City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on March 11, 2024. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 2/26/2024 - 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 Stacy Anders, Deputy City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Deputy Anders called the roll of the following councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer noted that all 6 councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular City Council meeting minutes of February 12, 2024 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of February 12, 2024, were distributed to members of the City Council on February 16, 2024. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2024-01, Laconia Little League Parade A request for a Temporary Traffic Order for the Laconia Little League Parade to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, April 27, 2024) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. has been received. This is a recurring request with no changes from previous years. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2024-01, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 20, 2024 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, April 27, 2024) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None.  A request for a Temporary Traffic Order for the Laconia Little League Parade to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, April 27, 2024) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. has been received. This is a recurring request with no changes from previous years. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2024-01, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 20, 2024 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, April 27, 2024) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8.B. Request from Weirs Action Committee to hold summer concerts on the Boardwalk The Weirs Action Committee has requested permission to use the Boardwalk to provide free jazz band concerts. If approved, the concerts will take place on Sunday nights in late June, July and August from 6 pm to 9 pm. The band will play under a 10’ x 20’ pop-up tent which will be put in place no earlier than two hours prior to each performance and removed no later than one hour after each performance. The band will play at the center of the wide section of the Boardwalk facing the street and will use the same electrical receptacles that are used by vendors during Laconia Motorcycle Week. This is a recurring event. The Special Events Review Commission approved this request at their February 7, 2024 meeting. Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve the request from Weirs Action Committee to hold summer concerts on the Boardwalk on Sunday nights in late June, July and August, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Dean Anson and Deb Williams from the Conservation Commission came to the council to tell them what their goals and objectives are for this year. Mr. Anson passed out a handout to the council outlining the items and urged the council to reach out to them if they feel they should be looking into anything else that is not listed on the handout. Ms. Williams offered to do a presentation for the Council on the future if they wished. Martha Kruse of 12A Rockport Drive addressed the Council on the future sale of the former State School property. She read the following into the record: “I would like to address the City Council this evening about the upcoming sale of the former Laconia State School property. I have looked at the Legacy at Laconia website to learn more about what the developers have in mind. The project holds great promise for the Lakes Region, and I am optimistic that it will be a benefit for Laconia. In the online video presentation, Legacy at Laconia states that its vision is to create a first-in-the-world, innovative, all-in-one sustainable village. The details include not only accessible housing for various income levels, but a health care component, a public park and open space for recreation as well as retail space, all incorporating the concept of universal design. I find this proposal very exciting. However, one element that I found missing in the Legacy at Laconia presentation has to do with infrastructure, energy types, and building materials. In these times, the words innovative and sustainable should indicate the use of low carbon emitting materials for both road and building construction as well as renewable energy sources for heating and cooling, vehicle charging, and powering maintenance equipment. More specifically, new residences will increase the demand for electric power overall in this area. That demand may increase further as we electrify the country and with the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps for heating/cooling. Therefore, it is in the City’s interest, and the interest of the future residents of Legacy at Laconia, to incorporate plans for providing that power sustainably, either with solar power on buildings within the development, or by adding solar power elsewhere (but nearby) to offset the new power  More specifically, new residences will increase the demand for electric power overall in this area. That demand may increase further as we electrify the country and with the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps for heating/cooling. Therefore, it is in the City’s interest, and the interest of the future residents of Legacy at Laconia, to incorporate plans for providing that power sustainably, either with solar power on buildings within the development, or by adding solar power elsewhere (but nearby) to offset the new power demand. The cost of renewable energy and energy storage has historically been an issue. In addition to the fact that these costs have come down substantially over time since these arguments were first voiced, the Inflation Reduction Act provides federal subsidies of 30% or more of the costs of these innovations. That means that the payback time for including these renewable energy sources in the plans is very short. Clearly this approach is much cheaper to implement in the initial build, as opposed to retrofitting. I