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County of Merrimack Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes 
Monday, August 10, 2026 
 
Meeting conducted in person and electronically (via Zoom) at 
333 Daniel Webster Highway, Ste. 2 Boscawen, NH 03303 
 
Meeting ID: 868 4421 4713 
Passcode: 543266 
 
Start Time 10:00 a.m. 
Present: Commissioner Trachy, Commissioner Lovlien, Commissioner Shurtleff 
Staff: County Administrator Ross Cunningham, Finance Director Aaron Turner, Corrections 
Superintendent Garrett Jewell, Nursing Home Administrator Heather Moquin, Human Resources Director 
Wendy Heath, Assistant Human Resources Director Kelly Johnson, Network Administrator Tom 
Trumble, Facilities Director Dustin Muzzey, Purchasing Manager Jon Gardner, Development Coordinator 
Kara Coffey, Human Services Director Candice Coulter, IT Don Smith, Treasurer Mary Heath, Sheriff 
Dave Croft,  Office Manager Deanna Fortier  
Guests: Auditor Jim Roberge 
Zoom Attendees: County Attorney Paul Halvorsen 
 
1. Call to Order 
Chair Trachy called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 
a. Consent Agenda 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: Motion carried, 3–0  
 
2. Public Comment 
a. None. 
 
3. Finance Director Aaron Turner 

 
 
a. County Finances with Auditor 
Auditor Jim Roberge presented the results of the County’s 2025 audit. He reported that there 
were no concerns or matters requiring attention. He noted that there were no incorrect or material 
misstatements and no issues or disagreements with County staff or management regarding the 
audit materials. Mr. Roberge also discussed inmate account reconciliations, fund balance, and 
asked the Commissioners if they had any questions or concerns. The Commissioners had none. 
He further confirmed that there was no compliance issues reported as part of the audit. 
b. 2nd Quarter Financials  
Finance Director Turner presented an overview of the quarterly financials that will be shared 
with the Executive Committee at the August 14 meeting. He highlighted year-to-date, noting that 
revenues are tracking approximately $1.6 million over projections and expenditures are 
approximately $1.2 million under projections. A summary sheet, along with expenditure, 
revenue, grant, and other fund reports, was provided for review. 
c. COLA Percentage, 2026 Budget 
Director Turner presented the County’s COLA recommendation and requested approval of a 4.00% 
COLA for the upcoming year. He noted that the County’s policy, last updated on July 12, 2022, uses the 
past three-year average of the Northeast CPI-W to determine the COLA. The three-year July-to-July 
average is 3.79%, which, per County policy, rounds to 4.00%. The approved COLA will be incorporated 
into each department’s budget, consistent with prior years. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the COLA at a 4% rate for appropriate positions as 
presented.   
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
4. County Administrator Ross Cunningham & SMP Anthony Mento 
a. Storage Building Design Plans 
County Administrator Cunningham and SMP Architect Anthony Mento presented two storage 
building design options for consideration. Option F is a two-story, wood-framed gambrel-style 
building with removal and reconstruction of the concrete foundation, totaling approximately 
3,267 square feet. Option J is a single-story, wood-framed slab-on-grade design utilizing the 
existing foundation with modifications, totaling approximately 2,000 square feet. Estimated costs 
and assumptions for each option were also presented. 
Commissioner Shurtleff expressed support for the gambrel-style design, noting that the 
additional storage space would be highly beneficial during the McLeod renovation and would 
provide greater capacity for future growth. He also noted that the larger structure would be more 
aesthetically pleasing for the County and campus residents. Commissioner Lovlien agreed with 

 
 
Commissioner Shurtleff and expressed his preference for the gambrel-style design due to the 
additional storage capacity. 
Heating, plumbing, and fire suppression were briefly discussed. It was noted that a fire 
suppression system is not required for either design. Following discussion, the Commissioners 
agreed that the gambrel-style structure was the preferred option to move forward with. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve design F the two-story structure as presented.   
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
5. County Administrator Ross Cunningham 
 
a. County Dashboard 
 
Staff provided an update on the County dashboard; no significant concerns were reported. 
 
b. Novogradac & Company Contract 
County Administrator Cunningham presented a request for approval of an engagement agreement with 
Novogradac and Company to perform agreed-upon procedures related to prevailing wage and 
apprenticeship requirements for the County’s solar project. The agreement was reviewed and discussed. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the agreement with Novogradac & Company as 
presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
6. Development Coordinator Kara Coffey  
a. Social Services Grant Program  
 
