Board of Mayor and Aldermen

BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

April 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

The Clerk called the roll.

Present: Aldermen Kaw-uh, Goonan, Dexter, Fajardo, Bonilla, Kantor, Trisciani, O’Neil, Terrio, Sapienza, Burkush, Barry, Vincent, Thomas

Mayor Ruais: I'd like to begin this evening with a few proclamations. First, I'd like to call up the members of the Manchester Fire and Police Department dispatch centers to please come forward and be recognized. Thank you all for coming this evening. I have a proclamation on behalf of the city to read. Whereas during the second week of April each year, communities across the nation recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, a time dedicated to honoring the telecommunications personnel who serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services. And whereas, first established in 1981, this observance highlights the essential role of dispatchers who, through their professionalism, skill and composure, provide lifesaving assistance and coordination during moments of crisis. And whereas, the Manchester Fire and Police dispatchers serve as the calm and steady voice in times of emergency, answering calls for help, gathering critical information, and ensuring that first responders are deployed quickly and effectively. And whereas, these dedicated individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, often under intense pressure, demonstrating unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience and service to the residents of Manchester. And whereas, their dedication reflects the very best of public service and strengthens the safety and well-being of our city. Now therefore, I, Mayor Jay Ruais, on behalf of the City of Manchester, do hereby recognize the second week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the City of Manchester and encourage all residents to join in expressing their appreciation for the outstanding service provided by our Manchester Fire and Police dispatchers. Thank you all. Could I now please have firefighter Nick Makris to be recognized? This is a deep honor and a privilege to be able to do this tonight, so I appreciate you being here. Whereas, on March 26th, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., off-duty firefighter Nick Makris, while traveling home, observed individuals signaling distress from the top of the Manchester Street parking garage. And whereas without hesitation, firefighter Makris parked his vehicle and proceeded to the top level of the garage where he encountered an individual in crisis near the edge of the structure. And whereas, alongside two bystanders present at the scene, firefighter Makris took decisive action, assuming control of the situation and coordinating efforts to safely restrain the individual. And whereas, Firefighter Makris demonstrated exceptional composure, leadership and professionalism under urgent circumstances, helping to stabilize the situation until the arrival of the Manchester Police and Fire Department. And whereas, his swift response and calm command presence directly prevented a potential tragedy and reflects great credit upon himself, the Manchester Fire Department, and the City of Manchester. Now therefore, I, Mayor Jay Ruais, on behalf of the City of Manchester, do hereby recognize and honor Firefighter Makris for his swift action, courage and unwavering commitment to protecting others and for exemplifying the very best of public service in a moment that prevented a tragic outcome. Thank you, sir.

Alderman Burkush: Congratulations.

Mayor Ruais: And last but certainly not least, I would like to call up Laura Owen, supervisor of the Manchester Health Department's Neighborhood and Family Health Branch, to be recognized. Thank you for being here. Whereas, the City of Manchester recognizes and celebrates the tremendous impact of the Manchester Health Department's Oral Health Program, established in 1970 for the purpose of improving access to preventative dental care for schoolchildren in the City of Manchester. And whereas, for over 50 years, the oral health program has been committed to providing no cost dental care to students in all Manchester public schools and have ensured that students in need receive health, education, preventative and restorative care and referrals to local dental offices for additional services. And whereas, the dedicated oral health program staff have served an average of 550 students each school year, making an extraordinary difference in the lives of thousands of Manchester's youth. And whereas, the oral health program has expanded its service to provide no cost dental care to the city's older adults through dental clinics at the William B. Cashin Senior Center, serving more than 40 seniors annually. And whereas, the health department's oral health program staff will be participating in the June 3 through 4, 2026, Hill Day in Washington, D.C., to share with the New Hampshire congressional delegation their tireless efforts reflecting the very best of our city's spirit of compassion, service, and commitment to the well-being of our youngest and oldest residents. Now therefore, I, Jay Ruais, Mayor of the City of Manchester, do hereby recognize and extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Health Department's oral health program for a half century of service, leadership and compassion for the most vulnerable in our city. Thank you so much.

Alderman Burkush: Please stand for a moment of silence for Chief Andre Parent. Andy Parent served over 30 years with the City of Manchester Fire Department. Prior to that, he was a proud U.S. Marine veteran. Andy also was a great family man, a proud father. Andy passed away from cancer this morning and we'd like to keep him in our prayers. Thank you.

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. The Mayor advised that the purpose of the public comment session is to give residents of Manchester the opportunity to address the Board. All people wishing to speak must sign up with their name, address and topic. Once called, they will have up to three minutes to speak and any comments must be directed to the chair and concluded when their time is up. If the Clerk calls their name and they are not present to speak, they will not be given a second opportunity. Any resident wishing to speak will come forward to the nearest microphone, clearly state their name and address when recognized and give their comments.

