Nancy Bates

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 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 the annual election of officers for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Finance and Key Properties Committees. Old business items discussed included updates on 56 OHS, 3 Tremont Street, and the Vacuum Issue. New business involved discussion of the CDFA Loan extension request due December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and the Soil Testing Update for the Tenney Property. A significant discussion centered on entering a five-year lease with Sullivan County Oral Health for the Farwell Block property. The meeting concluded with recognition of a departing board member after 18 years of service.

The meeting included the annual election of officers, which was suspended pending bylaw amendments. Under finance, the Commission directed staff to inquire about the collection of Land Use Change Tax. Old business discussions included updates on Cat Hole Lands and Stevens Brook access following tree removal, and the EPA Steering Committee update. The Commission reviewed its 2026 goals, focusing on wetlands knowledge, organizing Earth Day and tree planting events, and developing a management plan for Cat Hole Lands. In New Business, the Commission heard a presentation from VHB regarding a proposed 18-acre development at 492 Washington Street, involving multi-family housing, wetland delineation, stormwater management, and wildlife corridors. The Commission voted to support the findings of VHB concerning this development. The Commission also discussed obtaining membership with the Upper Valley Trail Alliance (UVTA). Communications included an update on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Wetlands permit renewal application for silt removal at the Ashley Ferry ramp. A future agenda item will include a presentation on single-use plastics.

The meeting addressed several agenda items. Under Old Business, discussions included the transition for the new 'Winter in Claremont' exhibit, seeking family approval for using a George Hale photograph, and exploring potential sources for winter photos, including Parks & Recreation. The Commission also detailed plans for the Eagle Fundraising, determining that checks should be mailed to the Finance Department, and confirmed they would not hold a combined holiday showcase, opting instead to promote existing local craft fairs. Scheduling was also discussed via a poll. Under New Business, the 2026 meeting schedule was approved with the removal of the July meeting, and plans were discussed to collaborate with various municipal entities for a Memorial Day event focused on Revolutionary War plaques. The Commission also accepted the donation of fundraising boxes and displays.