City Council

Minutes were approved by the city council on 9/9/2024. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 8/26/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Hoffman 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 and Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer confirmed that all the councilors were present and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager Glenn Smith, Finance Director Mayor Hosmer made an announcement: On Thursday August 23, 2024 Laconia Police Officer John Skeehan was deliberately hit by a suspect they were trying to apprehend because he was wearing a Laconia Police Department Uniform. Officer Skeehan is a 5 th generation police officer in his family, and he has strong ties to Laconia. Yesterday he was released by Concord Hospital and there were many local and state police who lined the entrance to show their support for him, Mayor Hosmer asked the Council to join him in a round of appreciation for Officer Skeehan. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of August 12, 2024 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of August 12, 2024 were distributed to members of the City Council on August 23, 2024. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS  City Council on August 23, 2024. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions The Appointments Subcommittee met on August 13 and August 20, 2024 and interviewed candidates for appointment or reappointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions. The following individuals are strongly recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee for appointment or reappointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions: Russell Poirier – reappointment to the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board Richard MacNeill – appointment as a Commissioner on the Lakes Region Planning Commission John Paula – appointment to the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board Gail Ober – reappointment to the Planning Board Kristin Bastille – appointment to the Planning Board Robert Ames – reappointment to the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board Dave Ouelette – appointment to the Planning Board Mayor Hosmer noted that the Council should see the applications for the final candidates being recommended tonight prior to the meeting, he wants this item tabled until the next meeting so the Council can review the applications. Motion to table by Councilor Soucy, 2 nd by Councilor Felch, there was no further discussion. By roll call vote, the item was tabled with all in favor 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Wendy French as a downtown resident, wanted an update on the graffiti. She submitted about 80 photos she had taken to the police department. She spoke to her landlord, and they said when it gets bad enough they will paint over it, Manager Beattie spoke about they are working with a contractor and a couple landlords to decide what type of removal method should be used based off the material that is on the buildings, he spoke with the Police Chief about the cameras. Mayor Hosmer noted that he knows this is unsightly but the graffiti is on private property, not city owned property. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Request to lower the speed limit and restrict truck traffic on Pickerel Pond Road Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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.  Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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 7:14 PM. Bill Madden of 104 Pickerel Pond Rd spoke about his concerns about his road, he would like to know when it was going to be finished and what quality it would be. Manager Beattie stated it is on the list for the 10-year road plan but there is not definitive date yet on when it is being addressed. They are continuing to work on the maintenance. Brian Patterson 203 Pickerel Pond Rd spoke about concerns to the condition of the road as well. Jen Kreitzer, pickerel pond rd. thanked the city manager and city council about them addressing the concerns she brought forward at the July 22 city council meeting, she wasn’t concerned about the speeding of the trucks but the damage they could do to the road due to their weight. There were no accidents noted in the staff report, but she noted there was an accident on August 2 and it caused damage to several rock walls. Dave Ouellette also of pickerel Pond Rd would like to see the speed limit decreased even lower than what is being proposed. He did the math and stated that a car can travel 51ft per second at 35 mph, at 25 mph it was 36 feet. He feels that lowering the speed limit to 30 mph wouldn’t be enough, 25 mph would be better. He also stated that he was the one who called in the latest accident on August 2 nd to the Laconia police department the truck bounced off one rock wall, to another rock wall, and continued to travel down the road with multiple flat tires. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:24 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-16 - Acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant in the amount of $77,000 to fund FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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 7:25 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 PM. 13.C. Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-17 - Acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant in the amount of $175,000 to fund police officer recruitment and retention for the Laconia Police Department Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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 7:26 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM.  Mayor Hosmer opened the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM. 13.D. Public Hearing - A proposed application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant Funds for improvements to the Laconia Senior Center kitchen Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 13, 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 Lane of the Community Development Finance Authority explained This is public hearing for a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant Funds. An informational document was available for the public. Of the grant funds, up to $3,500 will be retained by the City for administrative costs associated with the project, up to $21,500 of the funds will be subgranted to Community Action Program Belknap- Merrimack (CAPBM). CAPBM proposes to make improvements to the Laconia Senior Center kitchen, 184 Beacon St. West, Laconia, that would allow them to provide daily congregate meals and expand program opportunities. The CDBG funds would assist with pre-development of the project including pre-construction planning, preliminary architectural design and capital campaign planning costs. 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 project conforms with Laconia Housing and Community Development Plan’s goals of: Promoting activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors (Short-term and Long-term goal). No one else wished to speak at this hearing. