City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 25, 2021 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 # 1-301-715-8592 or participate by the Zoom app: Webinar ID: 815 1773 5443 password 683048 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. 1/25/2021 - 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 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 are in attendance and a quorum has been established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Scott Myers, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of January 11, 2021 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the Council on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2021-01, Laconia Little League Parade Councilor Felch moved to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2021-01, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 24, 2021 from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 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. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA No comments from the public were made. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Resolution 2021-01, relative to the establishment of a Weirs Community Park House Committee Special Revenue Fund Notice of this public hearing was made available in the January 13, 2021 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Laconia Community Center, and the SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:08 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:09 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Hosmer made an adjustment to the agenda in order for Commissioner Spanos to speak on the County Budget as requested by the Council. Commissioner Spanos has joined the meeting via Zoom to discuss the County Budget. Administrator Debra Shackett, also present, provided a document titled County Commissioner's 2021 Budget Recommendation Significant Causes of Increase in Proposed Taxes. Commissioner Spanos explained the budget that was presented last year was cut by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of five of the senior members of the delegation. It is an 18 member delegation, and they are going to present their budget cuts tomorrow, Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Of the $1.7 million dollars that was slashed, it is being asked that $440,000 be reinstated to prevent shortfalls in the budget going forward. The concern with the cuts to the board is at the Nursing home, particularly the food service, about $250,000. Mayor Hosmer explained that just because the County Budget has a 12% increase within the City budget, does not mean the Laconia residents taxes will go up. Mayor Hosmer expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Spanos for taking the County's most vulnerable population into consideration and trying to get that money back for them. Councilor Hamel thought that the food service at the nursing home was a contracted service, and if that is the case, what would exactly be cut from food service? Commissioner Spanos explained that right now, because of the pandemic, the number of residents is low, therefore the delegation wants to cut back on the food service. But with the vaccinations being rolled out, Shelley Richardson is expecting to see the nursing home back at full capacity and if these monies are not added back in there could be a shortfall. Commissioner Spanos also explained if the entire $31.9 million budget was accepted as presented, it would of resulted to a tax increase to the residents of Belknap County. But he explained that is someone owned a $250,000 home, they would see their taxes only go up $36.00. Commissioner Spanos also stated that there is an accumulated $6 million in the fund balance, which is a nice cushion incase there are shortfalls throughout the year. Councilor Soucy explained the City is probably going to be limited to a 1.2% CPI budget increase, which limits the City as well, especially because of the Tax Cap. Commissioner Spanos explained if the County decided to give back the $440,000 and use only $2 million rather than $3 million from the fund balance, that would result in a 1% decrease to the tax payers and no additional tax levy to the City. Councilor Soucy asked what the other Counties run for fund balances. Commissioner Spanos explained if the County decided to give back the $440,000 and use only $2 million rather than $3 million from the fund balance, that would result in a 1% decrease to the tax payers and no additional tax levy to the City. Councilor Soucy asked what the other Counties run for fund balances. Administrator Shackett explained that there really isn't a correlation between counties. Some may not have a fund balance and some have a larger fund balance than Belknap County. She explained about two years ago the Commissioners created a fund balance policy to keep between $3.5 to $5 million on hand based on the operating expense requirements. Councilor Lipman appreciates the work that Peter and Debra are doing. Councilor Hamel asked if there is anything else in the budget that has been cut dramatically that the Council should know about that could affect services? Commissioner Spanos explained there are some cuts in corrections but he doesn't think its meets the totally essential category. Administrator Shackett explained that within the $440,000 there are a number of items that make up that number. A discussion was had in regards to the Gunstock Ski Area and what it brings back to the County. The County always lends Gunstock money but Gunstock as always paid back the County. Councilor Soucy asked what the outlook of revenues is. Administrator Shackett explained that revenues are down but not to the extent initially feared. Mayor Hosmer had a conversation with Congressman Pappas as to what the next Cares Act will look like and what each municipality will receive. He encourages everyone to reach out to him with any concerns. 