Public Meetings - Nashua, New Hampshire

The joint meeting of the Board of Public Works Commissioners and the Committee of Infrastructure convened on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5:35 PM at 848 West Hollis Street. Attendance included eight members (Commissioners Speedia, Greg, Lemon, Shea; Aldermen Thibodeau, Sullivan, Clear, Dowd; Chairman Alderman Mike O'Brien) plus Mayor Dodgers (a Public Works Commission member). Director Lisa Foto and Director Tim Cummings were also present. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Paula Johnson (15 Westbourne Drive): Raised multiple concerns about the proposed DPW garage. Key questions included: the size of the garage; requirements for separate alarm systems and automatic fire suppression for C&G vehicles; proper ventilation due to potential historical toxic waste from the previous property owner (Dokas family); costs of toxic cleanup; rodent/mice infestation risks from adjacent landfill; the change in projected building lifespan from 30 to 20 years; and the cost of a proposed monument sign. She noted she requested this information via a Right-to-Know request at a July 24th meeting but had not received a response. She urged careful construction to avoid change orders. Discussion Items - DPW Garage Project Progress Update (presented by Dave Hurley of Left Field and Director Lisa Foto): - Weekly coordination meetings are ongoing with the design team, architect, and city staff. - Permitting is the critical path: IMEG submitted an AOT permit on August 28, 2025; wetlands dredge/fill and fish and game packages have been started; site plan package to GBA and planning board expected soon. - Design development (DD) set cost estimate from Harvey Construction is anticipated by end of week/early next week. - Additional test pits completed in July; environmental asbestos testing on the existing landfill maintenance building found no detectable ACMs. - HDR (industrial engineer) audited equipment to inform HVAC and fire protection systems. - Questions from Alderman Clear addressed code compliance: the building will be designed to modern building, fire, and electrical codes. Soil management (removal or reuse) will be specified by engineers. - Cost estimate reconciliation and value engineering will follow the DD estimate. - Wastewater Treatment Facility Garage Progress Update (presented by Director Foto): - The project remains in the programming phase; schematic design has not started. - Staff are reviewing and modifying the programming document to reduce the building size (larger than needed) and ensure it meets actual needs. - Programming review expected to be completed next week, then handed to the architect for schematic design. - Alderman Clear asked for clarification: the contract with HTK will fund schematic design through design development once programming is finalized. - Approval of Invoices for DPW Garage Project: - HKT Architecture invoice (August 13, 2025): $293,050.28 – motion carried. - GSI Geotechnical Services invoice (July 31, 2025): $900 – motion carried. - Left Field OPM invoice (July 31, 2025): $26,500 – motion carried. - UEC Hazmat Testing invoice (August 9, 2025): $2,200 – motion carried. - Approval of Invoices for Wastewater Treatment Facility: - HKT Architecture invoice (August 1, 2025): $69,166.25 – motion carried. - Left Field OPM invoice (August 30, 2025): $26,500 – motion carried. - Left Field OPM invoice (June 30, 2025): $26,500 – motion carried. - Contract Proposals and Amendments: - DPW Garage: a contract proposal/amendment was pulled from the agenda for further discussion. - Wastewater Treatment Facility: a contract proposal with HTK Architecture Services through Design Development for $259,893 was approved (funded through the wastewater fund, not a bond). - Approval to Sign Permit Applications: - DPW Garage: Motion to authorize Director Lisa Foto and Director Tim Cummings to execute permit applications – carried. Alderman Clear noted initial confusion but after discussion with Director Cummings understood the rationale for pre-approval applications. - Wastewater Treatment Facility: Similar motion to authorize Directors Foto and Cummings to execute permit applications – carried. Key Outcomes - All motions from the consent calendar and discussion items were carried unanimously (no recorded dissents). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the same location (848 West Hollis Street). - Directives: The DPW garage design team will proceed with cost reconciliation and value engineering; the wastewater facility team will finalize programming and begin schematic design. - Note: A contract proposal/amendment for the DPW garage was withdrawn pending additional discussion.

