All towns · merrimack

tcmd_260528_-_draft.pdf

Document

Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 1 of 6 
Town Council Meeting Minutes 
1 
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in the Matthew Thornton Room 
2 
Call to Order  
3 
Chair Harrington called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Present at the meeting were Chair Harrington, Vice 
4 
Chair Jobin, Councilor Albert, Councilor Landrigan, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Rothhaus, Councilor 
5 
Thornton, and Town Manager Paul Micali.  
6 
 
7 
Pledge of Allegiance 
8 
Chair Harrington led the Pledge of Allegiance. 
9 
 
10 
Announcements 
11 
Upcoming Town Council Meetings: 
12 
• Thursday, June 11, 2026, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM Town Council Retreat / Work Session  
13 
Buckley’s Great Steaks – The Carriage Shed (438 DW Highway) 
14 
• Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7:00 PM Regular meeting 
15 
• Thursday, July 16, 2026, 7:00 PM Regular meeting 
16 
• Thursday, August 20, 2026, 7:00 PM Regular meeting 
17 
 
18 
Beginning on Thursday, June 25th, the Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series 
19 
will be held every Thursday night at 6:00 PM at Abbie Griffin Park.  
20 
 
21 
Party changes for the upcoming September 8, 2026 State Primary will end on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. You 
22 
can declare your candidacy for State Representative, State Senator, State Governor, or Republican 
23 
Convention from June 3 to June 12, 2026. 
24 
 
25 
Comments from the Press and Public 
26 
None. 
27 
 
28 
Recognitions, Resignations and Retirements 
29 
1. Resignation & Recognition of Town Committee Member 
30 
Submitted by Town Council Chair Nancy Harrington and Vice Chair Jennifer Jobin 
31 
The Town Council to accept the resignation of Nelson Disco, a long-standing member of the 
32 
Planning Board and the Town Center Committee. 
33 
 
34 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Murphy to accept the resignation 
35 
of Nelson Disco, a long-standing member of the Planning Board and the Town Center Committee.  
36 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
37 
 
38 
Councilor Rothhaus wanted to thank Mr. Disco for his service to Merrimack for over 50 years, and he 
39 
suggested having him as the grand marshal for the 4th of July parade. Everyone was in agreement with this 
40 
idea. 
41 
 
42 
Appointments 
43 
None. 
44 
 
45 

 
Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 2 of 6 
Public Hearing 
1 
None. 
2 
 
3 
Legislative Updates from State Representatives 
4 
Councilor Murphy shared that Thursday, June 4th is their final house session day until the fall. 
5 
 
6 
Town Manager’s Report 
7 
Property tax bills are being mailed out so you should be receiving them soon.   
8 
 
9 
Consent Agenda  
10 
None. 
11 
 
12 
Old Business 
13 
None. 
14 
 
15 
New Business 
16 
1. “The Longest Day” 2026 Proclamation / 11th Annual NH Hot Dogz 
17 
Submitted by Greg Durbin and Dave Brown 
18 
The Town Council to issue a proclamation designating June 25, 2026, as “The Longest Day” to 
19 
promote efforts of raising funds and awareness for the care and support of those facing Alzheimer’s 
20 
disease. 
21 
 
22 
Dave Brown of 9 Kearns Dr was present to thank the community for their continued support, as well as 
23 
thank Bob Bergin for 10 years of selling hot dogs and exceeding his yearly goals. The Council shared their 
24 
appreciation and thanks to everyone who works this event, and stated that it is always a fun time. Mr. Brown 
25 
also shared that they will be accepting Venmo payment this year, and they will have the drive thru option 
26 
available again as well. 
27 
 
28 
                                               Town of Merrimack 
29 
                                                Town Council 
30 
                     Proclamation 
31 
National Alzheimer’s Longest Day 
32 
The Longest Day in Merrimack, NH – June 25, 2026 
33 
 
34 
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease, is the most common type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior, with 
35 
symptoms eventually growing severe enough to interfere with daily tasks; and 
36 
 
37 
WHEREAS, while there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; however, there is a worldwide effort underway to find 
38 
better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing; and 
39 
 
40 
WHEREAS, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s; and 
41 
 
42 
WHEREAS, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is projected to grow to 13.8 million by 2060; and 
43 
 
44 
WHEREAS, it kills more that breast cancer and prostate cancer combined; and 
45 
 
46 
WHEREAS, between 2000 and 2024, deaths from heart disease have decreased 3.8% while deaths from Alzheimer’s 
47 
disease have increased 134%; and 
48 
 
