OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Nashua Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting - August 12, 2026

Board of Aldermen Meetings — Wednesday, August 12, 2026
BodyNashua, New Hampshire
SessionBoard of Aldermen Meetings
DateWednesday, August 12, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
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1:11

I'm gonna call the regular meeting of the Board of Alderman to order on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 at 7 30 p.m.

1:17

in the Al Dominic Chamber, which has been duly noticed in two places, including the city's website in accordance with the requirements of RC91A.

1:25

Tonight the prayer will be offered by City Clerk Dan Healy and Alderman at large Amber Morgan will lead us in the pledge to the flag.

1:31

Almighty God, we have the high honor and the serious duty to manage the affairs of our beloved city.

1:37

Fill us, oh God, with a spirit of unity and understanding, which enables us to face our multiple problems with a serene mind with justice and charity for all, so that any and all decisions made by us will always be for the betterment and greater happiness of all our fellow citizens.

1:55

So help us God.

1:56

Amen.

1:58

I pledge a little bit of a lot of people.

2:12

While we're standing, while we're standing, I'd like to take a moment to recognize that uh Alderman Johnson lost her husband this week and would like to take a moment of silent in recognition of that.

2:25

Thank you.

2:34

Thank you.

2:35

Thank you.

2:40

That's odd.

2:44

Start the meeting by taking a roll call attendance, please.

2:48

Alderman Clemens.

2:49

Here.

2:52

Alderman Clee.

2:54

Here.

2:55

Alderman Ravan.

2:56

Here.

2:58

Alderwoman Smith.

3:00

Here.

3:02

Alderman Tebow.

3:03

Here.

3:05

Alderman O'Brien.

3:10

Alderman Greg.

3:14

Alderman Dowd.

3:15

President.

3:17

Alderman Sullivan.

3:18

Here.

3:19

Alderman Senate.

3:21

Here.

3:22

Alderman Johnson.

3:24

President.

3:25

Alderwoman Kelly.

3:26

Here.

3:28

Alderman Morgan.

3:29

Here.

3:31

Alderman Lopez.

3:32

Here.

3:33

Alderman Wilshire.

3:35

Here.

3:36

14 present, one absent.

3:38

Thank you.

3:39

Also joining us this evening is Mayor Jim Donchus and Corporation Council Steve Bolton.

3:43

Mayor, did you wish to address the board this evening?

3:45

Um yes, thank you very much, Madam President.

3:48

Uh the first thing I wanted to mention is that there have been a reports in the news media of water companies, water systems around the United States, uh Minnesota and other places, that have been attacked uh from a IT point of view uh by foreign operatives, uh maybe from Russia or Iran.

4:18

And when they get into one of these systems, they try to cut off the water and cause uh havoc that way.

4:25

Uh you might recall that we our school department uh suffered an attack and we uh incurred quite a bit of expense as a result, although they were able to restore all their data and thanks to um Nick Mysevich and his people, uh they did not get into the main city system, uh which handles payroll for the school department and everyone else, uh as long as as uh as well as all of the financial transactions.

5:00

In any event, um we um have talked with Penichuk, um President Bobber, John Bauber about working together with uh the city IT department in order to make sure that uh we exchange information and uh work together to make sure that both systems, both here in City Hall and at Penichuk, are as invulnerable as possible to these cyber attacks.

5:30

So I know those discussions are beginning now, and I'm hopeful that uh we can improve safety for everyone, um, including our water supply at Pinnachuk.

5:44

The other thing I wanted to mention, Madam President, is the uh meeting that you held at 7 o'clock where the uh Director Cummings was able to brief you on the findings or the recommendations of the Capital Priorities Committee.

6:02

Uh the reason that this committee was formed, and uh President Wilshire and I appointed this first in the previous term.

6:12

Uh the point of this is that uh the city has many different capital projects that could be done, but as we review the uh cost of all these things, and costs continue to rise all the time.

6:27

Uh the city cannot afford to do all these projects, especially in the short term.

6:33

So the idea here was to establish uh priorities which projects are more important and should be undertaken first.

6:42

Uh and uh that is uh the uh and and in the previous term the goal was to try to bond no more than $30 million a year, but 25 with $5 million reserved for some kind of for any kind of emergencies which arise.

7:01

And um uh Director Cummings, I know briefed you on the conclusions of the continuation of the Capital Priorities Committee, which uh finished its work last night.