The Board of Public Works met on August 28, 2025, with Commissioners Shay, Lemon, Greg, Speedia, Mayor Donchus, and Alderman O'Brien present. The meeting covered routine approvals, a special agreement with the Boys and Girls Club, and an extensive discussion about the condition of the library riverwalk area and homelessness in Nashua. Several contracts were approved, and the board directed staff to provide a cost estimate for citywide cleanup of hazardous waste at homeless encampments. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved as submitted (motion by Commissioner Shay, all aye). - Minutes of July 24, 2025 approved (motion by Commissioner Lemon, all aye). Public Comments & Testimony - A woman identifying herself as a soup kitchen employee expressed deep concern about the homelessness crisis, stating that shelters are full, housing is unavailable under $1,600/month, and that working homeless individuals use library porta-potties to wash up. She criticized the towing of cars from the Spring Street lot (a state-owned lot) and urged that encampment cleanups not destroy people's documentation. She called for more affordable housing and a coordinated strategy. Special Order: Boys and Girls Club Street Hockey Court Agreement - Motion: Commissioner Greg moved to approve the agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua for renovation and use of the street hockey court. The club donated $440,000 for revitalization; in exchange, they will use the court 12–15 hours per week and place a sponsor sign. - Alderman O'Brien noted the proposal was warmly received at the prior infrastructure committee meeting, with only a question about jurisdiction (city property) answered by Parks staff. - Commissioner Shea questioned the liability clause (city indemnification despite requiring insurance naming city as additional insured), but risk and legal had approved. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion Items Library Riverwalk Area Condition and Homelessness - Commissioner Shea described the area behind the library as covered in trash, couch cushions, beer cans, medical waste (bandages), and a sleeping woman. He urged a simple, regular maintenance plan (e.g., a staff person with a grabber) to pick up trash, separate from larger homelessness issues. He noted that a proposed position on the agenda (for west-side riverfront maintenance) was removed due to easement complications and lack of TIF funds, but he advocated redirecting efforts to this site. - Mayor Donchus acknowledged the problem but stated the cleanup of hazardous waste (needles, feces) requires specialized contractors at significant cost (e.g., $5,000–$10,000 per site). He noted that the removed position was for the west side only and that the library site is in the TIF district, but the TIF is running low on funds. He argued that focusing solely on one site while ignoring others (Mines Falls, downtown, etc.) is insufficient and called for a citywide approach. - Commissioner Lemon agreed that the issue is citywide, citing complaints about human feces downtown and encampments at Mines Falls. He noted that the city’s public health department works daily to help the unhoused but does not clean up after them. - Commissioner Greg supported a citywide solution, noting that success in services attracts more unhoused individuals from Massachusetts. - Commissioner (unidentified, likely Commissioner Shea again) reiterated that the immediate trash problem on the path is separate from larger homelessness and could be addressed with a regular maintenance plan. - Mayor Donchus stressed that any plan would require budget allocation from the Board of Aldermen, given a 6% tax rate increase. He directed staff to prepare a cost estimate for citywide cleanup of medical waste, human waste, and needles at homeless encampments, including input from police and public health. Key Outcomes - Approved: Agreement with Boys and Girls Club for street hockey court renovation. - Approved: Wastewater – Repair of screening/disinfection facility drain chamber hydraulic system by NH Hydraulics of Merrimack, NH, not to exceed $79,650 (funded from wastewater fund). - Approved: Street Department – Sole source purchase of asphalt and aggregates from Brox Industries (Hudson, NH) and Continental Paving (Londonderry, NH) for $147,000 (funded from streets fund). - Approved: Street Department – Change order 3 to Markings Inc. of Pembroke, MA for $162,000 (funded from streets fund). - Approved: Parks Department – Purchase of 2025 LED lighting system for Holman Stadium from Musco Lighting for $815,000 (funded from bond activity for stadium improvements). - Approved: Engineering – Sewer service permits, poll license petition, and drain layers license for WP Davis Excavation LLC (with six-month probation). - Directive: Staff to provide a cost estimate for citywide cleanup of hazardous waste at homeless encampments, including the library walk area and other sites (Mines Falls, downtown, etc.). Director's Report - Updates on Pine Street pedestrian crossing, tree removals, pool closures, summer camp programs, street department work (sidewalk repairs, brush clearing), wastewater pump orders, and household hazardous waste collection (September 27 at 25 Crown Street). - The Big Belly compactors on Main Street reduced collection from six days per week to two days (Tuesday and Saturday), with significant cost savings. Commissioners' Comments - Commissioner Lemon asked about paving and sidewalk work on Lock Street (Ward 3). The director will investigate paving schedule; sidewalk project is in design with federal funds. - Commissioner Lemon reported a constituent complaint about a person monopolizing pickleball courts at New Searles and using an unofficial sign-up sheet. The director noted that pickleball has exploded in popularity; the city has added courts at Shady Lane and Fields Grove and provides conversion nets for tennis courts to be used for pickleball. Further pickleball court locations are being discussed. Personnel (Non-Public Session) - Motion to unseal non-public minutes of July 24, 2025, personnel session (approved). - Motion to seal the minutes of the August 2025 non-public personnel meeting (approved by roll call). - Meeting adjourned at 5:29 PM.

