City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING (via Zoom) August 10, 2020 7:00 P.M. 8/10/2020 - 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 meet 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 # 1-646-558-8656 or participate by the Zoom app: Webinar ID: 876 9884 8972 password 450108 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.laconianh.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 x 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 presence, also please state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required under 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: Councilor Cheney YES, (physically present) Councilor Soucy 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 Cheney YES, (physically present) Councilor Soucy 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 was 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 meeting minutes of July 27, 2020 Minutes of the Special Meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, July 30, 2020. With two corrections submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were redistributed on Friday, July 31, 2020. The minutes will be accepted as redistributed. 7.B. Regular meeting minutes of July 27, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, July 30, 2020. WIth no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA No comments from the public were made. 10. INTERVIEWS 10.A. Pamela Clark - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Historic District Commission Pamela Clark was interviewed. 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer spoke of the upcoming Motorcycle Week and how things are happening around the Country, as well as at the Sturgis Rally. Many conversations have been had with local and State officials in order to prepare for the upcoming event. Many emails have been received with concerns of COVID-19 and Motorcycle Week. The City's number one priority is to keep the public safe. Motorcycle Week is happening in name only. The City has denied applications for fireworks, outdoor loudspeakers, and the City has not issued vendor permits. The decision has also been made to not allow the center line parking that usually takes place on Lakeside Avenue. There will only be three small tents on Lakeside Avenue, one being the Motorcycle Week Association and the other two being two non-profits. The Motorcycle Week Association  Mayor Hosmer spoke of the upcoming Motorcycle Week and how things are happening around the Country, as well as at the Sturgis Rally. Many conversations have been had with local and State officials in order to prepare for the upcoming event. Many emails have been received with concerns of COVID-19 and Motorcycle Week. The City's number one priority is to keep the public safe. Motorcycle Week is happening in name only. The City has denied applications for fireworks, outdoor loudspeakers, and the City has not issued vendor permits. The decision has also been made to not allow the center line parking that usually takes place on Lakeside Avenue. There will only be three small tents on Lakeside Avenue, one being the Motorcycle Week Association and the other two being two non-profits. The Motorcycle Week Association will be doing a deep cleaning of Lakeside Avenue. The State has also issued a two-week quarantine period for anyone traveling into New Hampshire from outside of New England. The use of masks is not mandatory in this State but highly recommended. The Liquor Commission will also be present during this week to make sure all restaurants are keeping within the COVID guidelines. Mayor Hosmer hopes everyone takes their personal responsibilities seriously so that everyone can remain safe. Mayor Hosmer welcomed Councilor Bob Soucy. Mayor Hosmer appointed Councilor Soucy to all of the positions that Councilor Bownes held as well as the Liaison to the Water Commission. Councilor Lipman asked if area communities have also restricted vendor licenses. City Manager Myers does know that Harley Davidson in Meredith was going to have vendors but have since changed and that there will not be any vendors. The Speedway will be having races but a scaled back version. Councilor Lipman stated there are vast differences that are happening in Sturgis compared to what may happen in New Hampshire. 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), Vacant, Lipman) 16.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Vacant (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.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, Vacant) 16.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17. LIAISON REPORTS 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Jose Dematos urged the Council to allow the Weirs Action Committee to fundraise during the upcoming Motorcycle Week. They will do this in a safe and responsible manner. Mr. Dematos stated it would be detrimental to the WAC to not have this fundraiser. Robert Ames also encourages the Council to allow the Weirs Action Committee the use of the Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Motorcycle Week. Mr. Ames stated the lot will be used as a first come first serve basis. The City isn't shutting the parking lot down, therefore he doesn't see any issues with the WAC using the lot to fundraise. It is very important to the WAC finances. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Myers explained there is not a Financial Trends report at this meeting due to staff vacation as well as timing with other items. The report will be added to the next agenda. City Manager Myers also explained that all of the interviews that were held in March before COVID-19, that the appointments will be made at the second meeting in August. City Manager Myers explained there will be a press briefing this Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 10:00 am. It will be live-streamed through Lakes Region Public Access. 20. NEW BUSINESS 20.A. Discussion pertaining to the allowable number of trash cans for a single family residence Councilor Felch requested this item to be added to the agenda. Councilor Felch has received a few complaints from residents regarding limiting the number of trash cans to two only for a single family residence, especially where glass is trash. Councilor Felch would like to see that number increased to three cans. City Manager Myers stated if there is consensus of the Council to move forward with amending the Ordinance, then this item would be added to the next agenda for a first reading and referral to a public hearing. If there isn't a desire to change the Ordinance then the item would end here. Mayor Hosmer asked the Council for their opinions on this matter. Councilor Cheney asked if there is anything in the contract with Casella that requires them to only pick up a limited number of waste barrels. City Manager Myers stated there is nothing specific regarding the number of barrels they pick up curbside. CM Myers explained when the City was trying to decrease waste costs years ago, this was one of the ways the City could encourage recycling and limit the trash. CM Myers gave a brief background how glass became trash and the reasoning for the Ordinance limiting the number of  pick up a limited number of waste barrels. City Manager Myers stated there is nothing specific regarding the number of barrels they pick up curbside. CM Myers explained when the City was trying to decrease waste costs years ago, this was one of the ways the City could encourage recycling and limit the trash. CM Myers gave a brief background how glass became trash and the reasoning for the Ordinance limiting the number of trash barrels picked up curbside. The City Manager also explained that there is flexibility around Holidays and more garbage will be allowed. Councilor Lipman explained thinking in long term we are at a good place right now and that residents always have the option to bring excess trash to the Transfer Station. Mayor Hosmer suggested revisiting this topic in the next couple of months. Councilor Felch stated that the recycling is being contaminated with glass. City Manager Myers explained glass is still recyclable and it will be collected as such. If that helps residents reduce their trash to put glass in recycling then they can do that. The City doesn't want to promote that though. Mayor Hosmer noted there is not a consensus to move forward with this topic. 20.B. Request to designate fifteen-minute only parking in front of the Lakeport Opera House Councilor Felch brought this item to the agenda in order to help with the flow of traffic in and out of the businesses at the Lakeport Opera House. Councilor Felch would like to see three or four 15- minute only parking spots added in front of the Lakeport Opera House. Councilor Hamel supports this idea. Councilor Soucy does agree with Councilor Felch's idea with adding at least three spaces to 15- minute parking only but it also needs to be enforced. Councilor Lipman also agrees. Mayor Hosmer asked for this to be added to the next agenda to start the process. 20.C. Discussion pertaining to fundraising by the Weirs Action Committee during Laconia Motorcycle Week 2020 Councilor Cheney requested that this item be brought to the Council. He was contacted by members of the Weirs Action Committee (WAC) in regards to their correspondence from the City Manager. From Councilor Cheney's perspective the WAC does a lot of good and they are a strong force in the Weirs and he hopes the Council can support their request this year to allow the use of the Endicott Park Rock parking lot for fundraising during the upcoming Motorcycle Week. Councilor Cheney also stated the WAC has agreed to allow parking for both cars and motorcycles. Therefore, there wouldn't be any additional motorcycles parked if the City was running the lot. Councilor Cheney also said as far as he knows, this is their main fundraiser every year, so he hopes the Council can support their request. Councilor Cheney moved to allow the Weirs Action Committee to use the Endicott Rock Park parking lot during Motorcycle Week for fundraising purposes during Motorcycle Week 2020, seconded by Councilor Felch; Mayor Hosmer asked what a typical weekend profits are for that lot. City Manager Myers stated, weather dependent, on average the City profits anywhere from $1,300 to $1,500 a day. That is at $2.00 per hour per parking spot. City Manager Myers knows the City works with the WAC for two major events, Motorcycle Week and fireworks on Wednesdays. The City Manager does believe during the normal Motorcycle Week, the WAC would only allow motorcycles in that lot and additionally use the grassy area for parking as well. This is where the capacity issue City Manager Myers stated, weather dependent, on average the City profits anywhere from $1,300 to $1,500 a day. That is at $2.00 per hour per parking spot. City Manager Myers knows the City works with the WAC for two major events, Motorcycle Week and fireworks on Wednesdays. The City Manager does believe during the normal Motorcycle Week, the WAC would only allow motorcycles in that lot and additionally use the grassy area for parking as well. This is where the capacity issue come in. What was said tonight was there was going to be a mix of cars and motorcycles, therefore it wouldn't increase capacity. The City Manager understands this is the WAC's biggest fundraiser every year. After looking at their 2019 financials, the WAC grossed about $30,000, and labor and other expenses amounted to roughly $9,000, leaving a net income of about $21,000. That is roughly 600 bikes a day at $5.00 per bike totalling $3,000 per day income times a 10 day event. If the Council decides to move forward with this the City is losing some revenue but he would also like clarification that cars will be allowed to park in that lot as well. As for safety, will the grass area be allowed to be used for parking or not as there will still be people utilizing the beach. Councilor Cheney agrees with the City Manager that there needs to be a guarantee from the WAC that cars will be allowed to park as well as bikes. He also agrees with the use of only lined parking spots, not the grass. Councilor Cheney would like to see them have the opportunity to collect some money towards their fund drive. Councilor Cheney stated if the Council can support the Nomad Motorcycle Club having a tent on Lakeside Avenue, then they should be able to support the WAC doing a fundraiser in the parking lot. Councilor Soucy asked for clarification regarding stipulations being set for no parking on the grass and to allow cars. He also asked how many bikes usually park per parking spot. Councilor Cheney agrees that those should be conditions of use. City Manager Myers explained that up to four (4) bikes can park in one (1) parking spot. As for allowing cars, that would be a decision made by the Council, because as the City Manager recalls, during past Motorcycle