would hope the developers are aware of these options, and that they are encouraged to take advantage of these benefits. The buildings at Legacy at Laconia will be with us for 100 years or more - typical for the lifespan of buildings. Our energy landscape is changing rapidly, and it makes sense to plan now for a future where heavy reliance on fossil fuels cannot be taken for granted and renewable energy technologies will be in the forefront. This is an opportunity to make sure this development is a win for the City of Laconia and future residents by keeping that future in mind at the outset. Perhaps these innovations are already part of the plan and are not articulated on the website. I hope the state of NH and the city of Laconia will insist that an ambitious and innovative project of this magnitude reflects the reality of the times and takes into account the state's future by ensuring that the descriptors, innovative and sustainable, do indeed define the Legacy at Laconia project by including sustainable infrastructure and energy sourcing.” No one else from the public wished to speak. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-02 - Request to authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept an InvestNH demolition grant for 11 Jameson Street Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 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 7:20 PM Carmen Lorenze from Lakes Region Community Developers introduced herself and let the Council know she was there to help answer any questions if there were any. The project is converting a single-family home into 3 1-bedroom apartments providing supportive housing in partnership with Lakes Region Mental Health. Supportive housing provides services through Lakes Region Community Services for the tenants. Becky Bryant CEO of Lakes Region Community Service provided some examples of the services the tenants would receive. The goal is for the tenants to remain at their greatest level of independence. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:23 PM  Community Services for the tenants. Becky Bryant CEO of Lakes Region Community Service provided some examples of the services the tenants would receive. The goal is for the tenants to remain at their greatest level of independence. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:23 PM 13.B. Public Hearing - Community Development Block Grant - Relating to the progress of and proposed change to the Lakes Region Community Developers Project for 11 Jameson Street Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun and the New Hampshire Union Leader, 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 Donna Lang CDBG Consultant read the following into the record: “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 $350,000 in Emergency Funds, and up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons.” The City was awarded a $170,000 CDBG for the Lakes Region Community Developers project to acquire 11 Jameson Street for the intent to renovate the house into an affordable rental unit. LRCD believes the site would be better suited to contain 3 units of supportive housing instead. Additional funding would be required for the supportive housing option, and those funds have been awarded by NHHFA. LRCD is requesting a change of the use of the project from a single-family rental unit to 3 units of supportive housing (required City permits have been obtained). As to the current progress of the project, CDBG funds were used towards the acquisition of the property in May 2023. LRCD will be making the required renovations to the building with an anticipated completion date of August 2025. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:26 PM 13.C. Public Hearing - Community Development Block Grant - Relating to the progress of the Boys and Girls Club Energy Improvements Project at 876 No. Main Street Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 edition of the Laconia Daily Sun and the New Hampshire Union Leader 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 7:26 PM Donna Lang CDBG Consultant, provided the update that the $553,000 CDBG Boys and Girl’s Club project includes the replacement of windows and improved ventilation at 876 N Main Street. The windows are 80%+ replaced in the main building. The heating system will be changed over to gas in the spring. The project is anticipated to be complete by fall 2024. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:27 PM 13.D. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-06 - Acceptance of unanticipated funds from the Grace C. Smith Revocable Trust Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 edition of the Laconia  Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:27 PM 13.D. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-06 - Acceptance of unanticipated funds from the Grace C. Smith Revocable Trust Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 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 7:28 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:29 PM 13.E. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-003 - Veteran's Tax Credit for service-connected total disability Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 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 7:29 PM Richard Cote, Laconia Resident, and a Disabled Veteran expressed how grateful he is to the City Council for awarding this Credit to our Disabled Veterans. He feels it will really help all the recipients due to the high inflation everyone is experiencing. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:31 PM 13.F. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-04 - Acceptance of an award in the amount of $13,888.88 from the Department of Safety Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 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 7:32 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:32 PM 13.G. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-05 - Acceptance of a 2024 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 15, 2024 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 7:33 PM  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 7:33 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the public hearing at 7:33 PM 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer shared a letter that was signed by most of the Mayor’s in the State in support of some legislation. HB 1254 which enables a municipality to collect up to $2 per room, per night for a public safety assessment on hotel/motel occupancies for the purpose of public safety associated with the increase in tourism and transient traffic. This bill would need to pass the legislature, get signed by the governor and then be adopted by each community in order for it to be effective. The second letter he signed is on SB 406 which is relative to emergency housing assistance and making an appropriation, therefore. If passed, this will help offset the increase in welfare assistance costs. Councilor Soucy asked Mayor Hosmer if HB 1254 included Airbnb properties, Mayor Hosmer was unsure because they are also subject to the rooms and meals tax, so they should be. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Felch thanked the Laconia Fire Department and the NH Dept of Corrections for getting together and having the interior bays of the Weirs Fire Station painted. And the 16 th annual Robbie Mills pool tournament is going to be held on March 9, 2024 at the Winni Bar & Billiards. Proceeds are to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region and the Lakes Region Children’s Auction. Councilor Hoffman wanted to comment about one of the Citizen’s Comments that came up earlier, he’d like to see the City have sustainability in decarbonization goals for City owned buildings. He thinks this is important to add to the Master Planning Process. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Soucy, Cheney and Hoffman) 17.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 17.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 17.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Cheney (Chair), Soucy) 17.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Haynes, 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.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 (Bogert, 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), Hoffman, 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 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Marianne Camilia had a question about the potential purchase of 601 Main Street, the building next to the Colonial Theater. She wondered what the implications of the lost revenue in tax dollars would be if the City were to purchase the back 2/3 of the building. How is this going to affect the current taxpayers and what are the expected maintenance costs for owning the building? Mayor Hosmer explained to her about the one time funds the City is receiving from the State and what the TIF district can do to help pay for the costs associated with maintaining the building and eventually providing renovation. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie let the Council know that he reappointed Leonard Miner to the Board of Assessors. He has served on the board for over 10 years, and he is the current Chairman. Manager Beattie went over the project updates report with the Council some highlights include work being done in April on the Church Street Bridge. Academy Street Bridge is going well, closure will be June through August, The Centenary Bridge update will have a public input session update on 5/16/24 at 6PM, the location will be noted at the next meeting. The wow trail expansion on Elm Street is still a work in progress. 12-15 % increase in the FY26/27 budget for the Winnipesaukee River Basin, there was a brief discussion about joining Sewer lines from other communities. The State School is scheduled to close on March 13, 2024, this is the most solid date we have heard. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report  River Basin, there was a brief discussion about joining Sewer lines from other communities. The State School is scheduled to close on March 13, 2024, this is the most solid date we have heard. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie went over the report with the Council. The unemployment rate is currently at 2.8 %, this is very consistent with months past. January’s CPIU was 3.1 % and for 2023 it annualized out at 4.1%. Councilor Haynes asked to have the street lighting evaluated in the area of Old Prescott Hill Rd since the recent change in the traffic pattern. There is a school bus that picks up and drops off at the corner of the Briarcrest development and Old Prescott Hill Rd, that is the area he is referring to. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request to appoint Glenn Smith to the Lakes Business Park Commission The Lakes Business Park Commission is comprised of representatives from both the City of Laconia and the Town of Gilford. Due to the passing of Frank Tilton, it is now necessary to name his replacement so we can ensure a quorum at Commission meetings. The City’s Finance Director, Glenn Smith, has agreed to serve on the Commission. Councilor Cheney made a motion to appoint Glenn Smith to the Lakes Business Park Commission. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Request by Concord Hospital - Laconia for the use of the Memorial Tennis/Pickleball Court for a fundraiser event Concord Hospital - Laconia has requested the use of Memorial Tennis/Pickleball Court on July 21, 2024 (July 28th rain date) for a fundraiser event. Concord Hospital-Laconia is the benefactor of the event. City Council approval is being requested because this event is anticipating revenues above $2,000. Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve the request from Concord Hospital – Laconia to hold a fundraiser event at the Memorial Tennis/Pickleball Court on July 21, 2024 (July 28, 2024 rain date). Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: Councilor Cheney asked if this should be waived in the future. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Potential purchase by the City of Laconia of a portion of 601 Main Street, Laconia, NH The City of Laconia is looking to purchase a portion of 601 Main Street using Invest NH money received as part of the Municipal Per Unit program managed by NH Department of Economic Affairs. The portion of the building that the City is looking to purchase would be the back 2/3 of the building. The long-term plan is to complete future renovations that would integrate this space with the Colonial Theatre. The front 1/3 of the building would be bought privately for use as a restaurant. Up to $800,000 to purchase and separate the two portions of the building. This would be fully funded using one-time funds from the Invest NH per-unit funding received by the City. Councilor Soucy made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 11, 2024 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken on the potential purchase by the City of Laconia of a portion of 601 Main Street, Laconia, NH. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: Councilor Cheney said he spoke to the manager last week about getting more information about the building, projected costs for renovations and he’d like to have  using one-time funds from the Invest NH per-unit funding received by the City. Councilor Soucy made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 11, 2024 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken on the potential purchase by the City of Laconia of a portion of 601 Main Street, Laconia, NH. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: Councilor Cheney said he spoke to the manager last week about getting more information about the building, projected costs for renovations and he’d like to have that information prior to holding the public hearing. He doesn’t feel that can be completed by March 11 th. Councilor Haynes stated that there is no way to accurately predict what the costs could be in 2029 or 2030. Councilor Bogert wants to see a report on the status of the HVAC system. Councilor Felch feels that in 2 weeks we could probably get the numbers to the first part of Councilor Cheney’s question, but the second part is impossible to estimate because the City is unsure on what they will be doing with the back half of the building at this time, there are a number of options. Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 11, 2024, to March 25, 2024 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken on the potential purchase by the City of Laconia of a portion of 601 Main Street, Laconia, NH. This motion was seconded by Councilor Haynes. The motion passed as amended with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2024-02 - Request to authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept an InvestNH Demolition Grant for 11 Jameson Street A request from Lakes Region Community Developers has been received, requesting the City to apply for an InvestNH Demolition Grant in an amount up to $50,000.00 for the demolition work that is needed to convert 11 Jameson St from a single-family residence into a 3-unit supportive housing building. The grant must be applied for by the local municipality. The conversion was approved at the December 5, 2023, Planning Board meeting. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2024-02 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-02 regarding a request to authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept an InvestNH Demolition Grant for an amount up to $50,000 for 11 Jameson Street demolition work. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-02, a request to authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept an InvestNH Demolition Grant for an amount up to $50,000.00 for 11 Jameson Street demolition work, and further authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this grant. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Community Development Block Grant - Relating to the progress of and proposed change to the Lakes Region Community Developers project for 11 Jameson Street  related to this grant. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Community Development Block Grant - Relating to the progress of and proposed change to the Lakes Region Community Developers project for 11 Jameson Street The City was awarded a $170,000 CDBG for the Lakes Region Community Developers project to acquire 11 Jameson Street for the intent to renovate the house into an affordable rental unit. LRCD believes the site would be better suited to contain 3 units of supportive housing instead. Additional funding would be required for the supportive housing option, and those funds have been awarded by NHHFA. LRCD is requesting a change of the use of the project from a single family rental unit to 3 units of supportive housing (required City permits have been obtained). As to the current progress of the project, CDBG funds were used towards the acquisition of the property in May 2023. LRCD will be making the required renovations to the building with an anticipated completion date of August 2025. 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 $350,000 in Emergency Funds, and up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the change of use for the Lakes Region Community Developers 11 Jameson Street CDBG project from a single family unit to three units of supportive housing. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.C. Community Development Block Grant - Relating to the progress of the Boys and Girls Club Energy Improvements Project at 876 No. Main Street This $553,000 CDBG Boys and Girl’s Club project includes the replacement of windows and improved ventilation at 876 N Main Street. The windows are 80%+ replaced in the main building. The heating system will be changed over to gas in the spring. The project is anticipated to be complete by fall 2024. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. 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 $500,000 for Housing Projects, up to $500,000 for Public Facility Projects, up to $350,000 in Emergency Funds, up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. 