Public Meetings - Nashua, New Hampshire

[The Cable Television Advisory Board (CTAB) held its September meeting on September 11, 2026, without a quorum present. The board reviewed operational reports, discussed a potential franchise fee increase, and received updates on equipment, community events, and programming. No votes were taken due to the lack of a quorum; a special meeting was requested for budget discussions.] Reports & Financial Status - Operating Account Balance (Account 2505): $223,195.04 as of the meeting date. - August 2026 Expenses: $36,222 (including salaries and facility operations). - Cable Casts (June–August): 796 total, with 143 live events (public: 25, education: 40, government: 1,651? [Note: transcript states "government 1651" but likely a typo—probably 1651 is a total or misstated; context suggests government 16 and HD channel 27] and high-definition channel 27). - Playbacks (June–August): 5,291 total (public: 2,677; education 22: 713; government 16: 813; HD channel: 1,089). - Franchise Fee Revenue: Quarterly payment of $221,557.53 at the current 4% rate. Equipment & Facility Updates - City Hall Auditorium Media Controller: The end-of-life controller was sent to manufacturer Xtron for repair at roughly one-quarter the cost of replacement. Repair delivery is pending; Key Code will reinstall the system. - Field Cameras: No purchase yet. Three cameras evaluated (Canon, Panasonic, Sony). The Panasonic was favored but had a feature incompatibility, so the committee now leans toward Sony. An accurate quote was not available in time for the meeting. Community Media & Events - Alliance for Community Media Northeast Region Conference: To be held in Nashua at the Sheraton Tara, November 16–18, 2026. Full conference pricing expected around $300; single-day options available. The event includes the Noreaster Video Awards. Board members encouraged to attend. - Nashua ETV Programming Highlights: - Live coverage of Nashua North and South graduations from Stellos Stadium (June). - Concert at Nashua Public Library (June). - 4th of July coverage including Spartans, USA 250 fireworks, and Silver Knights FCBL All-Star Game and Home Run Derby (July). - New program "Aging Gracefully" (elderly care) began recording in August; editing ongoing. - BRB TV & Live Cameras: Live cams at multiple city locations (Nashua Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce, Bridge, Library, Mines Falls Park, West Hollis Street, Main Street) available on NPTV website. Main Street camera now displayed on channel billboards with date/time/weather. Live broadcasts included Mayor Donchus, AMR Director, County Treasurer, Fire Rescue Chief Buxton, and Police Department representatives. Special event coverage: Nashua Pride Parade, Summer Stroll, Renaissance Park dedication, memorial for Fire Rescue Chief Glenn Telgan, and Greely Park Art Show. Discussion Items - Franchise Fee Increase: The board discussed requesting a franchise fee increase from 4% to 5% as permitted under the current franchise agreement. This would provide temporary operational solvency while avoiding a city budget request. The process would require Board of Alderman legislation. - Special Meeting for Budget Discussion: A special meeting was requested specifically to discuss the FY2028 budget and the franchise fee increase. The chair agreed, noting that a quorum was needed. Member Nick Meiserich clarified that the quarterly franchise fee payment of $221,557.53 is at the current 4% rate. - Streaming Transition Subcommittee: Member Cole Morgan suggested forming a subcommittee to plan the transition from traditional cable to streaming media, an inevitable change. He also left early due to another committee commitment. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made because the board lacked a quorum (members absent: Steve Buxton, Tim Cummings, Patrick Hannon, Jennifer McCormick, Amber Morgan, Emily Vassar). - A special meeting will be scheduled for FY2028 budget discussion and the potential franchise fee increase. - The board acknowledged the anniversary of 9/11 with a moment of remembrance before adjournment. Public Comments - No members of the public were present; public comment was not held.

