Victoria Paquin

The board discussed cemetery maintenance updates including mowing, leaf removal, vandalism repairs, and the sale of new burial lots. Plans for notifying lot owners regarding non-compliant grave curbing were addressed. The board reviewed potential designs and engravings for infant grave monumentation at the Glenwood Cemetery. Progress on a draft policy for green burials was evaluated. Other topics included potential pedestrian and bicycle access through cemeteries to the Mascoma Greenway, a proposed amendment to ban tobacco use in public cemeteries, a potential bench donation from the Odd Fellows, and cemetery cleanup procedures. The board also conducted elections for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair.

The commission discussed the potential use of the former Seminary Hill School facility and reviewed ongoing projects of the Arts & Culture Commission, including public art, festival support, and branding. Updates were provided on the status of the Spencer Street reconstruction project, and the potential for developing whitewater recreation on the Mascoma River was introduced. Additionally, the commission summarized a recent visit from NH Business and Economic Affairs representatives. Future planning discussions touched upon the redevelopment of downtown parking lots, while other business addressed the critical impact of affordable housing on economic development and the potential for a joint meeting with the West Lebanon Revitalization Committee.

The council discussed the proclamation of PTSD Awareness Month for June, acknowledged the second presentation regarding amendments to Ordinance No. 18 concerning the AFSCME salary plan, and received a comprehensive financial outlook presentation from the Finance Director for fiscal years 2022-2024. Further agenda items included setting a public hearing for the establishment of a special assessment district for traffic improvements at the intersection of Mount Support Road and Lahaye Drive, approving a supplemental appropriation for the final phase of the Rusty Berrings Skatepark improvements, and initiating a discussion regarding the potential rescission of the emergency ordinance on face masks. The City Manager also provided updates on the Westboro Yard project and proposed submissions for federal funding.

The council received various board and commission reports, including arts and culture, conservation, and cemetery management. A proclamation for Refill NOT Landfill Month was issued. The council approved amendments to the salary plan and city codes regarding sewer and water service collections to implement central collections and reorganize specific departments. Further discussions included services from the regional planning commission, scheduling public hearings for tax relief applications, road layout extensions, and new landfill regulations. Finally, the City Manager provided updates on legislative issues such as HB 266, broadband initiatives, and municipal department achievements.

The council held a public hearing and approved a supplemental appropriation for the 20 Spencer Street cleanup project and adopted several ordinances, including amendments to miscellaneous fees for water meters, the transfer of authority for stop sign placement to the City Manager, and a new face mask mandate for public indoor spaces. The council also processed reappointments for several city boards and commissions, acknowledged a presentation regarding salary plan amendments for community nurse positions and police department staff, and authorized the transfer of unspent bond proceeds between infrastructure projects. Additionally, the council reviewed tax deeding status and discussed clarifications regarding the creation of a technical review committee for site plan reviews.