City Council

Minutes were approved on August 28, 2023, by the City Council. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 8/14/2023 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:14 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Cheney led the salute to the flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Katie Gargano, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Clerk Gargano called the roll of the following councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert attended via zoom and reported to be alone in the room and Councilor Felch Absent: Councilor Lipman Mayor Hosmer noted that because Councilor Bogert attended the meeting remotely, all votes must be taken by roll call vote this evening. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of July 24, 2023 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of July 24, 2023, were distributed to the members of the City Council on July 31, 2023. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2023-14, Belknap Mill Sock Hop request to reserve parking and to waive City fees associated with the event This year’s “Sock Hop in Rotary Park” will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023. In connection with the event the Belknap Mill has requested that 18 reverse angled parking spots on Beacon Street East adjacent to the Belknap Mill and Rotary Park and the small parking lot adjacent to the Belknap Mill, as shown on the attached map, be reserved for the event as detailed in TTO 2023-14. This is a recurring event with no significant changes from previous years’ events.  This year’s “Sock Hop in Rotary Park” will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023. In connection with the event the Belknap Mill has requested that 18 reverse angled parking spots on Beacon Street East adjacent to the Belknap Mill and Rotary Park and the small parking lot adjacent to the Belknap Mill, as shown on the attached map, be reserved for the event as detailed in TTO 2023-14. This is a recurring event with no significant changes from previous years’ events. The Belknap Mill was asked to notify business owners who might be affected by the parking spaces requested to be reserved. They have emailed Fit Focus and all the tenants in the Busiel Mill to make them aware of the event and the parking restrictions that will be in place. The “Sock Hop in Rotary Park” will close out the Arts in the Park summer series and will feature the Rockin’ Daddios and a full band, a radio station with a live broadcast, and vintage 50s/60s vehicles. The parking spaces on Beacon St. East are necessary to accommodate some of the vintage vehicles as well as vehicles related to the band and the radio station. The parking spaces in the small parking lot adjacent to the Belknap Mill will be used for display of additional vintage vehicles. Mayor Hosmer asked if the business owners were notified of the requested parking spaces? Jen from the Belknap Mill stated that Fit Focus responded. The Beacon St East parking spaces will be blocked off around two pm and the main parking lot won’t be blocked off until four or five pm. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2023-14 relating to the request by The Belknap Mill to reserve parking spaces in connection with the “Sock Hop in Rotary Park” as requested and to waive City fees associated with the event. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA None. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2023-17 - Request to submit a grant application on behalf of Lakes Region Community Developers relating to the demolition of a dilapidated building at 17-19 Bay Street Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 26, 2023, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Community Center, Laconia Public Library and the offices of the SAU. Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM Tammy Griffin from 18 Bay Street was questioning why the demolition is not being paid for by the property owner.  Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM Tammy Griffin from 18 Bay Street was questioning why the demolition is not being paid for by the property owner. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:23 PM 13.B. Public Hearing - Resolution 2023-18 - Relating to the acceptance of a grant from the NH Community Development Finance Authority for improvements to Leavitt Park and the Leavitt Park Parkhouse Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 26, 2023, edition of the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Community Center, Laconia Public Library and the offices of the SAU. Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:24 PM No one wished to speak on this matter. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 PM 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Daisy Pierce, Executive Director of Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region Daisy Pierce, Executive Director of Navigating Recovery on Court St. and Eric Adams of the Laconia Police Department gave a brief presentation to the Council. Over the past year, there were several forums that were held across the City, there were 91 participants. 3% of people experiencing homelessness as a result of substance use disorder. 43% of the homelessness population misuse alcohol and other drugs but 66% develop a substance use disorder after becoming homeless. The minimum dollars per hour you would have to earn just to survive in an apartment is $24.52. A healthy market rate of vacancy is about 5% and New Hampshire has not been at this rate in 15 years. The statistics they presented were provided by NH Housing Authority. Highlights: 85% of attendees believe addressing the issue of homelessness is a major concern and 13% believe it to be moderate. Solutions offered were increase affordable housing; safe camping site/tiny home village/pallet shelter community; first responder and harm reduction solutions; education-related solutions; social service provider solutions. Everyone recognizes that there isn’t a single solution, we need strong collaboration to make progress, and the community is motivated to address the issue. Mayor’s Housing Task Force- includes 20 individuals representing various sectors: local businesses, housing agencies, social service organizations, Laconia leadership, Belknap County, faith-based organizations, lived experience, first responders, etc... They meet monthly to work on the developments of a strategic plan with 4 workgroups focusing on: 1. Communication & education 2. Housing & land use 3. First Responders & Harm Reduction 4. Pallet Village Community  1. Communication & education 2. Housing & land use 3. First Responders & Harm Reduction 4. Pallet Village Community This task force will be looking towards communities that have had successful systems. Houston has a collaborative system designed around a standardized set of goals, rather than individual organizations and government entities working separately to chip away at the problem. Houston has made a 60% decrease in the unsheltered population since 2012. Mayor Hosmer asked Eric to address the comments that people have been shuttled to Laconia because that’s where the resources are. Eric said that he did some research, and this is not the case. Isiah’s Café had some shuttle buses outside their location. Isiah’s coordinates to help people get to their doctor’s appointments. They help multiple people all in the same day because it’s easier to coordinate between all parties. People just need to be aware that as Laconia builds up resources people are going to come here to use them, but they are not staying here. Mayor Hosmer also asked Eric how things have changed since the Spruce Street encampment was closed? Eric said there is an influx of people downtown more, small campsites are popping up and others are going back to communities where they came from. Some are seeking out services that they neglected before. There will always be some people who just want to live on the streets, and they are not dangerous people. They like their life on the streets. Mayor Hosmer thanked Eric and Daisy for their presentation. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney wants to hear about a public boat launch. Would like to know about private roads being maintained after 1968? He would like an update on Eastman Shore Road. He reported to the Council that at the last Weirs Action Committee had reported that they had taken in over 40k during motorcycle week and the balance of their account is 105k. He received a letter from a resident on Hillcroft Road asked for permission to give it to the City Manager. Mayor Hosmer approved. Councilor Haynes mentioned there are several items that are being referred to the Government operations and ordinances committee and he imagines a subcommittee meeting will be scheduled soon. Chairman Soucy concurred. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS Items will be discussed as needed. Not all items will be brought before the full Council at this evening's meeting. 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.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 17.F. APPOINTMENTS (Councilors Soucy (Chair), Cheney and Haynes) 18. LIAISON REPORTS Councilor Haynes noted that the Heritage Committee approved the demolition permit to take down a home on Park Street. Councilor Cheney’s voiced his concern about the church next door. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No one from the Public wished to speak. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report Manager Beattie presented the financial and operations trends report to the Council. Highlights include Building permits issued are up to where they were as of last year, fire department calls are up, public assistance numbers are on trend, motor vehicle and tax collection are on track, overtime numbers are up, impact fees are unchanged, trust balances haven’t changed much. Mayor Hosmer noted Medicaid reimbursement rates should have increased starting July 1 st . Manager Beattie confirmed this. Councilor Felch asked when Elm Street will be done. The update is August 22 nd to August 24 th for the paving.  Mayor Hosmer noted Medicaid reimbursement rates should have increased starting July 1 st . Manager Beattie confirmed this. Councilor Felch asked when Elm Street will be done. The update is August 22 nd to August 24 th for the paving. Councilor Haynes asked about the number of motor vehicle stops being down, and he noted they were down last month as well. He has received several complaints regarding low visibility of police patrol in neighborhoods. Manager Beattie stated he would talk to Chief Canfield about the issue. Councilor Cheney noted he was the one to push for 2 more officers strictly to do traffic stops. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Proposal to change the City's Solid Waste Ordinances to reduce customers leaving the Transfer Station without paying The fee for Transfer Station customers disposing of household waste, construction and demolition debris and metal are based on the weight of the material. A customer’s vehicle is weighed before disposing of the material and after disposing of the material. A customer with both household trash and construction and demolition debris is weighed after disposing of each type of material. The fee is calculated using the difference between the vehicle weights before and after disposing of the waste. When a customer crosses the scale for the first time, the Transfer Station operator enters their license plate number into the station’s operating software. When a customer who is disposing of household waste, construction and demolition debris or metal leaves the Transfer Station without coming across the scale to weigh out (drive off), the City only knows the vehicle’s entry weight not their final weight, so the City cannot provide the weight of materials brought into the Transfer Station. Thus, the City does not have a means of determining the value of the service. During the summer the Transfer Station has as many customers during the four hours it is open on Saturday as the station has during a weekday. Many weekend customers have different types of materials with different fees that result in more processing time. Recently, the Department has seen an increase in the number of customers who do not come across the scale to weigh after disposing of their solid waste (drive offs) from about one per quarter to an average of one per weekend. Most residential customers with only household waste charge will not exceed $100 per “use”. For construction debris, most residential customers’ charges will not exceed $300. For mixed loads most will not exceed $300. In order for the City to recover its costs, the scale operator must report the incident to Police. This would occur after the Transfer Station closes resulting in an increase in the solid waste program’s overtime costs. To recover the City’s costs and to act as a deterrent to potential drive offs, Public Works is proposing that the City include the following in its solid waste Ordinance: First Offense – a fine of $500 with no suspension of Transfer Station privileges. Second Offense - a fine of $1,000 and suspension from use of the Transfer Station for one month Third Offense - a fine of $2,000 and the City may seek an injunction from use of the Transfer Station from the Belknap County Superior Court. Public Works is asking for the City Council’s guidance on the proposal.  Third Offense - a fine of $2,000 and the City may seek an injunction from use of the Transfer Station from the Belknap County Superior Court. Public Works is asking for the City Council’s guidance on the proposal. Public Works will prepare a change to the City’s solid waste Ordinance for the Council’s consideration at a future meeting. Discussion: Manger Beattie gave an overview of the agenda item. Councilor Soucy mentioned that his concern is that a lot of these people may be out of state and not local and how do you locate those people. Councilor Cheney doesn’t think out of state people are a big part of the problem. Councilor Felch asked if they ask for an ID when the person gets onto the scale. They do not but they get the plate number. Mayor Hosmer’s recommendation is to get a video recording system and the person working gets the sticker number to help with locating a person that may have driven off. Manager Beattie stated that the two main pieces of this is to identify the vehicle which is already being done and have the correct language on an ordinance with an escalating fining system. Councilor Soucy asked if it can legally be tied to the motor vehicle system so they cannot renew/get another dump sticker until they pay their fine. Councilor Haynes wants to make sure these are not people who are there just for recycling. Manager Beattie will be working on preparing an ordinance to bring it to a public hearing. 21.B. Resolution 2023-19 - Request to establish a Laconia School District LHS Stadium repair and upgrade reserve account, and appropriate $100,000 to the reserve account A request to establish a reserve account for LHS stadium repair and upgrade, and to allocate and appropriate $100,000 to the account, has been received from Steve Tucker, Superintendent of SAU#30. The purpose of the Bank of NH Stadium reserve account would be to take care of any upgrades and repairs to the athletic stadium and fields at Laconia High School. Of concern at this point is the turf at the Stadium, which needs to be replaced periodically. It is anticipated that the turf will need to be replaced in three to eight years. Adoption of this Resolution will reduce the balance in the School District FY23 Unexpended Appropriations by $100,000. Superintendent Tucker said the total cost of all the repairs is between $300,000 to $500,000 dollars. They are trying to be proactive and start with the turf. Mayor Hosmer asked if the account where the money comes from and going to would be tracked and how much is in the School’s reserve account right now. The financial trends report only tracks the City’s accounts and there is nothing in the School’s reserve account. Pending approval, $100,000 dollars will be deposited into the account to go towards the repairs of the turf. The money would come partly from the unspent revenues from last year. Councilor Soucy asked what the total amount of unspent revenues is. Superintendent Tucker said it’s about a million dollars. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2023-19 and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2023-19 relative to authorizing  Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2023-19 relative to authorizing the City Manager to establish a Capital Reserve Account for the Laconia School District to be titled “The Laconia School District LHS Stadium Repair and Upgrade Reserve Account. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on August 28, 2023, during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 21.C. Resolution 2023-20 - Request to authorize acceptance of ARPA funds from Belknap County in the amount of $25,000 to fund E-bikes for the Laconia Police Department's Bicycle Patrol Unit By acceptance of these funds, the Laconia Police Department will be able to purchase five fully outfitted E-bikes to assist the Department’s bicycle unit in their patrols. The E-bikes will allow the bicycle unit members to decrease their response times to calls for service by allowing them to travel a significant distance quickly and not be fatigued upon arrival at the call. It will allow for them to be able to patrol a larger area and still be physically ready and able to respond to those calls. The total cost for the five E-bikes is approximately $27,000.00. The Police Department will take $2,000.00 out of their operating budget to make up the shortfall. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2023-20 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2023-20, relative to the acceptance of ARPA funds from Belknap County in the amount of $25,000 to fund E-bikes for the Laconia Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol Unit. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None  The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move the first reading of Resolution 2023-20, relative to the acceptance of ARPA funds from Belknap County in the amount of $25,000 to fund E-bikes for the Laconia Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol Unit. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to schedule a public hearing on August 28, 2023, during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 21.D. Ordinance 2023-59-12 - Amending Chapter 59, Parks and Recreation Commission, adding a new Section 59-12 - Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations Parks and Recreation Director Amy Lovisek has requested that the City Council consider adding language to an existing Ordinance to allow certain rules contained in the Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations to be subject to law enforcement actions, as well as violations and penalties. The Laconia Police Department has indicated that including these specific rules and regulations in an Ordinance will allow enforcement of them by their department. Any violations of these rules will also then be subject to the penalties set forth. Manager Beattie explained to the Council that Director Lovisek has been working with Park’s Commission to find out how to better enforce the rules of the parks. Putting these rules in the ordinance makes them more enforceable. Councilor Cheney made a motion to send this to the government operations and ordinances subcommittee for their review, seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 21.E. Discussion regarding a potential zoning change which would allow casinos in the City of Laconia Manager Beattie gave an update on this. A few different businesses have reached out to the Manager’s Office questioning if this is possible. This is not currently zoned to allow casinos. Manager Beattie is seeking the Council’s approval to send this to committee or what direction they 21.E. Discussion regarding a potential zoning change which would allow casinos in the City of Laconia Manager Beattie gave an update on this. A few different businesses have reached out to the Manager’s Office questioning if this is possible. This is not currently zoned to allow casinos. Manager Beattie is seeking the Council’s approval to send this to committee or what direction they would like to go. Councilor Cheney made a motion to send this to the operations and ordinances subcommittee. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes 21.F. Appointment of Ward 5 and Ward 6 Moderators Per Laconia City Charter Section 2.05 “….All vacancies in the office of Moderator, Ward Clerk or Selectman shall be filled by the City Council.” Appointments will be valid until the end of December 2023 after the next City Election in November 2023. The Council is requested to consider the following appointments: Appointment of Claire Hebert-Dow for Moderator for Ward 5. Appointment of John Intorcio for Moderator for Ward 6. Councilor Bogert made a motion to appoint Claire Hebert-Dow for Moderator for Ward 5, and John Intorcio for Moderator for Ward 6 with terms expiring at the end of December 2023. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: Councilor Felch asked how this person was chosen for this position because there was another applicant and Mr. Intorico is also going to be on the municipal ballot in November. City Clerk Gargano stated that the second applicant is retiring and will not be able to work in the fall election but still wanted to file for moderator. Mr. Intorcio is available to work for the November election. Councilor Felch also asked if there is any application process. The answer is no. The person states their interest in the position and the job description is given to them and they state whether they want to do it or not. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 21.G. Discussion of adding an electronic no-turn signal at the Elm St./Union Avenue intersection in Lakeport Manager Beattie explained that a concerned citizen visited him and sent letters to the Council, regarding the failure of vehicles to stop in the different directions down in Lakeport. Especially during the shows at the Lakeport Opera House. One recommendation was to have an increased police presence during events. The police chief is working on this. The second recommendation was adding the large electric no-turn signs like we have in another location. The quote comes in just under $25,000. Mayor Hosmer asked if this were to be approved where would the funds come from? Manager Beattie recommends that it come from non-capital reserve. Councilor Felch stated he goes through this intersection multiple times a day and this is happening more often than just at shows. Councilor Felch made the motion to approve the installation of adding an electric no-turn signal at the Elm St./Union Avenue intersection in Lakeport and the appropriation using funds from the non-capital reserve account. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote:  Councilor Felch made the motion to approve the installation of adding an electric no-turn signal at the Elm St./Union Avenue intersection in Lakeport and the appropriation using funds from the non-capital reserve account. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 21.H. Resolution 2023-21 - Laconia Fire Department - Request to accept and expend a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant This is a request from the Laconia Fire Department to accept a grant award of $24,931.80 to be used for the purchase of technical rescue equipment. The City’s share of this grant is 5%, or $1,246.60. This grant acceptance is recommended due to the Fire Department’s current technical rescue equipment no longer meeting industry standards. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2023-21 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2023-21 relative to authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend an Assistance to Firefighters Grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $24,931.80. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on August 28, 2023, during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0  Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2023-17 - Request to submit a grant application on behalf of Lakes Region Community Developers relating to the demolition of a dilapidated building at 17-19 Bay Street Through its InvestNH program the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs provides funds to municipalities for the demolition of vacant or dilapidated buildings as part of larger community revitalization strategies that will positively impact the current housing shortage in New Hampshire. In February 2022 the residence at 17-19 Bay Steet was rendered uninhabitable due to fire. The building has been vacant since that time. Lakes Region Community Developers seeks to purchase the property, demolish the existing structures, and construct 12 units of supportive housing on the site. The City seeks to support the project by filing an application to InvestNH under its Municipal Demolition Grant Program to cover the cost of demolishing the existing structures. The grant is intended to cover the full $60,000 cost of demolition. Please note that this request does not constitute approval of the project. If approved and Lakes Region Community Developers purchases the property, the City will enter into a grant agreement with New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs InvestNH and Lakes Region Community Developers for demolition of the property. At the July 24, 2023, City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier in this evening’s agenda. City Manager