22.D. Resolution 2024-06 - Acceptance of unanticipated funds from the Grace C. Smith Revocable Trust The Laconia Fire and Police Departments have been named in the Revocable Trust of Grace C. Smith, to receive funds to benefit those in need within the City of Laconia. From the Trust: One share shall be distributed outright, free and clear of trust to the Laconia Police Department, of Laconia, New Hampshire, to be held in trust and used for the benefit of children and their families in need of food, shelter and clothing. The other share shall be distributed outright, free and clear of trust to the Laconia Fire Department  One share shall be distributed outright, free and clear of trust to the Laconia Police Department, of Laconia, New Hampshire, to be held in trust and used for the benefit of children and their families in need of food, shelter and clothing. The other share shall be distributed outright, free and clear of trust to the Laconia Fire Department Ambulance Service, of Laconia, New Hampshire to be held in trust and used for the benefit of individuals with medical insurance who have received medical transport but cannot pay their co-pay for transport services received from the Laconia Fire Department Ambulance Service. The total amount received will be up to $300,000. The City Manager and City Finance Director will work with the Fire and Police Chiefs to set up a separate fund for receiving this money, and a plan for distribution based on the language in the revocable trust. This will be presented during the February 26, 2024 meeting. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-06 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-06, relative to acceptance of unanticipated funds from the Grace C. Smith Revocable Trust. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-06, Acceptance of Unanticipated Funds from the Grace C. Smith Revocable Trust. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.E. Resolution 2024-03 - Veteran's Tax Credit for service-connected total disability Currently, the City of Laconia’s disabled veterans or a widow of disabled veteran tax credit reads as follows: Any person who has been honorably discharged from the military service and who has a total and permanent service-connected disability, or the surviving spouse of such a person shall receive a yearly tax credit of $2,000 of property taxes on his residential property. Requirements are: o Disability must be total and permanent service-connected injury (regardless of dates served) o Property must be principal place of abode o Owner of the property on April 1st of application year o Apply with copy of letter from Veterans Administration certifying 100% total and permanent disability Per NH RSA (RSA 72:35) a municipality can offer up to $4,000 in tax credits for 100% disabled veterans with a permanent disability. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting, a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening.  Per NH RSA (RSA 72:35) a municipality can offer up to $4,000 in tax credits for 100% disabled veterans with a permanent disability. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting, a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Currently, the City of Laconia has 47 veterans who qualify for this credit. Increasing this credit to $3,000 would result in an additional $47,000 in tax credits. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-03, Veteran’s Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability, in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-03, Veteran’s Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-03, Veteran’s Tax Credit for Service- Connected Total Disability. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.F. Resolution 2024-04 - Relative to acceptance of an award in the amount of $13,888.88 from the Department of Safety Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department The City has applied to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for grant funding in the amount of $13,888.88 to purchase SWAT/SOU equipment through the Homeland Security Grant Program. At the February 12, 2024, City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. The entire cost of this equipment is covered by the Homeland Security Grant, there is no local match requirement. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-04 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hayes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-04 relative to acceptance of an award in the amount of $13,888.88 from the Department of Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-04 relative to acceptance of an award in the amount of $13,888.88 from the Department of Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this grant. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.G. Acceptance of a 2024 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.G. Acceptance of a 2024 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant The NHDES Exotic Species Program has notified us that the City of Laconia has been awarded a grant to fund up to 50% of project costs for aquatic plant control remediation in Paugus Bay. This project has been awarded in the past. NHDES works with City departments to identify locations for plant control to be completed, hires contractors to complete work, and returns for post remediation testing. At the February 12, 2024 City Council meeting, a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. The City’s share of the grant is $54,435, which is 50% of the total cost of the remediation. $45,000 for this purpose has been approved in the FY24 budget. The remainder of the match will come from the Administration Non-Departmental budget. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2024-05 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-05, relative to the acceptance of a 2024 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant in the amount of $54,435.00. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-05 relative to the acceptance of a 2024 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant in the amount of $54,435.00, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this grant. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 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 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 8:25 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk