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Town Administrator reports: library reopens, new hires, Route 3 DOT meeting set; council OKs letter for Martins Ferry funding application
Summary
Town Administrator Andre Garen updated the council on personnel changes, the library reopening, domain transition, upcoming DOT Route 3 presentation and a request to allow the council chair to sign a letter supporting a congressional directed spending application for the Martins Ferry Road intersection project.
Town Administrator Andre Garen delivered multiple operational updates at the Feb. 26 Hooksett Town Council meeting.
Garen announced staffing changes: a new hire in the fire department, Seth Boden (AEMT), will start March 24, and police officer Jordan Estevez will be leaving the department for a position with Eversource. The town currently has one unemployment case noted in the packet.
Garen reported the Hooksett Public Library officially reopened Feb. 18 after roughly six months of repairs. He commended library staff (Heather Rainier, Mark Lisonbee) and DPW director Ben Berthiaume and DPW staff for the restoration work. Garen described the insurance process handled by Primex: Primex approved contractor work and will pursue recovery from the roofing company that caused the damage; staff will provide a breakdown of out‑of‑pocket costs and any portions paid by insurance once final invoices are complete.
Garen said the town is transitioning email and website services from a .org to a .gov domain; the migration requires staff‑level manual adjustments and email moves for individual users.
On capital and regional matters, Garen said the council will meet with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation on March 12 for an update on the Route 3 widening project; DOT will present the project plan and the town expects a public hearing thereafter (April or May, date to be determined). Garen said that previous town input led DOT to show signals (not roundabouts) at the Alice Avenue and Mammoth Road intersections for the Route 3 corridor between Alice Avenue and Whitehall Road.
Garen also asked the council to allow Chair Centullis to sign a letter of recommendation supporting the town’s application to congressional directed spending (CDS) for the Martins Ferry Road intersection project. Councilors indicated support for the chair signing such a letter of recommendation.
Garen and councilors discussed a crosswalk lighting proposal on Main Street estimated at $21,000; staff indicated they are seeking grant options and exploring Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) pedestrian/bikeway funds as possible sources and may revisit the request in June when encumbrances are clearer.
Garen closed by listing upcoming meetings and committees and said staff will return with more detailed cost and insurance information regarding the library repairs and other follow‑ups.
