City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 8, 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 # 1-312-626-6799 or participate by the Zoom app: Webinar ID: 827 4901 8638 password 146454 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. 2/8/2021 - 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 Haynes 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 that all six Councilors are present 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 25, 2021 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. With no changes or corrections submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Sheri Minor would like to address the issue with property owners being fined for their tenants not taking care of their trash cans in a timely manner. During the pandemic, landlords are having a hard enough time collecting rent or issuing evictions let alone getting them to take care of their trash containers. Mrs. Minor stated she is representing a large group of landlords and is not here just for herself. Mayor Hosmer suggested that Mrs. Minor reach out to the City Manager and himself and explain the situation and hopefully a resolution can happen along with following the City Ordinances. 10. INTERVIEWS 10.A. Harrison Haas - Seeking appointment as a regular or alternate member of the Conservation Commission to a term expiring at the end of August, 2024 Harrison Haas was interviewed. 10.B. Marnie Blaisdell Schulz - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Conservation Commission to a term expiring at the end of August, 2023 Marnie Blaisdell Schulz was interviewed. 10.C. James "Olie" Anderson - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Library Board of Trustees to a term expiring at the end of March, 2024 James "Olie" Anderson was interviewed. 10.D. Bruce Kneuer - Seeking reappointment as an alternate member of the Library Board of Trustees to a term expiring at the end of March, 2022 Bruce Kneuer was interviewed. 10.E. Gail Putnam - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Library Board of Trustees to a term expiring at the end of March, 2022 Gail Putnam withdrew her application.  10.D. Board of Trustees to a term expiring at the end of March, 2022 Bruce Kneuer was interviewed. 10.E. Gail Putnam - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Library Board of Trustees to a term expiring at the end of March, 2022 Gail Putnam withdrew her application. 10.F. Catherine Tokarz - Seeking reappointment as an alternate member of the Heritage Commission to a term expiring at the end of March, 2024 Catherine Tokarz was interviewed. 10.G. Elizabeth Ballantyne - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Putnam Fund to a term expiring at the end of March, 2026 Elizabeth Ballantyne was interviewed. 10.H. B. Randy Haas - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Trustees of the Trust Funds to a term expiring at the end of March, 2024 B. Randy Haas was interviewed. 10.I. Jane LaRoche - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a term expiring at the end of August, 2024 Jane LaRoche was interviewed. 10.J. Susan Hodgkins - Seeking appointment as a regular member or alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a term expiring at the end of August, 2024 Susan Hodgkins was interviewed. 10.K. Susan Hodgkins - Seeking appointment as a regular member or alternate member of the Planning Board to a term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Mayor Hosmer stated that both applications of Susan Hodgkins were combined and she was interviewed once for both positions. 10.L. Deanna Guyer - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Parks and Recreation Commission to a term expiring at the end of March, 2024 Deanna Guyer was interviewed. 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Resolution 2021-02, relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept donated funds on behalf of the City Notice of this public hearing was made available in the January 27, 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 7:48 pm. Hearing no comment from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:49 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Timberman Event - Audra Tassone-Indeck Mayor Hosmer spoke of a document that was sent by Ms. Tassone-Indeck that explained what the Ironman/Timberman would bring to the City of Laconia. Ms. Tassone-Indeck spoke of some of the 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Timberman Event - Audra Tassone-Indeck Mayor Hosmer spoke of a document that was sent by Ms. Tassone-Indeck that explained what the Ironman/Timberman would bring to the City of Laconia. Ms. Tassone-Indeck spoke of some of the items that were in that document. The two day event will bring in 4,000 athletes. Women will race on Saturday, men on Sunday, professional athletes which will bring in media, and Laconia will be the hub of the entire event. Ironman is asking Laconia for a three-year commitment. Ironman will also give away $20,000 in volunteers grants with an additional $10,000 to local community organizations. Ironman is asking from the City of Laconia, a small financial contribution, medical assistance for both days, the before named venues, police assistance, three-20 yard dumpsters, staff from Public Works, CERT Team, message boards and appropriate road closures. Scott Langen also stated that the event anticipates bringing in 8 million dollars of economic impact to the area. This will bring a lot of tourism to the City. City Manager Myers reviewed the true hard costs the City would incur for this event. A document with these details are attached as part of the record. The City anticipates the hard costs for the weekend to be $16,350. Mayor Hosmer asked if based on the information that the City Manager just provided is this what Ironman is expecting for services from the City. S. Langen confirmed that from the service side, this is what Ironman would be looking for from the City. Councilor Hamel thanked Audra and Scott for considering Laconia for this event. Councilor Hamel stated that after reviewing everything and past discussions, he would like to propose that the City be all in for $20,000 as well as allowing local non-profits to be allowed to participate in this event. Mayor Hosmer thinks having a not to exceed number is wise for the City. Councilor Soucy mentioned a few letters that the Council received in favor of hosting this event. Councilor Soucy asked if this event could be moved to September rather than August in the following years. Audra said this year would need to stay in August but for the following years, it can be discussed about pushing the event into September. Entry fees per participate was also discussed. Councilor Soucy also would like Ironman to allow local non-profits to participate in this event. Councilor Soucy mentioned maybe using the Weirs Beach rather than Ellacoya State Park. Audra explained that historically it is been Ellacoya and they would like to keep it there but there is potential for Weirs Beach. Councilor Haynes stated he is in favor of this. Councilor Haynes would like to have a review mechanism after the first year in order to review the pros and cons of the first year event. Mayor Hosmer expressed before going forward with any motions, he would like to make sure there will be funds available for an event such as this. City Manager Myers stated that if there is a not to exceed number of $20,000 ,he is confident that he and Finance Director Glenn Smith can identify that amount and commit to it. S. Langen asked if this year it is decided that $20,000 is the not to exceed amount, if the next two years the amounts could be tiered to keep the services the same but up the cash services. Councilor Hamel is willing to think about what S. Langen just proposed. Mayor Hosmer broke down the proposed next three years by stating this year would be a not to exceed limit of $20,000 which includes hard costs. Year two, keeping the hard costs the same and then maybe an additional $15,000 in cash, to total $31,000. Councilor Hamel agrees. Mayor Hosmer is looking for a motion, second, and approval and then for Ironman to come up with a formal document that the City legal services can review and approve. Councilor Hamel moved that the City provide the services outlined in the request, which would be  then maybe an additional $15,000 in cash, to total $31,000. Councilor Hamel agrees. Mayor Hosmer is looking for a motion, second, and approval and then for Ironman to come up with a formal document that the City legal services can review and approve. Councilor Hamel moved that the City provide the services outlined in the request, which would be police, CERT team, waiver of venue fees, use of the Middle School, Opechee Park, track, Main Streets, EMS, Waste Management, message boards, a review committee to be set up, a review of the event after this year’s race and the all in total of $20,000. Upon successful review from the committee, the City will look to step up the not to exceed number from $20,000 to $31,000 as appropriate over the next two years, seconded by Councilor Cheney; City Manager Myers clarified that with the not to exceed limit of $20,000 and if the hard expenses come in at $16,000 then there would be a $4,000 cash contribution to Ironman and if the hard expenses came in at $20,000 then there would not be a cash donation. Councilor Hamel agreed. Councilor Lipman would like to amend the motion and add to the motion that if this event can not happen because of a public health concern, that the expenditures would not be incurred until the event can happen. Councilor Hamel agrees with the friendly amendment. Councilor Felch would like to see them do everything they can in 2022 to have this event in September. 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. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer wanted to make the Council and public aware that outdoor seating will be continuing this year. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Haynes mentioned that Ward 4 lost one of its former Councilmen, Jim Cowan. 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.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.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 Councilor Hamel updated the Council on the Colonial Theatre. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No comments from the public were made. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report City Manager Myers reminded the public that the Colonial Theatre is still an active work zone, so please do not just show up to ask to take a tour. City Manager Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers also mentioned the Durkee Bridge Project and due to unexpected findings there has been a delay in the project. There was significant groundwater much shallower than expected. Some of the findings were unsuitables that can not be put back in to Winnisquam. A redesign is being worked on. Nothing is finalized at this point. Because of the set backs, the bridge closure will not be happening as scheduled this spring, but an alternative date is being worked on so that some of the upcoming events are not affected. Everyone is working to find the best solution for all involved. Councilor Hamel asked if the State is involved in the pricing? City Manager Myers feels the material is more urban core over years of business and construction  being worked on. Nothing is finalized at this point. Because of the set backs, the bridge closure will not be happening as scheduled this spring, but an alternative date is being worked on so that some of the upcoming events are not affected. Everyone is working to find the best solution for all involved. Councilor Hamel asked if the State is involved in the pricing? City Manager Myers feels the material is more urban core over years of business and construction as opposed to a hazard level but not comfortable with pumping it back into the lake. There are options to pump it into a tanker. There is a request to NH DES for a temporary connection to the Winnipesaukee Water Basin to get the material treated at the Franklin water treatment plant. DPW Director Anderson explained the water line will be put in at the same level of the water. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. First reading of Resolution 2021-03, relative to a grant in the amount of $23,059 for the NH Department of Environmental Services Exotic Species Program Project Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution 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 first reading of Resolution 2021-03 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $23,059 for the NH Department of Environmental Services Exotic Species Program Project, 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 22, 2021 during the regular Council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption, seconded by Councilor Cheney;  the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to schedule a Public Hearing on February 22, 2021 during the regular Council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption, 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. 21.B. Authorize the City Manager to sign the termination agreement between The Dive, LLC and the City of Laconia Councilor Cheney moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the termination agreement with The Dive, LLC on behalf of the City, 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. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Second reading and approval of Resolution 2021-02, relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept donated funds on behalf of the City Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-02 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 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 2021-02, relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept donated funds on behalf of the City, 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 Cheney moved to approve 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. 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.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 Cheney moved to go in to a non-public meeting regarding 91:A:3, II (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of a 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 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 Lipman moved to seal the minutes of the non-public meeting for six months, seconded by Councilor Cheney; 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. 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 10:10 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 22, 2021