The Committee of Infrastructure met on August 28, 2025 (the meeting was called to order on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber and adjourned at 9:18 p.m.). The meeting featured an extensive annual update on general fund capital projects, a special presentation on the Boys & Girls Club street hockey court, and votes on several routine items. Present were Aldermen Thibodeau, Sullivan, Klee, Dowd, and O’Brien; staff including Director Tim Cummings, Director Liz Hanham, City Engineer Dan Hudson, and others. Discussion Items - Boys & Girls Club Street Hockey Court (Craig Fitzgerald, Executive Director): Fitzgerald presented a $440,000 project to revitalize the outdoor street hockey court at 1 Positive Place. Funding sources: $100,000 from Conway Arena, $100,000 from the Bruins Foundation, and $240,000 from the Boys & Girls Club capital campaign. The court will be a 55% replica of an NHL rink with new boards, stadium seating, and the Bruins logo. The city land involved will be a gift to the city after construction, with the club managing 12-15 hours per week for youth leagues and the remainder open to the public. Start date targeted for September 15, 2025, pending full Board of Aldermen approval on September 9, 2025. No vote was taken by the committee; the presentation was informational. - Annual General Fund Capital Project Status Update (Tim Cummings, Administrative Services Director): A high-level overview was provided for over a dozen projects, with project sponsors available for questions. Key updates included: - Elm Street/High Street Parking Garages (Tim Lamere, Owner’s Project Manager): Emergency repairs completed in winter 2025; three phases of structural work ongoing. Hazardous materials (lead paint and caulking) were discovered in both garages, requiring a remediation plan and additional funding. The total $15 million bond is on track. The committee requested quarterly updates. - Nine Riverside Police Training Facility: Construction is 47% complete, on schedule for December 2025. Roof and parking lot refurbishment are upcoming, with roof work potentially done before winter using the existing contractor. - Fire Department HVAC Projects (Assistant Chief Adam Pouliot): Completed AC replacement at Spitbrook Road Station. Connet Road Station (Station 6) AC work underway. A boiler replacement at the dispatch center will go to the Finance Committee on September 17, 2025 (high-efficiency unit, $8,000 more but 98% efficient). Building controls at Lake Street and East Hollis Street stations need replacement; controls at East Hollis have failed completely. - Pine Hill Station Feasibility Study: Underway with $100,000 approved; expected completion after the first of the year. - Hunt Memorial Building Renovations: Phase one complete; phase two (window installation) starts September 2025 and should finish before year-end. - City Hall HVAC Upgrades: Design complete; construction manager selected. Work to start fall 2025 with goal to finish before winter to avoid building closure. Contract approval teed up for September Finance Committee. - City Hall Elevator: Initial quotes came in over budget; additional funding needed. - Arlington Street Community Center Renovation: Completed (ribbon cutting held in 2024). - DPW Fleet Maintenance Facility: Design is 50% complete; permitting in fall, bond authorization and construction anticipated spring/summer 2026. - Holman Stadium (Superintendent Brian Conant): Light replacement cost $815,000; will go to Board of Public Works. Also planning fire suppression upgrade, seating bowl, and corrosion repairs. - Greeley Park Stonehouse Renovations: Underway; concrete floor pours next week. Band shell renovations start October 2025 (two-week duration). Pool epoxy flooring in all three pool locker rooms awarded and starting. - Transportation Projects (Dan Hudson, City Engineer): Taylor Falls/Veterans Bridges rehab underway (joint with Hudson, 80% state/federal funded); eastbound bridge membrane work and paving next week. Heritage Rail Trail East in final design; Walnut Street Oval advancing with a $500,000 early-child project for West Pearl Street and Main Street signal changes. East Hollis Street Gateway project redesigned (eliminated rotary due to asbestos costs); will replicate existing layout with bike/ped improvements. Spruce Street Connector (multimodal path) engineering starts 2027. Lock and Whitney bike/ped project in study phase with public meeting this fall. - Riverwalk (Liz Hanham, Economic Development Director): Substantial completion November 1, 2025; grand reopening May 2026. Water Street Bridge mural finalists selected. Next phase (quadrant three) design and TIF expansion