City Council — June 10, 2026

The item regarding the Broad Street Park tree planting plan was removed to be addressed at a later date. The minutes from the previous meeting were presented for approval.

The minutes were approved as presented.

The Broad Street Park tree planting plan will return to the agenda at a later time.

The proclamation celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and aims to build acceptance and equal rights. It includes the display of the Rainbow Flag from June 15 to June 20, 2026.

The proclamation was formally recognized.

Topics included the Stevens High Alumni Parade, a flagpole dedication at Veterans Park, and upcoming 'Celebrate Claremont' events. The City Manager also updated the Council on paving projects at North and Main and neighborhood paving status, as well as concerns regarding cracks in new sidewalks on Crescent Street and Moody Avenue.

Information was shared regarding community schedules and infrastructure status.

The City Manager will check the status of portable toilets at the summit of Moody Park in response to a resident inquiry.

Appointments included members for the CCTV Board of Directors, Claremont Arts, History and Cultural Resource Preservation Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Personnel Advisory Board, and the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission. Councillor Kowalski raised concerns about expiring terms leading to quorum issues in various boards.

Multiple reappointments were approved. Councillor Kowalski recused herself from the Personnel Advisory Board vote due to a conflict of interest.

The Council will revisit the process for board appointments at a later meeting to address quorum issues caused by expiring terms.

One resident expressed frustration over lack of communication from a specific councilor and proposed a veteran's cemetery cleanup day. Another resident from the CYBSA requested the Council vote on a proposal to modify Field 2 to accommodate 50-70 field dimensions for older youth players, noting that the project would be grant-funded and require no taxpayer money.

No formal decisions were made during the forum.

The CYBSA requested their proposal be placed back on an upcoming City Council agenda for a formal vote.

The proposed agreement includes a 4% general wage increase starting July 1st. The fiscal impacts for the next three years were presented, totaling approximately $46k in FY 2027, $48k in FY 2028, and $50k in FY 2029. The Local 1571 President thanked the city for the collaborative negotiation process.

The public hearing for the resolution was opened and closed.

The applicant, 1852 MB Claremont LLC, seeks 11 years of tax relief for a $4.8 million renovation that includes approximately 25 residential units. Discussion focused on the length of the tax relief, the 'double the time' requirement for maintaining public benefit, and the project's timeline, with the applicant committing to substantial completion by April 1, 2028.

The Council discussed the benefits of the project for downtown revitalization and housing.

The project is expected to undergo final site plan approval and historic district commission review in late June 2026.

Staff presented several models following a recent rate study, comparing the original Raftelis recommendation with a 'level increase model' and a 'minimum increase model.' The primary tension discussed was the balance between providing predictable, lower increases for consumers and ensuring enough fund balance is maintained to support aging infrastructure and large capital projects. The Council weighed a 'level' option (4% water, 2% sewer annually) against a 'minimum' option (varying percentages) proposed by Raftelis.

The ordinance received its first reading; staff provided clarifications on fund balance impacts. The Council eventually passed two separate ordinances: one for water rates using the 'minimum' model and one for sewer rates using the 'level' model.

The rates are to be reviewed annually; a facility study is expected in late fall/early winter to inform future needs.

The project costs approximately $4 million, with a required 25% local match. The Council clarified that the resolution authorizes the application process and the commitment to the match if the grant is awarded, but does not bypass a final vote to execute the contract.

The resolution was approved via a two-thirds vote.

The final application is due to the state/FEMA within two days; funding results are expected by winter.

The Council addressed immediate repair needs (pool pump and covers) and long-term sustainability. A proposal was made to shift the revenue allocation from 10% for equipment and 5% for building maintenance to 0% for equipment (until a threshold is met) and 10% for building maintenance to address aging infrastructure and HVAC issues. Councilors discussed the need to move away from 'playing catch up' on deferred maintenance, citing historical issues with the Goodman Community Center.

The Council approved the transfer for immediate repairs, placed a hold on equipment reserve transfers, and increased the building maintenance reserve contribution to 10%.

The city is applying for an implementation grant following a successful planning phase. Discussion included potential projects like rapidly flashing beacons on Broad Street and a specific crossing near the middle school/dentist office. A correction was made to the resolution text regarding the target year (changing 2023 to 2030).

The Council approved the resolution to apply for the grant, which includes a potential $150,800 city match.

A future resolution will be brought forward to approve the specific funding source for the required match.

Director Tibbetts presented three options to manage rising healthcare costs. The recommended 'Option 2' aims to repurpose existing budgeted funds to cover 50% of the Luminos deductible and fund HSAs, providing employees with a 'middle ground' to reduce premiums while building long-term savings.

The Council approved Resolution 2026-60 to implement the balanced approach of funding 50% of the Luminos deductible and providing premium credits for HSA funding.

The TIF District Board had previously approved the budget. Councilors verified that the district is scheduled to end in 2028.

The Council approved the TIF District Budget with revenues and appropriations of $772,946.

Debate occurred over whether to cut a split position between Parks and the Community Center to save money. The Director argued the position is necessary due to current staffing shortages. There was also clarification regarding how special revenue funds (e.g., scholarships) are managed.

The Council granted tentative approval (TA) for the Parks budget.

The budget will be revisited once the impact of potential staffing changes/subcontracting is clearer.

Chief O'Martin offered a small budget reduction to facilitate approval. Discussion included the status of a Northern Shield reimbursement grant and the potential purchase of 'Omnicon' equipment in the next fleet cycle. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of outstanding Teamsters negotiations on the budget accuracy.

The Council granted tentative approval (TA) for the police budget.

The Chief presented updated numbers following union negotiations, including reduced overtime. He requested $50,000 for apparatus replacement and $20,000 for a traffic reserve to prepare for vehicle/equipment repairs. Councilors questioned the impact on Medicare and the necessity of the traffic reserve given recent intersection work.

The Council tentatively approved the fire department budget.

The budget must be ratified at the next meeting on the 24th.

Updates included the Historic District Commission approving applications, the Energy Advisory Committee's findings on resilience, and the Planning Board's conditional use permit. The CDA reported on the Northern Border grant, plumbing issues at the Taxium, and the potential sale of 56 Opera House Square.

Various reports were received; the CDA budget vote failed due to a lack of a second.

The CDA is seeking a legal opinion regarding the sale of its property.

Councilors debated if the tour should proceed given the current vacancies in leadership (Parks and Rec Director/City Manager). Some argued for seeing the facilities now, while others felt it was better to wait until new staff are in place and a water/sewer report is available.

The Council reached a consensus to cancel the Tuesday evening tour/meeting.

Councilor Irish proposed a committee to research a memorial for veterans who served after the Vietnam War. This was followed by concerns from other councilors regarding the condition of headstones and walkways in various cemeteries.

Councilors expressed support for exploring a memorial committee.

Councilor Irish will look into forming a committee for memorial research.