City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 14, 2020 7:00 P.M. 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 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: 817 3856 3758 password 941215 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 527 - 1265 x 243 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. 12/14/2020 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Soucy 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, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Soucy YES, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Lipman YES, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Haynes YES, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Hamel YES, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Councilor Felch YES, Is anyone in the room with you? NO Mayor Hosmer noted all six Councilors were in attendance and a quorum has been established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Scott Myers, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director Mayor Hosmer is moving Item 22, Council Comments, directly after the Mayors Report, Item 15. The Mayor also suggested that Council Comments be permanently moved from Item 22 to Item 16 and maybe this can be discussed at a future date. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of November 23, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request by the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 12, 2021 through June 20, 2021, and to waive all Special Event fees in connection with the requested use Mayor Hosmer stated subject to the approval of this item is it is contingent upon the COVID- 19 conditions and Council reserves the right to revisit this item in the future. Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request by the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 12, 2021 through June 20, 2021, and to waive all Special Event fees in connection with the requested use, seconded by Councilor Felch;  8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request by the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 12, 2021 through June 20, 2021, and to waive all Special Event fees in connection with the requested use Mayor Hosmer stated subject to the approval of this item is it is contingent upon the COVID- 19 conditions and Council reserves the right to revisit this item in the future. Councilor Cheney moved to approve the request by the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 12, 2021 through June 20, 2021, and to waive all Special Event fees in connection with the requested use, seconded by Councilor Felch; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 8.B. Request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive Special Event, license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 12 -14, 2021 Sled Dog event Subject to COVID -19 conditions and the Council reserves the right to revisit this. Councilor Soucy moved to approve the request from the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive Special Event, license, vendor, and loudspeaker fees of the February 12- 14, 2021 Sled Dog Event, seconded by Councilor Hamel; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Ira Keltz, read a prepared statement on behalf of the Temple of B'Nai Israel and the Jewish Federation of NH, but did not submit it for the record. It was in regards to Dawn Johnson's recent anti-semitism post on social media. Carlos Cardona - resident of Laconia for the past 12 years, plus a parent of two children of the Laconia School District and tax payer - Mr. Cardona is asking the City Council to not take Dawn Johnson's postings and actions lightly. He stated the Jewish community needs to stand in solidarity. He expressed concern about raising his kids in an area where this type of hate is happening. Mr. Cardona understands the City Council is limited to what they can do but believes words and actions have power. Mr. Cardona is concerned if anyone searches Laconia NH, this issue with Dawn Johnson may come up. Lois Kessin, 3 Tanglewood Lane - Moved back to Laconia three years ago and graduated from Laconia High School. She stated she is appalled by Dawn Johnson's anti semitic and racists tweets. Ms. Kessin would like the City's elders to condemn Mrs. Johnson's behavior and would like her to resign from the School Board. There is no place on the School Board for someone that holds those views. She read a quote from Albert Einstein. Dana Hackett - Ms. Hackett stated her daughter will be starting school next year and it terrifies her to think that she has to send her daughter to school with a school board member that has such hateful views and thoughts. She also agrees with what everyone has said so far and staying silent is not appropriate. She feels strongly that everyone takes a stand collectively. 10. INTERVIEWS 10.A. Marcia Hayward - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Marcia Hayward was interviewed. 10.B. Marnie Blaisdell Schulz - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Conservation Commission to a three- year term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Marnie Blaisdell Schulz was unavailable this evening, therefore this interview will be postponed until the next Council meeting. 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 11.A. Stacy Soucy - Requesting appointment as the Planning Board's representative to the Lakes Region Planning Commission, to fill the remaining term of Peter Brunette, expiring at the end of June, 2021 Councilor Felch moved to appoint Stacy Soucy as the Planning Board's representative to the Lakes Region Planning Commission, to fill the remaining term of Peter Brunette, expiring at the end of June, 2021, seconded by Councilor Hamel; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy abstained Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES  City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy abstained Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor and one (1) abstain. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing to amend City Code Chapter 5- 30 Conservation Commission, section B, amending number of members Notice of this public hearing was made available in the November 25, 2020 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at City Hall, Community Center, Laconia Public Library and the SAU. Action on this item will be taken up under unfinished business. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:29 pm. Gail Ober asked if all of the seats are currently filled and how will they determine who will no longer be a member. Planning Director Dean Trefethen explained that this has been discussed within the Conservation Commission and one current full time member has agreed to move to an alternate member. With no further comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:31 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer addressed some of the concerns that were brought up during the public comment section. Mayor Hosmer knows that the City of Laconia is a very welcoming, inclusive community, a great place to work, live, and go to school. The Mayor also knows that Laconia is not immune from the ugly discourse that has been happening throughout the Country. The Mayor is also acutely aware of the fine line between our freedom of expression and speech that may use race, sex, religion, etc. Mayor Hosmer feels that posting or reposting on social media content that amplifies anti -semitic or racism crosses the fine line. Laconia is and hopes it is known as a community where everyone, regardless of race, sex, religion, or ethnicity is treated with fairness, kindness, and respect. Mayor Hosmer doesn't believe this is a partisan political issue and hopes Laconia, as a community, creates a better dialogue around issues of race, anti- semitism, and general prejudice. In the coming weeks, Mayor Hosmer will be looking to our community to begin the process of a public dialog, identifying issues that may divide us and finding ways to bridge this divide. Mayor Hosmer hopes Laconia will continue to educate itself and our children about the affects of prejudice. Mayor Hosmer does believe that as a community we are all in this together. Mayor Hosmer stated the Homelessness Task Force will be meeting tomorrow, December 15, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm via Zoom. 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), 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.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 Councilor Hamel explained to the Council that the Land & Buildings Committee met earlier this evening in regards to the Parking Garage and the DPW Compound. Councilor Hamel explained that there were three options presented for the parking garage: 1. Complete rebuild 2. Remove top level, roof the first level and use that as parking 3. Dismantle it, put a roof on it and walk away from it Another option was presented, which was to buy the entire building and look into other possibilities. After further discussion, option number two was taken off the table. He explained that further discussion will be had in the next couple weeks within the committee and then it will be brought to the Council for further discussion and a decision. Councilor Hamel explained something needs to be decided sooner rather than later as it is costing the City a lot of money. Councilor Hamel would like everyone to keep in mind what will Laconia look like in the future, what kind of parking will be needed in the future. Another thing to think about is that the City only  2. Remove top level, roof the first level and use that as parking 3. Dismantle it, put a roof on it and walk away from it Another option was presented, which was to buy the entire building and look into other possibilities. After further discussion, option number two was taken off the table. He explained that further discussion will be had in the next couple weeks within the committee and then it will be brought to the Council for further discussion and a decision. Councilor Hamel explained something needs to be decided sooner rather than later as it is costing the City a lot of money. Councilor Hamel would like everyone to keep in mind what will Laconia look like in the future, what kind of parking will be needed in the future. Another thing to think about is that the City only owns the parking garage, not the businesses attached to it. Councilor Hamel does not want to pass this problem onto future Councils. The Public Works Director and Councilor Hamel had a walk through with a representative from the Turner Group that deals with parking garages. This representative, Gerard Blanchette, stated the parking garage can be salvaged. There were some estimated costs presented, ranging from $2,000,000 to deconstruct, $3,200,000 to rehabilitate the second deck and remove the third, and $4,525,000 to rehabilitate both decks. Councilor Soucy would like to keep in mind how parking is going to work for the entire downtown area. Councilor Hamel explained that a few years ago a drawing was done up of what a new parking garage would look like that would include glass elevators, LED lighting, ramp upgrades, etc. Councilor Hamel also reminded the Council that with the new apartments being built above the Colonial, some parking spots will be reserved for those, therefore that will take away some