Hooksett · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hooksett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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 seeks a 1.87% increase. Leadership supports regionalizing specialty services like hazmat but won't pursue sharing day-to-day operations, since neighboring towns are all adding full-time staff to meet their own demand.
Police budget and vehicle warrant article change
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.