Coordinator Coffey presented a request for approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 
Merrimack County Social Services Grant Program. The RFP is scheduled to be issued August 18, with 
proposals due September 15, at noon. The program provides competitive grant funding to social service 
agencies that provide critical services to Merrimack County residents, reduce or offset County 
expenditures, and enhance the quality of life in the community. Agencies must demonstrate financial 
need, with awards capped at $25,000 per organization. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the Social Services Grant Program RFP as presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
b. Cold Weather Shelter Program  

 
 
Coordinator Coffee presented an overview of the Cold Weather Shelter Program and requested approval 
to issue an RFP. The RFP is scheduled to be issued August 14, 2026, with proposals due September 11, 
2026, at noon. The County will serve as a pass-through for $165,000 in DHHS funding to approved 
agencies providing winter-specific shelter solutions for Merrimack County residents experiencing 
homelessness. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis and is intended for cold weather 
shelters, hotels, or other approved solutions from approximately November 1 through April 30. 
Motion: Commissioner Shurtleff moved to approve the Cold Weather Shelter Program RFP as presented.  
Second: Commissioner Lovlien 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
7. Purchasing Manager Jon Gardner  
a. MCNH Steam Oven  
 
Three proposals were received for the replacement of a Vulcan C24GA10-PS steamer oven, 
ranging from $26,894.88 from Chef’s Deal to $31,021.60 from Sam Tell. Chef’s Deal is a 
certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and has 
served various government agencies throughout the United States. Chef’s Deal has also been 
awarded multiple kitchen equipment solicitations by Merrimack County over the past several 
years and has successfully completed those purchases without incident. Approval was requested 
to proceed with Chef’s Deal at the quoted cost of $26,894.88. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the MCNH steam oven as presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
b. Fuel Rates 
Fuel rates for the County were briefly discussed. It was noted that fuel costs are currently high, 
and the County continues to review options to identify the most cost-effective solutions. 
Board of Commissioner Comments 
 
a. None 
 
8. Unfinished Business  
a. August & September meeting calendars were reviewed. 
 
9. New Business 
 

 
 
Human Resources Assistant Director Kelly Johnson 
a. Health Insurance  
County health insurance was put out to bid last week. An update will be provided once available.  
 
10. Staff Comments 
 
11. Non-Public Session  
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to enter non-public session at 10:47 a.m. pursuant to RSA 91-
A:3, II(a) – personnel. 
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 Trachy – Yes  
 Shurtleff – Yes  
 Lovlien – Yes  
Vote: Motion carried, 3–0 
Chairman Trachy reconvened the public session at 11:06a.m. 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to seal the non-public minutes for five years, as divulgence could 
adversely affect the reputation of a person other that a Board member or render the proposed action 
ineffective. 
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Roll Call Vote:  
 Trachy – Yes  
 Shurtleff – Yes  
 Lovlien – Yes  
Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 3-0. The minutes were sealed.  
 
12. Adjournment 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to adjourn at 11:08 a.m.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff  
Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 3–0  

 
 
 
Approved by:  
 
Stephen Shurtleff, Clerk 
 

 
 
County of Merrimack Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes 
Monday, July 27, 2026 
 
Meeting conducted in person and electronically (via Zoom) at 
163 N. Main Street Concord, NH 03301 
 
Meeting ID: 868 4421 4713 
Passcode: 543266 
 
Start Time 10:00 a.m. 
Present: Commissioner Trachy, Commissioner Lovlien, Commissioner Shurtleff 
Staff: County Administrator Ross Cunningham, Finance Director Aaron Turner, Corrections 
Superintendent Garrett Jewell, Nursing Home Administrator Heather Moquin, Assistant 
Nursing Home Administrator Ross Johnson, Human Resources Director Wendy Heath, 
Assistant Human Resources Director Kelly Johnson, Network Administrator Tom Trumble, 
Assistant Superintendent Jessica Riendeau, Facilities Director Dustin Muzzey, Purchasing 
Manager Jon Gardner, Development Coordinator Kara Coffey, Human Services Director 
Candice Coulter, IT Don Smith, Treasurer Mary Heath, Sergeant Matt Wilson, Sheriff Dave 
Croft,  Office Manager Deanna Fortier  
Guests: Herb Carpenter, Executive Director, Fellowship Housing Opportunities 
Zoom Attendees:  
 
1. Call to Order 
Chair Trachy called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 
a. Consent Agenda 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: Motion carried, 3–0  
 
2. Development Coordinator Kara Coffey 
a. Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing 

 
 
Commissioner Trachy opened the public hearing on Progress of the Fellowship House CDBG 
Project at 10:01 a.m. 
Clerk Shurtleff read the following: 
Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH 
Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $750,000 annually is available on a 
competitive basis for public facility projects, up to $750,000 for housing projects, up to $500,000 
for economic development projects, and up to $350,000 annually is available for emergency 
activities. Up to $25,000 is available per planning study.  All projects must primarily benefit 
low- and moderate-income persons. The public hearing will update the public on, and take 
public comment on, the progress of the Fellowship Housing, Inc. Fire Escape Improvements 
project.    
 
October 2023 Submitted request for CDBG Funding to City of Concord, NH 
 
November 2023 Presented request to City of Concord, NH 
 
December 2023 withdrew request to City of Concord, NH, and presented request to 
Merrimack County 
 
January 2024 worked on CDBG application, project narrative, and budget for project. 
Fayette Street Egress Budget $125,184.  Chesley Street Elevator Budget $249,415 , County 
$24,800 
 
August 2024 Grant Agreement executed by NH Secretary of State.  Total Grant for 
projects $194,300.50.  FHO to contribute $194, 300.50 for total amount for projects 
of$388,601 
 
It became apparent that Chesley Street Elevator project may be too much for us to tackle 
and more complicated than anticipated and decided that we would work on the projects 
separately starting with Fayette Street.  Subsequently, we decided not to work on the 
Chesley Street Elevator project at this time. 
 
April 2025 Team Engineering completed work for Fayette Street Egress Project for a cost 
of $2,000 
 
June 2025 SRW Environmental Consulting, LLC completed work on Environmental 
study at Fayette Street Egress Project for a cost of $5,000 
 
September 2025 agreed to work with JH Spain on Fayette Street Egress Project. 
Originally cost estimate was $93,876 with change order of $21,600 for a total cost 
of$115,476 
 
November 2025 work began on Fayette Street Egress Project 
 
Total cost of project was $122,476 of which $61,238 was paid by the Grant and $61,238 
was paid by Fellowship Housing Opportunities, Inc. 
 
July 2026 100% complete 
Commissioner Trachy opened the public comment period at 10:05 a.m. It was noted that no 
comments had been received by telephone or written communication prior to the meeting. 
Commissioner Trachy asked if there were any comments from the public present at the 
meeting. With no public comments brought forward, Commissioner Trachy closed the public 
comment period at 10:06 a.m. 

 
 
Commissioner Trachy closed the public hearing session at 10:06 a.m. 
 
3. Public Comment: None.
 
4. Sheriff David Croft and Sergeant Matt Wilson 
a. Highway Safety Grant  
 
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking approval to apply for the Highway Safety Grant to 
support countywide enforcement patrols and the purchase of a Radar Enforcement 
Trailer. The trailer collects and compiles data on high and low speeds, time of day, 
acceleration and deceleration, and other traffic-related information. The trailer may also 
be utilized throughout the County’s cities and towns as needed to support enforcement 
efforts. 
The County Commissioners, in a majority vote, accepted the terms of the Highway 
Safety Grant as presented in the amount of $8,500.00, and the amended grant terms in 
the amount of $8,764.20 as presented in the Grant Agreement Amendment Notice for an 
adjusted total grant limitation of $17,264.20. 
 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve and accept the terms of the Highway 
Safety Grant as presented.   
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
5. Finance Director Aaron Turner 
 
a. Budget Memo and Timeline 
 
A memo outlining specific budget items, along with the Board of Commissioners’ goals for the 
current budget year, was presented. A budget timeline similar to the previous year was also 
presented. Commissioners commented that the outline and memo were helpful to newly 
elected county representatives. 
 
Commissioner Lovlien asked how the County plans to approach the budget, particularly 
regarding potential increases. Finance Director Turner explained that the goal is to keep the 
budget as level as possible while allowing for reasonable increases. Staff are also compiling 
information on other counties and their budgeting practices for comparison. 
 

 
 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to approve the budget memo and proposed schedule as 
presented.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
Vote: All in favor, 3–0  
 
6. County Administrator Ross Cunningham  
a. County Dashboard 
Staff provided an update on the County dashboard; no significant concerns were reported. 
Finance Director Turner noted the positive impact of property revenue and additional funding 
anticipated from the State. 
 
