City Council Regular Meeting, Feb 25, 2026

Citizen’s Forum

No public speakers participated in the citizen’s forum. During public hearings, one resident expressed support for the recovery housing project at Avon Avenue, emphasizing its importance for addressing substance use recovery needs in the community.

Agenda Items

• Recovery Housing Grant: The city was asked to serve as an intermediary to apply for and accept a $1 million grant from the NH Community Development Finance Authority for a recovery housing pilot program. Concerns were raised about lack of a construction or operating budget and absence of DHA representation.
• Anti-Displacement Plan: Adoption of a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan was proposed to comply with federal Uniform Relocation Act requirements for CDBG-funded projects, though no displacement is expected.
• City Manager’s Report: Winter operations are on track to exceed the snow removal budget, but contingency funds are available. Green Snow Pro certification has been achieved, optimizing brine use and reducing environmental impact. Water well drilling at Crosby Road is ongoing, with additional drilling planned.
• Budget & Finance: The city received a $1.7 million unanticipated assessment from the SchoolCare risk pool due to underpriced health insurance premiums. Staff are working to address this within the current fiscal framework.
• Infrastructure & Bond Reprogramming: Savings from completed projects were reprogrammed into active road reconstruction efforts on Horn Street, Crescent Street, and Lower Central Avenue.
• CDBG Funding: The FY27 CDBG action plan was reviewed, including allocations for public services, park barrier removal, and token funding for flexible use. The planning board prioritized continuity in funding with slight increases for most recipients.
• Committee Reports:
• Downtown TIF district performance exceeded projections, generating a $2.3 million surplus with a total fund balance of $7.87 million.
• The Committee for Racial Equality and Inclusion discussed enhancing Immigrant Park with additional flags and events, though safety concerns may limit participation.
• The Transportation Advisory Commission voted to revisit a crosswalk proposal on Locust Street for school safety.

Legislative Actions

• Authorization to Apply, Accept, and Expend DHA Grant: Passed. The city is authorized to act as a fiscal pass-through for a $1 million recovery housing grant, with reporting responsibilities but no direct project management.
• Adoption of Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan: Passed. The plan fulfills federal requirements under the Uniform Relocation Act for CDBG projects, outlining procedures for securing comparable housing if displacement occurs.
• Acceptance of FY27 CDBG Action Plan: Passed. Federal entitlement funds are allocated to low- and moderate-income needs, including $105,000 for ADA barrier removal in parks and $49,000 for public services, with token funding to allow flexibility.
• Reprogramming of Bond Proceeds: Passed. Unexpended bond funds from completed projects were redirected to active infrastructure initiatives, including Horn Street, Crescent Street, and Lower Central Avenue reconstructions.
• Authorization to Purchase Snowblower: Passed. A new snowblower will be procured via Sourcewell to replace a 40-year-old unit critical for downtown snow removal.
• Referral of NH Office of Highway Safety Grant: Passed. The grant will be referred to public hearing on March 11, 2026, prior to final approval.
• First Reading of New Ordinances: Passed. Ordinances sponsored by Deputy Mayor Williams were referred to public hearing on March 11, 2026.

Action Items

• City Manager to continue working with SchoolCare representatives to develop a plan to address the $1.7 million health insurance assessment within the existing budget.
• City Manager to ensure reporting mechanisms are established for the DHA recovery housing grant, requiring regular updates from DHA and partner organizations.
• Planning Staff to prepare public hearing materials for the NH Office of Highway Safety grant and first reading of new ordinances for the March 11 meeting.
• Community Services Department to proceed with the purchase of the new snowblower and integrate it into winter operations ahead of next season.
• Resolution on additional water well drilling at Crosby Road to be presented for council consideration on March 11, 2026.