Hooksett · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hooksett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Macy sign for bridge donation
The board has spent months trying to finalize a thank-you sign for Nick Macy, whose family donated a $90,000 bridge. Members feel awkward asking him to fund a $200 sign and plan to have the town cover costs over $200 instead.
Employee service recognition
The council honored dozens of town employees with 5 to 41 years of service; staff suggested moving recognition to Employee Appreciation Day going forward.
HYAA donation for Donati field lighting
The town accepted a $6,010 donated lighting repair for the Donati softball and flag football fields — a big win for local youth sports at no cost to taxpayers.
K Avenue family addition for special-needs son
Sean Menard got a variance to build an addition into the front setback so his family can care for their adult son with special needs and stay in the home they've had for 28 years.
Beaver dams flooding near Riverwalk
The town hired a licensed trapper because beaver dams were clogging a culvert on Heritage Drive and risking flooding; the DPW director responded to neighbor complaints, noting tampering with traps is illegal.
Hooksett Town History Book publisher
After years of work, the Heritage Commission found a publisher for the town history book. The council waived its bid requirement and recommended the Peter E. Randall contract, staying within the remaining $29,000 of a $75,000 warrant article.
Adoption of an official Town flag
Hooksett finally has a flag of its own, sparked by a resident's suggestion. The council picked the 1972 town seal on 'resolute blue,' matching colors already used on town signage.
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.
Accessory dwelling unit relief requests rising
A family wants a small ADU so a son and his wife can live alongside the mother on a corner lot with tight setbacks.
West River Road garage setback variance
A homeowner wants a three-car garage 5 feet from his side lot line instead of the required 20 feet, because a massive hill makes the rest of the lot unbuildable. The board agreed, but told him he needs a second variance for the front setback.
Training hydrant at fire station on Legends Drive
The fire department wants a hydrant in its own yard so crews can train without parking in the road during EverSource rush-hour traffic. Central Hooksett Water will be asked about cost or donation.
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.
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.
Residential use in an industrial corridor
A long-time neighbor raised the tension of adding housing on Londonderry Turnpike, which has grown increasingly industrial and noisy — and where the town once made him tear down a rental house. The board noted the use variance was already granted and the appeal period passed.
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.
POW flag for Veterans Park memorial
The Caruso family is donating 13 POW/MIA flags to fly at parks and memorials around town, with formal raising ceremonies starting June 26 — an educational tribute to missing service members.
Sale of tax-deed property ordinance
New Ordinance #26-02 sets how the town sells property taken for unpaid taxes, 'as justice may require.' Passed 6-1.
Doubled utility poles cleanup
About 350 double poles litter Hooksett roads — unsightly and a hazard. Utilities have picked a contractor; work could start by June 1 and take about a month.
Reducing paper plan set requirements
The board is considering cutting the six full-size paper plan sets down to one big set plus smaller copies and digital files — saving storage and printing costs while giving members readable drawings.
Budget Preparation Advisory Committee idea
The council debated forming a budget advisory committee but decided it's too late for this cycle; they'll revisit in the fall and Duhaime proposed a joint meeting with the Budget Committee around September.
Historic Old Town Hall future
The old town hall sits deteriorating with no plan, no funding, and low resident interest — but nobody wants to sell it. A bare-bones 'make it usable' approach and roof repair were floated.
Cemetery maintenance and records preservation
The Cemetery Commission reported on gravestone repairs, fence work, road repairs and a possible scattering grounds, using $10,000 in warrant article money. Its alternate trustee recommends hiring a Sexton to keep records straight going forward.
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.
Beautify Hooksett Day April 18
The Kiwanis Club's annual townwide cleanup is set for April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the town is buying the trash bags. Residents can even pick up a bag and clean on their own schedule.
North Candia Road gate lock removal
A gate on a Class VI road was locked and partially dismantled, blocking public access the state says must remain open. The council voted to repair the gate but remove the lock — though a fire captain noted the lock was originally placed to block an illegal shooting range.
Planning Board vacancy declared
The council voted to declare a Planning Board seat vacant after alternate Biram Saidybah stopped attending or responding since July. Council debated whether to remove a volunteer, but a full board helps keep quorum.