City Council

Monday, March 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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Non-meeting in accordance with RSA 91-A:2, I (a), strategy and negotiations with respect to collective bargaining followed by a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss property acquisition to begin at 5:30 PM
Mayor Champlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
25-100 February 10, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved as amended

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval of the February 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Councilor Kurtz seconded the motion. Councilor Brown moved to correct the spelling of FPAC. The motion as amended was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.

Mayor Champlin offered the Council's sincerest condolences for the passing of Fire Fighter C.J. Girard to his family, the City's Fire Department, and the extended fire community.
7. Presentation regarding Stanton K-9 Foundation Grant Program.
consent report
City Manager Aspell invited Chief Osgood, Deputy Chief Smagula and Officer LeBlanc, to give a presentation on the Stanton Patrol K-9 grant program. Chief Osgood introduced Deputy Chief Smagula and Officer LeBlanc. Officer LeBlanc provided a presentation and explained the CPD K-9 Unit history, as well as benefits to the Police Department, the community, and surrounding towns. He indicated that the Stanton Foundation Grant would total $50,800, to be used for; the purchase and training of the K-9, cruiser conversion, construction of kennel at handlers residence, vet bills, food, and a bulletproof vest. The grant would be received in three installments to help get the program up and running. The presentation was provided to City Council and the presentation is on file in the City Clerk's Office and digitally by accessing the City Council agenda on the City's website. General discussion followed regarding the future feasibility of the program.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to the Parking Committee, the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee
8. Communication from Councilor Brown requesting consideration be given to restricting parking to one side of the street on a section of School Street that is south of Liberty Street. (Pulled from consent by Councilor McNamara.)
referrals
Pulled from consent for discussion.
Referral to the Golf Course Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee
9. Communication from Marcy Charette, Concord resident, requesting that the Beaver Meadow Golf Course be designated a park and treated as any other park under Parks & Recreation within the City of Concord.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Golf Course Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee.
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Items Tabled for April 14, 2024 Public Hearings
10. Resolution appropriating the sum of $84,000 to support efforts by Concord's Plan to End Homelessness and authorizing a transfer in from the Community Improvement Reserve in the sum of $84,000 for this purpose; together with report from Councilor Jim Schlosser. (Action on this item tabled at the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting.)
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
11. Resolution appropriating the sum of $11,500 in the Parks & Recreation Miscellaneous Grants and Donations project for the Free Summer Concert Series and accepting the sum of $11,500 as a donation from the Walker Lecture Series for this purpose; together with a report from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
12. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,000, in the Annual Highway Improvement Program project (CIP #78) for pavement repairs and accepting the sum of $10,000, from Main Street American Insurance for this purpose; together with a report from the City Engineer.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
13. Resolution modifying the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for the City of Concord pursuant to the provisions of RSA 72:27-a; together with a report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
14. Resolution modifying the Elderly Exemption for the City of Concord pursuant to the provisions of RSA 72:27-a; together with a report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
15. Resolution modifying the Optional Veterans’ Tax Credit for the City of Concord pursuant to the provisions of RSA 72:27-a; together with a report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
Consent Reports
16. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Police Department requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations, from WalMart, totaling $2,118, as provided by under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
17. Report from the City Manager regarding Fiscal Year 2025 Event Funding. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
18. Report from the General Services Director advising City Council of protocols specific to Residential Irrigation Backflow Testing.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
19. Library Fines Amnesty Program.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
20. Report from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in response to communication from Mr. Andy Duncan, 16 Kimball Street, regarding application of sludge from the City’s wastewater plant near the Russell-Shea Community Garden.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
Consent Resolutions
21. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Stanton K-9 Foundation Grant Program for up to $55,000 designated for Law Enforcement K-9 Programs; together with a report from the Police Department.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
22. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit and application to the Jeanne Shaheen Congressional Directed Spending Program for funds designated for Law Enforcement related programs; together with a report from the Police Department.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
Appointments
23. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Public Safety Board: Kate Lipman.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
24. Mayor Champlin's appointments to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Joseph M. Kwasnik and Rob Werner.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
25A. Resolution expanding the boundary of the Penacook Boscawen Water Precinct. (Supplemental reports from the General Services Director and the City Solicitor submitted.)
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City Manager Aspell invited Attorney Thomas Chesnard, from Cleveland, Waters And Bass, and Pembroke Commissioner Bill Murphy to present. Attorney Chesnard explained that the petition is to expand the boundaries of the Penacook Boscawen Water Precinct. This expansion only involves land in Boscawen, however, they were here for Concord's approval out of an abundance of caution. Manager Aspell indicated that the City's Solicitor and the Water Department has reviewed the petition and the City is in favor, and would recommend approval. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
25B. 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.
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City Manager Aspell recommended that Council accept the funds for the stated purpose. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
25C. 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.
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City Manager Aspell recommended approving the transfer of the funds for the stated purpose. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
Public Hearing Action
26. Resolution expanding the boundary of the Penacook Boscawen Water Precinct. (Supplemental reports from the General Services Director and the City Solicitor submitted.)
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz and passed with no dissenting votes.
27. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton and passed with no dissenting votes.
28. 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: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz and passed with no dissenting votes.
Reports
29. Presentation from the Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness.
report