underway. - Dog Park: LMG will build at Mine Falls Park entrance as part of NIMCO master development agreement; initial design discussions with advisory committee. - Library Plaza Reconstruction Pause (Matt Sullivan, Community Development Director): The project, which had reached 100% design with a full bid package, is being paused due to potential larger redevelopment of the library site. Federal HUD funding (via Congresswoman) may be pivoted to a different green space area. The committee expressed concern about the current plaza's condition and urged that the area not be neglected. - Sustainability – Hydroelectric Facility (Deb Chisholm): The Jackson Falls Hydro project is complete and began generating power in July 2025; revenue from Eversource is now coming in. Punch list items remain; fish passage design work is underway for both Jackson Falls and Mine Falls facilities (mandated by FERC and fish agencies). Alderpersons raised concerns about spare parts and maintenance for the new Czech-made turbine. - Deerwood Drive Petition Update (Matt Sullivan): The tabled petition remains on hold; negotiations for conservation commission purchase of the property are expected to resume in coming months. Key Outcomes - R25195 – Authorization for deed waivers for certain properties (tax year 2022): Motion to recommend final passage carried unanimously. - O25-061 – Stop sign on Weld Street at Oldfield Road: Motion to recommend final passage carried unanimously. - O25-064 – Amendments to permitted parking areas (Pine Street extension lot, School Street parking under High Street Lofts, Renaissance Park): Motion to recommend final passage carried unanimously. - Tabled item (Deerwood Drive): Remains tabled; negotiations continue. - General direction: The committee agreed to schedule quarterly updates on parking garage repairs and to consider a future agenda item on West Pearl Street streetscaping funding, including potential TIF use. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.

The Planning and Economic Development Committee met on August 27, 2025, at 7:18 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber, with technical difficulties resolved, to discuss proposed inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies as part of the city's land use code recode. Consultants Russ Preston (Principal Group) and Kyle Talente (RKG Associates) presented financial feasibility analyses and policy recommendations. The committee offered feedback on key elements, including set-aside percentages, AMI targets, density bonuses, off-site units, and payment in lieu options, but took no formal votes. Discussion Items - Presentation by Kyle Talente (RKG Associates): - Presented a financial feasibility model for inclusionary zoning, analyzing required density bonuses for different set-asides (10%, 15%, 20%) and AMI thresholds (80%, 70%, 60%, 50%) to achieve market-rate returns. - Recommended a 10-unit minimum threshold before IZ requirements apply, off-site units with a half-mile proximity requirement within city limits, development standards ensuring equal quality and size between affordable and market-rate units, annual compliance monitoring, and a payment in lieu option. - Proposed rental set-aside tiers: 10% (10–49 units, split 7.5% at 80% AMI, 2.5% at 60% AMI), 15% (50–100 units), and 20% (100+ units) in the downtown overlay; lower percentages (5%, 7.5%, 10%) for the rest of the city. For ownership, recommended 80% and 100% AMI tiers. - Compared two payment in lieu approaches: value gap (e.g., $125,000 per unit in downtown) vs. construction cost (e.g., $250,000+), noting the value gap is financially neutral for developers but insufficient to build a new unit, while construction cost provides full funding but significantly impacts developer returns. - Committee Questions and Feedback: - Alderman Clemens raised concerns about payment in lieu, arguing that if developers opt in for density bonuses, they should build affordable units on-site rather than cash out, and suggested requiring a special permit for opt-out with hardship justification. He also questioned off-site unit timing and requested concrete timelines. - Alderman Kelly asked about the value gap calculation (10-year hold period), annual updates to market conditions, and potential for off-site builds to concentrate affordable units; she expressed concern about payment in lieu paralleling sidewalk in-lieu failures. - Alderman Thibodeau inquired about unit size/quality parity, noting different business models and the need for flexibility in unit assignment over time. - Alderman Gobaya emphasized the importance of developer feedback and noted that the committee is still