The Nashua Board of Aldermen met on September 11, 2026 (commenced September 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and adjourned at 10:23 p.m.) to consider multiple contracts, ordinances, and a gap analysis on homelessness. The meeting featured extensive public comment, approval of a police body camera and drone contract, adoption of a video display sign overlay district for downtown, and creation of a homeless services gap analysis committee. Consent Calendar - Communications received from the mayor, planning manager, and aldermen were accepted and placed on file without objection. - Reappointments to the Arts Commission, Business and Industrial Development Authority, and Electric Aggregation Committee were accepted and referred to the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee. - A petition for street acceptance (Juliana Avenue) was accepted and referred to the Infrastructure Committee with a public hearing scheduled for October 14, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Jane Goodman (Executive Director, Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter) expressed conditional support for a homeless services gap analysis, urging it be focused, timely, and lead to action. She cautioned against using the study as an outcome in itself and emphasized leveraging existing nonprofits rather than creating new city programs. - Matt Gayott (Nashua resident) spoke in support of the gap analysis, reporting that unhoused individuals he surveyed feel scared and pushed to the margins due to the camping ban. He suggested a heavily regulated, monitored parking lot alternative and criticized police budget increases and the proposed police drones. - Peter Lawley (President, Spectacle Live, operator of the National Center for the Arts) supported the video display sign overlay district, stating it would enhance publicity for the center and community events, and help compete with other venues. - Rich Flanen (Chair, National Center for the Arts Board of Trustees) provided background on the sign variance denial in 2022 and explained that the overlay district was crafted after a year of work with city staff to benefit downtown broadly. - Bob Keating (Nashua resident) spoke in favor of the homeless services gap analysis committee, praising its scope, process, and 90-day timeline. - Eve Arnold (Ward 4 resident) urged repeal of the camping ban as a “containment action” while other solutions proceed, and called for data-driven decisions on homelessness, noting the resource center proof of concept skipped necessary analysis. - Latonia Mussioli (Executive Director, Failing Promises) supported the gap analysis and resource center, noting discussions about a resource center have been ongoing since 2024. She referenced Manchester's Engagement Center as a model and criticized the camping ban as lacking a promised resource center. - Armelo Ramirez (eight-year-old Nashua resident) spoke in support of a resource center with apartments to keep people safe, emphasizing everyone deserves a home. - Mike Appelberg (Director, United Way of Greater Nashua) voiced strong support for the resource center proof of concept, pledging volunteer mobilization and describing it as a tool for self-sufficiency beyond shelter. - John Blanchette (Ward 4 resident) supported the resource center and expressed concern about the camping ban. He also raised concerns about Citizens Bank financing private prison companies involved in forced labor and urged the city to consider switching banks. Discussion Items - Mayor's Remarks: Mayor Jim Donchis thanked City Clerk Dan Healy for a smooth primary election, noted successful use of poll pads in three wards, and discussed the police body camera contract (Axon system) with new drone technology. He also highlighted a 10% increase in the county tax bill (now $18.264 million) and rising fixed costs in the city budget (healthcare, special education, insurance), stating that tax increases result from the inability to cut services without significant impact. - Police Body Camera & Drone Contract (Axon OSP 10): The mayor and Chief Brian Crap (via representative) detailed the system, including AI-assisted report writing (Draft One) that uses camera audio, not video, and ALPR (automated license plate recognition) with a three-minute data purge. Alderman Tebow argued the technology protects both police and citizens; Alderman Senate clarified that solar-powered pole cameras and ALPR are for investigative alerts, not continuous surveillance. The contract for $1.2 million in year one and $1.2 million in subsequent years was approved 14-0. - Special Event Permitting Software: Alderman Clee praised the software for streamlining approvals for events. Approved 13-1 (Johnson no). - Resource Center Proof of Concept License Agreement with Harbor Care: Multiple aldermen expressed support. Alderman Tebow noted he previously opposed the resource center but now supports this step. Alderman Lopez highlighted Harbor Care's track record. Alderman Kelly abstained due to a work conflict. Approved 13-0-1. - Video Display Sign Overlay District (O-26-022): After debate, aldermen divided over potential “unintended consequences” and slippery slopes. Supporters (e.g., Morgan, Clee, Dowd) argued it allows downtown businesses, including the National Center for the Arts, to advertise effectively and avoids spot zoning. Opponents (e.g., Sullivan, Ravan, Senate) cited concerns about distractions, transient businesses, and the inability to use case-by-case approvals. The ordinance passed 9-5. - Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee (R-26-049): Extensive debate occurred on whether the study would delay or complement existing resource center efforts. An amendment by Alderwoman Kelly to require a detailed financial scope, timeline, and monitoring plan failed 2-12. An amendment by Alderman Tebow to designate the Human Affairs Committee chair and vice-chair as aldermanic appointees also failed 4-10. Ultimately, the resolution establishing a 90-day committee with representatives from the city, nonprofits, and lived experience passed 12-1 (Tebow no, Kelly absent). Key Outcomes - Approved Police Body Camera & Drone Contract (Axon): 14-0 (motion carried). - Approved Special Event Permitting Software (Event Approvals Inc.): 13-1 (Johnson opposed). - Approved Landfill Gas Telemetry Monitoring Contract: 14-0. - Approved Collection System Flow Monitoring Contract: 14-0. - Approved Resource Center Proof of Concept License Agreement (Harbor Care): 13-0-1 (Kelly abstained). - Adopted Video Display Sign Overlay District (O-26-022): 9-5. - Adopted Homeless Services Gap Analysis Committee (R-26-049): 12-1 (Tebow no; Kelly left before vote). - Second Reading Approvals (R-26-053 through R-26-056): All passed with vote counts of 14-0 or 13-1. - First Reading Referrals: R-26-057 (PFAS pilot borrowing) referred to Budget Review Committee and Board of Public Works with a public hearing on September 28, 2026; O-26-024 (stop signs) referred to Infrastructure Committee and City Engineer.