14.A. Timberman Event - Audra Tassone-Indeck Audra Tassone-Indeck supplied the Mayor, City Manager, and Council with a document outlining the specifics of what could be asked of from the City. This document was submitted as part of the record. Scott Langen, a Regional Director of Ironman, was also present. Ms. Tassone-Indeck reviewed the document in more detail. About $15,000 in cash is being asked for as well as some in-kind needs such as Waste Management, Police and EMT detail, message boards, and waiver of venue fees. Mayor Hosmer explained the past couple meetings a broader document was presented and today a more detailed document was presented that would be more tailored for the City of Laconia. In an event this size, Mayor Hosmer asked how many and what size dumpsters would be needed. Ms. Tassone-Indeck stated a total of three dumpsters of the size range of 15-20 yards. It was also stated that they would like a total of six message boards, but if the City could only provide two then the additional ones could be rented from United Rentals. This would also include a closing of Main Street during the closing of the event as well as use of the WOW trail and some residential areas around Shore Drive. City Manager Myers tried to give the Council rough costs for Police detail, EMS services, and waste management services. The City Manager does believe the City owns two message boards. Councilor Soucy questioned where the 4,000 participants would stay. He also asked about staging and parking and using the industrial park. Councilor Soucy also asked about Insurance and liability. Ms. Tassone-Indeck explained the participants would stay anywhere throughout NH. Ms. Tassone- Indeck stated she would reach out to the private property owners in regards to utilizing their properties for parking and staging. and parking and using the industrial park. Councilor Soucy also asked about Insurance and liability. Ms. Tassone-Indeck explained the participants would stay anywhere throughout NH. Ms. Tassone- Indeck stated she would reach out to the private property owners in regards to utilizing their properties for parking and staging. City Manager Myers said he would reach out to Primex and work with Ironman to be sure the City was properly covered. Councilor Soucy thinks this is a great idea and loves the idea of people coming to the area, but doesn't agree with the State getting all of the rooms and meals tax and the State should have some skin in the game. City Manager Myers explained the Rooms and Meals Tax. The State is supposed to be distributing 40% to the local communities but in reality only about 22% goes back to the City, which includes the gas tax. This event would definitely support our local businesses. The City Manager also recognized that the State does contribute to Motorcycle Week and maybe that could happen with this event as well. Ms. Tassone-Indeck does have a list of local businesses as well as the Chamber of Commerce who are in support of the event. Councilor Haynes questioned if the beaches at Opechee would also be closed to the public during this event? City Manager Myers explained that there would be a way to keep the Point open to the public during the event. He also explained that Parks Director, Amy Lovisek reached out to the Youth Soccer League, who had the fields at Opechee penciled in for use that particular weekend, and they are more than willing to change their venue in order for this event to take place. Scott Langen discussed the volunteer give back program. Approximately $20,000 will be given back to the organizations that will be assisting with the event. Additionally, another $10,000 was earmarked to go back to groups within the City. At the end of the event, Laconia would be presented a report that would include the details of the event, who helped out, what businesses participated, etc. Councilor Cheney would like to see an estimate of the total costs to the City with the items that were presented tonight. Councilor Hamel agrees with Councilor Cheney's request. Councilor Hamel is wondering if the State Police would be willing to help out with this event, especially where this event could benefit the entire State. He compared the event to Motorcycle Week, where the entire State benefits from it, but Laconia is the main hub. Councilor Hamel would like a more definite cost to the City and whether or not the State could assist in any way. Councilor Soucy asked if other vendors are allowed to participate or is that prevented to keep it under the Ironman's control. Ms. Tassone-Indeck stated to her that is more a non-issue if someone wanted to sell water or hot dogs she could see an exception being granted. S. Langen explained that they have their typical groups that participate and then the non-profits work certain tables and could benefit by the monies that are given out at the end. Ms. Tassone-Indeck stated that after speaking with Mike Seymour, Bank of NH is willing to get involved with sponsorship. City Manager Myers explained that most of these expenses are soft costs that happen when events like Pumpkin Fest takes place. There is some precedent in the soft costs but not necessarily precedent in the hard costs. This would be a family friendly event and that is what the Council would like to see happen within the City. City Manager Myers thinks there could be benefits to hosting an event like this. Councilor Lipman suggested having a not-to-exceed amount presented to the Council to help make a  City Manager Myers explained that most of these expenses are soft costs that happen when events like Pumpkin Fest takes place. There is some precedent in the soft costs but not necessarily precedent in the hard costs. This would be a family friendly event and that is what the Council would like to see happen within the City. City Manager Myers thinks there could be benefits to hosting an event like this. Councilor Lipman suggested having a not-to-exceed amount presented to the Council to help make a final decision on this event. This event will fall on the 2022 budget and the Council hasn't even begun discussing that, so having a concrete number may help the Council make a decision. Councilor Cheney agrees with Councilor Lipman with having the City Manager put together a not-to- exceed number between now and the next meeting in order for the Council to make a decision. Councilor Hamel suggested asking the State Police to help out with this event. Mayor Hosmer does agree that Ms. Tassone-Indeck should also reach out to the State Commissioner of Safety and Economic Affairs. Councilor Hamel also suggested looking into the EMS and Mutual Aid, especially during the peak of our summer season. It was suggested maybe asking if the National Guard can help in any way. Mayor Hosmer is optimistic about having the event in Laconia. Having said that, the Council might be in a position to support this endeavor, but it is contingent upon receiving a not-to-exceed number, how this fits into the 2022 budget, understand what Gilford's level of support is, what is the State willing to help out with, and what role is the NH State Police willing to play. Councilor Hamel wants to make sure if this event takes place, that the fields at Opechee are not damaged and if the Industrial Park is willing to allow use of their parking lots. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer had nothing to report. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS No comments from the Council. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) 17.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 17.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 17.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Cheney (Chair), Soucy, Lipman) 17.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Soucy (Chair), Felch, Cheney) 17.C.i. Review of Chapter 167, Noise and Chapter 161 Licensing as it pertains to outdoor sound equipment and loudspeakers 17.C.ii. Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns 17.C.iii. Procedural review of grant applications 17.C.iv. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 17.C.v. Proposed Historic Overlay District 17.C.vi. Scenic Road Motorcycle Noise Petition  17.C.iv. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 17.C.v. Proposed Historic Overlay District 17.C.vi. Scenic Road Motorcycle Noise Petition 17.D. LANDS & BUILDINGS (Hamel (Chair), Haynes, Felch) 17.D.i. Downtown parking garage 17.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 17.D.iii. Perley Pond Maintenance 17.D.iv. Plan for the DPW Compound 17.D.v. Continuation of the discussion regarding parking in the Lakeport area 17.E. PUBLIC WORKS (Haynes (Chair), Felch, Soucy) 17.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Charlie St. Clair is very thrilled with the potential of the Ironman event coming to Laconia. Will Infantine (937 Weirs Blvd) - spoke in regards to the request to lower the speed limit on Weirs Blvd. He is in favor of reducing the speed limit. He was one of the concerned residents that contacted Councilor Felch for this request. Jason Cooper (937 Weirs Blvd) - He is the President of St. Moritz Condo Association. He speaks on behalf of the Condo Association in favor of reducing the speed limit as requested. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers also briefed the Council on the COVID related expenses. A copy of this report was submitted into the record. Councilor Hamel thanked the City Manager and Finance Director for putting together the report. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. First reading of Resolution 2021-02, relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept donated funds on behalf of the City City Manager Myers stated the funds would be transferred from one entity to another. He also checked with legal and they agreed this is the proper way to do this. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-02 in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Hamel; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: City Manager Myers stated the funds would be transferred from one entity to another. He also checked with legal and they agreed this is the proper way to do this. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-02 in its entirety and to read by title only, 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. Councilor Haynes moved a first reading of Resolution 2021-02, relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept donated funds on behalf of the City, 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 Felch moved to schedule a public hearing on February 8, 2021 during the regular Council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption, 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.  Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Second reading and approval of Resolution 2021-01, relative to the establishment of a Weirs Community Park House Committee Special Revenue Fund Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-01 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 Felch moved a second reading of Resolution 2021-01, relative to the establishment of a Weirs Community Park House Special Revenue Fund, 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. Councilor Felch moved to approve Resolution 2021-01, relative to the establishment of a Weirs Community Park House Special Revenue Fund, seconded by Councilor Cheney; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES  Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 22.B. A residents request to lower the speed limit on Weirs Blvd near 937 Weirs Blvd City Manager Myers explained when the electronic sign was used but the data collector was not included, therefore no data was collected. Mayor Hosmer is suggesting to keep this item tabled until further data can be collected. Councilor Felch does not want to see this to be continued. Councilor Felch moved to remove this item from the table, seconded by Councilor Cheney; 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 that the City Council approve the adjustment of the existing 30 mph speed zone by relocating the north bound start point and the south bound end point of the speed zone to a point 21 feet south of the southern boundary of 937 Weirs Blvd, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Hamel would like to have flashing lights on the sign to make the sign more visible. Councilor Felch agrees with Councilor Hamel's amendment to add flashing lights to the sign. DPW Director Anderson estimated that a sign with those flashing lights is about $1,200. Councilor Haynes is wondering if it would be wise to make the entire boulevard 30 mph, especially if a bike path is going to be added. Councilor Haynes also wants to know why this was not discussed with the Highway Safety Committee. Councilor Soucy agrees with Councilor Haynes. Councilor Felch would like this particular area to be addressed before the entire road. He explained the sight line in this area is particulary dangerous. Mayor Hosmer asked if this has been open to the public enough.  Councilor Soucy agrees with Councilor Haynes. Councilor Felch would like this particular area to be addressed before the entire road. He explained the sight line in this area is particulary dangerous. Mayor Hosmer asked if this has been open to the public enough. City Manager Mayors explained that this has been on two agendas and the two people that spoke are from that direct area. Councilor Cheney likes the idea of flashing lights on the sign, but he doesn't think that will help as much as people think. Enforcement needs to be done as well. Councilor Felch stated that he just received a message from Chief Canfield and the Chief agrees with the sign and lights. Mayor Hosmer called the question as amended. 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. 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 Haynes moved to go in to non-public meeting 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 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Haynes moved to go in to non-public meeting 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 or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community, seconded by Councilor Lipman; 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 Soucy moved to seal the minutes of the non-public meeting for six months, seconded by Councilor Felch; A roll call vote was taken: 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. With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:43 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021