[{"_1":2,"_136":-5,"_137":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6347179,"mediaKeyId","2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0","parentId",2245940,"title","Council confirms two appointments, accepts several nominations","audioSeconds",133,"startMs",1594000,"endMs",1727000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=1594&end=1727","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6347179/New-Hampshire/Council-confirms-two-appointments-accepts-several-nominations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347179-108c07359c62d4b823143a57ae8f9f15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=SpT66Ur7nK49DTcxXO3bEtkx4-HFsfxIOJ5B2iQeJNk73rLy~5SFSDwNTgyPRBOakRukyptJ-lptav~xxj1xXD9mAWaXEKPjNM5z73S-vuBg6pvI769XuLPh49b-rWxh6khm9iZ-9oAlhyGFFrLSbL4qxtSMLrIm0fPNGmDNIErhAm5SP8ICeOmZg~tK~4STIVFirHb4kMOte0BuzwE5D9pPpJJ9EP5a8k8VMr2XTs1~nHnJKMimwF5H7QwwgJluvL1b50a4ltDYuz6gc5SmQKguguYKkl3HZaFindaTIneCYUO9T3JS2DYK9Qj3a52k9FQhHe4S94YaKBmweYSl-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Somersworth NH","date","2025-01-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 approved appointments and recorded nominations for several boards and commissions.

Councilors voted to appoint Carly Prescott as the Ward 5 representative to the Somersworth School Board and to appoint Howard Merrick as an alternate member of the historic district commission. Councilor Michoud moved the slate and councilor Vinson seconded; the council approved the appointments by voice vote.

The council also nominated Kevin Dodd for appointment to the Conservation Commission for a three-year term and nominated Anthony Jones for reappointment as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment; those nominees will stand in nomination until the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

Separately, Mayor Mac Gerding said he reappointed James Morissette to the Somersworth Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; the mayor noted that reappointments to that body do not require council approval.

Votes: Appointments for Prescott and Merrick were approved by council vote on Jan. 6.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Somersworth NH, City Council Meeting - 01/06/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Jan. 6 meeting the Somersworth City Council confirmed Carly Prescott to the School Board (Ward 5) and Howard Merrick as an alternate to the Historic District Commission; other nominations for conservation commission and ZBA alternates were accepted to stand in nomination until the next meeting.","taxTitle","Somersworth City Council, Somersworth City , Strafford County, New Hampshire","taxId",76002,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6347184,"Council hears first reading for water main extension on Route 108 to serve indoor pickleball facility",1331,1443000,2774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=1443&end=2774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_1443000.jpg","/articles/6347184/New-Hampshire/Council-hears-first-reading-for-water-main-extension-on-Route-108-to-serve-indoor-pickleball-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347184-a77d1578003b85b83af6d50068074708/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=gRdUtOf2Ag8SKa846nJqqmCKRKTpkh2srUursN7YyXgU3yEHeJbzVX5sK4wZ8zq7oxIMsR9YLy17ilcS0trsogeihzFjqWdrSp~48CZlg8KC8NVg2rNbO7V~Fdoc3SBhnR7fEJonKpub99-Hki2Am-JhSmS~NJ4~x-PxDP~FP3lOda5LvxtfnAmE4SAUf9evHv8TianUXKBsIj5gUOYnuCaxn4tPPtChEJbwWZuIx0mpUReHmi92c2w12yy4EqRLLusohtCe5RrZj1k4MvFc0maOtKY5f7KEiDRkA5fAfBQpT2y0jKlJ3giMcW1TfhARfJlj9d1-FlXAvCGrsfF4zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 heard a first reading of Resolution 29-25, which would authorize the city manager to apply to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for a water main extension of roughly 410 feet along Route 108 to serve a proposed indoor pickleball facility at 136 New Hampshire Route 108.

City staff said Wright-Pierce engineers recommended a 12-inch water main extension. The public works and environment committee reviewed and endorsed the extension request. According to the resolution, Opaque Melody LLC of Dover, N.H., requested the extension and will pay all associated costs if the application is approved.

Resolution 29-25 was read for a first time and will remain at first reading until the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting; no council vote or action was taken on Jan. 6.

Next steps include filing the DOT application as owner of record and returning to council for a subsequent vote after staff completes required steps and DOT review.","Resolution 29-25 received a first reading authorizing the city manager to apply to the N.H. Department of Transportation for an approximately 410-foot water main extension on Route 108 to serve a proposed indoor pickleball facility; costs will be paid by the developer.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6347189,"Mayor: Somersworth awarded $100,000 Invest NH grant to update land-use regulations; council hears first reading",2373,291000,2664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=291&end=2664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_291000.jpg","/articles/6347189/New-Hampshire/Mayor-Somersworth-awarded-100000-Invest-NH-grant-to-update-land-use-regulations-council-hears-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347189-15ca799ec8c3740bde7d051273eddcb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=heYFIZyqwaUO--gTSLEq9QX1CbQfMaRZrTUgKJHsouVdZpFsXYF~Tbpb5CMtdNQsX8V1zv0VuKz~3GxT2MVFqUovrPR96MboLyNYZZhyPtuzoyrgXDRMANRmU9WWEjiy3b06X13yonZCrTsQGyheSwao16bbikjGIclMRsPtBiFmsRV-8NppZxfmnpeNZknkVrmZKwb7OV78FcidPJujD35OxhbPqzeSkFIy4A1610cxY8eN7DwIXPdVUwJesql~~Fj3yg8H8mLhzumGav-ec8ZgHiIzy~vJdnG9mCKeYBeHTeUYjfY8OXqnsuv-HK-lWm8nJ~qLyVo5WD-bG1ot~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Mac Gerding told the Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 that the city has been awarded a $100,000 housing opportunity planning grant through New Hampshire’s Invest New Hampshire initiative and that staff will seek a consultant from the state’s qualified list to update the city’s land-use regulations.

The mayor described the award as 100% grant funding provided through the Invest New Hampshire municipal planning and zoning grant program, which uses ARPA state fiscal recovery funds administered by the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs. The mayor said the work will focus on analyzing current regulations and creating revised zoning and land-use provisions with the primary goal of expanding housing opportunities, including affordable and workforce housing.

Resolution 28-25, authorizing the city manager to enter into the grant agreement and to sign a contract with a consultant for up to $100,000, was read for the first time and will remain in first reading until the next regularly scheduled council meeting. The mayor and manager thanked city staff who prepared the application.

No council vote was taken on Resolution 28-25; councilors expressed general support and said more details will be available when the resolution returns for a second reading.","Mayor Mac Gerding said the city was awarded a $100,000 Invest NH housing opportunity planning grant to fund a consultant-led update of zoning and land-use regulations; Resolution 28-25 received its first reading and will return for adoption at a later meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6347194,"Council waives winter moratorium so Eversource can replace utility poles; members seek stronger oversight on pavement repairs",709,3520000,4229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=3520&end=4229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_3520000.jpg","/articles/6347194/New-Hampshire/Council-waives-winter-moratorium-so-Eversource-can-replace-utility-poles-members-seek-stronger-oversight-on-pavement-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347194-fd0bc605310cd2e32f83dfdbde552baf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=MA7eGWyyRNvTH2-PbswiWvLoQWcaSALtexPGqJacn60h1LvCKeJoz855Cjm7k7Fa5AztSf6F3PV~IKOAe4~Ek~Sa4Ynca4ALd9eMgbfgKmWvR0sxUk-oousGSlIyYWNUzcrZxK-60zuUzCHGh-5Fv5JyUh9Z8Bc26HOczjNS5-Ma5GtTJI7n-zl3q8MvUNcTzTMrjmSv1bY1shGtIY7PPo5bqd2yXM6GDRWPWuVE0eBKRJJQxj~Us3u9MCtPCmLpZXVx991f~qd6b3jIcAr-5~vpA60tI0NRxWplTfQdmuxY9qoLbXWj5UZY9~k0eKiXUg4PSom8O~8RzA1GdTMSaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Somersworth City Council voted Jan. 6 to waive the city’s winter excavation and paving moratorium so Public Service Company of New Hampshire, doing business as Eversource Energy, can replace eight existing poles at six locations across the city.