The Nashua Board of Aldermen committee met on September 10, 2026, with four aldermen present, constituting a quorum. Chairwoman Shoshana Kelly attended remotely due to child care issues; Vice Chair Ben Clemens chaired because the city's rules do not allow chairing a meeting over Zoom. The committee took public comment, recommended a mayoral appointment, advanced a sewer rate ordinance, and tabled a remote-participation ordinance. Public Comments & Testimony - Lori Ortolano, a Nashua resident, expressed concern about increasing sewer fees and said more than 10,000 sewer bills are unpaid, requiring roughly $3 million in the budget to cover them. She suggested combining sewer bills with property tax bills and restoring enforcement via liens. She also supported remote participation for people with disabilities and noted Massachusetts extended remote meeting access to 2027. - In a later public comment period, Ortolano criticized the city's legal advice and the narrow scope of the remote-participation ordinance, and urged the sponsor to broaden it to all disabilities. Attorney Bolton responded that the city is already bound by the ADA and that legal had drafted the ordinance as the sponsor requested after recommending against it. - Marnie Gordon, the mayoral nominee to the Historic District Commission, said she has lived in an 1889 Victorian at 69 Concord Street for 20 years, completed multiple HDC application rounds, and would support clearer checklists and standards to help applicants. Communications - The committee accepted and placed on file a communication from Public Works Director Lisa Photo regarding the Board of Aldermen referral of Ordinance 0-26-023, the sewer rate ordinance. Appointments - The committee voted 4-0 to recommend Marnie Gordon to the Historic District Commission for a term expiring July 16, 2029, and Joseph Duquette to the Airport Authority for a term expiring August 31, 2031. Discussion Items - Sewer rate increase (Ordinance 0-26-023): - Director Lisa Foto said the wastewater system is not funded by property taxes but by a separate user fee. Superintendent Dave Boucher described the 28-acre plant, its 16 million-gallon-per-day design flow, 12 million-gallon current average and 110 million-gallon wet-weather capacity, serving about 89,000 residents plus contract communities, and listed capital projects including pump station upgrades, pipe replacement, SCADA upgrades, phase one facility upgrades, and biosolids planning. - Hazen and Sawyer consultants presented the rate model and recommended 7% annual increases for 2027, 2028, and 2029. The average residential monthly sewer bill would rise from about $43 to $46, then $49, then $52. The consultants noted Nashua's rates remain lower than neighboring utilities, with Manchester approving 19% annual increases and Concord a recent 16% increase, and said the increases keep low-income affordability below the EPA's 2% threshold. - Alderman Johnson opposed the increase, saying residents are facing Pennichuck water and property tax increases and that the city should collect delinquent sewer fees before asking for more. A treasurer's office representative reported five years of delinquencies totaling $1.7 million, including $1 million in current bills not yet due, and about 600 liened properties. Staff also confirmed the sewer fund is supported solely by fees and that Hudson contributes 12.58% of plant capital-project costs. Director Foto and Aldermen Clee and Clemens argued that skipping increases created a 15% jump in 2024 and that steady annual increases avoid larger future spikes. - The motion to recommend final passage passed 3-1, with Alderman Johnson voting no and Aldermen Thibault (transcribed as Tebow), Clemens, and Kelly voting yes. If adopted, the rate increase would take effect January 1, 2027. - Remote public participation (Ordinance 0-26-002): - Alderman Johnson moved final passage, saying the city should accommodate disabled residents and that the ADA and state human rights law require accessibility. She cited Board of Education policy developed after an Office of Civil Rights complaint. - Aldermen Thibault, Kelly, and Clee opposed the ordinance as written. Concerns included difficulty verifying a walking disability, implementation and IT burdens, risk of unequal treatment or lawsuits, and previous problems controlling remote public participants. - Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton advised that the ADA applies to the city regardless of the ordinance and recommended a broader accommodation policy and a defined decision-making process rather than the narrow walking-disability language. - After debate, Alderman Johnson said she would go back to the drawing board and research further, then moved to table the ordinance. The motion carried 4-0, returning Ordinance 0-26-002 to the table. Ordinances 0-26-004 and 0-26-005 also remained