Nashua Board of Aldermen Special Meeting – July 28, 2026

The Board of Aldermen convened a special meeting on July 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. The primary focus was a public hearing on two budget-related items: discontinuance of the solid waste equipment reserve fund (O26017) and a supplemental appropriation of $1,607,000 (R26048) covering multiple projects and fund true-ups. The meeting also included a second reading and final passage of a resolution extending the performance period for three Homeland Security grants (R26052). Aldermen expressed concerns about bundling multiple items in one resolution and raised questions about funding sources, equity, and accountability.

Consent Calendar – Public Hearing on O26017

• O26017 – Discontinuance of Solid Waste Equipment Reserve Fund: Director of Administrative Services Tim Cummings explained the fund is no longer needed as solid waste vehicle funding was moved to the SURF. No testimony was offered in favor or opposition. The public hearing closed at 7:04 p.m. No vote was taken at this hearing.

Public Hearing on R26048 – Supplemental Appropriation of $1,607,000

• Director Cummings provided an overview: the resolution trues up various accounts at year-end and includes specific projects funded by gaming revenue and other sources. Projects include the Ledge Street Playground ($247,386.18 from charitable gaming), Traveling Tooth Fairies dental program, city retirement trust fund ($500,000), lead grant backfill ($40,000), parks and recreation field fee revenue transfer, and a FEMA COVID grant shortfall ($672,299).

Ledge Street Playground Project

• Presentation: Michelle Mills, a teacher at Ledge Street School for 32 years, and Rosie Ogagney, assistant principal, presented the project. The current playground is outdated, lacks handicap accessibility, and is dangerously close to the road. The plan relocates the playground to the backfield, with an estimated total cost of $254,406. The school has raised $25,000. The requested $247,386.18 (from charitable gaming) plus the $25,000 raised covers the entire estimate. 78% of students are economically disadvantaged, making PTO fundraising difficult. Several aldermen expressed support, including Alderman Morgan (alumnus) and Alderman Johnson, who asked about separating the playground from the larger resolution. Alderman O'Brien advised consulting the fire department about access for emergency vehicles due to past brush fires.
• Clarifying Questions: Alderman Johnson noted the discrepancy between the requested amount ($247,386.18) and the slide estimate ($254,406); Ms. Mills confirmed the balance comes from the school’s fundraising. Chairman Cummings and Alderman Thibault confirmed that the charitable gaming funds are derived from SB 472 (2024). Alderman Clee noted the school’s PTO just became eligible for charitable gaming and urged coordination with local casinos.

Traveling Tooth Fairies Dental Program

• Presentation: Co-founder Myra Nikitas described the program, a Nashua-based 501(c)(3) providing preventative dental care to children in schools. In the past school year, they served over 1,500 students, placed over 7,500 sealants, and provided over 1,500 fluoride treatments. They also connect children to dental homes and cover urgent care for uninsured children. The program is funded through grants and does not cost the city or school district. They are requesting continued support via the supplemental appropriation. They are on a waiting list for charitable gaming dates (12–24 months).
• Discussion: Alderman Morgan questioned why this request wasn't addressed through the Community Assistance Fund (CAC) process, expressing concern about equity for other nonprofits. Alderman Thibault clarified the CAC gave $2,500 to Traveling Tooth Fairies, which was a small amount. Director Cummings acknowledged the point about equitable treatment and suggested future consideration. Alderman Clee noted the program’s positive impact on school attendance. Alderman Greg confirmed the funds would be used only in Nashua.

Other Line Items in R26048

• City Retirement Trust Fund ($500,000): Director Cummings requested additional funding to shore up the fund, which currently holds $175,000, as any single retirement could cost over $100,000. The FY27 budget included $250,000; an extra $500,000 is needed.
• Lead Grant Backfill ($40,000): Director Matt Sullivan explained that two employees were on paid administrative leave and that HUD determined their time was not reimbursable under the lead/ CDBG grants. The city must cover those payroll costs. Alderman Johnson and Sullivan clarified the funds are an appropriation to cover a liability, not a reimbursement. CFO Enright stated that without approval, it remains an outstanding liability that could become an audit finding.
• Parks and Recreation Fee Revenue Transfer: Carolyn O'Connor (DPW) requested moving increased field fee revenue into the expendable trust fund for park improvements. No opposition.
• FEMA COVID Grant Shortfall ($672,299): CFO Don Enright reported that total expenses incurred from March 2020 to March 2023 were $1,350,534, but FEMA reimbursement received was only $678,234, leaving a shortfall of $672,299. A major denied item was firefighter quarantine overtime ($373,916). The city has appealed multiple times but final determinations indicate no further reimbursement. Alderman Johnson and Thibault expressed concerns about the lack of detail on other denied expenses. Alderman Clee noted that unresolved liabilities could affect the city’s triple-A bond rating. The item has been on the books since 2023.

New Business – Resolution R26052

• R26052 – Extension of Homeland Security Grant Performance Period: The resolution approves extending the grant period to August 31, 2028, at no additional cost, to complete procurement of a hazardous device robotic platform, SWAT ballistic vests/ helmets, and night vision equipment. The original grant expired September 30, 2026. Alderman Lopez confirmed there is no cost to the city.
• Vote: Motion to suspend rules for second reading passed unanimously (14–0). Final passage also passed unanimously (14–0). Resolution declared duly adopted.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing on O26017 was held without opposition; no further action recorded.
• The public hearing on R26048 will be further deliberated at the Budget Review Committee. Aldermen indicated intentions to propose amendments to separate certain line items, particularly the Ledge Street Playground and the FEMA shortfall. No vote was taken at this hearing.
• Resolution R26052 was unanimously approved, extending the grant performance period.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m., followed immediately by the Budget Review Committee meeting.