49 

 
Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 3 of 6 
WHEREAS, 1 in 3 older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia; and 
1 
 
2 
WHEREAS, in 2026, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $409 billion; and 
3 
 
4 
WHEREAS, by 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion; and 
5 
 
6 
WHEREAS, with early detection and diagnosis, individuals and their families can gain access to medications and 
7 
management strategies that may temporarily improve symptoms; and 
8 
 
9 
WHEREAS, there is a need to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to honor all of the caregivers who support 
10 
and care for loved ones with the disease. 
11 
 
12 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Town Council of the Town of Merrimack, hereby proclaim June 
13 
25, 2026, as “THE LONGEST DAY” in Merrimack and stand in support of the 11th Annual NH Hot Dogz for ALZ stand 
14 
fundraising event taking place on Thursday, June 25th in the Our Lady of Mercy Church parking lot. 
15 
 
16 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Murphy to issue the proclamation 
17 
designating June 25, 2026, as “The Longest Day” to promote efforts of raising funds and awareness for 
18 
the care and support of those facing Alzheimer’s disease.  
19 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
20 
 
21 
2. Merrimack Youth Association Request for Storage Container a Reeds Ferry Field 
22 
Submitted by the MYA President John Calabro & Vice President Rick Greenier  
23 
The Town Council to consider the Merrimack Youth Association’s request to place a 
24 
lacrosse/soccer/softball storage container at Reeds Ferry field. 
25 
 
26 
MYA Present John Calabro was present along with VP Rick Greenier to discuss their request for a storage 
27 
container at Reeds Ferry field, sharing that the current lacrosse shed is in poor condition and is rotting. 
28 
They’re proposing putting a 40ft metal storage container with garage doors for three sports: softball, soccer, 
29 
and lacrosse, to store their various supplies. They would like to put this to the right of the parking lot as it 
30 
wouldn’t interfere with spectators or parking, and it will cost about $4,500. Councilor Murphy asked if there 
31 
is a plan for security to ensure the storage container doesn’t get vandalized, in which Mr. Calabro shared that 
32 
they’re looking into an artist to create some type of MYA logo to deter vandalism. 
33 
 
34 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Albert to approve the Merrimack 
35 
Youth Association’s request to place a lacrosse/soccer/softball storage container at Reeds Ferry field.  
36 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
37 
 
38 
3. Merrimack Youth Association Request for Putting Green at Wasserman Park 
39 
Submitted by MYA President John Calabro & Vice President Rick Greenier  
40 
The Town Council to consider the Merrimack Youth Association’s request to build a putting green at 
41 
Wasserman Park.  
42 
 
43 
Mr. Calabro next shared MYA’s plans to build a putting green at Wasserman Park, sharing that their golf 
44 
program proposed this to the MYA board and it would greatly benefit the children enrolled in this program. 
45 
They approached Mr. Casparius about this, and together they determined that it would be placed off to the 
46 
side of the field where the golf area is in order to keep it out of the way, with a proposed fence along it as 
47 
well. He further shared that the golf program is going to fundraise to cover the costs associated with this 
48 
project. Councilor Murphy shared concerns regarding PFAS, in which Mr. Micali stated this turf is more like 
49 
a rug that gets rolled out and not like football turf. Golf Program Director Kim Dickinson stated that she will 
50 
get in touch with the contractor to determine the material of the turf that is being used. 
51 
 
52 

 
Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 4 of 6 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Albert to approve the Merrimack 
1 
Youth Association’s request to build a putting green at Wasserman Park.  
2 
MOTION CARRIES 6-1-0 with Councilor Murphy in Opposition 
3 
 
4 
4. Request for Authorization to Expend up to $100,000 from Wastewater Minor CIP for Roof Top 
5 
AC Unit & Heating/Cooling Mini Splits for the WWTF 
6 
Submitted by Assistant Director of Public Works / Wastewater Leo Gaudette 
7 
The Town Council to consider and authorize the request to expend up to $100,000 for the 
8 
replacement of one (1) 10 ton rooftop AC unit and the installation of three (3) new heating / cooling 
9 
mini splits as identified in the 2025/26 Wastewater Minor CIP.   
10 
 
11 
Assistant Director of Public Works / Wastewater Leo Gaudette was present with Dawn Tuomala to discuss 
12 
his request to expend $105,060 to replace the 2009 rooftop AC and install three new heating/cooling mini 
13 
splits. He shared that they met with contractors, and the mini splits were suggested as the best idea to 
14 
supplement for now, as the roof would need duct work to repair the AC altogether. He also shared that some 
15 
rooms run very hot, and they’re very cold in the winter, which makes it difficult for the workers. 
16 
 
