City Council

Minutes approved on 7/8/24 by the City Council. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 6/24/2024 - 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 Katie Gargano, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Clerk Gargano called the roll of the following Councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy via zoom, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Councilor Soucy 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 Soucy was attending remotely, all votes would be done by roll call. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director Mayor Hosmer recognized two past employees of the Laconia Fire Department who passed away over the weekend. Trish Valovanie retired administrative secretary and retired Captain Henry “Hank” Beauparlant a moment of silence was observed in honor of them both. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. Regular City Council meeting minutes of June 10, 2024 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of June 10, 2024 were distributed to members of the City Council on June 20, 2024. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Rick, owner of Vertical Entertainment is looking for an opportunity to expand his offerings that are at the 4 th of July celebration. He said items like bounce houses and other inflatables were previously allowed and they 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Rick, owner of Vertical Entertainment is looking for an opportunity to expand his offerings that are at the 4 th of July celebration. He said items like bounce houses and other inflatables were previously allowed and they were taken away after the 125 th celebration, he’d like to see the city allow them to come back again. He informed the council that he is fully insured, and his pieces are inspected. Mayor Hosmer informed Rick that it is not that the city doesn’t want them, they have it in writing from our insurance company that we will not be covered with something were to happen on any rebounding equipment. They are simply looking out for the best interest of the city. Rick would like to see the City’s attorney write a letter passing the liability from the City to him because that is what he has in some other communities. Manager Beattie will reach out to our Attorney and see what they say, but it doesn’t seem promising. Item 21.B was heard next. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - A proposed application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for CDBG funds for renovation of the Partnership for Public Health's building at 11 Academy Square 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. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility Grant Funds. Of the grant funds, up to $30,000 will be retained by the City for administrative/labor compliance costs associated with the project, up to $470,000 of the funds will be subgranted to the Partnership for Public Health (PPH) to renovate their building on 11 Academy Square to meet federal ADA accessibility requirements as an Aging and Disability Resource Center. As well as to improve the space for client and employee privacy, safety, and security. The majority of the PPH clients are of low and moderate income. Notice of the public hearing was made available in the June 13, 2024 editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader and the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, the Laconia Parks & Recreation Community Center, offices of the SAU and the Laconia Public Library. Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:34 PM Donna Lane made people aware that there is a handout at the door explaining the project. Tammy Carmichael let the Council know she was present if there were any questions. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM 13.B. Public Hearing - Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the renovation of the Partnership for Public Health's building at 11 Academy Square This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a  13.B. Public Hearing - Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the renovation of the Partnership for Public Health's building at 11 Academy Square This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated. No displacement or relocation is anticipated for this project. Notice of the public hearing was made available in the June 13, 2024 editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader and the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, the Laconia Parks & Recreation Community Center, offices of the SAU and the Laconia Public Library. Action on this item may be taken up under Unfinished Business. Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:36 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:37 PM Items # 22 A & 22 B were heard next. 13.C. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-11 relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 year-end carryforwards Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the June 12, 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 7:40 PM No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:41 PM 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer updated the council that this morning he and Councilor Felch helped with the kickoff of the Laconia Got Lunch program at the Congregational church, this is a great program for the children of our schools are given the opportunity to have meals during the summer break. There are upwards of 100 volunteers who partake to make the program so successful, it begins on Sunday morning when they sort and pack food boxes for 400-500 students to receive. Laconia was the first in NH to create this program 14 years ago and several other communities have adopted the idea since and the program is still going strong. On Saturday Mayor Hosmer and a couple of the Councilors attended the Retirement of Ira Keltz. He was the president of the board of directors from 2019 through 2024. Mayor Hosmer noted he first met Ira and got to know him in 2019. He is an extraordinary person who has been there for the community. Mayor Hosmer noted we concluded the 101 st motorcycle week, he said the crowds were heavy, the parking was handled well, and he thanked Charlie St Claire and Jennifer Anderson for their efforts, he also thanked the City Departments who took on a lot of the work during the week. The ribbon cutting for Leavitt Park playground was held today at 2pm. The project was mainly funded by a grant, $50k was donated by the park association and the remaining came from the city but was a small  Mayor Hosmer noted we concluded the 101 st motorcycle week, he said the crowds were heavy, the parking was handled well, and he thanked Charlie St Claire and Jennifer Anderson for their efforts, he also thanked the City Departments who took on a lot of the work during the week. The ribbon cutting for Leavitt Park playground was held today at 2pm. The project was mainly funded by a grant, $50k was donated by the park association and the remaining came from the city but was a small amount. There was great attendance at the ribbon cutting. Bids for the Laconia state school development are due by July 18 th to the state. The city has had a couple conversations with potential bidders, he’d like Kirk to put a letter together, which outlined the area of interest with the city, to send to the state to include 1. The city manager or City planner will have a more substantial role in the selection of the buyer, 2. The City would like to be granted a section of land to accommodate future city structures. Councilor Cheney noted he wants the letter to include verbiage about the services the City provided to that property for the past 100+ years. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Felch noted being on the board of the MCWK association and echo’ d what Mayor Hosmer said about the event, he is also president at Leavitt Park community Clubhouse and is happy to see the playground complete and the renovations to the clubhouse are well underway, the 4 th of July parade will be held July 6 th at 4:30 starting at the Laconia High School and ending at Lake Opechee. This year the grand marshal is Warren Bailey. Councilor Cheney mentioned a letter he received about an Airbnb that is located on Lewis Street, he asked the manager to speak with the city attorney to see if we can speed up the process about non permitted properties and complaints which is at a snail speed now. He’d like to see an amendment made to the current ordinance. He’d also like to let the manager and DPW director know about the top 2 storm drains at the top of Tower Hill be addressed. He’d like the City engineer or for him to contact the state about the lights at the intersections of Elm Street/ Parade Rd. He asked where in the process we are with the impact fee study. Manager Beattie said it is being hired out and he’s not sure on the timeline. They are comparing what we are currently working off of compared to where we should be. He’d like to know if the Council will be approving the expending of funds. Manager Beattie said it depends on the price he gets back from the firm. 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. 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.D. LAND & BUILDINGS (Bogert, Haynes, Felch)  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 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No one from the public wished to speak. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie went over the Project updates report with the Council. The Church Street Bridge is being paved tomorrow, there is a delay in the delivery of materials for the Academy Street Bridge project it will push out the start date about 2 weeks but will not push out the end date. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie went over the Monthly Economic Development Report with the Council. The yearly average inflation rate is 3.3 % unemployment rates have gone down a little bit but are the same as the state. Manager Beattie informed the Council there was a need for an administrative approval for the temporary traffic order for the 4 th of July Parade to be held on July 6, 2024. If the council wishes to view it, he will send it out. Councilor Felch confirmed all he did was change the dates. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request to appoint Brenda Carey as Ward 2 Supervisor of the Checklist After the 2023 Municipal Election, this position remained vacant. The City Clerk advertised the open position, Brenda came in expressing her interest in helping her ward; she was informed of the job and feels she can handle the commitment. Her appointment will be for the remainder of the term until December 2025. Once appointed she will be able to attend various Election trainings that are sponsored by the NH Secretary of State. According to Chapter C, Article II Section 2:01 all vacancies occurring in the board shall be filled by the City Council.  and feels she can handle the commitment. Her appointment will be for the remainder of the term until December 2025. Once appointed she will be able to attend various Election trainings that are sponsored by the NH Secretary of State. According to Chapter C, Article II Section 2:01 all vacancies occurring in the board shall be filled by the City Council. Councilor Soucy made a motion to appoint Brenda Carey as the Ward 2 Supervisor of the Checklist with her term expiring December 31,2025. Seconded by Councilor Felch 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.B. Resolution 2024-12 Relative to Approval of Bonding to Fund Airport Improvements The Laconia Airport Authority seeks to improve the area in and around abandoned runway 17-35 to allow for commercial development within the area. The project consists of developing three new 115’ long x 25’ wide connector taxiways, a new 1,800’ long by 22’ wide access road, and associated improvements such as drainage, lighting, signage and utilities. The improvements will provide access to new hangars that will be developed privately on land leased from the Airport. Construction of the new hangars are not part of the grant project. Private developers have already committed to constructing the hangars once the infrastructure improvements are complete. The enabling legislation that created the Laconia Airport Authority, does not give the Authority the ability to issue bonds or otherwise incur debt. Consequently, the Airport Authority has asked the city to secure funding for this project on its behalf. At its meeting of June 20, 2024, the Laconia Airport Authority Board voted to reimburse the City for any and all expenses associated with incurring this debt. Director Smith briefed the council on the request. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive reading of this Resolution and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2024-12 relative to approval of bonding to fund airport improvements. 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  yes Councilor Haynes: yes Councilor Bogert: yes Councilor Felch: yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to schedule a public hearing on July 8, 2024, during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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.C. Request from Social Club Creamery for outside seating 21.D. Cost of living/wage scale adjustment for non-union employees In accordance with the authority outlined in Section 6:02 of the Laconia City Charter and Section 1.4 of the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan, I am submitting the following amendments to the City’s Wage and Compensation Plan. The amendments will automatically take effect unless vetoed by a majority vote of the City Council within thirty (30) days of June 24, 2024. The amendments are as follows: WAGE AMENDMENTS: 1. Effective July 1, 2024 – All positions will receive a 3% Cola and an additional wage increase of 5%. Employees not at the minimum amount after Cola and additional wage increase will be moved to the minimum of their grade. 2. Position grades have changed to include the following: -Removing current grades 14,15,26,27,28. This change will impact the current grade numbers of most employees. Some employees will see a decrease in grade numbers but there will be no decrease in the minimum and maximum of what grade they will be placed in. -Adjusting minimum and maximum amounts in each grade. -Purchasing Specialist from grade 18 to 16 -Human Resource Administrator from grade 20 to 18 -Code Enforcement Director from grade 22 to 18 -City Clerk/Tax Collector from grade 22 to 20 -Assistant Finance Director from grade 22 to 19 -Building Inspector from grade 22 to 18  -City Clerk/Tax Collector from grade 22 to 20 -Assistant Finance Director from grade 22 to 19 -Building Inspector from grade 22 to 18 -Recreation/Facilities Director from grade 22 to 19 -Assistant Planner from grade 22 to 18 -IT Specialist from grade 23 to grade 20 -Planner/CD Director from grade 25 to 21 -Assessor from grade 25 to 21 -Assistant DPW Director/City Engineer from grade 25 to 22 -Deputy Fire Chief from grade 25 to 23 -Assistant Fire Chief from grade 26 to 24 -Removing Planner/CD & Code Director from grade 27 -Fire Chief from grade 28 to Grade 25 -Finance Director from grade 28 to 25 -Public Works Director from grade 28 to 25. The fiscal impact in the amendment to the Wage and Compensation Plan for FY 25, is included in the presentation by the City Manager, in the FY25 budget presentation, and is included in the approximately $850,000 adjustment to the wage plans previously approved. Discussion: Councilor Soucy wants to see the City Manager get the same as the non-union employees. Councilor Cheney stated he believed the City Manager should get a review that was brought forth in April. Mayor Hosmer confirmed that Manager Beattie will be getting a review soon and it will be done separately from the other employees presented tonight and if he is granted a rate change, it will be retroactive to the date it was originally due. Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Wage and Compensation Plan as presented, which will take effect 7/1/24. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 to Sign the Unlicensed Dog Warrant for 2024 Per RSA 466:14 as stated below, the attached list of unlicensed dogs must be distributed to the City Council for approval within 20 days from June 20 to permit the issuance of Civil Forfeiture penalties allowed by RSA 466:13. It is requested that the signing of the warrant take place at the regular City  21.E. Request to Sign the Unlicensed Dog Warrant for 2024 Per RSA 466:14 as stated below, the attached list of unlicensed dogs must be distributed to the City Council for approval within 20 days from June 20 to permit the issuance of Civil Forfeiture penalties allowed by RSA 466:13. It is requested that the signing of the warrant take place at the regular City Council meeting held on June 24, 2024, after which time the Laconia Police Department will begin the process of issuing Civil Forfeiture fines to those individuals listed. The list of dog owners that are eligible to receive a notice of civil forfeiture is sealed for nonpublic, due to privacy laws. Councilor Cheney made a motion to issue the warrant as presented for the 2024 Unlicensed Dogs. Seconded by Councilor Felch 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 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. A proposed application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for CDBG funds for renovation of the Partnership for Public Health's Building at 11 Academy Square Community Development Block Grant 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. 1. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility Grant Funds. Of the grant funds, up to $30,000 will be retained by the City for administrative/labor compliance costs associated with the project, up to $470,000 of the funds will be subgranted to the Partnership for Public Health (PPH) to renovate their building on 11 Academy Square to meet federal ADA accessibility requirements as an Aging and Disability Resource Center. As well as to improve the space for client and employee privacy, safety, and security. The majority of the PPH clients are of low and moderate income. At the June 10, 2024 meeting the City Council voted to schedule a public hearing; that public hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve the submittal of the NH Community Development Finance Authority’s CDBG application for renovation of the Partnership for Public Health’s building at 11 Academy Square to meet federal ADA accessibility requirements as an Aging and Disability Resource Center, and to improve the space for client and employee privacy, safety, and security; to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the CDBG application, and upon approval of the CDBG application, to authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract, and any amendments thereto. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: yes Councilor Soucy: yes Councilor Hoffman: 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. Adoption of the City's Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for renovation of the Partnership for Public Health's building at 11 Academy Square This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated. No displacement or relocation is anticipated for this project. Notice of the public hearing was made available in the June 13, 2024 editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader and the Laconia Daily Sun, and posted at Laconia City Hall, the Laconia Parks & Recreation Community Center, offices of the SAU and the Laconia Public Library. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the renovation of the Partnership for Public Health’s building at 11 Academy Square, as presented. 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 22.C. Resolution 2024-11 relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 year-end carryforwards At the end of each fiscal year there are monies that have been appropriated for special purposes that have not been spent. Reasons for this vary, but include: · Timing – contracts for many projects, especially those related to roads, drainage, sewer improvements, etc. cannot be finalized until after the budget is approved. This can push start dates into the following spring, which means that projects often cannot be completed until after June 30th. · Coordination with third parties – completion of many projects can be delayed due to outside influences, such as supply chain issues, or coordination with third parties such as grantors, contractors, and engineers. Carrying forward authorization to spend appropriated funds from one year to the next allows for completion of these projects. In FY24 staff is requesting a total of 22 carryforwards, a decrease from the 40 requested in FY23. In 11 instances, it is requested that funds be carried forward for the purpose of moving funds into reserve. These represent projects and priorities which may not be fully expended in FY24. General Fund: 15 carry forwards, total not to exceed $1,944,642. Sanitary Sewer Fund: 5 carry forwards, total not to exceed $1,173,600.  reserve. These represent projects and priorities which may not be fully expended in FY24. General Fund: 15 carry forwards, total not to exceed $1,944,642. Sanitary Sewer Fund: 5 carry forwards, total not to exceed $1,173,600. Internal Service Fund: 2 carry forwards, total not to exceed $205,200. All amounts are listed as not to exceed totals. Actual carry forwards will not exceed the amount available in each account at the close of FY24. The approval of this request allows the money required to complete or continue these projects to be carried forward and spent in Fiscal Year 25. At the June 10, 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 2024-11 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 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 a second reading of Resolution 2024-11 relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 year-end carryforwards. Seconded by Councilor Felch 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-11 relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 year- end carryforwards as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 22.D. Open Budget Discussion This agenda item will give continued opportunity, outside of the already completed public hearing, for the public to have input into the proposed FY 25 budget. Mayor Hosmer confirmed there was no public present tonight. Councilor Bogert noted that he has spent a lot of hard work obtaining information and asking questions to the Finance Director, and the City Manager, he is satisfied with the presentation.  This agenda item will give continued opportunity, outside of the already completed public hearing, for the public to have input into the proposed FY 25 budget. Mayor Hosmer confirmed there was no public present tonight. Councilor Bogert noted that he has spent a lot of hard work obtaining information and asking questions to the Finance Director, and the City Manager, he is satisfied with the presentation. Councilor Cheney thanked his brother councilors for the work they put in to address wage concerns for the city employees. 22.E. Amendments to the Proposed FY25 Annual Budget The proposed FY25 budget was presented to the City Council on April 22, 2024. During review and discussion of the proposal, amendments were proposed to better meet the needs of the City and its citizens and to reflect information received after the budget proposal was delivered to Council. These are summarized in Addendum #1 of this report which is part of the council packet attached to the agenda. Approval of these amendments will reduce the amount to be raised by taxes in FY25 by three hundred seventy-eight thousand one hundred one dollars ($378,101.00). Councilor Felch made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2025 general fund budget as follows: Decrease appropriations from ninety-five million five hundred thirty-six thousand three hundred twenty-five dollars($95,536,325) to ninety-five million, five hundred fourteen thousand two hundred twenty-four dollars ($95,514,224) Increase revenues from thirty-five million three hundred seventy thousand six hundred seventy-two dollars($35,370,672) to thirty-five million seven hundred twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-two dollars ($35,726,672) The above changes reduce the amount to be raised by taxes from fifty-nine million five hundred thousand six hundred fifty-three dollars ($59,500,653) to fifty-nine million one hundred twenty-two thousand five hundred fifty-two dollars ($59,122,552). 