Beattie explained the request to submit a grant application on behalf of Lake Region Community Developers. The application is pending the different variables that they are working through to get approved. If approved, they will be seeking to have this grant. There is no city contribution to this. Councilor Soucy asked if we are doing this too quickly and is concerned this would look like an endorsement. City Manager Beattie explained that if everything gets approved for the developers then they will have the grant application ready to go, if not then the application will be thrown out and it was written so there would be no endorsement from the city. Mayor Hosmer says that he does believe that the Zoning and Planning Boards do have their work cut out for them and the developers are doing their own due diligence. He doesn’t know what stage things are at, but the Mayor doesn’t look at it as a stamp of approval. Councilor Cheney would like to know if there was any insurance money involved. Councilor Haynes said there is none. Councilor Felch said he looks at it as being proactive. Councilor Cheney just wants to make sure they are looking at all avenues. Councilor Haynes asked if there is a deadline for this grant. Manager Beattie confirmed that the money is there until it has all been used. Councilor Haynes also believes this is being rushed and he owes it to his constituents to wait for an update from the Zoning Board. Councilor Haynes made a motion to table the grant application request. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: No The item was tabled. 4-1  Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: No The item was tabled. 4-1 22.B. Resolution 2023-18 relating to the acceptance of a grant from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for improvements to Leavitt Park and the Leavitt Park Parkhouse In March 2023 CDFA invited communities to file grant applications under its Community Center Investment Program. This program provides funding to rehabilitate, improve or build community centers and related facilities whose primary function is recreation, social welfare, community improvement or public assembly. In response, Parks and Facilities staff, working with Finance staff, Councilor Felch and the Leavitt Park Community Volunteers developed a proposal consisting of several improvements at Leavitt Park to enhance the utility of both the park house and the park in general. Park house improvements consist of upgrades to the park house flooring, lighting, public address and audio-visual systems. The proposal also provides for the construction of a gazebo attached to the park house, to be used for community concerts and similar programs. The construction of the gazebo has been a long-term goal of the Leavitt Park Community Volunteer group. The proposal includes two major improvements to the park in general. These are restoration of the existing walking trail and reconstruction of the existing playground. Playground restoration includes replacement of old equipment with new, ADA compatible equipment and related improvements. The overall cost of the project is $462,200. The proposed CDFA grant funds 85% of this amount, or $392,870. The remaining 15% will be provided through a donation from the Leavitt Park Community Volunteers ($25,000), Leavitt Park Trust ($25,000), and Parks Department impact fees ($19,330). At the July 24, 2023, City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier in this evening’s meeting. Acceptance of this grant will reduce impact fees available for Parks and Recreation uses by $19,300.00, leaving a balance of $14,468.92. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2023-18 relating to the acceptance of a grant from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for improvements to Leavitt Park and the Leavitt Park Parkhouse and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2023-18 relating to the acceptance of a grant from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for improvements to Leavitt Park and the Leavitt Park Parkhouse. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes  Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-18 relating to the acceptance of a grant from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for improvements to Leavitt Park and the Leavitt Park Parkhouse as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents relating to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 22.C. Continued discussion of ownership and maintenance of Pickerel Pond Road Manager Beattie laid out the options to the Council. Option one is to say yes, we own the road and if anything comes forward in a negative connotation, we would have to go through the legal process for that. Mayor Hosmer clarified that if the Council decides that the City owns the road then there is a possibility of a private owner coming forward and saying no, they do. The second option is to go through the full “accept as is” program. The third option is to formulate a document and send it out to all property owners on Pickerel Pond Road that this is the understanding of the Council and ask if there is anyone who disputes this. Manager Beattie has started writing a draft letter if they choose this option. Mayor Hosmer recommended that they take the appropriate amount of time to reach out to the property owners and bring this back up at the next council meeting. The Council agreed. 22.D. Discussion of the purchase of a vehicle for the Fire Department's Prevention Division Discussion: During the FY24 Budget Process, the Fire Department requested to purchase a new pick up truck. The truck was cut from the budget. Councilor Cheney suggested that the Council understand that this is not just a regular vehicle and gave lots of praise to the past fire chief and current. Manager Beattie stated what motion they can make and the amount they would not exceed. He recommends the money come from unspent ARPA money. Councilor Felch echoed Councilor Cheney’s comments. Councilor Cheney made a motion to allow the Fire Department to purchase a vehicle for the Fire Department’s Prevention Division not to exceed 65,000.00 using unspent ARPA money. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy : Yes Councilor Lipman: Absent Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 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 Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:06 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk