City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 22, 2020 7:00 P.M. 6/22/2020 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. As Mayor of the Laconia City Council, due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus crisis and in accordance with Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this Board is authorized to meeting electronically. Please note that there is no physical location to observe and listen to the meeting, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor's Emergency Order. However, in accordance with the Emergency Order, this is to confirm that we are: a) Providing public access to the meeting by telephone, with additional access possibilities by video or other electronic means; We are utilizing the Zoom platform for this electronic meeting. All Council Members have the ability to communicate during this meeting through the Zoom platform, and the public has access to watch the live YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/laconianh, listen to this meeting through dialing the following phone # 1-301-715-8592 or participate by the Zoom app: Webinar ID: 891 6056 7045 password 636674. b) Providing public notice of the necessary information for accessing the meeting; We previously gave notice to the public of how to access the meeting using Zoom, and instructions are provided on the City of Laconia's website at: www.laconia.gov. c) Providing a mechanism for the public to alert the public body during the meeting if there are problems with access; If anybody has a problem, please call 524-3877 ext 249 or email at: cityclerk@laconianh.gov d) Adjourning the meeting if the public is unable to access the meeting. In the event the public is unable to access the meeting, we will adjourn the meeting and have it rescheduled at that time. Please note that all votes that are taken during this meeting shall be done by Roll Call vote. Let's start the meeting by taking a roll call attendance. When each member states their presences, also please state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required by the Right-to-Know law. 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 a roll call vote:  Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney, YES (physically present) Councilor Bownes, YES, Is there anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Lipman, YES, Is there anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Haynes, YES (physically present) Councilor Hamel, YES, Is there anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Felch, YES, Is there anyone in the room with you? NO Mayor Hosmer noted all six (6) Councilors were in attendance and a quorum has been established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Scott Myers, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Special budget meeting minutes of June 8, 2020 Minutes of the budget meeting were distributed to the Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. With no corrections or changes submitted to the clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 7.B. Regular meeting minutes of June 8, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. With one correction submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as redistributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Phil Marberry Attorney for Akwa Marina, LLC - An issue has come about in regards to the garbage removal process. After speaking with Director Anderson from Public Works, it was stated that because Akwa Marina has a private company pick up their trash from the dumpsters, that the City will not pick up any curbside trash. A call was put into the City Manager late Friday afternoon and a call back has not been received. Attorney Marberry recited City Ordinance 194-8, Waste not collected by the City and City Ordinance 194-5 Maximum quantity of collectible waste. City Manager Myers met with Director Anderson late Friday afternoon to discuss this very topic and a return call was going to be made once all pertinent information was had. Attorney Marberry is correct and even when a business has a private garbage collector of dumpsters an additional seven (7) garbage cans can be picked up curbside as long as it meets the requirements listed within the Ordinance. Gail Ober, Lafayette Street - Commends the Water Department on their work they are doing on Lafayette Street as they are doing a tremendous job, very polite, efficient, and helpful. Ms. Ober also thanked Councilor Hamel for getting this on the CIP list. Gregg Hough, Highland Street - Would like to address the possibility of bike week, not to cancel but only to postpone as it is an important role for a lot of local businesses. Mr. Hough also thanked the Mayor for the quick responses to his inquiries.  Street as they are doing a tremendous job, very polite, efficient, and helpful. Ms. Ober also thanked Councilor Hamel for getting this on the CIP list. Gregg Hough, Highland Street - Would like to address the possibility of bike week, not to cancel but only to postpone as it is an important role for a lot of local businesses. Mr. Hough also thanked the Mayor for the quick responses to his inquiries. Mayor Hosmer also thanked Mr. Hough for bringing to the Council's attention the condition of the American Flag at Opechee. Lazy-E Motor Inn - the possibility of shutting down Motorcycle Week would be tragic to our business especially when so many businesses have already lost so much due to the pandemic. There are no signs that the COVID numbers are increasing therefore the event should go on as planned. Mayor Hosmer reminded the public that this section of the agenda is for citizen comments for matters not on the agenda. If a citizen would like to comment on matters on the agenda, that will happen later on the agenda. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Second public hearing for the proposed lease agreement with The Dive, LLC Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 10, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Community Center, and SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:30 pm Attorney Woodbury, representing The Dive, LLC - just letting everyone know that he is present if any questions should arise. Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:31 pm. 13.B. Public hearing for RES-2020-06, General Fund Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:32 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:33 pm. 13.C. Public hearing for RES-2020-07, Anticipated Grants Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:33 pm Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:34 pm. 13.D. Public hearing for RES-2020-08 - Enterprise Funds Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center and SAU  13.D. Public hearing for RES-2020-08 - Enterprise Funds Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:35 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:35:22 pm. 13.E. Public hearing for RES-2020-09 - Internal Service Funds Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:36:25 pm Finance Director Smith stated the staff report should have read Fiscal Year 2021 not 2020. Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:37 pm 13.F. Public hearing for RES-2020-10 - Special Revenue Funds Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:38 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:38:23 pm. 13.G. Public hearing for RES-2020-11 - Tax Increment Finance Districts Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 11, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:39 pm. Lazy E Motor Inn - Would like to know if adjustments are being made to businesses in regards to any tax relief that the City may give if they choose to cancel motorcycle week. Most businesses in the area pay their real estate taxes with the income from Motorcycle Week and without that revenue will not be able to pay their taxes. Will there be adjustments made in the other budgets so the loss of paid property taxes can be accounted for? Mayor Hosmer explained if a property owner needs relief from interest accrued on taxes an abatement can be filed with the Board of Assessors. There are also federal and state grants available for businesses in regards to COVID. Mayor Hosmer explained what the City is trying to do is balance the public health and local economy with making any decisions for Motorcycle Week. Lazy E Motor Inn - the Governor has stated what restrictions and guidelines need to be followed but the Governor has not said that Motorcycle Week needs to be canceled. The event can happen within the health guidelines. Mayor Hosmer stated that this is a budget public hearing and does not have anything to do with property tax relief. Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:45 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT  Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:45 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer spoke of the Laconia High School Graduation that took place on the Bank of NH Stadium field. In light of the safety concerns due to the pandemic, so many people came together to put together an experience that the 2020 graduates will not forget. A special thanks to the people involved on the task force (Superintendent Tucker, Principal Frederickson, City Manager Myers, Fire Chief Beattie, Police Chief Canfield, Athletic Director Cozens and former Mayor Mike Seymour). This was an unbelievable experience to watch this event come together when so many other places were not able to have this opportunity. Mayor Hosmer gave a shout out to a number of students that gave speeches that evening, as well as going off to college and various branches of the military. Lake Shore Redevelopment Authority Funding has passed the NH Senate last week. Mayor Hosmer expressed gratitude for Commissioner George Ball, Representative Spanos, and Mr. Cheney for their hard work. Mayor Hosmer also mentioned Hannah Rush, who opened a new business in downtown Laconia called Trillium which is a farm to table restaurant. He will try and mention new businesses more often. 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) 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. Proposed Historic Overlay District 16.C.vi. 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.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 Hamel stated that the Colonial Theatre is about 40% to 50% complete and everything is proceeding well. If people would like to donate they can call 603-524-3057. Councilor Felch met with the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association. The Association still plans on going ahead with their plans for the August date. 