City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 28, 2021 7:00 P.M. 6/28/2021 - 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 with the following Councilors in attendance: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Lipman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Hamel, Councilor Felch. 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 Mayor Hosmer introduced Joel Foliard. Mr. Foliard has generously donated four posters, advertising the Colonial Theatre, that he purchased at a sale in Moultonborough years ago. He had these posters refurbished to their original condition. Mr. Foliard explained he grew up going to the Colonial Theatre and when he saw these posters, he had to purchase them. When the Colonial was being refurbished he knew these posters belonged back in the Theatre. 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Budget meeting minutes of June 14, 2021 Minutes of the Budget meeting were distributed to Council on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 7.B. Regular meeting minutes of June 14, 2021 Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting were distributed to Council on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 7.C. Budget meeting minutes of June 21, 2021 Minutes of the Budget meeting were distributed to the Council on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. With no changes or corrections submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed.  7.C. Budget meeting minutes of June 21, 2021 Minutes of the Budget meeting were distributed to the Council on Wednesday, June 23, 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 Scott McWilliam, 61 Pearl St - Mr. McWilliam wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Council and everyone else that helped with the Colonial Theatre restoration. He thinks it will be a source of civic pride for years to come. Mr. McWilliam also wondered if the City of Laconia would hang banners, especially in the downtown area to advertise special events going on in the area. Mr. McWilliam also spoke of the Governor signing the budget bill. In that bill there was a provision that would allow the City of Laconia to have say on the sale of the State School Property. He hopes the City would continue to have a voice in the sale of that property. Mayor Hosmer explained that he and Councilor Hamel plan on taking a walk within the downtown area to see what else could be done to spruce up the area. Mayor Hosmer also stated that the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission has been doing tremendous work with the State School property. Councilor Cheney said the Legislature has appropriated $300,000 for the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission for the next Biannual and carry forwarded any funds leftover to the next biannual. Stacie DeMatos, 1198 Weirs Boulevard - Mrs. DeMatos strongly encourages the Council and the Parks Department to revisit the new rules at the Weirs Beach. She stated that new "no grilling" rule on the beach is causing more of an issue, especially for small business owners. Her store, Weirs Beach Convenience would sell charcoal, plates, plastic wear, etc. She is now not selling those items because of the new rule. She also mentioned that she was approached by a City staff person over the weekend asking her to let her patrons know that alcohol is not permitted on City property. She explained that she is not going to tell her patrons where they can and can not drink. She is also not selling any floats because floats are not allowed at the beach. These rules are hurting her business. She also suggested adding another dumpster or special containers for charcoal and educating the public that visits the beach. Charlie St. Clair - Mr. St. Clair thanked the Council and City Staff for all the hard work in regards to Motorcycle Week. He stated the vaccine clinic that was put on by the National Guard was very well receptive. Mr. St. Clair appreciates everyone's hard work for everything they did. Mr. St. Clair also spoke about not being able to have floats at the beaches. He doesn't understand why they are not allowed. He also doesn't understand the loud music rule, who is the person deciding what is considered to be loud. Mr. St. Clair explained that our area is a tourist destination and we need to be as welcoming as possible. 10. INTERVIEWS 10.A. Robert Ames - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Robert Ames was interviewed. 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 11.A. Joe Driscoll, III - Seeking reappointment to a regular member position on the Water Commission for a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Soucy moved to reappoint Joe Driscoll, III to a regular member position on the Water Commission for a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.B. Russell Poirier - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024  Councilor Soucy moved to reappoint Joe Driscoll, III to a regular member position on the Water Commission for a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.B. Russell Poirier - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Felch moved to reappoint Russell Poirier as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.C. Peter Brunette - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Lakeport TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Felch moved to reappoint Peter Brunette as a regular member of the Lakeport TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.D. Peter Brunette - Seeking reappointment as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Felch moved to reappoint Peter Brunette as a regular member of the planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.E. Scott McWilliam - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Felch moved to appoint Scott McWilliam as an alternate member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 11.F. Stacy Soucy - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Haynes moved to appoint as a regular member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with five in favor, one abstain (Councilor Soucy abstains). 