Alex Hawk, 195 McGregor Street: I am here for two things tonight. First one, just wanted to briefly touch on the DPW paving program budget. It would not be public input without me bringing that up. I know DPW presented a few weeks ago and demonstrated the consequences of not adequately funding the paving program. It did not look good. And the roads in Manchester are going to continue to get worse if we do not act now. I think if you look around on social media or anywhere there are public opinions and beyond, you will realize this is not a controversial take of mine either. The people of Manchester want less potholes and better roads. So, in closing on that topic, I ask that you fully support and fully fund the DPW paving program when the opportunity comes up. Second topic I wanted to briefly also touch on is the Hanover Street project. I had the pleasure of attending every stage of the public input meetings and watch the project evolve based on feedback and the responses to the community survey that was put out. It was great to see all the passionate community members at the charrette and at the other public input meetings. While I do understand there has been some passionate opinions thrown around recently about the project, I believe that the benefits of the project are simply too numerous to ignore. The sidewalks in the project area are not ADA compliant and have fallen in disrepair, especially where the vegetation has lifted some spots. This project will address that. This project will also address one of the most common points of feedback that came up during the public input meetings and survey, which was aiming to slow traffic and promote safety on Hanover Street. On top of that, the project will also make several improvements to crosswalks and promotes an overall safer design for pedestrians. That is a win for business because everybody is a pedestrian when they're walking into a business. Wrapping up, I hope that you support the project as planned and will continue to allow it to move forward.

Elyza Agosta, 390 Orange Street: I would love to talk to you a little bit about the Hanover Street project. I went to many of the early meetings about the Hanover Street project. I work in the millyard, I live in ward two. I frequently go downtown. So, this is really near and dear to my heart, making sure that the downtown area is safe and accessible for everyone. I think there was a lot of consensus at those meetings that what we really need is better sidewalks, improved sidewalks, but also more sidewalk space as well. There was a lot of interest in having loading zones as opposed to having parking. Since there's so many places to park downtown, like larger lots and parking garages, that actually having a loading zone would better facilitate what the downtown is actually used for. And when I saw that reflected in the designs, I thought that was a great idea. And as someone who does drive downtown, having a loading zone for me is actually a much better and easier thing for me to use. So I was definitely kind of confused seeing some people who got pretty upset, it seems, about parking. I think that the improvements made to Victory Garage recently of lighting, having the stairwells open 24/7 and having a security team is a much more important and better improvement in parking downtown than 20 spots on Hanover Street would be. This congressionally directed funding is specifically for sidewalk improvements. So, if we could stop arguing and start improving some sidewalks, I think that would be great.

Deb Roux, Ward 12: I'm going to be reading from this book that I donated to all of you, The Forefathers Monument Guidebook, to continue my education for our 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year. So, this is a little bit about what happened that the Pilgrims were going through before they got to the New World. Some of the stuff they had to endure. So, it says the Pilgrims came of age during this time when the institutions of church and government were inexorably linked. By 1558, England's Act of Uniformity required every citizen to attend church services, regardless of their personal beliefs, or face a stiff penalty. The Book of Common Prayer was the only approved form of church liturgy, and any worship services conducted apart from it were illegal. Those who disobeyed the church's rules were labeled non-conformist and considered a traitor to the crown. Acts of religious heresy were swiftly prosecuted, and some offences were even punishable by death. By the late 16th century, the proliferation of Bibles and increase in personal Bible study had led to divisions in the church. One group, known as Puritans, had emerged, so named for the desire to purify or purge the church of any beliefs or practices that were not rooted in scripture. Queen Elizabeth's compromise of Protestant doctrine and Catholic style ceremony was generally acceptable to much of the English population, but it deeply troubled England's Puritans, who believed that the church's ornate ceremonies had shifted the true focus of worship from God to man. They resisted the Church of England requirement to bow at the church altar, which they viewed as misplaced devotion. They were offended by liturgical ceremonies, which they saw as man centered and prideful and detracted from humble, Bible based worship. Those who identify themselves as Puritans believed that many of the church's rules and practices violated clear biblical instructions. They believed that Christ himself, not the monarch, was the true head of God's church. Puritans also disagreed with the controlling arm of the church heresy. Clergy appointments were often handed out as political rewards, and many of the local parishes were suffering under the leadership of ill suited, even immoral, clergymen. Scandals were increasingly common, however, the Puritans continued advocating for reform inside the church. Despite their call for reforms, mainstream Puritans were still officially members of the Church of England, and in most cases, their protests were not considered to be treasonous. Separatists defied the church at the same time. A smaller, more radical sect within the larger Puritan movement held a far more dangerous view and called separatists for their desire to leave or separate from the Church of England. They believed the entire institution was corrupt beyond any repair. Separatists felt called by scripture and conscience to worship outside the authority of the Church of England, and in their day that was a criminal act under the English law. For separatists, the man-made rule and rituals of Anglican church worship had become too much to bear. Choosing to leave rather than compromise the principles of their faith, separatists went underground to worship in so-called separating churches across England, an act of treason. By following their conscience and leaving the Anglican Church, separatists instantly became fugitives from the law.

Pete Winslow, 1176 Hall Street: I am the chair of the Downtown Business Collaborative and also an attendee of all public engagement meetings regarding the pedestrian improvement project approved for Hanover Street. My question for the board today is this: what is there to reconsider? The proposed plan achieves the primary objective of the grant to create community-based solutions to invest in safety, opportunity and consistency within the arts and culture district. It even provides additional opportunities in the surrounding area. Last month, Mr. Micklon suggested the removal of 25 street parking spaces will lead to a revenue loss of $80,000 per year. Instead of focusing on challenges, let's think about the possibilities. If we focus our attention on making the Victory Garage a space the public feels comfortable using at even a 60% occupancy rate, then we could conservatively receive $1.6 million annually in parking fees. At the ideal 85% efficiency, that number balloons to $2.3 million without ever raising the $1 an hour rate or charging on weekends. That reality is only possible with the pedestrian destination and regular events to promote tourism. Our business owners are already leading the charge on accomplishing that goal. I also encourage members of this board to cease the reckless narrative that downtown has a parking problem. Our garages are severely underutilized. There were 472 open spots at 6 p.m. on Saturday. I would know, I counted them and over 400 open spots at noon today. Every time a community leader falsely portrays a difficult parking experience, they are actively campaigning for visitors to avoid our local businesses, hurting our economy. Please provide solutions, not inaccurate challenges. The 20% of the project funded by the city, amounts to a $375,000 investment, which has the power to pay for itself many times over. Alternatively, continued delays push us closer to missing the required completion date in 2028, risking having to repay the federal funds we have already spent on planning and designing the project. There is no area to provide greater impact on public safety, opportunity and consistency within the arts and culture district. Thank you for your time and your commitment to the Queen City.