7. Board of Commissioner Comments 
 
a. Commissioner Lovlien inquired about the use of agency staff at MCNH and whether agency 
staff are scheduled to fill open shifts before providing other staff members the opportunity to 
fill them. He asked when the agency contracts are up for renewal and whether a cancellation 
flexibility clause could be included. He noted that he had seen this issue referenced in the 
Nursing Home newsletter. 
Nursing Home Administrator Moquin explained that the County has the ability to cancel 
contracts early, which would occur if agency staff were no longer needed. She clarified that 
agency staff are contracted for specific shifts. Other staff have the ability to fill open shifts when 
available; however, they cannot fill shifts that are not available or filled with agency staff per 
contract. 
Following discussion, it became apparent that information in the newsletter, along with a 
possible learning curve with UKG, contributed to some initial confusion regarding scheduling 
and the availability of open shifts. Administrator Moquin noted that information regarding 
scheduling has been clarified and resolved with staff. 
 
8. Unfinished Business  
a. July and August meeting calendars were reviewed. 
b. The Department of Corrections walkthrough went well, with a letter being completed and 
submitted in accordance to semi-annual requirements.  
 

 
 
9. New Business 
 
None. 
 
10. Staff Comments 
None. 
 
11. Non-Public Session  
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to enter non-public session at 10:19 a.m. pursuant to 
RSA 91-A:3, II(a) – personnel. 
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 Trachy – Yes  
 Shurtleff – Yes  
 Lovlien – Yes  
Vote: Motion carried, 3–0 
Chairman Trachy reconvened the public session at 10:57 a.m. 
 
12. Adjournment 
Motion: Commissioner Lovlien moved to adjourn at 10:58 a.m.  
Second: Commissioner Shurtleff  
Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 3–0  
 
Approved by:  
 
Stephen Shurtleff, Clerk 
 

NURSING HOME - as of 8/18/26
HUMAN SERVICES - as of 08/19/26
Average Census
277 Navigation
19 2026 New Referrals
286
Private ($500 / $515)
39 Open Cases (current total)
124
Closed Cases in 2026
241
Waitlist
43
FINANCE - YTD as of July 2026
Pending Medicaid
35
3.2% Under
Approved/Sched.  to Admit
5
2.3% Over
Available Cash, Current
$8.6M
GERRISH MANOR
HUMAN RESOURCES
Licensed Beds
33
Census
33
Medicaid
13 CO - FT 
0- 14
Private
20 LNA - FT 
1 - 4
Waitlist/Inquiries
53 LNA - PDH
1 - 32
Pending Admissions
0 RN - FT 
0 - 2
CORRECTIONS - as of 8/21/26
RN - PDH
0- 12
Population 
222 LNA Trainee
1- 10
Federal 
76
Sentenced
35 New Hire Screens
30- 445
SOAR
Applicants
47 -1160
SOAR Participants 
9
SOAR Participants (YTD)
61 2026 New Hire 
2- 13
SUMMIT
2026 All Other
3 - 90
SUMMIT Participants
10
SUMMIT Participants (YTD)
81 CO 
36
PRETRIAL
LNA 
63
Clients (current total)
137 RN
10
ORAS - High Risk 
39%
DIVERSION
Clients (current total)
131
Restitution Cases
38
OTHER:
Electronic Monitoring
18
Veteran Court Clients
5
Recovery Court Clients
1
Mental Health Court Clients
5
Average Skilled (Medicare A) C
Expense (actual vs projected
Revenue (actual vs projected
% occupancy
95.24%
Recruiting 17 titles, new radio ads coming
RECRUITMENT -DOC & MCNH
New Hires                                              CURR/YTD
Recruitment                                        CURR/YTD
Terms                                                       CURR/YTD
FT Vacancies DOC & MCNH               CURR






COUNTY of MERRIMACK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
AGENDA ITEM  
SUBJECT:  Harvey Construction Contract 
DATE:  8/24/2026 
Overview: Contract with Harvey Construction for the complete interior 
and exterior renovation of the McLeod Building with the scope as 
developed between the Architect and Owner. 
Objective: Approval of the contract with Harvey Construction. 
Ross Cunningham, County Administrator 
     _____________________________ 
Requestor 
 August 24, 2026 
     _____________________________ 
Date 
_____________________________ 
 Stuart D. Trachy, Chair
_____________________________ 
David M. Lovlien Jr., Vice Chair 
_____________________________ 
  Stephen Shurtleff, Clerk