11.G. Robert Ames - Seeking appointment as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Felch moved to appoint Robert Ames as a regular member of the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of the June, 2024, seconded by Councilor Lipman; the motion passed with all in favor. 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Ordinance 2021-235-21.2, relative to expanding the adopted area of the Historic Overlay District Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 16, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and the SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:32 pm Reuben Bassett - Mr. Bassett stated all of the businesses he owns in the downtown area are in historic buildings. He has concerns with the passing of this Ordinance because of all of the regulations that would be put on the property owners. Mr. Bassett does appreciate the work the Council has done restoring the Colonial Theatre and likes the idea of preserving the history of Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:32 pm Reuben Bassett - Mr. Bassett stated all of the businesses he owns in the downtown area are in historic buildings. He has concerns with the passing of this Ordinance because of all of the regulations that would be put on the property owners. Mr. Bassett does appreciate the work the Council has done restoring the Colonial Theatre and likes the idea of preserving the history of Laconia but there needs to be a happy balance. He has a lot of concerns with this type of regulation. He thinks one of the ways to go about preserving the history is leading by example and he thinks the Council has done that with the preservation of the Colonial. He stated when more regulations are put on businesses and property owners it makes things more complicated. Mr. Bassett strongly encourages the Council to take caution before passing this. Scott McWilliam - Mr. McWilliam stated his understanding of the Historic District is to prevent these historic buildings from being demolished, not to impeded on how owners make renovations. Tara Shore - Mrs. Shore responded to a few things that Mr. Bassett spoke about. He stated we should lead by example and she feels the Council has done that by preserving the Colonial and has included in the Master Plan the revitalization of the City. Mrs. Shore also explained the proposed Ordinance was worked on for over a year and approved by Council. She explained the Historic Commission follows the criteria that the Council sets for them. She also expressed concerned that so many people find having an Historic District negative. She asked how many people have lived in an Historic District and would like to share their horror stories. She stated over the past couple of weeks the Commission has submitted a letter to editor in the Daily Sun, a slide show on LRPA, and NH Preservation Alliance are all great resources to help people understand what a Historic District is. Mrs. Shore has only had one phone call from one community member asking for clarification on this issue. This commission is to preserve the character of the City. She spoke of urban renewal and it brought the City great things as well as not so great things. If urban renewal didn't happen Rotary Park wouldn't be. She explained the commission is here to work with property and business owners not against them. Catherine Tokarz, Heritage Commission member - Mrs. Tokarz hopes the Council takes in to consideration all of the work the Historic District Commission has put into this and do the best you can to preserve Laconia. She does disagree with Mrs. Shore and would trade Rotary Park for all the old buildings that used to be there before urban renewal. She strongly urges the Council to support this Ordinance. Bre Neal, owner of Proper and Polished - Mrs. Neal still feels the wording in the Ordinance is very vague. There is lack of clarity in the enforcement. Mrs. Neal is not against historic preservation but still thinks the wording in this Ordinance needs to be closer looked at. Melissa McCarthy, owner of The Studio Boutique and Gifts - Ms. McCarthy is concerned with the language in this Ordinance. She is not against the preservation of historic buildings. John Moriarty - Mr. Moriarty is opposed to the idea of expanding the Historic Overlay District. He explained he has plenty of stories how the intentions of the Government and the intentions of the private sector are at odds with each other and he would be happy to share those experiences with anyone that is willing to listen. Mr. Moriarty thinks this is unnecessary. Mr. Moriarty doesn't understand