City Council

CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 27, 2021 7:00 P.M. 12/27/2021 - 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: Bruce Cheney, Bob Soucy, Henry Lipman, Mark Haynes, Tony Felch NOT PRESENT: Bob Hamel Mayor Hosmer noted five 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 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of December 13, 2021 Minutes of the meeting were distributed to the City Council on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. PRESENTATIONS 8.A. Presentation of the First Annual Lt. Mark E. Miller Light of the City Award Mayor Hosmer read into the record the following: The "Light of the City Award" was established by Gayle Miller, wife of firefighter Miller, who wanted to recognize city residents who've gone above and beyond in service to the city and its residents. "Mark's career in the Fire Department and throughout the community was characterized by a strong commitment to serving others and always being willing to go above and beyond when duty called” said Miller” “Alan and Jennifer Beetle distinguished themselves among the many nominees as always contributing to make our community a better place. Whether it’s leading the development of the WOW Trail or helping raise millions of dollars for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, the Beetles are positively impacting our community by always going above and beyond for the benefit of  recognize city residents who've gone above and beyond in service to the city and its residents. "Mark's career in the Fire Department and throughout the community was characterized by a strong commitment to serving others and always being willing to go above and beyond when duty called” said Miller” “Alan and Jennifer Beetle distinguished themselves among the many nominees as always contributing to make our community a better place. Whether it’s leading the development of the WOW Trail or helping raise millions of dollars for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, the Beetles are positively impacting our community by always going above and beyond for the benefit of others. I’m incredibly proud they’re the first recipients of this award” continued Miller. Judi Taggart of Gilford, who nominated Allan and Jennifer Beetle for the “Light of the City Award”, shared, “Allan and Jennifer Beetle have contributed an immense amount of time and resources to Laconia and surrounding communities. Their leadership style is infectious, drawing countless volunteers with various skills to participate in events and to support the Children’s Auction and the Community Challenge, the WOW Trail and Lake Opechee Preservation Committee. I’m so grateful for their ability to attract others to follow in their footsteps, making a remarkable impact on Laconia and beyond. This recognition is so well deserved.” Gayle Miller named the committee members and thanked the Mayor for working with her to establish this award. She presented a plaque, with Mark Miller's picture on it to Allan and Jennifer Beetle. 9. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 10. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA No comments from the public were made. 11. INTERVIEWS 12. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12.A. Paul Duggan - Seeking appointment as an alternate member of the Planning Board to a three-year term expiring at the end of June, 2024 Councilor Soucy moved to table this item, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.B. Request to reappoint Amy Lovisek, Parks and Recreation Director, to the WOW Trail Maintenance Advisory Committee Councilor Haynes moved to reappoint Amy Lovisek to the WOW Trail Maintenance Advisory Committee to a three-year term expiring at the end of November, 2024, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 12.C. Request to reappoint Krista Larsen, Assistant Public Works Director, to the WOW Trail Maintenance Advisory Committee Councilor Felch moved to reappoint Krista Larsen to the WOW Trail Maintenance Advisory Committee to a three-year term expiring at the end of November, 2024, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 13. COMMUNICATIONS 14. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14.A. Public hearing relative to the Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant Notice of this public hearing was made available in the December 15, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, SAU, Community Center, and the Laconia Public Library on December 14, 2021. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:16 pm.  Notice of this public hearing was made available in the December 15, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, SAU, Community Center, and the Laconia Public Library on December 14, 2021. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:16 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:17 pm. 14.B. Public hearing for Ordinance 2021-235-21.1 Performance Zoning Overlay District Notice of this public hearing was made available in the December 15, 2021, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, SAU, Community Center, and the Laconia Public Library on December 14, 2021. Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:17 pm. Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:18 pm. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer had nothing to report. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Soucy explained the reason he tabled the earlier interview. He would like to see a more in-depth look into our candidates. Councilor Soucy would like to see a committee that would do some preliminary interviews before the candidates are brought to the Council for a vote. City Manager Myers stated there are other communities that use a format such as an appointment committee. It is still held publicly but a more informal process. Mayor Hosmer thinks this is a very good idea. A way to have conversations with the candidates in a less formal setting. Councilor Lipman asked if this would require a change in the Council's rules and procedures. City Manager Myers stated that he will be look into that and any changes will be submitted to the Council at the first meeting in January. City Manager Myers also explained the appointment committee would only be recommending a candidate and the Council would still be appointing them. Councilor Cheney stated he had about dozen people approach him about adding crosswalk signals on Court Street and in the South end of the City. Councilor Cheney requests that staff do a study and see where there is need for more crosswalk beacons and maybe a committee of the Council should be involved. Mayor Hosmer suggested adding this to the Public Safety Committee. The Mayor also suggested sending emails along to the City Manager to keep him abreast of the situation. City Manager Myers explained this may need to be built into the upcoming budget as the beacons are not cheap. There is a beacon being installed in front of Vista Foods as soon as they come in. Councilor Soucy would like to see if there is any input from the Police Chief if there are any areas of concern that he may have. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) Finance Committee will be meeting on January 10, 2022 at 6:15 pm to discuss the City Welfare Guidelines. 17.A.i. WOW Trail Funding  17.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) Finance Committee will be meeting on January 10, 2022 at 6:15 pm to discuss the City Welfare Guidelines. 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.vii. Use of public property by for-profit entities 17.C.viii. Short Term Rentals 17.C.ix. Naming privilege's to public areas 17.D. LAND & 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 17.E.ii. Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Joanne Fiorini, North St - Would like to request a no parking sign at the end of the street. Her concern is for the safety of all versus the convenience of a few. There are many instances when traffic is coming up or down the hill and when there are cars parked on the side of the road it causes a very dangerous situation. Phillip Brouillard, representing William Mudge - Attorney Brouillard spoke of the no parking on North Street  Joanne Fiorini, North St - Would like to request a no parking sign at the end of the street. Her concern is for the safety of all versus the convenience of a few. There are many instances when traffic is coming up or down the hill and when there are cars parked on the side of the road it causes a very dangerous situation. Phillip Brouillard, representing William Mudge - Attorney Brouillard spoke of the no parking on North Street issue. He distributed a lease that was found, dated 1917 in regards to allowing the City to maintain the sidewalk in front of 35 North Street. The cause and effect of this, the City signed a lease allowing the City to install a sidewalk on the property of 35 North Street. Mr. Mudge does not have a problem with a no parking sign, but not directly in front of his property. Attorney Brouillard suggests tabling this item until further investigation can be done. William Mudge, 35 North Street - Mr. Mudge read a prepared statement but did not submit it into the record. He is opposed to putting a no parking sign directly in front of his house, but he is not opposed to the no parking sign being installed past his house. He explained every house on North Street has their own parking except one. Mr. Mudge is asking for an alternative to the no parking in front of and opposite of 35 North Street. He suggested adding stop signs to Jefferson Street, School Street, and Mass Ave and this will help slowing down the traffic. He also suggested eliminating the sidewalks on lower North Street. Coleman Feeney, 34 North Street - Mr. Feeney strongly opposes the proposed no parking on North Street. The proposed restrictions directly affects four properties. Some alternative options that he presented were adding a stop sign, no parking on the even side of the street, or making North Street one way. Dan Ouellette, 46 North Street - Mr. Ouellette is not opposed to the no parking signs on North Street. There is limited sight coming up the street. This is a real safety issue. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers reviewed the report. City Manager Myers recognized the DPW crew over the holiday weekend taking care of our City roads and sidewalks. City Manager Myers will be appointing Jason Bean to the Laconia Housing Authority Board of Directors. Councilor Haynes asked if the Water Department is done with Court Street? Will Addison have any impact? City Manager Myers answered yes, they are done on Court Street. City Manager Myers apologizes for the lack of audio this evening. There seems to be only one speaker working. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Authorization of boat dealers to act as agents for the City of Laconia Councilor Felch moved to approve the renewal of the Boat Agent Agreement between the State of NH - DMV, the City of Laconia, and boat dealers, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to authorize the City Clerk to sign the Boat Agent Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.B. First reading of Resolution 2022-01, relative to the acceptance of the NH State Library Services, American Rescue Plan Act sub grant Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2022-01 in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Soucy moved a first reading of Resolution 2022-01, relative to the acceptance of the  21.B. First reading of Resolution 2022-01, relative to the acceptance of the NH State Library Services, American Rescue Plan Act sub grant Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2022-01 in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Soucy moved a first reading of Resolution 2022-01, relative to the acceptance of the American Rescue Plan Act sub grant in the amount of $12,103, for the Laconia Public Library, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Soucy moved to schedule a public hearing on January 10, 2022, during the regular Councilor Meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. 21.C. Annual City Manager Evaluation This item will be moved to the January 10, 2022 agenda. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Second reading of Resolution 2021-19, relative to the acceptance of the Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of Resolution 2021-19 in its entirety and to read by title only, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Cheney moved a first reading of Resolution 2021-19, relative to the acceptance of the Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant in the amount of $18,595.74, for the Laconia Fire Department, seconded by Councilor Felch; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to approve Resolution 2021-19, relative to the acceptance of the Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant in the amount of $18,595.74, for the Laconia Fire Department, seconded by Councilor Cheney; Councilor Cheney strongly supports this grant and encourages the Council to do the same. Mayor Hosmer called the question. the motion passed with all in favor. 22.B. Second reading of Ordinance 2021-235-21.1, amending the Performance Zoning Overlay District Councilor Cheney moved to waive a reading of the Ordinance 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 Ordinance 2021-235-21.1, amending the Performance Zoning Overlay District, seconded by Councilor Soucy; the motion passed with all in favor. Councilor Felch moved to approve Ordinance 2021-235-21.1, amending the Performance Zoning Overlay District, seconded by Councilor Cheney; the motion passed with all in favor. 22.C. Request to designate a portion of North Street no parking Councilor Felch moved to remove this item from the table, seconded by Councilor Haynes; the motion passed with four in favor, one opposed (Lipman). Mayor Hosmer thinks this item needs further work and extra time before moving forward. Councilor Felch stated he has heard from several residents from the area. He received a text Wednesday morning, when school was cancelled, stating there was a City truck having a hard time  motion passed with four in favor, one opposed (Lipman). Mayor Hosmer thinks this item needs further work and extra time before moving forward. Councilor Felch stated he has heard from several residents from the area. He received a text Wednesday morning, when school was cancelled, stating there was a City truck having a hard time getting up the hill because of a vehicle parking on the side of the road. Councilor Felch said maybe a time limit of fifteen minutes only could help. Councilor Soucy asked about the legal situation. City Manager Myers can not form an opinion at this time until he has time to review the document Mr. Brouillard presented tonight. Councilor Lipman stated there are concerns being raised by both sides of the matter and thinks more time is needed to work on this item. Councilor Cheney suggests to the Council to visit this street to see it for themselves if we are to table this item this evening. City Manager Myers did state it is never acceptable to be parking on sidewalks throughout the City. Also, overnight parking is not allowed per Ordinance during the winter months. Councilor Felch moved to table this item until January 10, 2022, seconded by Councilor Lipman; 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 With no further business to come before the Council and hearing no objection, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:16 pm. Respectfully submitted Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 10, 2022 Cheryl Hebert, City Clerk MINUTES OF THIS MEETING WERE APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 10, 2022