George Kalipolites, 668 Lake Avenue: My family has been in Manchester for 120 years. A lot of the Greek immigrants and other immigrants worked the mills and helped build the city. The Superintendent’s husband has a non-bid contract for the school district. Why? Retired administers work for the school district for non-bid contract positions. If you want to save money on waste, look at the personnel list for the school district. How many are retirees that are part time and have non-bid contract positions? Example: in the 2024-2025 school year you had ten retirees as non-bid contractors. They would go around to the schools checking on status and asking questions. Some say the money to pay for the service is being provided, that it comes from Medicaid reimbursement money. The Superintendent presented a school budget we cannot afford. Property owners have had property tax increases every year. The last decrease in property taxes was by Mayor Ted Gatsas and that was a long time ago. Property owners are facing high inflation, property taxes that are out of control, gas alone is $4 a gallon for just octane. And that will go higher. Go after the state to fund your education. Don't squeeze the property tax owners anymore. You're building a $300 million school for elementary students on the park that's going to be replaced by a park where the present Beech Street School is. The size of the new park will be smaller. Then you closed down the Hunt Pool. Maybe you should have been more creative and built a new pool for the inner city, and then closed Hunt Pool. The board has taken away a lot from the inner city. It's time to do a better job. If you can afford $900,000 for a shelter, you can provide free bus service for the families and in the schools. The other parts of the city have pools and they should be taken there. You take money from the $300 million you're planning to use to build one school, and let that pay for the bus service. Also, in regards to taking away 25 parking spaces from downtown area, we have limited parking already downtown. It will get worse.

Ali Rosenblatt, 795 Elm Street: I live and work in ward three. As an attorney, I practice in the Manchester District Court. I spend a lot of time walking to and from court on Hanover Street. During the daytime, I spend time walking around Elm Street and Hanover Street, at night time as well. So, I see it all times of the day. I attended the public feedback hearings and public feedback meetings and charrettes throughout this process. I do want to reiterate that many professionals were consulted. The public was consistently consulted with many times throughout the process regarding Hanover Street. And at the end of the day, what I saw throughout this process is that people were interested in walkable sidewalks, improved sidewalks, better ADA compliance, and a more pedestrian friendly city. There was all this extensive work that went into this. And after the board passed it, there was this push to reconsider. I think it seems due to a few negative comments, but I don't think that given that all that went into this that it should be reconsidered at this time. We've heard many reasons that this is a good idea throughout the speakers tonight about improving the sidewalks, about traffic calming measures, about assisting the local businesses, about all the parking that there already is. Despite the 25 spots, there are, as you heard, over 400 spots on any given weekend that aren't even utilized at the parking lot, walking distance from Hanover Street. We do have this funding to fix the sidewalks. I think we should just support that and move forward with fixing the sidewalk and moving forward with the plan that was already approved and supported by the public with all these public hearings on the Hanover Street Project.

Kathleen Carswell, Ward 4: I grew up in Manchester, went to the school system and enjoyed it. I have for you tonight three things. First, the sidewalk upgrades to Hanover Street. How many more restaurants and bars are going to ask can we have ours done throughout the city? We do one section; you're going to have to do a lot. So, I think we're going to be opening a big can of worms for this. Something to think about. I think we can do better with the spending of the money of the $1.8 million of the upgrades. I understand if sidewalks need to be redone. That's an issue, a safety issue. That should be done. Second, Hunt’s Pool. Joyce Craig, way back yonder, promised to get the pool fixed and never did anything about it for years. Now it's taken out, filled in, not replaced as promised. She promised to my face that she was going to fix the pool and have it reopen. We don't need a glorious pool in the middle of the city. We just need something for our inner city people to go to. We don't need busing to Livingston Park to bring people up there to go to Livingston Pool. You're going to wait in lines for hours if you can even get in. I think that is a waste of money. So needless to say, the basketball courts going into Livingston Park up there I think is a waste of money also. We have enough up there to entertain many activities. I don't think that was thought through very well. I think we should be able to use the money from the basketball courts and part of the money for the upgrades for the sidewalk and put in a new pool back into the Hunt Pool’s old site. Nothing fancy, nothing glorious. Doesn't have to be big like Livingston; it is something for the inner city children to be able to enjoy. I was able to enjoy the pool when I grew up. Third, please build low fixed income housing. I don't know how I have to say that any different for anybody to understand. Not affordable, low fixed income. I have a friend who's 74. One more rent increase, she's sleeping in her car. I'll be sleeping in my car. Her and I have been on a wait list for over a year and a half now, trying to get into a better place, a safer place, and I can't. I know there's waitlists, I'm waiting my turn, but there's also a lot of red tape. There are buildings of affordable housing. Most, if not all of Manchester residents can't afford the rents. What you asked for rents is the total of our income for just the rent, nothing else included. How are we supposed to live? And we should be ashamed to let our grandparents, or even parents have to bag groceries to make ends meet if they even can, or have to sleep in their car or shelter. Please give that consideration.