parking from the downtown area. Councilor Cheney has great hopes for what the Colonial Theatre will do for the downtown area, so parking will be needed. Councilor Hamel also explained the amount of money being invested each year for just the upkeep is increasing every year, so that needs to be considered when making a decision. Councilor Lipman asked what the time was on removing the upper level and fixing the main deck. Councilor Hamel explained that wasn't discussed but the company did say with a new build the life span would be about 30 years. Councilor Lipman asked if that life span would be okay to pass down to future Councils? Councilor Hamel said if the entire parking garage was redone and it lasted another 30 years and then we ended up in this same situation, then he would think that is passing the problem down to another Council and they would have to do yearly repairs in order to keep it open. Councilor Lipman said the other alternative would then to be remove it altogether and come up with additional parking. Councilor Hamel says a conclusion needs to be decided within the next month or two, especially with budget time coming up soon. 16.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings Councilor Hamel also briefed the Council on the discussion the Committee meeting held earlier this evening in regards to replacing the DPW buildings. Director Anderson is coming up with a plan to what the Public Works department would need and how it would fit at its current location. Other locations are available but they are not centrally located and have the best access roads for the equipment that is used. 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 Cheney advised the Council that the dispatch program has been installed. Councilor Haynes stated the Heritage Commission has denied a demolition permit for 76 Lakeside Avenue as the Commission felt this building was worth saving. On Thursday, December 16th the Commission will be meeting with the owners to see if this can be resolved. 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No comments from the public were made. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report City Manager Myers explained with the increase number of COVID cases, the City is encouraging any transactions that can be processed online to do so. If residents need help with those transactions to call the appropriate department to be helped. The City is asking residents to look at the big picture and ask themselves how they can keep each other safe. City Manager Myers reviewed the report. Discussion was had in regards to using the State School Dube building for the purposes of COVID cases. The same protocols are being done with security and once the people are better, they are being brought back to their original community. Councilor Cheney asked if someone could look at the intersection of Oak and Main Street lights and the timing of the light for the left hand turn onto Oak Street. Councilor Cheney asked for an update of the Indian Statue. Councilor Cheney also asked for the City Manager to look into the Comcast contract in regards to the internet. Councilor Cheney read an article in the Union Leader that the internet speed may be reduced and finds concern with that considering the amount of people working from home and kids doing remote learning. City Manager Myers will look into the intersection and get back to the Council. City Manager Myers explained that the contract the City has with Comcast/Atlantic Broadband is strictly for cable services and does not have anything to do with the internet or telephone. City Manager Myers explained the fabrication of the Indian Statue was delayed a little because of the pandemic, but it is the hope that it will be done this Spring in conjunction with the owners (the Muskrats) baseball season start.  Councilor Cheney also asked for the City Manager to look into the Comcast contract in regards to the internet. Councilor Cheney read an article in the Union Leader that the internet speed may be reduced and finds concern with that considering the amount of people working from home and kids doing remote learning. City Manager Myers will look into the intersection and get back to the Council. City Manager Myers explained that the contract the City has with Comcast/Atlantic Broadband is strictly for cable services and does not have anything to do with the internet or telephone. City Manager Myers explained the fabrication of the Indian Statue was delayed a little because of the pandemic, but it is the hope that it will be done this Spring in conjunction with the owners (the Muskrats) baseball season start. Councilor Hamel asked about the growing number of utility poles throughout the City and believes Comcast is adding another 157. City Manager Myers explained there is a shared notification system within all of the utilities about when one utility has removed their wires from the poles and what utility would be next. The City is working with all of the utility companies to be sure this is done expeditiously as possible. Chief Beattie and his team have been working on a program to do away with the fire alarm wires and for people to use their own systems but this will take some time as businesses will incur fees to do so. It would be a phase out option. Councilor Hamel would also like the bushes/plants to be trimmed down by the stop sign in front of Sawyers Jewelry as they are obstructing the view of oncoming traffic. 20. NEW BUSINESS 20.A. Request to appoint Amber Flanders as Ward 4 Supervisor of the Checklist Councilor Haynes moved to appoint Amber Flanders as Ward 4 Supervisor of the Checklist for a term expiring at the end of November, 2021, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Haynes explained that Amber Flanders has shadowed the former Supervisor of the Checklist and recommends the Council to approve this. Mayor Hosmer called the question. City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.B. Authorization of boat dealers to act as agents for the City of Laconia Councilor Hamel moved to allow the renewal of the Boat Agent Agreement with the State of NH - DMV, with the City of Laconia and boat dealers, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Felch mentioned that Channel Marine has changed its name to Winni Marine. The Clerk will look into this. City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy 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 Clerk to sign the Boat Agent Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia, seconded by Councilor Hamel; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 20.C. Request for no parking on Wentworth Cove near the area beach DPW Director Wes Anderson explained that a request was received to make an area on Wentworth Cove no parking by the beach area. Director Anderson looked at the area to determine the best location for the beach and residents. Mayor Hosmer reviewed the staff report to explain more details of this item. Councilor Felch moved that the City Council approve designating a no parking area on both sides of Wentworth Cove Road. On the odd numbered side of the road the no parking area begins at the southern boundary of 65 Wentworth Cove Road to the northern boundary of 91 Wentworth Cove Road. On the even side of the road it should extend from the southern boundary of 66 Wentworth Cove Road to the northern boundary of 88 Wentworth Cove Road, seconded by Councilor Soucy;  20.C. Request for no parking on Wentworth Cove near the area beach DPW Director Wes Anderson explained that a request was received to make an area on Wentworth Cove no parking by the beach area. Director Anderson looked at the area to determine the best location for the beach and residents. Mayor Hosmer reviewed the staff report to explain more details of this item. Councilor Felch moved that the City Council approve designating a no parking area on both sides of Wentworth Cove Road. On the odd numbered side of the road the no parking area begins at the southern boundary of 65 Wentworth Cove Road to the northern boundary of 91 Wentworth Cove Road. On the even side of the road it should extend from the southern boundary of 66 Wentworth Cove Road to the northern boundary of 88 Wentworth Cove Road, seconded by Councilor Soucy; Councilor Lipman asked what the noticing was on this item, he just wants to make sure it was properly noticed. City Manager Myers believes that Councilor Felch reached out to the residents and emails have been received from some of the members in support of this motion. Councilor Felch has heard from several of the residents in that area and seen pictures. There is an attorney that reached out to Councilor Felch on behalf of those residents and that attorney is available on zoom this evening. Councilor Lipman just wants to verify that proper notification was done. Mayor Hosmer asked if all the residents on Wentworth Cove Road are all part of that association? Councilor Felch believes so. Councilor Soucy wanted to clarification who could and could not park there. Councilor Felch explained the no parking would be for all vehicles, not just non- residents. Councilor Felch also explained to some of the residents that it would be beneficial if they put up their own signs stating private beach, no parking, or no trespassing so that should help as well. Another problem is that people that don't live there are also using the private beach. Councilor Hamel asked if this passed, will the problem just be shifted further down that road and why doesn't the association have someone patrol the beach. Councilor Felch explained there isn't an association, its just a right of way. Councilor Hamel asked if the beach is deeded to the people? Regina Nadeau, Attorney, gave a background to the Wentworth Cove Road in the area of the beach. She explained what happened over the years, the three different developers never formed out an association and never conveyed out a form of ownership of the strip of land to the beach. So it is almost legally impossible to force the 60- something property owners to form an association. There is no intent to deprive the easement holders to enjoy and use their easement rights. What is happening is the easement rights don't include the right to park in the roadway and park trailers in the roadway. The problem is they are bring in large trailers, parking halfway in the road and halfway on lawns and leaving the trailers there for entire weekends. The letters that the Council received letters were from predominately the people that this problem is directly affecting. The motion is just an attempt to control the traffic issue in this direct area. This is considered phase one, and phase two would be to add a sign that states parking for easement holders only. Councilor Hamel asked what will stop people from parking further down the road, if we pass this motion? Attorney Nadeau doesn't have an answer for that. Initially she had hoped for a longer area. She is hoping with combined signage it would help reduce the traffic. If the problem moved further down the road after an approval tonight, then maybe the area of no parking could be expanded at a later time. Councilor Hamel said in some of the letters that were received, issues regarding boat docks and kayak storage was built there as well. He asked who is doing that? Attorney Nadeau is not sure but feels the dock issue is more of a DES