7:13

So I just wanted to put that in perspective and uh give you a little history for those of you who may not be aware of uh how this has all arisen.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████████████24%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Homelessness███████7%
Procurement Processes██████6%
Employee Retirement Benefits█████5%
Technology and Innovation███3%
Parking Regulations███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Nashua Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting - August 12, 2026

The Nashua Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (the meeting convened on August 11 at 7:30 p.m. and continued into early August 12). The meeting began with a moment of silence for the recent passing of Alderman Johnson's husband, followed by the mayor's remarks on cybersecurity and capital priorities. Key discussions included a greenhouse gas inventory presentation, a supplemental appropriation resolution split into seven parts, overnight parking in Ward 5, and public comment time limits. The board also received public testimony on homelessness, camping bans, and other community issues.

Consent Calendar

  • Accepted multiple communications and reports from city departments (traffic, public works, planning, cemeteries, Penichuck Water, arts commission, etc.) and placed them on file.
  • Approved a two-year contract with CBIS CPA's PC for auditing services (FY2026-2027) at a total of up to $340,000.
  • Approved property owner David Campbell's request to unmerge two involuntarily merged lots (parcel 89-21).
  • Approved $2,500 in support of the Arts City Nashua project.
  • Confirmed the reappointment of Joseph Ducat to the Airport Authority and referred to Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee.
  • Confirmed the appointment of Michael McDowell (replacing withdrawn nominee Judith Carlson) to the Nashua Arts Commission.
  • Accepted reports of various committees (Budget Review, Infrastructure, Human Affairs, joint meetings) and placed on file.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bob Keating expressed support for a gap analysis on homelessness, citing a federal judge's ruling on HUD rules and urging immediate shelter and housing for the most vulnerable.
  • Andy Pullman (attorney for Silverlining Development) spoke in favor of a petition to issue building permits for two lots at the end of Lyndon Street, noting the property had gone through the planning board process.
  • Eve Arnold urged the board to reject indefinite postponement of a gap study on homelessness (R-26-049), arguing the board should work with citizens and support Alderman Gregg's efforts.
  • Ben Heaney criticized the survival bans (camping bans) and called for repeal; he urged the board to carry out a gap analysis rather than table it.
  • Laurie Ortolano opposed the appointment of Judith Carlson to the Arts Commission (later withdrawn), opposed the supplemental appropriation (R-26-048) for COVID expenses, and supported eliminating the 15-minute time limit and increasing individual public comment time.
  • Myra Nikitas (Traveling Tooth Ferry) requested the board allocate $100,000 for the dental program, describing its services for children and reliance on grants.
  • Patrice Noel (second public comment) shared her personal story of becoming homeless that day, criticized the city's response to homelessness, and called for immediate action.
  • Holly Belberg raised concerns about cybersecurity and a building project at Palm Square, referencing reports of criminal activity.
  • Samson Rachopi spoke about ADA accommodations for remote participation and criticized the city's handling of right-to-know requests.

Presentations

  • Taylor Barry (UNH intern, Sustainability Department) presented the City of Nashua 2024 greenhouse gas inventory and analysis. Key findings: the city produced 38,469 megatons of CO2 equivalent in 2024; overall scope 1 and 2 emissions increased 1.05% from 2016, missing the 25% reduction goal by 2025. The highest emitters were solid waste, buildings/facilities (especially schools), and vehicle fleet. Recommendations included food waste diversion (composting), electrification of buildings and vehicles, a tree inventory, and a municipal green revolving fund. Positive steps include the landfill gas-to-energy plant, solar arrays on six buildings, and EV charging station requirements.

Discussion Items

  • R-26-048 (Supplemental Appropriation): The board voted to split the question into seven parts (A through G) after a roll call (9-5). Each part was debated and voted separately.

    • Part A ($247,386.18 for Ledge Street playground equipment): Passed 14-0.
    • Part B ($100,000 for Traveling Tooth Ferry dental program): Passed 14-0.
    • Part C ($500,000 for city retirements): Passed 13-1 (Alderman Johnson opposed, arguing it should have been in the budget).
    • Part D ($40,000 for lead grant program salaries/expenses): Passed after extensive questioning about employee leave, separation pay, and HUD reimbursement. The discussion included clarification that these are expenses HUD will not reimburse. Passed 11-3.
    • Part E ($5,250 for park/field rehabilitation from facility rental fees): Passed 14-0.
    • Part F ($42,758.50 for park/field rehabilitation from field rental fees): Passed 14-0.
    • Part G ($672,299.87 for COVID-19 expenses): Passed 13-1 (Alderman Johnson opposed).