Jeannette Lund, Ward 4: If you remember, a couple of months ago, I spoke to you face to face here at City Hall about the skate park on the west side for $2.5 million. And I said to you, oh, so you're going to have to raise the tax cap. Let me give you a little background as far as my employment services. I worked 26 years in an accounting department for Verizon. And you told me that the tax cap would not be raised because we got a bond. Now, did you think I was some kind of a ninny? Somebody has to pay for that bond. Someone has to pay the interest on that bond now, don't they? And who is that? That's the taxpayer. How much of a burden are you going to put on senior citizens in this city? I listened to someone from the DPW say that it's going to take $10 to $12 million to get the streets up to par. Whatever the government subsides, that's fine. Why didn't you try and get a bond to fix these streets? When you're traveling down the road, you feel like you have square tires on your car. Needless to say, all the potholes, some of them are like two feet deep. Something is not right here. Somebody doesn't have their priorities straight. Who's looking out for us taxpayers?

Zach Tringali, Ward 3: City council of Manchester, there comes a season when the leaves don't simply fall. They are stripped from the tree because the system meant to sustain them has run dry. I stand before you as one of those leaves. Not broken, not defeated, but forced out by a structure that no longer supports life. I came to Manchester as a construction worker back during Covid. Now, I became an outreach worker as a minister in the trenches, not behind some desk, not behind some title, but in the streets. I walk with the unhoused. I feed the hungry. I stood on the edge of humanity where policy becomes reality and reality becomes suffering. I built shelter where there was none. I gave dignity where it has been stripped away. And while I was doing the work, the work this city should have been leading, my own civil rights were violated in the city. Not accidentally, not innocently, but symptomatically through a destructive bureaucratic machine so tangled in its own red tape and its sufferance that it has crushed the very people it claimed to serve. A system that delays, denies, and dehumanizes. A system that turns survival into a battle and service into liability. Let's be honest, this is not just in sufferance. This is institutionalized failure dressed up as process. This is bureaucracy weaponized against the vulnerable. I did the work anyway. I stood in the cold anyway. I showed up when the system didn't. But understand this clearly: no man should ever sacrifice his rights to serve others. No servant of the people should be grounded down by the very structure he is trying to support. So yes, I am leaving. Tonight is my retirement night as the chaplain, as the homeless reverend. Not because I lack the will, but because I refuse to be complicit in a system that feeds on the struggling instead of solving it. Like the changes of the season, I move forward, but I do not fall quietly. I leave behind the truth that cannot be ignored. There will always be help at the edge of humanity, but it comes despite the system, not because of it. Manchester, you are not losing me because I failed; you are losing me because your system did. And until the system is rebuilt, rooted and branched, you will continue to lose the very people who are trying to hold the city together. I walk into a new beginning, carrying every lesson your failures taught me. Winter is here for you and spring will not come without accountability.

Roger Bleau, Ward 1: I'm always about the kids. That's what I care about, is the kids. So, I would like to see the school system funded as much as possible. To go back to what the problem was initially, to me, it's Mitch McConnell. When Mitch McConnell didn't allow Merrick Garland to take his place, and then he put Amy Coney Barrett in at the last minute just before the election, he made the court 6 to 3 for the conservatives instead of 5 to 4, as it should be. So as a result, what did the Supreme Court do? They got rid of abortion rights. And they also did away with gerrymandering adjustments. So as a result, in our state, when the Republicans gerrymandered the Senate and the Executive Council and they took it to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire, they said, you're right, but the Supreme Court said we can't challenge that. And also New Hampshire Republicans are violating the Constitution by not properly and adequately funding the school systems. So as a result, we taxpayers, local property taxpayers, have to pay because they're not doing their job. And the Trump administration has cut things also for education. So therefore, our kids are going to suffer and we have to pay the property taxes, which I am willing to pay because the kids are worth it as far as I'm concerned. And the other thing that they did away with, in 2015, was Citizens United. Citizens United allowed super PACs to put any amount of money they could in secretly. And so, as a result, when Mayor Craig ran against Kelly Ayotte, what happened was Kelly Ayotte had 3,000 individual donors. Joyce Craig had 14,000, but Kelly Ayotte had ended up with $21 million because of super PACs. Joyce Craig said she would not have gotten rid of the dividends and interest tax, which the Republicans did with Joyce Craig, which Kelly agreed to. And therefore, we lost another $160 million, which could be used for education. So of course, I love Joyce Craig, I think she's an awesome person and I was disappointed to see her lose. But I think what's happening is the rules are against us right now. The Republicans are going to control the Senate and the Executive Council for ten years because of gerrymandering. And they got away with it because the Supreme Court said they could. So, I just think it's unfair, but please give as much money as you can to the kids. That's our investment. That's our future. I think that's the only fair thing to do.

