City Council

Monday, April 14, 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 7:01 PM.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
25-187 March 10, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved as amended

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approved of the March 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Councilor Kretovic duly seconded the motion. Mayor Champlin moved to correct the spelling of St. Paddy's Day. The motion as amended was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.

Mayor Champlin welcomed and recognized the Concord General Services Propel Program, which is a two-year employee development program..
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to Community Development-Engineering and the General Services Department
7. Communication from Councilor Brown, on behalf of her constituent, specific to ponding on Auburn Street.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to Community Development-Engineering and General Services.
Referral to the Conservation Commission
8. Communication from Greg Pollock, Sunfox Farm, regarding parking challenges for the annual Sunflower Bloom Festival.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Conservation Commission.
Referral to the Traffic Operations Committee
9. March 11, 2025 Rolfe Park and Community Drive public meeting notes.
consent report
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Traffic Operations Committee.
Items Tabled for May 12, 2025 Public Hearings
10. Resolution appropriating the sum of $90,000 in the City-Wide Community Center project (CIP #443) for the replacement of two heat exchangers and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the sum of $90,000 for this purpose; together with a report from the Parks and Recreation Director.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
11. Resolution appropriating the sum of $73,046.50 as a transfer to the Opioid Abatement Reserve and accepting the sum of $73,046.50 in Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Finance.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
12. Resolution appropriating the sum of $51,900 for the establishment of a Patrol K9 Unit and accepting the sum of $51,900 in unmatched grant funds from the Stanton K9 Foundation for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy Chief of Police.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
13. Resolution appropriating the sum of $48,000 in the Forest Inventory and Management Plan Project (CIP #672) to update the Forest Inventory and Management Plan and authorizing the use of $48,000 from the Conservation Trust Forestry Fund for this purpose; together with a report from the Conservation Commission Chair and the City Planner.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
14. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization, Article 1-5, Fees, Fines, and Penalties, Schedule 1; together with non-ordinance fees and a report from the Deputy City Manager-Finance. (Supplemental report and revised fee schedule submitted.)
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

This ordinance was moved to set for a public hearing.
15. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title III, Building and Housing Codes; Chapter 26, Building Regulations, Article 26-9 Demolition Review; together with a report from the Code Administrator and the Deputy City Manager - Development. (Referred to the Heritage Commission at the May 12, 2025 City Council meeting.)
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

This ordinance was moved to set for a public hearing.
16. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Library Acquisition Technician, together with a report from the Director of Human Services.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing Passed

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

Positive comments received and filed.
Consent Reports
18. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $3,655.36, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved Passed

Consent report approved.
19. Report from Deputy City Manager - Finance recommending the FY26 Budget Schedule and Guidelines.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
20. Quarterly Current Use Change Tax Report from Director of Real Estate Assessments.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
21. Report from the General Services Director on 2024/2025 General Services Winter Operation Recruiting and Retention Stipend.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
22. Report from the Deputy Chief of Police recommending City Council de-authorize $177.22 in grant funding from the New Hampshire Department of Safety - State Homeland Security grant to the Concord Police Department to be used for equipment purchases for police department members on the Central New Hampshire Special Operations Unit.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved. Councilor Brown recused from voting on this item as her husband works for the Police Department.
23. 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 safety concerns on the corner of Broadway near #366 S Main Street
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
24. 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 safety concerns at the Mountain Road crosswalk at Fernald Street.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
25. Report from the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee recommending transportation project priorities for the FY 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
Consent Resolutions
26. Resolution repurposing the sum of $165,420.03 from the Fiscal Year 2022 Secondary Clarifier Construction Subproject (CIP #104) to the Fiscal Year 2025 Concrete Structural Repairs subproject (CIP #104); together with a report from the General Services Director.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
Appointments
27. Mayor Champlin's proposed re-appointment to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Jeffrey Evans.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
28. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Golf Course Advisory Committee: Craig Savage.
appointment
Action: approved Passed

Appointment approved.
29. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointment to the Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee: Claire Lund.
appointment
Action: approved Passed