City Manager Aspell invited Rosanne Haggerty, Chair of the Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness to present. Councilor Sekou rejoined the meeting at 7:34 PM. Ms. Haggerty provided an overview of her presentation on the Committee's work to end homelessness in the City of Concord. The Committee is implementing a five part plan to; reduce homelessness by 25%, increase housing opportunities by 100 units, end Veteran homelessness, create and implement a working model to prevent and reduce homelessness, and to communicate and engage the community at large. The Committee is also working on an automated response to cold weather emergencies. The Committee is actively tracking current data, as well as ensuring the reporting is as accurate as possible. Ms. Haggerty highlighted that the Veteran homeless population has decreased through the coordinated efforts of many agencies, down to six individuals. The Committee recommends hiring a project manager in order to have a coordinated, data driven team, working to course correct and align policies in order to make homelessness rare and brief. General discussion followed on those individuals who may be missing from the data, on Concord School District and Merrimack School Districts' homeless populations, and whether there is any data of those leaving the State's hospital or prisons and if they are entering the homeless population. Information is available on the City Committee's website, and for those interested in supporting the work please contact the Granite United Way.
30. Recommendation from the Ad-hoc Beaver Meadow Golf Course Building Committee, the Golf Course Advisory Committee and the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee regarding the Beaver Meadow Facility. (Public comments received.) (Additional public comments received.)
report
New Business
Unfinished Business
31. 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
Consideration of Items pulled from Consent Agenda
Referral to the Parking Committee, the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee
8. Communication from Councilor Brown requesting consideration be given to restricting parking to one side of the street on a section of School Street that is south of Liberty Street. (Pulled from consent by Councilor McNamara.)
referrals
Councilor McNamara indicated that back in June of 2023, this issue was addressed by the Parking Committee. She felt it would be a waste of staff's time as well as another Committee's time to refer as noted. There were two Parking Committee meetings on this specific issue, and in June it was decided to discuss the issue with the School Board. She also indicated that the Parking Committee had made a request that several community members attend the meetings to discuss the issue and provide feedback. Councilor McNamara indicated that a week ago, there was a meeting and only one family came to address the issue of going to two hour parking instead of all day parking. She indicated that at this point, the Parking Committee does not feel that they should be changing the metered parking. Councilor McNamara made a motion to leave the issue with the Parking Committee, who will continue work to bring the School Board to the table to discuss the issue, and not send it to any other Committee. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Keach. Councilor Brown stated that she too is on the Parking Committee and felt that bringing in another Committees could help bring in additional information. She indicated that there is one block with cars parked on both sides, and independent plow trucks have difficult time to access private driveways. She indicated that there have been multiple family's that have given feedback about the issue, especially during the winter. Councilor Fennessy indicated that parking used to be banned on School Street between Liberty Street and Pine Street going south. Three or four years ago, there was a request to change the parking requirements by a nearby property owner due to a lack of parking. Councilor Fennessy indicated that at the time, Councilor Brown and himself both agreed that it was a bad idea to allow the change, however, City Council voted to do so. He also indicated that he lives on School Street and understands the issue, and that he shares Councilor Brown's concerns about the issue, however, he feels it is a parking issue for the Parking Committee to make a recommendation. Councilor Sekou asked if there could be consideration for safety reasons to allow parking on one side of the street. Councilor Fennessy indicated that the Parking Committee could look into that concept. Councilor Brown mentioned that she was not on the Council at the time the decision was made to allow the parking, however, she was concerned that if they allowed it, the high school student's would take up the parking during the day. The individual who requested the parking in the first place has since said that they regret making that request. Councilor McNamara mentioned that typically when items are referred to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, it is because of traffic problems, accidents, and pedestrians. She indicated that this neighborhood has not had any accidents. She did not feel that TPAC was the right avenue, and sticking with the Parking Committee was the right course. Councilor Todd indicated that he is the Chair of the Parking Committee and confirmed that the Parking Committee is actively working on this issue. They want to have a comprehensive view of the issue with feedback from the School Board as well as the neighborhood. The motion passed by a majority vote.
17. Report from the City Manager regarding Fiscal Year 2025 Event Funding. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Councilor Brown mentioned that the Event Arts Grant Program is in it's second year. She wanted to recognize the City Manager's work and inquired if the reports could be hyperlinked on the website so that citizens could see the great outcomes. City Manager Aspell indicated that he could include the reports on the website when they become available. Councilor Brown made a motion to accept the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kretovic, passing with no dissenting votes.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

At 9:34 PM, with there being no additional business, Councilor Keach moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilor Fennessy and passed with no dissenting votes.
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Information
Inf1 December 5, 2024 Transportation Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf2 January 7, 2025 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf3 January 7, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf4 January 8, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Inf5 January 15, 2025 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf6 January 21, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf7 January 31, 2024 Tax Exemption Policy Committee Approved Meeting Minutes.
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Inf8 February 3, 2025 Rules Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf9 February 5, 2025 Tax Exemption Policy Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf10 February 20, 2025 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf11 Concord Parks and Recreation Spring Brochure.
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Inf12 Correspondence from Xfinity regarding Programming Changes.
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Information item received and filed.
Inf13 Parks and Recreation Employment Information
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Information item received and filed.
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Council Only
A. Mayor Champlin's proposed re-appointment to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Jeffrey Evans.
appointment
B. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Golf Course Advisory Committee: Craig Savage.
appointment
C. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointment to the Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee: Claire Lund.
appointment
D. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Steering Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness: Danielle Barrick.
appointment

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