Special Board of Alderman Meeting on Resource Center – August 26, 2026

This special meeting was called to discuss and advance plans for a resource center to serve Nashua’s unhoused population. The meeting began with a prayer, roll call (15 aldermen present, one remote), and the introduction of the new HR manager, Michelle McGonagall. The primary agenda item was a presentation by Director of Public Health Bobby Bagley and Housing Services Officer Jessica Connors on the proposed resource center, followed by extensive board discussion and a unanimous vote to proceed with a federal grant application.

Consent Calendar

• Communication from President Lori Wilshard regarding calling the special meeting was accepted and placed on file without objection.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of HR Manager: Director Tim Cummings introduced Michelle McGonagall as the new HR manager, emphasizing the role’s importance and noting she joined the city about a week prior. McGonagall briefly welcomed the board.

• Resource Center Presentation (Director Bagley & Officer Connors):

  • Provided end-of-year data on community health worker services: 860 client interactions, 91 mental health referrals, 14 job placements, 137 housing applications assisted, 69 housing placements (51 apartments, 5 permanent, 3 transitional, 1 assisted living, 1 safe haven).
  • Current operations at 18 Mulberry Street lack adequate space for private meetings; the resource center aims to centralize services.
  • Proposed services: housing navigation, emergency shelter referrals, substance use and mental health treatment, vital records assistance, benefits applications.
  • On-site amenities: showers, laundry, computer/internet access; daytime resource center (9am-4pm, 7 days/week) that can convert to an overnight warming station (7pm-7am) servicing 40-50 guests (based on prior winter experience and fire code capacity).
  • Transitional housing: 6-8 units on site, to be managed by a contracted property management firm.
  • Staffing: community health workers, two part-time hires for weekends, volunteer support, and on-site partner engagement (no formal MOUs yet, but verbal commitments from mental health and other organizations).
  • An interim “proof of concept” center with a downtown partner is set to launch in September 2026.
  • The city was awarded a $1.2 million congressional directed spending (CDS) grant (originally requested $3.6M) but must submit an updated application by October 15, 2026, specifying how the funds will be used. The board’s consensus on scope and priorities is needed to proceed.
  • Director Cummings proposed a feasibility study (approx. $20k per phase, two phases, total ~$40k) to develop a program, engage stakeholders, and determine square footage and costs over an 8-week period beginning in September.

• Board Questions & Comments:

  • Alderman Keeble asked about the 40-50 person capacity (not wanting to attract more unhoused from other regions) and partner commitments; Bagley explained that the size is based on documented local need and that partners are ready to provide services on site without committing formal staffing yet. Keeble noted that a resource center is “one tool” and housing is the ultimate solution.
  • Alderman Dowd raised concerns about funding, 24/7 staffing/security, overtime costs, and the need for a long-term financial plan. Connors clarified that operating expenses are already in the public health budget, part-time staff will reduce overtime, and property managers are not on-site 24/7. Dowd stressed the need for vetting residents.
  • Alderman Senate sought clarity on the grant application’s required specificity; Bagley and Connors explained that the application must describe how the $1.2M will be used (e.g., land acquisition, building purchase, construction) but does not require an exact address. The board’s approval is needed before submission.
  • Alderman Johnson questioned the feasibility study cost (~$40k) and compared the resource center to existing nonprofit programs like Revive. Bagley distinguished the city’s safety-net role and noted that community health workers refer individuals to supportive services. Johnson also asked about the building size; Bagley said a feasibility study would determine that, referencing 14 Mulberry Street as too small for all components.
  • Alderwoman Kelly supported the feasibility study, noting similar studies for other city projects. She asked if the 8-week timeline would meet the October 15 deadline; Cummings affirmed that with board approval at the September finance committee, it is achievable.
  • Alderman Clee expressed strong support but wanted a written plan for transitional housing requirements (e.g., length of stay, steps for residents). Bagley said such program details will be developed and are based on existing rental assistance programs.
  • Alderman Morgan suggested using the $1.2M for both the feasibility study and property acquisition, noting that once the application is accepted, the city is committed.
  • Alderman Clemens urged moving forward quickly without additional studies, trusting staff expertise.
  • Alderman Vermitting questioned whether one resource center will be sufficient and relayed constituent fears about downtown safety. Bagley emphasized education and outcome transparency, and noted that the aging population is a growing part of housing instability.
  • Alderman Smith worried about total project cost (beyond $1.2M) and funding sources (matching grants, city investment). Bagley and Connors said the feasibility study will define full costs, and that city investment will be necessary; additional grants (e.g., opioid abatement loan, tax credits) are possible once scope is clear.
  • Alderman Greg noted that outsourcing transitional housing management mitigates city liability and supported the feasibility study.
  • Alderman Dowd later suggested using casino funds for debt service and mentioned a possible closed school as a future location.
  • Alderman Lopez vouched for Director Bagley’s expertise and urged the board to support her leadership.

Key Outcomes

• After discussion, Alderwoman Kelly moved to “direct Director Bagley to take the next step to complete the HUD application for the $1.2 million dollars.” The motion passed unanimously (15-0).
• The vote empowers staff to proceed with the grant application and related activities, including presenting the feasibility study scope to the Finance Committee for approval.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. by a roll call vote of 13-2.

Note: The agenda called the meeting for August 25, 2026, but the transcript timestamp records the meeting as occurring on August 26, 2026. The vote and comments reflect the discussions of August 25 evening.