17 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Murphy to authorize the request 
18 
not to exceed $106,000 for the replacement of one (1) 10 ton rooftop AC unit and the installation of 
19 
three (3) new heating / cooling mini splits as identified in the 2025/26 Sewer Infrastructure, and 
20 
authorize the Town Manager sign any necessary documents.  
21 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
22 
 
23 
5. New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank Loan Agreement Discussion 
24 
Submitted by Town Manager Paul Micali 
25 
The Town Council to review and discuss the loan agreement with the New Hampshire Municipal 
26 
Bond Bank. 
27 
 
28 
Mr. Micali shared that on April 14th, the citizens authorized the purchase of the property at Twin Bridge 
29 
Road, which is two parcels that total about 64 acres. They are now working on securing a bond for 
30 
$1,425,000, which is the amount of principal that they need, and utilizing $475,000 of capital reserve funds 
31 
for the total of $1.9 million. Right now, they’re looking at an interest rate of about 4.25%. He also shared 
32 
that the term was that the town had to close on the property within 100 days of securing the vote, which puts 
33 
them right around July 11th. The first year of the bond payment schedule is $30,000, or 1 cent on the tax rate, 
34 
second year is $339,000, or 6.5-7 cents on the tax rate, third year is $327,000, or 6 cents, fourth year is 
35 
$315,000, fifth year is $303,000, and sixth year is $291,000. He is asking the Council to allow the town to 
36 
enter into agreement with the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank to issue the bond for $1,425,000. 
37 
 
38 
MOTION made by Councilor Albert and seconded by Councilor Thornton to move as follows:  
39 
RESOLVED: That under and pursuant to the Municipal Finance Act, Chapter 33, N.H.R.S.A., as 
40 
amended, the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank Law, Chapter 35-A, N.H.R.S.A., as amended, 
41 
and other laws in addition thereto, and to votes of the Issuer duly adopted on April 14, 2026 under 
42 
Article 25 of the Warrant for such annual meeting of the Issuer thereby and hereby is authorized the 
43 
issuance of a $1,425,000 Bond of the Issuer (the "Bond") which is being issued by the Issuer to finance 
44 
the purchase of real estate identified as Tax Map 5-D-2/010 & 5D-2/009 and related bond issuance 
45 
expenses.  
46 
The Bond shall be dated as of its date of issuance, shall be in such numbers and denominations as the 
47 
purchaser shall request, shall mature in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit A to a 
48 
certain Loan Agreement hereinafter described (the "Loan Agreement"), shall bear a net interest cost 
49 
rate (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of four and one quarter percent (4.25%) per annum or such 
50 

 
Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 5 of 6 
lesser amount as may be determined by a majority of the Board. The Bond shall be substantially in the 
1 
form set forth as Exhibit B to the Loan Agreement and otherwise shall be issued in such manner and 
2 
form as the signatories shall approve by their execution thereof.  
3 
RESOLVED: That the Bond shall be sold to the Bond Bank at the par value thereof plus any 
4 
applicable premium.  
5 
RESOLVED: That in order to evidence the sale of the Bond, the Treasurer of Issuer and the Chair of 
6 
the Town Council are authorized and directed to execute, attest and deliver, in the name and on behalf 
7 
of the Issuer, a Loan Agreement in substantially the form submitted to this meeting, which is hereby 
8 
approved, with such changes therein not inconsistent with this vote and approved by the officers 
9 
executing the same on behalf of the Issuer. The approval of such changes by said officers shall be 
10 
conclusively evidenced by the execution of the Loan Agreement by such officers.  
11 
RESOLVED: That all things heretofore done and all action heretofore taken by the Issuer and its 
12 
officers and agents in its authorization of the project to be financed by the Bond are hereby ratified, 
13 
approved and confirmed.  
14 
RESOLVED: That the Clerk and the signers of the Bond are each hereby authorized to take any and 
15 
all action necessary and convenient to carry out the provisions of this vote, including delivering the 
16 
Bond against payment therefor.  
17 
RESOLVED: That the useful lives of the projects being financed are in excess of five (5) years.  
18 
I further certify that said meeting was open to the public; the aforesaid vote was not taken by secret 
19 
ballot nor in executive session; that notice of the time and place of said meeting was posted in at least 
20 
two (2) appropriate public places within the territorial limits of the Issuer, or published in a 
21 
newspaper of general circulation in said area, at least twenty-four (24) hours, excluding Sundays and 
22 
legal holidays, before said meeting; that no deliberations or actions with respect to the vote were taken 
23 
in executive session; and that the minutes of said meeting have been promptly recorded and have been 
24 
or will be made open to inspection not more than five (5) business days after the meeting, all in 
25 
accordance with Chapter 91-A, N.H.R.S.A., as amended.  
26 
I further certify that the above vote has not been amended or rescinded and remains in full force and 
27 
effect as of this date. 
28 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
29 
 