Councilors said several of the pole replacements are tied to an active housing development on Green Street and that others are described in company materials as degraded poles that could affect safety and reliability. The council heard from Public Works Director Babinski that three or four of the identified poles are off the roadway shoulder; two are in pavement. The company asked to do some work now to coordinate with ongoing construction at 85 Elm Street, where higher poles and additional transformer capacity are needed.

Council members asked whether the city could use the waiver to press the utility to remove longstanding double poles and complete permanent pavement repairs promptly. Public Works Director Babinski and the city manager said the city can require trench permits, performance bonds and a complete-patch specification that would follow initial temporary repairs. The manager said staff would enforce bond conditions and could call the bond to complete repairs if the utility fails to restore pavement.

Councilor Paul Goodwin moved to waive the moratorium; Councilor Kenneth S. Vincent seconded. After discussion, the council approved the waiver by roll call with some members noting hesitation about how previous work was executed but saying the permitting and bond conditions provide leverage.

Council vote: Waiver of excavation and paving moratorium for Public Service Company of New Hampshire (Eversource) — adopted by roll call.","Somersworth council approved a waiver of the November–April excavation and paving moratorium to allow Public Service Company of New Hampshire (Eversource) to replace eight poles at six locations, including poles tied to a local housing development. Councilors required permits, bonding and expectations for pavement restoration.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6347198,"Somersworth council narrows rules on political comments from the dais, adopts amendment",745,1748000,2493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=1748&end=2493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_1748000.jpg","/articles/6347198/New-Hampshire/Somersworth-council-narrows-rules-on-political-comments-from-the-dais-adopts-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347198-95f6d8f68d525bb361c0757e17f27bdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=MAhbcLPs5xZow4LTz767pQTQ92eX9W4gUgutExK049zxuiU8BA~njVm7fvbcdfqOoiH~tfGCKmSObR8RrB3xjOGQMvG3hffKGnbVVSOHaWhl3kNKel6ooFIsG~iNROmw47CazF6HsGUjCdP8aOjPKzKmyiC1u2qXSxe8dYwQEr9bigqX3vRXVSQeJWqiDrcHffO9sPzSVzJT0Zk~1Y6Sq4EZGcerZPUxl0WD4PBJGUzPHp-QyR7lM0N3BKUcXCKqM9-eFZeTU~XII0YURzZUIqiJjKfd~rZGx~hes2epfBHqzvdJozNCvvSKUBPadti8rg2QDXMVcK4OjCi6EBzTTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 adopted an amendment to its rules that prohibits the mayor and councilors from making comments about political campaigns or public elections while seated in their official roles at council meetings.

Councilors debated language that would distinguish between comments about candidates for public election and statements about appointments the council itself must make. Councilor Gibson moved adoption of Resolution 27-25; Councilor Pepin seconded. During discussion some councilors raised concerns about whether the rule would prevent discussion of applicants for board and commission appointments. Members clarified an amendment to add the words “public election” after “political campaigns” to ensure comments related to staff or board appointments remain allowed.

Councilor Goodwin and others explained the intent was to prevent the use of official positions to influence public elections from the dais while preserving transparency for council appointments, which are part of the council’s public duties. Councilors said elected officials may still speak about campaigns as private citizens, but would need to do so from the public comment area rather than from the council seats.

The council voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 27-25 as amended. No councilor recorded opposition.

