City Council

LACONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 12, 2015 CITY HALL – CONFERENCE ROOM 200A 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Edward Engler called the meeting to order at the above date and time. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: Councilor David Bownes led the salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL: Acting City Clerk Allen called the roll with the following Councilors present: Councilor Doyle, Bownes, Lipman, Baer, Hamel, and Bolduc and Mayor Engler. Also, City Manager Myers and Finance Director Donna Woodaman. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 1. Regular meeting minutes of December 22, 2014 Councilor Bolduc moved to adopt the minutes from December 22, 2014. Seconded by Councilor Hamel. The motion passed unanimously. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS: NONE CONSENT AND ACTION CALENDAR: 1. Lakes Region Sled Dog Club Request to Waive Vendor Fees for 86 Annual Sled th Dog Races Motion made by Councilor Bolduc to approve the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club Request to Waive Vendor Fees for 86 Annual Sled Dog Races. Seconded by Councilor Hamel. The th motion passed unanimously. 2. Laconia Little League requesting to raise funds at Colby Field from March 1, 2015 through August 15, 2015, Monday through Friday, 3 pm to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 9 pm Motion made by Councilor Bolduc to approved the Laconia Little League request to raise funds at Colby Field from March 1, 2015 through August 15, 2015, Monday through Friday, 3 pm to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 9 pm. Seconded by Councilor Bownes. The motion passed unanimously.  3. Laconia Kiwanis requesting to raise funds at Rotary Park on August 30, 2015 from 8 am to 3 pm Motion made by Councilor Bolduc to approve Laconia Kiwanis request to raise funds at Rotary Park on August 30, 2015 from 8 am to 3 pm. Seconded by Councilor Lipman. The motion passed unanimously. 4. National Multiple Sclerosis Society requesting to raise funds at Opechee Park on May 9, 2015 from 7:30 am to 2 pm Motion made by Councilor Bolduc to approve National Multiple Sclerosis Society request to raise funds at Opechee Park on May 9, 2015 from 7:30 am to 2 pm. Seconded by Councilor Lipman. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Mayor Engler stated this is the when anyone present could offer comment on any item not on the agenda. There were no comments. INTERVIEWS: NONE COMMUNICATIONS: NONE PUBLIC HEARING: NONE PRESENTATIONS: NONE MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Engler extended his thanks to Councilor Bolduc for filling in at the last meeting. Updates: Last fall when Aavid had their 50th anniversary, they donated $10,000 and the President donated another $10,000 for the City to donate to worthy causes in the Lakes Region. The announcement of what charities the money will go to will be made by the next meeting. Governor Hassan made an acclamation and proclamation to the City about the origin of the name Laconia . Pat Tierney who serves on the Historical Society had done some research and his findings go back to King Charles of England. His theory was that the word Laconia was made up in an England court. The LAC root stands for lakes. At some point “Laconia” was where northern New England is. Belknap Mill update: There is an upcoming meeting of the Belknap Mill Society for members only. Since the public session with the City Council Mayor Engler has heard mis-information about the situation. He would like to correct the statements that the City will be the buyer of the Mill, that is not true. There have been meetings on the subject in private and alternatives discussed only. He noted that there are members of the Council that feel the City could purchase the Mill as a last resort only. There have been no votes of any kind to buy the Belknap Mill. Lastly, the comment that the two current tenants in the Mill pay less than fair rent is false. CITIZEN REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS: Mayor Engler stated this section of the agenda is for anyone in the public to comment on any item on the agenda at any point in the agenda, including under “New Business”. There were no comments. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. FINANCE: (Lipman, Hamel, Baer) a) WOW Trail Fund b) Downtown TIF Financing No report on any item in committee 2. PUBLIC SAFETY: (Baer, Doyle, Bownes) a) Fair St./Court St. traffic problems and accidents No report on any item in committee 3. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES: (Doyle, Bolduc, Bownes) a) Energy Committee b) Vending and Licensing Fees c) Chapter. 119, Building Construction regarding signed architectural plans for residential units d) Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns No report on any item in committee 4. PUBLIC WORKS: (Bolduc, Baer, Bownes) a) Review of Department of Public Works Road Cuts Policy and Manhole Construction/Paving Procedures No report on any item in committee 5. LAND & BUILDINGS: (Hamel, Lipman ,Bolduc) a) Repair & maintenance of City Buildings No report on any item in committee LIAISON REPORTS: Councilor Bownes told the Council that the Planning Board adopted the proposed early street approval. The regulation tracks the recommendation from Council. The exception is that it requires 20% build-out. There will be a public forum for the Weirs zoning issues at the February 6 Planning Board meeting for folks to discuss what changes will be appropriate per the Council request. Councilor Bownes added that a review of bonding was requested. He noted that a change to the subdivision regulations does not need Council approval, only Planning Board approval. Councilor Hamel would like a copy of the final regulations. MANAGER’S REPORT: 1. Project Updates Report 2. Financial and Operating Trends Report City Manager Myers noted the City is half way through the fiscal year and the net construction gain and building permit value are up from the past two years. The property tax collection is a little behind because of the late rate. Motor vehicle registration is strong. The boat tax is included and he noted that it’s not just for Laconia residents but state wide. There have not been a lot of big storms but many smaller ones and the City is a little over a third through budget. City Manager Myers noted the next agenda will have the recycling figures. 