City Council

Monday, July 13, 2026 · 7:00 PM AM · City Council Chambers 37 Green Street Concord, NH 03301

TL;DR

The Concord City Council held a routine meeting approving funding for bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, and greenway trail maintenance. The council also voted to disapprove a previously-tabled $84,000 resolution for homelessness prevention efforts after determining the need was being addressed through other funding sources.

Key Decisions

Loudon Road Bridge Federal Grant Support Approved
Traffic Signal Improvements at Legislative Parking Garage ($55,580) Approved
Merrimack River Greenway Trail Maintenance Funding ($28,800) Approved
$84,000 Homelessness Prevention Resolution Denied
Library and Parks Gift Donations ($12,067.84 combined) Approved

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

A non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss property acquisition to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Champlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes.
26-240 June 4, 2026 Finance Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
26-244 June 4, 2026 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
26-245 June 8, 2026 City Council Draft Meeting Minutes.
minutes
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
8. Report from Mayor Champlin Regarding Request for a Three-Month Sabbatical for the City Manager.
consent report
9. New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Presentation regarding a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of support to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regarding a Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Federal Grant Application to fund improvements to the Loudon Road Bridge over the Merrimack River; together with a report from the City Engineer. (Congressional communication received.)
consent resolution
Action: approved

City Manager Aspell welcomed C.R. Willeke, Municipal Highway Engineer for the NH Department of Transportation to present. Mr. Willeke explained the Federal Highway Administration had a bridge investment program funding opportunity that reopened suddenly this spring with a very short window, closing on June 29th. The State of NH DOT had put together a funding package to fund the Loudon Road Bridge. This project would be considered an LPA project, local public agency project, where a good portion of the funds comes from the Federal Highway Administration through the DOT and then onto the City to manage the project. The application is on a tight timeline and the NH DOT is seeking a letter of support from the City. He indicated that recently a combined letter of support was received from Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Goodlander. Councilor Todd moved approval of the resolution. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton and passed unanimously.
**Consent Agenda Items**
Referral to the Golf Course Advisory Committee and the Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee
10. City of Concord Volunteer Corps proposal, submitted by Councilor Horne. (Revised Volunteer Proposal received.)
referrals
The communication was referred to the Golf Course Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee.
Referral to the Public Safety Board
11. Communication from Councilor Schultz Requesting the Development of Proposals for Emergency Cooling and Warming Stations and a Coordinated Citywide Response to Extreme Weather Emergencies for Inclusion in the City's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
referrals
The communication was referred to the Public Safety Board.
Referral to the Traffic Operations Committee
12. Communication from Michael McClory requesting Crosswalk Installation at Johnson Street and South Street for Pedestrian Safety.
referrals
The communication was referred to the Traffic Operations Committee.
Referral to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee
13. Communications from Don Brueggemann and Karina Bargiel regarding the new Middle School Traffic Plan and Neighborhood Safety Concerns.
referrals
The communication was referred to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. Additional communication from Mila Paul was received at the City Council Meeting and included with the above referral.
Items Tabled for August 10, 2026 Public Hearings
14. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code, Chapter 14, Morals and Conduct; together with a report from the Chair of the Public Safety Advisory Board.
ordinance
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Ordinance moved to set for a public hearing.
15. Public Hearing regarding the status of the $130,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 (CDBG-CV) funds, the majority of which was sub-granted to the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) for costs incurred in operating their Emergency Winter Shelter at 240 N Main Street, and Resource Center at 238 N Main St, for the period December 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development.
public hearing report
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

This item was set for a public hearing.
16. Resolution appropriating the sum of $67,376 in the General Fund as a transfer out to trust and accepting the sum of $67,376 from the Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire for this purpose, retroactive to June 30,2026; together with a report from the Director of Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
17. Resolution appropriating the sum of $11,500 in the Parks & Recreation miscellaneous grants and donations project for the free summer concert series and accepting the sum of $11,500 as a donation from the Walker Lecture series for this purpose; together with a report from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
18. 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 Assessing.
resolution
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

Resolution moved to set for a public hearing.
19. Report from the Director of Assessing recommending the City Manager be authorized to enter into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement between the City of Concord and Briar Hydro Associates for Rolfe Canal Falls, Penacook Upper Falls & Penacook Lower Falls.
public hearing report
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

This item was set for a public hearing.
20. Discretionary Preservation Easement renewal request, per RSA 79-D, for property located at 102 Little Pond Road owned by the Sylvia S. Miskoe Trust.
public hearing report
Action: moved to set for a public hearing

This item was set for a public hearing.
From the City Manager
21. Positive Citizen Comments.
positive comments
Action: received and filed

Positive comments received and filed.
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Consent Reports
22. Diminimis gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept gifts and donations totaling $8,249.84, 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 $3,818.00, as provided for under the pre-authorization granted by City Council.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved. Councilor Horne recused herself from Item 23, as she was a donor in the report.
24. Report from the City Manager on the final status of FY 2026 Event Arts Grant Awards. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Kalob.)
consent report
Pulled from consent by Councilor Kalob.
25. Quarterly Current Use Tax Report from the Director of Assessing.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
26. Report from the General Services Director in response to a referral from City Council requesting the addition of the Centre Street/Loudon Road Sidewalks to High-Priority Snow Removal for access to the Transportation Center.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved.
27. Parks and Recreation Month report from the Parks and Recreation Director. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
report
Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.
28. Report from the Ad Hoc Concord Semiquincentennial and Tri-Centennial Committee Co-Chairs Recommending Dissolution of the Committee.
consent report
Action: approved

