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Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P39

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
39
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 39

R-17-117
Endorsers: Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Tom Lopez
RELATIVE TO THE USE OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDS FOR 22 MARSHALL STREET
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN WILSHIRE FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-117
MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-117 declared duly adopted.

R-17-118
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman June M. Caron
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
RELATIVE TO THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF A $2,900,000 LEAD-BASED
PAINT HAZARD CONTROL GRANT FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERWOMAN MELIZZI-GOLJA FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-118
MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-118 declared duly adopted.

R-17-119
Endorsers: Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman June M. Caron
RELATIVE TO A BALLOT REFERENDUM TO ALLOW KENO WITHIN THE CITY OF NASHUA
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN O’BRIEN FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-119
ON THE QUESTION
Alderman Cookson

The discussion we had on Keno with the representative, was that a public hearing or was that just an
informational meeting that was held in these Chambers?

President McCarthy

That was an informational meeting. If this passes, we will schedule a public hearing between 15 and 30 days
before the election.

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P39

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P40

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
40
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 40
Alderman Cookson

Thank you. With regard to this legislation relative to adding a referendum on the ballot is that anyway
dissimilar from what we just did with the performing arts center?

President McCarthy

Yes. There’s a specific process defined in the Keno law for how the ballot question is presented and how the
hearing gets scheduled.

MOTION CARRIED
Resolution R-17-119 declared duly adopted.

MOTION BY ALDERMAN O’BRIEN THAT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RSA 284:51(B), A PUBLIC HEARING
ON R-17-119 BE SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017, AT 7:00 PM IN THE ALDERMANIC
CHAMBER

MOTION CARRIED

R-17-120
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
RELATIVE TO AN AGREEMENT FOR COUNSEL SERVICES CONCERNING POTENTIAL
OPIOID LITIGATION
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN DOWD FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-120
MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-120 declared duly adopted.

R-17-121

Endorser: Mayor Jim Donchess

RELATIVE TO THE RE-APPROPRIATION OF FISCAL YEAR FY2018 ESCROWS
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN DOWD FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-121
MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-121 declared duly adopted.

R-17-122
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
ESTABLISHING A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER STEERING COMMITTEE
Given its second reading

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P40

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P41

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
41
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 41

MOTION BY ALDERWOMAN MELIZZI-GOLJA TO AMEND R-17-122 BY AMENDING IT WITH THE
GOLDEN ROD COPY PROVIDED WITH THE AGENDA

ON THE QUESTION

Alderwoman Melizzi-Golja

The amendments adds one additional member from the arts commission and one additional member from the
downtown improvement committee for a total of three members from each. It will then become an eleven-
member committee instead of nine. The committee will be made up the mayor, or his designee, a
representative from the chamber, three members from the Board of Ed, three from the downtown improvement
committee and three from the arts commission.

Alderman Deane

| just wanted to go back in time to the Joint Special School Building Committee when we had a large
contingent of members who wouldn’t show up and we couldn’t make a quorum. Eleven people is a lot of
people. You're going to need six. Good luck.

Alderman Schoneman

If an arts center is going to succeed here, | think getting back to some of the comments earlier, | think business
orientation, someone who is really professional about a professional arts center ought to be involved. These

folks sound like they are community artists and plenty of passion. Do they have the ability to add members if
they want to or can we put someone on there that we specify should be a pro?

President McCarthy

Vote it up or down, it’s as itis. They can come back to us and propose whatever changes they would like after
they discuss it.

Alderman Cookson

If this doesn’t pass, it would be 3 BOE members and then two from downtown improvement and two from the
arts?

Alderwoman Melizzi-Golja

Correct.

MOTION CARRIED

MOTION BY ALDERMAN MELIZZI-GOLJA FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-122 AS AMENDED

ON THE QUESTION

Alderman Cookson

| mentioned during my comments with regard to the performing arts center the Nashua Arts Commission. The
Nashua Arts Commission, again, was charged being the face of the art culture and art buildings. They would
facilitate, advocate, coordinate and educate. That was part of the legislation. I’m curious if these two roles are

duplicative of one another and why the Nashua Arts Commission wouldn’t have a more prominent role in
establishing this performing arts center downtown.

