City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 28, 2020 7:00 P.M. This meeting of the Laconia City Council is being held at the Laconia High School Huot Culinary Arts Center, 26 Dewey Street, Laconia New Hampshire. The public has the ability to attend the meeting at this address. The public may also participate in this meeting via the zoom platform by entering webinar ID 816-3712-2017. The webinar password is 754332. The public may listen to the meeting via Zoom by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering Webinar ID: 816 3712 2017. The public may view this meeting by visiting YouTube at https:www.youtube.com/laconianh or through Lakes Region Public Access, Channel 24. For problems, please call 603-524-3877 ext 225. 9/28/2020 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Hamel lead the Salute to the Flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote with the following Councilors in attendance: Bruce Cheney, Bob Soucy, 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 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of September 14, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, September 17, 2020. With one change being made, the City Clerk resubmitted the minutes to the Council on Friday, September 18, 2020. The minutes will be accepted as redistributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA  Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, September 17, 2020. With one change being made, the City Clerk resubmitted the minutes to the Council on Friday, September 18, 2020. The minutes will be accepted as redistributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Representative Charlie St. Clair thanked the City Council and City staff for everything that they did for Motorcycle Week that was held in August. The Motorcycle Week Association took steps to encourage social distancing and the wearing of masks. 10. PRESENTATIONS Benjamin Clark from the Hobo Railroad presented about the Rail Bike Adventures. A packet was submitted for the record which explains the details of the Rail Bike Adventures project. Mayor Hosmer thanked Mr. Clark for bringing some positivity during the pandemic and for picking Laconia. Councilor Soucy asked where the turnaround would be? Mr. Clark explained the turnaround would be before the Winnisquam bridge where there would be a quick snack and water break. Councilor Hamel loves this idea and thanked Mr. Clark for choosing Laconia as the location for this. Mr. Clark also extended his thanks for the support from Laconia. 11. INTERVIEWS 12. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12.A. James Rogato - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Licensing Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of March, 2023 Councilor Felch moved to reappoint James Rogato as a regular member of the Licensing Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of March, 2023, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.B. Chris Condodemetraky - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Councilor Felch moved to reappoint Chris Condodemetraky as a regular member of the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.C. Charlie St. Clair - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2023 Councilor Lipman moved to reappoint Charlie St. Clair as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2023, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.D. Jewel Fox - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2023 Councilor Soucy moved to reappoint Jewel Fox as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three- year term expiring at the end of June, 2023, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.E. Gail Ober - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Councilor Hamel moved to reappoint Gail Ober as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor.  12.E. Gail Ober - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Councilor Hamel moved to reappoint Gail Ober as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.F. Steven Bogert - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Councilor Hamel moved to reappoint Steven Bogert as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 13. COMMUNICATIONS 14. PUBLIC HEARINGS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer thanked the above candidates for their willingness to serve. Mayor Hosmer thanked all of the staff in making tonight's in-person meeting happen. It is nice to all be back together as one. Mayor Hosmer also acknowledged all the Jewish brothers and sisters as they finished celebrating Yom Kippur. Mayor Hosmer briefly spoke about the scaled back version of Motorcycle Week and extended his appreciation to everyone that made it a safe one. Public safety was the number one concern. Mayor Hosmer reported to the Council that the Business Round table, which took a back seat once COVID hit, has been able to begin again. The Business Round table will be meeting some time next week and the Mayor will keep the Council up to date of the discussions. Mayor Hosmer spoke of the homeless population here in Laconia. This is not just a Laconia problem, this is a State and Country wide problem. Earlier this year, the City Manager, Mayor, Police Chief, and Fire Chief visited some of the local homeless camps. Mayor Hosmer is looking to form a task force to help with this issue. This task force needs to pull people together as well as not duplicate others efforts to do the same. Mayor Hosmer hopes to have residents, business people, health officials and City officials involved with this task force. 16. COMMITTEE REPORTS 16.