City Council

Minutes were approved by the City Council on May 13, 2024. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. 4/22/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Haynes 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 Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert via zoom and Councilor Felch. Councilor Bogert stated he was unable to attend in person and that he was alone in the room. Mayor Hosmer confirmed that all members were in attendance and a quorum was established, because Councilor Bogert was attending remotely, all votes would be done by roll call. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular City Council meeting minutes of April 8, 2024 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of April 8, 2024, were distributed to members of the City Council on April 17, 2024. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2024-02 - Wake the Lake A request has been received to hold Wake the Lake on Lakeside Avenue on May 17 – May 19, 2024, beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, and ending at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Actual hours of operation for the event will be as follows: Friday, May 17 – beginning at 5 pm, ending at 1 am on Saturday,  2024, beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, and ending at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Actual hours of operation for the event will be as follows: Friday, May 17 – beginning at 5 pm, ending at 1 am on Saturday, May 18 Saturday, May 18 – beginning at 7 am, ending at 1 am on Sunday, May 19 Sunday, May 19 – beginning at 7 am, ending at 5 pm Section 161-4 of the City’s Code states in part that outdoor sound shall not operate past the hour of 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday (with the exception of Motorcycle Week). The organizer of the event is requesting that the time set forth as shown above be extended to allow bands to play until 11 pm on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. (Bands will only play until 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 19.) The Special Events Review Committee will be reviewing this event at their May 8 meeting. A map of the event is provided as additional information and is attached to the agenda. Please note that paid parking on Lakeside Avenue will not yet be in effect during this event. The organizer of the event is also requesting a waiver of all licensing and special event fees; in past years the Council has approved this waiver request. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2024-02, Wake the Lake, approve a waiver of all licensing and special event fees, extend the hours of operation of sound equipment and/or loudspeakers for Wake the Lake from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday, May 17, 2023 and Saturday, May 18, 2024, and allow alcohol consumption on City property in the designated areas only, pending Special Events Review Committee approval. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: yes Councilor Soucy: yes Councilor Hoffman: yes Councilor Haynes: yes Councilor Bogert: yes Councilor Felch: yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8.B. Temporary Traffic Order 2024-03 - Laconia Biketemberfest A request has been made to hold Laconia Biketemberfest on September 13 – September 15, 2024 beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 13 and ending at 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Actual hours of operation for the event will be as follows: Friday, September 13 – beginning at 5 pm, ending at 1 am on Saturday, September 14 Saturday, September 14 – beginning at 7 am, ending at 1 am on Sunday, September 15 Sunday, September 15 – beginning at 7 am, ending at 5 pm Section 161-4 of the City’s Code states in part that outdoor sound shall not operate past the hour of 9:00 pm Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday (with the exception of Motorcycle Week).  September 15 Sunday, September 15 – beginning at 7 am, ending at 5 pm Section 161-4 of the City’s Code states in part that outdoor sound shall not operate past the hour of 9:00 pm Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday (with the exception of Motorcycle Week). The organizer of the event is requesting that the time for outdoor sound as shown above be extended to allow bands to play until 11 pm on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14. (Bands will only play until 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 15.) The Special Events Review Committee will be reviewing this event at their May 8 meeting. A map of the event is provided as additional information and is attached to the agenda. The organizer of the event is also asking for a waiver of all licensing and special event fees associated with the event; in past years the Council has approved this waiver request. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve TTO 2024-03, Laconia Biketemberfest, approve a waiver of all licensing and special event fees associated with the event, extend the hours of operation of sound equipment and/or loudspeakers for Biketemberfest from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday, September 13, 2024 and Saturday, September 14, 2024, and allow alcohol consumption on City Property in the designated areas only, pending Special Events Review Committee approval. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: yes Councilor Soucy: yes Councilor Hoffman: yes Councilor Haynes: yes Councilor Bogert: yes Councilor Felch: yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Holly Ballester of Pleasant Street voiced her concerns about the purchase of the Laconia Antique Center, she didn’t see it on the agenda tonight. She would like to know what the outcome of when the engineer went through. She is concerned about her property taxes as they have risen over the past 2 years. Manger Beattie confirmed the appointment is on this Wednesday and the review will most likely be during the first or second meeting in May. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2024-235-39-A - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-39-A, General Provisions - Unsafe Structures Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the April 10, 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 7:10 PM No one from the public wished to speak.  Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:10 PM 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. FY 2024/2025 Budget Presentation - City Manager Kirk Beattie Manager Beattie presented the proposed budget to the Council. Included in the presentation was the tax cap information, City and Local School appropriations, County appropriations, statewide education property tax assessment (state education), capital expenditures, employee compensation and benefits adjustments, the internal service fund, enterprise funds covering the Water Department and Sanitary Sewer fund, Special Revenue Funds covering Ambulance- Emergency Medical Services and Motorcycle Week and the Tax Increment Finance Districts- Downtown, Lakeport and Weirs. Budget Summary: l Net City (non school): increased by $2,520,218 l School Department Excluding Federal Food Service Funds increased by $1,212,720 l SWEPT increased by $305,841 l Belknap County increased by $179,401 Exemption Allowances l Market Rate Adjustment of 5% for all employees l Change in vacation accrual for those with more than 5 years with the City l Add LTD, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment l Salary adjustment for Chief Fire Officers l Salary adjustment for incoming police officers (separate from 5%) l Winter maintenance incentives l School Adjustments to be discussed by Superintendent Tucker l Total package is $1,188,081 (City) and $1,475,984 (TOTAL) FY 25 New Initiatives include capital improvements at Gale Memorial Library, Increased in Special Items, Increased City Relief (Welfare Dept), Homeless Response Funding, and a request for $850k Technology updates to IT and Financial Software. No principal payment in FY 2025. Continued funding Priorities: l Public safety l Infrastructure upgrades and continued maintenance l Public Education l Attention to City growth and development l Care of City parks and fields l Supporting recruitment and retention of employees l Continuing to improve technology related activities l Funding for positive City promotions Revenue: l Use of fund balance continues to unchanged; proposed using $665,000  l Continuing to improve technology related activities l Funding for positive City promotions Revenue: l Use of fund balance continues to unchanged; proposed using $665,000 l Overall Revenue increased $1M Expenses: l Each department will present their expenditures l Bonded Debt decreased $809,038 (1.4%) Wage and Compensation, Benefits & Health Insurance: l Wage and Compensation Plan adjustment l Health insurance rates are increasing 7.13% as of July 1 st Non-Bonded Capital Expenditures l FY 24 Capital Spending Continues to Support ¡ Public Safety ¡ Critical Infrastructure ¡ Recreation, Parks, and Facilities ¡ Library Renovations (Critical) ¡ Vehicle Replacement ¡ $2,717,000* (Exclusive of Vehicles) Manager Beattie thanked Finance Director Glenn Smith and the Finance Department, Superintendent Steve Tucker and the Laconia School Department and to all the Department Heads and their staffs for their assistance in building this budget, and to their continued dedication to the City of Laconia. The proposed budget was passed out to the City Council at the end of the presentation and is available for viewing on the City’s website under the Finance Department and is available for viewing at the Laconia Public Library and the Laconia City Clerk’s Office. 14.B. Presentation from Laconia Historical and Museum Society Tara Shore president of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society, other members also present were Robin Moyer, Ray Peavey, Pamela Clark, Betty Valentine, and Warren Huse. There were several items passed around the council table and the audience to view during the presentation. The Laconia Historical and Museum Society is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of all aspects of the history and culture of the City of Laconia, New Hampshire, and surrounding environs from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. The Society places special emphasis on the three Laconia Piscataqua plantations from which the city took its name, as well as the three major and distinct population centers, downtown Laconia, Lakeport, and The Weirs. The Society strives to meet this goal through its collection of archival materials, artifacts of daily life, and fine and decorative arts. The Society fulfills its interpretive role through its exhibitions, educational programs, community services and publications and its preservation role through the collection, research, documentation, and appropriate conservation of relevant materials. The state of their organization: in 2020 they continued to collect, preserve, and share, they agreed on the following goals for the 3-5 years. By adding social media presence and will be launching a new website in the next year, they created a collections committee, they have created a Laconia  preservation role through the collection, research, documentation, and appropriate conservation of relevant materials. The state of their organization: in 2020 they continued to collect, preserve, and share, they agreed on the following goals for the 3-5 years. By adding social media presence and will be launching a new website in the next year, they created a collections committee, they have created a Laconia adult coloring book called color your way through Laconia. In 2022 they created organizational structure. They are looking towards digitizing photos and artifacts. In 2023 they expanded their programs and their online successes were greater than their in-person interest and responses. There have been over 400 hours given by the collections committee. There are some challenges they are facing as a fully volunteer run society. The preservation is at risk because the building they are in needs a new roof and needs brick point work. They are working on submitting grant applications to try to get additional funding. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer announced that he received a call from Commissioner Arlinghaus, he let him know that he is in the process of terminating the purchase and sales agreement for the Laconia State School Property and he will begin to advertise it starting tomorrow. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney stressed the importance of letting our employees know about the wages. He wants the Council to make a statement to the employees to let them know that the Council supports the Manager’s proposal to help with the wages. Councilor Felch seconded what Councilor Cheney stated. Councilor Haynes also agreed with Councilor Cheney. He stressed the importance of the downtown area getting busier, the crosswalks need to be enforced. Councilor Hoffman echoed what Councilor Cheney said. They have all been working hard on the Finance Committee. Councilor Bogert also stated he supported what Councilor Cheney stated. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Soucy, Cheney and Hoffman) Chairman Soucy said he believed there would be another meeting scheduled soon. 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. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 17.C.ii. Proposed Historic Overlay District 17.C.iii. Use of public property by for-profit entities 17.C.iv. Performance Zoning 17.C.v. Code Enforcement on property maintenance 17.C.vi. Time frame for demolition permits  17.C.iv. Performance Zoning 17.C.v. Code Enforcement on property maintenance 17.C.vi. Time frame for demolition permits 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 Councilor Bogert noted that the annual Lakes Region Public Access meeting will be on May 14, 2024, at 5pm at City Hall, everyone is invited to attend. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Dean Anson of the conservation commission spoke about item 22.B. Request to make City owned land located on Lafayette Street (Parcel #444-126-17) conservation land, he urged the Council to put the whole property into Conservation. He’d like to see it be made into a pocket park for the neighbors in the area. He understands that the city had a scientist go out and certify that it was a vernal pool on the land. Frank Day of Pleasant Street would like to see item 23 H. addressed sooner rather than later. He uses that intersection a lot. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None. 20.A. Project Updates Report 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2024-04 for the "History Happened Here Discovery Day" event The Laconia Historical and Museum Society will be holding an event on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 9:45 am to 3:00 pm. The event will include historical trolley tours with ongoing historical narration by an LHMS volunteer. Through the trolley tours, historic walking tours and visits to several historically significant structures in downtown Laconia, participants will encounter the who, what, why and how of the people and events that shaped Laconia’s history. The event organizers are requesting the use of five parking spaces on Canal Street from 6 am to 2:30 pm for the trolley to pick up and drop off passengers; seven parking spaces on New Salem Street behind the train station for the trolley to pull into while doing the tour; seven spaces in the municipal parking lot on Beacon Street East for the trolley to drop off older participants and to park in while  why and how of the people and events that shaped Laconia’s history. The event organizers are requesting the use of five parking spaces on Canal Street from 6 am to 2:30 pm for the trolley to pick up and drop off passengers; seven parking spaces on New Salem Street behind the train station for the trolley to pull into while doing the tour; seven spaces in the municipal parking lot on Beacon Street East for the trolley to drop off older participants and to park in while waiting for the next tour to begin; and the City parking lot behind St. Joseph’s Church for the trolley to stop for approximately five minutes to share information while the trolley is at a stop. The organizer of this event is requesting a waiver of Special Events and Licensing fees. The Special Events Review Committee will be considering this request at their May 8, 2024 meeting. Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2024-04 for the “History Happened Here Discovery Day” event to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, and to waive Special Events and Licensing fees in relation to the event, pending Special Events Review Committee approval. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Councilor Haynes mentioned he went for the trolley ride last year and it was a great activity. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Request for a building permit on a private road (119 Eastman Shore Road North) Pursuant to NH RSA 674:41, property on a private road must have permission from the City Council in order for the Code Department to issue a building permit, and the property owner needs to produce a Notice of Liability Waiver to be filed at the registry. Derek Gardner, property owner at 119 Eastman Shore Road North, Tax Map 36, Block 67, Lot 22, is requesting the City Council authorize the Code Department to issue a building permit and for the City Manager to sign the Notice of Limits of Responsibility and Liability regarding property abutting a private road. The applicant should also sign a letter of understanding recognizing they will be responsible for any maintenance of the section of Eastman Shore Road North they will be using that is a private road. Councilor Cheney made a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City the Notice of Limits of Responsibility and Liability regarding property abutting a private road for a property located at 119 Eastman Shore Road North, Tax Map 36, Block 67, Lot 22 and authorize the Code Department to issue a building permit for the same property. As long as a drainage plan is signed off by DPW Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked about plowing, Manager Beattie stated it is deemed an emergency lane and there are certain things the City will do to maintain the emergency lane. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Request to authorize the City Manager to accept an easement from NHDOT needed to maintain Paugus Park Road Paugus Park Road was a private road until the City Council accepted it through the betterment process in the 1980s. 21.C. Request to authorize the City Manager to accept an easement from NHDOT needed to maintain Paugus Park Road Paugus Park Road was a private road until the City Council accepted it through the betterment process in the 1980s. The road was constructed such that a portion of it is in the railroad right of way. All of the drainage for the road is in the railroad right of way. The City in December 2019 requested that NHDOT grant the City an easement to maintain the City’s infrastructure in the railroad right of way. NHDOT agreed to consider granting the easement and the request has been working through the State’s process. The State has appraised the value of the easement at $5,400. The administrative fee for this action is $1,100 of which $500 has already been paid. The next step in the process is to obtain approval from the State of New Hampshire’s Legislative Committee that reviews and approves these requests. As part of their submission, NHDOT will request that the Committee waive the easement payment as the City has spent over $19,000 constructing and maintaining the drainage system and the City’s drainage work will help NHDOT’s efforts to maintain their railroad tracks. On March 29, 2024. NH DOT Bureau of Rail and Transit notified the City that they are ready to send the request to the Committee pending written concurrence of the terms as listed in the letter (attachment 1). Public Works recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to agree to the terms as listed in attachment one and notify NHDOT’s Bureau of Rail and Transit of that agreement. Also, that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City Council if the easement meets the City’s December 2019 request. If it differs significantly from the City’s request, Public Works will bring the easement to the City Council for their consideration. The remaining $600 for the administrative fee will come out of the Public Works budget. Public Works recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to agree to the terms as listed in attachment one and notify NHDOT’s Bureau of Rail and Transit of that agreement. Also, that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City Council if the easement meets the City’s December 2019 request. If it differs significantly from the City’s request, Public Works will bring the easement to the City Council for their consideration. Councilor Felch made a motion that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to agree to the terms as listed in attachment one and notify NHDOT’s Bureau of Rail and Transit of that agreement. Also, the City Council authorizes the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City Council if the easement meets the City’s December 2019 request. If it differs significantly from the City’s request, Staff of the city shall bring the easement to the City Council for their consideration. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Request to authorize the Mayor or City Manager to sign a grant agreement between Laconia Municipal Airport and the NH Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, on behalf of the City of Laconia The New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics has offered a grant for the following projects: SBG-09-21-2023 Construct West Side Airport Access Road (approx.. 1,800’x22’±); Install  Bureau of Aeronautics, on behalf of the City of Laconia The New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics has offered a grant for the following projects: SBG-09-21-2023 Construct West Side Airport Access Road (approx.. 1,800’x22’±); Install Utilities – Phase I (design, permit, bid) and SBG-09-22-2023 Construct Taxiways E1, E2, and E3 (each approx.. 115’x25’±) – Phase I (design, permit, bid). The Bureau of Aeronautics requests the Grant Agreements be executed by the airport sponsor – Laconia Municipal Airport - and returned to the NHDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics to be submitted to the Governor and Council for approval. There is no fiscal impact for the City; the Laconia Municipal Airport is responsible for 5% of the total cost of the grant agreement. The Federal Aviation Administration covers 90%, and the NHDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics 5%. At its meeting on April 18, 2024, the Laconia Airport Authority approved the agreements and authorized the Chairman, Andrew Hosmer to sign the agreements on behalf of the LAA. They are now seeking authorization for the Mayor of the City of Laconia, Andrew Hosmer, or, in his absence, the City Manager, Kirk Beattie, to sign the agreements on behalf of the City of Laconia. Councilor Felch made a motion to authorize the Mayor of the City of Laconia, Andrew Hosmer, or in his absence, the City Manager, Kirk Beattie, to sign the grant agreements between Laconia Municipal Airport and the NH Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics as described above, on behalf of the City of Laconia. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.E. Request for confirmation of not requiring sidewalks on Hillcrest Drive The City of Laconia is currently in the process of receiving easements from owners of property of Hillcrest Drive, which is a needed step in declaring the road public. One concern that has been brought forward is regarding placement of sidewalks. The owners who have expressed concern are worried that if the City accepts the road as public, sidewalks would be added. In August of 1994, sidewalks were waived by the Laconia Planning Board for Hillcrest Drive, known as the Hillcrest Village subdivision. To aid in securing the needed easements, the City Council is being asked to reaffirm that if Hillcrest Drive becomes a public road, sidewalks would not be installed. Agreement by the City Council to reaffirm the August 1994 Planning Board decision not to require installation of sidewalks on any portion of Hillcrest Drive, regardless of the road’s ownership. Councilor Felch made a motion to reaffirm the August 1994 Planning Board decision not to require installation of sidewalks on any portion of Hillcrest Drive, regardless of the road’s ownership and sidewalks will not be installed or paid for by the City of Laconia. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes  By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.F. Personnel retention incentive The City of Laconia, not unlike many other public and private companies, have found themselves in a competitive labor market. Our employees often find themselves with an opportunity to move to other communities for increased salary and/or benefits. The FY 25 budget addresses some of the salary and benefit adjustments needed to recruit and retain City employees. As part of a retention effort, the City Manager has been asked to investigate the possibility of extending a $2,500 retention incentive to all City of Laconia employees, payable within the FY 24 budget. Up to $415,000, depending on the number of employees working for the City at time of payout. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to work with the Finance Department to pay each City employee a retention incentive of $2,500, no later than the end of the second full week in May. The City Manager is responsible for identifying the accounts the funds will be removed from and will report back to the City Council which accounts were used. Discussion: Councilor Soucy said this has been worked on for quite a while and this is one way of sending a message to the employees. Manage Beattie stated we have extra funds in the current salary lines due to open positions and a light snow plowing season. Mayor Hosmer laid out all the departments that would be eligible. There was a discussion about tenure, how long the employee has worked here, how long they must stay, and if there would be a payback clause, they also talked about if there should be a tiering method made based off tenure. Mayor Hosmer noted he had a hard time not seeing something done for the teachers as well. Councilor Soucy said that was not the intention. The water department will be funding it out of their budget as well, perhaps the school could do the same. Councilor Soucy would like to send this back to the Finance Committee to figure out the logistics. Councilor Felch would like to see all employees must stay for at least 1 year. Councilor Haynes would like to be part of the next finance subcommittee meeting. Motion to Table by Councilor Soucy seconded by Councilor Haynes. The motion is non-debatable. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The item was tabled with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Ordinance 2024-235-39-A - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-39 A, General Provisions - Unsafe Structures This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will allow the City to take a more proactive and expedient approach to requiring remediation or removal of structures that otherwise may be left as 22.A. Ordinance 2024-235-39-A - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-39 A, General Provisions - Unsafe Structures This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will allow the City to take a more proactive and expedient approach to requiring remediation or removal of structures that otherwise may be left as ruins for an indefinite duration. The City Manager, acting on behalf of the City Council, submitted this amendment proposal to the Laconia Planning Board for review and recommendation in accordance with §235- 85 A of the City Code. The Planning Board first considered the proposed amendment on March 5, 2024. The Board then held a public hearing for the proposed amendment at its April 2, 2024 meeting. There were no comments made by the public. Once the public hearing closed, the Board voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council for adoption of the proposed amendment. This amendment was most recently before the City Council at its April 8, 2024 meeting. The Council voted to introduce the Ordinance by title only, conducted the first reading, and scheduled a Public Hearing which was held earlier this evening. In accordance with RSA 675:2, Article XIV of the City Code authorizes the City Council to submit proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to the Laconia Planning Board for review, public hearing, and recommendation. There is no direct or immediate fiscal impact to the City. The proposed change would allow the City to remove blighted structures that negatively impact safety, desirability, and property values within the surrounding neighborhood. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive reading of this Ordinance in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Chene: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move the second reading of Ordinance 2024-235-39-A, amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, §235-39 A, General Provisions, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-235-39-A, amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, §235-39 A, General Provisions, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: Councilor Bogert asked the City Manager if the city can lien the parcel if the city does a clean-up. Manager Beattie said this is one step closer to helping us get there compared to what we have now. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes  By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Request to make City owned land located on Lafayette Street (Parcel #444-126-17) conservation land In January 2023, the City Council voted to declare the City owned land located on Lafayette Street (Parcel #444-126-17) as surplus property. A subsequent request by the Laconia Conservation Commission has been made to have the 1.1-acre parcel deemed conservation land, due to the vernal pools located on the property. At the March 25, 2024 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held on April 8, 2024. Following the Public Hearing, the City Council voted to table this matter. This item remains on the table. 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) Councilor Soucy made a motion to enter into nonpublic session according to rsa 91-A:33,II (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The nonpublic session began at 8:32 PM The public session resumed at 8:40 PM  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The nonpublic session began at 8:32 PM The public session resumed at 8:40 PM Councilor Felch made a motion to seal the nonpublic meeting minutes for 1 year. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:41 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk