City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL Monday, July 10, 2017 - 7:00 PM City Hall - Conference Room 200A CALL TO ORDER Mayor Engler called the meeting to order at the above date and time. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Armand Bolduc led the Salute to the Flag. RECORDING SECRETARY City Clerk Mary Reynolds ROLL CALL City Clerk Reynolds called the roll with the following Councilors in attendance: Ava Doyle, David Bownes, Henry Lipman, Brenda Baer, and Armand Bolduc. Absent this evening: Bob Hamel Mayor Engler stated that all five (5) Councilors are in attendance and quorum is established. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE City Manager Scott Myers, Finance Director Donna Woodaman COUNCIL PROCLAMATION ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS (1) Special Meeting/Budget Hearing minutes of June 19, 2017 Minutes of this meeting were distributed to the City Council on Friday, June 30, 2017. No corrections or changes were received. With no other corrections or changes the minutes were accepted as distributed. (2) Budget Hearing & Regular Meeting minutes of June 26, 2017 Minutes of these meetings were distributed to the City Council on Friday, June 30, 2017. No corrections or changes have been received. With no other corrections or changes the minutes were accepted as distributed. CONSENT AND ACTION CALENDAR (1) Street Performer Request - William LeClair On June 24, 2013 the City Council approved the request of William LeClair to perform music on the Boardwalk. Mr. LeClair has submitted a request to do the same this year. As he did in 2013, he plans to use a small amplifier and a small tent or covering for shade from the sun. If approved, he will submit applications to the  Licensing Department for a Loudspeaker Permit and an Entertainment License. Motion to approve the request contingent on obtaining the appropriate licenses and permits made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA INTERVIEWS (1) Joseph (Jay) Tivnan - application for reappointment to the Planning Board for a three- year term expiring at the end of June, 2020 J. Tivnan was interviewed and thanked for his service. (2) Charlie St. Clair - seeking reappointment to a regular position on the Planning Board for a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2020 C. St. Clair was interviewed and thanked for his service. COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC HEARING (1) Resolution 2017-17 relative to authorizing the City Manager to establish a Non-Capital Reserve Account for the Laconia School District to be titled “The Laconia School District Education Stabilization Reserve Account” Notice of this public hearing was made in the Wednesday, June 28, 2017 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, at City Hall, the Gale Memorial Library, the Laconia Community Center and the offices of the Laconia School District. Mayor Engler opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. With no members of the public wishing to speak the public hearing was closed at 7:09 p.m. (2) Resolution 2017-18 relative to amending the Tax Exemptions for the elderly Notice of this public hearing was made in the Wednesday, June 28, 2017 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, at City Hall, the Gale Memorial Library, the Laconia Community Center and the offices of the Laconia School District. Mayor Engler opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. With no members of the public wishing to speak the public hearing was closed at 7:11 p.m. (3) Resolution 2017-19 relative to adoption of the All Veterans' Property Tax Credit and establishing the amounts for the credit Notice of this public hearing was made in the Wednesday, June 28, 2017 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, at City Hall, the Gale Memorial Library, the Laconia Community Center and the offices of the Laconia School District. Mayor Engler opened the public hear at 7:13 p.m. With no members of the public wishing to speak the public hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m. PRESENTATIONS MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Engler discussed the appointment of the City member to the State commission to study the economic potential of the former Laconia State School property on North Main Street. The bill will become effective as soon as the Governor signs it with appointments being required within 20 days of passage. Senator Morse has requested recommendations for appointees from the area. It is the intention to make the appointment at the next meeting on July 24, 2017; at this time the Mayor has received a recommendation from one (1) Councilor and two (2) from members of the public. The member from the City does not need to be a real estate or economic development professional but it should be considered that the other members will be from this background. A report was given on the Laconia Airport Authority as the Chair. Significant progress has been made among the Authority and it has never been in a more stable financial position. Mayor Engler reviewed the end of year financial information for the Authority including the Capital Improvement Projects in process. COMMITTEE REPORTS *Not all items in this section may be acted on. Reports and updates will be made when necessary. (1) FINANCE Motion to remove items d and e from this committee agenda made by Councilor Lipman and seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. (a) Downtown TIF Financing (b) WOW Trail Funding (c) Conversion of street lights to LED (d) HB 430 - Expansion of the Veterans' Tax Credit (e) Tax credits and exemptions that may be available (2) PUBLIC SAFETY (a) Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents (3) GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS and ORDINANCES (a) Review of Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161, Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers (b) Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns (c) Procedural review of grant applications  (d) Review of the Council Rules of Procedure Councilor Doyle reported on the meeting held this evening at 6:00 p.m. Another