learning; he suggested future work sessions to review the full draft code. - Alderman Clemens and others noted that state law prevents mandatory IZ, so the policy is opt-in via density bonuses. - Chair Alderman Mora summarized feedback as needing regulation on opt-out criteria, off-site timing, and payment in lieu triggers, but Alderman Kelly cautioned that the committee is not unanimous and the feedback is not a formal directive. - Next Steps: - Consultants will incorporate feedback and return with updated proposals, possibly in September. - A virtual public office hours session is scheduled for September 10, 2025, from 5–7 PM via the Recode website. - The full recode document, including IZ, will be presented as one piece of legislation for first reading, with further committee work sessions anticipated. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made. The committee provided informal feedback to guide revisions to the inclusionary zoning proposal. - The consultants will refine the policy, including provisions for off-site unit timing, annual market adjustments, and special permit requirements for payment in lieu. - The next meeting on the recode is expected to address site standards and other remaining topics.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) of Nashua, New Hampshire, convened on August 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting was chaired by Jay Mankara, with members Josh Neely (Vice Chair), JP Boucher, Steve Lynell, and alternate Joseph Potri (voting as a full member). Deputy Planning Manager Carter Falk was also present. The board considered five variance applications, each requiring findings on five criteria: not contrary to public interest, spirit of the ordinance, substantial justice, no diminution of property values, and undue hardship due to special conditions. Four applications were approved and one was denied. Case 1: Gateway Community Services – Sign Variance (140-148 Canal Street) - Applicant: Gateways Community Services, owner Area Agency Properties Inc. - Request: Two variances from Land Use Code Section 190-101, Table 101-7: (1) to exceed maximum ground signs (one permitted, one existing, one additional), and (2) to encroach 8 feet into the 10-foot required setback, to install a second ground sign in the GI/TOD overlay zone, Ward 3. - Public Comments: None. - Board Discussion: All members supported the variance, citing improved safety and wayfinding on a busy street. The existing sign was noted as difficult to find. - Vote: Approved unanimously (4-0, with all present voting). A 30-day appeal window was noted. Case 2: Scott and Pamela Goodwin – Driveway Variance (85 Hills Ferry Road) - Applicant: Scott D. and Pamela J. Goodwin. - Request: Variance from Land Use Code Section 190-17(E)(1) to exceed maximum driveway width: 24 feet permitted, 22 feet existing, additional 12’ x 41’ expansion on left side for total width of 34 feet, in the RA zone, Ward 3. - Public Comments: None. - Board Discussion: Split vote. Members Boucher, Neely, and Potri supported, citing improved safety, reduced on-street parking, and no other feasible options. Members Lynell and Chair Mankara expressed concerns about the lack of special conditions distinguishing the property and the proximity to the neighbor’s lot. The house sits near the front of a narrow lot; the family is expanding and needs parking. - Vote: Approved 3-2. Case 3: Aravella Veras and Kevin Morales – Driveway Variance (33 Harvard Street) - Applicant: Aravella Veras (with interpreter) and Kevin Morales. - Request: Variance from Land Use Code Section 190-17(E)(1) to exceed maximum driveway width: 24 feet permitted, 10 feet existing, additional 19 feet requested for total width of 29 feet, in the RC zone, Ward 7. The application was essentially after-the-fact for an existing widened driveway; the real need was to obtain a city curb cut for safety. - Public Comments: None. - Board Discussion: All members supported, recognizing the need for off-street parking in a dense neighborhood with multi-family units. The existing driveway was heavily used (six to seven cars serving a duplex with three-bedroom units). Safety was a concern due to cars pulling over the curb. - Vote: Approved unanimously (4-0). Case 4: Pope Family Trust – Garage Variance (218 Manchester Street) - Applicant: Jeffrey Pope, trustee. - Request: Variance from Land Use Code Section 190-264 to exceed maximum accessory use area: 40% permitted, 47% requested (1,200 sq. ft.) to construct a 30’ x 40’ detached garage in the R-18 zone, Ward 2. - Public Comments: Two neighbors spoke in favor (Brian Way of 80 Ferry Road and Jim Gagnon of 75 Ferry Road), praising the property’s