Manchester meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Manchester committees advance $2.2 million in capital spending and a Youth Services reorganization

Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen committees approved more than $2.2 million in capital authorizations and a pilot reorganization of the Office of Youth Services at meetings on Oct. 6, according to official minutes. The full Board and its Committee on Finance also met that day on a $20.8 million bond, an $850,000 JFK Coliseum chiller plant and other items; minutes for those sessions have not been published, so no outcomes are recorded here.

$2.2 million in capital authorizations approved

The Committee on Community Improvement approved seven budget authorizations for capital improvement projects:

• $106,697.19 for CIP 711124 Solids Disposal Master Plan
• $469,567.03 for CIP 710824 Secondary Clarifier Design and Construction
• $1,630,167.75 for CIP 711323 Amoskeag EB & Canal Ramp Design and Construction
• $15,000 for CIP C160060427 200 Elm St. Opioid and Substance Use Recovery Service Expansion
• $15,833 for CIP C300040727 FY25 Hazmat Training
• $10,000 for CIP C410020327 Community Health Workers CRU Funding
• $20,445 for CIP C500070527 FY27 Household Hazardous Waste Collection

These were committee approvals. The same amounts appeared on the Oct. 6 full Board and Finance Committee agendas, where no votes are recorded in the published material.

Youth Services reorganization and department staffing

The Committee on Human Resources/Insurance approved, unanimously, a pilot reorganization of the Office of Youth Services and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Manchester School District. The committee also approved staffing changes, each recorded as voted without a tally in the summary:

• Adding one Police Lieutenant and one Police Financial Administrator
• Adding one Administrative Compliance Coordinator and leaving two coordinator positions vacant in the Police Department
• Moving two Computer Systems Specialist II positions from Police to Information Systems
• In Water Works, adding one Accountant I and two Customer Service Representative III positions while eliminating three Accounting Technician II positions
• In Central Fleet Management, adding one Accountant I and eliminating one Inventory Specialist I
• In Information Systems, adding one Business Services Manager and eliminating one Office Administrator I
• Modifying one HR Generalist to part-time and eliminating one vacant Administrative Assistant II position

Traffic, parking and kratom ordinance

The Committee on Public Safety, Health & Traffic approved a stop sign at Ash Street and Webster Street (NE corner); 'No Commercial Vehicles' on Allen Street between Boynton and S Main Street; 'No Parking Anytime' on Jewett Street and S Jewett Street; a crosswalk on Park Side Avenue south of Putnam Street; rescinding 'No Parking November 15 - April 15' on Orange Street; a Jemco Properties LLC request for no parking signs in Karatzas Heights; and the Amoskeag Bridge westbound rehabilitation detour route for 2028/2029.

The committee also voted to advance an ordinance banning the sale of kratom after removing 'use' and 'possession' language. A motion to expedite the report to the full Board failed.

Parking Division moves toward Police Department

The Committee on Bills on Second Reading voted to pass an ordinance placing the Parking Division within the Manchester Police Department and referred it to the Committee on Accounts, Enrollment & Revenue Administration. A separate sick leave ordinance amendment remained tabled.

School construction report accepted

The Committee on Joint School Buildings received a project update from LeftField on the School District Priority One Project, covering middle school renovations and additions, and voted to accept the September 2026 status and financial report for submission to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee. The update stated that projects remain within the $306 million budget.

