Nashua Board of Public Works Meeting - August 27, 2026

The Board of Public Works met on August 27, 2026, to consider a wastewater rate model presentation, approve sewer user fee increases, and act on numerous departmental contracts and permits. The meeting featured a presentation from Hazen and Sawyer on the proposed rate model, public comment on stormwater flooding, and unanimous approval of most agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Passed unanimously.
• Motion to approve the minutes of the July 30, 2026 meeting. Passed unanimously.
• Approved sewer service permits and fees as submitted.
• Approved pole license petitions as listed.
• Approved drain layer licenses for Earnings Excavation of NH LLC and From Up Site Work LLC, with a six-month probationary period.
• Approved various sole source purchases: signs and paint supplies from Permaline ($38,000), asphalt and aggregates from Brox Industries and Continental Paving ($147,000), recycling and trash carts from Totar Inc. ($145,000).
• Approved engineering services contracts: Sanborn Head & Associates for landfill gas telemetry monitoring ($87,750 over three years), for landfill temporary cap design ($46,500), for gas collection system modifications ($74,000), and SCS Field Services for PFAS pilot infrastructure ($400,143).
• Approved contract with Hazen and Sawyer for biosolids feasibility evaluation ($116,462.73).
• Approved amendment with ADS Environmental Services for CSO discharge notification ($46,500).
• Approved installation of splash pad equipment at Jeff Moran Park ($205,758, with $200,000 from CDBG).
• Approved user warrants for wastewater.
• Accepted retirement of Michael Pinkham from Solid Waste, effective September 7, 2026.
• Unsealed non-public minutes from July 30, 2026.
• Moved into non-public session for personnel matters; minutes sealed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Weston, a resident of Medarik Drive, expressed concern about stormwater flooding behind his home. He stated that a creek becomes unmanageable during heavy rain due to a bottleneck—an 18-inch pipe under a driveway—that causes water to back up. He asked the city to study the issue and find a solution. The board acknowledged his comments and directed the city engineer to follow up.

Discussion Items

• Wastewater Rate Model Presentation: Frank Ayott and Olivia August of Hazen and Sawyer, along with Noelle Osborne (Wastewater Operations Supervisor), presented the updated wastewater rate model. The model is designed to maintain a robust fund balance covering three months of operating expenses, 25% of capital projects, and one year of debt service. Projected expenses total nearly $30 million by 2030, driven by capital projects (phase one upgrades, sludge storage, clarifier upgrades, biosolids handling, CSO compliance). Presenters noted that recent inflation has increased operations and maintenance costs by 6.1% annually and capital costs by 8% annually, above the 4.4% CPI average. The proposed rate increase is 7% annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, a deceleration from the 10% increases of the prior two years. The board discussed the rate trajectory, fund balance status, and comparison with neighboring utilities (Nashua's rates are mid-range; Manchester approved a 19% annual increase). Commissioner Shea questioned the need for annual model updates and associated costs. Director of Public Works clarified that the model is dynamic and updated continuously. Alderman Dowd raised concerns about the timing of rate increases for condo associations with July-to-June budgets; it was noted that increases take effect January 1, but the board could consider shifting to July. Commissioner Shea suggested better communication via QR codes on bills and YouTube links. The presentation included benchmarking showing Nashua's rates remain affordable, below 2% of median household income.
• Holman Stadium Programming: Commissioner Shea reported on exploratory discussions to expand programming at Holman Stadium, including potential movie nights on the field using a projector aimed at the batter's eye. He proposed adding Cam Cook (Silver Knights), Sandy Belknap (neighborhood representative), and the Recreation Superintendent to the advisory group. The motion passed unanimously.
• Commissioner Comments on Political Signs: Commissioner Lemon noted constituent complaints about political signs on city property, including at Edgewood Cemetery and on telephone poles. The Superintendent of Streets stated that signs on city property are removed upon notification, but signs on city rights-of-way or utility poles are not city property. The board advised reporting specific locations.

Key Outcomes

• Wastewater Rate Increase Approved: The board voted to approve the sewer user fee increase as presented in the meeting packet. The increase is 7% effective January 1, 2027, with subsequent 7% increases planned for 2028 and 2029. The motion passed unanimously.
• All other motions (sole source purchases, contracts, permits, splash pad, biosolids evaluation, etc.) passed unanimously by voice vote.
• The board entered non-public session under RSA 91-A:3(II)(a) for personnel matters; minutes sealed.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 PM (time noted as 20 minutes after start at 5:10).