City Council

CITY OF LACONIA CITY COUNCIL 7:00 . PM. 7/24/2017 Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Engler called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. RECORDING SECRETARY Deputy City Clerk Stacy Anders 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Ava Doyle led the Salute to the Flag. 4. ROLL CALL Deputy Clerk Anders called the roll with the following Councilors in attendance: Ava Doyle, Henry Lipman, Brenda Baer, Bob Hamel and Armand Bolduc. Absent: David Bownes T Mayor Engler noted that five (5) Councilors are in attendance and a quorum has been established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE AF City Manager Scott Myers, Finance Director Donna Woodaman 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS R 7.A. Minutes of the July 10, 2017 regular City Council meeting Minutes were distributed by the City Clerk on July 11, 2017 . No corrections or changes were received. With no further corrections or changes being made the minutes were accepted as distributed. D 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2017­14, Penny Pitou Blood Drive Motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2017­14, Penny Pitou Blood Driver as requested made by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Marc Burrell (68 Warren Street) addressed the Council regarding concerns of animal laws within the City, more specifically that the leash law does not require owners to be in control of there dogs when they are on there own property. M. Burrell has experienced attack by other dogs when he has been walking his dog on a leash. M. Burrell proposed a change to the City ordinances that would require an animal to be restrained when on the owners property either by a fence or a leashed mechanism. M. Burrell has spoken to the Animal Control Officer, Michelle King, and she is in support of changes, as well as City Manager Myers who feels this may not hold up if challenged. The specific circumstances by which the attacks occurred were discussed. It was also discussed that the mechanism of electrical fences is not sufficient to hold animals on private property. This item was discussed and the item was referred to the Government Operations & Ordinances Committee.  Motion to refer to the Government Operations & Ordinances Committee made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. It was requested that the Animal Control Officer attend the meeting scheduled and to have legal counsel opinion on the proposal. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. COMMUNICATIONS 12. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13. PRESENTATIONS 13.A. Informal presentation by Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region Daisy Pierce, Executive Director, and Officer Eric Adams presented the organizations mission and the work they have done in the community to assist in the recovery of over 200 people trying to maintain a sober life. The location in Downtown has been active since 2016 and offers one­on­one coaching and assistance to clients, coaching at the Belknap County Department of Corrections, as well as sending a coach to overdoses at Lakes Region General Hospital within 30 minutes of regaining consciousness. T Officer Adams added that the Navigating Recovery program has been beneficial to the Police Department and Fire Department, as well as the community. A fundraiser will be held on September 8, 2017, the Strengthening Community Walk of the Lakes Region, which will be a two (2) mile walk starting and ending at Bartlett Beach followed by music, food and vendors. AF At the request of COuncilor Lipman there was a discussion of the support system needed to maintain recovery after completing a program. D. Pierce explained that the organization offers a Smart Recovery, Creative Recovery, Yoga and Narcotics Anonymous meetings to assist in maintaining long term, stable recovery. There is also assistance with occupational services and other aspects of getting there life and health back on track. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. as well as on­call services 24 hours a day; the center is funded by a grant program. Since December there have been over 250 clients serviced and 50 clients seen on a regular basis. R The Downtown location has been very helpful to the recovery program. The building offers holistic approaches to recovery, health and wellness as well as anonymity because someone could be entering the building could be attending any of the programs offered by the neighboring offices. Officer Adams encouraged anyone that would like o see the facility to do so. D Councilor Hamel asked if there are any prescriptions issued at the facility. D. Pierce advised there are none issued from the facility but they can offer assistance when needed by referral. There was a discussion regarding the various types of drugs that are available and causing the most issues at this time. 14. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Engler reported on the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission appointment. With input from several Councilors, Mayor Engler has had a discussion with former­Mayor Matt Lahey in regards to serving on the committee. When discussing the other person that has come forward to serve, Chris Shumway of Rist­Frost Shumway Engineering, former­Mayor Lahey was very excited for his participation and endorsed this candidate. Mayor Engler requested the Council endorse the appointment of Chris Shumway. Councilor Lipman noted that Bob Selig has also come forward for the appointment. Councilor Baer brought up that former­Mayor Lahey has been the chair of every committee that has been formed and she feels he would be the better candidate. Mayor Engler advised that this project is taking a different direction than was originally anticipated and the need to a real estate developer because of this new direction. Mayor Engler advised the Council that once the Governor has signed the bill the Council will have 20 days to  make the appointment. Discussion followed regarding the desire of the City Council to speak to all individuals before making the appointment. A Special City Council Meeting will be scheduled by the City Manager before the next regular meeting to appoint a representative. 15. COMMITTEE REPORTS 15.A. FINANCE 15.A.i. Downtown TIF Financing 15.A.ii. WOW Trail Funding 15.A.iii. Conversion of street lights to LED 15.B. PUBLIC SAFETY 15.B.i. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 15.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES T 15.C.i. Review of Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161 Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers 15.C.ii. Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns AF 15.C.iii. Procedural review of grant applications 15.C.iv. Review of the Council Rules of Procedure 15.D. LANDS & BUILDINGS 15.D.i. Downtown parking garage R 15.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 15.D.iii. Former Lakeport Fire Station (23 Elm Street) D 16. LIAISON REPORTS 17. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS 18. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 18.A. Project Updates City Manager Myers reviewed the report. Discussion followed regarding the various vacant properties throughout the City as well as the ability of the property owners to maintain them, as well as the City to enforce the clean up of properties, as well as the fracking of wells at the Robbie Mills Complex, Riverwalk upgrades that have been approved in prior years, and curb repairs. City Manager Myers advised that Front Porch Award presentations will be ready for the Council to present by the end of the month. Discussion followed regarding the needs of the gateway properties to be maintained,the difficulties the City has had finding temporary/seasonal workers, and the possibility of changing the Property Maintenance Clerk position to full time for the next budget year. 19. NEW BUSINESS 19.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2017­13, City on the Lakes Tri­Festival Motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2017­13, City on the Lakes Tri­Festival, made by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. 19.B. Tentative agreement with the Laconia Public Works Department Employees, Local #534 AFSCME Council 93, AFL­CIO City Manager Myers advised that the increased cost of the contract would be $20,492 and he is in support of the request. Motion to approve the tentative agreement with the Laconia Public Works Department Employees, Local #534 AFSCME Council 93, AFL­CIO made by Councilor Lipman and seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. City Manager Myers reviewed the benefits and details of the contract. 19.C. First reading of resolution RES­2017­20 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $20,000 for MDT Equipment and to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting T Lieutenant Tom Swett was present to answer any questions the Council may have on this item as well as the next agenda item. This grant does have a 20% in­kind or cash match component which was included in the budget. AF Motion to waive reading of this resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. A first reading of Resolution 2017­20 moved by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. R Motion to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 during the regular City Council Meeting for Resolution 2017­20 made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. 19.D. First reading of resolution RES­2017­21 relative to authorizing the City Manager to D accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $2,700 for E­ticket Equipment and to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to waive reading of this resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. A first reading of Resolution 2017­21 moved by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 during the regular City Council Meeting for Resolution 2017­21 made by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. 19.E. Amendment to the Wage & Compensation Plan City Manager Myers reviewed the proposal which would remove the Payroll Personnel Assistant position from the SEA Union, which has been approved by the SEA Union, and adding it as a Grade 12H to the Wage and Compensation Plan. Additionally the removal of an Executive Secretary is being removed as a housekeeping item.  Motion to approve the amendment to the Wage and Compensation Plan as presented made by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. 