Troy Micklon, 29 Ode Way: I'm here to talk about the Hanover Street Project reconsideration. First, I want to reiterate, I am for fixing our city sidewalks. I am for ADA accessibility improvements, and I'm for continuing the city's efforts to make the theater district a destination for residents and visitors. That being said, I believe we're putting the cart before the horse and some questions remain. What are the true costs of this project? Here, I have a copy of the congressional spending request. It provides $1.5 million in federal funds and also lists the full project cost at $3 million at public feedback sessions. It was stated the project is funded with 80% federal grant money and 20% city funds, for a total of $1.875 million. I'm not a math major here, but 20% of $1.5 million is only $300,000. Where is that extra $75,000 coming from? In correspondence that I've had with the DPW since the last meeting, they're now saying their conservative estimate is $2.1 million. So, what are the real costs? Why don't we have a line-item budget before proceeding? Also, why isn't there a cost analysis where we can view the differences in how much it would cost for fixing other streets in this area, such as Amherst Street and Manchester Street? That way we can make some educated comparisons to help with our prioritization. Perhaps it's possible there's better ways to spread these funds around and fix portions of those streets that are worse off. Then we have the sunk costs that are related to the parking meters that were just installed a couple months ago. So, this shows a lack of long-term planning on our part. Not to mention the loss of the revenue they generate, which as stated, was between $50,000 and $80,000 a year. As we head into a tough budget season, I also question how are we going to pay for anything over the $1.5 million grant? Will this be coming from the DPW's operational budget or from yet another bond, essentially putting it on the city's credit card? Another point I want to make is that we keep hearing about how this helps with ADA compliance. If we really cared about our disabled and elderly, we'd be going above and beyond the minimum sets of standards, and we'd keep at least some of the parking spaces for handicapped accessible spaces. I know this project will likely move forward, but I think there are a lot of lessons for this board to learn on how to be better financial stewards of our tax money by asking these important questions before we get blinded by the promise of federal dollars that don't cover the full cost and are also funded by US taxpayers.

Avery Cyr, 30 Hanover Street: I'm here tonight to represent the people in my building at 30 Hanover Street, also known as the Opera Block. It's located directly next to the Palace Theatre, hence the name Opera Block. And we support the Hanover Street sidewalk project. We believe it will be very helpful for our street because it will provide more space for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy the beauty of Hanover Street and the downtown area. There will be more patio space for businesses and overall better access to the area. Although we do share some concerns about accessibility access for people in wheelchairs, for example, our only other concern is how long it will take for the project to be completed. We are just worried about the disruption it may cause on Hanover Street. And we only ask that the city complete the project as quickly as possible to minimize disruption on Hanover Street, as most of us use that street a lot to get to work.

Stephen Denis, 555 South Commercial Street: I'm here to speak in favor of the Hanover Street Sidewalk Project. In my ten years in Manchester, four of them as a student, six of them as an employee and resident, I've served as the as a chair on the Manchester Young Professionals, sat on the Young Leaders Council under the Chamber, and worked for a statewide non-profit committed to attracting and retaining young people in New Hampshire. Right now, there is so much for young people to be disillusioned about. We’re in the worst job market maybe ever, maybe not. We're not seeing salaries match the rising costs of education. It's a struggle for many to move out of their childhood homes, let alone afford a one-bedroom apartment without roommates. And those who can are being squeezed out by rent increases. We're on track to become the first generation with a worse quality of life than our parents. When this is the reality, it's easy to understand why young people can withdraw and feel so hopeless and not show up. But a cure to that sense of despair can be plugging into your community and working to improve your little slice of it. And that's what young people, working people, have done over the past several months, attending public meetings to provide their feedback on this Hanover Street sidewalk project helped shape it and then rallying support behind it, and then getting creative to combat last minute attempts to derail the initiative while getting creative as well. To correct the record in the face of a stream of misleading headlines and selective misinformation online, I can agree with critics of the plan who say Elm and Hanover already dominate the attention in the city. As someone who lived on the West Side when I first moved up here, I've felt the same way. But the response should be not to reject this community enhancement project, but to instead support it and want it to succeed so it can serve as an example, motivation, and inspiration for other needed revitalization efforts around the city. There's no requirement that we have to have a this or that mentality. We can timely and effectively fill potholes across the city while creating a space downtown that promotes community and belonging. There are going to be more fights, hard fights in the very near future, fights that will cut deep and define what this city stands for. I just wanted to give a shout out to how our city's young people showed up and represented themselves throughout this process, and we can expect them to continue showing up in the future, advocating for the people of the city. I affirm my support for the Hanover Street Sidewalk Project, and thank you for the time.

Josh Rose, 35 Newstead Way: I'm here to say that I am supportive of the baseline school budget and that we should fund our education system. So, a little bit about me. I worked in the Manchester School District through a non-profit for ten years. I got to work with teachers and administration firsthand, and work with those kiddos. I know just how special the Manchester School District is. It has a special place in my heart. And those teachers with their relationships with kids, it's transformational. And every young person needs a strong bond with their teacher. And so having as many teachers in Manchester as we can is a good thing. And that goes, of course, with transportation and facilities and all the programming that kids we know thrive on those things. I also currently am a home visitor here in Manchester and I work with families. It's a parenting education program and I work with families. I hear directly from them all the barriers that they face on a daily basis. And one of the things they really count on is a strong public school system. And that, again, kind of goes into the transportation element of things. And the programming that the schools offer and again, the teachers and special education programs, all of these things are so incredibly valuable to our families and to our kids. And we need to do everything we can to make sure that those programs are funded so that our kids can thrive because as someone said before, these kids are our future. And so yes, I'm in favor of that.

