Finance Committee - Minutes - 7/15/2020 - P14
Finance Committee - 07/15/2020 Page 14
There were problems and the problems have been slowly but surely corrected. But | know that even this
situation where we need someone because we are operating a Department without the proper credentials was
brought to our attention, my attention first by these people who are keeping their eyes on the Assessing
Department. So | just want to reject that blame. And | just wanted to speak up for them. | don’t really like us
taking personal, being personal about efforts to improve our City Government and | don’t like to describe it as a
meanness or a mean atmosphere.
| just also wanted to ask that, my understanding is when and Ms. Parkinson I’m really pleased to meet you and
| am happy to welcome you. This is not something that’s new but my understand was then a recommendation
comes to us from the Purchasing Manager, that Ordinance has it that we have, that we are provided with the
number of firms solicited, the summary of their quotes and what we were asking specifically from them and the
recommendation and rationale. And in this case, it is not provided. | know that incidentally we have learned
that there have been several other people that have been approached about this. But my understanding,
based on just reading what my role is as a Finance Committee member, is that that’s what we are meant to be
presented. | look forward to just having the comfort of that process and procedure. Thank you.
Mayor Donchess
Alderwoman Lu, | am going to have to differ with you, because we are not blaming anyone. But we were
asked a direct question. Why do we have to pay this guy $124,000.00? And why is he necessary? So |
believe we are not blaming anyone and | never used the word “mean”, | gave you the facts. All of the
Assessors, there have been many complaints which have sought the revocation of all the licenses of all of the
people working — all the professionals but one working in the Assessing Office, anybody that has anything to
do with residential. Plus, there have been criminal complaints, multiple ones filed against them.
This is well-known in the State of New Hampshire to the other Assessors, very well-known. Those are facts,
that’s not blame, those are facts. So rather than mislead you, mislead Alderman Laws who asked us about this
directly, we gave you the facts. And if you have a basis to contest those facts, if you know Assessors in New
Hampshire who will assume this position, or if you Know Assessors who Say that this isn’t true, well bring those
facts forward. But we are not blaming, but we want to be straight-forward and honest with the members of this
Committee, the members of the Board of Aldermen and the citizens of Nashua. And if those facts are
uncomfortable, well it’s too bad, that’s the situation.
Anyone else have any comments, questions. If not would the Clerk please call the roll?
A viva voce roll call was taken which resulted as follows:
Yea: Alderman Klee, Alderwoman Lu, Alderman Harriott-Gathright, Alderwoman Kelly,
Alderman Laws, Mayor Donchess 7
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
From: Kelly Parkinson, Purchasing Manager
Re: Purchase of City of Nashua Master Plan
MOTION BY ALDERMAN HARRIOTT-GATHRIGHT TO ACCEPT, PLACE ON FILE AND AWARD A
CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CITYWIDE 2020 MASTER PLAN IN THE
AMOUNT OF $200,249 TO UTILE DESIGN, BY ROLL CALL
