CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Claremont City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, opened with Mayor Dale Girard reading the Proclamation for Domestic Awareness Month with a representative of Turning Point Network. The new director of planning and development Annie Steed introduced herself to the council.
Merchant McIntyre Associates gave an update on their approach to securing federal funding for the City of Claremont. This organization describes itself on its website as “the only federal government relations agency that exclusively represents nonprofit institutions and organizations.” It has secured $2.3 million for the Claremont community since 2023. The current federal shutdown, along with the availability or freezing of federal funds, has changed the agency’s approach. Active discussions with the Department of Transportation and the Economic Development Administration, and monitoring what Congress is doing, have helped them keep apace of what is possible in the arena of funding.
There were five people appointed to various city boards. Kiera Cassie Nelson was appointed to the Fiske Free Library Board, with an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2028. Arthur Vito was reappointed to Seat 5 of the Fiske Free Library, with an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2028. In the parks and recreation department, Sheila Rook was appointed for Seat 4, an at-large position, which expires May 31, 2028, and Michal Tru was appointed for Alternate 2, Ward 2, which expires May 30, 2028.
During citizen’s forum, Sean McCarthy requested that the veterans tax deduction be increased from $500 to $700. He also requested the accessibility of Monadnock Park, in regards to scooters, be addressed. He said, “The ascent going up to the Monadnock Park trails are very steep. I’m hoping that you pursue some work so that you can come up at less of an ascent. Imagine yourself on a scooter or something electronic. Sometimes my scooter goes right up. Sometimes the scooter has to stop and cool off. I live right next to the park. I thought it would be great. Some access points to the trail aren’t wide enough for a scooter. It would be nice to have solar lights at the openings at night. People park right over these openings to the trail. Walking people don’t think about it. Please look at that.” Finally, he requested that the empty seat on the school board be filled. He stated that he pays $10,000 in taxes, and he feels that the city should be required to fill this seat.
Chris Coxwell introduced himself during citizen’s forum as a candidate for the at-large position on the city council. He promised to promote and fight for Claremont.
City assessor Steve Hamilton requested changes in a number of ordinances. He explained that in Ordinance 641, veterans who have total and permanent disability can receive $1,400 in tax credits. There are currently 74 veterans on total and permanent disability in Claremont. Statute RSA 235 was passed, effective April 1, 2025, which eliminates the stacking of the standard veterans credit of $500 with the $1,400 credit for total and permanently disabled veterans. These two benefits can no longer be combined, which is why he proposed that the total and permanently disabled veterans tax credit should be increased to $1,900. The council approved this ordinance. Hamilton then requested that the elderly tax exemption be increased 3%, to reflect a 3% increase in inflation. Likewise, Hamilton requested that the disabled tax exemption be increased by 3%, which the council approved. There are eight residents who qualify for this exemption.
City manager Nancy Bates requested authorization to sign a conduit license agreement for Valley Regional Hospital, for the laying down of underground communication cables and other cables under Elm Street, after the planning process is complete. Bates will work with the department of public works to make sure that, after the cable work is done, that section of Elm Street will meet current road standards.
Bates requested under Resolution 2026-18 for authorization to apply for a Northern Border grant for the Sugar River Revitalization and Brownfield Redevelopment Project. This project would include the revitalization of the North Street side of the Sugar River, and the redevelopment of the brownfield site into public space. The grant is for $430,000, which would require a $20,000 match. This match can include in-kind and cash.
Council member Jonathan Hayden requested that repairs be made to the Broad Street Cemetery’s gate and wall. Bates stated that this work is in progress, but is more complicated than expected.
Council member Brian Zutter gave a committee report on Claremont Community TV. There were 75% more programs this year than in 2023-2024, along with 60% more viewers and 64% more impact, meaning that programs were accessed more than once.
The Claremont City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont City Hall Council Chambers.