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Record of Proceedings

Nashua Board of Aldermen Meeting - September 23, 2026

Board of Aldermen Meetings — Wednesday, September 23, 2026
BodyNashua, New Hampshire
SessionBoard of Aldermen Meetings
DateWednesday, September 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:52:17

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:19

This meeting was duly noticed in two places, including the city's website and according with the requirements of RSA 91-A, colon 2, Roman numeral 2.

0:31

Uh the prayer will be offered tonight by Dan Healy and Alderman Dowd will lead us in the pledge of the flag.

0:37

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

0:44

Fill us, O 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.

1:02

So help us God.

1:04

Amen.

1:05

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:10

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all.

1:22

Before we get started, I am presiding this evening because President Wilshir had uh an emergency.

1:29

We'll start the meeting by taking a roll call.

1:31

Could the clerk please call the roll?

1:33

Alderman Clee.

1:35

Here.

1:36

Alderman Ravan.

1:37

Here.

1:38

Alderwoman Smith.

1:40

Here.

1:41

Alderman Tebow.

1:43

Here.

1:44

Alderman O'Brien.

1:45

Roger.

1:47

Alderman Greg.

1:50

Alderman Dowd.

1:52

President.

1:53

Alderman Sullivan.

1:55

Here.

1:56

Alderman Senate.

2:00

Alderman Johnson.

2:01

Present.

2:03

Alderwoman Kelly.

2:05

I'm here.

2:05

I'm attending remotely because I'm feeling unwell.

2:08

I can hear everyone, and there's no one in there.

2:12

Alderman Morgan.

2:13

Here.

2:15

Alderman Lopez.

2:16

Here.

2:18

Alwyn Wilshire.

2:21

Alderman Clemens.

2:22

Here.

2:24

12 present, three options.

2:26

Thank you.

2:27

Also in attendance this evening is Mayor Donchis and Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton.

2:33

Does the mayor have any remarks this evening?

2:36

Yes, Mr.

2:36

Vice President.

2:38

First, I wanted to address to some extent the issues pertaining to the Elm Street Middle School and the Keefe Auditorium.

3:03

We the administration, Mr.

3:06

Sullivan and everyone else is giving us a priority because we know there's still a critical need for new housing.

3:13

Demand remains high.

3:25

So my priority is for there to be housing at Elm Street.

3:31

And when we took public input regarding that site over the years, I think it started in 2020 or 21 during COVID because initially it was via Zoom.

4:02

There has been no clear consensus regarding how to uh deal with the uh Keefe Auditorium, which is a you know long-standing facility in the city.

4:14

Um I think it's fair to say that on the board of Alderman there has not been a consensus to raise Elm Street in order to provide housing, you know, where it is, excuse me, raise Keefe in order to provide housing uh where it where it is in addition to the rest of the site.

4:33

And there is not the uh consensus to uh do the improvements which are required or necessary to keep uh to improve Elm Street to the point where it can function after uh the housing project begins.

4:50

Now the auditorium commission, and you're gonna hear from Mr.

4:53

Schneider, uh, the chair of the commission later, has done a lot of work on this, and I'd like to thank them for that.

5:02

The work suggests that there's going to be significant improvements required there to keep Elm Street operational, you know, 16, 20, 18, 20 million dollars, something in that range.

5:14

So we have talked about a compromise approach towards this site in order to move forward with the housing and yet retain the at least the possibility that Elm Street could be improved.

5:30

And what we've talked about is preserving Elm starting the housing and preserving Elm Street, excuse me, preserving the Keefe in a in a not to be used but to be retained.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████19%
Historic Preservation██████████████14%
Arts And Culture██████████████14%
Budget Equity Analysis████████████12%
Public Engagement████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Wastewater Management██████6%
Public Comment████4%
Public Works████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Nashua Board of Aldermen Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Nashua Board of Aldermen met on September 23, 2026, for a regular meeting that began at approximately 7:00 PM and adjourned at 10:22 PM. The meeting featured a detailed presentation on the future of the Elm Street Middle School and Keefe Auditorium, including a compromise proposal to advance housing while preserving the auditorium. Debate continued on the Mulberry Street resource center bonding resolution, and final passage was given to a 7% increase in sewer fees. The board also approved a resolution to use fund balance to reduce the tax rate and introduced numerous bond resolutions for capital projects. Public comments raised concerns about rising taxes, salary increases, and the feasibility of the Keefe project.

Consent Calendar

  • Communications placed on file: Public Works referral, Penetruck quarterly report, elderly/disabled exemption review.
  • Reports of committees accepted and placed on file: Ad Hoc Capital Debt Committee (Aug 10, 2026), Budget Review Committee (June 2 and Aug 24, 2026), Joint Meeting Committee on Infrastructure and Library Board of Trustees (Aug 4, 2026), Joint Meeting Committee on Infrastructure and Board of Public Works (Aug 27, 2026), Penetreck Water Special Committee (Aug 31, 2026).
  • Confirmation of mayoral appointments: Joseph Duquet reappointed to the Airport Authority; Marnie Gordon appointed to the Historic District Commission. Both took the oath of office.
  • Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee appointments accepted.
  • Contract award with Transdev Inc. for transit operations (fixed route and paratransit) not to exceed $9,789,870 approved 12-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Fred Thiboom (24 Cheyenne Drive, Nashua): Expressed strong concern about the upcoming 8.41% tax rate increase, arguing that the board did not adequately consider the tax impact when adopting the budget. He criticized large salary increases for top city managers (e.g., 8.5% to 10% increases for Corporation Counsel, Director of Economic Development, Director of Public Works), stating these are excessive given the economic climate.
  • Laurie Ortolano (Nashua): Supported indefinitely postponing the Mulberry Street bonding resolution (R2620), arguing the Civil War-era building is unsuitable for a resource center and the city should seek other options. She also voiced skepticism about the Keefe Auditorium renovation, questioning the financial viability and the strain on taxpayers given the bonding total of $85 million listed on the agenda. She echoed concerns about management salaries and urged the board to hold the line on spending.