Dan Mason, Ward 9: I have a son in eighth grade at Southside Middle School. So next fall he will be a high schooler at Memorial. I'll also have a kindergartener at Highlands in the fall. So, the schools are very important to our family. I came here a year ago when you were doing the school budget and talked about some of the great things that Southside offered. And then some of the challenges also that we were having with busing at the time and the concern about not adequately funding the schools would have on the things that were good and the things that were already sort of going the wrong direction. I'm back to sort of do the same thing here this year because I understand that you're considering a budget that would require either cuts to teachers or to extracurriculars. Maybe changes to busing. I just really want to encourage you all to please take our children and their education into account. I understand that our education funding system is broken. I don't think it should be all on property taxpayers to pay for it. Right now, the state pays less than I think any other state in the country when it comes to education funding. So, we are stuck right now. I encourage you all to also work at the state level to encourage more funding. I know the mayor last year stepped in and made sure that the budget did not cut funding the way that it was going to until the last minute. And that was really important, but that was temporary. So, unless a change is made permanently, that $10 million cut is coming at the state level soon. I just encourage you to do what you can now at the city level and to also do what you can to encourage Concord to step up and fund education.

Mayor Ruais asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak.

There were none.

On motion of Alderman Terrio, duly seconded by Alderman Burkush, it was voted to take all comments under advisement and to receive and file any written documentation presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Accept BMA Minutes

2. Minutes from the March 17th Finance, BMA, & Special BMA meetings, March 25th Joint BMA & BOSC meeting, and March 26th Special BMA meeting.

Approve Under Supervision of the Department of Highways, subject to funding

3. Sidewalk Petition (Residential): - 37 Salmon Street - 39 Sears Drive - 97 Purchase Street - 249 Barrett Street - 371 Holly Avenue - 470 Belmont Street - 548 Blodget Street - 718 Hevey Street

Information to be Received and Filed

4. Communication from the Solicitor's Office regarding lawsuits filed against the City.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS, ENROLLMENT AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION

5. Advising that the update on the Revolving Loan Fund has been accepted. (Unanimous vote)

6. Advising that the Finance Department reports: - Accounts receivable over 90 days - Aging report - Outstanding receivables

have been accepted. (Unanimous vote)

7. Advising that the Monthly Financial Report (unaudited) for the first eight months of fiscal year 2026 has been accepted. (Unanimous vote)

8. Recommending that Ordinance Amendments:

“Amending Section 36.40 Community Revitalization Tax Incentive of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manchester regarding the terms of tax relief.”

“Amending Chapter 117 Food Service Establishments of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manchester to refine definitions, exemptions, and permit requirements.”

ought to pass and be Enrolled. (Unanimous vote)

COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION/INFORMATION SYSTEMS

9. Recommending that the request from Central St 289 LLC for approval of an air rights lease for its building at 139 Central Street be approved. (Unanimous vote)

COMMITTEE ON LANDS AND BUILDINGS

10. Recommending that the request from Stark Brewing to utilize a portion of Arms Lot for outdoor dining from April 15 through October 15, 2026, at a cost of $1,260 to be paid to the City of Manchester from the applicant, on Thursdays and Fridays from 6PM to 11PM; Saturdays from 11AM to 11PM; and Sundays from 11AM to 9PM, be approved. (Unanimous vote)

11. Recommending that the request from the Tax Collector for the tax-deeded property at 311 Spruce Street to be deemed surplus and be disposed of through public auction be approved. (Unanimous vote)

JOINT SCHOOL BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

12. Advising that the Manchester School District Priority I status and financial report for February 2026 submitted by LeftField has been accepted. (Unanimous vote with the exception of Alderman Thomas and School Committee Member Turner, who were absent)

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AIRPORT ACTIVITIES

13. Recommending that Bond Resolution:

“Authorizing General Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds in the amount of Seventeen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($17,500,000) for Refunding Certain Outstanding Municipal Revenue Bonds of the City issued on Behalf of Manchester Airport.”

ought to pass and be referred to the Committee on Finance. (Unanimous vote)

HAVING READ THE CONSENT AGENDA, ON MOTION OF ALDERMAN O’NEIL, DULY SECONDED BY ALDERMAN BARRY, THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS APPROVED.

REGULAR BUSINESS

14. Communication from Biram Saidybah advising the Board of his resignation from the Conservation Commission.

On motion of Alderman Fajardo, duly seconded by Alderman Trisciani, it was voted to accept with regret.

15. Nominations:

Board of Trustees of the Trust Funds Patrick Duffy to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire January 1, 2032

Manchester Development Corporation Michael Harrington to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire March 11, 2029

(Note: Pursuant to Rule 23 of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, these nominations will layover until the next meeting of the Board.)

16. Nomination of Christopher Goodnow as the Central Fleet Management Director. (Note: Pursuant to Rule 23 of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, this nomination will layover until the next meeting of the Board.)

Mayor Ruais: As I had mentioned at the previous meeting, I'm honored tonight to nominate Chris Goodnow to serve as Director of Central Fleet for the City of Manchester. Chris brings more than 28 years of public service to this role, including a distinguished career with the Manchester Police Department, where he rose to the rank of captain and led complex operations involving personnel, logistics, and citywide coordination. Since joining city government in a civilian capacity, Chris has continued to demonstrate strong leadership and operational expertise. As Parking Manager, he successfully oversaw a self-sustaining enterprise operation, and in his current role within Central Fleet, he has already taken on responsibilities involving fleet operations, budgeting, and long-term capital planning. Importantly as well, Director Bilodeau noted in his own resignation as he was leaving, he has recommended Chris to take his place. In his retirement letter, he noted that he worked closely with Chris and helped him train as his successor to ensure a smooth transition and the continued excellence of fleet operations. That kind of institutional continuity matters, and Central Fleet is critical to every department in this city, from public safety to public works. Chris has both the experience and the trust of the leadership to carry that work forward. I'm confident that Chris is ready to step into this role on day one, and I respectfully ask this board when the time comes in two weeks to support his confirmation to this role. So, congratulations, Chris, on the nomination, and I deeply appreciate your support and service to the city. Thank you.