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) Councilor Lipman would like to schedule a meeting of the Finance Committee in regards to the Internal Controls Policy that is on tonight's agenda. 16.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 16.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 16.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Cheney (Chair), Soucy, Lipman) 16.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Soucy (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.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, Soucy) 16.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17. LIAISON REPORTS Councilor Haynes stated that the Historic District Commission finally had their first meeting with all members in attendance. Tara Shore was nominated as Chair and Carl Reitz as Vice Chair. The next meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2020. Councilor Hamel updated the Council on the Colonial Theatre. There is an intended completion date for the end of December, 2020. Donations are still be welcomed and appreciated. Councilor Cheney attended the Weirs Action Committee and updated the Council on what they made during Motorcycle Week in parking fees. They also applied for and received a COVID Grant in an amount of $35,589. Mayor Hosmer noted the parking during Motorcycle Week was managed very well. Councilor Felch spoke of the Motorcycle Week Association and how happy they were that the City allowed non-profit groups to vend. 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Dan Lasata (Whipple Avenue) - spoke in favor of the Skate Park. He is in the process of submitting paperwork for a 501(c)3 to help with funding the skate park. This would be a positive move for the City as it would bring more families to the area. Joe McCarthy, Bell Hill Drive, asked if the Council planned on holding these meetings here in the future and if so, could something be done in regards to the sound for the back of the room. Mayor Hosmer answered that future Council meetings will be held at this location and the sound system will be looked into. Tom Missert, Boynton Court - spoke in favor of the skate park. He stated he grew up using the current skate park as a kid and if it wasn't for that skate park he would have gotten into a lot of trouble. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT  be looked into. Tom Missert, Boynton Court - spoke in favor of the skate park. He stated he grew up using the current skate park as a kid and if it wasn't for that skate park he would have gotten into a lot of trouble. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers spoke about the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program. He provided a background on the program regarding how it is currently structured. CM Myers explained that a year or two ago there was work done to look at other plants in New England, and how it might look to turn the plant into a self-governed entity; however, the price to purchase it was too high. Now what is being attempted is to create something similar to Fish and Game where an Executive Director is hired to operate and control staff in that department. Each community would work with their governing body to determine if there is support for this approach. 19.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers spoke of Halloween and trick or treating. Laconia is thinking of doing a hybrid approach. One idea is to do a one way trick or treating with some contests at Opechee Park, another idea is to have a normal trick or treating for those that choose to participate, with the idea that if outside lights on houses are off then that house does not want to participate, another idea is to shorten the time frame. City Manager Myers would also encourage everyone to wear a mask whether you are handing out candy or walking with your children. The Governor has stated that trick or treating is a local choice. Councilor Soucy likes the idea of the Opechee Park one way trick or treating. City Manager Myers explained, hearing no objection from Council, that there will be trick or treating in Laconia with the Opechee Park option, with times to be determined. Councilor Haynes questioned the bid for the Weirs Fire Station and how it stated one contractor. The amount of work that needs to be done would require more than one contractor. City Manager Myers will get Councilor Haynes more information. Councilor Hamel asked if there were any updates on Perley Pond. City Manager Myers explained applications have been submitted to DES and trying to work within the not to exceed dollar amounts limits work as well. DES has advised the removal of cattails. This is requiring additional funds and work. Therefore a hold has been put on that. Councilor Cheney asked for an update in regards to the properties on the corner on Rollercoaster Road and Pickerel Pond Road. City Manager Myers will get a report for the next meeting in regards to Councilor Cheney's request. 20. NEW BUSINESS 20.A. Proposal to amend the Internal Control Policy Councilor Lipman is requesting this item be sent to the Finance Committee for further discussion. Councilor Soucy moved to refer this item to the Finance Committee for further review, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor.  Councilor Lipman is requesting this item be sent to the Finance Committee for further discussion. Councilor Soucy moved to refer this item to the Finance Committee for further review, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.B. Proposal to amend the City's Investment Policy Councilor Haynes moved to refer this item to the Finance Committee, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Lipman would like to schedule a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 6:15 pm for the proposal to amend the City's Investment Policy and the Internal Control Policy. 