Superintendent Brian Conan noted the pool was built in the 1950s and has a bubbling liner, but is expected to last through the summer.

Record of Expenditures

• Approved the record of expenditures for May 29, 2026 through June 11, 2026, confirming compliance with city charter and ordinances.

General Discussion

• The Mayor noted the city is again recognized for efficient operations in a national survey measuring cost versus quality of services, ranking in the top five.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. following a unanimous vote.