City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 28, 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 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: 859 8660 7595 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. 12/28/2020 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Cheney 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 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 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 6.A. Council presentation Mayor Hosmer presented the 2020 Debra Bieniarz Memorial Award. He read into the record the following: Thirty - three years ago, the Laconia City Council established the Debra Bieniarz Memorial Award for outstanding service to children and youth in the Lakes Region in memory of police officer Debra Bieniarz. Late Officer Bieniarz served the City and its youth with uncommon devotion, dedication and distinction during her nine years with the Police Department before her death in 1987. Each year a committee comprised of one City Councilor, one member of the Police Department and one member of the School Board selects an individual to be recognized for this award based on nominations from members of the community. The award honors a member of the community who has enlivened and enriched the lives of young people. This year ’ s honoree has been a fierce advocate for kids and a pillar of volunteer support at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region for many years. Never seeking the limelight, in fact often going out of her way to avoid it, her love and concern for the children’ s wellbeing is always evident. She devotes her time and resources to ensuring that Club kids are happy and healthy. Over the years, it is estimated that she has touched the lives of close to 1,000 Boys & Girls Club kids. Her consistent, reassuring presence is so important for the kids, especially during the time when the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region was merging with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Concord. She always makes herself available to assist with events or projects, and to orchestrate a craft project or two, and she can be counted on to find a spare coat or a toothbrush when necessary.  recognized for this award based on nominations from members of the community. The award honors a member of the community who has enlivened and enriched the lives of young people. This year ’ s honoree has been a fierce advocate for kids and a pillar of volunteer support at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region for many years. Never seeking the limelight, in fact often going out of her way to avoid it, her love and concern for the children’ s wellbeing is always evident. She devotes her time and resources to ensuring that Club kids are happy and healthy. Over the years, it is estimated that she has touched the lives of close to 1,000 Boys & Girls Club kids. Her consistent, reassuring presence is so important for the kids, especially during the time when the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region was merging with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Concord. She always makes herself available to assist with events or projects, and to orchestrate a craft project or two, and she can be counted on to find a spare coat or a toothbrush when necessary. The Club serves about 350 members each year, seeing as many as 150 children at the clubhouse every day before the pandemic. Now the Club is offering all -day programming for those learning remotely. The winner of this year ’ s award assists behind the scenes to help free up the Club director’ s time to concentrate on Club members. Once referring to herself as “ Mama Bear” when it comes to Club kids, our winner is highly resourceful, determined and connected in the community, always finding a way to make sure the Club kids ’ needs are met. In recognition of this year’ s honoree ’ s outstanding commitment to the youth of Laconia, I am extremely proud and pleased to present the 2020 Debra Bieniarz Award to: Kathy Drouin 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of December 14, 2020 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, December 17, 2020. With no changes or corrections submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Wesley Bates - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission to a term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Councilor Felch moved to appoint Wesley Bates as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission to a term expiring at the end of August, 2023, 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 Charlie St. Clair wanted to let the Council, Mayor and City Manager know how fortunate the City is to have the Laconia Fire Department. C. St. Clair's building on Union Ave had a fire on Christmas Day. He expressed how compassionate the workers at the Fire Department are and his extreme thanks for everything they did on that day and every day. Mayor Hosmer stated how sorry he is for the loss that Charlie St. Clair, Jennifer, and the Motorcycle Week Association experienced during the fire on Christmas Day. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 11.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 Councilor Lipman moved to appoint Marcia Hayward as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three -year term expiring at the end of August, 2023, 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. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Timberman Event - Audra Tassone-Indeck Audra Tassone -Indeck presented to the Council a PowerPoint explaining the idea of bringing back the Timberman event to the City of Laconia. They are looking at the dates of August 20, 2021 to August 22, 2021. This originally started in the area in 2006 and last until 2016. The idea is to start in Gilford at Ellacoya Beach, bike from Gilford to Loudon and back and run through Laconia and end in downtown Laconia. They would be requesting use of some of the local parking lots and Opechee Park. Ironman is a global company with over 250 events globally. The two day event would be females on Saturday, males on Sunday, involve the local restaurants and non - profits. The athletes spend an average of 20 hours per week training, which means the participants will come to the area to train throughout the year. The average spend for an athlete is about $7,000 to $26,000. One of the benefits of being a host City is the economic impact. This event is also a qualifier for the Ironman Event. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Timberman Event - Audra Tassone-Indeck Audra Tassone -Indeck presented to the Council a PowerPoint explaining the idea of bringing back the Timberman event to the City of Laconia. They are looking at the dates of August 20, 2021 to August 22, 2021. This originally started in the area in 2006 and last until 2016. The idea is to start in Gilford at Ellacoya Beach, bike from Gilford to Loudon and back and run through Laconia and end in downtown Laconia. They would be requesting use of some of the local parking lots and Opechee Park. Ironman is a global company with over 250 events globally. The two day event would be females on Saturday, males on Sunday, involve the local restaurants and non - profits. The athletes spend an average of 20 hours per week training, which means the participants will come to the area to train throughout the year. The average spend for an athlete is about $7,000 to $26,000. One of the benefits of being a host City is the economic impact. This event is also a qualifier for the Ironman Event. Mayor Hosmer thinks this is a great idea and expressed how much positivity it would bring to Laconia, the local restaurants and hotels. The Mayor explained that he has met with Audra along with the City Manager to discuss the event prior to this evening. This could be a really exciting event to bring back to Laconia. Councilor Soucy thinks this is a great idea and is requesting a copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Councilor Soucy asked if any other Timberman Events are happening in New Hampshire. Councilor Soucy also asked when an approval would be needed. Audra Tassone -Indeck stated their is a Timberman/Ironman in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The goal is to get approval as soon as possible because there is less than a year from the proposed date and they would like to open the registration no later than February, 2021. There are typically 4,000 participants and it sells out fast. Audra also mentioned that Gilford is on board with this and she is waiting for a response from Loudon. Councilor Hamel explained to Audra that he is on the Colonial Theatre committee and would love for Timberman to use the Theatre. Councilor Hamel also asked if Ironman would be responsible for paying for the safety services such as police and emt's. Audra explained it has been done where Ironman would pay for those services and also where the host City would pay 50%. This is something that would be discussed and decided on together. Discussion was also had regarding the pandemic and what, if any, precautions would be taken. It was explained that as the date got closer and if there was still a need to take the pandemic into consideration all safety measures would be put into place. Audra also explained that Timberman is and has been in constant communication with the proper State officials to ensure the safety of all athletes and spectators. If the safety can not take place then the event can be postponed or canceled. Mayor Hosmer would like the Councilors to review the presentation and then at the next City Council meeting bring forth a motion. City Manager Myers told the Council that City staff is all for this event and just waiting on the approval by Council before implementing any and all steps required to host it. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer mentioned the Christmas morning fire at the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association's building. Mayor Hosmer stated it was remarkable to see the professionalism of the Laconia Fire Department men and women staff as well as the Laconia Police Chief Mayor Hosmer also mentioned the community talk that happened last week in regards to the things that have been transpiring over the past month to discuss diversity. He explained it was a great discussion and debate. 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 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 18. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No comments from the public were made. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers spoke of the snow storm a few weeks ago that dumped over three feet of snow and thanked Public Works for the great job they did with such a significant amount of snowfall in such a short amount of time. City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 19.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers spoke of the snow storm a few weeks ago that dumped over three feet of snow and thanked Public Works for the great job they did with such a significant amount of snowfall in such a short amount of time. City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 19.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. Councilor Soucy expressed concern with the County budget and how it effects the tax cap and the residents of Laconia. Councilor Soucy would like someone from the County to come talk to the Council. City Manager Myers will reach out to the County Administrator, Deb Shackett to see if there is an interest in presenting to the Council. A new County Commissioner and Legislature was just seated but in past years there had been at least one member that would reach out to the City Manager to see what the tax cap looks like. The County budget runs on calendar year whereas the City budget runs fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. Typically as a blend of the inflation rate (1.2%) and the construction value, it means about a 2.5% to 3% increase in spending but not all of that is passed onto the taxpayers. The County does take those numbers into consideration when they pass their budget. There was a public hearing at the County scheduled but it was opened and closed and then rescheduled once there was a Zoom option available. Councilor Felch has reached out to all the representatives regarding the County budget and he recommends the citizens of Laconia do the same. 20. NEW BUSINESS 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Hosmer would like this item be moved to Item 16 going forward. 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 Councilor Felch moved to go in to non -public regarding 91 -A:3,II(d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party of parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community, seconded by Councilor Soucy; City Manager Myers noted for the record that before going back into the public meeting to adjourn, the Council will be having a non-meeting for consultation of legal counsel under 91-A. 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. Councilor Lipman moved to seal the minutes of the non-public meeting for six months, seconded by Councilor Soucy; the motion passed with all in favor. With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:28 pm. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 11, 2021 Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 11, 2021