30 
6. Public Works Employee Training Day Follow-up Discussion  
31 
Submitted by Town Council Chair Nancy Harrington and Vice Chair Jennifer Jobin 
32 
The Town Council will hold a debriefing discussion regarding the Public Works Employee Training 
33 
Day. 
34 
 
35 
Chair Harrington shared that on May 19th, there was a training session held and the transfer station was 
36 
closed. There was a truck placed in front of the station to section off the area, and there was a significant 
37 
amount of debris and trash left in front of the truck. This incident has shown that communication can always 
38 
be increased, but it needs to be acknowledged that there was substantial communication and signage 
39 
throughout the town and social media notifying the date that the transfer station would be closed. Mr. Micali 
40 
then stated that the notification went up the week of April 23rd regarding the closure on May 19th, along with 
41 
flyers being hung around various buildings and notifying commercial haulers anytime they went over the 
42 
scale. Additionally, announcements were posted on the town website and Facebook page all along, as well as 
43 
an announcement on NIXLE. Mr. Micali learned from this that they should expand on adding language to 
44 
include phrases such as “the dump”, “recycling center” and not just rely on “transfer station” as this area is 
45 
known by many different names. He then shared that on May 19th, he went to check on the area around 
46 
8:30am and everything was clear, but by 10:30am he had received a complaint that there was trash 
47 
everywhere, so he drove over and personally cleaned the trash up as he did not want to pull staff from 
48 
necessary training. Mr. Micali stated that the purpose of the truck was to help residents reduce trash smells, 
49 
but it is a service that is being taken advantage of and there needs to be a solution for this. Councilor 
50 

 
Town Council Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2026 
 
 
Page 6 of 6 
Rothhaus suggested enforcing penalties for dumping trash at the site, stating that they’ve had issues with this 
1 
in previous years as well. Councilor Albert suggested bringing in part-time staff from Parks and Rec or 
2 
Parking Enforcement to direct people, make note of any issues, and assist folks with disabilities or the 
3 
elderly to get rid of their trash safely. Councilor Murphy brought up the expense of police detail, and stated 
4 
that overall, she’s not sure if putting trucks out there is a good idea at all. Councilor Landrigan thinks that 
5 
closed for the day should mean closed, and maybe the trucks shouldn’t be there if people are going to 
6 
litter/dump their trash there regardless of if the trucks are already full. Mr. Micali is thinking that he should 
7 
park the truck at the gate, put a cover over it with a sign that states that the transfer station is closed for the 
8 
day, and not allow anyone to put any trash in the truck. Anyone who dumps trash will be caught on camera 
9 
and fined.  
10 
Minutes 
11 
Approve the minutes from the following Town Council meeting: 
12 
♦  May 14, 2026 
13 
 
14 
MOTION made by Vice Chair Jobin and seconded by Councilor Murphy to approve the minutes from 
15 
May 14, 2026 as amended. 
16 
MOTION CARRIES 6-0-1 with Councilor Thornton abstaining 
17 
 
18 
Amendments: 
19 
Page 7 Line 301 & 316 change “Chuck Morrell” to “Chuck Mower” 
20 
Page 2 Line 63: uptick in stop signs- change “in which” to “for which” 
21 
Page 2 Line 71: remove the word “on” after the word public 
22 
 
23 
Comments from the Press & Public  
24 
None. 
25 
 
26 
Comments from the Council 
27 
Councilor Jobin shared that Parks and Rec is still looking for camp staff and lifeguards. If anyone is 
28 
interested, they can reach out at merrimacknh.gov under “job opportunities”. 
29 
 
30 
Adjourn 
31 
MOTION made by Councilor Thornton and seconded by Councilor Landrigan to adjourn the 
32 
meeting. 
33 
MOTION CARRIES 7-0-0 
34 
 
35 
 
36 
The meeting adjourned at 8:21pm. 
37 
 
38 
Respectfully Submitted, 
39 
Jennifer Steagald 
40 
 
41