meeting will be needed after additional modifications are made. Motion to schedule a meeting on this item for August 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. (4) LANDS and BUILDINGS (a) Downtown parking garage (b) Repair & maintenance of City Buildings (c) Former Lakeport Fire Station (23 Elm Street) LIASON REPORT CITIZEN REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Peter Karagianis (owner of Happy Jacks and 65/71 Church Street) addressed the agenda item to adjust to the parking in front of his business and building. P. Karagianis is very happy to have the Karma Cafe but the parking has become an issue with long term parking in the front of his business. P. Karagianis also requested that the spaces be painted to designate the spaces are 15 minute rather than having posted signs. The hours for operation of the businesses was discussed. MANAGER'S REPORT (1) Financial and Operational Trends Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. (2) Monthly Economic Development Report Update City Manager Myers reviewed the report. (3) Other Items City Manager Myers reviewed the final Motorcycle Week financial information as well as the trending as requested by Councilor Bownes. The concern raised about the food vendors on City owned vendor spaces will be brought back to the Council at the August 28, 2017 meeting contingent on the availability of the aggrieved party. It was requested that proactive outreach be made to the businesses in the immediate area to gather input. City Manager updated the Council on the progress of the parking kiosks in the Weirs. The reports show that more people are using electronic payments and the revenue is coming in favorably. The City has a new website that has gone live today with a new domain of www.laconianh.gov. There has been a transition of content and most information  has been updated and will continue to do so during the transition time. The new site has the option to allow residents to opt in for notifications on various activities throughout the City. NEW BUSINESS (1) Recommendation to change the parking restrictions at 65/71 Church Street (Laconia Spa & Happy Jack's) Peter Karagianis, the owner of Happy Jack’s and the owner of the building at 65/71 Church Street has requested that the three (3) public parking spaces in the right of way in front of his building be changed from one hour parking to 15 minute parking. Since the opening of the Karma Café, vehicles have been parked in the three (3) spaces for an hour or more impacting Happy Jack’s and Laconia’s Spa business. In addition to the parking spaces in the Karma Café’s lot and the three spaces in front of the building, there are 16 public parking spaces on the Church Street Bridge or in close proximity to the bridge. The Council agreed with the recommendation and feel the Public Works Director and property owner can determine the marking of the limit. Motion to change the parking limits for three (3) parking spaces located in front of the buildings numbered 65 through 71, on the odd numbered side of the street, from one (1) hour to 15 minutes made by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. (2) Request to reduce the speed limit on Hilliard Road from Endicott Street to the Dead End The Department has received a request from a resident to reduce the speed limit on Hilliard Road from 35 MPH to 25 MPH. The speed limit on Hilliard Road from Endicott Street to the dead end is presently 35 MPH. The road profile and its curves limit sight distance along this road. Information on sight distance and accident history follows: · Hilliard Road varies from 20 feet to 24 feet wide where it is paved. The road changes from asphalt to a gravel surface as it approaches its western end. · There have been no traffic accidents on Hilliard road in the past 5 years. · The stopping sight distance criteria for 25 mph is 155 feet. · The stopping sight distance criteria for 35 mph is 250 feet · The hills and rural nature of the road restrict sight distance to less than 250 feet in several areas along the road. · Large trucks use this road to make deliveries. · The road does not have sidewalks and has limited to no shoulders. Thus any pedestrians will have to walk in the travel way at times. The Council agrees with the recommendation and feels it is in the best interest of the public.  Motion to the lower the speed limit on Hilliard Road from 35 to 25 mph from its intersection at Endicott Street North to the dead end at its west end made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed unanimously. (3) Repurpose request for Kiosks at Lakeside Avenue Finance Director Woodaman reviewed this request to repurpose $65,880 from the accounts listed below to the parking kiosks at Lakeside Avenue as follows: 56-302-001- $ From: Main St Bridge 0001 41,880 53-301-001- LED Lighting $ 0001 Bond 24,000 To: 01-497-500- Parking Kiosks $ 0060 65,880 The overall cost of the kiosks and the funding sources was discussed. Move to transfer $41,880 from account 56-302-001-0001, Main St Bridge, and $24,000 from account 53-301-001-0001, LED Lighting Bond, for a total transfer of $65,880 to account 01-497-500-0060, Parking Kiosks made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (1) Second reading of Resolution RES-2017-17 relative to establishing a non-capital reserve account for the Laconia School District to be titled the Laconia School District Education Stabilization Reserve Account A second reading of Resolution 2017-17 relative to authorizing the City Manager to establish a non-capital reserve account for the Laconia School District to be titled the Laconia School District Education Stabilization Reserve Account as presented was moved by Councilor Lipman and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed 4-1 (For: Doyle, Bownes, Lipman, Bolduc; Opposed: Baer). (2) Second Reading of Resolution RES-2017-18 relative to Tax Exemptions for the Elderly and to schedule a public hearing on July 10, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting A second reading of Resolution 2017-18 relative to tax exemptions for the elderly as presented was moved by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. (3) Second