issue as no permits have been found for it. DES will be asked to look into that. The first approach is to address the parking and then a sign stating if you're not an easement holder, then you're not welcomed. A discussion of about who owns lot 37, the right away to the beach. Lot 37 does not have a definitive lot and according to the assessing department, it is owner unknown. Attorney Nadeau suspects how the City recognizes revenue from lot 37 is each owner who has an easement right pays their share. City Manager Myers stated that when an owner has deeded beach rights or access to the water, that amount is figured into their assessed value for tax purposes. The City can take a look into anything that is being illegally built on that lot. Councilor Lipman, again asked about the posting requirements for this. City Manager Myers explained there is no specific noticing requirements on this item. Mayor Hosmer called the question City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy 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. Internal Control Policy Councilor Felch moved to approve the revised City Internal Control Policy, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Lipman explained that the Finance Committee reviewed this policy over several meetings, the past couple of weeks. Presented this evening is what the Finance Committee recommends for approval. Councilor Lipman would like the Clerk to set an alert so the Internal Control Policy be reviewed every two years (even numbered years) after the financial audit is completed.  Councilor Felch moved to approve the revised City Internal Control Policy, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Lipman explained that the Finance Committee reviewed this policy over several meetings, the past couple of weeks. Presented this evening is what the Finance Committee recommends for approval. Councilor Lipman would like the Clerk to set an alert so the Internal Control Policy be reviewed every two years (even numbered years) after the financial audit is completed. Councilor Haynes thanked the Finance Committee for their excellent job in reviewing this policy. Mayor Hosmer called the question. City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. Second reading and approval to amend city code Chapter 5- 30 Conservation Commission, section B, amending number of members Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Ordinance 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 Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved a second reading of Ordinance 2020- 5- 30- B, amending membership of the Conservation Commission, seconded by Councilor Felch; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy 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 Ordinance 2020- 5- 30-B, amending membership of the Conservation Commission, seconded by Councilor Soucy; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Comments was moved to 15A, immediately following the Mayor's Report. Councilor Felch echoes the Mayors sentiments in regards to the racism and anti- semitism. He has heard from many of his constituents and this is no place for that. As elected officials we represent all people in Laconia. This can not happen in Laconia and Councilor Felch agrees with his constituents. Councilor Hamel is glad that the people on this Zoom meeting spoke up and he agrees with them. Councilor Hamel explained he grew up here and feels that Laconia has always 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Comments was moved to 15A, immediately following the Mayor's Report. Councilor Felch echoes the Mayors sentiments in regards to the racism and anti- semitism. He has heard from many of his constituents and this is no place for that. As elected officials we represent all people in Laconia. This can not happen in Laconia and Councilor Felch agrees with his constituents. Councilor Hamel is glad that the people on this Zoom meeting spoke up and he agrees with them. Councilor Hamel explained he grew up here and feels that Laconia has always been a welcoming place. He spoke of Multi cultural Day and how many different cultures are celebrated and all people are welcomed. Councilor Hamel does not condone what was said and thinks it was despicable. Laconia has always been a welcoming place. Councilor Soucy sees Laconia as a magnet of all different ethnics, religions as a vacation spot. There should be no reason for people to see Laconia as nothing but a beautiful place to visit. Councilor Soucy hopes Mrs. Johnson learns from this. Councilor Cheney has received a substantial number of complaints from his constituents, the most he has ever received. Councilor Cheney hopes the Council takes what the public is saying to heart and he is sorry that this is happening. Councilor Cheney wishes he could say this was a mistake but he doesn't see how this could be even remotely a mistake. Councilor Haynes also echoes the Mayors comments. Councilor Haynes says Laconia is better than this and know better and he hopes a lesson has been learned. Councilor Lipman appreciates the comments from his fellow Councilors. Councilor Lipman hopes it is also a lesson to be learned. Mayor Hosmer takes a great deal of pride by the City Council and the community of Laconia to stand together in these types of issues. 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 Mayor Hosmer wished everyone Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Councilor Cheney also wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. With no further comments from the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:11 pm. Respectively submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 28, 2020