Discussion Items

  • Mayor's Remarks and Responses on Elm Street / Keefe Compromise: Mayor Jim Donchis outlined a compromise plan for the Elm Street Middle School site: create a TIF around the site to dedicate future tax revenue from housing to Keefe restoration, retain the purchase price in the TIF, issue no short-term bonding, and allow the Auditorium Commission time to fundraise. The Keefe would be preserved but closed for an estimated 3-4 years during fundraising. Several aldermen weighed in. Alderman Johnson expressed continued opposition, citing the need for a full plan. Alderman Dowd supported proceeding, noting the housing timeline of 2+ years gives the Commission time. Alderman Lopez emphasized the need for transparency on density and parking impacts on the neighborhood. Alderman Clee supported a phased approach and noted that fundraising requires a design first.
  • Keefe Auditorium Commission Update: Chairman Dennis Schneider presented options and costs: Option 1 (within existing footprint, no addition) at ~$18 million; Option 2 (with small addition, expanded lobby) ranging from $29-34 million. The TIF could cover $15-20 million, requiring external fundraising of $11-16 million. The Commission recommended a phased, phaseable plan and an operating model (either independent nonprofit or commercial contract). The expert panel suggested reaching 100 performance nights per year for breakeven. Aldermen questioned market analysis, potential competition with the Nashua Performing Arts Center (PAC), and the risk of sunk costs. The mayor noted the fire department now allows up to 2-3 years of non-code-compliant holding, enabling the compromise.
  • Wastewater Fee Increase (Final Passage of O-26-023): The ordinance raises sewer rates by 7% effective January 2027. Director Cummings explained the average increase is about $3 per month per household. Alderman Sullivan voted no, arguing the fund balance should be used to lower the increase given economic hardship; he noted the fund earned $400,000+ in interest annually. Alderman Johnson voted no, citing cumulative water/sewer increases and overall tax burden. Alderman O'Brien supported the increase, noting well-managed systems require adequate funding. The motion passed 9-3.

Key Outcomes

  • Sewer Fee Increase (O-26-023): Final passage approved 9-3. Increases sewer rate from $4.54 to $4.86 per 100 cubic feet and monthly meter charge from $20.44 to $21.87, beginning January 2027.
  • Fund Balance for Tax Rate (R-26-058): Adopted unanimously (12-0). Establishes use of $6 million from fund balance to reduce the FY2027 tax rate.
  • Mulberry Street Bonding Resolution (R2620): The board did not remove it from the table; motions to remove R26015 and R26020 both failed (4-8 each), leaving the resolution in abeyance.
  • Keefe Auditorium Next Steps: The board received the presentation without formal action. The Commission will develop a phasing plan, fundraising recommendation, and operating model recommendation based on feedback. No legislation was presented this meeting.
  • New Business Resolutions (First Readings): Multiple bond resolutions introduced for sewer infrastructure, wastewater improvements, solid waste equipment, capital equipment, swimming pool repairs, library design, fire training facility, fire station replacement/maintenance, citywide ERP system, DPW garage, and a purpose change for DPW bond proceeds. All were assigned to appropriate committees with public hearings scheduled on October 6 or October 26, 2026.
  • Trust Funds (R-26-074): First reading for creation of three new expendable trust funds and transfer of $790,387 from prior year escrows for various capital improvements. Referred to Budget Review Committee.

Meeting Transcript

This meeting was duly noticed in two places, including the city's website and according with the requirements of RSA 91-A, colon 2, Roman numeral 2. Uh the prayer will be offered tonight by Dan Healy and Alderman Dowd will lead us in the pledge of the flag. Almighty God, we have the high honor and the serious duty to manage the affairs of our beloved city. Fill us, O 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 allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Before we get started, I am presiding this evening because President Wilshir had uh an emergency. We'll start the meeting by taking a roll call. Could the clerk please call the roll? Alderman Clee. Here. Alderman Ravan. Here. Alderwoman Smith. Here. Alderman Tebow. Here. Alderman O'Brien. Roger. Alderman Greg. Alderman Dowd. President. Alderman Sullivan. Here. Alderman Senate. Alderman Johnson. Present. Alderwoman Kelly. I'm here. I'm attending remotely because I'm feeling unwell. I can hear everyone, and there's no one in there. Alderman Morgan. Here. Alderman Lopez. Here. Alwyn Wilshire. Alderman Clemens. Here. 12 present, three options. Thank you. Also in attendance this evening is Mayor Donchis and Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton. Does the mayor have any remarks this evening? Yes, Mr. Vice President. First, I wanted to address to some extent the issues pertaining to the Elm Street Middle School and the Keefe Auditorium. We the administration, Mr. Sullivan and everyone else is giving us a priority because we know there's still a critical need for new housing. Demand remains high.

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