20.C. Request from Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction to use a portion of the downtown municipal parking lot for a closing ceremony in connection with their "Community Challenge" fundraiser, Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm Councilor Felch moved to approve the request from Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction to use a portion of the downtown municipal parking lot for a closing ceremony in connection with their "Community Challenge" fundraiser, Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, seconded by Councilor Haynes; Councilor Felch would like to fully disclose he is a member of the Lakes Region Children's Auction. Mayor Hosmer called the question. the motion passed with all in favor. 20.D. Stacy Soucy - Council appointment as a Planning Board Advisory Member to the Conservation Commission Councilor Hamel moved to appoint Stacy Soucy to act as a Planning Board Advisory Member to the Conservation Commission to a term expiring at the end of June, 2021, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with five in favor, one (1) abstain (Councilor Soucy). 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 21.A. Second reading and approval of the proposed changes to Chapter 201-15, Streets and Sidewalks, Article II. Protection of Streets and 201-16 Excavation, Driveway, paving and digging permits City Manager Myers gave a background. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of these Ordinances in their entirety and to read by titles only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved a second reading of Ordinance 201-15, Excavations, and Ordinance 201-16, Driveway, paving, and digging permits, seconded by Councilor Soucy; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved to schedule a public hearing on October 13, 2020 during the regular Council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. Request to use $100,000 from the Non-Capital Reserve Fund for phase 1 of the Laconia Skate Park City Manager Myers updated the Council on the status of this item. The Boys and Girls Club and well as Superintendent Tucker were notified that Opechee Park may possibly be the new location of the  21.B. Request to use $100,000 from the Non-Capital Reserve Fund for phase 1 of the Laconia Skate Park City Manager Myers updated the Council on the status of this item. The Boys and Girls Club and well as Superintendent Tucker were notified that Opechee Park may possibly be the new location of the Skate Park. City Manager Myers explained that the police will be patrolling the skate park but there won't be someone there at all time monitoring the situation. Councilor Haynes asked if there were any other locations looked at? Sanborn and Memorial Parks were both looked at but size was an issue. Councilor Haynes thinks there is too much at Opechee when the track and all the fields are being used. Councilor Haynes is in support of a new skate park but needs to be convinced of that location. City Manager Myers explained some of the attraction of Opechee Park for the Skate Park is because there isn't any abutting residential neighbors. Councilor Lipman would like more of an explanation of what the City would be getting for the $100,000 as well as the upkeep of the skate park. City Manager Myers explained the idea is those using the skate park are responsible for trash upkeep. The City would like to build a good relationship with the patrons. The $100,000 would cover the cost of Phase 1 which would include the design and the concrete elements. Phase 2 would include the fencing, lighting, benches, and possibly a canopy for shade. It is the idea of the non-profit group raising the money for phase 2. Discussion was had about safety concerns pertaining to lighting and fencing not being done alongside phase 1. It was explained that temporary fencing and lighting could be added until phase 2 was completed. Also brought up was the idea of having the park at the Robbie Mills Complex. Director Lovisek explained that location is not easily accessible for kids to ride their skateboards or scooters too. Councilor Soucy moved to approve $100,000 from the Non-Capital Reserve Fund for phase 1 of the Laconia Skate Park to be located at Opechee Park, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Haynes asked where this would leave the Non-Capital Reserve Fund. City Manager Myers explained if this was approved tonight, roughly $150,000 would still remain in the Non-Capital Reserve Fund Account. Mayor Hosmer called the question. the motion passed with all in favor. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Hamel stated that Christmas Village will not be happening this year due to the lack of the ability to social distance. Councilor Hamel also mentioned that the savings that Finance Director Glenn Smith negotiated was about half a million dollars. With that amount of savings, Councilor Hamel was very disappointed with only seeing a small blurb in the newspaper. Councilor Hamel would like the residents to know that the Council and City departments are always trying to save the residents money. 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23.A. Master Plan  departments are always trying to save the residents money. 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) 26. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:47 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES FROM THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 13, 2020