Committee Summary for House Public Works and Highways (01/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:03:58.720 - 9:02:50 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Representative David Mills Information Only00:03:58.720 - 9:02:50 AM; Representative David Mills welcomed everyone to the first orientation meeting of the Public Works and Highways Committee. He mentioned that this is his seventh term on the committee and set the expectation for a loose orientation meeting, aiming to finish by 11:00 AM without any heavy lifting. He noted that the committee has four bills to address in a week or two, but only three are printed out. He also mentioned that the committee will have to share the room with Health and Human Services and will need to vacate the building in six months, anticipating chaos. He planned for the committee to introduce themselves and share their backgrounds.
Unclear: Representative Newman Information Only00:06:36.160 - 9:05:28 AM; Representative Newman introduced himself, expressing happiness about a new colleague joining the committee. He has been on the committee since his election to the state house in 2016 and lives in Nashua since 1981. He has experience on the Nashua school board, at the polls, and with various school volunteer programs.
Unclear: Representative Holie Information Only00:07:33.039 - 9:06:25 AM; Representative Holie, serving his fourth term on the committee, shared his background. He is a disabled veteran who served as an intelligence analyst in the Air Force. He also owned a construction company, designing and building over 100 commercial and industrial buildings, some roads, and operated a business with five stores for 30 years.
Unclear: Representative Ellen Rockmore Information Only00:08:27.919 - 9:07:19 AM; Representative Ellen Rockmore from Hanover introduced herself. She teaches expository writing at Dartmouth College and has experience with budgets from her roles on various nonprofit organization boards.
Unclear: Representative Richard Brown Information Only00:09:38.160 - 9:08:30 AM; Representative Richard Brown introduced himself as representing Carroll County District 8, previously in District 3. He is a retired civil engineer who worked at Seabrook Station and was a corporate engineering manager for United Parcel Service, handling project management and environmental engineering worldwide.
Unclear: Representative Mike Edgar Information Only00:10:23.320 - 9:09:15 AM; Representative Mike Edgar from Hampton introduced himself as a retired Navy captain and professional engineer. He mentioned his fight to get on the committee and his appreciation for the committee's collaborative work, especially on the capital budget and the 10-year Highway plan.
Unclear: Representative John Cluder, Claremont Information Only00:11:06.600 - 9:09:58 AM; Representative John Cluder, in his 17th term and a long-standing member of the Public Works and Highways Committee, expressed his appreciation for the committee. He noted that after a brief stint on another committee, he values the work done in Public Works and Highways, emphasizing its bipartisan nature and the ability to accomplish meaningful projects.
Unclear: Representative Bill Boyd, Hillsboro Information Only00:11:54.920 - 9:10:46 AM; Representative Bill Boyd, from Hillsboro, introduced himself as the committee's clerk. He shared his extensive local service background, including roles on the planning board, town council, school budget committee, and in economic development. Boyd mentioned his special election and his father's influence in encouraging him to join Public Works and Highways due to his involvement in public works projects. He praised the committee's collaborative and collegial atmosphere.
Unclear: Representative Melvin, Vice Chairman Information Only00:13:12.360 - 9:12:04 AM; Representative Melvin, serving his fourth term and second on the committee, introduced himself as the Vice Chairman. He highlighted his extensive experience on his town's planning board, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), and as a member of the Board of Selectmen, expressing his happiness to be part of the Public Works and Highways Committee.
Unclear: Representative Steven Bogert, Belknap County District 5 Information Only00:14:12.519 - 9:13:04 AM; Representative Steven Bogert, in his second term as a state representative and on the Public Works Committee, shared his background in manufacturing operations with Motorola and his experience in zoning and planning. He also mentioned his role as a city counselor in Laconia and his involvement in various nonprofit boards, noting the modest income from his state representative position.
Unclear: Representative Jack Information Only00:15:03.600 - 9:13:55 AM; Representative Jack, starting his seventh term on the committee, mentioned his engineering background in computers and his previous roles within the committee, including serving as Clerk. He expressed his eagerness to continue serving on the committee.
Unclear: Representative Ralph B, Hillsborough District 38 Information Only00:15:55.880 - 9:14:47 AM; Representative Ralph B, representing Hudson and Litchfield in his ninth term, discussed his varied experiences in election law and education committees, as well as his background as a retired software engineer, selectman, budget committee member, school board member, and his current role on the regional planning commission.
Unclear: Representative Lou Jurus, Nashua Ward 7 Information Only00:16:43.720 - 9:15:35 AM; Representative Lou Jurus, in his second term on the committee, introduced his background in electrical engineering and his work on FEMA projects and at the MBTA in Boston. He detailed his contributions to infrastructure projects, including the implementation of the Charlie Card system and work on the Big Dig project. Additionally, he mentioned his roles as a landlord and his involvement in election work.
Unclear: Representative Tom Kazinski, Rochester District 5 Information Only00:17:30.360 - 9:16:22 AM; Representative Tom Kazinski, in his fifth term and third on the committee, introduced his involvement in the poultry business and his contributions to local governance, including the tax cap and zoning changes in Rochester. He emphasized his commitment to public service and community development.