3. Monthly Economic Development Update Laconia is trending favorably with the unemployment report. The CPIU will be 1.7% for the tax cap calculation. The Planning Board will have a public forum on the Commercial Resort zone in February and the Planning staff is looking at other options for outreach as well. Chief Adams will be presenting at the next Council meeting. The City audit has been completed and the draft is being looked at and City Manager Myers hopes to update Council March 9. On July 1 a draft of the Weirs Beach Sand Migration study is being looked at. City Manager Myers is working with Mayor Engler on a schedule for budget discussions in late May or early June. Councilor Lipman added that he would like to have a top down view to get a sense of what is happening at the County or State level before the department heads present. Councilor Lipman asked what the health insurance changes will be and City Manager Myers said they are not to exceed 3.4 %. That could come down if claims stay on a positive trend. Councilor Lipman asked if the salaries will be ready and City Manager Myers said that will be known soon. The retirement system rates change every two years and this year that will change on July 1. There are different rates for each group but the increase is under 5%. Teachers will be hit harder at 11%. The employee share will not change. Group 2, the sworn police and fire employees, are not eligible for Social Security. Councilor Hamel asked to keep in touch with the County as to where the reserve fund is going. Every year taxes are offset for communities and he fears that will be passed on to communities. Frank Tilton met with City Manager Myers recently to discuss that. He noted the bills are just starting to be looked at. He could schedule a meeting in February for representatives to come in and discuss if the Council would like. City Manager Myers said the budget is typically adopted in March. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Introduction of a proposed Resolution amending paragraph XV of the Lakeport TIF Plan regarding Board members and a request to schedule a public hearing on January 26, 2015 during the regular Council meeting Mayor Engler said last year the makeup of the Downtown TIF Advisory Board was changed, and these Resolutions will bring both the Weirs and Lakeport TIF Boards in line with those changes. The boards will be populated by appointees beginning July 1st. Councilor Bolduc asked how many members are needed and was told 5 members and two staff ex-officio. Councilor Hamel asked if the TIF balances could be added to the Financial and Operating Trends Report. Mayor Engler noted this would be the first reading of these Resolutions and a second reading would be scheduled with the public hearing at the next meeting. Motion made by Councilor Baer to approve the first reading of the proposed Resolution amending paragraph XV of the Lakeport TIF Plan and schedule the public hearing for January 26, 2015. Seconded by Councilor Bolduc. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Introduction of a proposed Resolution amending paragraph XV of the Weirs TIF Plan regarding Board members and a request to schedule a public hearing on January 26, 2015 during the regular Council meeting Motion made by Councilor Doyle to approve the first reading of the proposed Resolution amending paragraph XV of the Weirs TIF Plan and schedule the public hearing for January 26, 2015. Seconded by Councilor Bolduc. The motion passed unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Milfoil Treatment Funding Request 2. WOW Trail 3. Master Plan 4. EPA Update 5. Sewer & Water Master Plan 6. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-Op/Solid Waste Disposal Cost Reduction 7. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS: NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilor Hamel noted there will be a meeting for the Fire Station improvements Friday at 4pm at the Fire station. City Manager Myers noted there will be a meeting every third Friday of the month. Councilor Bolduc commented that both Lakeport and Weirs are looking for members for the TIF boards. More information will be provided soon. Mayor Engler would like a map of the districts included in the newsletter. NON - PUBLIC SESSION: According to RSA 91-A:3, II: (a) The dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee, or the investigation of any charges against him, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. (b) The hiring of any person as a public employee. (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body or agency itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community. (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency or any subdivision thereof, or against any member thereof because of his membership in such body or agency, until the claim or litigation has been fully adjudicated or otherwise settled. (i) Consideration of matters relating to the preparation for and the carrying out of emergency functions including training to carry out such functions, developed by local or state safety officials that are directly intended to thwart a deliberate act that is intended to result in widespread or severe damage to property or widespread injury or loss of life. ADJOURNMENT: Councilor Bolduc moved to adjourn at 7:56 pm. Seconded by Councilor Bownes. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Kalena Graham Acting Recording Secretary