City Council

Monday, August 11, 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 (b) consultation with legal counsel followed by a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss property acquisition to be held at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Champlin called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
25-464 June 5, 2025 Finance Committee Revised Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved as amended

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approval of the June 5, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes. Councilor Todd duly seconded the motion. Councilor Brown moved to amend the minutes, indicating that she did vote for the Police Social Worker position, and had not recused herself as indicated in the minutes. The motion, as amended, passed with no dissenting votes.
25-446 July 7, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approved of the July 7, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor Todd duly seconded the motion and passed with no dissenting votes.
25-465 July 14, 2025 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
Action: approved

Councilor Grady Sexton moved approved of the July 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor Todd duly seconded the motion and passed with no dissenting votes.
Agenda overview by the Mayor.
7. Update from the Summer 2025 UNH Sustainability Fellow on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update and Fleet Electrification Study.
report
Mayor Champlin welcomed Beth Fenstermacher, Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives, Tim Thompson, Assistant Community Development Director, and Kayla Maggio, UNH Sustainability Institute Fellowship intern and graduate student from Northern Arizona University. Ms. Maggio presented a greenhouse gas inventory report which outlined several strategies to reduce emissions, including retrofitting, future-proofing, and efficient driving strategies. It also highlighted a case study in which the Douglas Everett Ice Arena's natural gas usage dropped by 34% following a water heater upgrade in 2022. A conversation ensued around strategies to reduce emissions, methods of data aggregation, and the usage and cost of electricity.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to the Parking Committee
8. Communication from Councilor Horne, on behalf of Matt Komisarek, requesting consideration of free parking for vehicles displaying veteran license plates within the City.
referrals
Item was referred to the Parking Committee.
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Referral to the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee
9. Communication from Suraj Budathoki requesting installation of a crosswalk on Loudon Road between Concord Adult Day Care and Goodwill to improve pedestrian safety for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
referrals
Item was referred to the Traffic Operations Committee and the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee.
Items Tabled for September 8, 2025 Public Hearings
10. Resolution appropriating the sum of $859,689, for the Steeplegate Mall Municipal Sewer Pump Replacement within the Sewer Pump Station Improvements Project (CIP #275) and accepting the sum of $859,689, in grant funds from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Housing Champion Housing Infrastructure Municipal Grant Program 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.
11. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a project agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), appropriating the sum of $3,664,480.97 in the Broadway/West Street Intersection project (CIP #31), accepting the sum of $3,169,480.97 of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funds, and authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the sum of $495,000 for this purpose; together with a report from the Associate Engineer and the Deputy City Manger - Development.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
12. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a utility agreement with the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) for the construction of water distribution infrastructure improvements as part of the NHDOT’s Bridge Rehabilitation project at the East Side Drive bridge, appropriating the sum of $300,000 in the Water Main Replacement project (CIP #85), and authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the sum of $300,000 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.
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13. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement between Kearsarge Old Turnpike Road, LLC and the City of Concord under RSA 72:74; together with a report from the Director of Assessing.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
Consent Reports
14. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $3,688.08, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
15. Diminimus donation from Human Services Director requesting to accept the monetary donation of $47.50, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
16. Report from the Beaver Meadow Golf Course Director of Operations requesting approval to accept a memorial bench in honor of Joel Mousseau.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
17. Quarterly Status Report on the Status of the City Council's 2024-2025 Priorities from the City Manager.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
18. Report from Deputy City Manager - Finance recommending approval of the proposed 2026 Beaver Meadow Golf Course rate structures as recommended by the Golf Course Advisory Committee at their July 10, 2025 meeting. (Pulled from consent by Councilors Kretovic and Brown.)
consent report
Pulled from consent for discussion.
19. Report to Council from the City Solicitor's Office; Regarding the Tentative Agreement Between the City of Concord and Local 1045 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (Local 1045).
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
20. Report from the Assistant Finance Director regarding Annual Comprehensive Financial Report award notification.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
21. Report from the Parks and Recreation Director regarding a Kiwanis Park Sign.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
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22. Report from the Assistant Director of Community Development, on behalf of the Parking Committee, in response to a referral from City Council requesting review of Meter Feeding, Loading, and Permit Parking on Main Street.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
23. Report from the Assistant Director of Community Development, on behalf of the Parking Committee, in response to a referral from City Council requesting review of accessible parking in the vicinity of UNH Law on Washington & White Streets.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
24. Report from the Assistant Director of Community Development, on behalf of the Parking Committee, in response to a referral from City Council requesting consideration of parking changes in the vicinity of Concord High School.
consent report
Action: approved

