James A Chamberlain

The meeting agenda included the annual election of officers and a review of previous minutes from November 5, 2025, and December 3, 2025. Key old business centered on an update from Weston & Sampson regarding the EPA project, specifically discussions about the smokestack remediation, the allocation of $200,000 for soil remediation, and pending EPA approval due to a government shutdown and wetlands presence. Landscape plans were also discussed. New business covered the potential for branding the Sugar River Land Park in coordination with Main Street Economic Development, and a request for an update on spent grant funds and remaining balances. The December meeting included discussions about the reopening of the government, remediation scopes for the Joy Site powerplant and stack, conceptual reuse plans required by NHDES, and the possibility of applying for another multi-purpose grant. The December meeting also included the adoption of the 2026 Meeting Calendar.

The agenda for the meeting included a finance report, public comment period, and discussions on old business items such as the Cat Hole Lands management plan, Stevens Brook trail maintenance, EPA Steering Committee updates, the monthly calendar, public programs, and the Invasive of the Month (Mile-a-Minute). Key 2026 goals discussed involved wetland education, Earth Day events, and working on the lot below the Transfer Station. New business prominently featured a presentation by VHB regarding the 492 Washington Street development, which involved extensive questioning about wetland delineation, driveway width, species protection, and stormwater management; the Commission voted to support VHB's findings. Other new business included a forthcoming presentation from the Upper Valley Trail Alliance (UVTA) and discussion of a proposed amendment to bylaws to allow for two Co-Chairs. Communications included an update on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's wetlands permit renewal.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Annual Election of Officers, resulting in the nomination of Felicia Dalke as Chair and Jill Chastenay as Vice-Chair. Old Business items covered the status of an exhibit transition, procedures for handling donations for the Eagle Fundraising campaign, and a decision to change the commission meeting schedule to the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM at the Visitors Center. The commission also discussed creating a social media presence under the name 'Claremont, NH Arts Commission'. New Business focused on the Quarterly Review of the Inventory, noting that Revolutionary War Plaques should be added, and a discussion regarding a potential PBS showing of a Ken Burns production on the Revolutionary War proposed by the Claremont Historical Society. Additionally, the Commission discussed reapplying for the Our Town Grant and the inclusion of an Arts section in the upcoming Master Plan Steering Committee report.

The public meeting agenda included a review of the previous meeting's minutes from January 15, 2026, and discussion of old business regarding the potential reduction of the Charter Committee Membership from five to three members. New business focused on a presentation from Freedom Energy Logistics concerning the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program. The presentation detailed the nature, benefits, and operational elements of the CCA Program, including examples of savings achieved in other New Hampshire municipalities like Salem, Londonderry, and Merrimack. Potential next steps for implementing a CCA Program were also outlined.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment addressed three primary agenda items. The first involved an application for a special exception to permit a winemaking business as a home occupation, which was approved subject to several conditions, including obtaining all necessary permits and adhering to the testimony provided. The second item concerned a density variance request to allow a fourth dwelling unit on a property where dimensional regulations mandated fewer units; this variance was also approved with specified conditions, noting the proposed change would result in fewer total bedrooms. The third matter involved an application for a variance for reasonable accommodation regarding occupancy limits at a property based on new state legislation concerning unrelated individuals; this request was denied without prejudice due to insufficient information and the absence of a formal zoning determination from City staff. The Board also postponed the Annual Election of Officers to the subsequent meeting.