Coming up

• **Oct. 20 — Special Committee on Airport Activities:** informational update from Airport Director Tom Malafronte on Manchester-Boston Regional Airport finances, operations, capital and planning. No action required.
• **Oct. 20 — Accounts, Enrollment and Revenue Administration:** request to write off $344,339.40 in COVID Disaster Costs for DPW, Fire and Police; amendment to Section 70.78 Basic Penalty; monthly financial reports and Revolving Loan Fund update.
• **Oct. 20 — Community Improvement:** $63,753.12 transfer for roads and sidewalks and a part-time planner; $30,000 for a Domestic Violence Prosecutor; Fire Chief Ryan Cashin's request for portable radio equipment.
• **Oct. 20 — Full Board:** $1,630,167.75 Amoskeag EB & Canal Ramp item, the kratom ordinance, the $20,800,000 DPW-Highway bond, the Parking Division ordinance and a PFAS sewer discharge ordinance.
• **Oct. 20 — Lands and Buildings:** requests from Tech Freedom Village LLC for five city-owned parcels at Hackett Hill and from 784 Corning Road LLC for a private-sale purchase at 784 Corning Road.
• **Oct. 20 — Administration/Information Systems:** a $200,000 Custom MHT Loan to White Birch Living, LLC and proposed increases to elderly, disabled and blind exemption amounts.
• **Oct. 23 — Board of Registrars:** voter checklist changes, authorization for 30-day letters, and Deputy Registrars for the Nov. 3, 2026 State General Election.

Manchester board agendas take up $20.8M highway bond, $1.63M bridge project and city staffing changes

Manchester's Board of Mayor and Aldermen and several of its committees met Oct. 6, 2026, with agendas that included a $20.8 million bond for highway work, a $1.63 million Amoskeag bridge and canal ramp project, and staffing changes across city departments. The agendas supplied for these meetings list items for committee and board action but record no votes or outcomes; minutes have not been published.

Money and capital projects

The full board was scheduled to take up a $20,800,000 bond resolution for 2027 CIP C500070327 Raise - City Funds (DPW-Highway), which the agenda notes was tabled Aug. 4, 2026.

The Committee on Community Improvement reviewed seven budget authorization amendments. The largest was $1,630,167.75 for CIP 711323 Amoskeag EB & Canal Ramp Design and Construction. Others were $469,567.03 for CIP 710824 Secondary Clarifier Design and Construction; $106,697.19 in acceptance and expenditure for CIP 711124 Solids Disposal Master Plan; $15,000 for CIP C160060427 200 Elm St. Opioid and Substance Use Recovery Service Expansion; $20,445 for CIP C500070527 FY27 Household Hazardous Waste Collection; $15,833 for FY25 Hazmat Training; and $10,000 for Community Health Workers CRU Funding.

The Committee on Finance, meeting upon recess of the full board, was listed to consider CIP resolutions and budget authorizations including $850,000 for the FY2027 C210070227 JFK Coliseum Chiller Plant; $206,998 for FY2027 CIP C330040327 2025 JAG for City of Manchester, Nashua and Hillsborough County; $200,000 for FY2026 CIP C210070926 FY26 Deferred Maintenance - Municipal; $77,943 for FY2027 C200060327 Dilapidated Building Demolition; and $72,621.43 for FY2026 CIP C650050326 Wolfe Park Recreation Complex. The agenda also lists ARPA-funded police bonuses and hiring, Sweeney Park basketball courts, West Side Arena refrigeration renovation, and the Carpenter Library roof.

Traffic, parking and public safety

The Committee on Public Safety, Health & Traffic was scheduled to review a stop sign on Ash Street at Webster Street, NE corner; a ban on commercial vehicles on Allen Street between Boynton Street and S Main Street; no-parking rules on Jewett Street and S Jewett Street near Cilley Road; a request to rescind the seasonal no-parking rule (Nov 15-Apr 15) on Orange Street from Chestnut Street to Pine Street (ORD 9457); a no-parking request for the Karatzas Heights subdivision; a crosswalk on Park Side Avenue; a single-lane change on Maple Street; and an ordinance amendment banning kratom. It also was to consider a detour plan for the Amoskeag Bridge westbound rehabilitation in 2028/2029 over the Bridge Street Bridge.

