City of Manchester

The meeting was convened electronically due to the COVID-19 crisis, in accordance with Governor Sununu's Emergency Order. The primary purpose of this special meeting was to provide Manchester residents an opportunity to address the Board on community concerns. Procedures were detailed for public participation, limiting each speaker to three minutes. As no residents wished to speak, the Board proceeded to discuss the next steps regarding received comments and then moved to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting agenda included a Public Comment session limited to 30 minutes for residents to address the Board. Key discussion items comprised the review of the previous meeting's minutes from January 22, 2026, the Finance Committee Report, and the Director's Report covering Finance and Administration, Personnel, Water Treatment and Supply, Watershed, and Distribution. Other agenda items scheduled for consideration included the Annual Bass Fishing Tournaments, a Petition for 156 S. Elm Street, Old Business, New Business, and a Non-Public session regarding the hiring of a public employee.

The committee addressed several resolutions involving the amendment and appropriation of funds across various Community Improvement Programs (CIP). Key resolutions involved authorizing funds for COVID Vaccination Efforts (FY2021), the Oral Health Program (FY2019), HMIS Reporting (FY2021), CARES Act Support Fund activities (FY2021), and FY19 Deferred Maintenance Schools. Discussions clarified that the HMIS reporting relates to satisfying HUD requirements based on federal entitlement dollars received by Manchester, and is not tied to the state. The committee also reviewed and moved to approve budget authorizations for several CIP items, contingent upon the adoption of related resolutions.

The meeting featured divisional reports covering personnel and operations. The Administrative Division reported on dispatcher and front counter openings, equipment installation at the MPD Fitness Facility funded by a donation, and plans for the Women's Locker Room Project seeking CIP budget submission. Community Affairs reported on recent policing events like Santa Shuffle and Toys for Tots, progress on CPTED surveys, FUSUS platform installation, changes to downtown event parade routes, and specialized training completed by officers. The Investigative Division noted openings in Detectives, a cold case seminar attendance, and progress on major case investigations, including charging an individual with firearm offenses. The Legal and Professional Standards Division detailed recruitment efforts, upcoming police and dispatcher tests, academy class progress, and concluded red dot training while beginning less lethal/taser training. The Patrol Division reported on calls for service volume, officer availability impacted by leave statuses, the graduation of a new K9 team, and monthly drone training. The Special Enforcement Division highlighted SWAT activity, ongoing efforts by the Special Investigations Unit to disrupt illegal drug flow resulting in arrests, and success in apprehending a fugitive wanted for attempted murder using SWAT for the arrest. Assistant Chief Loui presented statistics showing a reduction in civilian complaints in 2025 despite a significant drop in new officer hires, and noted collaboration with SNHU students on recruitment strategy. Chief Marr reported positive reviews from the recent CALEA onsite assessment and announced that the Parking Division will now fall under the Police Department.

The meeting involved several public hearings and limited business items. Key discussions included a continuance request for a planned development application (PDSP2025-007) concerning a medical center. For another application (PDSP2024-004), the Board reviewed and approved the sign package for a community center, addressing details on illumination and signage placement. The Board heard a proposal (CU2025-031 and SP2025-029) to convert a Bed & Breakfast into a hotel with dining services, focusing on parking reduction (from 22 required to 9 provided), ADA compliance, and exterior versus interior illumination. This item was continued to allow for resolution on parking buffer details with DPW. Another application (SP2025-031 and CU2025-032) proposed converting a law office into a Community Art Hub, including a gallery and artist studios, with significant discussion on creating a unique, low-demand parking courtyard design and addressing trash/snow storage. Several other applications were continued to a future date. The limited business meeting portion included the successful election of Stephen Meno as Chair and Bob Gagne as Vice-Chair, and the approval of the December 4, 2025, minutes.