tabled. Key Outcomes - Recommended final passage of Ordinance 0-26-023 (sewer user fee rates) by a 3-1 vote, with proposed 7% annual rate increases for 2027-2029, effective no earlier than January 1, 2027. - Recommended Marnie Gordon to the Historic District Commission and Joseph Duquette to the Airport Authority, both by 4-0 votes. - Tabled Ordinance 0-26-002 (remote participation for persons with walking disabilities) by a 4-0 vote; no final passage. - Left Ordinances 0-26-004 and 0-26-005 on the table. - The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Note: The meeting transcript refers to this as the September 9th meeting, but the provided date for the summary is September 10, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment met on September 10, 2026, with Vice Chair Josh Neely presiding (Chair absent). Board members present: JP Boucher, Steve Lionel, and Joe Petrie. City representative Sam Durfee also attended. The board heard two variance applications, both approved unanimously, and received a detailed presentation on the proposed recode of the city’s land use regulations. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 1 – 22 Skyline Drive: Two letters of support were read from neighbors (Linda Pichay at 20 Skyline and Robin & Joe Mulvey at 24 Skyline). The Mulveys expressed frustration over selective enforcement but strongly supported the variance. No opposition was voiced. - Case 2 – 3 Suffolk Park: No public comments were offered; no correspondence was received. Discussion Items - Variance 1 – 22 Skyline Drive: Applicant Paul Gaffney (representing owner Ryan Dillon) requested a variance from Land Use Code §190-16, Table 16-3 for a five-foot front setback encroachment (15 ft proposed vs. 20 ft required) to construct an 8 ft by 42 ft covered farmer’s porch in the R9 zone, Ward 5. The board noted the encroachment was only about six inches. Mr. Boucher and Mr. Lionel expressed support, citing consistency with neighboring porches and minimal impact. The board found the variance met all five criteria. - Variance 2 – 3 Suffolk Park: Applicant Eric Herb (representing owner Oleg Pedrobny) requested a variance from §190-26 to allow an 8 ft by 22 ft deck to encroach 8 ft into the required 30-ft setback from internal traffic routes in the R9/PRD zone, Ward 2. The deck would provide a covered entry for an elderly couple and improve accessibility. The condo association had approved the plan. Board members noted similar porches exist in the neighborhood and supported approval. - Recode Presentation: Sam Durfee presented an overview of the proposed new land use code, developed over nearly three years. Major changes include: introduction of form standards (building types, massing components, architectural standards), a new density factor system (units per square feet of building rather than per acre), simplified use categories (reducing from 293 uses to 11 categories with supplemental standards), accessory structure size increases (up to 50% of primary footprint or 600 sq ft in rural districts), and a mobility management manual for parking relief. The presentation also discussed inclusionary zoning tiers, sustainable development incentives, and enforcement challenges. Board members commented on the need for consistent enforcement, particularly regarding electronic messaging signs, and expressed support for reducing unnecessary variance requests. Mr. Lionel noted frustration when unpermitted development goes unenforced, while Mr. Petrie and Mr. Neely appreciated flexibility that would eliminate many minor variance cases. - Approval of Minutes: The board reviewed minutes from the previous meeting (date not specified). Mr. Petrie suggested minor corrections: adding page numbers, adjusting a description of a wall from “to construct” to “for an existing portion of a wall,” and including the adjournment time. The board approved the minutes with those changes. Key Outcomes - Variance 1 approved (4-0): A variance was granted to Ryan Dillon/Paul Gaffney for a five-foot front setback encroachment to build a farmer’s porch at 22 Skyline Drive. The board found the request met all five variance criteria. - Variance 2 approved (4-0): A variance was granted to Oleg Pedrobny/Black Phoenix Builds for an eight-foot deck encroachment into the setback at 3 Suffolk Park. The board cited consistency with neighborhood character and the condo association’s approval. - Minutes approved: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with amendments for formatting and a wording clarification. - Next meeting: The board scheduled its next meeting for September 22, 2026, with seven cases on the agenda, including two large developments at Air Road and East Hollis Street (48 units). No regional impacts were identified. All variance approvals carry a 30-day appeal window. Applicants were advised to proceed with their projects.