the need to add extra layers to something the City already does well. Mr. Moriarty said during the Planning Board meeting, 100% of the people in favor of this Ordinance were the committee members and 100% that were opposed were the property or business owners. There are already 11 buildings in downtown Laconia that are on the National Historic Registry. Jane Whitehead, Archeologist - She has seen how civilizations have risen and fallen. She spoke of the great cities of Athens and Florence. She remembers Laconia before urban renewal, how full the stores were and how heavy the traffic was. She said this Ordinance is not about nitpicking paint color or the type of door knobs, it is about preserving the history of Laconia. Charlie St. Clair - Mr. St. Clair disagrees with Mr. Moriarty's statement in regards to who was in favor and opposed to this during the Planning Board meeting. Mr. St. Clair has been upset about the lack of preservation of city buildings since he was in high school. He was upset about the City losing the Hathaway house on Union Ave. The only thing that was saved was the oak tree in front of that building. The Council, former Mayor and current Mayor are the ones that preserved the Colonial Theatre. Mr. St. Clair isn't sure if the Colonial would have been saved if it was put on a ballot and left  Charlie St. Clair - Mr. St. Clair disagrees with Mr. Moriarty's statement in regards to who was in favor and opposed to this during the Planning Board meeting. Mr. St. Clair has been upset about the lack of preservation of city buildings since he was in high school. He was upset about the City losing the Hathaway house on Union Ave. The only thing that was saved was the oak tree in front of that building. The Council, former Mayor and current Mayor are the ones that preserved the Colonial Theatre. Mr. St. Clair isn't sure if the Colonial would have been saved if it was put on a ballot and left up to the voters. He isn't sure if the votes would have been there to preserve the properties on Church Street. Mr. St. Clair thinks sometimes rules are needed like this for those reasons. He said the details can be worked out later but lets get the ball rolling. Mr. St. Clair encourages the Council to pass this Ordinance. Tara Shore speaks very highly of the downtown business owners. They work very well together and they work to make downtown what it is becoming. The Historic District Commission is also in place to assist all the businesses. If one business wanted to put up a huge sign that would hide or distract other businesses, the Historic Commission would be able to regulate that. Bre Neal stated there are already rules in place to deal with signage. She also spoke about the properties that have went through an extensive process to volunteer their businesses to be added to the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Adding this Ordinance would be redundant. Reuben Bassett wants to know how you can regulate behavior? He said we all agree that the end goal is preservation but what we don't agree on is how we preserve without over regulating. Councilor Lipman asked Mr. Bassett what he thinks the alternative approach should be. Mr. Bassett is unsure but doesn't think over regulating is the answer. He said Laconia is progressing and being renewed without these regulations. These regulations are very subjective and there needs to be a better balance. Charlie St. Clair wanted to remind everyone it is not just the inside of the building, it is preserving the buildings as a whole. Hearing no other comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 8:10 pm. 13.B. Public hearing for Resolution 2021-07, relative to the Fiscal Year 2021-year end carry forwards Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 16, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 8:11 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 8:12 pm. 13.C. Public hearing for Resolution 2021-14, relative to authorizing transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Internal Service Fund Notice of this public hearing was made available in the June 16, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Public Library, Community Center, and the SAU. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 8:12 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 8:13 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer spoke about the Motorcycle Week Event. He stated it was a great bounce back year and a great success. Mayor Hosmer thanked City Staff, Laconia Fire Department, Police Department, Council, and the Motorcycle Week Association. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer spoke about the Motorcycle Week Event. He stated it was a great bounce back year and a great success. Mayor Hosmer thanked City Staff, Laconia Fire Department, Police Department, Council, and the Motorcycle Week Association. Mayor Hosmer attended a show at the newly renovated Lakeport Opera House. He explained it is a great venue and it is wonderful to see it come to life within the City. Mayor Hosmer also stated that today was the first day of Got Lunch Laconia for their summer program. It is a great program that the community should be very proud of. Congratulations to the Got Lunch crew. Mayor Hosmer spent some time with the DeMatos' this past weekend. The Mayor has known them for quite some time and they are great community members. The Mayor spoke with the City Manager earlier today about the situation that Mrs. DeMatos spoke of earlier this evening. The Mayor doesn't think it is the intent of the City to inhibit businesses by any means. Mayor Hosmer encourages the Council to look at some of the Ordinances pertaining to our beaches. He understands that in 2020 our beaches were over powered. He thinks over the next couple weeks the City should take a look at or rules to see if we are over regulating. We are a tourist area and we want people to want to come here. Mayor Hosmer doesn't want the City to incur extra expenses but is there something else we can do to help with trash and the proper disposal of coal. City Manager Myers gave some background to the beach rules. The only regulation that was changed this year was taking away the ability to grill at the beaches. The reason this was decided was because for the safety of public health. People were dumping hot coals in the sand and washing their dirty dishes in the lake. The no smoking, vaping, loud music and floats have always been rules. City staff was trying to be proactive and letting the local businesses know that these rules were going to be enforced. There has really been an effort to make the beach a family place. City Manager Myers explained the floats will be a low priority this year due to lack of staffing. It is the understanding of the City Manager that the use of floats is a safety issue. People can get a false sense of security and depend on a float and a person could be hidden behind a float. City Manager Myers also referred to Chapter 5-26 of our City Code pertaining to the Parks and Recreation Commission. This means the rules are regulated by that commission. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney stated he has received a few phone calls from constituents who live on Turner Way and Hilliard Road in regards to the water. They wells that the contractor put in are not functioning properly. They have inquired about being put on City water. Councilor Cheney spoke to the Water Commission regarding this. The Superintendent gave a rough estimate of what it would cost to get water to the top of the hill. He said it would be about $3 million. Councilor Cheney said the north corner of the City has the most potential for growth, so at some point the City should visit the issue of providing utilities in that area. DPW Director Anderson suggested at some point it may be worth hiring a professional consultant to look at this issue and give the City some idea of what the future may look like. Councilor Cheney is recommending this happen in the near future. Councilor Soucy agrees with Councilor Cheney. Councilor Soucy suggested incorporating this into the City's Master Plan. He also suggested looking into grants for this as well. Councilor Cheney had the opportunity to take a tour of the Water Plant. He was amazed at how pristine it was. He said there are five tanks that are used to develop three million gallons of purified water in a 12 hour day. He said if they did it 24 hours a day, that would double the amount of water. They have built the building so it is capable of holding more tanks. Mayor Hosmer has also toured the facility and agrees with Councilor Cheney at how remarkable the place is. Councilor Felch walked the Weirs beach this past weekend with Parks Director Lovisek and Assistant Parks Director Mansur while they handed out pamphlets explaining the rules and any changes to the rules. Councilor Felch stated the people they spoke with were very receptive and appreciative of the changes. Councilor Soucy asked if more trash bins were added or another dumpster added if that would help.  Councilor Felch walked the Weirs beach this past weekend with Parks Director Lovisek and Assistant Parks Director Mansur while they handed out pamphlets explaining the rules and any changes to the rules. Councilor Felch stated the people they spoke with were very receptive and appreciative of the changes. Councilor Soucy asked if more trash bins were added or another dumpster added if that would help. Councilor Felch thinks with the regulations in place and staff enforcing them it will help. Councilor Hamel thinks emptying the trash more often may help. City Manager Myers explained that now that there is no grilling allowed, the amount of trash has been greatly reduced. Councilor Hamel mentioned the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Rail Trail Carts was last Thursday. He wants to thank Ben Clark and family for bringing this attraction to Laconia. Councilor Haynes said at 10 am Saturday morning all the carts were being used. Councilor Cheney would like to asked the City Manager to look into hiring a consultant. Councilor Lipman suggested it be added to the Master Plan. Councilor Cheney explained he has not been to the Weirs during Motorcycle Week in over 30 years but went up this past event. While he was there he had the opportunity to talk to a UNH Officer that was on a Segway about the pro's of using one. Councilor Cheney would like to ask the City Manager to look into the cost through the Purchasing Department about acquiring one or two for the Police Department. 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.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 17.E.ii. Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service Councilor Haynes explained there was a meeting held last week pertaining to this topic. It is the will of the committee to have the City Manager begin talks with the Town of Belmont in a joint contract. 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No comments from the public were made. 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. Councilor Hamel asked for an explanation of the grievances from the City Manager's report at the last Council meeting. City Manager Myers explained both of the grievances. He will update the Council as they proceed. Councilor Cheney asked about some permits being requested for additional weekends in the Weirs. City Manager Myers explained there have been four permits submitted to the City. Two of them have been approved in years past. There are two new ones being requested this year, Weirstoberfest and Wicked Weirs. Both of these events are towards the end of October. City Manager Myers is asking for the view of the Council as along with these requests are extended outdoor loudspeaker requests. Mayor Hosmer thinks there needs to be a happy balance. He likes the initiative to add more events but we all need to be cognizant of property abutters that may be looking forward to the end of the tourist season. Mayor Hosmer wonders if these need to be sent to a committee for further review. Councilor Lipman suggested getting the approvals from Special Events contingent on further approval by Council. City Manager Myers suggested allowing the events that have happened in the past to move forward through Special Events but the two new events (Weirstoberfest and Wicked Weirs) to be contingent upon further approval by Council. Mayor Hosmer said the Blues Festival and Biketemberfest will be moved along to Special Events with the caveat that they need to have the temporary traffic order approved by Council. Then have the  City Manager Myers suggested allowing the events that have happened in the past to move forward through Special Events but the two new events (Weirstoberfest and Wicked Weirs) to be contingent upon further approval by Council. Mayor Hosmer said the Blues Festival and Biketemberfest will be moved along to Special Events with the caveat that they need to have the temporary traffic order approved by Council. Then have the two new events be further reviewed. City Manager Myers would also like some guidance on the fee for the Bluesfest that happens on Weirs beach. Councilor Felch has spoken to a few of the business owners in the Weirs and they are all in favor to have these events as it will bring in business later in the season. Councilor Lipman suggests looking into the hours and make sure the Mount Washington isn't being interfered with as well for any end of season events they may be having. Councilor Lipman would like to see this added to the Government Operations Council Subcommittee. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. First reading of Resolution 2021-15 relative to the NH DES Boating Infrastructure Grant Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Haynes moved a first reading of Resolution-2021-15 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept, expend, and sign any and all documents for a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $162,764 for the NH Department of Environmental Services Boating Infrastructure Grant Funding for Laconia Municipal Docks, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to schedule a public hearing on July 12, 2021 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken, seconded by Councilor Haynes; Councilor Hamel asked if the exact amount of the match needed to be listed in the Resolution. City Manager Myers explained it doesn't because it states a 25% match. Mayor Hosmer called the question; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. City Manager contract extension discussion Councilor Soucy moved to extend the contract of City Manager Scott Myers, as outlined in Section 2 of his Employment Agreement, until June 30, 2023, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.C. Request to unseal non-public minutes Councilor Cheney moved to approve the early unsealing of non-public meeting minutes ahead of their scheduled time from December 29, 2020, January 4, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 8, 2021, February 22, 2021, March 8, 2021, and March 22, 2021, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Soucy asked what the reasoning was for the early opening. Councilor Felch stated he was asked for the early opening by someone.  scheduled time from December 29, 2020, January 4, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 8, 2021, February 22, 2021, March 8, 2021, and March 22, 2021, seconded by Councilor Felch; Councilor Soucy asked what the reasoning was for the early opening. Councilor Felch stated he was asked for the early opening by someone. City Manager Myers explained these pertained to the Church Street properties and all of them, but one, had a six month sealed period, with the earliest being opened today. The business is finished and has already been spoken about publicly, therefore there is no reason to keep the minutes sealed. Mayor Hosmer called the question: the motion passed with all in favor. 