19.F. Request to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 to declare City streets as Emergency Lanes Public Works Director Wesley Anderson was in attendance to answer any questions. City Manager Myers advised that this is the first step in the process to allow the City to maintain the streets and he does not anticipate any additional roads to be affected this year other than Pendleton Road. There are many additional roads that don't say whether they are public or private and this is being researched further. Additionally, after discussion with legal counsel it is very strongly recommended not to amend legislation because of the effect it would have on many statutes, and to continue with declarations of emergency lanes to protect the investment of tax payers as well as maintain the roads for safe travel by emergency vehicles. Discussion followed regarding the need to create a policy to determine the level of maintenance will be done on emergency lanes. Motion to schedule a public hearing on August 14, 2017 during the regular City Council Meeting to declare Cotton Hill Road, Dell Avenue, Eastman Shore Road North, Lucerne Avenue, McKinley Road, Regis Road and Wentworth Avenue as emergency lanes made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. T 19.G. Intermunicipal Agreement Governing the Joint Economic Activities between the City of Laconia and the Town of Gilford City Manager Myers reviewed the document as an informational tool. This is being brought to the Council AF because a water line extension has been requested on Waterford Place and with the age of the agreement, and additional questions being asked, the City Manager felt it was important to being the agreement to the Council. This was also brought to the Board of Water Commissioners as well. There was discussion about the impact of rate increases on the customers connecting under this agreement and it was determined they pay rate increases in conjunction with increases to City customers. It was also clarified that this agreement covers the Lakes Business Park as well. 19.H. Discussion regarding allowing Councilors to participate in meetings electronically as R permitted by RSA 91­A, III Councilor Doyle advised that in the process of amending the Council Rules of Procedure it was brought up that the Council has the option to allow participation in meetings electronically as permitted by RSA 91­A, III. To participate the Councilor would need to demonstrate a circumstance that would prevent them from being in attendance by answering a series of questions at the beginning of the meeting, a physical D quorum will still need to be present and roll call votes would need to be taken on all actions during that meeting. With no objections from the Council this item will be added to the amendments being proposed to the full Council. 19.I. Final fiscal year 2017 carry forwards Finance Director Donna Woodaman reviewed the carry forwards presented. Motion to approve the fiscal year 2017 carry forwards as presented made by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Doyle; the motion passed with all in favor. 20. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 20.A. Request to authorize the City Manager to sign documents related to Gilford Recycle Center and Access Road Mayor Engler briefly reviewed the process to date. Motion to take this item off the table made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor.  Motion to grant permission to remove the mound of sand on the City property of the Laconia Airport and allow the Town of Gilford to place boulders to mark the boundary lines along with pins and to authorize the City Manager to sign documents related to the Gilford Recycling Center and Access Road made by Councilor Doyle and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. 21. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 21.A. Joseph (Jay) Tivnan ­ application for reappointment to the Planning Board for a three­ year term expiring at the end of June, 2020 Motion to reappoint Joseph (Jay) Tivnan to the Planning Board for a three­year term expiring at the end of June, 2020 made by Councilor Hamel and seconded by Councilor Bolduc; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. Charlie St. Clair ­ seeking reappointment to a regular position on the Planning Board for a three­year term expiring at the end of June, 2020 Motion to reappoint Charlie St. Clair to a regular position on the Planning Board for a three­year term expiring at the end of June 2020 made by Councilor Bolduc and seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Doyle commented that special recognitions were given by the Governor and Executive Council last T week to several City residents, including the late Peter Karigianis, Hope Makris and Bob Lawton, for there contributions to the Weirs Beach community 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AF 23.A. Ordinance amendment relative to Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161, Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers 23.B. Second reading of a resolution relative to the adoption of RSA 31:95­b, Appropriation of funds made available during the year 23.C. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.D. Master Plan R 23.E. Sewer & Water Master Plan D 23.F. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co­op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.G. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.H. WOW Trail 23.I. Discussion regarding the City owned vendor spaces on the Boardwalk as it relates to renting to food vendors 24. NON­PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91­A:3, II) 25. ADJOURNMENT With no further business coming before the Council and with no objections Mayor Engler adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Mary Reynolds, City Clerk These minutes were accepted by the City Council at there meeting on August 14, 2017.