The City of Nashua Planning Board met on September 4, 2026 (the meeting transcript indicates September 3, 2026, but the instruction specifies this date). The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Members present: Mayor Donchis, Joe McIntyre, Bob Bollinger, Adam Marley, Cameron Green, Benjamin Zoller, Larry Hirsch, Maggie Harper, and Alderman Patricia Cleek. Dan Hudson was not present. The meeting included approval of minutes, a subdivision case, and a presentation on recode thresholds. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 6, 2026: Motion by McIntyre, second by Cleek, passed with one abstention (Hirsch). The minutes were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was received for the postponed case (78 Amherst Street) or during the hearing for 28 Lincoln Avenue. The applicant, Greg Wood, presented the subdivision proposal. Discussion Items - 28 Lincoln Avenue Subdivision (Case 826-0103): Applicant Greg Wood proposed a two-lot subdivision of a 21,000 sq ft lot in zone RB. Three waivers were requested: existing conditions within 1,000 ft (190-282B9), underground utilities (190-221A), and lighting plan (190-275). Staff noted the lot meets minimum area requirements (6,000 sq ft) and addressed drainage via a leaching catch basin. The board discussed lot size, parking, and public notification. The waivers and subdivision were approved (see Key Outcomes). - Recode and Site Plan Thresholds Presentation: Connor (staff) presented a framework for adjusting thresholds between staff-level and planning board review. The proposal used building types, district types, and land types (L1-L6) to determine review paths. Three approaches—conservative, moderate, and aggressive—were outlined. Board members voiced concerns: Alderman Cleek emphasized preserving public input and favored conservative; McIntyre preferred moderate; others stressed need for clear communication and backstops (e.g., district transition thresholds). No decision was made; the discussion will inform further refinement. - Review of Tentative Agenda: The board determined there were no proposals of regional impact. Key Outcomes - Granted Waivers for 28 Lincoln Avenue: Motion by Varley, second by Hirsch, to waive requirements for existing conditions within 1,000 ft, underground utilities, and lighting plan. The motion passed unanimously. - Approved Subdivision for 28 Lincoln Avenue: Motion by Varley, second by Hirsch, for final subdivision approval with conditions from the staff report plus an additional condition that the existing garage be demolished prior to recording the plan. The motion passed unanimously. - No Regional Impact: The board voted (motion by Varley, second by Zoller) that no items on the tentative agenda were developments of regional impact. - Meeting Adjourned: At 8:53 PM, motion by McIntyre, seconded, and carried.

