Community Power Passes, and other News
- Jim4Concord
- Mar 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Save the Date: Ward 7 Community Meeting, April 2, 2024 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the West Street Ward House, 41 West St, Concord, NH 03301. Open meeting hosted by Jim Schlosser, Ward 7 City Councilor and Cara Meeker, Concord School Board Member.
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City Council meeting this week (March 11) passed the Community Power resolution. This will allow Concord to join the Community Power Coalition of NH with prospects to offer city residents cheaper electricity and greater access to sustainably generated electricity. This is a big step in our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030–a seeming Win-WIn for all of us. It will take until (approximately) September to get all the paperwork and approvals completed. An important message from the councilors is that we must do a meticulous job informing residents about the options and the impacts of various choices that are available (e.g. cost options, net metering, etc.). Here are some relevant references if you want to learn more (Community Power references). There will be a lot more coming your way as this unfolds.
The Council also approved funding this week for new PFAS-free gear for our firefighters. PFAS are “forever chemicals” that are protective when used in gear, but…cause cancer. We heard powerful advice from Fire Chief Chisholm and the union head, Justin Kantar. There was also a very poignant testimony from a retired firefighter with cancer. For me, supporting the health of those who protect us was a no-brainer.
A separate piece of advice from the Concord Fire Department is to have an updated File of Life for first responders who might come to an emergency at your home.
FILE OF LIFE
 | A medical emergency can strike at any time. By completing the File of Life medical information sheet, and ensuring it is kept up to date, it provides paramedics with important information about the person in need of emergency medical care. Every second counts during an emergency. Click here to help us help you! Print the completed form and put it on the front of your refrigerator. |
A reminder was recently posted on NextDoor to apply for a property tax credit or exemption if you think you might qualify. I sit on the Tax Exemption Policy Committee and some of the income limits have changed. Applications are due April 15th. Go to City Assessing for more info. |  |
Thanks to everyone who offered one of the more than 20 suggestions in the Ward 7 Complete Streets Needs List. Complete Streets is “an approach to planning, designing and building streets that enables safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.” More info HERE. Thanks for your input. Craig Tufts and Ian McGregor, both Ward 7 residents, serve on the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. My understanding is that specific bike, road and sidewalk projects for the coming year will be presented to Council for a vote during the spring budget process.
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I have received resident concerns about the growing impact of homelessness persons on resident safety perceptions and business impacts. I have met with more than 30 agencies and individuals as preparatory work to the first meeting of the Committee for Concord’s Plan to End Homelessness on March 19th. I’m hearing sincere concerns from various quarters, but also a tremendous amount of goodwill and a willingness to pitch in and help. There is a growing sense of urgency. We need a structured plan that both addresses the small coterie of bad actors and the large set of persons who just plain need services or housing. As I’m sure you are well aware, the issue is complex. Here is a short piece I wrote for my church a couple weeks back that captures much of my sentiment. I welcome your comments and advice.
Jim Schlosser
Ward 7 City Councilor Elect
Concord, NH
781-879-2089
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