Public Meetings - Nashua, New Hampshire

The Nashua Board of Alderman held a special meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber. The primary purpose was to conduct a public hearing on Resolution R-25-151, which authorizes the issuance of bonds not exceeding $5,500,000 for the design of the Public Works Division garage. The meeting began with a roll call, prayer, and pledge. A communication from Director Tim Cummings was accepted and placed on file. Unfinished Business & Amendment Vote - Alderman O'Brien moved to amend R-25-151 by replacing it with a version containing recommended amendments from bond counsel. The motion passed by roll call with a vote of 10 yeas and 0 nays. (Aldermen Moran, Lopez, Clee, Judy, and Kelly were absent.) - Alderman O'Brien then moved for final passage of the amended resolution, but the motion was withdrawn upon procedural advice that the public hearing must occur first. Public Hearing on R-25-151 - Presentation by Director Tim Cummings: He explained that the bond amount of $5.5 million covers design and equipping of the garage, plus incidental costs such as early release packages, testing, inspections, moving the fire training facility, and conservation mitigation. The project is currently completing design development and will move to construction documents, aiming for bidding and construction next summer. - Testimony in Opposition: Paula Johnson (15 Westbourne Drive) spoke against the project. She expressed concerns about: the lack of a maintenance plan for the building’s useful life (stated as 20–30 years), inadequate traffic studies for West Holler Street, the selection of Harvey (the design firm) without seeing other bids, prior transparency issues regarding a text message, and the cumulative traffic impact from landfill operations and school buses. She urged the board to study traffic and maintenance before voting. - No testimony was offered in favor. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed at 7:18 PM. - The board did not vote on final passage of R-25-151 during this meeting; the resolution will proceed to the Budget Review Committee and then return to the full Board of Alderman for a final vote. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays.

The Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee of the Nashua Board of Aldermen met on August 5, 2025, to interview candidates for several city boards and commissions, debate multiple pending ordinances, and discuss a proposed charter amendment. Public testimony focused on First Amendment rights. Public Comments & Testimony - Paula Johnson (15 Westmoreland Drive) expressed opposition to a proposed ordinance targeting banners, flags, and signs (O-25060), arguing it infringes on First Amendment freedoms. She noted that visual aids were historically allowed and criticized the three-minute limit on public comment. - Lori Ordlano (41 Berkeley Street) warned that the sign ordinance presented a risk of viewpoint discrimination. She cited a letter from the New England First Amendment Coalition and questioned the chamber's inconsistent enforcement of rules regarding displayed materials. Appointments & Nominations The committee interviewed and unanimously voted to recommend the following appointments to the full Board of Aldermen: - Joseph Olafirovich (Keefe Auditorium Commission): Background in international arts, theatrical design, and conducting. He discussed the Keefe's infrastructure challenges, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision and debating the value of the arts as an economic driver versus an intrinsic community necessity. - Walter "Ben" Davis and Kimberly Grillick (Mindfalls Park Advisory Committee): Davis raised specific issues about park maintenance, encampments, and trail erosion. Grillick shared her personal journey overcoming depression through hiking and her desire to volunteer in park stewardship. - Amanda Griffith (Conservation Commission): Operations director at the Granite YMCA and experienced camp director, passionate about environmental education and conservation ethics. - David Dearborn (Greater Nashua Revolving Loan Fund Committee): Business Development Officer at St. Mary's Bank. He noted the loan fund is underutilized and pledged to help raise awareness among local small business owners. Discussion Items 1. Proposed Budget Cap (R-25121) Alderman Clemens moved to indefinitely postpone the charter amendment proposing a cap on annual budgets, arguing it was not ready for the fall ballot and should be left to the next board. Alderman O'Brien offered a lengthy critique of the previous spending cap regime. Alderman Dowd raised concerns about hamstringing future boards. The motion to indefinitely postpone was recommended, effectively ending the current proposal. 