City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARING MINUTES Monday, June 5, 2017 - 6:00 PM City Hall - Conference Room 200A CALL TO ORDER Maor Engler called the meeting to order at the above date and time. SALUTE TO THE FLAG David Bownes led the Salute to the Flag. RECORDING SECRETARY City Clerk Mary Reynolds ATTENDANCE The following Councilors were in attendance: Ava Doyle, David Bownes, Henry Lipman, Brenda Baer, and Armand Bolduc Mayor Engler noted that five (5) Councilors are in attendance and a quorum is established. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE City Manager Scott Myers, Finance Director Donna Woodaman DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS (1) Request to approve a tentative agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA) Motion to remove this item from the table made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. Mayor Engler invited Mike Persson from the Laconia School Board to address the Council. M. Persson reviewed the process of the past two (2) weeks at the special meetings and by agreement with the Laconia Educators Association (LEA). Councilor Lipman reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and highlighted the areas of a reserve account being created from surplus sales of property, as well as a provision for a threshold in excess of $850,000 allowed by the Tax Cap to refer funds back to the stabilization account created. This agreement is a good faith understanding of both bodies and it is understood that a future Council or School Board could choose to make a change in the future. A followup question about adoption of the MOU was discussed. It was concluded that the School Board would discuss this at an upcoming meeting and approved and it is expected that the Council will do the same with the budget process. Councilor Bownes asked what is being done about the language in the contract  regarding the Tax Cap. M. Persson advised that this provision has been changed and that the LEA and School Board have approved the amended contract as of meetings held at 5:00 p.m. this evening. Motion to approve the amended tentative agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA) for a five (5) year term beginning with the fiscal year of 2017/2018 as agreed upon made by Councilor Bownes and seconded by Councilor Doyle; Councilor Baer commented that she does not approve of the contract because of the cost implications that cannot be determined as appropriate before the City budget has been approved. Councilor Lipman acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that the Council has the last word on the budget but the good faith efforts have been progressive and he feels this is a good compromise for all. Councilor Bolduc asked if the City Manager is comfortable with the proposal. City Manager Myers commented that he is. Mayor Engler called the question. The motion passed with a 4-1 vote (For: Doyle, Bownes, Lipman, Bolduc; Opposed: Baer) (2) Parks, Recreation & Facilities - Kevin Dunleavy, Director Director Kevin Dunleavy reviewed the proposed budgets with the Council. Discussion included the use of various City facilities, including beaches, increases to the Internal Service Fund costs, capital improvement requests for the Community Center heating system, Opechee Park fencing improvement, beach drainage improvements and basketball court resurfacing, the upgrades to the water system at the Robbie Mills Sports Complex and the terms of the lease with the Muskrats as it relates to the need for portable toileting facilities, the upgrades by Brox Industries to the lot adjacent to the Busy Corner pocket park as well as the upcoming development of the park, maintenance of various City buildings as well as the increased use of Bartlett Beach because of the WOW Trail construction. (3) Planning, Code, & Conservation Commission - Dean Trefethen, Director of Planning and Community Development Director Dean Trefethen reviewed the proposed budgets with the Council. Discussion included staffing of the Code Enforcement as it relates to the Property Maintenance Division and Code Enforcement, property maintenance concerns, the updates to the Master Plan with the assistance of the recently formed steering committee and the need for City Code updates upon its completion, as well as the updates that need to be done to streamline the Special Events process. City Manager Myers commended Director Trefethen for his leadership in the departments he managers. (4) Police Department - Chief Matt Canfield Chief Canfield was joined by Captain Al Graton to review the proposed budget and objectives of the department. Discussion included the combating of substance abuse within the City, contracted services needs to assist with the purchase of  body worn cameras for officers to record the interactions with the public, the use of the CopSync notification system with the School District, an increase in training needs for re-certification of officers, and statistical information for the department. (5) General Budget Discussion The Council held a general discussion regarding the items they feel need to be addressed in this budget process. These items include: Colonial Theater Efficiencies between the City and School District State School property outcome Land Use chapter of the Master Plan Long term parking/parking garage as it relates to the needs of additional businesses in Downtown Potential increases to the NH Retirement System coming for fiscal year 2020 Solid waste contract/recycling cost increase and the possibility of a Pay As You Throw program Ambulance contract with Lakes Region General Healthcare County, State and Federal budget concerns Forcast of the TIF district future growth Other topic of concern included the rebate for the LED lighting upgrade, Motorcycle Week staffing for the upcoming event (fiscal year 2017), creating an amenities list, attracting middle/upper middle class families, long term housing and long term school staffing. All of these items will be discussed and considered further with the budget process. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. on a motion by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Baer. Respectfully Submitted: Mary A Reynolds, City Clerk The minutes of this meeting were accepted by the City Council at there meeting on June 12, 2017.