City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 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: 894 7158 9603 and password 613959. 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 ext. 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. 4/12/2021 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Lipman 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? He is in the Council chambers with Councilor 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES, Is anyone in the room with you? He is in the Council chambers with Councilor Haynes 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? He is in the Council chambers with Councilor Cheney 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 March 22, 2021 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. With no correction or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 7.B. Special meeting minutes of March 24, 2021 Minutes of the special meeting were distributed to the City Council on Thursday, March 25, 2021. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Acceptance of an amendment to Laconia Highway Safety Grant 21-098 in the amount of $9,397.50 Councilor Cheney moved to approve the acceptance of an amendment to the Laconia Highway Safety Grant 21-098, in the amount of $9,397.50, seconded by Councilor Soucy; Councilor Hamel asked where the $4,700 match will be coming from. City Manager Myers explained that the original grant was approved during last years budget approval. This amount is in addition to the original amount and the match will come out of the Police Department equipment line item. Mayor Hosmer called the question. City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES  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 to establish rental fees for Boardwalk and Weirs Boulevard vending spaces for Laconia Motorcycle Week 2021 Councilor Felch moved to approve rental fees for Laconia Motorcycle Week 2021 vending spaces located on the Boardwalk and Weirs Boulevard as presented, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Soucy asked how many spaces are in each of these categories. City Manager Myers explained there are spaces on both sides of the Pier. Five spaces to the left of the Pier, which are specific to food vendors and to the right of the Pier, there are normally about ten additional spaces. This year, with the extra distancing required, there will be two vendors using three spots each, plus the space for Laconia Motorcycle Week Association and one spot for the Laconia Kiwanis Club. There is basic electricity supplied. 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. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Gail Ober - Ms. Ober wanted to mention that the Master Plan Steering Committee will start up again. She is encouraging that members of the Council participate in some of these meetings. Some of the things that will be looked at are Urban dense zones, infrastructure improvements, and perhaps some changes to the short term rentals. The first meeting will be tomorrow night (April 13, 2021) via Zoom. Councilor Lipman is interested in participating but has not received any notifications. Ms. Ober will look into this and see who is responsible for sending out the agenda. Charlie St. Clair spoke about the number of vaccinated people in New Hampshire as well as other places in the Country. He also mentioned that Motorcycle Week is set to begin two months from today. Mr. St. Clair also mentioned that if beer tents were to be allowed, maybe the City could restrict the number of people  Councilor Lipman is interested in participating but has not received any notifications. Ms. Ober will look into this and see who is responsible for sending out the agenda. Charlie St. Clair spoke about the number of vaccinated people in New Hampshire as well as other places in the Country. He also mentioned that Motorcycle Week is set to begin two months from today. Mr. St. Clair also mentioned that if beer tents were to be allowed, maybe the City could restrict the number of people that would be allowed in a beer tent at a time. He said maybe this is an option the City could consider. Joyce Endee is very interested in the Weirs Beach Restoration project and would like to know if the Council would accept monies from fundraising to help with the restoration. What is being envisioned is adding a gazebo and decorative lighthouse on the extension once NH DES approves the restoration. Mayor Hosmer suggested to Ms. Endee to email the City Manager with her contact information. 10. INTERVIEWS 10.A. Brett Belliveau - Requesting appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board to fill the remainder of a term expiring at the end of June, 2023 Brett Belliveau was interviewed. 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer noted for the record that the closing for the Busiel House at 30 Church Street took place last week. Mayor Hosmer reviewed the purchase price and what the City actually sold the property for. The property was listed for $450,000 and it was sold for $480,000. In regards to the bonding of the school property, $683,000 will be bonded. Mayor Hosmer also mentioned that the NH House passed the budget last week and it now has been delivered to the Senate, which includes the trailer bill. There is a reduction in municipal aid and revenue sharing. The City took a strong stand on that. Mayor Hosmer is extremely disappointed in that reduction. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Felch has heard from many of his constituents in regards to Motorcycle Week, and he stated 95% of them would like to see the City hold a normal Motorcycle Week event. Councilor Felch would like to see the Motorcycle Week event on the next agenda. Councilor Hamel would like Lafayette Street sub-lawns looked at as they are all muddy and driven over. Councilor Hamel also mentioned that during tonight's meeting the organized motorcycle rides are going to be voted on. City Manager Myers explained that the Motorcycle Week traffic patterns can be added to to the next agenda. He also stated that it was decided at the last Council meeting that Motorcycle Week will be happening with only 50% vendor capacity and no beer tents or outdoor entertainment. Councilor Soucy is requesting an update on the Iron Man event. City Manager Myers has received an initial contract and some changes have been submitted by the City, therefore the City will wait to hear back from Iron Man. City Manager Myers also spoke with Audra about submitting plans to the appropriate board in order to have all necessary parties in one location. Councilor Soucy also asked if Pumpkinfest will be happening this year.  City Manager Myers has received an initial contract and some changes have been submitted by the City, therefore the City will wait to hear back from Iron Man. City Manager Myers also spoke with Audra about submitting plans to the appropriate board in order to have all necessary parties in one location. Councilor Soucy also asked if Pumpkinfest will be happening this year. City Manager Myers will reach out to the Chamber of Commerce to get more information. Councilor Cheney would like to know if the City Manager Myers will take a poll of Councilors and staff to see who has been fully vaccinated in order to go back to in person meetings. Councilor Lipman mentioned that the State now has the 7th highest rate of infection. There has been a significant increase in cases in Belknap County. Councilor Lipman does not think we are in the right place to be meeting in person at this time. Councilor Cheney is just asking if this particular group has been vaccinated in order for the Council to come together as a group and then still offer Zoom for the public. Councilor Soucy mentioned he has had his shots and he is in favor of meeting in person. Councilor Haynes asked for an update on Court Street and Durkee Brook. City Manager Myers explained that is on his to do list. 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.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.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 Haynes mentioned an article that was in the Laconia Daily Sun in regards to the property on Lakeside Avenue. During the last Heritage Commission Meeting there was interest expressed in saving the property. There was also a $10,000 offer to help save it. The cost of moving the particular structure was over $100,000. Councilor Cheney explained the Planning Board had some discussions at the last meeting of waivers for sidewalks. Some of the board members suggested referring this back to the City Council. Councilor Hamel updated the Council on the Colonial Theatre. The new marquis is up and running. The new lamp posts are up. The stage is slightly uneven which needs to be addressed therefore a request may be coming to the Council to request money to fix the stage. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Jose Dematos, 1192-1198 Weirs Boulevard - Mr. Dematos urges the Council to negotiate and extend the contract with Casella Waste Services. Mr. Dematos read a prepared statement but did not submit it into the record. He spoke how it does not make economic sense to go to an automated system. He also mentioned the Weirs area should continue receiving the second day of curbside pickup. Charlie St. Clair agrees entirely with Mr. Dematos and hopes before the Council makes any decisions, that the item is sent to a committee for further discussion. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report City Manager Myers stated he will be presenting the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. City Manager Scott Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers also stated for the public that as of Friday, April 16, 2021, the winter parking ban will be lifted. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request by Cure SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Councilor Felch moved to approve the use of Opechee Park, Middle School parking lot, and a portion of the WOW trail on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm for the Cure SMA hike/walk for a fundraising event contingent upon any health directives by the State, seconded by Councilor Lipman; 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. 21.B. Temporary Traffic Order 2021-02, LHS Homecoming Parade Councilor Hamel moved to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2021-02, LHS Homecoming Parade, to be held on May 28, 2021 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and contingent upon any public health directives by the State, seconded by Councilor Felch; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.C. Authorization of Flightcraft General to act as a boat agent for the City of Laconia Councilor Felch moved to allow Flightcraft General to act as a Boat Agent for 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. Councilor Felch moved to to allow the City Clerk to sign the Boat Agent Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia, seconded by Councilor Haynes;  Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to to allow the City Clerk to sign the Boat Agent Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia, 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. 21.D. Request to approve no parking on the odd numbered side of Academy Street to Academy Square Councilor Haynes moved to approve designating the odd number side of Academy Street no parking from Court Street to the northern leg of Academy Square, seconded by Councilor Hamel; Councilor Felch stated that if the east side is already designated no parking, he has not seen any signs. Councilor Hamel explained that according to the City rules, the court side of the street is already no parking but there aren't any signs stating this. He would like to see signs put up on both sides of the street. Mayor Hosmer called the question. City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES Councilor Lipman unavailable for this vote Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with five (5) in favor. (Councilor Lipman was unavailable for this vote) 21.E. Resolution 2021-05 relative to a proposed land swap and boundary line adjustment between Antaeus Holdings, LTD and the City of Laconia City Manager Myers briefed the Council on this item. In short what is trying to be accomplished is keeping the public sidewalks and public parking on City property. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-05 in its entirety and to read by title between Antaeus Holdings, LTD and the City of Laconia City Manager Myers briefed the Council on this item. In short what is trying to be accomplished is keeping the public sidewalks and public parking on City property. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-05 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 Hamel moved a first reading of Resolution 2021-5, relative to the proposed boundary line adjustment and land swap between Antaeus Holdings LTD and the City of Laconia, 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 Felch moved to scheduled a public hearing on April 26, 2021 during the regular City Council meeting regarding Resolution 2021-5 relative to the proposed boundary line adjustment and land swap between Anteaus Holdings, LTD and the City of Laconia and declaration of a portion of the City's property at Tax Map 367-189-24 as surplus, 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 Lipman YES Councilor Haynes YES Councilor Hamel YES Councilor Felch YES; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.F. Request from Laconia Motorcycle Week Association for approval of organized rides in connection with 2021 Laconia Motorcycle Week Councilor Hamel moved to approve the request from Laconia Motorcycle Week Association to approve the organized rides during the 2021 Laconia Motorcycle Week as listed above and contingent on the directives from the State on the pandemic, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Felch asked if the Hillclimb on Tower Hill could be added to the next Council agenda. 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.G. Reallocation of funds assigned to the Laconia School District Education Stabilization Reserve - City Funds expendable trust account City Manager Myers briefed the Council on the background to this item. Discussion was had about the number of trees being removed and replaced as well as maybe having an arborist monitor the trees. Councilor Felch moved to authorized the reallocation of $305,042.39 from the Laconia School District Education Stabilization Reserve Fund to the following accounts: 01-479-306-0001 Downtown Tree Replacement $56,000, 01-499-479-0033 Equipment $20,000, and 82-401-001-0095 Non-Capital Reserve $229,042.39, seconded by Councilor Soucy; City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote: Councilor Cheney YES Councilor Soucy YES  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. Update on the feasibility of converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service City Manager Myers explained this is a follow up to a conversation that was had several months ago. A decision isn't being asked for tonight. Casella wasn't significantly lower on their bid than Waste Management. There is a very limited number of curbside collectors within the State. City Manager Myers also explained the City also has a few more challenges. Some of our streets are very narrow, so a smaller truck would also be needed. Mayor Hosmer recommends referring this to a Council Committee for further discussion and bring back some suggestions to the Council. Councilor Felch mentioned going with automated for trash and manual for the recycling. Councilor Cheney moved to add this item to the Public Works Committee, 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. 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.C. Sewer & Water Master Plan  23.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.C. Sewer & Water Master Plan 23.D. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.E. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.F. WOW Trail 23.G. Weirs Beach Restoration Project 23.H. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:54 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON APRIL 26, 2021.