City Council

Monday, July 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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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 p.m.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
25-364 June 5, 2025 Finance Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: tabled

Councilor Brown moved to table action on the June 5, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes until the August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting. Councilor Brown indicated the roll call votes were missing from multiple pages of the minutes. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz and passed with no dissenting votes.
25-362 June 5, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the June 5, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor Grady Sexton duly seconded the motion and passed with no dissenting votes.
25-363 June 9, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor Grady Sexton duly seconded the motion and passed with no dissenting votes.
25-404 June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor Grady Sexton duly seconded the motion. Councilor Todd noted that his name was duplicated in the minutes. The motion as amended passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.
7. City Council action relative to the City Manager's evaluation and employment contract, in accordance with Section 21(b) of the City Charter.
consent report
Action: approved

Mayor Champlin outlined the responsibility of the City Council to conduct an annual review and evaluation of the City Manager as outlined in Section 21(b) of the City Charter. Mayor Champlin indicated the City Charter limits the evaluation of the City Manager to either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. By consensus of the Council, Councilor Kretovic moved to formally recognize a satisfactory performance rating of the City Manager for the FY 2025 evaluation cycle. She indicated that the motion reflects the Council's acknowledgement of the City Manager's effective leadership and consistent performance throughout the year. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd. Councilor Brown stated that she had submitted evaluations to her colleagues and indicated that she believes the evaluation process could be improved. She requested the Manager Review Committee and City Council reexamine the evaluation process to include a public report. Councilor Schultz agreed, and stated that other cities have a reciprocal review process from other division leaders of city government which might be beneficial. Councilor Kretovic appreciated Councilor Brown's information and Councilor Schultz's comments, and indicated that the Committee would gladly take up the suggestions as a referral. The motion as presented passed unanimously.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee
8. Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee request for a policy for rental fee reduction and fee waivers.
referrals
Item was referred to the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee.
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Referral to the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
9. Communication from Steve Michlovitz, Concord resident, requesting consideration of an accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device at the Beaver Meadow pickleball/tennis courts.
referrals
Item was referred to the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Referral to General Services, the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee
10. Communication from the Woodcrest Heights Homeowners Association requesting consideration for street paving/reclamation and traffic safety improvements at their neighborhood entrance/exit.
referrals
Item was referred to General Services, the Traffic Operations Committee, and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee.
Referral to the Legal Department
11. Request from Wilcox & Barton to allow for landscaped plantings to be located within the right-of-way at the Doubletree Conversion site located at 172 North Main Street.
referrals
Item was referred to the Legal Department.
12. Communication from Brett W. Allard, Shaughnessy Allard Attorneys at Law, on behalf of his client BM Investments, LLC requesting the restoration of involuntarily merged lots, 27 Carter Street, Concord, pursuant to RSA 674:39-aa.
referrals
Item was referred to the Legal Department.
Referral to the Parking Committee
13. Communication from Megan and Brendan Ryder requesting consideration of parking improvements near 300 Pleasant Street in Concord.
referrals
Item was referred to the Parking Committee.
14. Communication from Tony Schinella requesting consideration of parking changes in the vicinity of Concord High School.
referrals
Item was referred to the Parking Committee.
Referral to the Traffic Operations Committee
15. Communication from Alan Harris, a resident of Cemetery Street, requesting enforcement of the speed limit on Cemetery Street in Concord.
referrals
Item was referred to the Traffic Operations Committee.
Items Tabled for August 11, 2025 Public Hearings
16. 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 Chair of the Heritage Commission and Demolition Review Committee and the City Planner.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
17. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Zoning Code; Chapter 28, Zoning Ordinance, Article 28-8 Nonconforming Lots, Uses, and Structures, Section 28-8-2 Determination of a Nonconformity; together with a report from the City Planner.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
18. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances; Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 18, Parking, Article 18-1, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Section 18-1-7.1, Parking Prohibited During Certain Hours and Months in Designated Places, Schedule IX; to modify parking requirements on School Street between Pine and Liberty Streets; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development. (Action on this item tabled at the August 11, 2025 City Council meeting.)
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
19. Resolution appropriating the sum of $90,000 in the Water Plant Improvements Project (CIP #88) to replace a failed boiler and authorizing the issuance of Water General Obligation Bonds and Notes in the sum of $90,000 for this purpose; together with a report from the Acting General Services Director.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
20. Resolution appropriating the sum of $14,000 for Human Services assistance and accepting a donation in the sum of $14,000 from the Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Church of New Hampshire for this purpose, retroactive to June 30, 2025; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager-Finance.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
21. Resolution retroactively appropriating to June 30, 2025, the sum of $27,500 as a transfer to the Highway Reserve and accepting the sum of $27,500 from Shaw’s Supermarkets for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager-Development.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
22. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Boston and Maine Corporation, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation, Inc., concerning the acquisition of portions of the Boston and Maine Northern Main Line Railroad for the purpose of facilitating the Merrimack River Greenway Trail project (CIP #543), appropriating the sum of $143,000 in the Merrimack River Greenway Trail project (CIP #543), authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the sum of $105,000, and authorizing the transfer and use of $38,000 from the Recreation Impact Fee fund for this purpose; together with report from the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives. (Public testimony received.)
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
From the City Manager
23. Positive Citizen Comments.
positive comments
Action: received and filed

Positive comments were received and filed.
Consent Reports
24. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Deputy City Manager-Finance and the Beaver Meadow Golf Course Acting Director of Operations requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $2,975, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council and retroactive to June 30, 2025.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
25. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the City Clerk on behalf of Councilor Jennifer Kretovic, Ad-Hoc Semi Quincentennial and Tri-Centennial Committee Chair requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $246, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved. Councilor Kretovic recused herself as she works for the company that is the contributor.
26. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives requesting authorization to accept a monetary gift totaling $580, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
27. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $1,270.52, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
28. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Parks and Recreation Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $2,639, as provided for under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
29. Status report from the City Manager on FY 2025 Event Grant Funding. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
30. Quarterly Current Use Change Tax Report from Director of Real Estate Assessments.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
31. Report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives on the status of the 4 Bouton Street New Police Station project (CIP 643). (Pulled from consent by Councilor Fennessy.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
32. Report from the Transportation Engineer, on behalf of the Traffic Operations Committee, in response to a referral requesting review of speeds and commercial/cut through traffic on Sewalls Falls Road and West Parish Road.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
33. Report from the Transportation Engineer in regards to Capital Improvement Project #520, Intersection Safety Improvements at the Centre/Washington intersection.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
34. Report from the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations recommending changing the Fiscal Supervisor Position within the Equipment Services Division of General Services to an Administrative Support Specialist Position. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
35. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the Land and Water Conservation Grant Round 36.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
Consent Resolutions
36. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) for the coordinated traffic signal system at Exit 13 and associated intersections; together with a report from the Transportation Engineer.
consent resolution
Action: approved

This consent resolution was approved.
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Appointments
37. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Taylor Hall.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
38. City Manager's Appointment to the Board of Trustees of Trust Funds: Sabrina C. Beavens.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
39A. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Compensation Plan, Schedule D; together with a report from the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
ordinance
City Manager Aspell indicated the report from the Director of Human Resources recommends City Council approve the addition of the Parking Enforcement Officer and Equipment Technician II, Labor Grade 13 position onto the Schedule D class specification index, which was previously approved in the Budget. Additionally, City Manager Aspell indicated the report requests the change of title from the Director of Real Estate Assessments to the Director of Assessing. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
39B. Resolution appropriating the sum of $30,406.50 as a transfer out to the Highway Reserve for future improvements to Sewalls Falls Road and accepting the sum of $30,406.50 as a contribution from Country Estates of Concord LLC for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Development.
resolution
39C. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,000 for the construction of a new playground at White Park (CIP #51) and accepting a donation in the sum of $10,000 for this purpose; together with a report from the Parks & Recreation Director.
resolution
City Manager Aspell indicated that in March of 2025 the final quote of the White Park playground was $60,000 over the approved funds. The Parks and Recreation Department worked with the Friends of White Park, Mayor Byron Champlin, City Councilor McNamara and himself to create an enhanced fundraising campaign that raised the additional money. He noted that this was an anonymous donation. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
Public Hearing Action
40. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Compensation Plan, Schedule D; together with a report from the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
ordinance
Action: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz and passed unanimously.
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41. Resolution appropriating the sum of $30,406.50 as a transfer out to the Highway Reserve for future improvements to Sewalls Falls Road and accepting the sum of $30,406.50 as a contribution from Country Estates of Concord LLC for this purpose; together with a report from the Deputy City Manager - Development.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Fennessy. Councilor Kretovic explained that the neighborhood surrounding this development feels traumatized by the loss of trees that were removed too early, an unsightly dirt pile, and the condition of the roadway through the winter and frost season. She stated that finally there are positive improvements in the area and she hopes the City Council approves the resolution. Councilor Horne asked if these types of funds are earmarked for the specific project identified. Deputy City Manager of Finance Brian LeBrun explained that there is one Reserve Account and indicated that CIP 78 has a list of proposed streets that require paving and that the funding would be available when the time comes for the project. Councilor Brown asked if the Highway Paving Reserve Fund is the same reserve that the City Council has consistently approved funding through surplus funds from the Unassigned Fund balance in the past. Councilor Brown also asked whether staff would return to request these specific funds from City Council when the project is ready to proceed. Deputy City Manager of Finance LeBrun agreed that on an annual basis City Council approves surplus funds for the Highway Paving Reserve. He explained that this particular resolution is for a proportional part of a larger future paving project. He indicated that staff would come back to City Council to request the funds when the project is ready, which happens through the budget process or permission through supplemental appropriations. A short discussion ensued around the fund balances. The motion passed unanimously by the required 2/3rds majority.
42. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,000 for the construction of a new playground at White Park (CIP #51) and accepting a donation in the sum of $10,000 for this purpose; together with a report from the Parks & Recreation Director.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Kurtz moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Fennessy. Councilor Horne expressed the City Council's appreciation for the donation. The motion passed unanimously by the necessary 2/3rds majority vote.
Reports
43. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, requesting additional clarification regarding the City Council’s request to review the City’s aquatics operations.
report
City Manager Aspell invited Parks and Recreation Director David Gill to present. Parks and Recreation Director David Gill indicated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee reviewed the operation of the pools at their last meeting. The Committee requested additional direction regarding the specific information the City Council would like to obtain. Mayor Champlin explained that City Council was asking for RPAC to take a broad view of what the needs of the City are and to take a comprehensive look at the number of pools and if that is the appropriate number, if the pools are good for their respective locations, and are the pool sites based on populations. A discussion ensued around staffing, pay, overall costs, maintenance, location of pools based on projected population growth, types of offerings. City Council recommended comparing other community's pool programs to gather data and better understand their projections.
New Business
Unfinished Business
44. 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
45. 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
Request for Reconsideration
46. 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
Councilor Brown moved to reconsider the vote taken on June 9, 2025 to appoint Mary Rose Deak as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Keach. The motion passed unanimously. Councilor Brown moved to deny the appointment. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz. The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of Suspense Items
Sus1 Report from the City Planner requesting the City Manager be authorized to amend the agricultural lease for Sunfox Farm LLC to allow limited public and vendor parking during the annual sunflower festival as recommended by the Conservation Commission.
consent report
Action: approved

