Dec. 22 -- IF ONLY every meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen could be like the final session of 2024.
No arguing or yelling. The dais in the aldermanic chambers at City Hall decked out for the holidays. Officials working their way through the posted agenda in a quick, efficient manner.
Much of the credit for the hot air at these meetings being replaced with holiday spirit should go to Glenn Ouellette, a frequent commenter at the sessions and former candidate for mayor.
Ouellette stood at the mayor's podium with a microphone and portable karaoke machine, serenading those in the chambers with excellent renditions of traditional Christmas carols, to the delight of all.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ouellette thanked the mayor for inviting him to sing, then handed out a few gifts (chocolate "golden coins") to officials.
"You all know I've been doing this since 2001 and it's been a tradition, so I'm going to do it again," Ouellette said. "I'm going to give gold coins to my alderman, who has supported me throughout this year on some of the issues that I've had with my rent. I'm going to give the mayor golden coins for also supporting me and supporting this city on some of the issues that are very important to our city.
"And as usual, I'm going to give Joe Kelly Levasseur a package of coal -- I think he expects it every year."
End of an era
The city will soon have a new director of central fleet services, following the retirement of longtime employee Jonathan Hopkins.
Hopkins recently announced his retirement after 37 years as a city employee. His last day will be Jan. 31.
In a letter, Hopkins thanked mayors Jay Ruais and Joyce Craig for the opportunities and support given to him over the years, along with Alderman Dan O'Neil, who he said has "always been supportive of city employees and departments."
"I appreciate the guidance and support he has given me over the years, especially during my time working for the Manchester Police Department," Hopkins wrote. "I feel confident in reporting that Central Fleet is in a strong position to move forward. Our fleet of city vehicles and equipment have been modernized. The repair facilities are updated, modern, and a strong preventive maintenance program has been implemented."
Mayor Ruais has nominated Richard Bilodeau to succeed Hopkins as central fleet services director, effective Feb. 1, following confirmation by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Hopkins said Central Fleet is fortunate to have attracted and retained qualified mechanics and supervisors.
"A training program was designed to keep employees updated on vehicle repairs and industry trends," Hopkins writes. "A new fuel management system is being implemented that will ensure accurate inventory management and future electric vehicle needs. I've enjoyed working for the city of Manchester and had a very rewarding career supervising in two city departments."
Hopkins said he is looking forward to spending time with his family.
CIP budget
City officials have announced the Community Improvement Program (CIP) budget process for fiscal year 2026 is underway.
A letter of intent to request funding along with Summary Listing of Projects (CIP-1) and Project Activity Financial Request Form (CIP-2) is required. Application forms and instructions can be accessed through the Planning & Community Development page at https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Community-Improvement-Program/Budget-Forms.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Planning and Community Development Department at City Hall. Requests received after that date will not be considered, officials said.
Questions about the process may be directed to the Planning and Community Development Office located at One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101 or to CIP staff at 603-624-6450.
More veterans housed
Just three months after launching an initiative to effectively end homelessness in Manchester for retired military service members by January of 2026, Ruais announced this week housing has been found for a total of 16 homeless veterans.
"The success of this program is incredibly gratifying," Ruais said in a statement. "In three months, we've gotten 16 veterans into safe and stable housing -- something they have all earned and deserve. As I said at our kickoff event back in September, we've set our sights high because in Manchester we don't shrink from a challenge and we don't shirk our responsibilities. Even one homeless military service member is too many. Now, we can truly say we're making progress and changing lives."
The effort centers around coordination and communication, identifying landlords who will work with a veteran to get them housed, then identifying the vouchers to pay for them.
Ruais said when he started the initiative there were 47 former service members experiencing homelessness in Manchester, many connected to veteran service organizations and in transitional housing units waiting for permanent housing. Others may be doubling up with a friend or family member or living on city streets and in local shelters.
Multiple landlords in Manchester have committed to be part of the effort -- Ledgeview Commercial Partners, Hausmeister Property Management, The Denis Group, Choice Realty, Red Oak Properties, Elm Grove Cos. Signature on Elm, The Welcome Home, LA Classic Property Management LLC, and Amaskeag Residences.
"We are proud to be partnering on this important mission," Henry Och, CEO of Harbor Care, said in a statement. "At Harbor Care, we are committed to ending veteran homelessness and we appreciate the mayor's leadership in this critical endeavor. Great momentum has been built in the first 80 days, but no one agency can do this alone. It requires buy-in and partnership across the community. Together, we succeed."
Landlords and nonprofit groups interested in joining the mayor's initiative to help house homeless veterans can email [email protected].
New chief sworn in
New Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr will officially be sworn in during a department promotions ceremony on Monday, Jan. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Manchester Police Athletic League Officer Briggs Community Center at 409 Beech St.
Capt. Kenneth Loui will be promoted to assistant chief at the ceremony, while Capt. Robert Bellenoit, Lt. Emmett Macken and Sgt. Thomas Donovan will also receive promotions.
Central High career fair
Central High School is looking for business partners to participate in the school's 2025 Career Fair. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, and offers an opportunity for students to explore new career opportunities.
Anyone interested in participating is asked to sign up by March 14 using the form available online at: https://bit.ly/3DbuHPd. Those with questions about the event can send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Paul Feely is the City Hall reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. Reach him at [email protected].