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P41

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P42

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
42
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 42

Alderman Lopez

| think the Nashua Arts Commission is actually represented on the committee. | think if we learned anything
from tonight there’s obviously a lot of confusion or disagreement as to what direction this performing arts
center program should go in. | think just from a basic logistic perspective having a committee focused on that
demonstrates that we are actually interested in having it as a result. The Nashua Arts Commission also has the
role of identifying what organizations are going to receive art funding and supporting existing arts programs. |
see a lot of wisdom in having a performing arts center steering committee to focus on the steering of the
performing arts center versus just adding it back to the arts commission which was one of the originally moving
factors in the original feasibility study.

Alderman Cookson

| would just add that if this were to move forward, the Nashua Arts Commission would have 3 of the 11 seats
on this steering committee, nto certainly a majority. The other thing is that the Nashua Arts Commission, as it
currently exists, it has businessmen and businesswomen on the Nashua Arts Commission, something that is
much needed for the performing arts center to be successful. | would advocate for the Nashua Arts
Commission to play a more prominent role in this entire process rather than establishing another steering
committee.

Alderman Lopez

I’m not entirely familiar with the membership. Are there any business people on the downtown improvement
committee?

Alderman Clemons

There are several.

MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-122 declared duly adopted as amended.

R-17-123
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
ESTABLISHING A NASHUA RAIL TRANSIT COMMITTEE
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN O’BRIEN FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-17-123
MOTION CARRIED

Resolution R-17-123 declared duly adopted.

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P42

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P43

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
43
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 43

UNFINISHED BUSINESS — ORDINANCES

O-17-040
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
Given its second reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN O’BRIEN FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF O-17-040
MOTION CARRIED

Ordinance O-17-040 declared duly adopted.
NEW BUSINESS — RESOLUTIONS

R-17-125
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
ESTABLISHING THE USE OF FUND BALANCE FOR TAX RATE
Given its first reading; assigned to the BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE by President McCarthy

R-17-126
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman June M. Caron
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
ESTABLISHING AN EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR THE
ARLINGTON STREET COMMUNITY CENTER
Given its first reading; assigned to the BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE by President McCarthy

R-17-127
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
Alderman Tom Lopez
RELATIVE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 OF UNANTICIPATED
REVENUE TO THE HYDROPOWER RESERVE FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPAIRING
THE TURBINE AT THE JACKSON MILLS DAM
Given its first reading; assigned to the BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE by President McCarthy

R-17-128
Endorsers: Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION WITHIN THE NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
REGION
Given its first reading; assigned to the FINANCE COMMITTEE and the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS by
President McCarthy

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P43

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P44

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
44
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 44

R-17-129
Endorsers: Alderman-at-Large Mark S. Cookson
Alderman Don LeBrun
FOR THE CITY TO RESEARCH THE FEASIBILITY OF PURCHASING THE FORMER
DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 20 UNIVERSITY DRIVE
Given its first reading; assigned to the PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, the
NASHUA CITY PLANNING BOARD and the BOARD OF EDUCATION by President McCarthy

R-17-130
Endorser: Alderman-at-Large Mark S. Cookson
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY TREASURER TO ISSUE BONDS NOT TO EXCEED
THE AMOUNT OF TWENTY-THREE MILLION NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($23,955,000) FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE FORMER DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 20 UNIVERSITY DRIVE

Given its first reading;

MOTION BY ALDERMAN COOKSON TO ACCEPT THE FIRST READING OF R-17-130 BY ROLL CALL,
ASSIGN IT TO THE BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE, THE NASHUA CITY PLANNING BOARD, THE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE, AND THE NASHUA BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND THAT A
PUBLIC HEARING BE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017, AT 7:00 PM IN THE
ALDERMANIC CHAMBER
A viva voce roll call was taken which resulted as follows:
Yea: Ald. Deane, Ald. Cookson,

Ald. Schoneman, Ald. LeBrun 4

Nay: Ald. Wilshire, Ald. Clemons, Ald. Dowd,

Ald. Caron, Ald. Siegel Ald. Melizzi-Golja

Ald. O’Brien, Ald. Lopez, Ald. McCarthy 9
MOTION FAILED

Alderman Cookson

If you’re not going to allow for a public hearing of a resolution, why are we wasting our time doing a feasibility
study?

