City Council

Monday, May 12, 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-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 7:01 p.m.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of Meeting Minutes.
25-251 April 14, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved as amended

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval of the April 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes. Councilor McNamara duly seconded the motion. Mayor Champlin moved to correct that Councilor Keach was excused from the meeting, and not absent. The motion as amended was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.
7. Resolution in Recognition of the Services of Earle "Chip" Chesley, P.E.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Mayor Champlin presented a Proclamation for Earle "Chip" Chesley, expressing the Council's sincere appreciation for his years of service. Chip graciously thanked City Council, division heads, staff, as well as his family, for their support over his tenure. City Manager Aspell also thanked Chip for his service and dedication. He then invited Marco Philippon, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor to speak.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to Community Development and the Traffic Operations Committee
8. Request from Councilor Kretovic on behalf of Meredith Raczka / Chocorua Village Condominium Association for review of potential closure of Metalak Drive at Loon Circle.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to Community Development and the Traffic Operations Committee.
Referral to the Parking Committee
9. Communication from Charla Mayotte, Celeste Oliva Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars, requesting consideration be given to developing a tailored parking permit system to support small downtown businesses.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Parking Committee.
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Referrals to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee and the Traffic Operations Committee
10. Communication from the Pembroke Town Administrator requesting consideration be made to removing no thru trucking signage near the North Pembroke Road bridge.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee and the Traffic Operations Committee.
11. Communication from Kimberly Pooler, a resident of Ward Eight, requesting consideration for the installation of one or more crosswalks to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety along Regional Drive, in particular at the end of the sidewalk on Chenell Drive, crossing Regional Drive to the adjacent street.
referrals
Action: approved

Communication was referred to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee and the Traffic Operations Committee.
Items Tabled for June 5, 2025 Public Hearings
12. Resolution fixing and determining the amount of money to be appropriated by the City of Concord for the fiscal year 2026 ending June 30, 2026 for the General fund, Special Revenue funds, Enterprise funds, Debt Service funds, and diminimus accounts.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
13. Resolution for the annual capital closeout and repurposing of capital project funds; together with a report from the Senior Accountant.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
14. Resolution appropriating for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) the sum of $31,620,250 for capital projects, authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the sum of $26,415,000, authorizing the use of $3,585,000 in reserve and impact fees, accepting the sum of $480,000 in federal grant funds, and accepting the sum of $250,000 in donations for various capital projects more specifically identified in the budget document.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
15. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization; Article 1-5, Fees, Fines, and Penalties, Schedule I, by amending Chapter 9, Water, Section 9-1-6 Water Use Rates, Section 9-1-8 Water Fixed Charges, Section 9-3-8 Sewer Use Rates, and Section 9-3-8(a) Sewer Fixed Charges.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
Items Tabled for June 9, 2025 Public Hearings
16. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code, Chapter 30, Administrative Code, Article 30-3, Boards and Commissions; together with a report from the City Solicitor.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
17. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Hampshire Aviation, LLC concerning Development Zone 4 at the Concord Municipal Airport and to execute required documents with State and Federal agencies regarding revisions to the location of Development Zone 4; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
18. Resolution appropriating the sum of $150,000 for the Beaver Meadow Parking Lot Project (CIP #107) to include the issuance of bonds and notes in the sum of $107,000 and accepting the sum of $43,000 in donations for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Finance. (Public testimony submitted.)
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
19. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,000 in the White Park Project (CIP #51) for the construction of a new playground at White Park and accepting the sum of $10,000 as a donation from the Lynch Family Trust for this purpose; together with a report from the Parks & Recreation Director.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
20. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into Development Agreement Amendment #6 with Capital Commons, LLC and to authorize the creation of a new Master Parking Agreement, both documents associated with parking for Capital Commons' 11 South Main Street tenants at the Storrs Street Municipal Parking Garage; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
From the City Manager
21. Positive Citizen Comments.
positive comments
Consent Reports
22. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $1,781.87, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
23. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Parks and Recreation Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $39,234.50, as provided for under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
24. Quarterly Status Report on the City Council's 2024-2025 Priorities. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
25. March 31, 2025 Fiscal Year to Date Financial Statements; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager-Finance. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
26. Report from the City Solicitor's Office Regarding the April 18, 2025 Board of Ethics Meeting.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
27. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director on the upcoming outdoor pool season. (Pulled from the consent agenda by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
28. Report from the City Surveyor recommending that the City Manager be authorized to enter into a Boundary Line Agreement with The Robert D. & Sherri A. Morrill Revocable Trust dated March 4, 1993, to resolve boundary line discrepancies due to the loss or obliteration of monumentation.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
29. Report from the Transportation Engineer, on behalf of the Traffic Operations Committee and Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, in response to multiple referrals from City Council regarding safety and speed concerns on N State Street near Lake Street.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
Consent Resolutions
30. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application for $2,500 from the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities for the purpose of constructing the White Park Playground (CIP #51); together with a report from the Parks & Recreation Director.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
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Appointments
31. City Manager's Proposed Appointment to the Conservation Commission: Kevin Porter.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
32. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointments to the Airport Advisory Committee: David T. Segal, Tom Winkelmann, Richard Bartle and Warren Runde.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
33. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee: Thomas Kolling.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
34. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Golf Course Advisory Committee: Jerise Mares.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
35. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee: Déodonné P. Bhattarai.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
36. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Peter C.L. Roth.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
37A. 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.
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37B. 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
Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
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37C. 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
City Manager Aspell indicated that this will support the Police Department with their startup costs for the program. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
37D. 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
37E. 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
City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview of the fee change proposal process. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
37F. 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
37G. 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
City Manager Aspell provided brief overview of the proposed Library Acquisition Technician position, noting that it is intended to address the upcoming retirement of the current Library Technician. Kate West, Ward 9 resident, testified that the City should consider promoting internally. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
Public Hearing Action
38. 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: approved