2. Fire Department Chief Officers' Compensation (O-25058) The ordinance aimed to fix salary compression for non-union fire department executives. Supporters argued the current merit matrix creates disincentives for promotion and has caused the city to lose talent. A late memo from the administration noted the 20% pay differential proposed was above the consultant's typical 5-15% range, but Director Cummings clarified the 20% figure was acceptable. The committee recommended final passage despite frustrations over the memo's timing. 3. Restrictions on Signs, Banners, and Flags (O-25060) The committee debated an ordinance to prohibit items that create safety concerns or obstruct views. Supporters cited safety and decorum. Opponents argued the language was open to interpretation and could limit legitimate expression. The ordinance was tabled to allow for further refinements. 4. Aldermanic Remarks Limit (O-25056) A proposal to limit individual aldermen's remarks to three minutes at the end of meetings was debated. Some aldermen supported it for fairness, while others argued it could prevent them from adequately responding to public comments or addressing multiple issues. The ordinance was tabled for revisions. Key Outcomes - Appointments Advanced: Unanimously recommended all four presented appointments to the full Board of Aldermen. - Spending Cap Killed: Recommended indefinite postponement of the budget cap charter amendment. - Firefighter Pay Fix Advanced: Recommended final passage of the ordinance establishing a new fixed salary schedule for fire department chief officers. - Sign Restrictions Deferred: Tabled the proposed ordinance restricting banners, flags, and signs. - Remarks Limit Deferred: Tabled the proposal to limit aldermanic remarks to three minutes. - Upcoming Special Meeting: A special personnel committee meeting is expected to be scheduled to address the proposed Kratom sales ban (O-25051) after receiving a late recommendation from the Board of Health.

The Nashua Board of Aldermen convened a special meeting on July 28, 2025, immediately followed by a meeting of the Budget Review Committee that ran past midnight into July 29, 2025. The marathon session was dedicated entirely to public hearings and committee actions on eight resolutions involving the acceptance of federal funds and the authorization of bonds for city infrastructure projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Laurie Ordolano (41 Berkeley St): Opposed multiple resolutions (R‑25‑182, R‑25‑183, R‑25‑187, R‑25‑188, R‑25‑193), citing a systemic lack of financial transparency and accountability on city projects. She specifically referenced the stalled riverfront development, the inability to obtain right‑to‑know spending records, over‑reliance on federal funding, and criticism of the mayor’s approach to the tax cap. She also opposed bonding small amounts such as $500,000. - Paula Johnson (15 Westbourne Dr): Opposed or expressed strong reservations about bonding resolutions (R‑25‑182, R‑25‑187, R‑25‑188, R‑25‑193). She questioned the city’s 2026 bonding plans (over $26 million), the policy of bonding projects of modest size, deferred maintenance that drives up long‑term costs, and the necessity of building multiple standalone garages. She also asked about the impact of potential federal funding cuts. - Dave Fred (Chair, Senior Center Board): Expressed full support for R‑25‑185, requesting a $35,000 transfer from contingency to support the senior center. He noted the building is well‑maintained and this is a customary annual request. Discussion Items - Public Hearings on Resolutions: - R‑25‑182 (Walnut Street Oval Intersection): Alderman Lopez asked about the timeline; staff stated construction is expected to begin in spring/summer 2026. Alderman Sullivan noted the city has obligated more local match than currently needed, raising tracking concerns. The engineer explained the need for a funding cushion and the creation of a separate “child project” to meet a September federal deadline. - R‑25‑183 (Pedestrian Bridge Design): Staff stated the bridge is necessary because the railroad does not want pedestrians on its bridge and the city does not own it. Alderman Jetty questioned whether rehabilitating the existing bridge would be more economical. Alderman Lopez asked about TIF funding eligibility for the project. - R‑25‑187 (Landfill Gas Expansion): Discussion focused on the low annual revenue ($8,000) from the gas‑to‑energy contract and the wisdom of bonding a $500,000 project versus paying cash. Staff noted the bond authority is a policy decision. - R‑25‑188 (WWTP Phase 1 Upgrades): Alderman Senate questioned the dual bond/SRF‑loan authorization and confirmed that if the SRF loan is not secured, the bond will be used and rate increases will cover the debt service. - R‑25‑189 (Various Wastewater Capital Improvements): Alderman Senate discussed chronic CSO flooding in his ward and asked about the city’s long‑term sewer separation plans. - R‑25‑193 (WWTP Vehicle & Maintenance Garage): Major debate occurred. Aldermen Tibo, Jetty, Sullivan, and Senate expressed serious concerns about the $3.8 million design price tag (total project $10.8 million), the project’s low priority ranking (62nd out of 129 in the CIP), and the absence of a formal