Hooksett staff, advisory committee move to end condominium reimbursement; council to schedule public hearing

The Recycling & Transfer Advisory Committee voted to recommend not moving forward with paying condominium reimbursements under section 3 of the town's recycling and transfer (trash) ordinance. Town Administrator Andre Garen reported the advisory committee's decision to the Town Council and explained that state law and the town charter require the council to hold a public hearing and consider the committee's advice before changing the ordinance.

Councilors discussed process and timing. A councilor noted the charter requires a formal introduction of the ordinance language at a regular meeting before a public hearing can be advertised and scheduled; the council agreed to pursue language for an amendment and to aim for a public hearing at the next regular meeting cycle (the council discussed targeting the Aug. 27 regular meeting) after the required posting and any legal or clerk review. Staff and the advisory committee said they had already notified affected condominium representatives and stakeholders that the matter was coming forward.

Why it matters: The reimbursement program reduces transfer station fees paid by certain condominium associations; rescinding reimbursement would change costs for those condominium associations and may shift costs to residents or the municipal budget. The advisory committee's recommendation makes the matter ripe for formal council consideration and public comment.