improvements. Several neighbors spoke in opposition: Jamie Bodwell (76 Ferry Road) provided detailed objections regarding size (29 ft. peak height, 14-ft. doors), visual intrusion, inability to screen, and precedent. Sherry Bodwell and Dave Cassen (77 Ferry Road) also voiced concerns about scale and character. An email from Ronald McGraw (224 Manchester Street) supported. A letter signed by four other abutters opposed. - Board Discussion: Members were concerned that the 1,200 sq. ft. building with 29 ft. peak height (though staff clarified height measured as mean between ridge and eave, meeting 20 ft. limit) was oversized, out of character, and not subordinate to the principal residence. The placement near the front of the lot on Manchester Street was seen as highly intrusive. The applicant already has a two-car garage, shed, and ADU; denial would not cause hardship. The motion to deny passed. - Vote: Denied 4-1 (only Member Boucher voted opposed to denial, meaning he supported approval). Case 5: Donna Mayo and Dwayne Morton – Deck/Three-Season Porch Variance (36 Water’s Edge Drive) - Applicant: Dwayne Morton and Donna Mayo. - Request: Variance from Land Use Code Section 190-16, Table 16-3 to encroach an additional 3 feet into the 30-foot required rear yard setback (total encroachment 11 feet) to convert a 12’ x 16’ deck into a three-season porch and extend the deck 3 feet, in the R-18 cluster zone, Ward 2. - Public Comments: A letter from neighbor Harold Scardal (34 Water’s Edge Drive), a trustee of the Lakewood Park Trust, expressed no objections. - Board Discussion: All members supported. The deck is at the rear of the property abutting protected conservation land; the extension is minor, invisible to neighbors, and addresses mosquito issues. No harm to public interest or property values. - Vote: Approved unanimously. Other Business - Minutes Approval: The board reviewed and approved the minutes from the last meeting with several minor edits (e.g., correcting language in findings). Motion approved unanimously. - Regional Impact: No items of regional impact were identified. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the business.

The Planning and Economic Development Committee of the Nashua Board of Aldermen held a workshop on August 22, 2025 (meeting called to order at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025 per transcript) to discuss Article 10 of the proposed new zoning code, covering parking and mobility regulations. Planning Manager Sam Durfee presented key changes, including mobility management, parking minimums and maximums, payment in lieu, shared parking, bicycle parking, and design standards for structured parking. The discussion focused on balancing regulatory requirements with market forces and addressing downtown parking shortages identified in a recent parking study. No formal votes were taken; the workshop was informational. Discussion Items - Mobility Management: Durfee introduced a menu of options for property owners to reduce parking demand, such as providing bus passes, unbundling parking from rent, or installing bike parking. Annual reporting would be required to track effectiveness. Alderman Kelly questioned how reductions would be calibrated; Durfee noted that specific relief percentages would be assigned and adjusted over time based on real data. - Parking Minimums: The code reinstates parking minimums downtown (removed previously) based on a parking study showing a need for about 1,000 spaces. Minimums are set at 1.0 space per dwelling unit (per state law HB 631), with a cap of 2.0. Inclusionary zoning units would require only 0.5 spaces. Alderman Clemens expressed a preference for a hands-off, market-driven approach, while others acknowledged the need for minimums downtown. - Payment in Lieu: Developers could pay a fee instead of providing required parking. Durfee emphasized the fee must be tied to actual construction costs and updated regularly to avoid underfunding, unlike the existing sidewalk payment-in-lieu program. Alderman Kelly expressed concern about tracking and potential lack of parking if many choose to pay. - Shared Parking: A table calculates peak parking demand by time of day for different uses (commercial, residential, evening), reducing total required spaces compared to separate calculations. Alderman Thibault asked about day-of-week variations; Durfee confirmed that peak demand (e.g., Thursday night) is used. - Regulatory Structure Change: Parking regulations would move from site plan/subdivision regulations into the zoning ordinance, limiting waiver authority and requiring variances for relief. Relief options include mobility management, demand