21.D. Amendment to the Intermunicipal Agreement for joint representation for Atlantic Broadband LLC City Manager Myers explained to the Council the reasoning for this request. Councilor Lipman moved to approve the admission of the Town of Northfield to the Consortium of the Municipalities of Alton, Belmont, Deerfield, Franklin, Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia, New Durham, and Northwood as a Member Municipality, pursuant to the Intermunicipal Agreement signed by the current Member Municipalities, subject to the Town of Northfield executing: 1. The Intermunicipal Agreement, and 2. An engagement letter with DTC Lawyers, counsel to the Consortium, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Second reading of Ordinance 2021-235-21.2, relative to amending City Code Chapter 235 Zoning, to update section 21.2 Historic Overlay District Councilor Lipman thinks this version needs to be voted down, especially after hearing from the public, both for and against. There is some work to be done to strike the right balance. Councilor Lipman moved to vote down this Ordinance and make sure a couple projects that are already in motion do not get delayed, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Haynes asked if we vote this down do we revisit it? Councilor Lipman said absolutely. This Ordinance needs more work before being approved. Councilor Haynes asked if this should go to a subcommittee or the entire Council. Councilor Lipman thinks this needs to be worked on with the entire Council as a whole. Councilor Soucy agrees there needs to be some balance. Councilor Lipman wants the Commission to know that we value their work but it just needs to be worked on some more. Councilor Cheney was at the Planning Board meeting when this was voted on it was not an unanimous vote. Councilor Cheney thinks it is incumbent of the Council to look more into this. Councilor Felch would like to know the exact buildings that are historic and why they think they are historic.  Councilor Cheney was at the Planning Board meeting when this was voted on it was not an unanimous vote. Councilor Cheney thinks it is incumbent of the Council to look more into this. Councilor Felch would like to know the exact buildings that are historic and why they think they are historic. Councilor Hamel agrees with Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer called the question. the motion passed with five in favor, one opposed (Councilor Haynes). 22.B. Second reading of Resolution 2021-07, relative to the Fiscal Year 2021-year end carry forwards Councilor Lipman said after the discussion during the last meeting about upgrading certain parts of the City he thinks it would be better to use some of the contingency funds for upgrades rather than tasking the City Manager with finding where the money could come from. This would also put a limit on how much the Council could spend for this purpose. He stated there is a healthy balance in the Contingency Fund and we could take $20,000 for the City Improvement Fund. Councilor Lipman moved to amend Resolution 2021-07 to include the line item under Administration 01-431-343-0000 Contingency City Appearance Improvement $20,000, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved a second reading of Resolution 2021-07 as amended, relative to the Fiscal Year 2021-year end carry forwards, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Lipman moved to approve Resolution 2021-07 as amended, relative to the Fiscal Year 2021-year end carry forwards, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 22.C. Second reading of Resolution 2021-14, relative to authorizing transfer of funds from General Fund to the Internal Service Fund in the amount of $950,000 with funding to be provided from the General Fund Balance Councilor Lipman moved to waive a reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Soucy; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Lipman moved a second reading of Resolution 2021-14, relative to authorizing transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Internal Service Fund in the amount of $950,000 with funding to be provided from the General Fund Balance, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Lipman moved to approve Resolution 2021-14, relative to authorizing transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Internal Service Fund in the amount of $950,000 with funding to be provided from the General Fund Balance, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 22.D. Request to approve a tentative agreement between the City of Laconia and the Laconia Police Officer's Association Councilor Felch moved that the City Council approve the tentative agreement between the City of Laconia and the Laconia Police Officer's Association for the period from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, seconded by Councilor Hamel; the motion passed with all in favor. 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Laconia Police Officer's Association Councilor Felch moved that the City Council approve the tentative agreement between the City of Laconia and the Laconia Police Officer's Association for the period from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, seconded by Councilor Hamel; 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. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 23.H. Weirs Beach Restoration Project 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 9:31 pm. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JULY 12, 2021.