City Council

Minutes of this meeting were approved by City Council on February 14, 2022. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. 1/24/2022 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Cheney led the salute to the flag 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Acting City Clerk Stacy Anders 4. ROLL CALL Acting City Clerk Stacy Anders took a roll call with the following Councilors in attendance: Bruce Cheney, Henry Lipman, Mark Haynes, Bob Hamel, and Tony Felch Absent: Robert Soucy Mayor Hosmer noted five Councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE City Manager Scott Myers, Finance Director Glenn Smith 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 6.A. Council presentation Mayor Hosmer read the proclamation. The Bieniarz award went to Joan Cormier for her work with the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation since 1956. 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular meeting minutes of January 10, 2022 With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2022-01, Laconia Little League Parade Mayor Hosmer noted that this is a recurring request with no changes. Motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2022-01, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 23, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. made by Councilor Hamel, Councilor Haynes seconded. All voted in favor of the motion.  Mayor Hosmer noted that this is a recurring request with no changes. Motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2022-01, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 23, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. made by Councilor Hamel, Councilor Haynes seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 8.B. Request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive Special Event, license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 11 - 13, 2022 Sled Dog event Mayor Hosmer noted that this is a recurring request with no changes. Motion to approve the request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive Special Event, license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 11 - 13, 2022 Sled Dog Event, contingent upon the event’s approval at the Special Events Review Committee’s February 2, 2022 meeting made by Councilor Hamel, Councilor Felch seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Charlie St. Clair brought up the fact that the Senate's redistricting plan will have Ward 6 not voting with rest of the City in the upcoming elections and instead Ward 6 will be voting with Gilford and Gilmanton. He stated the Senate will be caucusing on the item and he hopes the Council and public can make some noise. The Senate will be taking public testimony on the redistricting maps next week. Mayor Hosmer asked if the notice could be added to Laconia Links if possible. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public hearing for Resolution 2022-02, relative to the NH DES Exotic Species Program Grant Project Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:16 pm. No one spoke for or against the resolution. The public hearing closed at 7:17 pm. 13.B. A public hearing on the Community Development Finance Authority Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:19 pm. An informational document was available for the public. The Mayor read: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available for Economic Development Projects, up to $500,000 for Housing Projects, up to $500,000 for Public Facility Projects, up to $500,000 in Emergency Funds, up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility grant funds. $25,000 will be retained for Administrative costs and up to $475,000 will be subgranted to Laconia Housing Redevelopment Authority  up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility grant funds. $25,000 will be retained for Administrative costs and up to $475,000 will be subgranted to Laconia Housing Redevelopment Authority to renovate the space at 17 Church Street. The renovated space will be leased to Partnership for Public Health NH (PPH) for meeting with their clients and offering services to the community. The majority of PPH clients are of low and moderate income. The public was asked for comment. Tom Cochran, Executive Director of Laconia Housing Authority, addressed the Council. He explained what they do and thanked the Council for their time and efforts. Patrick Wood of Ward 1 addressed the Council. He supports the request. He noted that Laconia Housing gives opportunity for communication and expansion for more to be done in the community and downtown. He is in full support. The public hearing closed at 7:22 PM 13.C. Public hearing on the Anti displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Mayor Hosmer opened the public hearing at 7:22 pm. The Mayor read: This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated. This project does not anticipate displacement or relocation. The public was asked for comment. No one spoke for or against the proposed plan. The public hearing closed at 7:23 pm. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney asked if the school could include an agenda with the notice of meetings. Also brought up was the bridge in the Weirs. City Manager Myers said DOT is researching the history and cost and he is expecting to hear back soon. Councilor Hamel brought up the SB249 hearing tomorrow morning and would like to see Council acknowledge and attend the meeting in opposition to that bill. City Manager Myers briefly explained the bill. He believes NHMA will be speaking against the bill and offer amendments. Councilor Cheney suggested making the Senate aware that Laconia’s Ordinance regarding short-term lodging has not had opposition in the three years it has been in effect. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Lipman (Chair), Hamel, Cheney) 17.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 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.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. Plan for the DPW Compound 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 brought up the solid waste discussion. Public Works Director Anderson needs direction from Council before February Councilor Haynes gave an overview from the January 20 presentation and the automated system. City Manager Myers went over the change of the toters that would be provided for recycling. 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Atty. Phil Brouillard addressed the Council regarding the no parking proposal n North Street. Eliminating parking on the side that is proposed would be devastating to the owners of 35 North Street. No accidents or dangerous incidents have been reported to the Fire or Police Depts. He suggested to have one side of North Street no parking and see how that works. Atty. Brouillard feels it’s not necessary at this time to block parking. William Mudge, the property owner, gave a brief history of his property which was built in 1890. He feels when North and Sheridan Streets are torn up for the sewer replacement it would be a good time to  Atty. Phil Brouillard addressed the Council regarding the no parking proposal n North Street. Eliminating parking on the side that is proposed would be devastating to the owners of 35 North Street. No accidents or dangerous incidents have been reported to the Fire or Police Depts. He suggested to have one side of North Street no parking and see how that works. Atty. Brouillard feels it’s not necessary at this time to block parking. William Mudge, the property owner, gave a brief history of his property which was built in 1890. He feels when North and Sheridan Streets are torn up for the sewer replacement it would be a good time to move the sidewalk across the street. Charlie St. Clair addressed the Council. He asked if the solid waste proposal will have a public hearing and was told yes. He also is in favor of Motorcycle Week vendor licensing fees being increased. He suggested just a flat rate of $600 and to have that include the Friday prior to the start of Motorcycle Week. He also recommended allowing vendors to open before noon on that Friday and suggested a time similar to when the Rally Headquarters opens around 8 or 9am. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report City Manager Myers went over the Project Updates report. The grant for the municipal docks is with DES and will take up to four months to review, but he feels construction will happen next year. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report City Manager Myers went over the Monthly Economic Development report and noted the 4.7% annual CPU. City Manager Myers went over the handout from NH retirement system. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request from Joyce's Craft Shows to waive Special Event and licensing fees for an Arts and Crafts show to be held July 30 - 31, 2022 Motion to approve the request from Joyce’s Craft Shows to waive Special Event and licensing fees for the Lakeside Craft Show to be held July 30 – 31, 2022, contingent upon the event’s approval at the Special Events Review Committee’s February 2, 2022 meeting made by Councilor Felch, Councilor Haynes seconded. Joyce Endee addressed the Council. J. Endee, organizer and producer of Joyce’s Craft Shows, is requesting a waiver of the fees. She is interested in the Weirs Beach Restoration project and will donate $500 to that from the fair. She is also interested in donating her time as well and can help with fundraising. She has to have at least 60 vendors to make it financially worthwhile. Councilor Hamel asked who profits and she said she does as it is her business. Fees would have been $1100 for her to pay for the special events application and licensing fees. City Manager Myers walked Council through the process. Councilor Lipman is concerned about the precedence that could be set. With no one voting in favor, the motion failed. 21.B. Increase vendor licensing application fees for Motorcycle Week event Motion to increase Motorcycle Week Vendor Licensing Fees made by Councilor Cheney, Councilor Hamel seconded. Mayor Hosmer amended the request to eliminate the extra $75 for the Friday prior and make it a flat fee $600 that includes the Friday prior. Chief Canfield noted that the change wouldn't affect the department to add coverage for that Friday. Councilor Hamel stated that Friday will be the cut and the event would not begin earlier than Friday. All voted in favor of the motion. 21.C. Sale of Lot #3 in Lakes Business Park, 270 Hounsell Avenue Motion to approve the vote of the Lakes Business Park Commission for the sale of Lot #3 in the Lakes Business Park in the amount of $75,000 and to authorize the City Manager to sign the required documents in connection with the sale made by Councilor Felch, Councilor Cheney seconded.  21.C. Sale of Lot #3 in Lakes Business Park, 270 Hounsell Avenue Motion to approve the vote of the Lakes Business Park Commission for the sale of Lot #3 in the Lakes Business Park in the amount of $75,000 and to authorize the City Manager to sign the required documents in connection with the sale made by Councilor Felch, Councilor Cheney seconded. City Manager Myers explained the process. The offer is reflective of site work even though it’s under the asking price. The Town of Gilford has already approved the sale. All voted in favor of the motion. 21.D. Fire Department SAFER Grant Chief Beattie addressed Council. This grant is for four additional fire fighters for three years. There will be minimal fiscal impact. The department received a grant in 2013 but was not successful in the last round. Chief Beattie mentioned they have a grant writer that is assisting the department. He is looking for support from the community and Council, and to start planning now how years from now will be funded so it will be in place. As the current grant funded portion leaves, the new person becomes the grant funded person. Any money not spent rolls over so there could be some extra money toward the end to draw the term out a bit longer. Councilor Cheney discussed a potential new program to save the ambulance for major calls. The area is going to continue to grow and services should be ready for that. Councilor Cheney is behind the Fire Department 100%. Chief Beattie stated that these additional firefighters will enhance our firefighting capabilities. Councilor Hamel asked for a report on emergency calls for 2019-2021. Chief Beattie will get that information. He noted that in 2020 the average was one person back for recall. Motion to support the Fire Department in applying for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding for four additional firefighters for three years, as presented made by Councilor Cheney, Councilor Felch seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 21.E. Authorize acceptance of a NH Department of Justice grant in the amount of $1,197,160.00 to fund the Comprehensive Opiod, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) Motion to approve acceptance of a NH Department of Justice grant in the amount of $1,197,160.00 to fund the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) made by Councilor Haynes, Councilor Cheney seconded. City Manager Myers gave a brief overview. Chief Canfield and Eric Adams addressed the Council. The grant is for Officer Adams’ salary and two additional positions. There has been a lot of success in the program. There is a desire is to bring the program statewide. They have been trying for the grant for three years. Community support has been amazing. Officer Adams will stay at the police department and will recruit and create training modules remotely. The program started Sept 2014. Council commended Officer Adams and Chief Canfield to keep the program going. All voted in favor of the motion. 21.F. Authorize acceptance of a NH Department of Justice grant in the amount of $45,000.00 to fund the Substance Abuse Reduction Initiative (a.k.a. Granite Shield) Motion to approve acceptance of a NH Department of Justice grant in the amount of $45,000.00 to fund the Substance Abuse Reduction Initiative (a.k.a. Granite Shield) made by Councilor Cheney, Councilor Hamel seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Request to designate a portion of North Street no parking Motion to remove this item from the table made by Councilor Felch, Councilor Cheney seconded. Councilor Cheney, Councilor Felch, Councilor Haynes voted in favor; Councilor Lipman, Councilor Hamel voted against. The motion passed 3-2. 22.A. Request to designate a portion of North Street no parking Motion to remove this item from the table made by Councilor Felch, Councilor Cheney seconded. Councilor Cheney, Councilor Felch, Councilor Haynes voted in favor; Councilor Lipman, Councilor Hamel voted against. The motion passed 3-2. Councilor Felch asked Public Works Director Anderson to speak. Public Works Director Anderson noted that he can’t just make one side of the street or the other no parking. The sidewalk can’t go to the other side due to topography. North, Sheridan and Belvidere Streets are the busy through streets. There are two options: either make no parking or keep it the way it is. More traffic has been causing an increase in complaints. Councilor Cheney suggested no parking sunset to sunrise. Councilor Hamel suggested making the street one way and thinks more discussion is needed. Councilor Haynes thinks it’s a hazard in either direction and agrees with looking into the one way option. Public Works Director Anderson brought up the section on Pleasant Street that is one way and the complaints that they get regarding that. City Manger Myers suggested taking a vote because just tabling the item means additional information is needed and he is unsure he can give more information. If Council wants to look at other options, he suggested taking action on it. Councilor Felch feels making modifications to just a section of North Street is foolish. Councilor Felch, Councilor Cheney voted for; Councilor Lipman Councilor Haynes Councilor Hamel voted against. The motion failed 3-2. 22.B. Second reading of Resolution 2022-02, relative to the NH DES Exotic Species Program Project Grant Motion to waive the reading of this Resolution in its entirety and to read by title only made by Councilor Cheney, Councilor Haynes seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. Motion for a second reading of Resolution 2022-02 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $30,085 for the NH Department of Environmental Services Exotic Species Program Project made by Councilor Haynes, Councilor Cheney seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. Motion to approve Resolution 2022-02 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $30,085 for the NH Department of Environmental Services Exotic Species Program Project made by Councilor Lipman Councilor Hamel seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 22.C. A proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for the renovation of 17 Church Street Motion to approve the submittal of the CDBG LHRA application to renovate the space at 17 Church Street owned by Laconia Housing Authority and vote to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the CDBG application, and upon approval of the CDBG application, authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract, and any amendments thereto, made by Councilor Haynes, Councilor Cheney seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 22.D. The anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan for the proposed renovation of 17 Church Street Motion to approve the Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the proposed renovation of 17 Church Street CDBG project made by Councilor Lipman, Councilor Hamel seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. 22.E. Second reading of Ordinance 2021-235-41-A, Zoning, Accessory Dwelling Unit Mayor Hosmer noted this item remains on table for additional information. 22.F. Annual City Manager Evaluation All agreed that City Manager Myers has done a great job as City Manager, and the City has come a  Mayor Hosmer noted this item remains on table for additional information. 22.F. Annual City Manager Evaluation All agreed that City Manager Myers has done a great job as City Manager, and the City has come a long way. They wished him the best of luck. Motion to approve an increase in salary of 2.5% for the City Manager made by Councilor Hamel, Councilor Haynes seconded. All voted in favor of the motion. Mayor Hosmer stated a timeline should be in place for the new City Manager position and a discussion will be needed. The idea is to have someone in place by July. He would like to start the process in the next couple weeks. 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 Councilor Cheney updated the Council on the Lakeshore Redevelopment meeting. They are looking at the historical value to the inside of some buildings and their significance. and he was asked how the Council feels regarding the process. Councilor Cheney mentioned the Council would like to be more involved with the property. Councilor Haynes thanked Councilor Cheney for attending the meetings. Councilor Cheney asked for a meeting to go over the personnel issue and that will be put on the next meeting. 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT With no objections the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm Respectfully, Acting City Clerk Stacy Anders