City Council

Monday, February 10, 2025 · 7:00 PM AM · City Council Chambers 37 Green Street Concord, NH 03301

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Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

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Mayor Champlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
25-041 January 13, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval of the January 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Councilor Kurtz seconded the motion. Councilor Foote moved to correct the spelling of Mr. Finney's last name. The motion as amended was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.
7. Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant Presentation.
consent report
City Manager Aspell invited Chip Chesley, DPW Director, Dan Driscoll, Waste Water Superintendent, and Michael Theriault, from Wright-Pierce, to present. A copy of the Powerpoint presentation has been posted and is available in the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Chesley began the presentation discussing the large housing boom in Concord, the dwindling capacity of the secondary treatment process, and the need for more aeration. Mr. Theriault, from Wright-Pierce, discussed the background of the Hall Street Plant and the current needs for restructuring or rebuilding, as the plant is nearly at the end of its loading capacity. The plant has two bio-towers and one has been offline for approximately 30 years, and the other is working at less than 50% capacity. He discussed alternative pathways to mitigate the issues, mentioning that it could take approximately five years from design through construction. He indicated that in about two years the discharge permit will expire, so this would be the opportune time for Concord to make the necessary planning for the improvements so that a more rigid schedule is not imposed by the Department of Environmental Services or the EPA. A lengthy discussion ensued amongst the Council, discussing the plant's current state, the immediate needs, the proposed upgrades, the future capacity, as well as how the City would pay for the improvements. At the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Champlin asked Mr. Chesley how the crews were doing with snow removal, as this year has seen the most snow in over four years. He extended the Council's appreciation for the staff's efforts and the long hours, understanding the balance of needing rest as well as family time.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to General Services and the Legal Department
8. Communication from Cleveland, Waters and Bass, on behalf of the Penacook Boscawen Water Precinct, regarding a petition to expand the boundaries of the Precinct pursuant to RSA 52:5.
referrals
See Item 8A. Set for public hearing.
Items Tabled for March 10, 2024 Public Hearings
8A. Resolution expanding the boundary of the Penacook Boscawen Water Precinct. (Supplemental reports from the General Services Director and the City Solicitor submitted.)
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

This resolution was moved to set for a public hearing.
9. Resolution appropriating the sum of $43,062.71, as reimbursement of personnel costs related to the deployment of Fire Department personnel to areas impacted by natural disasters, and accepting the sum of $43,062.71, in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for this purpose; together with report from the Deputy Fire Chief.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

This resolution was moved to set for a public hearing.
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10. Resolution appropriating the sum of $15,000, in the Community Development Miscellaneous Grants and Donations project for tree planting on City property and within public rights-of-way under the Sustainable Tree Program, and authorizing a transfer in the sum of $15,000, from the Urban Tree Trust Fund for this purpose; together with a report from the Tree Subcommittee of the Conservation Commission.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

This resolution was moved to set for a public hearing.
From the City Manager
11. Positive Citizen Comments.
positive comments
Action: received and filed Passed

Positive comments were received and filed.
Consent Reports
12. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $1,415.31, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
13. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Parks and Recreation Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $3,817, as provided for under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
14. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives requesting authorization to accept a monetary gift totaling $250, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
15. Quarterly Status Report from the City Manager on City Council's 2024-2025 Priorities. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
This item was pulled from consent for discussion.
16. Report from the Deputy City Manager - Development and the Human Resource and Labor Relations Director regarding reclassification of the Administrative Specialist II position within the Planning Division of the Community Development Department to Administrative Technician III.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
17. December 31, 2024 Fiscal Year to Date Financial Statements; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Finance. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
This item was pulled from consent for discussion.
18. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Document report from the Director of the Office of Management & Budget.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
19. Report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments requesting the City Manager be Authorized to renew the voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement between Fellowship Housing Opportunities, Inc. and Affiliates and the City of Concord.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
20. Report from the Fire Chief, on behalf of the Public Safety Board, recommending that City Council encourages City staff to consider service agency deliverables to the community when selecting which service organizations should receive City funding in the development of City budgets, and to encourage City staff to review the City's application and reporting processes for nonprofits requesting funding.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
21. City Street Tree Removal Policy report from the General Services Director
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
22. Highway and Utilities Division Realignment report from the General Services Director.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
23. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director on Department Operations in 2024. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
This item was pulled from consent for discussion.
24. Report from the Solicitor's Office regarding a Collective Bargaining Tentative Agreement between the City and the Concord Fire Officers Association, Local 3195.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
25. Report from the Assistant Director of Community Development, on behalf of the Parking Committee, in response to a referral from City Council regarding communication from Safiya Wazir requesting consideration be made to create parking passes for Social Workers who utilize public places, within the City of Concord.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
26. Report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives authorizing the City Manager to execute a release deed and new easement deed to Unitil Energy Systems for the relocation of a transmission line at the former landfill on Old Turnpike Road.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
27. Report from the Transportation Engineer, on behalf of the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, in response to a referral from City Council regarding a communication from Councilor Horne requesting consideration be given to implementing traffic improvements on River Road.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
28. Report from the Transportation Engineer, on behalf of the Traffic Operations Committee and Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, in response to a referral from City Council regarding communication from resident Tony Puntin requesting consideration be given for the installation of a sidewalk along Borough Road.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