President McCarthy
Would you like to move for indefinite..
Alderman Cookson

I’m just curious. The Board of Education is supportive of it. They are interested in, again, potential opportunity for
their admin building since they can’t move into Burke Street.

President McCarthy

Alderman Cookson, the vote has been taken. The debate is over on that motion.

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P44

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P45

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
45
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 45
Alderman Cookson

| understand. I’m just explaining why | am asking the question. You’re going to stop me after all of this? | think it’s
poor taste.

President McCarthy
It’s out of order. We took a vote.
Alderman Cookson
Poor taste, Alderman McCarthy.

NEW BUSINESS — ORDINANCES

O-17-042
Endorser: Alderman Tom Lopez
AUTHORIZING STOP SIGNS ON NORTH SEVENTH STREET AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH
GRAND AVENUE
Given its first reading; assigned to the COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE by President McCarthy
O-17-043
Endorser: Alderman Tom Lopez
RESCINDING THE AUTHORIZATION FOR PARKING METERS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF EAST
PEARL STREET BETWEEN QUINCY STREET AND HOLMES STREET
Given its first reading; assigned to the COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE by President McCarthy

O-17-044
Endorsers: Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman June M. Caron
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
REVISIONS TO THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY GRANTS
Given its first reading; assigned to the HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE by President McCarthy

PERIOD FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

President McCarthy

One person had signed up, Paula Johnson. Ms. Johnson is not here. We had a sign-up sheet out at the
beginning of the meeting.

(Inaudible remarks from a member of the audience)

President McCarthy

We have a procedure. Actually, somebody make a motion to suspend the rules. I’m not going to do this on my
own.

MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ALLOW ANYONE WHO WOULD
LIKE TO SPEAK
MOTION CARRIED

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P45

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P46

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
46
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 46
Paul Chasse, 26 Balcom Street.

I’ve been watching this all night. My first question to the President of this Board, during the first open mic. people
were clapping. It prolonged the whole night. We have two X-Presidents that are sitting here, especially
Corporate Counsel, that never would have allowed that. | know he would have said please refrain from clapping
until the end of the night. The second thing is my ward alderman, | am very impressed with tonight. You did a
good job. We don’t see eye-to-eye, but you did a good thing. | am not against the arts center. There are certain
things, maybe it is time for this Board to say maybe a two-minute speaking time for every individual. Thirty-five
people came up tonight. That’s a long time. Believe me, you people had your minds made up before you even
sat in this horseshoe.

I’m not very happy for some of the things | heard. Mr. Mayor, | can look at my crystal ball versus yours. You
took out the wastewater place where we bought. | was totally for it because | wasn’t basically worried about
the building. It was about the land. If we had to move north to build that thing further, we needed that land.
I’m sure it is coming down the line. $19 million. If | had a household and $19 million and I’m paying off my
debts and I’m paying off my debts, I’m not going to add more debt to it. | honestly believe, well I’m going to
have to believe with Paula Johnson, that maybe it’s a 50-50 endeavor on that thing.

Now it’s going to the ballot. Good job, because | guarantee you, I’m not into arts. I’m not against arts or
whatever. People do things. They are into symphony. | think | went one time to the Nutcracker and | said
that’s enough for me. I’m not into that stuff. Most of the people in Nashua probably are not into that stuff.
Your blue collar or what do | want to call myself: slum lord, slum, whatever. I’m not into arts. You can go to
the Symphony or whatever, I’m deaf so | don’t know what the hell they are playing for music anyways.

They want to raise money, they want to do something, a few years back Whitney Houston came into Holman
Stadium. | don’t know how much money they made. They brought in Santana. Aerosmith came in there.
Danny and the Juniors came in there. Beach Boys came in there. That’s my type of music. | paid and | went
to see them. There’s an agenda there. There’s a way that they can make money to get their $4 million or their
$8 million if you want to go 50-50. | have no problem if the City of Nashua went 50-50 with these people. But
for the City of Nashua to take on this thing and buy another problem, because | sat in the horseshoe and we
bought some properties and we are paying for them now, and it’s not a good thing for the City of Nashua for us
to get involved in this type of venue. So, you made a decision tonight. Thank you for putting it on the ballot.
The people of Nashua will know make the decision. | thank you for your service because | know what you’re
going through. Good night.