Alderman Burkush: Do you want to suspend the rule since we're in the budget season to get him in the spot?

Mayor Ruais: I'd love to if the Board will.

On motion of Alderman Burkush, duly seconded by Alderman Barry, it was voted to suspend the rules and confirm the nomination as presented.

17. Confirmations:

Board of Recount Don Goduti to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire November 30, 2027 Brian McCoy to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire November 30, 2027

Highway Commission Amber Nicole Cannan to succeed herself as a regular member, term to expire January 15, 2029

Board of Registrars William Houghton to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire May 1, 2029

Manchester Development Corporation Andrew Leach to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire March 11, 2029 Kyle Baker to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire March 11, 2029 Joshua Wright to succeed himself as a regular member, term to expire March 11, 2029

Manchester Public Television Service Brad Cook to fill a vacancy as a regular member, term to expire July 1, 2028

On motion of Alderman O’Neil, duly seconded by Alderman Trisciani, it was voted to confirm the nominations as presented.

18. Reconsideration of the approval of the report from the Committee on Public Safety, Health & Traffic recommending changes to the parking regulations on Hanover Street. (Note: Alderman O'Neil gave notice of reconsideration at the March 17, 2026 Board meeting, in accordance with Rule 12.)

Alderman O'Neil: Your Honor, due to the efforts put forth since our last meeting between the city and businesses on Hanover Street, I'm comfortable with the changes happening on Hanover Street as they were approved by this board on March 17th. I want to especially thank the Palace Theater and Peter for their willingness to work on this, and Owen Friend-Gray, Deputy Public Works Director, who's put a lot of effort in helping to address concerns. Although I gave notice of reconsideration to the clerk at the March 17th meeting, I'm withdrawing my motion to reconsider the committee report before us. The clerk has advised me that since the report was approved and will not be reconsidered, no motion, vote, or further action by this board is necessary.

Mayor Ruais: Thank you, Alderman O’Neil.

19. Report(s) from this evening's committees, if available.

The Committee on Community Improvement respectfully recommends, after due and careful consideration, that the Amending Resolution and Budget Authorization providing for the acceptance and expenditure of funds in the amount of $248,475,000 for CIP C270071826 Various Capital Improvement Projects (EPD) be approved and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Alderman Terrio: I think it's for the Board to know that the projected cost is going up by $197 million, approximately. But we were told from DPW that the rate increases that we've already approved will cover the increase in bonding. And so there shouldn't be any effect on rate increases. It is already paid for, I guess, for lack of a better word.

Mayor Ruais: I was there during that meeting. I appreciate you asking those questions and getting that on the record.

On motion of Alderman Barry, duly seconded by Alderman Burkush, it was voted to accept the report of the committee and adopt its recommendation.

The Committee on Community Improvement respectfully recommends, after due and careful consideration, that the Amending Resolution and Budget Authorization providing for the acceptance and expenditure of funds in the amount of $11,846.91 for CIP C160060826 Hope for NH Recovery Wilson St Emergency Recovery Housing be approved and referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion of Alderman Barry, duly seconded by Alderman Thomas, it was voted to accept the report of the committee and adopt its recommendation.

20. Ordinances:

“Amending Section 36.40 Community Revitalization Tax Incentive of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manchester regarding the terms of tax relief.”

“Amending Chapter 117 Food Service Establishments of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manchester to refine definitions, exemptions, and permit requirements.”

On motion of Alderman O’Neil, duly seconded by Alderman Trisciani, it was voted to waive the reading by titles only.

On motion of Alderman O’Neil, duly seconded by Alderman Sapienza, it was voted that the Ordinances ought to pass and be Ordained.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Sapienza: I just want to take a moment and thank the mayor for his hard work and diligence in constructing his tax cap budget. And having said that, I'd like to go ahead and make a motion to accept his budget and make it the budget for fiscal year 27 so that the City of Manchester, New Hampshire, can continue to be the greatest mid-sized city in the country.

Alderman Kantor: I'd like to second that.

Mayor Ruais: I would say at this time, I don't think we're ready to do that. We have some significant work ahead of us.

Alderman Sapienza: Well, like Alderman Burkush had said, we have the budget coming up. That's why we suspended the rules for Chris Goodnow, which is a good idea. But, you know, this way everybody will know where they stand, and I think you did a lot of hard work in constructing that tax cap compliant budget. If we go ahead and accept that, I think that will be very constructive moving forward.

Mayor Ruais: We still have the public hearing that we need to do next week.

Alderman Sapienza: I know you spent a lot of time on it.

Mayor Ruais: With our departments, we spent an awful lot of time on that. I don't think we're in a place right now to accept it, knowing that we do have additional surplus coming in. Additionally, my budget didn’t have the health care information at the time. So, we don't have an item in there to cover the health care costs as well. I don't think we're in a position at this time to support it or to pass the budget. Perhaps we could withdraw the motion.

Alderman Sapienza: Well, we have a second and we'll go ahead and vote on it.