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Megan Doptis (General Manager from Tower Hill Tavern and The Big House) - She understands that COVID- 19 is prevalent in other parts of the Country but she would like it known that if the City cancel's motorcycle week, the people will still come. Megan stated losing bike week would not only be devastating to this business, but to many businesses in the area. Megan stated they are open now and are obeying all of the CDC and State Guidelines set forth and will continue to do so during bike week. She asked the Council to take into consideration what all the small businesses have already lost this year. Gail Ober - Ms. Ober would like to encourage the Council to approve The Dive, LLC this evening as long as all the I's are dotted and T's are crossed. Ms. Ober also applauds the Council for working with the people of The Dive, LLC and this out of the box thinking and hopes it can bring some life to the City. Gregg Hough, 169 Highland Street - Mr. Hough would like to state for the record that during roll call this evening the Councilor's that are in physical attendance are not wearing a mask and are probably not six feet apart. Mr. Hough stated it is super important to get the City back on track. Mr. Hough expressed that the guidelines set by the State are ridiculous. He said people are smart and if people show up for bike week they will take care of themselves. Mayor Hosmer explained that during the roll call this evening it was noted who was physically present in the room and that the ones present in the room are socially distant. Lesley Schuster, Lazy-E, Weirs Blvd - Why is the City considering canceling bike week when nothing within the State has changed to cause any further concern? Why is this event being brought up again. If there are any concerns, more rules can be added. Mr. Schuster stated our rights don't end where fear begins. If people are uncomfortable, then they shouldn't attend the event. Mayor Hosmer thanked Mr. Schuster for his concerns. Jose Dimatos, 1192-1198 Weirs Blvd - Is not in support to moving the bike week August dates. There are dozens of businesses that are depending on the revenue of bike week. Mr. Dimatos can not afford to lose the revenue made during bike week. Mr. Dimatos asked what Councilor asked for this to be added to the agenda again. Councilor Hamel responded that he was the one that asked for this to be added to the agenda. Mike Bordes, 266 Endicott St N Unit 3 - Would like to see bike week happen with the August dates that the Council already voted on. Mr. Bordes is afraid if bike week is canceled the City will lose more businesses. Dawn Johnson, 199 Country Club Road - Mrs. Johnson doesn't understand why it is even being proposed that Bike Week be canceled. The numbers in NH are less than 1%. Mrs. Johnson asked why the entire community needs to "bow down" for a select few. Mrs. Johnson explained she has lived her life as normal and to have somebody take away our rights and say we can't have the tradition of bike week because they are scared or doesn't like it, then they should stay home. Chris Goullata, Long Island, NY - Mr. Goullata explained that things are now opening up where he lives and  Dawn Johnson, 199 Country Club Road - Mrs. Johnson doesn't understand why it is even being proposed that Bike Week be canceled. The numbers in NH are less than 1%. Mrs. Johnson asked why the entire community needs to "bow down" for a select few. Mrs. Johnson explained she has lived her life as normal and to have somebody take away our rights and say we can't have the tradition of bike week because they are scared or doesn't like it, then they should stay home. Chris Goullata, Long Island, NY - Mr. Goullata explained that things are now opening up where he lives and asked what New Hampshire's rates of COVID are. He doesn't understand why bike week may be canceled when the rates are so low. Mr. Goullata doesn't think it is fair to the businesses to cancel the bike week event. Mr. Goullata also asked if The Dive lease has been approved as he heard it was approved and then not approved. Mayor Hosmer explained bike week is an item for discussion this evening. As for The Dive, it is also on tonight's agenda to be discussed. Denise Pourier, 156 Lucerne Avenue - Regarding Motorcycle Week, Ms. Pourer would really like to see it happen in August. Socially distancing can happen and she doesn't think the crowds will be as dense as they normally are when bike week is in June. Madison Ashworth, 19 Dogma Shore Road - Ms. Ashworth is speaking on behalf of kids her age (22 years old). Ms. Ashworth is going to be an employee of The Dive, LLC and doesn't understand why it has taken so long to approve the lease. Ms. Ashworth also spoke in favor of having bike week. Charlie St. Clair - Representative St. Clair would like to remind everyone that the Association's number one concern is the safety of everyone. The Association plans on handing out masks and having plenty of sanitizing stations throughout the area. Representative St. Clair expects people to be smart and aware of the current situations throughout the Country. Sturgis is moving forward with their rally. The Americade Rally is happening in Upstate New York as well as the rally in South Carolina. The Association is prepared to make sure all the CDC Guidelines are followed. Representative St. Clair is concerned with the revenue losses if the Council decides to cancel Motorcycle Week. If the City decided to cancel bike week, the people may still come and then the City wouldn't be prepared for the influx of people. Representative St. Clair suggested having the City form a task force in regards to Motorcycle Week. Joshua Cherok - Graduate of 2010 of Laconia - Spoke in favor of having Motorcycle week and approving The Dive, LLC. Councilor Lipman is curious if there is any circumstance that Mr. St. Clair is concerned with continuing with Motorcycle Week. Representative St. Clair explained if the Governor expressed concern with shutting down the State again, then yes Motorcycle Week may need to be reconsidered again. Representative St. Clair explained if there was a big spike in COVID-19 cases and the Governor went back to a previous plan then of course the Association would rethink things. Councilor Lipman just wants to make sure that all concerns are looked into. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report Next Monday, June 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm there will be a Special Budget Presentation with the remaining of the Department Budget Presentations, including Welfare, Finance, IT, Adminstration, Planning/Code, and Assessing. There will be a General Budget Discussion at the first meeting on July 13th with potential budget approval on July 27, 2020. Administrative approvals: A wedding is scheduled for Sunday of Labor Day Weekend at the Margate, and the loudspeaker was already extended to 10:00 pm but in order to accommodate time changes City Manager Myers approved to extend the outdoor loudspeaker permit to be until 11:00 pm.  Administrative approvals: A wedding is scheduled for Sunday of Labor Day Weekend at the Margate, and the loudspeaker was already extended to 10:00 pm but in order to accommodate time changes City Manager Myers approved to extend the outdoor loudspeaker permit to be until 11:00 pm. Soccer Camp at Leavitt Park in August Making Strides Against Breast Cancer use of Park House and field at Opechee Park Fundraiser on the Wow Trail City Manager Myers reviewed the report. Councilor Cheney asked if the crosswalk issue at Memory Lane and Cumberland Farms in the Weirs has been addressed with Planning. City Manager Myers explained that this concern was brought to the State Department of Transportation's attention and they have a 10-year project plan, some being small and some being large. The Planning Director will make the case of the crosswalk at the appropriate time. Councilor Cheney asked if an item could be put on the next agenda in regards to a discussion on Lakeport Landing and whether the Council would like to seek legal action in regards to the faux fire tower that the Council expected to be built. 19.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 20. NEW BUSINESS 20.A. CARES Act Grant Agreement - State Block Grant between Laconia Municipal Airport and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics Councilor Haynes moved to authorize Mayor Andrew Hosmer to sign the CARES Act Grant Agreement - State Block Grant between Laconia Municipal Airport and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, seconded by Councilor Cheney; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.B. First reading of Resolution 2020-12, relative to authorizing application for a two- million-dollar loan from the NH Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for the Elm Street Sewer Project Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; million-dollar loan from the NH Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for the Elm Street Sewer Project Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes (stepped away during vote) Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor. Councilor Bownes was not present during this vote. Councilor Cheney moved a first reading of Resolution 2020-12, a Resolution authorizing application for a two-million-dollar loan from the New Hampshire Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for the Elm Street Sewer Project and appropriating funds for same, seconded by Councilor Haynes; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes (stepped away during this vote) Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor. Councilor Bownes was not present during this vote. Councilor Haynes moved to schedule a public hearing on July 13, 2020 during the regular City Council meeting to gather input prior to adoption, seconded by Councilor Cheney; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes (stepped away during this vote) Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor. Councilor Bownes was not present during this vote.  Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor. Councilor Bownes was not present during this vote. 20.C. First reading and approval of Resolution 2020-13, Carryforwards Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved to approve Resolution 2020-13, relative to the Fiscal Year 20 Proposed Year End Fiscal Carry Forwards, seconded by Councilor Haynes; Councilor Hamel questioned the amount on page three of the Resolution in regards to the monies for the Vactor. The money shows up twice, $150,000 under Sanitary Sewer Fund and $300,000 on page 5. City Manager Myers believes that money was being put away for either two or three segments in order to pay cash for it. The first account is money that was in this budget that is being carried forward and the second is existing monies being carried over. City Manager Myers also mentioned that there will be an increase in demand for vacations as they haven't been used due to the pandemic. The money will be moved to the existing leave account. Councilor Lipman asked if it is possible to hold off on the carry forwards incase the money needs to be used to help cover any costs accrued by COVID. City Manager Myers explained the carry forwards is money already in the budget for capital projects but not yet used. At any time the Council can choose to re-purpose funds from one account to another in order to cover unknown expenses. Mayor Hosmer called the question: City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES  Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.D. Request to sign the Unlicensed Dog Warrant for 2020 Councilor Haynes moved to issue the warrant as presented for the 2020 Unlicensed Dogs, seconded by Councilor Cheney; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 21.A. Authorization for the City Manager to sign the Dock Expansion and Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia with The Dive, LLC Councilor Cheney moved to waive reading of the Dock Expansion and Lease Agreement with The Dive, LLC its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Felch; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved a third reading of the Dock Expansion and Lease Agreement with The Dive, LLC, seconded by Councilor Haynes;  the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved a third reading of the Dock Expansion and Lease Agreement with The Dive, LLC, seconded by Councilor Haynes; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the Dock Expansion and Lease Agreement between the City of Laconia and The Dive, LLC, seconded by Councilor Haynes; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney NO Councilor Bownes YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel NO Councilor Felch YES the motion passed four (4) in favor and two (2) opposed. 21.B. Discussion on Motorcycle Week Councilor Hamel asked for this item to be added to the agenda in order to have a discussion amongst the Council as well as to hear what the public would like. Councilor Hamel brought up the COVID issues and how it is not discriminatory. Councilor Hamel understands that the numbers in New Hampshire are low but we haven't seen the numbers from the State reopening back up. He explained he spent a few days at Hampton Beach and noted that people are not wearing masks or staying socially distant while out in public. He did say the businesses were following the guidelines but the general public for the most part was not. This is concern to him when it comes to hosting motorcycle week and the large number of attendees. Councilor Hamel thinks the Council needs to weigh in on this topic. Councilor Hamel also noted that the Hampton Beach Seafood festival has been canceled, every fair in the state canceled, and the Highland games have been canceled. Councilor Hamel is a huge motorcycle rally fan but wants to express the concerns due to COVID-19 and for the Council to think about the what-ifs. Councilor Felch said there is always a concern and the Council should be keep an eye on the numbers. He thinks the event should move forward with the August dates. Councilor Bownes said the plans for Motorcycle Week are two months from now and no one can predict the future of COVID. He thinks Governor Sununu has been fairly responsible with opening up  Councilor Felch said there is always a concern and the Council should be keep an eye on the numbers. He thinks the event should move forward with the August dates. Councilor Bownes said the plans for Motorcycle Week are two months from now and no one can predict the future of COVID. He thinks Governor Sununu has been fairly responsible with opening up businesses and protecting the public. We don't know if the Governor will make changes in the next two months that may affect Motorcycle Week. It is important that the Council pay attention to what is happening with the pandemic and what possible effects of hosting Motorcycle Week may have on the City as well as the State. Councilor Cheney agrees this conversation is a good idea but also thinks the Motorcycle Week Association understands any changes that may have to happen due to the pandemic. Councilor Cheney thinks this discussion needs to continue but the August dates should stand for now. Councilor Haynes shares Councilor Hamel's concerns as well. Councilor Haynes was out this past weekend and he does not think people understand the severity of this pandemic. Councilor Haynes spoke to a nurse and the nurse said the pandemic will continue until there is a vaccine for it. Councilor Haynes thinks this is healthy conversation to be having. The Council needs to see what is going to happen and the Governor holds all the cards. Councilor Lipman thinks Charlie St. Clair has made a couple good points earlier. The Council needs to recognize that the Governor has already stated he can't close the borders, therefore people can and will come here no matter what. The City needs to be prepared to protect the citizens either way. Mayor Hosmer thinks most people recognize and appreciate the fact that the City Council is trying to protect everyone involved. This is a complicated issue because of both the economic and public health impacts this event may have. The Council is trying to get this right. The Council recognizes they don't have control over any impact COVID-19 may have. Mayor Hosmer appreciates Councilor Hamel for bringing this item to the Council and thinks this should be a topic of discussion for every City Council meeting until the event. The City Council's obligation is to the local economy, tax payers and citizens of Laconia. We also need to think about our senior citizens and our City workers, who will be in the thick of the event. Mayor Hosmer thanked everyone for weighing in this evening. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney spoke about the article he read in the paper regarding the gunmen stationed on top of the parking garage during the protest that happened in downtown Laconia. Councilor Cheney was horrified and discouraged by this. Councilor Cheney would like to know if there is something that can be done so this won't happen again. Councilor Cheney stated Laconia has a competent Police Department and they don't need help protecting the City from hired guns. 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.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)  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 9:41 pm. Respectfully Submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JULY 13, 2020