Appointment approved.
30. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Steering Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness: Danielle Barrick.
appointment
Action: approved Passed

Appointment approved.
31. Report from the Deputy City Manager - Development recommending appointments to the Opportunity Corridor Redevelopment Fund Advisory Committee: Councilor Keach, Councilor Fennessy, Deputy City Manager Matt Walsh and Assistant Community Development Director Tim Thompson.
appointment
Action: approved Passed

Appointments approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
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Public Hearings
32A. 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.)
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City Manager Aspell indicated this is a funding resolution. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
32B. 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.
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City Manager Aspell noted that since 2022, the Walker Lecture Series has continued its support of the community by funding the Thursday night and Sunday morning free concert series. Last year, they generously contributed $9,500. In addition, the City approached the Walker Lecture Series to consider supporting the expansion of the summer concert series to the new Riverfront Park in Penacook, and they graciously agreed donating an additional $2,000. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
32C. 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.
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City Manager Aspell indicated that the pavement repairs were specific to Elm Street. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
32D. 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.
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32E. 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.
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This item was discussed with Item 32D.
32F. 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.
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This item was discussed with Item 32D.
Public Hearing Action
33. 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.)
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34. 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: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz. Mayor Champlin noted the Council's deep appreciation and support from the Walker Lecture Series. The motion passed unanimously.
35. 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: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor McNamara. Councilor Fennessy recused himself as he represents a subsidiary of Main Street American Insurance. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
36. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor McNamara. Councilor Brown recused herself as she is a veteran. Councilor Fennessy thanked the Tax Exemption Policy Committee, as well as Director of Real Estate Assessments John Rice. He appreciated the work to strike a balance between looking out for elderly members of the community, while not unnecessarily burdening other tax payers. Councilor Foote recused himself from all three resolutions, 36, 37, and 38, due to the fact that he has solar panels at his house. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
37. 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: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton. Councilor Foote recused himself as previously stated. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
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38. 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: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz. Councilor Brown recused herself, as she is a veteran. Councilor Foote recused himself as previously stated. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
Reports
39. Report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives regarding the I-93 Bridge Park Feasibility Study.
report
City Manager Aspell indicated the presentation would be postponed until May, as the consultants were not available this evening.
New Business
Unfinished Business
40. 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.)
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Consideration of Suspense Items
Sus1 Report from the City Solicitor's Office regarding Referral of Board of Ethics Complaint to City Council.
report
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

At 7:46 PM, with there being no additional business, Councilor McNamara moved to adjourn. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton and passed with no dissenting votes.
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Information
Inf1 December 5, 2024 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf2 December 17, 2024 and February 18, 2025 Traffic Operations Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf3 January 15, 2025 Heritage Commission meeting minutes
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Inf4 January 23, 2025 Transportation Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf5 January 28, 2025 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf6 January 29, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Inf7 February 3, 2025 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
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Inf8 February 4, 2025 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf9 February 5, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Inf10 February 12, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf11 February 18, 2025 Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness Meeting Minutes.
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Inf12 February 19, 2025 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf13 February 20, 2025 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee approved Meeting Minutes.
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Inf14 February 26, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf15 March 3, 2025 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
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Inf16 March 3, 2025 Parking Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf17 March 4, 2025 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf18 March 4, 2025 Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf19 March 5, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Inf20 March 6, 2025 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf21 March 13, 2025 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf22 March 17, 2025 Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf23 March 18, 2025 Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf24 March 25, 2025 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf25 Parks and Recreation Departments 2025 Summer Camp Brochure.
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Inf26 Notice of 2025 Prescribed Burns from the Wildland Fire Program Manager.
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Council Only
A. City Manager's Proposed Appointment to the Conservation Commission: Kevin Porter.
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B. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointments to the Airport Advisory Committee: David T. Segal, Tom Winkelmann, Richard Bartle and Warren Runde.
appointment
C. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Thomas Kolling.
appointment
D. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Golf Course Advisory Committee: Jerise Mares.
appointment
E. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee: Déodonné P. Bhattarai.
appointment
F. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Peter C.L. Roth.
appointment

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