City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING June 14, 2021 6:00 P.M. 6/14/2021 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at the above date and time. 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Felch lead the Salute to the Flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL City Clerk Hebert took a roll call vote with the following Councilors in attendance: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Hamel, and Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer noted five Councilors are in attendance and a quorum has been established. Not present: Councilor Lipman 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Scott Myers, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. PRESENTATIONS 6.A. Department Budget Presentation Randy Brough, Librarian and John Moriarty, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees presented the proposed budget. Mr. Moriarty stated that out of 242 State libraries in New Hampshire, 240 closed fully at the start of the pandemic. Laconia Public Library was one of the two that remained open with curbside pick up and online. Laconia Public Library offered many other opportunities for our residents to still utilize the library's services. Mr. Moriarty is extremely proud of the Laconia Library staff. Mr. Moriarty explained to the Council that they worked very hard to minimize expenses, staff was very low, but cleaning expenses went up as to be expected. He also explained that as of now the Laconia Public Library is back to normal operations. He also explained that there was no programming because of the pandemic. Mayor Hosmer asked about the increase of about $14,000. Librarian Randy Brough explained that increase is from the Salary line. Mayor Hosmer also questioned the $5,000 increase to the program line item.  Mayor Hosmer asked about the increase of about $14,000. Librarian Randy Brough explained that increase is from the Salary line. Mayor Hosmer also questioned the $5,000 increase to the program line item. Chair Moriarty explained there is a 1.2% increase. Councilor Hamel asked if the Library is back to full staff yet? Librarian Brough stated that it is. Councilor Hamel asked if any COVID reimbursements would be allocated to help with any Library expenses? City Manager Myers explained that Finance Director Smith has kept very good track of all COVID expenditures for all departments throughout the City and rather than backfill for each department, it will all balance out through the General Fund. Councilor Soucy asked if there was any carry forward from the operational side? Chair Moriarty explained there are three projects that they would like to carry forward. The front steps need to be fixed, the chimney on the main heating plant, and the parking lot will need to be resealed. The Library is working with DPW in regards to the parking lot. Mayor Hosmer is amazed and impressed how Laconia was one of the only two Libraries that remained open to the public during the pandemic. 6.B. Department Budget Presentation Benjamin Crawford, Water Superintendent presented the Water Department's proposed budget. The Water Department is an Enterprise Fund, works with the City but solely works from the revenue of the sales of the water. Superintendent Crawford began on page 148 of the budget book. The Operating Budget has an increase of $1,300, which is .05%. The total income was up 4.5% and because of this, there is not any expected rate increases going forward this year. There is an increase in the salary line due to the 1.8% Cost of Living Increase (COLA). The production expenses had a 1% decrease. Part of the reason for the decrease is because of the Scada Maintenance line item. The Distribution Expense remained unchanged. Billing expenses were reduced by $300. Other expenses went up 7%. This is large part because of the Retirement System. Mayor Hosmer asked if the Retirement line can be expected to continue to climb. City Manager Myers disclosed he serves on the NH Retirement System Board of Trustees. He explained that no, it can not be expected to climb. He briefed the Council on the retirement system and where the numbers are. Superintendent Crawford continued with Other Charges on page 151. This covers a lot of the vehicles, depreciation, interests on bonds, etc. The total other charges did go up 2%. This is largely due to the interest on the bonds will start coming in. Superintendent Crawford explained that this past year was great pumping water. Councilor Hamel thanked the Water Department for the great quality of water throughout the City. 7. Any other business that may come before the Council 8. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 6:31 pm. Respectfully submitted, 8. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 6:31 pm. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JUNE 28, 2021