Staffing and city organization

The Committee on Human Resources/Insurance reviewed nine communications on department staffing. They include converting one full-time HR Generalist (grade 107) to 32 hours per week part-time (grade 112) and eliminating one vacant Administrative Assistant II (grade 105); adding one Accountant I (grade 108) and eliminating one Inventory Specialist I (grade 108) at Central Fleet Management; at Water Works, eliminating three Accounting Technician II positions (grade 107) and adding one Accountant I and two Customer Service Representative III positions (grade 108); and at the Police Department, creating one Administrative Compliance Coordinator (grade 124), leaving the Grants Coordinator (117) and Accreditation Coordinator (116) vacant, and adding one Police Lieutenant (grade 126) for the Parking Unit. Mayor Ruais requested approval of a reorganization of the Office of Youth Services, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Manchester School District.

Separately, the Committee on Bills on Second Reading was to consider an ordinance amendment to Section 70.44 that would place the Parking Division within the Manchester Police Department, with a possible motion to refer it to the Committee on Accounts, Enrollment & Revenue Administration. A tabled amendment on sick leave terms under Section 33.081(D), tabled June 2, 2026 at the Human Resources Department's request, remained on the agenda.

Also on the board's agenda

The board was scheduled to hear a presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and to consider nominations and confirmations to the Police Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board and other bodies. Also listed: an ordinance amendment to Chapter 52: Sewers covering PFAS discharges, screening, monitoring, control plans and industrial discharge permits, and 50/50 Sidewalk Petitions for 71 Dallaire Street, 72 Oak Street, 311 Fremont Street, 352 Walnut Street and 605 Beacon Street.

Coming up

The Committee on Joint School Buildings meets Oct. 13, 2026 to receive a presentation and financial report from LeftField on the School District Priority One Project. The committee may vote to submit the September 2026 report to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee.

Manchester committees approve $2.47M roundabout, parking changes; school construction on track

Manchester's Board of Mayor and Aldermen committees approved several funding and operational items this month, including a $2.47 million roundabout project and the integration of the Parking Division into the Police Department. School construction remains on budget and on schedule, according to a project update received by the board.

Community Improvement Committee

The Community Improvement Committee approved a $2,470,500 appropriation for the North River/Bicentennial Drive Roundabout (CIP 713) under the CMAQ program. It also approved a $101,734.90 FY27 Highway Safety Grant Program award, a $14,000 School Based Dental Program Medicaid grant, and a $25,000 HSGP Hazmat grant, plus $277,000 for HSGP barriers. The committee approved a loan consolidation for Families in Transition, contingent on state LITHC funding, and a $27,000 bond resolution for the Women's Locker Room Expansion.

Several items were approved and referred to the Finance Committee: a $70,000 reduction for the Opioid Litigation Settlement Trust, a Lead Hazard Reduction Grant application, and a National Register of Historic Places application for Central High School. The committee also approved closure of the CIP for Household Hazardous Waste Collection, extended deadlines for Public Health Preparedness and MPD grants, and approved applications for FY26 Homeland Security grants covering thermal imagers, the ILO program, and the NH Tactical Officer Association.

Parking and Personnel Changes

The Human Resources/Insurance Committee approved integrating the Parking Division into the Manchester Police Department, along with an ordinance amendment placing the division within the police department. It also approved adding one Legal Assistant II position to the Solicitor's department, converting one Customer Service Representative III position from part-time to full-time, adding two Municipal Revenue Clerk positions to the Tax Collector's department, and adjusting Tax Collector office hours to 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Alderman Vincent opposed the office hours change; all other items were approved unanimously.

Traffic and Parking Regulations

The Public Safety, Health & Traffic Committee unanimously approved new no-parking restrictions: on Pearl Street (south side, from 80 feet west of Walnut Street to Union Street east back), on Wilson Street (west side, from Laurel Street to 50 feet south), and on Belmont Street (west side, from Spruce Street to Massabesic Street). The committee also rescinded a no-parking loading zone on Belmont Street (ORD 2662).

Financial Reports and Ordinance Updates

A committee accepted the Revolving Loan Fund report, noting loans two and three are paid in full, and accepted the Finance Department's reports on accounts receivable and the City's Monthly Financial Reports for the first eleven months of FY26. It also voted that an ordinance amendment increasing the Art Commission's spending authorization ought to pass and be enrolled.