Council vote: Resolution 27-25 (as amended) adopted unanimously.","The council adopted Resolution 27-25 to bar elected officials from making political campaign comments while seated at the dais during council meetings; an amendment added the phrase \"public election\" to clarify the rule does not apply to appointment discussions.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":129,"_47":130,"_49":131,"_51":132,"_53":133,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":134,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":135,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6347203,"Somersworth council fast-tracks $249,000 sidewalk tractor purchase, authorizes five-year lease",2992,396000,3388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0&start=396&end=3388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245940-b535b0e5a5c04661cbf6ed3108a56ef0/thumbnail_396000.jpg","/articles/6347203/New-Hampshire/Somersworth-council-fast-tracks-249000-sidewalk-tractor-purchase-authorizes-five-year-lease","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347203-75f4b92b86672a17c4d21b91f1a0d53c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173886&Signature=b9m2pB5f~p3S8TMehc1Nrq8rcl5a-F6CzhLuywxVcbyV26x8Qt~75dUDVgIjz3EaFPfCDuEOxvn67TyXuDlEOSFbmfZ8plArKNxSK~ePc01tQWQu1VlUf~CquNQuT1vNoNQCJyeGO3JdzypX6G5fLiDOJo6ba99hzn63RZFEU6SQOR50JvwsBZQZo0ZSc6iAQZe2rMwMbYiBElTqsTxOA-VD4UBt6w3vmVh0XpDtXrkdWQagtkatfKK0AzbeErieU6kq15eVl-IzYCk5AKkW6HHPcXCZ2dTf0JoDNozt5-FBXlEyg52kBpomEB7ZlfoCfa27ZTtdvfYTv2CBhTaC7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Somersworth City Council voted Jan. 6 to buy a new Holder sidewalk tractor for up to $249,000 and to enter a five-year lease-purchase agreement to finance the cost.

Councilors said the city lost one of two sidewalk tractors after a major engine failure during a December storm, leaving staff with one aging unit and a skid steer that covers only a portion of the system. The purchase and lease were presented as a way to accelerate a replacement already planned for the 2025–26 capital program.

Finance and public works chairs told the council staff had considered repairing the 2010 unit (estimated repair $20,000–$30,000), buying a used tractor (around $40,000), or leasing a unit for winter at roughly $3,000–$4,000 per month. The committees recommended buying a new, commercial-grade Holder model because the city’s existing implements fit the Holder platform and the replacement was already scheduled for the coming fiscal year.

“After all the deliberations finance committee supports moving forward with the purchase of a new Holder sidewalk tractor,” Councilor David A. Witham, who chairs finance and public works discussions, said during committee reports.

Councilors debated whether fast-tracking the purchase saved money versus renting for a short period. Witham said the vote moves the timetable up roughly six months and noted the purchase will be structured as a lease purchase, spreading payments over five years. The city manager told councilors the city would use available cash to buy the machine immediately and then be reimbursed from the lease-purchase proceeds.

Resolution 30-25 authorized contracting with Chadwick Baross of Concord, N.H., to buy a 2024 Holder C775 sidewalk tractor for an amount not to exceed $249,000. Resolution 31-25 authorized the manager to sign the tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement and the related reimbursement declarations required by federal tax rules.

Councilors moved and seconded the motions in public session and then approved both resolutions by roll-call vote. The council also agreed to suspend council rules to allow second readings the same night so the purchase could proceed without waiting for another meeting.

The new unit will carry the city’s existing snowblower, plow and sanding attachments; staff also plan to buy a roadside mower with an articulating arm as part of the purchase package. Staff said the vendor inventory is limited and that lead times and availability informed the decision to act now.

The purchase and lease documents direct the manager to take any actions necessary to complete the transactions; councilors said they expect the city to monitor vendor performance and ensure proper warranty and delivery terms.

Council vote: Resolutions 30-25 (purchase) and 31-25 (lease-purchase) were adopted unanimously.

The council’s action concludes the immediate procurement step; councilors said further budget and operational details will be reflected in the finance office’s reporting and the FY26 budget, where the replacement had been planned.","The Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 authorized purchase of a new Holder sidewalk tractor for $249,000 and approved a companion five-year lease-purchase arrangement to reimburse the purchase, after public works and finance committees recommended replacing a failed 2010 unit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council confirms two appointments, accepts several nominations

Council hears first reading for water main extension on Route 108 to serve indoor pickleball facility

Mayor: Somersworth awarded $100,000 Invest NH grant to update land-use regulations; council hears first reading

Council waives winter moratorium so Eversource can replace utility poles; members seek stronger oversight on pavement repairs

Somersworth council narrows rules on political comments from the dais, adopts amendment

Somersworth council fast-tracks $249,000 sidewalk tractor purchase, authorizes five-year lease