Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee met on Monday, October 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Chairwoman Soshana Kelly presided with four members present, constituting a quorum. The committee conducted interviews for the Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee, discussed an ordinance regarding electronic public comment for individuals with disabilities, and approved several appointments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laurie Ordolano (Nashua resident) spoke twice. In her first comment, she raised concerns about the proposed ordinance O-26-002, including the lack of a definition for "ADA zoom access," the role of Donna Graham in screening documentation, the handling of confidential medical information, and the failure to share a legal opinion from Steve Bolton. She urged the committee to address liability issues. In her second comment, she criticized the absence of legal counsel, questioned why the ADA coordinator rejected a citizen’s request for Zoom access without requesting documentation, and argued that the ordinance's limitations could create liability for the city.

Discussion Items

• Interviews for Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee – Director Bobby Bagley introduced three candidates:

  • Latanya Muscioli (Executive Director, Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire) – highlighted her experience with the city, continuum of care, and state-level housing stability work. She identified gaps such as lack of daytime respite, voucher discrimination, and rising rents.
  • Jane Goodman (Executive Director, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter) – emphasized the need for a data-driven roadmap to prioritize limited resources and address barriers like mental health and youth homelessness.
  • Tonya Nisley (Community organizer with lived experience) – advocated for intentional communities, inclusive solutions, and reducing the dehumanization of those in need. She noted gaps in follow-through and agency capacity.
  • Aldermen questioned the size of the committee (seven members) and the nature of gaps. Alderman Derek Thibault expressed surprise at "huge and large gaps" and asked why previous efforts had not closed them. Alderman Paula Johnson and Vice Chair Ben Clemens highlighted the need for state and federal support. Alderman Amber Morgan commended Tonya Nisley for her bravery. The candidates agreed that the gap analysis would expose, not close, gaps, and stressed the importance of existing data and collaboration.

• Ordinance O-26-002 – Electronic Public Comment for People with Disabilities – Alderman Paula Johnson presented an amended version that defines disability per the ADA (42 U.S. Code 12102) and requires three business days' notice with documentation. The committee added two amendments: eligibility determination by the risk department (motion by Alderman Clemens) and an effective date of November 15, 2026 (motion by Alderman Clemens). Debate included concerns about documentation burden, the cost of Zoom, and whether the ordinance was necessary given current ADA compliance. Alderman Thibault opposed any Zoom access, stating it is a "crutch." Chairwoman Kelly noted the need for legal input on liability. The motion to recommend final passage failed, and a subsequent motion to send the ordinance to the full board with no recommendation passed.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments Approved (all by voice vote with majority support):
  • Charles Emmons to the Arts Commission (reappointment, term to July 30, 2029)
  • Carl Andrade to the Business and Industrial Development Authority (reappointment, term to September 13, 2028)
  • Frank Tees to the Electric Aggregation Committee (reappointment, term to August 31, 2028)
  • Jane Goodman, Latanya Muscioli, and Tonya Nisley to the Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee (new appointments, no set term)
• Ordinance O-26-002 – Sent to the full Board of Aldermen with no recommendation after the motion to recommend final passage failed (voice vote: ayes and nays, not tallied).

The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.