The Committee on Bills on Second Reading unanimously advanced an ordinance amending Section 70.78 (parking and other citations) to the Committee on Accounts, Enrollment & Revenue Administration. A separate ordinance on sick leave terms (Section 33.081) remained tabled.

School Construction Update

The committee received a project update from LeftField reporting that all school construction projects are on budget ($306 million) and on schedule. McLaughlin Middle School will be fully occupied by students on September 3, 2026, with Hillside's addition expected by end of December. The committee unanimously accepted the July 2026 monthly status and financial report and forwarded it to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Board of School Committee. The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2026.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The next school construction committee meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2026.

Manchester aldermen approve $30M wastewater pump station upgrade, advance $45M in bond proposals

Manchester's Board of Mayor and Aldermen moved forward on a range of budget authorizations, property decisions, and personnel changes in early July, while setting up more than $45 million in bond votes for fiscal year 2027 capital projects.

Budget amendments and capital projects

The Committee on Community Improvement approved multiple budget authorizations on July 6, including $30 million for the WWTP Pump Station Upgrade Construction and a $1,100,000 transfer for the Canal St Multi-Modal Trail (TAP 4). Other approved items included $81,000 for the Weston Tower Site Radio System Upgrade/Repairs, $33,000 for a Hazardous Materials Grant, and $23,605.99 for the Oral Health Program.

The committee also approved permission for the Fire Chief to apply for the FY25 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $337,399, and to apply for GO-NORTH funding for Mobile Integrated Health Care.

Several Capital Improvement Plan timelines were extended: the Independent City Auditor CIP to September 1, 2026; the Dilapidated Building Demolition CIP to June 30, 2027; and the Munis ERP Financial System CIP to June 30, 2034.

Land, property, and licenses

The Committee on Lands and Buildings approved a conservation easement for 70 acres near Lake Shore and Candia Roads for Water Works. The committee approved naming the Livingston Park tennis courts after Mark Telge.

The committee approved waiving building permit fees in exchange for transfer of the 281 Lincoln Street property, and declared the Pearl Street and Hartnett Lots as surplus city property. It approved disposal of tax-deeded property at 311 Spruce Street via public auction.

Three revocable license agreements were approved: Aranco Oil Company for landscaping and flags near 1265 South Willow Street, New Hampshire Group, LLC for a pylon sign near 1279 South Willow Street, and 32 Jane Street LLC for a concrete retaining wall encroachment on South Street. An inquiry regarding purchase of city-owned lot 866-23 on Broadhead Avenue was received and filed.

Traffic changes and street closures

The Public Safety, Health & Traffic Committee unanimously approved traffic changes near Beech Street Elementary School, including a one-way street, bus stop, loading zone, and rescinding certain parking and stop sign regulations. The committee unanimously approved street closures for the GLENDI festival on Kenney and Amherst Streets. A petition to reduce on-street parking on Pine Street was received and filed unanimously, with direction to work with the Department of Public Works.

Utility billing and purchasing cards

On July 7, a committee approved a submerchant agreement with NIC Services, LLC to handle credit card payments for Water Works and EPD utility bills, replacing the current processor to integrate with new city financial software. The committee also approved renewal of the city's purchasing card contract with Bank of America. Both items were expedited to the full Board for final approval.

New city positions

A committee approved adding one Attorney I and one Legal Assistant I to the city solicitor's complement, and one Assistant Water Works Director. The committee voted 3-2 to remove from the table and approve a Purchasing Manager position, with Aldermen Sapienza and O'Neil opposed. The committee report was expedited to the full Board.

Youth-serving ecosystem assessment

The Health Department presented findings from a community convening on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing local youth. The presentation focused on improving coordination between existing organizations to address barriers such as transportation, mental health, and service navigation.

Items awaiting final action

The Board held a special road hearing on July 7 to receive public testimony on two petitions: one to discontinue a portion of North Church Street, with Fire Department communication attached, and one to discontinue the Caron Street turn-around. Minutes for this hearing have not yet been published.