This consent report was approved.
Consent Resolutions
29. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs Housing Champion Housing Infrastructure Municipal Grant Program; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Development.
consent resolution
Action: approved Passed

This consent resolution was approved.
30. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs Housing Champion Housing Production Municipal Grant Program; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Development.
consent resolution
Action: approved Passed

This consent resolution was approved.
31. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program (ORLP) for the purpose of constructing a portion of Terrill Park (CIP #59); together with a report from the Director of Parks & Recreation.
consent resolution
Action: approved Passed

This consent resolution was approved.
32. Resolution appropriating the sum of $5,000, in the Parks and Recreation Miscellaneous Grants and Donations project for repairs to the Beaver Meadow snow groomer, and authorizing the use of $5,000, as a transfer in from the Recreation Reserve for this purpose; together with a report from the Parks and Recreation Director.
consent resolution
Action: approved Passed

This consent resolution was approved.
Appointments
33. City Manager's Appointments to the Conservation Commission: Frederick Chormann, Katherine Healy, and Mark Coen. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
appointment
This item was pulled from consent for discussion.
34. City Manager's Appointments to the Library Board of Trustees: Jeanie West and Stephanie Simard.
appointment
Action: approved Failed

This appointment was approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
35A. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Class Specification Index, Wastewater Maintenance Manager; together with a report from the Director of Human Resources.
ordinance
Manager Aspell indicated that the Waste Water Maintenance Manager position would be a new position in schedule D, however, the current Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor position is not being eliminated, and will remain vacant once the new position is filled. The City's current Supervisor has gained the necessary qualifications for the new position, and if the ordinance change is approved, the General Services Department intends to transition him into the new position, after an internal posting process. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
35B. Resolution appropriating the sum of $35,000, for reimbursement of demolition costs associated with the Next Step Living, Inc project at 3 North State Street, and accepting the sum of $35,000, in grant proceeds from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Municipal Demolition Grant program for this purpose; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development.
resolution
35C. Resolution appropriating the sum of $21,499, for law enforcement related programs, and accepting the sum of $21,499, in unmatched grant funds from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy Chief of Police.
resolution
Manager Aspell indicated that their is no match for this grant, however, the City will enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the County of Merrimack, for the programming and allotment of funds. The Police Department will receive $16,499, and the County will receive $5,000. Mayor Champlin opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
35D. Resolution accepting the terms of a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) grant issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), appropriating the sum of $259,062, for the purchase of a modular vehicle barrier system, and accepting the sum of $259,062, from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for this purpose; together with a report from the Fire Chief.
resolution
Manager Aspell invited Chief Chisholm to present. Chief Chisholm explained that over two years ago, the Fire Marshall had inquired if the City would be interested in sponsoring a traffic barrier system, which is designed to protect the City from incidents such as those that happened recently in New Orleans. These incidents could be from an intent to harm, to an impaired or incapacitated driver. The City applied for this grant over a year ago, which would allow the City to purchase two trailers/barriers which would help close a street on both ends. The City is aware that this is not a complete system, however, it is a great start. Each modular barrier is trailer mounted, and would be stored remotely. Each unit weights approximately 50 lbs, and they do require some effort to deploy. Lastly, he indicated that there would be a draft policy put in place on the usage. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
Public Hearing Action
36. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Class Specification Index, Wastewater Maintenance Manager; together with a report from the Director of Human Resources.
ordinance
Action: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton, and passed with no dissenting votes.
37. Resolution appropriating the sum of $35,000, for reimbursement of demolition costs associated with the Next Step Living, Inc project at 3 North State Street, and accepting the sum of $35,000, in grant proceeds from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Municipal Demolition Grant program for this purpose; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd, and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor Kretovic recused herself indicating that she has a conflict of interest with one of the primary stake holders, as they serve on a NH advisory board together.
38. Resolution appropriating the sum of $21,499, for law enforcement related programs, and accepting the sum of $21,499, in unmatched grant funds from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy Chief of Police.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz. Councilor Brown recused herself as her husband is a Concord Police Officer. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
39. Resolution accepting the terms of a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) grant issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), appropriating the sum of $259,062, for the purchase of a modular vehicle barrier system, and accepting the sum of $259,062, from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for this purpose; together with a report from the Fire Chief.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kretovic. The Council thanked the Fire Department and the Public Safety Board for their efforts in acquiring grant funds in order to protect the community in these uncertain times. The Council discussed future funding if a barrier was damaged, possibly putting a policy in place for usage, and that any future changes to the fee system would need Council approval. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