This consent report was approved.
Consent Resolutions
25. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services Grant Program for funds designated for Law Enforcement State Accreditation; together with a report from the Police Department.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved. Councilor Brown recused herself as her husband is a Police Officer.
26. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the US Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development Microgrant program; together with report from the Police Department.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved. Councilor Brown recused herself as her husband is a Police Officer.
27. Resolution rescinding the appropriation of the sum of $4,041,370.78, in various funds retroactive to June 30, 2025; together with a report from the Assistant Finance Director. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent resolution
Pulled from consent for discussion.
28. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a Sanitary Sewer Main and associated Sanitary Sewer/Sidewalk Easements from the owners of 69 Shawmut Street, as well as 61 and 65 Cemetery Street; together with a report from the Deputy City Manger - Development.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
Appointments
29. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Ad-Hoc Concord Semiquincentennial and Tri-Centennial Committee: James P. Bouley.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
30. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointments to the Public Safety Board: Andrew Biemer and Ana McKenna.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
31. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Steering Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness: Molly Lunn Owen.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
32. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Eric Steinhauser.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
33. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Erika Rydberg-Hall.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
34. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointments to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Gregory Bakos, Ian McGregor, Craig Tufts.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
35. Mayor Champlin's proposed appointments to the Planning Board: Eaton W. Tarbell III and Amanda Savage.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
36A. 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.
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City Manager Aspell indicated that the Heritage Commission had reviewed the proposed amendment at their June 12, 2025 meeting, and by unanimous vote recommended the City Council change the proposed amendment to the following: (d) The Planning Division shall also prepare a notice for posting at the site that identifies the building proposed for demolition and the date, time, and place of the public hearing. The notice shall be posted on the site by the Planning Division in a location that is visible from the street, at least five calendar days prior to the public hearing. The sign shall be posted continuously as required. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. Richard Jacques of the Heritage Commission revisited questions that Council had previously regarding the Demolition Review process. He noted that the Commission had reviewed the terms "will and shall" at their meeting and will continue to use them as appropriate. He also addressed a prior question whether the review period would pause if the required signs were inadvertently taken down. He explained that according to RSA 673, signage requirements cannot result in an indefinite time period and would follow the predicted time originally indicated. Mr. Jacques added that the City and the Commission will work with the owners to ensure that signage remains in place during the required posting period. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
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36B. 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
City Manager Aspell indicated that RSA:39-aa was amended by House Bill 284 in 2021 to repeal the deadline of December 31, 2021, and as such he indicated that it is necessary to update the City's zoning ordinance to remove the deadline. City Manager Aspell indicated that the Planning Board had reviewed the proposed amendment at the June 18th meeting, and voted to recommend approval. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
36C. 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
City Manager Aspell indicated the Parking Committee discussed the referral on June 30th, where they heard testimony supporting both a return to restricted parking, and a desire to keep parking unrestricted, as well as alternatives to a return to the 2-hour restrictions. He indicated that after reviewing and examining alternatives, the Committee is recommending that the north side of School Street between Liberty and Pine be restricted to no parking between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday from September through June. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
36D. 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
36E. 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
City Manager Aspell recommended that City Council approve the resolution and allocate the funds to the Human Services Department to be administered by the guidance of the Human Services Director. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
36F. 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
City Manager Aspell indicated that the funds would be put into the Highway Reserve Fund. Then City Council would have to appropriate the funds, and vote to determine how to use them. He indicated that typically these funds are used for street paving, sidewalk improvements, etc. Councilor Brown asked how the calculation was derived. City Manager Aspell indicated that the Planning Board had calculated the amount at the time of the site application. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the hearing closed.
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36G. 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
City Manager Aspell indicated that on June 14, 2021, the City Council approved Resolution #9379, which authorized the City Manager to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire a 5.7-mile segment of the Northern Main Line located between Horseshoe Pond Lane and the Contoocook River from Pan Am for the sum of $431,500 for the purposes of extending the MRGT. The Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Northern Main Line, which was signed on July 7, 2021 by the City and Pan Am, was expressly subject to the State of New Hampshire’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for the property, in accordance with RSA 228:60-a. On October 18, 2021, the NH Department of Transportation, in accordance with RSA 228:60-a, invoked its ROFR to acquire the 5.7-mile segment.
Public Hearing Action
37. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approved. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Fennessy. Councilor Kretovic indicated that the Heritage Commission fully supports the amendment. The motion passed unanimously.
38. 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: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval. Councilor Grady Sexton duly seconded the motion and passed with no dissenting votes.
39. 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: tabled