studies, and shared parking agreements. This aims to provide consistency and predictability. - Design Standards: Form-based standards for parking structures and lots to ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. Examples from Denver were shown. Alderman Govilla questioned whether form standards are necessary in all areas; Durfee noted that feedback from BIDA led to consideration of rolling back standards for industrial/commercial areas. - Bike Parking: Short-term and long-term bicycle parking requirements introduced to address lack of secure bike parking. Standards specify two-point contact and weather protection for long-term parking. - District Exemptions: Possible elimination of parking minimums in the Urban Core, Urban Mill, and Urban Station districts, but still under consideration. Alderman Thibault raised concerns about existing businesses and change-of-use triggers; Durfee confirmed that only new site plans or change of use would require compliance. Key Outcomes - No votes taken; this was a workshop session. - Planning Director Matt Sullivan announced that one-on-one sessions with each alderman will be scheduled over the coming weeks to address concerns and refine the code. The goal is to adopt the new code by the end of 2025. - Aldermen expressed mixed views: Alderman Govilla supported the direction but noted change is difficult; Alderman Clemens preferred a market-driven approach and questioned overregulation; Alderman Kelly was enthusiastic but wary of payment-in-lieu implementation; Alderman Thibault appreciated the outreach and emphasized the need for stakeholder input. - Durfee noted that the parking department director generally supported the proposed changes. - Future meetings will include a session on inclusionary zoning on the following Tuesday with consultant Russ Preston. Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting started at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, but the provided timestamp is August 22, 2025; the summary uses the latter as instructed.

The Nashua Board of Assessors met on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 9 a.m. with President Charles Dobbins and board members Robert Early and Jay Minkera present. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, departmental updates, veterans' credits, and numerous property tax abatement approvals and denials. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the public minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. - Unanimously approved the non-public minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting and placed them on file. Departmental Update - The assessor's office completed recommendations on all residential abatements for the 2024 tax year before the September 1 deadline. Commercial abatements are ongoing, and tax representatives were advised to file appeals to maintain rights. Veterans' Credits - Motion to approve a veterans' credit for 12 Mount Laurels Drive, Unit 206 passed unanimously. - Motion to deny veterans' and disabled veterans' credits for 9 Gary Street passed unanimously. The denial was due to failure to provide a DD 215 form to verify honorable character of service, despite multiple extensions and a referral to a veterans' affairs contact. Property Tax Abatement Approvals - The board approved abatements for numerous residential properties, including units at Hawthorne Village, Vista Way, Craftsman Lane, Testament Circle, Silverton Drive, Walden Pond Drive, and others. The motion passed with one opposed vote. Approved adjustments include reduced assessed values (e.g., 7 Hawthorne Village Road reassessed at $865,000). Staff explained refunds or credits will be issued with interest, typically within one to four weeks. Property Tax Abatement Denials - The board denied abatements for multiple properties, including 27 Silverton Drive, 28 Walden Pond Drive, 38 Walden Pond Drive, 49 Walden Pond Drive, 100 Walden Pond Drive, 57 Sawyer Street, 46 Tanglewood Drive, 9 Warner Street, 78 Avon Drive, 74 Avon Drive, 30 Greenwood Drive, 441 Main Dunstable Road, 626 South Main Street, units at 2 Henry David Drive, units at Hawthorne Village, 1 Chestnut Street, and 120 Spitbrick Road. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Westburg of 15 Vista Way asked how a tax credit is applied. Staff clarified that for the 2024 abatement, a refund or credit is issued if the account is paid in full; for 2025 taxes, the reduced assessment is used to calculate the December bill. Key Outcomes - The board voted to approve multiple veterans' credits and abatements, deny several abatements, and enter non-public session at 9:19 a.m. for reasons of reputation and legal advice.