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2025 anticipated grant budget as follows: Reduce appropriations and revenues by three hundred twenty-seven thousand two hundred dollars ($327,200). Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 Councilor Flech made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2025 Laconia Water Works budget as follows: Increase appropriations from two million nine hundred thirty one thousand one hundred thirty-eight dollars ($2,931,138) to two million nine hundred seventy-eight thousand seven hundred forty-eight dollars ($2,978,748) Increase revenues from two million nine hundred thirty-one thousand two hundred seventy-eight dollars (2,931,278) to two million nine hundred seventy-nine thousand two hundred seventy-eight dollars ($2,979,278). Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None.  budget as follows: Increase appropriations from two million nine hundred thirty one thousand one hundred thirty-eight dollars ($2,931,138) to two million nine hundred seventy-eight thousand seven hundred forty-eight dollars ($2,978,748) Increase revenues from two million nine hundred thirty-one thousand two hundred seventy-eight dollars (2,931,278) to two million nine hundred seventy-nine thousand two hundred seventy-eight dollars ($2,979,278). 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2025 Downtown TIF budget as follows: Increase proposed increment from two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to three hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($325,000). Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2025 Lakeport TIF budget as follows: Increase the proposed increment from twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000). Increase proposed expenditures from twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000). 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 22.F. Resolution 2024-09 relative to making itemized appropriations for City funds for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2024 and terminating June 30, 2025 The proposed FY25 budget was presented to the City Council on April 22, 2024. Per Section 5:04 of the City Charter, a public hearing was held on June 10, 2024 to allow for public input and discussion. Council has reviewed the budget with the City Manager and department heads. During the review, several amendments were proposed. These were approved by Council earlier this evening. The proposed budget includes $1,594,000 in salary adjustments required to ensure that Laconia remains competitive in a rapidly changing employment market. To accommodate this need, it is proposed that $1,098,000 of capital expenses be exempted from tax cap calculations as permitted under City Charter section 5:03.5. This represents approximately 25% of the total exemptions permissible under section 5:03.5, and represents the minimum needed to accomplish the goal of providing competitive salaries in today’s market. The use of such an exemption is permissible upon a 2/3 vote of Council under Charter section 5:03.5 A 2. This is the second reading of the budget and Resolution. The proposed budget includes estimated revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, permissible under section 5:03.5, and represents the minimum needed to accomplish the goal of providing competitive salaries in today’s market. The use of such an exemption is permissible upon a 2/3 vote of Council under Charter section 5:03.5 A 2. This is the second reading of the budget and Resolution. The proposed budget includes estimated revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Motorcycle Week Fund, Ambulance EMS Fund, Sanitary Sewer Fund, Water Works Fund, Internal Service Fund, Downtown TIF District, Lakeport TIF District and Weirs TIF District, as well as anticipated grants for FY25. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive reading of this Resolution and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-09 as amended relative to making itemized appropriations for City funds for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2024, and terminating June 30, 2025. 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 Councilor Flech made a motion to exempt one million ninety-eight thousand dollars ($1,098,000) in fiscal year 2025 proposed capital expenses from consideration in determining budget limitations set forth City Charter section 5:03.5 A 2 to allow for salary adjustments as proposed.” (2/3 vote required). Seconded by Councilor Soucy 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 Councilor Felch made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-09 as amended, establishing a fiscal year 2025 budget for the General Fund, Motorcycle Week Fund, Ambulance EMS Fund, Sanitary Sewer Fund, Water Works Fund, Internal Service Fund, Downtown TIF District, Lakeport TIF District, Weirs TIF District, and Anticipated Grants, as amended. Beginning July 1, 2024, and terminating June 30, 2025. Seconded by Councilor Soucy 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 22.G. Request to operate and stage seaplane between Weirs Docks and Weirs Beach Epic Seaplane Adventures and East Coast Flight Craft have received approvals to operate a seaplane tour company from the end of the Winnipesaukee Pier. The Airport Site Certificate from NH DOT is attached. Epic Seaplane is requesting approval, through a lease agreement, to also operate as needed from the area between the Weirs Docks and Weirs Beach, including receiving approval to secure the plane in the area of the beach, outside the ropes. A map is attached to the agenda. Councilor Felch made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing during the regular City Council meeting on July 8, 2024, to gather public input prior to any action being taken regarding the request from Epic Seaplane to lease dock/shore space at or around City owned Weirs docks and Weirs Beach. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman 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 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 8:37 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:37 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk