City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2020 7:00 P.M. 2/24/2020 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Haynes lead the Salute to the Flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert took the roll with the following Councilors in attendance: Bruce Cheney, David Bownes, Henry Lipman, Mark Haynes, Bob Hamel, and Tony Felch. Mayor Hosmer noted all six (6) Councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Scott Myers, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 6.A. Council presentation Mayor Hosmer presented a Resolution to former Mayor Engler with the naming of the Colonial Theatre in his honor. Mayor Hosmer read into the record Resolution 2020-04: "In the Year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty A RESOLUTION naming the Colonial Theatre Auditorium as the "The Edward J. Engler Auditorium" Resolved by the City Council as follows: WHEREAS, the Colonial Theatre first opened its doors in 1914 and served Laconia for decades as a hub for cultural arts; and WHEREAS, restoration of the Colonial Theatre in downtown Laconia has long been a priority of many citizens, not the least of whom is former Mayor Edward J. Engler; and WHEREAS, the project to restore the Colonial Theatre to its former glory is now underway, ensuring it will be a place where generations can gather and enjoy performances of many genres; and WHEREAS, Edward J. Engler, during his term as Mayor of the City of Laconia, spearheaded a renewed effort to begin the restoration project and to keep it on track; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Laconia City Council, do hereby proclaim that the Colonial Theatre auditorium be named the "Edward J. Engler Auditorium" in recognition of his leadership, forward-thinking and tenacity in bringing the Colonial Theatre restoration project to a positive outcome to be enjoyed by countless residents and visitors alike for many years to come.  WHEREAS, Edward J. Engler, during his term as Mayor of the City of Laconia, spearheaded a renewed effort to begin the restoration project and to keep it on track; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Laconia City Council, do hereby proclaim that the Colonial Theatre auditorium be named the "Edward J. Engler Auditorium" in recognition of his leadership, forward-thinking and tenacity in bringing the Colonial Theatre restoration project to a positive outcome to be enjoyed by countless residents and visitors alike for many years to come. This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage. Councilor Hamel moved to approve Resolution 2020-04, seconded by Councilor Bownes; the motion passed with all in favor. 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of February 10, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to Council on Friday, February 14, 2020. With no corrections or changes submitted to Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Acceptance of Unanticipated Funds in the amount of $5,000 from the Board of Library Trustees for the Colonial Theatre renovation project Councilor Haynes moved to accept a $5,000 donation from the Board of Library Trustees to partially offset the cost of creating a video documentary of the Colonial Theatre renovation project, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.B. Request for approval of a hill climb on Tower Street to be held in connection with Laconia Motorcycle Week 2020 on June 16, 2020 from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request for approval of a hill climb on Tower Street to be held on June 16, 2020 from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm in connection with Laconia Motorcycle Week 2020, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.C. Request from Laconia Motorcycle Week Association to waive fees for a Bike Show and Swap Meet to be held June 19, 2020 at Opechee Park Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request from Laconia Motorcycle Week Association to waive fees for a Bike Show and Swap Meet to be held June 19, 2020 at Opechee Park, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Hamel inquired about the stunt area shown on the attached map. Director Lovisek stated the only change from last year is that they will not be using any of the fields and only be using the access road to the Point. Due to the inaccurate information on the map, City Manager Myers suggested tabling this item to future date. Councilor Bownes moved to table this item, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.D. Weirs Action Committee's request to charge for parking during the 2020 fireworks season Councilor Lipman moved to approve the request from Weirs Action Committee to charge for parking at the Endicott Rock Park (Weirs Beach) parking lot during the 2020 scheduled fireworks shows, as presented, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.E. Wake the Lake 2020 - Block party on Lakeside Avenue - Temporary Traffic Order 2020-03 Councilor Hamel moved to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2020-03, Wake the Lake 2020, to allow alcohol consumption on City Property in the designated areas only, and to extend the hours of  at the Endicott Rock Park (Weirs Beach) parking lot during the 2020 scheduled fireworks shows, as presented, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.E. Wake the Lake 2020 - Block party on Lakeside Avenue - Temporary Traffic Order 2020-03 Councilor Hamel moved to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2020-03, Wake the Lake 2020, to allow alcohol consumption on City Property in the designated areas only, and to extend the hours of operation of sound equipment and/or loudspeakers from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm for the duration of this year's event, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Hamel is concerned with the bridge closure. City Manager Myers stated the bridge is scheduled to be accessible during this time. Mayor Hosmer called the question; the motion passed with all in favor. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA No comments from the public were made. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 11.A. John Perley - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Library Board of Trustees to a three-year term expiring at the end of March, 2023 Councilor Hamel moved to reappoint John Perley as a regular member of the Library Board of Trustees to a three-year term expiring at the end of March, 2023, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.B. Stacy Soucy - Seeking appointment as a regular member or alternate member of the Planning Board Councilor Bownes moved to appoint Stacy Soucy as an alternate member of the Planning Board to fill the remainder of a term expiring at the end of June, 2021, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.C. Jewell Fox - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board Councilor Bownes moved to appoint Jewell Fox as a regular member of the Planning Board to fill the remainder of a term expiring at the end of June, 2020, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. Mayor Hosmer thanked everyone for applying for the openings and reminded everyone that there are other boards with vacancies that need to be filled. Councilor Bownes commended everyone who came forward and encouraged everyone to look at the City Website as well as the Laconia Links for other openings. 11.D. Alan Oszy - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board Alan Oszy was not nominated at this time for the position. 11.E. David Carleton - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board David Carleton was not nominated at this time for the position. 11.F. Larry Zupkosky - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board Larry Zupkosky was not nominated at this time for this position. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Resolution 2020-02, relative to the acceptance of a donation of 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Resolution 2020-02, relative to the acceptance of a donation of 3.1 acres off of Hilliard Road for conservation Notice of this public hearing was made available in the February 12, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Community Center, Public Library, and the SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:30 pm. Dean Anson, Chairman of the Conservation Commission stated that the Commission supports the acceptance of this donation. Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:31 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer spoke of the request for information in regards to the Colonial Theatre. The deadline to receive any changes was February 18, 2020. Mayor Hosmer stated that there wasn't any feedback received. City Manager Myers explained the next step would be for the Planning Committee to give their stamp of approval and then Jon Gardner, Purchasing Specialist would fine tune the wording and then it would be distributed for proper advertisement. Councilor Lipman confirmed that the RFI is step one and that will lead to a RFP. City Manager Myers explained his understanding is the Planning Committee will review any inquiries regarding the RFI and then it would be followed up with the RFP. Councilor Bownes expressed his concern with not getting behind on schedule by doing the RFI first and then RFP. In the world of Theatre, shows are planned out in a year in advance. Councilor Bownes thinks there won't be many responses to the RFI because that is not how the Theatre world works. City Manager Myers agrees with Councilor Bownes but to reach out to the appropriate people that dates are being blocked off. Mayor Hosmer mentioned a document was received from Primex regarding the Goal Setting and he would like to add this item to the next agenda. 16. COMMITTEE REPORTS 16.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) 16.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 16.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 16.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Cheney (Chair), Bownes, Lipman) Councilor Cheney scheduled a meeting of the Public Safety Committee for Monday, March 2, 2020 at 6:30 pm. 16.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Bownes (Chair), Felch, Cheney) 16.C.i. Review of Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161 Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers  at 6:30 pm. 16.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Bownes (Chair), Felch, Cheney) 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. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 16.C.v. Paid Parking Proposal for Downtown A meeting of this subject is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 for 6:00 pm. 16.C.vi. Proposed Historic Overlay District 16.C.vii. Scenic Road Motorcycle Noise Petition 16.D. LANDS & BUILDINGS (Hamel (Chair), Haynes, Felch) 16.D.i. Downtown parking garage 16.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 16.D.iii. Perley Pond Maintenance 16.D.iv. Plan for the DPW Compound 16.D.v. Continuation of the discussion regarding parking in the Lakeport area 16.E. PUBLIC WORKS (Haynes (Chair), Felch, Bownes) 16.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17. LIAISON REPORTS Councilor Felch met with the Motorcycle Week Association and they reported that they are on schedule and they are getting ready to head to Daytona Bike Week in March. The Rally News is being printed and will be distributed within the next couple of weeks. Councilor Hamel updated the Council in regards to the progress of the Colonial Theatre. Councilor Haynes stated the Heritage Commission will be having a public meeting on March 11, 2020 at 5:00 pm regarding the historic value of the Bartons Motel. Councilor Cheney and Councilor Haynes attended the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission Meeting earlier today. The hazardous material report was delivered today and is over 600 pages long. This report can be seen on the commission website. It was stated at the meeting that there "wasn't very much" hazardous material located on the property. There was discussion regarding the PFAS level and it below the level that it should be, meaning it is a relatively clean site. There will be a study done in regards to the individual buildings. Discussion of HB 1224 and SB 635 was had. Councilor Hamel stated the Sled Dog Races were very well attended and the location was ideal. A moment of silence was held on the Sunday of the races for the late Armand Bolduc. 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Hazel Zummer - owns 13 acres next to the State School Property and would like to know when the meetings take place. City Manager Myers asked Ms. Zummer to reach out to himself or his assistant Nancy Brown and they would be happy to send her links of the minutes and upcoming meetings for the 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Hazel Zummer - owns 13 acres next to the State School Property and would like to know when the meetings take place. City Manager Myers asked Ms. Zummer to reach out to himself or his assistant Nancy Brown and they would be happy to send her links of the minutes and upcoming meetings for the Lakeshore Planning Commission. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers reappointed Robin Mooney to the Board of Assessors. City Manager Myers submitted into the record a handout titled 2020 Construction Plan. He reviewed the handout with the Council which gave a breakdown of when the major construction projects would be happening throughout the City between April and November. There are three major projects happening this year. The first being the bridge in the Weirs. This will begin, weather permitting, April 6, 2020 and will be fully closed for 30 days. While this project is happening no other significant projects will be happening throughout the City. The next project will be the continuation of the work on Union Ave from Walnut Street to Stark Street. This will begin around May 15, 2020. City Manager Myers explained that night paving was looked into and overtime pay is a factor as well as paying a minimum usage to an asphalt plant to stay open over night or a premium to have them stay open. Councilor Lipman understands the amount of money needed to pave overnight but the City needs to look into what the local businesses could lose as well. Director Anderson stated there would be 10% - 15% cost increase on just the paving if the City were to go with night time paving. The third major project that will happen, post Labor Day, is the Durkee Bridge deck replacement. Once this bridge closes the only detour will be the use of the bypass. The time frame for this project is 30 days. Discussion was had in regards to Pumpkin Fest and the effect of this project timeline. City Manager Myers stated during the three major projects there will be other small side street projects going on but nothing that will effect major traffic. Councilor Lipman expressed his concern with closing down an entire bridge at one time rather than doing one side at a time. Councilor Lipman stated maybe the public should be given a chance to speak on this. Councilor Haynes stated that there have been many construction meetings, and the businesses have been forewarned and they are well aware of what is coming. Director Anderson explained that closing down the entire bridge at once reduces the time frame tremendously. If the Council wished to change this, the project would probably need to be put off another year. Councilor Bownes understands that this past construction season the planning was not done as well as it should have been. And since then, the City has learned from their mistakes and are making adjustments this construction season to be sure the affects are at a minimum. Mayor Hosmer shares some of the Councilors concerns and suggested the Durkee Bridge project timeline be adjusted so it doesn't affect Pumpkinfest. Councilor Haynes' only concern is with exiting the bypass and the dangers is poses. Director Anderson said that will be addressed. Councilor Felch would like to make sure proper signs are displayed so everyone is aware that businesses are still open during these times. Finance Director Glenn Smith has been looking into using Social Media as a way of communication  Anderson said that will be addressed. Councilor Felch would like to make sure proper signs are displayed so everyone is aware that businesses are still open during these times. Finance Director Glenn Smith has been looking into using Social Media as a way of communication for the upcoming construction season. The Love Laconia and Celebrate Laconia Facebook pages have been the two pages the City will be utilizing to post updates on construction and snow removal. Councilor Cheney requests of the City Manager to review and report back to the Council in regards to any bills that the Council may have discussed in the past year. Councilor Cheney will send the City Manager the list. Councilor Cheney thanked Public Works for their timeliness of the snow removal. Having said that Councilor Cheney still thinks the downtown area could be cleaned up sooner. City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 19.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 20. NEW BUSINESS 20.A. Request of funds for the renovation of the Weirs Beach Bath House City Manager Myers explained that this item was ranked second in the CIP but not scheduled for a few years out. It is the desire of the CIP Committee to do this sooner. The hope is, that if this passes, the project could be completed before Memorial Day of this year. Councilor Felch moved to authorize the expenditure of $90,000 for the renovation of the Weirs Beach Bath House as recommended, with funding to come from the Impact Fees, Endicott Rock Parking Fees, and beach sticker fees as detailed above, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.B. Request to purchase City-owned property Councilor Hamel moved to schedule a Public Hearing on March 9, 2020 during the regular City Council meeting regarding the declaration of City-owned property located on Frank Bean Road, Tax Map Parcel 476-351-6, as surplus, seconded by Councilor Haynes; Councilor Lipman would like to know if $1,000 is a fair price to the City. City Manager Myers explained this is the only abutter to this parcel. It is also possible for another person to come in with a different offer. City Manager Myers also stated the City has no use for this small parcel. There will be activity use restrictions on this parcel which will be detailed in the contract. Mayor Hosmer called the question; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.C. Request from Weirs Action Committee to waive banner fees Mayor Hosmer noted for the record that the dates in the staff report should read June 29, 2020 not July. Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request from Weirs Action Committee to waive banner fees for two banners promoting the summer season Weirs Beach fireworks for 2020, as presented, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Felch would like to thank the Weirs Action Committee for hosting the fireworks and all they do with helping out with the Weirs area. City Manager Myers stated there are about seven (7) sets of poles throughout the City and Motorcycle Week, Pumpkinfest and the Sled Dog Derby are the three entities that usually make use of these poles.  Councilor Felch would like to thank the Weirs Action Committee for hosting the fireworks and all they do with helping out with the Weirs area. City Manager Myers stated there are about seven (7) sets of poles throughout the City and Motorcycle Week, Pumpkinfest and the Sled Dog Derby are the three entities that usually make use of these poles. Councilor Cheney would like to waive the part of the policy that states use of the poles may be used for only up to two weeks at a time if they are requested by someone else. Councilor Cheney moved to amend the motion by allowing the Weirs Action Committee to utilize the poles for the entire eight (8) weeks, not subject to the policy of a maximum of two weeks, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request from Weirs Action Committee to waive banner fees for two banners promoting the summer season Weirs Beach Fireworks for 2020, as presented, for all eight (8) weeks, as amended, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 21.A. Second reading of Resolution 2020-02, relative to the acceptance of a donation of 3.1 acres off of Hilliard Road for conservation Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of the Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Hamel moved a second reading of Resolution 2020-02, relative to the acceptance of donated property of 3.1 acres of parcel number 16-107-2 for conservation, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to approve Resolution 2020-02, relative to the acceptance of donated property of 3.1 acres of parcel number 16-107-2 for conservation, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Hamel questioned if this is the same person that owns the mini golf course by the bridge that was the original owner of this parcel. City Manager Myers explained it is and that owner was not able to do what he planned with that parcel, hence the reason he is selling it back to the City. Mayor Hosmer called the question; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Felch has been approached by some constituents as to why there is no right turn on red from Union Avenue to Elm Street. Councilor Felch has also been approached about the Weirs docks and the poor condition that they are in. 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.C. Sewer & Water Master Plan 23.D. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.E. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.F. WOW Trail  23.D. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.E. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.F. WOW Trail 23.G. Weirs Beach Restoration Project 23.H. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:54 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON MARCH 9, 2020