Reading of Resolution RES-2017-19 relative to adoption of the All Veterans' Property Tax Credit and establishing the amounts for implementation A second reading of Resolution 2017-19 relative to adoption of the All Veterans'  Property Tax Credit and establishing the amounts for implementation as presented was moved by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. (4) Second Reading of the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolutions A second reading of resolution RES-2017-08 relative to making itemized appropriations for the General Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 with total appropriations of $67,075,381, less total revenue of $28,148,341, with a balance to be raised by taxes of $38,927,040 moved by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc. Motion to substitute this resolution in the whole to reflect total appropriations of $67,506,431, less total revenue of $28,587,341, with a balance to be raised by taxes of $38,919,090 made by Councilor Bownes and seconded by Councilor Lipman; Councilor Lipman noted that the total to be raised by taxes has decreased; City Manager Myers reviewed the information presented to the Council with a prepared outline. Mayor Engler called the question on the motion to substitute in the whole; the motion passed with all in favor. Mayor Engler requested any other amendments to Resolution RES-2017-18 to be brought forward. With no further amendments, Mayor Engler called the question restating the before mentioned figures on the amended General Fund resolution; the motion with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-09 relative to making itemized appropriations for Anticipated Grants for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 in the amount of $1,386,901 moved by Councilor Baer and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. A first reading of resolution RES-2017-10 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Water Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 with total appropriations of $2,081,065, less total revenue of $2,081,065 and Capital Reserve Projects of $590,400 moved by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-11 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Tax Increment Finance District - Lakeport for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 in the amount of $4,649 moved by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-12 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Tax Increment Finance District - Downtown for the fiscal  year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 in the amount of $194,600 moved by Councilor Baer and seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-13 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Sewer Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 with total appropriations if $3,721,116, less total revenue of $3,721,116 and Capital Outlay of $1,396,500 moved by Councilor Baer and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-14 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Internal Services Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 on the amount of $1,119,934 moved by Councilor Baer and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-15 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Special Revenue Fund - Motorcycle Week for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 in the amount of $179,749 moved by Councilor Bownes and seconded by Councilor Doyle. Motion to substitute this resolution in the whole to reflect total appropriations of $150,000 less total revenue of $150,000 made by Councilor Baer and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. Mayor Engler requested any other amendments to Resolution RES-2017-115 to be brought forward. With no further amendments, Mayor Engler called the question on the amended Special Revenue Fund - Motorcycle Week resolution; the motion passed with all in favor. A second reading of resolution RES-2017-16 relative to making itemized appropriations for the Tax Increment Finance District - Weirs for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and terminating June 30, 2018 in the amount of $54,929 moved by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. (5) Request to authorize the City Manager to sign documents related to Gilford Recycle Center and Access Road Mayor Engler reported that Public Works has determined they will not be using the sand but the boundary line determination has not been outlined. Communication has been made with the Town of Gilford and information is forthcoming. It was clarified that the sand has no value. Motion to remove from the table by made by Councilor Bownes and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to table indefinitely made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Lipman recognized US Army Brigadier General Donald Bolduc, son of Councilor Bolduc, on his retirement from military service as well as for his many accomplishments throughout his prestigious career. 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. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (1) Ordinance amendment relative to Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161, Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers (tabled at the meeting of 9/28/15) (2) Second reading of a resolution relative to the adoption of RSA 31:95-b, Appropriation of funds made available during the year (tabled at the meeting of 11/23/15 pending the outcome of legal matters) (3) Master Plan (4) Milfoil Treatment Funding Request (5) Sewer & Water Master Plan (6) Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste Disposal Cost Reduction (7) Strategic Planning/Goal Setting  (8) WOW Trail (9) Discussion regarding the City owned vendor spaces on the Boardwalk as it relates to renting to food vendors ADJOURNMENT A brief non-meeting will be held immediately following this meeting. With no other business and without objections Mayor Engler adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Mary Reynolds, City Clerk These minutes were accepted by the City Council at there meeting on July 24, 2017.