The Board was scheduled to consider bond resolutions totaling over $45 million for FY2027 capital projects, including a $20.8 million bond for the DPW Highway Raise project, a $5 million bond for the FY27 Roadway Program, a $4.525 million bond for the Munis ERP Financial System, a $3.55 million bond for the Deferred Maintenance Program, and a $1.4 million bond for the Public Safety Communication System Upgrade. Minutes for these items have not yet been published, so final vote outcomes are not available in the record.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days, according to the available agenda data.

Manchester board ratifies police union contracts, approves new city positions and utility billing changes

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen ratified tentative agreements with both Manchester police unions in a 14-1 vote on June 30, with Alderman Sapienza opposed. The contracts with the Manchester Police Patrolman's Association and the Manchester Association of Police Supervisors were laid over for formal adoption at the July 7 regular meeting.

Police union contracts

The board suspended its rules to consider the contracts at a special meeting (unanimous), then ratified the tentative agreements 14-1. The contracts cover patrol officers and supervisors. Formal adoption was scheduled for the July 7 meeting.

New city positions approved

On July 7, a committee approved adding three positions to the city workforce: one Attorney I and one Legal Assistant I in the city solicitor's office, and one Assistant Water Works Director. The committee also voted 3-2 to remove from the table and approve a Purchasing Manager position, reversing earlier opposition. Aldermen Sapienza and O'Neil voted against the Purchasing Manager. The full report was expedited to the full Board for final action.

Utility billing and purchasing cards

A committee approved a contract with NIC Services, LLC to process credit card payments for Water Works and Environmental Protection Division utility bills, replacing the current processor to integrate with new city financial software. The committee also voted to renew the city's purchasing card agreement with Bank of America. Both items were expedited to the full Board for final approval. The changes affect how residents pay utility bills online or by phone and update the cards city staff use for official purchases.

Traffic changes near Beech Street Elementary

The Public Safety, Health & Traffic Committee unanimously approved traffic changes near Beech Street Elementary School, including a one-way street, a bus stop, a loading zone, and the rescission of certain parking and stop sign regulations. The committee also unanimously approved street closures on Kenney and Amherst Streets for the GLENDI festival. A petition to reduce on-street parking on Pine Street was received and filed unanimously, with direction to work with the Department of Public Works.

Items still pending — not yet decided

Several significant items appeared on July 6 and July 7 agendas, but minutes have not yet been published, meaning no final action can be confirmed:

• **Capital projects:** The Community Improvement Committee was scheduled to consider a $30,000,000 wastewater pump station upgrade, a $9,700,000 WWTP emergency power upgrade, a $6,500,000 CMOM C-6 construction project, a $5,300,000 MS4 DCMOM construction project, and a $1,100,000 Canal Street Multi-Modal Trail.
• **Bond resolutions:** The Board was set to vote on more than $45 million in bonds for fiscal year 2027 capital projects, including a $20,800,000 bond for the DPW Highway RAISE project, a $5,000,000 roadway program bond, a $4,525,000 Munis ERP financial system bond, a $3,550,000 deferred maintenance bond, and a $1,400,000 public safety communication system upgrade.
• **Land matters:** The Committee on Lands and Buildings was scheduled to consider a conservation easement on roughly 70 acres along Lake Shore and Candia Roads, naming Livingston Park tennis courts after coach Mark Telge, waiving building permit fees in exchange for transfer of 281 Lincoln Street, declaring Pearl Street and Hartnett lots as surplus, and disposing of a tax-deeded property at 311 Spruce Street via public auction.
• **Road hearings:** The Board held a special road hearing on two petitions to discontinue portions of North Church Street and the Caron Street turn-around. A Fire Department communication was attached to the North Church Street petition.
• **Youth services:** The Special Committee on Alcohol, Other Drugs & Youth Services was scheduled to hear a Health Department presentation on Manchester's youth-serving ecosystem.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official meeting calendar for any newly posted sessions.