City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 23, 2017 7:00 P.M. 10/23/2017 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Armand Bolduc called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Bownes led the Salute to the Flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY City Clerk Cheryl Hebert 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert called the roll with the following Councilors in attendance: David Bownes, Henry Lipman, Brenda Baer, Bob Hamel, and Armand Bolduc. Absent: City Manager Scott Myers, Mayor Ed Engler, Councilor Ava Doyle Mayor Pro Tem Bolduc noted that five (5) Councilors are in attendance and a quorum is established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Finance Director Donna Woodaman 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of October 10, 2017 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, October 12, 2017. With no corrections or changes received by the City Clerk, the minutes are accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Paullette Bradick from Sunrise Towers- read a statement of concern regarding the intersection of Main Street and Union Ave but did not submit it into record. Would like help with the situation regarding the right hand turn on red. Detective Swett spoke regarding the concern and said he would like to give the issue some thought. DPW Director Wes Anderson explained how the crosswalk signals work with a five to ten second time frame for the white walk signal to start. Ours were set for ten seconds for the white hand and ten seconds for the flashing red hand. The times have been adjusted to ten seconds for the white hand and eighteen for the flashing red hand. Councilor Hamel asked about what the cost would be for a countdown crosswalk signal. W. Anderson has already submitted paperwork for the CIP and coming to City Council for funding. This would be in addition. The cost per signal is about $200 to $250 thousand per signal to bring up to ADA standards. W. Anderson said other walk signals are being adjusted in the City as well. Councilor Baer questioned if the the signal could be changed to a no turn on red arrow. W. Anderson would have to look into Code and a policy would need to put into place to make a change with the walk signals  the flashing red hand. Councilor Hamel asked about what the cost would be for a countdown crosswalk signal. W. Anderson has already submitted paperwork for the CIP and coming to City Council for funding. This would be in addition. The cost per signal is about $200 to $250 thousand per signal to bring up to ADA standards. W. Anderson said other walk signals are being adjusted in the City as well. Councilor Baer questioned if the the signal could be changed to a no turn on red arrow. W. Anderson would have to look into Code and a policy would need to put into place to make a change with the walk signals and lights. The planning factor is 3.5 feet per second. Theresa Grenier from Sunrise Towers, expressed her concern regarding the right hand turn regarding the same intersection. Would like to see the City and police continue to work together to help with this issue. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 11.A. Gregg Selesky - Seeking appointment to the vacant Electrician position on the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term expiring at the end of March, 2022 Motion to appoint Greg Selesky to the Electrician position on the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term expiring at the end of March, 2022 made by Councilor Hamel, Seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing to report on the progress of the CDBG Energy Improvements Project at the Scott & Williams Building, 22 Strafford Street Notice of this public hearing was made in the October 11, 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 Pro Tem Bolduc opened the public hearing at 7:00 pm. Donna Lane read into the record the following: "Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities throughout NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available for economic development, up to $500,000 for public facility and housing projects, up to $350,000 in emergency activities and up to $12,000 is available per planning grants. All projects must primarily benefit low and moderate income persons. During a CDBG project, a public hearing must be held to inform the public of, and take public comment on, the progress of the project. The purpose of this hearing is the progress of the Scott & Williams Building, 22 Strafford Street, Laconia Energy Improvements Project. The building houses four non-profit sponsored condominium units providing affordable workforce housing, community health care, wellness center and childcare services. Energy Improvements Completed to date: Weatherization/crawl space insulation, Lighting Conversion to LED (reduce lighting energy us 50%), Combined Heat and Power (CHP) (reduction in electric use), HVAC pumps to replace VFD pumps (reduced electric use 50%), Generator for elevator, Retro Commissioning (study of the energy use) Remaining Work Items: Building Management System/Controls so the systems can be controlled through a web based system. This work should be complete by the end of November." Hearing no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed at 7:pm. 13.B. Public input regarding a request to allow snowmobiles to use the sidewalk across  Building Management System/Controls so the systems can be controlled through a web based system. This work should be complete by the end of November." Hearing no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed at 7:pm. 13.B. Public input regarding a request to allow snowmobiles to use the sidewalk across from the Weirs Beach bridges over the channel and the railroad With no one from the public wishing to speak this item will be taken up under unfinished business. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT 16. COMMITTEE REPORTS 16.A. FINANCE (Lipman, Hamel, Baer) 16.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 16.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 16.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Baer, Doyle, Bownes) 16.B.i. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 16.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Doyle, Bolduc, Bownes) 16.C.i. Review of Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161 Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers 16.C.ii. Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns 16.C.iii. Procedural review of grant applications 16.C.iv. Concerns regarding City Code Chapter 113, Animals, as it pertains to restraint of dogs to an owner's property 16.D. LANDS & BUILDINGS (Hamel, Lipman, Bolduc) 16.D.i. Downtown parking garage 16.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 16.D.iii. Discussion regarding the City owned vendor spaces on the Boardwalk as it relates to renting to food vendors - Report on Land and Buildings Committee meeting held 10/23/17 Councilor Hamel reported on the meeting held earlier this evening. Councilor Lipman suggested taking this up under unfinished business. Councilor Baer suggested going to unfinished business out of order so the citizens do not have to wait till the end of the meeting. The Council agrees. 16.E. PUBLIC WORKS (Bolduc, Baer, Bownes) 16.E.i. Proposal to implement City Policies for designating emergency lanes 17. LIAISON REPORTS 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS  16.E.i. Proposal to implement City Policies for designating emergency lanes 17. LIAISON REPORTS 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Citizen (no name stated) thanks the council for all that they do. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report Finance Director Donna Woodaman reviewed the report. 20. NEW BUSINESS Councilor Lipman submitted a handout titled Lakes Region NH Railroad Study and would like this item added to the next council meeting on November 13, 2017. 20.A. Request to schedule three (3) public hearings on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting regarding: (a) a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. The City will retain some of the funds for administration costs and sub grant the benefits of the remainder to Belknap County Economic Development Council, Inc. for equipment for the Colonial Theater Redevelopment project located at 609 Main St., Laconia, NH 03246. The majority of the jobs created with this project will be low and moderate income; (b) Housing and Community Development Plan; and (c) The Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Motion to move to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting regarding a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funds. The City will retain some of the funds for administration costs and sub grant the benefits of the remainder to Belknap County Economic Development Council, Inc. for equipment for the Colonial Theater Redevelopment project made by Councilor Hamel , seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting regarding the Housing and Community Development Plan made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting regarding the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan made by Councilor Hamel , seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.B. Introduction of Ordinance 2017-149-06, an Ordinance amending Chapter 149, Fire Prevention and Emergency Medical Services, and request to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting to gather input prior to adoption Motion to move to waive a reading of this Ordinance in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Ordinance 2017-149-06, an Ordinance amending Chapter 149, Fire Prevention and Emergency Medical Services made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting to gather input prior to adoption made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.C. First reading of Resolution 2017-25 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $9,227.04 from the  Motion to move to schedule a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting to gather input prior to adoption made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.C. First reading of Resolution 2017-25 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $9,227.04 from the Laconia Distracted Driving Grant, Project #318-18B-012 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2017-25 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $9,227.04 from the Laconia Distracted Driving Grant, Project #318-18B-012 made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.D. First reading of Resolution 2017-26 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $13,811.00 from the Laconia DWI Patrols Grant, Project #308-18B-017 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of the Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2017-26 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $13,811.00 from the Laconia DWI Patrols Grants, Project #308-18B-017 made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.E. First reading of Resolution 2017-27 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $1,031.50 from the Laconia Radar Grant, Project #315-18B-041 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion was approved with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2017-27 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $1,031.50 from the Laconia Radar Grant, Project #315-18B-041 made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.F. First reading of Resolution 2017-28 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $12,671.77 from the Laconia STEP Grant, Project #315-18B-022 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by  20.F. First reading of Resolution 2017-28 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $12,671.77 from the Laconia STEP Grant, Project #315-18B-022 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2017-28 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $12,671.77 from the Laconia STEP Grant, Project #315-18B-022 made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting made by Councilor Bownes, seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.G. First reading of Resolution 2017-29 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend grants on behalf of the City in the amount of $7,381.63 from the Laconia Sobriety Checkpoints Grant, Project #308-18B-089 and a request to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting Motion to move to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2017-29 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $7,381.63 from the Laconia Sobriety Checkpoint Grant, Project #308-18B-089 made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. Motion to move to schedule a public hearing on November 13, 2017 during the regular City Council meeting made by Councilor Hamel, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 21.A. City owned vendor spaces on the Boardwalk as they relate to food vendors Motion to have vendors remove all flags or banners from the top of the trailers to ground level starting the 2018 Laconia Motorcycle Week event, as well as get signage for the local businesses and address foot traffic in that area made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Baer; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. Request to allow snowmobiles to use the sidewalk across the Weirs Beach bridges over the channel and the railroad Motion to move to maintain the current City policy restricting snowmobiles from using any City sidewalk made by Councilor Lipman, seconded by Councilor Baer; Councilor Bownes received a call from a resident stating he favors keeping the sidewalk available for the snowmobiles to get to the gas station. Mayor Pro Tem Bolduc called the question; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Baer discussed the farewell ceremony for Police Commissioner Armand Maheux, who served for 22 years. We have a great police force but it takes a great Police Commission to keep up the great work. We wish Armand Maheux all the luck and best wishes. Councilor Bolduc expressed his thoughts on Pumpkinfest, the great weather and the hard work of Public  Councilor Baer discussed the farewell ceremony for Police Commissioner Armand Maheux, who served for 22 years. We have a great police force but it takes a great Police Commission to keep up the great work. We wish Armand Maheux all the luck and best wishes. Councilor Bolduc expressed his thoughts on Pumpkinfest, the great weather and the hard work of Public Works, the Police Department, and the Fire Department as well as Carmen Gifford from the Chamber of Commerce. 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 31:95-b, Appropriation of funds made available during the year 23.C. Master Plan 23.D. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.E. Sewer & Water Master Plan 23.F. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.G. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.H. WOW Trail 23.I. Proposal to implement City Policies for designating emergency lanes 24. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 25. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the City Council and with no objections Mayor Pro Tem Bolduc adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.