Reports
40. Presentation from the Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness.
report
This item was postponed until the March City Council Meeting.
New Business
Unfinished Business
41. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,308,000, in the Beaver Meadow Golf Course Club House & Buildings Project (CIP #107) for the construction of a new facility and related improvements, and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the sum of $10,308,000, for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Finance. (Presentation and proforma submitted.) (Public testimony received.) (Revised presentation submitted.) (Additional public testimony received.)
resolution
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Consideration of Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
15. Quarterly Status Report from the City Manager on City Council's 2024-2025 Priorities. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Councilor Brown indicated that in the Council's Quarterly Status Report, the first goal is to balance the budget and minimize the tax rate impact. She thanked the staff for their work in this effort, specifically for acquiring grant funds. Councilor Brown moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd, passing with no dissenting votes.
17. December 31, 2024 Fiscal Year to Date Financial Statements; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Finance. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Brown indicated that on the Fiscal Year to Date Report, the Golf Fund Performance Report states that the current month transaction revenues total $27,000, however, on page 40, the expenses are $105,000. She pointed out that the City is paying for full-time, part-time, and temporary positions for a seasonal sport. She wanted to point out that the Golf Fund runs a deficit during the off season months. Councilor Brown moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz, passing with no dissenting votes.
23. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director on Department Operations in 2024. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Brown highlighted how important the parks are to all of the residents. She mentioned that more than ever, the community needs opportunities to connect, and that she is impressed with all that Parks and Recreation does. She was hoping that a "sled library" could be created so that residents could use free sleds at Beaver Meadow. Councilor Brown moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schlosser, passing with no dissenting votes. Manager Aspell noted the amazing work with the restoration of the Eastman Clock Tower through the collaboration of area residents and Mr. Gill. Councilor Fennessy also pointed out the amazing work that Mr. Gill and his crew did this past weekend with the Black Ice Pond Hockey and Ski the Beav events.
33. City Manager's Appointments to the Conservation Commission: Frederick Chormann, Katherine Healy, and Mark Coen. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
appointment
Action: approved

This appointment was approved.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

At 8:48 PM, with there being no additional business, Councilor Todd moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilor Schultz and passed with no dissenting votes.
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Information
Inf1 September 18, 2024 Joint Planning Board/Architectural Design Review Committee Work Session Meeting Minutes.
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Inf2 September 18, 2024 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf3 October 1, 2024 Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf4 October 17, 2024 Everett Arena Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf5 November 5, 2024 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf6 November 7, 2024 Transportation Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf7 November 13, 2024 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf8 November 13, 2024 Trails Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf9 November 19, 2024 Traffic Operations Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf10 November 20, 2024 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf11 November 21, 2024 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Approved Meeting Minutes.
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Inf12 December 3, 2024 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf13 December 3, 2024 Economic Development Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf14 December 3, 2024 Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf15 December 4, 2024 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Inf16 December 5, 2024 Demolition Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf17 December 10, 2024 Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf18 December 11, 2024 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf19 December 11, 2024 Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf20 December 16, 2024 Demolition Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf21 December 17, 2024 Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness Meeting Minutes; together with work group updates Powerpoint presentation.
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Inf22 December 18, 2024 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf23 December 30, 2024 Parking Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf24 December 30, 2024 Demolition Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf25 January 6, 2025 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
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Inf26 January 27, 2025 Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf27 Communications from Xfinity advising City Council about changes in programming.
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Council Only
A. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Public Safety Board: Kate Lipman.
appointment
B. Mayor Champlin's appointments to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Joseph M. Kwasnik and Rob Werner.
appointment

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