Councilor McNamara moved to table the item until a comprehensive discussion could be held with representatives of the Concord School District, the Parking Committee, and City staff. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz.
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40. 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: approved

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

Councilor Fennessy moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton. Councilor Fennessy thanked the Episcopal Church for the donation. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
42. 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: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz and passed with no dissenting votes.
43. 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: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kretovic.
Reports
New Business
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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
Action: withdrawn

Councilor Kretovic indicated that item #44 was an Ordinance that was left on the table in prior business from the Heritage Commission, and since the City Council made the motion to accept the revision in item #37 of the Agenda, she moved to close this item. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd and passed with no dissenting votes.
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
Consideration of Items pulled from the Consent Agenda
14. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $3,688.08, as provided under the pre-authorization granted by City Council. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Brown indicated that she pulled the item to discuss the donation by the Catherine L. Pappas Revocable Trust, indicating that the trust currently has no funds and hasn't since 2017, and inquired as to how that would be handled. Deputy City Manager Brian LeBrun indicated that the City received the donation which will be deposited into the trust based on City Council's approval, and then the $1,000 will remain in the trust until further action is taken to appropriate the funds. The other donations in the report would be deposited in a separate grants and donation account. Councilor Brown moved approval. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz and passed unanimously.
18. Report from Deputy City Manager - Finance recommending approval of the proposed 2026 Beaver Meadow Golf Course rate structures as recommended by the Golf Course Advisory Committee at their July 10, 2025 meeting. (Pulled from consent by Councilors Kretovic and Brown.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the report and rate restructure for 2026. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Fennessy.
27. Resolution rescinding the appropriation of the sum of $4,041,370.78, in various funds retroactive to June 30, 2025; together with a report from the Assistant Finance Director. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
consent resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Brown indicated that she pulled the item as she did not understand the language in the report. She asked for further clarification on the funds. Deputy City Manager of Finance Brian LeBrun invited Assistant Director of Finance Audrey Masters to expound on the information in the report. Ms. Masters indicated that the report was a long overdue grant project housekeeping effort. She explained that the vast number of grants that they are de-authorizing are on a reimbursement basis and the report encompasses the amount of funds left over in the grants after completion. She indicated that going forward they hope to provide this report and resolution on an annual basis. Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton and passed unanimously.
Consideration of Suspense Items
Sus1 Report to Council from the City Solicitor's Office regarding House Bill (HB) 467.
report
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy made a motion to suspend the rules to consider items not previously advertised. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kretovic and passed by the required two-thirds majority, with one dissenting vote. City Manager Aspell indicated that House Bill 467, which was recently signed into law, provides the ability to define an outdoor area where alcoholic beverages could be sold and consumed, and that if City Council wanted to keep the option available it would need to be included on the November ballot. Deputy City Solicitor Jon Conforti elaborated that the NH Legislature passed a bill that authorizes social districts on a local level at the option of each municipality. In order to move forward with a social district, it would need to be on the next ballot in November. He further indicated that as a legislative body, City Council could decide to place the item on the ballot, not needing a public hearing to do so. Councilor Kretovic stated that she would be supporting the action, and that it is important for the community to look at the organizations the City supports, such as In-town Concord for Market Days and other organizations, which would allow for a more expansive social district for their events. Councilor Sekou explained that he had safety concerns for who would be managing the consumption. Deputy City Solicitor Conforti explained that by putting the item on the ballot it simply allows the City the option in the future to set up social districts. The municipality would then need to determine the location of the district and setup a maintenance plan, subject to the approval of the Liquor Commission, along with meeting other requirements and having policies put in place. A brief conversation around licensing was held. Councilor Fennessy moved to set the item down for public hearing in September. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz, passing unanimously.
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Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

Councilor Foote moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:42 p.m. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Todd and passed unanimously.
Information
Inf1 June 3, 2025 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf2 June 4, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf3 June 10, 2025 Joint Memorial Field Planning Committee Approved Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf4 June 11, 2025 Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf5 June 16, 2025 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Approved Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

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Inf6 June 18, 2025 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

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Inf7 June 24, 2025 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf8 June 30, 2025 Parking Committee Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf9 July 10, 2025 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
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Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.

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