Jen Czysz, Interim Director, NRPC

| am the interim director of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission. | just wanted to be here to be on hand
if there were any questions for the household hazardous waste collections cooperative agreement. This is a
program that NRPC provides the staffing for on behalf of our community in the region. We will be on hand to
assist when it goes to committee as well. Thank you.

Paul Shea, 102 Tolles Street.

| spoke earlier on behalf of my organization, but | just want to speak as a ward resident right now and how
absolutely ashamed | am. We demonstrated well over 150 people that were in support of this project. The fact
of the matter is is that the downtown wards are the wards that have expressed the greatest degree of support
for this project. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for David, and I’ve always had a great deal of
appreciation for the degree to which he takes constituency feedback into consideration. But as a resident of
the ward, | am absolutely, | am distraught right now. | am upset, and | had faith in you and | had trust in you,
and | don’t have that anymore. So, no thanks. Thank you.

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P46

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P47

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
47
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 47

REMARKS BY THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Alderman Lopez

There is an event this Saturday, the Arts Olympics at 1:00 p.m., downtown. Anybody who is interested in the
arts, | definitely suggest you come check it out. It’s a first time event and it should be very interesting.

Alderman O’Brien

Congratulations to one of our members to the rededication of the David Deane Skate Park. It’s good that it is
up and running. | apologize that | couldn’t be there. | would like to say something else to Alderman Deane and
the Board. Ya, the Burke Street property, | don’t know how dead is dead, but the thing is we’ve still got other
issues with the waste treatment plant, other different things that are going on. I’m holding out hope that
something is going to morph into something that is going to be a little bit better. I’m kind of hoping that we’re
just kind of taking a break, stand back, relook at it, and come up with a better decision. I’m hoping that can be
done. Thank you.

Alderwoman Melizzi-Golja

Thank you to everyone who came this evening. This week at the Planning Board there is going to be a public
hearing regarding the downtown riverfront project. That will be up in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. for those who
are interested in having input. In October, that will be coming forward to Planning & Economic Development. |
just want to thank everyone who worked on the Back-to-School event. As everyone knows, it is a collaboration
between the City and the Chamber. It was very successful this year. | would just like to thank the committee
members from the various city departments as well as from the Chamber and Alderman Caron and George
Katis for all of their help.

Alderman Schoneman

A number of speakers tonight recognized that this is a difficult job. It is a difficult job. It’s ten minutes until
twelve. I’m exhausted. | imagine the others are too. This was an issue that divided a community. It was not
easy. | recognize the passion that these folks brought. It was very difficult because | had to choose to
disappoint somebody, and that’s never a choice anyone likes to make. My objections were not about having
an arts center, but were about the specifics of a plan. | truly hope that an arts center develops here. | look
forward to seeing what this committee wants to do. | voted against putting it on the ballot. | listened to some of
the arguments, but I’m glad it’s going to be on there. | think it’s good. The people are going to decide, and we
will see what they want to do. | think that’s the best thing. Thank you.

Alderman Dowd

| just want to thank everybody for the thoughts regarding my sister’s passing, and for the flowers for the
Celebration of her Life.

Alderman Cookson

| just wanted to take a moment to speak about the public hearing that wasn’t scheduled this evening. All reliant
on a feasibility study that our Office of Economic Development would be charged with conducting, zero cost to
the citizens of Nashua, zero cost to have him go out and explore with city staff and personnel to see if there
was any opportunity, any feasibility of utilizing any of the buildings at what was formerly known as Daniel
Webster College.