cost‑benefit analysis. Director of Public Works Lisa Foto requested that the item be tabled; the committee voted to table it unanimously. - General Budget Review Committee Discussion: - Aldermen called for a formal cost‑benefit analysis to justify the investment in the planned garages. - The reinstitution of the Ad Hoc Bonding Committee was announced. - Alderman Sullivan requested a precise tally of remaining bonding capacity against the tax cap before the final vote. - Alderwoman Kelly noted that spending caps force deferred maintenance, increasing long‑term costs. - Alderman Dowd highlighted progress by departments in creating 20‑year maintenance plans. Key Outcomes - The Budget Review Committee voted to recommend final passage to the full Board of Aldermen for the following resolutions: - R‑25‑182: Walnut Street Oval Intersection - R‑25‑183: Pedestrian Bridge Design - R‑25‑184: Driver Education Fund - R‑25‑185: Senior Center Funding - R‑25‑187: Landfill Gas Expansion - R‑25‑188: WWTP Phase 1 Upgrades - R‑25‑189: Various Wastewater Capital Improvements - R‑25‑192: Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Program - R‑25‑193 (WWTP Vehicle and Maintenance Garage) was officially tabled pending further discussion, a request from the Director of Public Works, and the completion of a cost‑benefit analysis. - An updated tally of the city’s bonding capacity relative to the spending cap will be presented to the full board before final votes. - The Ad Hoc Bonding Committee will be reconvened to guide future bonding policy.

This meeting was a demonstration of the Anthem Sydney mobile app, presented by Deanna, the local health and wellness program manager for Anthem, to City of Nashua staff. The session was facilitated by Christy Nalt, the city's wellness specialist, who joined in January 2025. The demo covered key self-service features of the app, including ID card access, claims tracking, prior authorization updates, find care tools, and wellness programs. The presentation lasted approximately 30 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A. Sydney App Demo and Key Features - Deanna began by noting that the Sydney app is interchangeable with the Anthem.com browser version, but the app offers on-the-go convenience. Login credentials are the same across both platforms. - Message Center: Users can view communications from Anthem, including reminders and correspondence, and can message support directly. - ID Cards: The app stores digital ID cards for the member and dependents, with a share icon to email or send the card. Deanna shared a personal example of using this feature to email her ID card before a dentist appointment. - Claims: From the toolbar, users can select "Claims" to view explanation of benefits and claim details. A new feature allows tracking of prior authorizations in real time, with status updates and an option to file an appeal if denied. - Find Care Tool: Accessed via the "Care" icon in the toolbar. Users can search for providers by specialty, filter by virtual care or in-person, and use geolocation. The app also connects directly to Live Health Online for virtual care. - Programs and Resources: Under the "Menu" "Access Care" "My Health Dashboard" (indicated by an apple icon), users can access the 24/7 Nurse Line, Smart Shopper, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The nurse line is available any time for health questions and can help determine if emergency care is needed. - Contact Support: From the menu, users can reach support via in-app chat, message center, or phone. Profile settings and language preferences are also available. Discussion and Q&A - A staff member expressed appreciation for the demo and mentioned texting their son about the app. Deanna highlighted that the authorization tracker is a new enhancement, allowing members to self-serve status updates. - Another attendee (likely from HR) noted that many employees are unaware they can get their ID cards from the app, and that HR often has to retrieve them. They stressed the need to promote the app to reduce HR workload. - One participant reported difficulty accessing the fitness reimbursement program through Anthem.com, describing it as a "nightmare" and noting that reimbursement was never received. Deanna suggested that the program may be listed under the "My Health Dashboard" or programs section in the app, and promised to follow up. Christy confirmed they would revisit the topic. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made. The session served as an informational demo to encourage city employees to use the Sydney app for self-service health plan management. - Deanna and Christy emphasized that the app can reduce the volume of HR inquiries by enabling employees to access their ID cards, claims, and prior authorization status directly. - A follow-up on the fitness reimbursement navigation issue was promised, but no specific date was given. - Attendees were encouraged to download the free Sydney app from their app store and explore its features.