Hooksett · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hooksett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Review of Hooksett fire rules
Councilor Duhaime wants a look at local fire rules that go beyond state code, citing costly requirements on businesses. The chief offered transparency; councilors will send specific questions instead of forming a committee.
Fire department overtime and frozen position
The fire budget carries about $420,000 in overtime to cover a frozen full-time position, and the department says it wouldn't save money by unfreezing it. Overtime has held steady around $400-420K for years just to maintain minimum staffing at two firehouses.
Merchants snow storage and vehicle storage complaints
Merchants' fleet leasing division needs a dealer license at its Central Park Drive office to keep processing titles and auction access after splitting from its retail arm — but the zoning doesn't allow dealerships there. The board wants airtight conditions so the variance can't be used for a real dealership later.
Fire-Rescue budget and regionalization
Fire-Rescue wants $5.23 million, up 1.87%. The assistant chief supports sharing specialty resources like hazmat with neighboring towns for savings, but not sharing day-to-day operations.
IAFF Union grievance (non-public)
The council went into non-public session to discuss a firefighters' union grievance, following public questions about a former firefighter paid while on leave for two years ahead of an October 20 arraignment.
Police budget and vehicle warrant article change
Police are asking for $6.39 million, up 2.73%, mostly health insurance. Cruisers move to a separate warrant article, and the chief says the EV cruisers are paying off in gas savings. He warned cutting staffing would create safety concerns.
Police Contract and Staffing Concerns
Police want a 2.73% increase, with cruisers moved to a separate warrant article. The chief defended staffing levels as a safety issue and endorsed continuing hybrid cruisers, which now cost the same as gas vehicles and save $2-3K/year in fuel.
Ambulance hardship waiver authority
Fire Rescue can now approve financial hardship waivers under $500 without a council vote, with reports to the council in non-public session. Bigger waivers still need council approval. It's meant to save everyone time on small-dollar cases.
New hybrid police cruiser purchase
The police department is getting a 2026 Ford Explorer PIU Hybrid with all emergency equipment for about $61,893 after trading in a money-losing side-by-side utility vehicle.
School drop-off and pick-up congestion
Parents crowding Memorial and Underhill drop-off zones remain a recurring headache. The board is sending reminders about buses and carpooling, and one member wants the school board to consider a fee to encourage bus ridership.
Emergency access turnaround on North Candia Road
Fire crews responding to the last house on this class VI dead-end had to back down half a mile. A small parking/turnaround area on town conservation land would help emergency response and give trail users a place to park.
E-bikes banned on school property during school hours
The school board is banning bikes and e-bikes from school grounds during school hours via the handbook, effective this fall. No signs will be posted and police can't enforce after hours without an ordinance.
Lithium battery fire risk and new battery barn
A bucket of stored batteries melted and charred inside the recycling building near trucks and equipment. The town built a detached storage shed and staff now painstakingly tape and separate every battery before paid disposal.
Horseshoe pit safety covers
The board is making cheap DIY safety covers (white PVC sleeves) for horseshoe pit stakes so nobody trips on exposed metal pins at night — part of a broader push to be proactive on park safety rather than paying liability later.
Unlicensed dogs and civil forfeitures
About 200 dogs remain unlicensed, and state law requires the council to authorize civil forfeitures ($25 plus fees). Smith questioned whether residents got proper notice after a resident's email notice bounced; staff said emails and April postcards went out.
Secondhand dealer licensing of gun stores
Bass Pro applied for a secondhand dealer's license to run gun buybacks, but the 2014 ordinance was never enforced against the town's other two gun stores. The council approved Bass Pro's license 5-1 and will revisit the ordinance later.
Backyard shooting range noise on Cross Road
An abutter told the board a tactical shooting range — reportedly training state troopers — operates 300 feet from his home, and he's gotten nowhere with the town for months. The board clarified it wasn't the right venue, but the complaint landed on the record.
Unpermitted operation at 44 Hackett Hill Road
The Martin Bernard case at 325 Hackett Hill was continued again, frustrating neighbors who keep showing up. Board members debated re-notification costs and whether continuances wear residents down.
Police radio console replacement
The police dispatch console, last replaced after a 2014 lightning strike, is failing and parts are unavailable. The council freed up to $250,000 of voter-approved money, with installation expected in early July.
Neighborhood blight complaint on Coaker Avenue
A resident told the Council, for the third or fourth time, that a neighboring property is accumulating junk vehicles and trailers near a dump — hurting property values. The Chair directed him to give his contact info to the Town Administrator for follow-up.
Right-to-Know / meeting procedure concerns
Councilor David Smith has spent months alleging the council's pre-6 p.m. meetings violated the Town Charter and Right-to-Know law. Attorney Matthew Serge explained that early meetings are allowed if properly noticed, that no legal consequences attach to breaking Rules of Procedure, and that reply-all emails can create an illegal quorum. The council agreed to a 'non-meeting' with counsel to dig in further.
Councilor access to Town Hall
Councilors will now have 24/7 key fob access to the municipal building, reversing earlier limits. Staff warned this weakens building security controls.
Police Union Contract Dispute
Hooksett’s police union is pushing back after a town councilor dismissed its raise request as “fearmongering,” turning a contract fight into a broader debate over how the town pays for public safety. The outcome could affect police pay, staffing, and the next town budget.
Hazard Mitigation Grant for plan update
The town accepted a $13,124.67 federal grant to update its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which catalogs flooding and storm risks. The town's $4,374 match is covered by staff labor, so it costs essentially nothing extra.
Right-to-Know request over council records and recording losses
Resident Alyssa Ehl filed a formal records request covering three years of council meeting records — including early, non-public sessions — and all documentation of the December 10 audio/video recording failure.
Fire Chief Appointment
Manchester’s fire chief is heading to Hooksett, and that could shake up how the town runs its emergency services. The move brings a new top fire official into town leadership, though the source doesn’t spell out timing or contract details.