Week's they have only allowed for motorcycles to be parked and have also used the grassy areas. Councilor Hamel agrees with the City Manager. Councilor Lipman is concerned with a large number of bikes in one location and how that would make the City look. The difference between raising money and public safety should not compare. He would rather see the Council come up with a different way for the WAC to raise money throughout the year. Councilor Lipman can't support the motion as it stands. Councilor Cheney doesn't foresee 600 bikes being parked their if cars are allowed too. He thinks the number would be greatly reduced. Councilor Lipman doesn't think it is a matter of cost but a matter of public health. If whatever the City makes from the kiosks during that week and they give it to the WAC, it would be a smarter choice. Councilor Lipman is concerned with a congregation of vehicles in that lot and the City would not be proud if something happened. Councilor Lipman is in support of the WAC and would like to see the City help them out, but in a different way. Councilor Cheney assumed restrictions would be put into place so there wouldn't be overcrowding. He agrees the City doesn't want to see a capacity crowd in that parking lot. Councilor Cheney hopes Councilor Lipman can reconsider and have the City Manager set restrictions to meet the needs of the Council. Councilor Lipman can support that. Mayor Hosmer understands that the Council wishes to have the City Manager set restrictions and stipulations for a reduced capacity. Mayor Hosmer asked if the City would try to find funds throughout the year to help compensate what the WAC would lose so they can continue to invest in that part of the City. Councilor Lipman would be in support of a reduced capacity and try to help offset it with finding some City funds. throughout the year to help compensate what the WAC would lose so they can continue to invest in that part of the City. Councilor Lipman would be in support of a reduced capacity and try to help offset it with finding some City funds. Councilor Hamel agrees with Councilor Lipman. He suggested treating it like an everyday parking, first-come, first-serve and pay at the kiosks just like Lakeside Ave is going to be. Then whatever money is made that week in the kiosks, either split the proceeds or give it all the WAC. By doing it this way, the WAC would also be saving money by not having to provide personnel. Councilor Hamel also reminded the Council that the Weirs Community Center also normally parks vehicles and they have been denied a permit to do so this year. So will the City help them out as well. Councilor Hamel stated this isn't a normal year for anyone and trying to make people whole is going to be tough and impossible. Councilor Felch reminded the Council they voted to approve to support the local non-profit organizations. With all the money they bring in (WAC), it comes back to the City. Councilor Hamel explained the City is trying to prevent large amounts of people congregating in one area. City Manager reviewed some numbers of what the WAC could raise with the stipulations. The WAC could potentially still earn roughly $1,200 per day as well as not have any expenses for staffing. The City does not need to have that visual of large groups congregating in one space. The fees generated for that week can be calculated shortly after August 30, 2020. During a typical Motorcycle Week, the beach is closed. During the upcoming event, the beach will be open, therefore City staff will need to be there. Councilor Hamel asked if it is possible to increase the kiosks fees for just Motorcycle Week. City Manager Myers explained that involves reprogramming the kiosks which there is a charge for. City Manager Myers suggests keeping it simple and let the lot run itself. Councilor Haynes thinks the Council is missing the point. This is about public safety. He understands the WAC wants to have a fundraiser, but this is about public safety and preventing people from congregating. He can not support the use of the parking lot to the WAC this year. Councilor Haynes does support trying to make the WAC whole and letting the lot run itself. Councilor Felch would like to move the question forward. Councilor Cheney would like to hear from Councilor Soucy. Councilor Soucy questioned the enforcement part of the kiosks. City Manager Myers explained how the kiosks worked and the fines for parking tickets for expired kiosks. Mayor Hosmer called the question; Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman NO Councilor Haynes NO Councilor Hamel NO Councilor Felch YES; With three (3) in favor and three (3) opposed, Mayor Hosmer broke the tie with a in favor vote.  Councilor Hamel NO Councilor Felch YES; With three (3) in favor and three (3) opposed, Mayor Hosmer broke the tie with a in favor vote. The motion passes. City Manager Myers asked for clarification from the Council as to what exact stipulations he should be setting forth with the Weirs Action Committee. 1. First come, first serve of parking of bikes and cars 2. No parking on any grass areas. Parking will only be permitted in the numbered parking spots. 3. $5.00 per motorcycle and $20.00 per car 4. Operation dates of August 22, 2020 through August 30, 2020 Discussion was had in regards to using a reduced number of parking spaces. Mayor Hosmer asked the City Manager to look at reducing the capacity to either half or two-thirds. City Manager Myers also questioned if it is the will of the Council to request of the Weirs Action Committee to make sure that the mixture of bikes and cars be evenly spread out throughout the parking lot so as not to overwhelm one side with only bikes. Councilor Felch mentioned that parking isn't going to be limited on Lakeside Ave, therefore it shouldn't be limited in the parking lot either. Councilor Cheney thinks the parking lot will probably be the least of the City's problems. City Manager Myers would like to know what time the WAC should be at the parking lot? It is the will of the Council to have the WAC to staff the parking lot no later than 7:00 am. It is also the understanding of the Council that if the WAC does not agree to these terms then the lot will run as it normally does. 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS 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  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 8:27 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON AUGUST 24, 2020