Consent report approved. Councilor Foote recused himself from Item 28, as his wife served on the Committee.
Consent Resolutions
29. Resolution authorizing the use of the ImageCast Electronic Ballot Counting Device pursuant to RSA 656:40; together with a report from the Deputy City Clerk.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved.
30. Resolution authorizing the City Manager, by way of the Police Department, to submit a grant application to the Concord Regional Crimeline Grant Program, for funding of up to $3,000, designated to purchase off-grid Crime Scene Processing Equipment; together with report from the Interim Police Chief.
consent resolution
Action: approved

Consent resolution approved. Councilor Brown recused herself from Item 30, as her husband is a Concord Police Officer.
Appointments
31. City Manager's Proposed Appointments to the Library Board of Trustees: Ceillie Clark-Keane, Christopher Casko, and Roy Geiser.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointments approved.
32. Mayor Champlin's proposed reappointment to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee: Nicole Fox.
appointment
Action: approved

Appointment approved.
**End of Consent Agenda**
Public Hearings
33A. Resolution appropriating the sum of $55,580 in the Traffic Signals and Traffic Operations Improvements Project (CIP #283) for the installation of traffic signal improvements at various intersections related to the Legislative Parking Garage project and accepting the sum of $55,580 in funds from the State of New Hampshire for this purpose; together with a report from the Transportation Engineer.
resolution
33B. Resolution appropriating the sum of $28,800 in the Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) Rail Lease Payment grants and donations subproject for the maintenance and associated property tax payments for the lease area encompassing 3.3 miles of the MRGT rail corridor including a parking area on Sewalls Falls Road and accepting the sum of $28,800 in lease payments for this purpose; together with a report from the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives.
resolution
City Manager Aspell recommended the City Council to accept the funds. Mayor Champlin opened the public hearing. There being no testimony, Mayor Champlin declared the public hearing closed.
Public Hearing Action
34. Resolution appropriating the sum of $55,580 in the Traffic Signals and Traffic Operations Improvements Project (CIP #283) for the installation of traffic signal improvements at various intersections related to the Legislative Parking Garage project and accepting the sum of $55,580 in funds from the State of New Hampshire for this purpose; together with a report from the Transportation Engineer.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval of the resolution. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz and passed unanimously.
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35. Resolution appropriating the sum of $28,800 in the Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) Rail Lease Payment grants and donations subproject for the maintenance and associated property tax payments for the lease area encompassing 3.3 miles of the MRGT rail corridor including a parking area on Sewalls Falls Road and accepting the sum of $28,800 in lease payments for this purpose; together with a report from the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives.
resolution
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval of the resolution. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Schultz and passed unanimously.
Reports
New Business
Unfinished Business
36. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances; Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 18, Parking, Article 18-1, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Section 18-1-6, Schedule I, to modify no parking restrictions on Church Street between Bradley and Rumford Streets; together with a report from the Assistant Director of Community Development. (Referred back to the Parking Committee at the May 11, 2026 City Council meeting.)
ordinance
Item remained tabled.
37. 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.) (Public comments received.)
ordinance
Item remained tabled.
38. Resolution appropriating the sum of $84,000 to support efforts by Concord's Plan to End Homelessness and authorizing a transfer in from the Community Improvement Reserve in the sum of $84,000 for this purpose; together with report from Councilor Jim Schlosser. (Action on this item tabled at the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting.)
resolution
Action: denied

Councilor Schlosser moved to take Item 38 off the table. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor Schlosser then moved to vote to disapprove Item 38. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Fennessy. Councilor Schultz asked for clarification if the item was being taken off the table because it was funded. Mayor Champlin agreed. The motion to disapprove the resolution passed unanimously.
39. Presentation on the Memorial Field Master Plan from the Parks and Recreation Director. (Presentation given at the November 10, 2025 City Council Meeting.) (Action on this item tabled at the November 24, 2025 City Council Meeting.) (Communication from Concord School District received.) (Petition and public testimony received.)
consent report
Item remained tabled.
Consideration of Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
24. Report from the City Manager on the final status of FY 2026 Event Arts Grant Awards. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Kalob.)
consent report
Action: approved

Councilor Todd moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Kurtz.
27. Parks and Recreation Month report from the Parks and Recreation Director. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Brown.)
report
Action: approved

Councilor Fennessy moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Keach.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Adjournment

Councilor Horne moved to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Grady Sexton and passed unanimously.
Information
Inf1 February 5, 2026 Tax Exemption Policy Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf2 March 4, 2026 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf3 March 31, 2026 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf4 April 1, 2026 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf5 April 2, 2026 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf6 April 8, 2026 Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf7 April 15, 2026 Planning Board Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf8 May 5, 2026 Architectural Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf9 May 6, 2026 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf10 May 18, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf11 May 21, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf12 June 1, 2026 Concord Public Library Board of Trustees Draft Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf13 June 1, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf14 June 10, 2026 Tax Exemption Policy Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf15 June 11, 2026 Golf Course Advisory Committee Draft Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf16 June 23, 2026 Committee for Concord's Plan to End Homelessness Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
Inf17 June 23, 2026 Everett Arena Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.
Information item
Action: received and filed

Information item received and filed.
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Councilor Kretovic moved approval of the consent agenda. The motion was duly seconded and passed unanimously. Mayor Champlin noted that Items 24 and 27 were pulled from the consent agenda. Councilor Brown recused herself from Item 30, as her husband is a Concord Police Officer. Councilor Horne recused herself from Item 23, as she was a donor in the report. Councilor Foote recused himself from Item 28, as his wife served on the Committee.
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