In addition to that we passed on the opportunity because we won’t have an opportunity to have a public
hearing prior to the auction or the time to submit a bid if we were interested in anything. We missed out on the
opportunity to increase our athletic fields. Maybe they are not important to some members of the Board of
Aldermen, but | understood that Superintendent Caggiano was concerned about the athletic fields that we have

Page Image
Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P47

Board Of Aldermen - Minutes - 9/12/2017 - P48

By dnadmin on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 21:54
Document Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Meeting Description
Board Of Aldermen
Document Type
Minutes
Meeting Date
Tue, 09/12/2017 - 00:00
Page Number
48
Image URL
https://nashuameetingsstorage.blob.core.windows.net/nm-docs-pages/boa_m__091220…

Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 48

in the city. They are not getting enough rest so we needed to expand. | think that’s why we had a meeting
over at Charlotte Avenue recently about having the fields recover and getting some more rectangular fields.
But, be it in your wise decision this evening, we won’t have the opportunity to even consider that - the Eaton
Richmond Center, the gymnasium, the administration building, which could have been utilized by our school
administration. Again, not having a Burke Street property to move into, | was attempting to just see if there
was an opportunity somewhere else. The admin building looks like a phenomenal space for the central admin
office to take over, but again we won’t have the opportunity because a majority of you voted this evening not to
even have a public hearing. We can’t consider it now.

I’m deeply saddened that you would make that move. In the last 12 years, | have never seen any group be so
inconsiderate to a motion for a public hearing. You wanted the public to choose on the arts center, so let’s put
that on the ballot. Fine, let’s put it on the ballot. Nobody held that up, okay. But to have eight members of you
just say, you know what, we’re just not interested in any opportunity that it might afford the city | just don’t think
it was the best decision this evening. We always have to look at competing opportunities. My motion to
postpone it until after we had a feasibility study to look at, if the feasibility study comes back and says there is
zero opportunity for the city to utilize this space, then guess what? We don’t go forward with the resolution.
We don’t go forward with the bond. Then we have the opportunity to look at the performing arts center, and we
could have made a vote on the 24 of October. Who knows what that vote would have been. But |’m just
saying, | think that we could have done it smarter and wiser and a little bit more professional this evening than
what was done. Thank you.

Alderman Deane

| would like to thank the Mayor and Director Fauteux and the Street Department and all the public works
people for the skate park opening the other day. It was very nice. We had Public Works Day in front of
Stellos. It was really interesting. | think the North girls and Manchester Central girls were a playing field
hockey game at four o’clock. They were down there checking out all the arrangements that public works had
set up. | putted in the pothole putting area with the Mayor, and | beat him by two strokes. A terrible putter, if
you ever bring him golfing.

You know, this performing arts thing tonight and the comments that were made by former Ward 3 Aldermanic
candidate, | thought were kind of out of line. You know, that’s one thing I’m not going to miss about sitting in
here, at all. Not one bit. You give up your time, your family and everything else, he should have been thankful
that Alderman Clemons added the word “may,” | believe it was, and the thing passed and got put on the ballot.
Now he’s the director of the downtown group that we fund through our budget. He’s got the audacity to stand
up there and say that? Really? | find that unprofessional to say the least. We can agree to disagree. Believe
me, I’ve had my times in this Chamber of going bananas on things, but you know what? You end up coming
out of it. It’s going to be put on the ballot. Did | support that? No, | think we are elected to make those
decisions. The majority prevailed so it’s on the ballot. That’s fine, | don’t have a problem with that. But, we
can agree to disagree on things but | just thought that was out of line. | would hope that you get an apology. A
public apology, not an email. He should come back and publicly apologize for doing that. | had to publicly
apologize. Just man up and doit. It was interesting, and Ben saved the day for the arts people. People
should be happy. It’s not a dead issue, and it’s very convoluted. It’s really convoluted.

There’s a lot of pieces in this. I’m not happy about what happened with Burke Street. | know it was a lot of
money, but we’ve got a building over there that’s a big problem right now. It’s unoccupied, and it’s September.
That’s a problem. This Board is going to have to do something with it. Either do something with it or tear it
down, but you can’t just let it sit over there. The kids are having a field day over there no matter what we do.
That’s for another day, | guess. Anyways, Jim, thanks for everything. The proclamation was really nice. |
appreciate it. It was a very nice thing to do. | appreciate it very much. Thank you.

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