Board of Aldermen Page 15
September 27, 2016
R-16-067
Endorsers: Alderman David Schoneman
Alderman Ben Clemons
Alderman Ken Siegel
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Don LeBrun
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF THIRTY-THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
FOURTEEN DOLLARS ($33,614) FROM THE CONSERVATION FUND FOR LONG-TERM
MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SOUTHWEST TRAILS
Given its second reading;
MOTION BY ALDERMAN SCHONEMAN FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-16-067
MOTION CARRIED
Resolution R-16-067 declared duly adopted.
R-16-068
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman Thomas Lopez
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Ben Clemons
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr.
AFFIRMING THE CITY OF NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE AS A WELCOMING CITY AND
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WELCOMING AMERICA INITIATIVE
Given its second reading;
MOTION BY ALDERMAN LOPEZ TO AMEND R-16-068 IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REPLACING IT WITH
THE COPY PROVIDED BY THE MAYOR
ON THE QUESTION
Alderman Lopez
| was one of the original proposers of the initial legislation, the sponsors and then during the
Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee meeting concerns were raised about the attachment of the
Welcoming America Initiative. Personally | have worked with the Welcoming America Initiative through
my work with One Greater Nashua, through my time on the Cultural Connections Committee and working
at the soup kitchen. | did not share my fellow Alderman’s concerns but | felt it was important to recognize
them because in the spirit of being a Welcoming City it is also important to recognize that some people
may have certain fears or concerns. | proposed the golden rod amendment to that initial legislation. In
the intervening time, however, | think the Mayor’s office has made a very concertive effort to articulate
exactly what we are agreeing to and to illuminate for the rest of the Board what the Welcoming America
Initiative is doing and what they stand for. | am satisfied that they are not a shadow organization or
underground campaign mechanism. | think it is evident that even if we don’t necessarily agree on the
politics, participating in the larger movement with Concord and Manchester is a benefit to our city. | am
conscience of all of the letters of support and the testimony we heard tonight assuring us that this is
something that is good for the city. | can’t make myself believe that all of those people could suddenly so
easily be misled as to not understand it and | think we should look at the turn out tonight as an
opportunity. It’s indicative of the strength that is inherent in our community. This is what every Board of
Aldermen should look like in terms of community turnout. | think a cause that brought so many people