Unclear: Representative Barry Fauler, Swanzey and Richmond Information Only00:18:22.080 - 9:17:14 AM; Representative Barry Fauler, representing Swanzey and Richmond in his fifth term, shared his background as a semi-retired land use attorney and his extensive experience in transportation planning. He also mentioned his previous roles on various boards and his involvement in election processes, emphasizing the importance of communication within the committee regarding absences and contact information.
Unclear: Representative Newman Information Only00:23:33.799 - 9:22:25 AM; Representative Newman shared his observations from a trip to South Florida and Asheville, North Carolina, where he witnessed the aftermath of natural disasters and ongoing infrastructure rebuilding efforts. He highlighted the importance of the committee's work in maintaining and improving the state's infrastructure.
Unclear: David Rodrig, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer for the Department of Transportation Information Only00:25:07.360 - 9:23:59 AM; David Rodrig introduced himself as the Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer for the Department of Transportation, noting that Commissioner Cass had a scheduling conflict but would join soon. He was accompanied by Steve Leonti, who recently took over Kathy M. Hampson's role and has 10 years of experience with the Attorney General's office in the transportation and construction bureau, and seven years at the department as the administrator of the Bureau of Right of Way. David emphasized the Department's commitment to working collaboratively with the committee, highlighting their role as champions in the legislature. He presented an overview of the Department of Transportation's organizational structure, including the roles of the three Commissioners, five directors, and various bureaus and offices. He discussed the department's mission of transportation excellence, its support for economic development, and the maintenance of an efficient transportation system including roads, bridges, rail lines, bus services, and airports. Key facts included the department's size, staffing, vacancies, and the condition of state and municipal bridges. He also detailed the department's funding sources, expenditures, and the challenges they face, such as inflation, construction cost escalation, workforce shortages, and the difficulty in attracting winter maintenance contractors. Lastly, he touched on the 10-year plan process and the role of the New Hampshire Transportation Council.
Unclear: Steve Leonti, Department of Transportation Information Only00:25:56.000 - 9:24:48 AM; Steve Leonti introduced himself as the new replacement for Kathy M. Hampson and confirmed his continued participation in the Capital Overview Committee. He briefly mentioned his background, including 10 years with the Attorney General's office in the transportation and construction bureau and seven years at the department as the administrator of the Bureau of Right of Way.
Unclear: Shelley Winters, Director of the Division of Aeronautics, Rail, and Transit Information Only00:26:47.200 - 9:25:39 AM; Shelley Winters introduced herself as the Director of the Division of Aeronautics, Rail, and Transit, having been with the department for over 24 years and in her current role for about two years.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:27:33.840 - 9:26:25 AM; The representative complimented the legislative liaison, Mr. Lebon, for his responsiveness and availability to legislators, constituents, and others seeking assistance. They acknowledged the challenge of filling the shoes left by Kathy M. Hampson but expressed confidence in Mr. Lebon's capabilities.
Unclear: Representative Bone Information Only00:49:21.240 - 9:48:13 AM; Representative Bone inquired about the challenges in securing plow operators, noting a similar issue in their town. David Rodrig responded, attributing the problem to the need for a living wage as the cost of everything has increased, and these are often lower-paid positions facing competition.
Unclear: Representative Jack Information Only00:49:59.480 - 9:48:51 AM; Representative Jack highlighted the work of the road toll commission, which is tasked with developing a long-term plan to address funding challenges. They mentioned that the next meeting of the commission was scheduled for a week from the current date.
Unclear: Representative Jurus Information Only00:50:35.520 - 9:49:27 AM; Representative Jurus asked about incentives offered by the Department of Transportation for winter maintenance contracts. David Rodrig explained that the department offers a $5,000 bonus to incentivize CDL license holders from other state agencies to work with them during winter, and they have about 140 to 145 winter volunteers to cover the 198 vacancies. For rented equipment, they have increased hourly rates in the past and offer a 10-hour minimum payment every two weeks during the winter season to ensure contractors can prepare their equipment.
Unclear: Unnamed Chair Information Only00:53:33.520 - 9:52:25 AM; The chair discussed scheduling future meetings, indicating a preference for Tuesdays and possibly Thursdays once the capital budget discussions begin. They mentioned avoiding Wednesdays due to commitments to HHS and noted that the next Tuesday was off the calendar due to a road toll commission meeting. The chair also announced a brief Democratic caucus meeting in the members' lounge.
Unclear: Representative Bogur Information Only00:55:14.760 - 9:54:06 AM; Representative Bogur sought clarification on whether the committee would meet on Thursdays, as they have sessions scheduled on those days. The chair confirmed that Thursdays would be used when necessary for the capital budget.

Milz, David(Chairman)(R)[B-]2024	Boyd, Bill(Clerk)(R)[B]2024	Melvin, Charles(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
Cloutier, John(D)[CT]2024	Boehm, Ralph(R)[B+]2024	Jack, Martin(D)[F]2024
Kaczynski, Thomas(R)[A]2024	Newman, Sue(D)[CT]2024	Edgar, Michael(D)[CT]2024
Faulkner, Barry(D)[CT]2024	Fedolfi, Jim(R)[B]2024	Brown, Richard(R)[A]2024
Bogert, Steven(R)[B+]2024	Juris, Louis(D)[CT]2024	Suiter, John(R)
Vallone, Mark(D)[F]2024	Rockmore, Ellen(D)	Louis, Darrell(R)