Councilor Kurtz moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd and passed unanimously.
39. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton, and passed unanimously.
40. 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: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kretovic. Councilor Brown recused herself as her husband is a Concord City Police Officer. The motion passed unanimously.
41. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton, and passed unanimously.
42. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz.
43. 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: tabled

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor McNamara. Councilor Todd voiced concerns about past issues with sign posting and expressed hope that City staff will work closely with the Heritage Commission to ensure required signage is properly posted in the future, emphasizing the importance of public outreach. Councilor Kurtz echoed the sentiments of both Councilor Todd and the community representative, stating that the ordinance should aim to fulfill its intended purpose, and that providing as much notice as possible, within the constraints of safety, is paramount. Councilor Todd moved to amend current section 26-9-3 (c), to include the following language "The sign shall be posted by the Code Administrator on the applicant's property with the applicant's permission in a visible location. If the sign is not posted continuously as required, the 60-day delay period shall stop running and not resume until the sign is posted continuously and as required." Councilor Horne duly seconded the motion. Councilor Kretovic moved to table the ordinance and return it back to the Heritage Commission for further review, noting that the majority of the Commission voted in favor of this ordinance change and this would allow them to review and make the necessary revisions while also considering Councilor Todd's recommendation. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd, who suggested that the Heritage Commission conduct further research on appropriate language. The motion to table passed unanimously.
44. 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: approved

Councilor Kurtz moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor McNamara. Councilor Kurtz acknowledged that this is a positive step, noting that positions that have been long-established may now face new demands. Councilor Todd expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Library Director and staff in relation to this recommendation, as well as for their work in general. The motion passed unanimously.
Reports
45. Report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives regarding the I-93 Bridge Park Feasibility Study.
report
Action: approved

City Manager Aspell welcomed Community Development Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives Beth Fenstermacher, and Gregory Bakos and Stefanie Kizza from VHB, who provided a detailed presentation on the Bridge Park Feasibility Study. Mayor Champlin entertained a motion to accept the report and direct staff to add the Bridge Park to the Capital Improvement Project Schedule in Fiscal Year 2035 with an asterisk indicating that outside funding is needed. Councilor Horne moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd, and passed with one dissenting vote.
46. Keach Park lighting reports from the Parks and Recreation Director and the Assistant Director of Community Development.
report
Action: approved Passed

The motion was duly seconded and passed by the following vote:
New Business
Unfinished Business
47. 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
48. 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
Consideration of Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
24. Quarterly Status Report on the City Council's 2024-2025 Priorities. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
25. March 31, 2025 Fiscal Year to Date Financial Statements; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager-Finance. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Councilor Brown indicated that she has concerns that members of the golf course are benefiting from tournaments, paying different fees than other tournament participants. She voiced concerns as to where the money is going and the loss of revenues. Councilor Kretovic explained that when members pay for a membership fee that includes their green fees, in turn that reduces their cost for some tournaments, with the exception of non-profit tournament fees. Councilor Brown mentioned that Mr. LeBrun had advised her that members were expected to pay the same tournament fees for Beaver Meadow run tournaments. She also indicated that there are 10-member exclusive events that block out time, preventing residents from using the course. Councilor Kretovic motioned to approve the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd. Councilor Kretovic clarified that season members of Beaver Meadow pay a tournament fee. Non-members pay a greens fee and a tournament fee. She also clarified that many tournaments are open for non-members, but there is a price differential. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
27. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director on the upcoming outdoor pool season. (Pulled from the consent agenda by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Councilor Brown indicated that there were over 40,000 people using the pools last year and the City is in desperate need of 15 more life guards. City Manager Aspell mentioned that the City is doing all they can in this regard. Councilor Kretovic made a motion to approve the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Keach, and passed with no dissenting votes.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

At 9:43 PM, with there being no additional business, Councilor Todd moved to adjourn. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Horne and passed with no dissenting votes.
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Information
Inf1 March 5, 2025 Heritage Sign Program Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf2 March 12, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Inf3 March 18, 2025 Traffic Operations Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf4 March 19, 2025 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Inf5 March 20, 2025 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf6 March 27, 2025 Ad-Hoc Semi-Quincentennial & Tri-Centennial Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf7 March 27, 2025 Conservation Commission, Site Walk, Meeting Minutes.
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Inf8 April 1, 2025 Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf9 April 1, 2025 Joint Memorial Field Planning Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Inf10 April 7, 2025 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
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Inf11 April 10, 2025 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf12 April 15, 2025 Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf13 April 18, 2025 Board of Ethics Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf14 April 21, 2025 Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf15 April 24, 2025 Airport Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Inf16 Press Release from Unitil announcing that Unitil Energy Systems has filed for a change in electric distribution rates for New Hampshire customers.
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Information item received and filed.
Non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss property acquisition to begin at 5:30 PM
Council Only
A. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Airport Advisory Committee: Alyssa McClary.
appointment
B. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Everett Arena Advisory Committee: Thomas A. Champagne.
appointment
C. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Michelle (Mickey) Shoemaker.
appointment
D. City Manager's Proposed Appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment: Mary Rose Deak. (Request for consideration of the vote taken on this item at the June 9, 2025, City Council meeting by Councilor Keach and Councilor Brown, in accordance with Section 16 of the City Council Rules.)
appointment

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