City Manager Aspell recommended approval.
Referral to the Parking Committee
Sus2 Communication from Councilor Keach requesting consideration for the elimination of a parking space on South Fruit Street between 66 South Fruit Street and the Memorial Field Entrance.
referrals
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved to suspend the rules taking action on an item not previously advertised. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Horne and passed unanimously. City Manager Aspell recommended approval of the referral. Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval of the referral. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Horne and passed unanimously.
Consideration of Items pulled from the Consent Agenda
29. Status report from the City Manager on FY 2025 Event Grant Funding. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Brown asked for clarification on what will happen to the remaining $43,000 in unused funds. City Manager Aspell indicated that the funds would be returned to City Council. He explained that the funds originated from the Unassigned Fund Balance where they would remain unspent. Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Brown and passed unanimously.
31. Report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives on the status of the 4 Bouton Street New Police Station project (CIP 643). (Pulled from consent by Councilor Fennessy.)
consent report
Action: approved
34. Report from the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations recommending changing the Fiscal Supervisor Position within the Equipment Services Division of General Services to an Administrative Support Specialist Position. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Brown explained that in her review of the position and the Code of Ordinances, 30-2-2, for General Services, she was curious if this transfer was in line with the Ordinance.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

Councilor Kretovic moved to adjourn at 8:31 p.m. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Information
Inf1 April 15, 2025 and May 20, 2025 Traffic Operations Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf2 April 23, 2025 Community Development Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf3 May 1, 2025 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf4 May 6, 2025 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf5 May 7, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf6 May 14, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf7 May 14, 2025 Trails Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf8 May 15, 2025 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Approved Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf9 May 20, 2025 Joint Memorial Field Planning Committee Approved Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf10 May 21, 2025 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf11 May 23, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf12 June 2, 2025 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf13 June 3, 2025 Everett Arena Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf14 June 12, 2025 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf15 Communications from Xfinity regarding service changes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf16 Notification from Wheelabrator Concord - Permit Modification Application for Installation of Exhaust Fans in Compressor Room.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf17 E-mail from Mary Lee Allison re: Street Closures on Sunday, June 1, 2025 for Concord Pride 5K which caused accessibility issues for patrons of South Congregational Church.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf18 Communication from Pamela Walsh, Concord School Board Chair, requesting the City consider installing a Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Centre Street and Rumford Street to improve pedestrian safety due to limited visibility from street parking, high traffic volume, and ongoing challenges in filling school crossing guard positions.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
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Council Only
A. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Ad-Hoc Concord Semiquincentennial and Tri-Centennial Committee: James P. Bouley.
appointment
B. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointments to the Public Safety Board: Andrew Biemer and Ana McKenna.
appointment
C. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Steering Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness: Molly Lunn Owen.
appointment
D. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Eric Steinhauser.
appointment
E. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Erika Rydberg-Hall.
appointment
F. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointments to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Gregory Bakos, Ian McGregor, Craig Tufts.
appointment
G. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointments to the Planning Board: Eaton W. Tarbell III and Amanda Savage.
appointment

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