City Council

CITY OF LACONIA – CITY COUNCIL Wednesday, August 02, 2017 CITY HALL – CONFERENCE ROOM 200A 4:00 P.M. Call to Order Mayor 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 Roll Call City Clerk Reynolds called the roll with the following Councilors were in attendance: Ava Doyle, David Bownes, Henry Lipman, Brenda Baer, and Armand Bolduc. Bob Hamel was not in attendance. Mayor Engler noted that all five (5) Councilors are in attendance and a quorum is established. City Council Appointment to the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission Mayor Engler commented that the Council had expressed interest in having Former Mayor Matt Lahey serve but there was some discussion with Former Mayor Lahey that he feels the Council should take another direction. Mayor Engler requested that Former Mayor Lahey address the Council. Former Mayor Lahey reviewed the process for this property to this time with the prior focus being to have the City be the owner of the property at the end of the process, not only for the benefit of the City but to protect the property from a potentially negative use. Since that time there have been activities within the City and State that has taken them in a different direction that would be economically beneficial for both parties. The model vision would be similar to that of the Pease Trade Port. Former Mayor Lahey feels that this would be a development committee with other members being appointed having the experience with this type of project. When Mayor Engler approached Former Mayor Lahey to discuss he shared that Chris Shumway has come forward with interest, and at that time it was not known that Bob Selig also has an interest. In the opinion of Former Mayor Lahey, it would be a good use of the talent that Chris Shumway has as an engineer because it will be very useful to the commission. Additionally, Former Mayor Lahey advised that he is willing to assist the individual that is appointed in any manner possible. Councilor Bownes discussed the previous offer of the City to purchase the property and this was discussed with Former Mayor Lahey. Mayor Engler advised that there were three (3) parties that stepped forward and one (1) has withdrawn themselves, which leaves Chris Shumway and Bob Selig, both being distinguished and respected members of the community. Mayor Engler suggested the procedure that would be followed for any other appointment, including allowing each of the gentleman an opportunity to address the Council, and at the conclusion a motion would be in order to appoint one (1) of the gentleman to the position. It was discussed that the Council Rules will need to be suspended. Bob Selig was invited to address the Council. B. Selig feels that marketing will be significant for this project. The problems with the property are known therefore the need for additional technical research may not be needed, but to rather look at the various possibilities for use of the property. B. Selig feels the challenge is going to be finding a use that will benefit the State and the City equally. Councilor Baer noted that the other members of the commission are realtors and developers, therefore they can be marketers as well. It was clarified that real estate developers would be members of the commission, not necessarily realtors. Councilor Hamel submitted questions in his absence including the means of communication with the Council and how the Robbie Mills Complex will be considered in this process. B. Selig replied that he will communicate with the City Council in an effective manner of their choosing, either verbally or in writing. As far as the value of the property surrounding the Robbie Mills Complex, B. Selig noted that there are many segments of property that are of value, including the Ahern State Park. Councilor Doyle asked if B. Selig would be willing to offer assistance even if he is not chosen. B. Selig replied that he would. Councilor Lipman asked if the legislation has been reviewed. B. Selig replied that he has not but he has read many pieces throughout his time. Councilor Lipman reviewed the legislation in brief, including the potion outlining the distinct need to handle Ahern State Park as a separate parcel and the need for public/private partnerships on the property. B. Selig stated that he feels the use of the waterfront could be utilized, particularly on the portion abutting Lake Opechee. B. Selig feels the public/private partnerships are valuable and can be beneficial to all. Councilor Lipman added that a charge of the legislation is to seek funding through various means, including grants and fundraising, and asked what B. Selig feels he can offer in this area. B. Selig feels he has a sensible head and the ability to ask questions to achieve a goal. Councilor Lipman asked if B. Selig felt he could be helpful with the infrastructure as well as the marketing. B. Selig advised that he was key in turning around the Laconia Shoe Company and made it the largest employer in the City until it was sold to a private company on the New York Stock Exchange. Councilor Bownes stated that he assumes B. Selig would be an advocate of public/ private partnerships. B. Selig replied that he would be an advocate for financing this project in the manner which is best suited, and that includes public/private partnerships. Chris Shumway was invited to address the Council. C. Shumway is a mechanical engineer by trade and reviewed some projects that he has worked on in the real estate development area. These projects included redevelopment in many states of varying levels but did include larger government projects that utilized federal grants and revenue sources. In additional to his own knowledge, C. Shumway has the access to many other professional within his firm that would be beneficial to discuss project needs with that could be invaluable to the commission. Having reviewed the legislation, C. Shumway is familiar with the drive of the commission and he feels that he has the real estate development knowledge to be a larger benefit to the commission. It was discussed that the other individuals responsible for appointments to the commission and that the only individual that is guaranteed to be a City resident is the one appointed by the City Council. In regards to communication with the Council, C. Shumway is willing to report to the Council in a manner they see fit and that the reporting should be a two-way process. The Council giving information to bring back to the Commission will be equally valuable. With the Robbie Mills Complex and other properties, C. Shumway feels they all need to be worked into the plan equally to maximize the potential for the property. Councilor Doyle asked if C. Shumway would be willing to act in an advisory role if he was not chosen for this position. C. Shumway confirmed he would. Councilor Bownes asked what C. Shumway finds to be exciting about this project. C. Shumway feels that the City is a great place with untapped potential that can be unleashed. Having raised his family and owning a business here he would like to see progression. C. Shumway added that he is happy the City didn’t purchase the property because beyond flipping the property to a different steward, the City wouldn’t have a use for the property. The State having input in the project will be beneficial. Councilor Lipman asked what value there could be from having a developer formed Commission. C.Shumway replied that he feels that it is good to have different skill sets at the table and money is always a motivation. C. Shumway feels it would be a positive synergy having many other opinions shared. Currently a project is being done in Waltham, Massachusetts that is being developer run; in this process the firm is bringing innovative ideas to save money and sustainability in the project. Motion to suspend the Council Rules of Procedure to permit voting on an appointment at this meeting made by Councilor Lipman and seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Lipman discussed the charge of the commission created by the legislation. There are two (2) skill sets being offered by the candidates, projects and marketing and both would be valuable in different ways, but the current and forefront charge of the commission is for the development of the property. Councilor Lipman nominated Chris Shumway as the City’s appointee on the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission, seconded by Councilor Baer. Councilor Bownes noted that the City is blessed to have both candidates and they would both do well on the commission. Mayor Engler called the question. The nomination carried with all in favor and Chris Shumway’s appointment was confirmed. Mayor Engler will communicate this appointment to the State this evening and thanked both candidates. It was noted that Former Mayor Lahey is still interested in this project and stands ready to assist in any manner he can. Adjournment With no other business to come before the Council and with no objections the meeting was adjourned at 4:53 p.m. Respectfully Submiited: Mary Reynolds, City Clerk These minutes were accepted by the City Council at there meeting on August 14, 2017.