December 22 – IF ANYTHING, every meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen could be the last session of 2024.
No arguing or shouting. The stage in the alderman’s chamber at City Hall was decorated for the holidays. Officials work through the posted agenda in a fast, efficient manner.
Much of the credit for replacing the hot air at these rallies with a holiday spirit must go to Glenn Ouellette, a frequent commentator at the rallies and former mayoral candidate.
Standing on the mayor’s podium with a microphone and a portable karaoke machine, Ouellette serenaded attendees with excellent renditions of traditional Christmas carols, much to the delight of all.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ouellette thanked the mayor for the invitation to sing, and then handed out a few gifts (chocolate “gold coins”) to the officials.
“You all know I’ve been doing this since 2001 and it’s a tradition, so I’m going to do it again,” Ouellette said. “I’m going to give gold coins to my councilor who has supported me all year long on some of the issues I’ve had with my rent. I’m going to give the mayor gold coins because he also supports me and supports this city on some issues that are very important for our city.
“And as usual, I’m going to give Joe Kelly Levasseur a pack of coal. I think he expects that 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 January 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 Councilman Dan O’Neil, who he said has “always supported city employees and departments.”
“I appreciate the guidance and support he has given me over the years, especially during my time with the Manchester Police Department,” Hopkins wrote. “I am confident in reporting that Central Fleet is in a strong position moving forward. Our fleet of city vehicles and equipment has been modernized. Repair facilities are updated, modern and a robust preventive maintenance program has been implemented.”
Mayor Ruais has nominated Richard Bilodeau to succeed Hopkins as director of central fleet services, effective February 1, upon 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 is designed to keep employees informed about vehicle repairs and industry trends,” Hopkins wrote. “A new fuel management system is being implemented that will ensure accurate inventory management and future electric vehicle needs. I have enjoyed working for the City of Manchester and have had a very rewarding career overseeing two city departments.”
Hopkins said he is looking forward to spending time with his family.
CIP budget
City officials have announced that the Community Improvement Program (CIP) budget process for fiscal year 2026 is underway.
A letter of intent to apply for funding, together with a summary list of projects (CIP-1) and a financial application form for project activities (CIP-2), is required. Application forms and instructions can be accessed via the Planning & Community Development page at https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Community-Improvement-Program/Budget-Forms.
Applications must be submitted to City Hall’s Planning and Community Development Department by Monday, January 13 at 5 p.m. Requests received after that date will not be processed, officials said.
Questions about the process can be directed to the Planning and Community Development Office 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 personnel by January 2026, Ruais announced this week that 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 have provided 16 veterans with safe and stable housing – something they have all earned and deserve. As I said at our kickoff event in September, we have set our standards high, because in Manchester we don’t do that. shy away from a challenge and we do not shirk our responsibilities. Even one homeless military service member is too many. Now we can really say we are making progress and changing lives.”
The effort centers on coordination and communication, identifying landlords who will work with a veteran to house them, and then identifying the vouchers to pay for them.
Ruais said that when he started the initiative, there were 47 former military personnel experiencing homelessness in Manchester, many of whom were connected to veterans organizations and were in temporary housing units waiting for permanent housing. Others may work with a friend or family member or live on the city streets and in local shelters.
Several Manchester landlords have committed to being 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 work together 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 undertaking. Great momentum has been built in the first 80 days, but no single agency can do this doing it alone. It requires buy-in and partnership across the community. Together we succeed.”
Landlords and nonprofits interested in joining the mayor’s initiative to help house homeless veterans can email mayor@manchesternh.gov.
New chief sworn in
Manchester’s new Police Chief Peter Marr will be officially sworn in during a department promotion ceremony on Monday, January 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 during 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 seeking business partners to participate in the school’s 2025 Career Fair. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, the event will provide students with the opportunity to explore new career options.
Anyone interested in participating is asked to register before March 14 using the form available online at: https://bit.ly/3DbuHPd. Those with questions about the event can email centralguince@mansd.org for more information.
Paul Feely is the town hall reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. Reach him at pfeely@unionleader.com.
