CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Claremont City Council meeting on Feb. 25 began with Assistant Mayor Deborah Matteau announcing that Claremont Youth Baseball and Softball registration is open until March 12. The Claremont Parks and Recreation Department is starting their work on the 2026 scholarship golf tournament, which will be hosted on May 2, starting at 10 a.m.
The Claremont School Board election will be held on March 10. The budget and the tax cap will also be on the ballot.
City manager Nancy Bates spoke on a number of topics. She stated that, “The fire department had a busy couple of weeks with a few calls worth noting.” On Thursday, Feb. 12, crews responded to a reported fire. Off-duty firefighter Nicholas Koloski arrived first at the scene, called in a working fire, and assisted an occupant out of the residence prior to the arrival of the on-duty crew. On Feb. 13, crews responded to 1 Pleasant Street, for a report of smoke in the building. Crews found heavy smoke conditions in the basement that was traced to a furnace with a plugged flume. There were elevated carbon monoxide levels on all floors, and a full evacuation of the building took place. Later that same evening, crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 147 Main Street. Claremont police officers arrived first on the scene, and assisted residents to safety while also sheltering pets in their cruisers. This fire resulted in several displaced individuals, and the Red Cross assisted with temporary arrangements for those impacted.
The department of public works has been very busy as well, addressing not only weather, but several water breaks due to sustained cold temperatures. They have worked many long nights, days, and weekends throughout the winter months ensuring residents have clear roads and proper water supply. Bates said, “I’m impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of our city personnel, and I’m proud to be part of the city team with all of them.”
George Smith was hired as the city’s new project manager in the planning and development department. His first day of work was Feb. 2.
Lee Hayes, former building inspector and health officer for the city, has agreed to work on a temporary, part-time basis one day per week to assist with inspections and code enforcement until the position of chief building inspector is filled.
The personnel advisory board is currently looking for two individuals to serve on this board. If interested, please contact the human resource director for more information.
A county delegation will be presenting statistical information and a draft safety action plan at the next city council meeting on March 11. Traffic safety will be one of the major areas of concern.
Bates recommended that the city move forward with the RAF Tellers bid to complete a water and sewer study, with funding coming from the water fund balance and the sewer fund balance. There will be no impact on the water and sewer rates or the tax rate. The council approved.
During citizens forum, a Mr. Bluing expressed his frustration with the city. Among other topics, he was concerned about too many potholes in town, the lack of housing, and the number of empty storefronts.
Director of parks and recreation Justin Martin reiterated the benefits of the proposed collaboration between the Upper Valley Aquatic Center and the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center. The council responded enthusiastically. Bates said the next step will be to present the council with fee schedules and the contract. Martin also asked for the council’s support in pursuing an AARP grant for building a pavilion at Monadnock Park.
A scoreboard donation to the parks and recreation department was made by Asetex Tire and Auto. Martin wanted to thank Asetex for the purchase of the scoreboard, and also thank the other in-kind donations that will make the installation of the scoreboard possible. The in-kind donations were made by Max Towing LLC, the Claremont Youth Baseball and Softball Association, Mike Lemieux, of Pine Hill Construction, and master electrician Chris Royce.
The director of the Fiske Free Library, Michael Grace, asked that the council approve the $10,000 gift made to the library by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. Ten-thousand dollars was offered to each of the 1,350 existing Carnegie libraries in the country. The council approved.
The Claremont City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont City Hall Council Chambers.