The Nashua Finance Committee met on September 3, 2026, to consider a series of purchasing and contract approvals. Alderman Will Share and Alderman Clements were absent due to family and other commitments. The meeting included multiple motions to accept and approve various purchases, contracts, and amendments, all of which passed unanimously. A public comment period featured criticism of city administration. Communications and Discussion Items - Special Events Permitting Software: Emily Martisella, Director of Emergency Management, presented a three-year agreement for $39,000/year with a vendor specializing in municipal special events permitting. The software will streamline approvals across 15+ departments and allow users to clone previous applications. Approved unanimously. - Fire Rescue Vehicle Replacements: - Purchase of an all-wheel drive Ford Transit van (12-passenger) to replace an F-150 for the training division, not to exceed $77,277.28. Funded through Fire Rescue Fund. Approved. - Purchase of a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup with utility box, graphics, and emergency lighting to replace a deputy fire chief's vehicle, not to exceed $98,630.88. Funded through Fire Rescue Fund. Approved. - Four Hills Landfill PFAS Pilot Project: Contract with Stearns, Conrad, and Schmidt (SCS Field Services) for infrastructure improvements for leachate PFAS removal/destruction pilot test, not to exceed $400,143. Funded by 100% state grant. Approved. - Landfill Gas Telemetry Monitoring: Contract with Sanborn Head & Associates for FY2027–FY2029 telemetry monitoring and support, not to exceed $87,750. Funded through Solid Waste Fund. Approved. - Landfill Gas Collection System Modification: Engineering services contract with Sanborn Head for design and construction quality assurance for 2026 gas collection modifications, not to exceed $74,000. Funded through Solid Waste Fund bond. Approved. - Landfill Temporary Cap: Engineering services contract with Sanborn Head for design and CQA for 2026 Phase 3 temporary cap, not to exceed $46,500. Funded through Solid Waste Fund bond. Approved. - Recycling and Trash Carts: Purchase of carts and lids for curbside collection for FY2027 from Toter Inc., not to exceed $145,000. Superintendent LaFleur noted carts are 23 years old and stock is maintained for potential catastrophic failures. Approved. - Signs and Pavement Paint: Sole source purchase of signs, posts, pavement paint, and replacement parts from Permaline of New England, not to exceed $38,000. Funded through Streets General Fund (corrected to Department 161). Approved. - Asphalt and Aggregates: Sole source purchase from Brox Industries and Continental Paving, not to exceed $147,000. For daily operations, not part of the paving program. Approved. - Flow Monitoring Amendment: Amendment 1 with ADS Environmental Services for real-time CSO discharge notifications to subscribers, a new EPA permit requirement. Amounts: $46,500 total ($28,700 in FY2027, $8,900 in each FY2028 and FY2029). Funded through Wastewater Fund. Approved. - Biosolids Management Feasibility: Contract with Hazen and Sawyer for evaluation of long-term biosolids management and disposal at Four Hills Landfill, not to exceed $116,462.73. Funded through Wastewater Fund. Approved. - Resource Center Design Study: Amendment 2 with Icon Architecture for a limited design study for a resource center (transitional housing/warming station), not to exceed $40,000. Funded through City Buildings Fund. Tim Cummings noted the study could begin mid-September and will include public engagement and cost estimates. Alderman Solomon questioned the CIP request; Director Bagley clarified the original CIP included shelter beds but funding was reduced. Approved. Public Comment Lori Ortolano criticized the city administration, listing numerous employee departures, resignations, and terminations (including Kathy Forner, Janet Grazio, Nancy Trass, Joanna Pennick, Johnny Ill, Michael Coley, Ms. Liddy, and David Sullivan). She questioned leadership, HR benefits staffing, community development lead program allocation, and the comptroller's qualifications. She also referenced trauma counseling and suggested Director Cummings may be a source of employee distress. Record of Expenditures Alderman Sullivan moved to accept the record of expenditures for August 14–27, 2026, as compliant with city charter. Approved. Non-Public Session The committee voted unanimously (by roll call) to enter non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(d) to discuss real property acquisition/sale/lease. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. Key Outcomes - All motions (special events software, vehicle purchases, landfill contracts, cart purchase, sign/asphalt purchases, flow monitoring amendment, biosolids feasibility, resource center design study, and record of expenditures) were approved unanimously. - The committee entered non-public session for property discussion.