  • R-26-049 (Homeless Service Gap Analysis Committee): A motion to table (indefinitely postpone) was made as a courtesy to the main sponsor who was absent. The motion carried after discussion; some aldermen expressed concerns that a 90-day study could delay work on a resource center.

  • R-26-050 (Transfer $35,000 to Nashua Association for the Elderly): Passed unanimously.

  • R-26-051 (Auctioning Tax-Deeded Property): Passed (voice vote with one nay noted).

  • O-26-012 (Secondhand Dealers Definition): An amendment replaced the original with a compromise requiring a 15-day waiting period before resale. Passed as amended.

  • O-26-016 (Stop Sign on Pinebrook Road): Declared duly adopted.

  • O-26-017 (Solid Waste Equipment Reserve Fund Removal): Declared duly adopted.

  • O-26-018 (Removing Total Time Limit for Public Comment in Committee Meetings): Declared duly adopted.

  • O-26-019 (Incorporating Environmental Health Subdivision Review Fee): Declared duly adopted.

  • O-26-020 (Overnight Parking in Ward 5, May 1-Oct 31): A motion to re-refer failed (6-8); a motion for indefinite postponement carried.

  • O-26-021 (Increasing Individual Public Comment Time): An amendment to set time at 3 minutes 30 seconds (first period only) passed after debate. Final passage as amended passed 11-3.

  • New Business (First Readings): R-26-053 (increasing motor vehicle permit fee allocation for roads to $2 million), R-26-054 (authorizing Penichuck line of credit extension), R-26-055 (transfer for hydrant fees), R-26-056 (transfer for citywide communications salaries), and O-26-023 (increasing sewer use fees) were all assigned to committees.

Key Outcomes

  • Moment of silence observed for Alderman Johnson's husband.
  • Greenhouse gas inventory presented; city not on track for 2025 goals but recommended actions noted.
  • Supplemental appropriation passed in seven parts; total $1,607,694.55 approved with specific votes.
  • Homeless gap analysis committee resolution tabled.
  • Overnight parking in Ward 5 indefinitely postponed.
  • Public comment period increased to 3 minutes 30 seconds for the first period.
  • Secondhand dealers amendment (15-day waiting period) adopted.
  • All other resolutions and ordinances on the agenda were passed, postponed, or referred as noted.
  • Alderman Johnson announced intent to revisit ADA remote participation legislation.

Meeting Transcript

I'm gonna call the regular meeting of the Board of Alderman to order on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 at 7 30 p.m. in the Al Dominic Chamber, which has been duly noticed in two places, including the city's website in accordance with the requirements of RC91A. Tonight the prayer will be offered by City Clerk Dan Healy and Alderman at large Amber Morgan will lead us in the pledge to the flag. Almighty God, we have the high honor and the serious duty to manage the affairs of our beloved city. Fill us, oh God, with a spirit of unity and understanding, which enables us to face our multiple problems with a serene mind with justice and charity for all, so that any and all decisions made by us will always be for the betterment and greater happiness of all our fellow citizens. So help us God. Amen. I pledge a little bit of a lot of people. While we're standing, while we're standing, I'd like to take a moment to recognize that uh Alderman Johnson lost her husband this week and would like to take a moment of silent in recognition of that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That's odd. Start the meeting by taking a roll call attendance, please. Alderman Clemens. Here. Alderman Clee. Here. Alderman Ravan. Here. Alderwoman Smith. Here. Alderman Tebow. Here. Alderman O'Brien. Alderman Greg. Alderman Dowd. President. Alderman Sullivan. Here. Alderman Senate. Here. Alderman Johnson. President. Alderwoman Kelly. Here. Alderman Morgan. Here. Alderman Lopez. Here. Alderman Wilshire. Here. 14 present, one absent. Thank you. Also joining us this evening is Mayor Jim Donchus and Corporation Council Steve Bolton. Mayor, did you wish to address the board this evening? Um yes, thank you very much, Madam President. Uh the first thing I wanted to mention is that there have been a reports in the news media of water companies, water systems around the United States, uh Minnesota and other places, that have been attacked uh from a IT point of view uh by foreign operatives, uh maybe from Russia or Iran. And when they get into one of these systems, they try to cut off the water and cause uh havoc that way. Uh you might recall that we our school department uh suffered an attack and we uh incurred quite a bit of expense as a result, although they were able to restore all their data and thanks to um Nick Mysevich and his people, uh they did not get into the main city system, uh which handles payroll for the school department and everyone else, uh as long as as uh as well as all of the financial transactions.

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