The Nashua Finance Committee met on August 20, 2025, to consider several routine purchasing and contract renewals. The meeting was called to order, roll call was taken, and no public comments were offered. The committee unanimously approved six communications items, covering ammunition procurement, snow plowing services, IT support, software renewals, and insurance brokerage services, as well as the record of expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM. Communications (Discussion Items) - Ammunition Purchase: The committee approved a motion to award a contract to Eagle Point Gun/TJ Norris and Sons for 247 cases of ammunition, not to exceed $101,037, funded from the General Fund (61 supplies). The ammunition is used for training and duty across police handguns, indoor pistol rifle range, outdoor rifle range, and SWAT/DMR teams. The department stated that this is the same vendor used for several years and that they came in at the expected price after bidding. - Snow Plowing Services: A contract with Dottie Group Incorporated for FY26 snow plowing of 18 parking lots was approved, not to exceed $45,000, funded from the General Fund (54 property services, Parking Fund). Parking Manager Jill Sansfield noted this is an annual renewal with a long-standing vendor. - Clear Sky Consulting Renewal: A one-year renewal contract with Clear Sky Consulting for remote management support (patch management) was approved, not to exceed $90,000, funded from the IT Fund. CIO Nick Miservich explained the vendor handles patch installation and is responsible for any issues caused by patches. - Risk Department Software Agreement: A five-year renewal for software used by the risk department to track claims was approved, not to exceed $284,656, funded from Technology Maintenance. CIO Miservich noted this is a longer renewal than the previous three-year term. - ShareFile Advanced Renewal: A three-year renewal contract for ShareFile Advanced, file transfer software used by legal, HR, and community services, was approved, not to exceed $10,656 (annual fee $3,552), funded from Technology Maintenance. - Insurance Brokerage Consulting Services: A three-year consulting contract with USI Insurance Services for property and casualty insurance brokerage was approved, not to exceed $231,750 ($77,250 per year). Deputy Risk Manager Christine Beacott noted this is the first price increase since 2018, a 3% increase, with level funding for subsequent years. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously by voice vote. - Ammunition contract: Aye (unopposed). - Snow plowing contract: Aye (unopposed). - Clear Sky Consulting renewal: Aye (unopposed). - Risk software agreement: Aye (unopposed). - ShareFile renewal: Aye (unopposed). - Insurance brokerage contract: Aye (unopposed). - Record of Expenditures for August 1–14, 2025, was approved as compliant with city charter and ordinances. - No business resolutions, tabled items, or further general discussion occurred. - The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.

The joint committee convened on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 6:31 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber to review progress on the police facility project, approve invoices and contract changes, and discuss future work including a parking lot design and a separate roof replacement. The meeting was chaired by Alderman Thibodeau, with attendance including commissioners, aldermen, Director Cummings, project manager Tim Lemire (GPI), and contractor representatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2025 meeting was passed by voice vote unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present; the public comment period was skipped. Discussion Items - General Progress Update: Director Cummings reported the project is approximately 40% complete, with earthwork 85% done, garage structure 40% complete, and interior renovation about halfway done. No owner's contingency funds have been used to date, attributed to conservative budgeting and effective subcontractor buyouts by Whiting Turner. Future parking lot design work is anticipated at the next meeting or the one after. - Financial Overview: The project cost remains at $3.5 million (including Whiting Turner GMP of $2.3 million). July pay requisition of $210,079.02 was approved. Significant savings were explained as resulting from conservative estimates and market opportunities allowing lower subcontractor pricing. - Contract Actions: Three items were approved: Change Notification 14 (rock excavation), Change Notification 16 (vertical granite curb for condenser unit), and Change Order 3 (encompassing previously approved changes 7, 11, 12, and 13). All were no-cost changes within existing contingencies. - Separate Roof Project: Director Cummings announced a roof replacement for the police department (deferred maintenance) will be pursued separately using Whiting Turner terms. Alderman Dowd inquired about including fire station roofs for potential cost savings; the director agreed to explore this. - Commissioner Question: Commissioner Crayola requested earlier packet distribution and asked about a $1,226 change proposal from Riley Electrical Contractor. Director Cummings explained it was for motion sensor switches in office spaces, funded by electrical contingencies with no additional city cost. Key Outcomes - Invoice Approvals (all unanimous): - Whiting Turner July 31, 2025 invoice: $210,079.02 - GPI July 22, 2025 invoice: $4,695.98 - LaValle Bresinger Architects July 21, 2025 invoice: $8,043.20 - Contract Changes Approved: Change Notification 14 (rock excavation), Change Notification 16 (granite curb), and Change Order 3 (encompassing previous changes) all passed unanimously. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber. Director Cummings will distribute paper packets to committee members in advance.