The Nashua Finance Committee met on September 2, 2026, to consider a series of purchasing and contract approvals, a public comment period, and a non-public session. All votes were unanimous unless noted. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Donchus. Public Comments & Testimony - Lori Ortolano delivered a pointed criticism of city administration, alleging a pattern of forced resignations, terminations, and departures of key employees. She named several individuals: Kathy Forner, Janet Grazio, Nancy Trass (forced to resign), Joanna Pennick (gone), Johnny Ill (forced into early retirement), Michael Coley (fired from HR Benefits), Ms. Liddy (fired over a HUD conference), and David Sullivan (resigning). She questioned the competence of HR Benefits and Community Development leadership, particularly Director Cummings, and asked the committee to investigate how grant money is allocated in the lead program. She concluded that employees are leaving due to leadership, not isolated incidents. No committee members responded. Discussion Items - Special Events Permitting Software – Emily Marticello, Director of Emergency Management, presented a three-year agreement with a specialized vendor for $39,000/year to streamline permitting across 15+ departments. Alderman Clee expressed support, noting the current process is cumbersome. Motion passed unanimously. - Ford Transit Van for Fire Rescue – Item: Purchase of one all-wheel drive Ford Transit van (12-passenger) to replace an F-150 for the training division. Amount: $77,277.28. Funding: Fire Rescue Fund. Vote: Unanimous. - Ford F-250 for Fire Rescue – Item: Replacement of deputy fire chief’s vehicle with a Ford F-250, including utility box, graphics, and emergency lighting. Amount: $98,630.88. Funding: Fire Rescue Fund. Vote: Unanimous. - Infrastructure for PFAS Pilot Test at Four Hills Landfill – Item: Contract with Stearns, Conrad & Schmidt for leachate infrastructure to support a PFOS destruction pilot. Amount: $400,143 (100% state grant). Details: Alderman Clee confirmed no matching funds required. Vote: Unanimous. - Landfill Gas Telemetry Monitoring – Item: Contract with Sanborn Head for telemetry monitoring of landfill gas (FY27–29). Amount: $87,750. Funding: Solid Waste Fund. Vote: Unanimous. - Landfill Gas Collection System Design – Item: Engineering services for 2026 gas collection modifications. Amount: $74,000. Funding: Solid Waste Bond. Vote: Unanimous. - Temporary Cap Design for Phase 3 Landfill – Item: Engineering for a temporary cap on the Phase 3 landfill. Amount: $46,500. Funding: Solid Waste Bond. Vote: Unanimous. During discussion, Alderman Sullivan asked why three separate contracts with Sanborn Head were presented; Jeff LaFleur explained different funding sources required separate contracts. - Recycling and Trash Carts – Item: Annual purchase of carts and lids from Toter Inc. Amount: $145,000. Funding: Solid Waste Fund. Jeff LaFleur noted carts are 23 years old and up to 1,500 of each type kept in stock. Alderman Clee asked about inventory; Alderman Sullivan asked about smaller recycling bins. Vote: Unanimous. - Signs and Pavement Paint – Item: Sole source purchase from Permaline of New England. Amount: $38,000. Funding: Streets General Fund (corrected to Department 161). Vote: Unanimous. - Asphalt and Aggregates – Item: Sole source purchase from Brox Industries and Continental Paving. Amount: $147,000. Funding: Streets General Fund. Alderman Sullivan appreciated clear communication that this is not part of the paving program. Vote: Unanimous. - Flow Monitoring Amendment – Item: Amendment with ADS Environmental Services for real-time CSO discharge notifications to subscribers. Amount: $46,500 total ($28,700 in FY27; $8,900 each in FY28 and FY29). Funding: Wastewater Fund. Dave Boucher explained this meets a new EPA permit requirement. Alderman Clee asked about public access; real-time texts/emails will be available. Vote: Unanimous. - Biosolids Feasibility Study – Item: Contract with Hazen and Sawyer to evaluate long-term biosolids management and disposal at Four Hills Landfill. Amount: $116,462.73. Funding: Wastewater Fund. Dave Boucher noted rising costs and new regulations; using biosolids as landfill cover could save money. Vote: Unanimous. - Resource Center Design Study – Item: Amendment with Icon Architecture for a limited design study and cost estimate for a resource center (including warming station, transitional housing). Amount: $40,000. Funding: City Buildings Fund. Tim Cummings said work could start in September. Alderman Solomon asked about an earlier $4.9 million CIP request; Director Bagley clarified that the original request included shelter beds removed due to funding constraints. Vote: Unanimous. Key Outcomes - All 13 purchasing/contract motions were approved unanimously. - The committee voted unanimously to go into non-public session (roll call vote: all present voted yes) under RSA 91-A:3, II(d) for consideration of real or personal property acquisition/sale/lease. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. - The record of expenditures for August 14–27, 2026, was approved unanimously.