Alderman Kantor: Roll call.

Alderman Terrio: I thought we couldn't vote on it?

Matthew Normand, City Clerk: You're required by charter to hold that public hearing before you vote on a budget.

Alderman Sapienza: We'll still have the hearing.

Mayor Ruais: We have to hold the hearing before we vote on it. I apologize, I neglected to think of that before I accepted the motion.

Alderman Sapienza: The sooner everybody realizes the hard times ahead of us, the better.

Alderman Terrio: I believe the transfer station is under DPW. Tim, I just want to compliment your employees. I've been over there probably three times in the last few months, and I dress down when I go over there. They don't know who I am, but they're always friendly and helpful. I was really impressed with your staff over at the transfer station. And please compliment them for me.

Alderman Kantor: I was just wondering about the investigation for the alleged misuse of the gift cards. Any updates?

Alderman Sapienza: For OYS.

Emily Rice, Solicitor: I'm not aware of any updates.

Alderman Kantor: Also wondering about the rest of the audits throughout Manchester.

Mayor Ruais: I spoke actually this morning with the Independent City Auditor. She is well underway. My understanding is she had meetings this afternoon with the school district on this. The goal is still to produce that report by this spring. And then going from there, the Board, as you'll remember, voted on a series of audits as part of a 12 month plan, I believe DPW and MPD, MFD and HR for benefits and services were also included in that. So once the school district is done, that will be made public and then the rest will commence at that time.

Alderman Kantor: Who's going to be included? Are the employees of the city going to be included in sharing information and their insights on potential access or questioning things and can they be anonymous?

Mayor Ruais: I would leave it to the HR Director to talk to how a person would conduct a formal complaint or address a formal complaint and how that's addressed internally. But I can have the Independent City Auditor come to the next meeting or give a presentation on what her methods are for an audit, if that's what you'd like.

Alderman Kantor: Yes, that would be great. I appreciate that. So, it's not a specific complaint, but people do want to be involved in the process and be heard.

Alderman O'Neil: In general, the city auditor should be reporting to the Accounts Committee.

Mayor Ruais: Correct. I mean this is something that we can discuss, but I don't have a problem if she were to come before your committee and just discuss her overall methods for conducting an audit and how that would work. And of course, any member of the Board is welcome to come and ask questions.

Alderman Barry: I would just use caution when we're bringing up, especially, pending investigations. I would probably recommend using the word alleged so that we don't get ourselves in any hot water.

Alderman Sapienza: How about some alleged results on the investigation? Could we request an update on the alleged affair?

E. Rice: It's an investigation by the New Hampshire State Police. It's their investigation; when they've concluded their investigation and reached a decision, they will let us know.

Alderman Sapienza: I understand that. Can we request an update? They won't answer my calls. Could you call them and say, could we please get an update? Because this has been going on for a long time. A very long time. I'm not exaggerating. I'm not trying to be a comedian. I mean, this is getting kind of ridiculous. Can we request an update, please?

E. Rice: I will request an update.

Alderman Vincent: I'd like to just take a minute here to thank the Fisher Cat’s General Manager, Taylor Fisher, and all the elected officials, state and citywide, that attended the celebration of former Mayor Bob Baines last Friday at the Fisher Cats opening game on April 3rd. It was a very thoughtful tribute, and the family and I are grateful for that. I'd also like to add that everybody received an email on April 1st regarding the Boston Med-Flight. They are inviting us to their open house at the end of April, and as you may know, they're now located at the Manchester Airport across from the main terminal, and this expands their scope of coverage and operations. It's really a great opportunity to serve the communities, and I certainly hope that everyone here will attend that if they are able to.

Mayor Ruais: I have one item to bring forward. I think I've spoken internally with a few of you about this. I think this is a conversation that I had at the beginning of this term and something that I think we can bring forward. But one of the ideas that I've been thinking about was doing a citywide, SWOT analysis of all of the youth programs that are in the City of Manchester. And it kind of bridges off the conversation we had had at the end of last year regarding OYS. Sitting down all of the community partners that we have and doing that SWOT analysis, what are we doing well as a city? I don't just mean the city’s department, but just generally speaking broadly, what are we doing well, as a city? What are we not doing well? What opportunities do we have? Where can the city help fill some of the gaps that might exist? So, I've reached out to a number of the organizations. My intent is to have a meeting that third week in April where we have the city present. Of course, all of you will be invited as soon as I have a time and date. I think we had talked with Director Thomas about holding it at the Rines Center. When we do it, I'll invite the school board as well, but wanted to read you into that. I'd really like to get a handle on this when I asked Planning about this, there are 18 different groups in the city of Manchester that apply for CDBG funding that are all doing work with our youth. Are there ways in which we could work with them better? Are there holes or gaps that are currently existing in the service delivery that we are not meeting and could potentially be doing as a city? I don't have the answers to any of those questions. I think if we get together with these groups that are within the city as a Board of Mayor and Aldermen and as a Board of School Committee, that this could be helpful to both strengthen OYS and strengthen the city's response when we're dealing with children here. So, stay tuned to your inboxes. As soon as I get a date and time selected amongst that group, I'll forward it out to all of you, and you're all more than welcome to attend.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, on motion of Alderman Vincent, duly seconded by Alderman Barry, it was voted to adjourn.

A True Record. Attest.

City Clerk

Meeting Start Time: 7:00PM Meeting End Time: 8:06PM Minutes Prepared By: Michael Intranuovo