The Budget Review Committee held a special meeting on September 2, 2026, to discuss suggestions for improving the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2028 budget. No actions were taken; the committee provided feedback to the administration. Members of the committee and other aldermen shared their views on format, content, transparency, and process. The CFO and administration were asked to review the suggestions and report back. Discussion Items - Budget Delivery Date: Multiple members requested the budget be delivered earlier than in the past. Alderman Kelly noted that early May felt less stressful than early June. Alderman Sullivan reviewed 11 years of data and found an average delivery date of April 17. Some cautioned that earlier delivery could mean less complete year-to-date spending data. - Data Columns and Format: Alderman O'Brien emphasized the need for five columns: prior year adopted, prior year available, prior year spend as of March 31, current year proposal, and current year mayor's proposal. Alderman Kelly suggested including a three- or five-year running average of actuals rather than just the prior year. Alderman Smith requested year-to-date expenses and percentage increases over prior year. Alderman Johnson preferred three- or five-year averages but also wanted actuals. - Transparency and Narrative: Several members asked for clearer explanations of line item moves between departments. Alderman Greg requested flagging new line items with an asterisk and separating controllable vs. uncontrollable costs. Alderman Kelly and Alderman Johnson wanted narratives on operational changes, staffing, infrastructure, and other contract services. Alderman Morgan suggested a maintenance request system to track small repairs. - Staffing and Salary Information: Alderman Johnson advocated for listing all employees with names and salaries, as the school district does, for transparency. Alderman O'Brien opposed publishing names, citing potential harassment of employees. Alderman Teebow and Alderman Ryan also opposed names, arguing that positions and salary ranges provide sufficient transparency. Alderman Sullivan supported including staffing levels and open positions. - Digital vs. Printed Budget: Alderman Sullivan praised the digital budget book. Alderman Clay noted that page numbers in the digital version do not match the printed version, causing confusion for the public. Alderman Kelly expressed preference for a three-ring binder to allow insertion of corrected pages ("goldenrod pages"). - Year-to-Date Spending: Alderman Clay requested that departments present their year-to-date spending when they appear before the committee. Alderman Teebow noted that year-to-date figures can be misleading if departments have not yet expensed committed funds; he wanted departments to explain upcoming obligations. - Tax Revenue and Rate Information: Alderman Sullivan asked for a line showing how much tax revenue would need to be collected to cover the operating budget as proposed, and the value of one percent on the tax rate. Others noted that the tax rate cannot be known until the county budget and other factors are final. - Public Hearing Timing: Alderman Clay suggested holding the public hearing earlier in the process to hear public input before department presentations. Alderman Teebow preferred the hearing at the end so the public can hear all department details first. - Meeting Scheduling: Alderman Kelly proposed doubling up departments on fewer nights to reduce the number of meetings, but Alderman Johnson cautioned against more than two departments per night to avoid information overload. - State Legislative Impact: Alderman Kelly suggested a memo in January/February summarizing state legislation that could affect the budget. Alderman Clay noted that state legislation is introduced in January and progresses through May/June, making early awareness valuable. Alderman Greg offered to help others track bills online. Public Comments & Testimony - Bill Ferrio (35 Indian Rock Road) advocated for using spreadsheets instead of paper budgets for better filtering and analysis. He recommended reporting trends rather than averages. He opposed publishing employee names with salaries, arguing it would anger people and that salaries are not adjustable by the committee. He also urged the committee to ask more specific numeric questions rather than policy questions during department presentations. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken. The committee directed CFO John Enright and the administration to review the suggestions made during the meeting and provide feedback to the committee at a future meeting. - Motion to adjourn was approved at 8:33 PM. - Additionally, Alderman Morgan announced a training session on conflicts of interest and ethics for local officials, proposed by the New Hampshire Municipal Authority, to be held November 7 at 7 PM.

The Penatecheck Water Special Committee met on August 31, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. All five committee members were present, establishing a quorum. Representatives from Penatecheck Corporation (Pen Corp) attended. The meeting focused on a resolution to renew the corporation's working capital line of credit with TD Bank. Communications - Two communications were accepted and filed without objection: a quarterly shareholder report from Pen Corp CEO for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, and a communication from the Office of Corporation Counsel regarding Resolution R25054 (a prior related item). New Business – Resolution R26054 - George Torres, representing Pen Corp, presented a term sheet from TD Bank for the renewal of Pen Corp’s existing $4 million working capital line of credit. The line has been in place since 2014 in varying amounts. - The new agreement is a three-year renewal (September 2026 through September 2029), extended from the previous two-year terms, reducing the frequency of committee appearances. - The line of credit has identical terms to the prior facility: a floating interest rate based on the SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus 1.75%. Mr. Torres estimated the current rate at approximately 5%. - The line of credit acts as a backstop for Pen Corp's subsidiaries: Pen Waterworks, Penn Water Service, and Pencheck Waterworks. It covers operational expenses and timing gaps, automatically drawing and repaying as cash flow fluctuates. It does not require regulatory approval beyond the committee and Board of Aldermen. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve Resolution R26054, authorizing Pen Corp to renew and extend the line of credit with TD Bank. - The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.