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 PM. 13.E. Public Hearing - The Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the Merrimack-Belknap Community Action Program Study Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 13, 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 7:29 PM. Donna Lane noted an informational document was available for the public. This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the city were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated. This project is a study only, no displacement or relocation is anticipated for this project. No one else wished to speak at this hearing. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM.  relocated. This project is a study only, no displacement or relocation is anticipated for this project. No one else wished to speak at this hearing. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM. 13.F. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2024-189-5:a - Relating to public sewer connection waivers Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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 7:31 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM. 13.G. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2024-235-41-A - Residential Accessory Uses - ADU Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the August 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. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer thanked Manager Beattie for organizing the discussion on homelessness in the city and the lack of housing in the area with the city manager’s leadership team, Mayors from the city of Nashua, City of Manchester, City of Concord, City of Franklin, City of Laconia, and the Belknap/Merrimack County Cap building all participated. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney mentioned he has attended a number of boards and commissions meetings and the current sound system is making it very difficult to hear the members speaking. He’s like someone to notify the chairman’s of the boards to tell all members to make sure they are sitting up and speaking into the microphones, he mentioned he’d like to get the noise ordinance reviewed and changed. He wants a report on the parking garage. Manager Beattie said it is moving forward with a purchase and sales being drawn up with our City Attorney. Councilor Cheney stated he has attending many ZBA meetings, and he is surprised by the things that happen there. He would like to see the City Council have a seat on that committee. Manager Beattie stated he’d look into it but believes there may be a conflict. Councilor Cheney would like to see the meeting time for the Council meetings changed from 7pm to 6pm. All the other boards and commissions meet at 6pm. This time is in the charter and will need to be placed on the ballot to be changed. Councilor Cheney made a motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on September 9 th , 2024, about changing the time of the City Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Soucy, there was no  Councilor Cheney would like to see the meeting time for the Council meetings changed from 7pm to 6pm. All the other boards and commissions meet at 6pm. This time is in the charter and will need to be placed on the ballot to be changed. Councilor Cheney made a motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on September 9 th , 2024, about changing the time of the City Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Soucy, there was no further discussion. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch noted the 14 th year of the got lunch program ended last week, there were 140 volunteers involved, and 469 children helped this summer. 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.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. 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 report with the council. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie went over the report with the council. 21. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Hosmer noted that a non-public session will be needed at the end of this meeting. The meeting will return to the public session to seal the minutes and will immediately adjourn. 21.A. Proposed amendment to the Wage and Compensation Plan 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 amendment 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 August 26, 2024. The amendment is as follows: WAGE AMENDMENTS: Adding the new position of Director of Economic and Housing Development to Grade 20 of the Wage and Compensation Plan $100,294.30 - $128,068.20 (These amounts include FICA, Workers Comp., retirement, health insurance, etc.) Mayor Hosmer asked for an update on the search, Manager Beattie said the posting had closed and they are scheduling interviews now. Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve the proposed amendment to the Wage and Compensation Plan as presented, which will take effect October 1, 2024. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Resolution 2024-18 - Center for Tech and Civic Life Grant - Polling Places In August of 2024 the Laconia City Clerk applied for a grant offered through the Center for Tech and Civic Life for a chance to be awarded up to $20,000.00 to be used exclusively for the public purpose of planning and operationalizing reliable and secure election administration in Laconia, NH in 2024. The Center for Tech and Civic Life is a non-partisan organization, and the grant funds must be used in a nonpartisan manner. These funds can be used for physical expenses, technological expenses, storage facilities, voting hardware, voter registration systems, electronic poll books and much more. The City Clerk has plans on purchasing electronic poll books to be used across the 6 polling locations. laptops for the supervisors of the checklist, and upgrades to polling places. The implementation of the electronic poll books is to be determined based off the vendor’s inventory and availability to train the election workers on the devices. The entire cost of this program is covered by the Center for Tech and Civic Life Grant, there is no local match requirement. Mayor Hosmer asked the City Clerk some questions about what electronic poll books are. Clerk Gargano confirmed these have been around for a few years, they have been tried in several  The entire cost of this program is covered by the Center for Tech and Civic Life Grant, there is no local match requirement. Mayor Hosmer asked the City Clerk some questions about what electronic poll books are. Clerk Gargano confirmed these have been around for a few years, they have been tried in several communities and this is the way of the future and how to help make our process of checking in voters smoother and adding in a way to get counts at the end of the night faster. There will still be a paper checklist maintained in the background as required by law. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-18 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 Haynes made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2024-18 relative to Center for Tech and Civic Life Grant in the amount of $20,000 to purchase equipment to facilitate secure and efficient operations of Laconia polling places. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: is $20,000 enough? Most likely not, but it is a good start. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on September 9, 2024 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Proposal to change the City Council's 2019 guidance on the Accept As-Is Program City Council guidance approved in 2019 prevents Public Works from submitting private roads for acceptance by the City Council, unless there is 100% support by abutters. The City Council’s 2019 guidance on the Accept As-Is Program follows: · Those private roads where the City knows who owns the road are not eligible to participate. · 100% of the owners must agree to give the City an easement. · Roads will not be brought up to City standards. · Dirt roads stay dirt. · Abutters of roads that can participate in the accept as-is program can petition for a betterment process to bring the roads up to City standards if 100% of abutters agree. · Abutters on those roads where the owner(s) are known can use the betterment process to have their road accepted by the City if 100% agree to participate and pay for the improvements. The City’s Accept As-Is Program uses the layout and return process to accept private roads under this program. RSA 231:8 permits the layout of a highway upon petition. There is no minimum number of signatories required on the petition. Thus, a petition can be from one person. Public Works recommends that the City Council change the standard from 100% to a majority of the abutters must provide an easement for the City to accept a private street under the Accept As-Is Program. The proposed change will provide the abutters and the City an opportunity to accept an eligible private road under the Accept As-Is Program when most of the abutters want the road to become public. The City will be responsible for maintaining private roads accepted as part of this program. The Accept As-Is Program only applies to those private roads that the City has been plowing and providing solid waste collection services. Accepting these roads will increase the annual road  eligible private road under the Accept As-Is Program when most of the abutters want the road to become public. The City will be responsible for maintaining private roads accepted as part of this program. The Accept As-Is Program only applies to those private roads that the City has been plowing and providing solid waste collection services. Accepting these roads will increase the annual road maintenance costs in the Public Works annual budget. It will also increase the backlog of roads waiting for improvement as part of the City’s road improvement capital program. Discussion: Manager Beattie briefed the Council on this topic, he noted our City Attorney is present in case the council has any questions. The council asked questions to our city attorney, Naomi Butterfield and Public Works Director Wes Anderson. Motion to table by Councilor Soucy seconded by Councilor Hoffman to verify back to the guidance from 2019. The motion passed with 5 in favor, Councilor Felch is opposed. 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Request to lower the speed limit and restrict truck traffic on Pickerel Pond Road Councilmember Cheney has requested the City Council consider lowering the speed limit on Pickerel Pond Road and posting it to prevent thru truck traffic. Both requests are regulated by State law and an engineering study must be performed. The study can be performed “in house”. Speed Limit The road is outside the City’s urban compact zone; therefore, under State law the speed limit on the road is 35 mph unless the City Council approves a lower speed limit based on an engineering study. Under State law the lowest speed limit the City Council can approve is 25 mph. The following is the Department’s analysis: · The width of Pickerel Pond Road varies between 19 feet and 22 feet. · There have been no speed related traffic accidents on the road in the past 5 years. · The stopping sight distance criteria for 25 mph is 155 feet. · The stopping sight distance criteria for 30 mph is 200 feet. · The stopping sight distance criteria for 35 mph is 250 feet · The hills and rural nature of the road restrict sight distance to less than 250 feet in several areas along the road. · Large trucks use this road to make deliveries. · The road does not have sidewalks and has limited to no shoulders. Thus, any pedestrians will have to walk in the travel way. No thru truck traffic State law prohibits the City from banning all trucks from using a municipal street (public highway). The City under State law can establish a maximum load limit lower than the State’s legal limits. The lower maximum weight for the road is “based on the condition of the road when the highway agent determines that such highway requires postings to prevent unreasonable damage or extraordinary municipal maintenance expense.”  State law prohibits the City from banning all trucks from using a municipal street (public highway). The City under State law can establish a maximum load limit lower than the State’s legal limits. The lower maximum weight for the road is “based on the condition of the road when the highway agent determines that such highway requires postings to prevent unreasonable damage or extraordinary municipal maintenance expense.” The process is similar to the seasonal weight limits applied during the spring thaw. The company/driver of any truck over the weight limit would have to obtain a permit from the City (DPW) to use the road. The maximum weight limit on posted roads during the seasonal weight period is 20,000 lbs. This weight limit was established to protect the roads during the spring thaw when the road base is soft while allowing the typical commercial snowplow trucks to service driveways during this period. Permits would have to be issued to the region’s electrical, cable TV/internet, heating oil/propane delivery companies so that they can service their customers on the road. The recent work reclaiming a part of the road and turning it into gravel has improved the strength of the road and this area is not a factor in lowering the weight limit of the road. The paved portion of the road is in poor shape and the road base under the pavement is more than likely similar to the condition of the road bed before the area that is now gravel was improved. A business impacted by the reduced weight limit can request the City Council hold a public hearing on the weight limit. The Council has to hold a hearing within 15 workdays of the date of receipt of a certified letter from the impacted business. At the August 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. Public Works recommends that the speed limit be reduced to 30 mph, the City Council would like to move that to 25 mph based on the typical sight distance on the road. The appropriate weight limit on the road other than during the spring thaw is 26,000 lbs. To minimize confusion during the spring thaw, Public Works recommends that the weight limit be set at 20,000 lbs. Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve the request to lower the speed limit and restrict truck traffic on Pickerel Pond Road as amended. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Permit would be required for weight limit, lower the speed limit to 25 mph based on the appropriate weight, weight limit lowered to 20,000 pounds during the thaw period. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Resolution 2024-16 - Acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant in the amount of $77,000 to fund FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation In July of 2024 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through the US Department of Justice under its FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation. The purpose of the Laconia’s Technology and Equipment Grant application is to enhance the LPD’s ability to quickly and efficiently investigate serious injury/fatal crash scenes, including scenes from an act of terrorism and/or mass casualty incident. The Belknap Regional Accident Investigation Team (BRAIT), which the Laconia Chief of Police is the head of, investigates serious injury/fatal crash scenes, including scenes from an act of terrorism and/or mass casualty scenes in Belknap County, as well as other counties when needed. The procurement of a second FARO Technology laser scanner and associated software will enable LPD and BRAIT to bolster crime and fire scene reconstructions by enhancing situational threat assessment, search, rescue, response, recovery, & intelligence/information gathering capabilities as part of our terrorism preparedness strategies. At the August 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 program is covered by the COPS Grant, there is no local match requirement. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2024-16 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None.  matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. The entire cost of this program is covered by the COPS Grant, there is no local match requirement. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2024-16 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 Cheney made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-16 relative to an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant in the amount of $77,000 to fund FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-16 relative to an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant in the amount of $77,000 to fund FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.C. Resolution 2024-17 - Acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant in the amount of $175,000 to fund police officer recruitment and retention for the Laconia Police Department In May of 2024 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through the US Department of Justice under its COPS FY24 CPA Microgrant Project titled Officer Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Diversification. The purpose of the Laconia’s Officer Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Diversification Project is to develop and maintain internal capacity of the Laconia Police Department to increase long-term attrition rates of sworn police officers and successfully recruit and hire the best law enforcement candidates, with a focus on minority and female recruitment. This project will enable the LPD to implement a variety of retention and recruitment activities and strategies to bolster the LPD mission of community-oriented-policing by employing a diverse workforce with an array of backgrounds, knowledge, and experiences. This will be accomplished through the establishment of 1) Officer Recruitment Team, 2) Comprehensive Marketing Campaign, 3) Officer Mentor Program, and 4) Retention, Recruitment, and Hiring Incentives Program. Strategies to be used by the LPD include ongoing internal self-assessments, community surveys, college campus and community job fairs, new and enhanced community, state, and regional partnerships, and data collection, tracking, and analysis. Data-based decision making will be used to inform long-term strategic planning for organizational effectiveness in officer retention and recruitment processes. At the August 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 2024-17 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 Soucy made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2024-17 relative to acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Grant in the amount of $175,000 to fund police officer recruitment and retention for the Laconia Police Department. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy to approve Resolution 2024-17 relative to acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Grant in the amount of $175,000 to fund police officer recruitment  Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy to approve Resolution 2024-17 relative to acceptance of an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Grant in the amount of $175,000 to fund police officer recruitment and retention for the Laconia Police Department, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.D. A proposed application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant Funds for improvements to the Laconia Senior Center kitchen This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant Funds. Of the grant funds, up to $3,500 will be retained by the City for administrative costs associated with the project, up to $21,500 of the funds will be subgranted to Community Action Program Belknap- Merrimack (CAPBM). CAPBM proposes to make improvements to the Laconia Senior Center kitchen, 184 Beacon St. West, Laconia, that would allow them to provide daily congregate meals and expand program opportunities. The CDBG funds would assist with pre-development of the project including pre-construction planning, preliminary architectural design and capital campaign planning costs. 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 project conforms with Laconia Housing and Community Development Plan’s goals of: Promoting activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors (Short-term and Long-term goal). At the August 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 submittal of an application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant Funds for improvements to the Laconia Senior Center, and vote to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the CDBG application; and upon approval of the application, to authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the contract, and any amendments thereto. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.E. Adoption of the Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the Merrimack-Belknap Community Action Program Study - Laconia Senior Center This plan outlines measures, under the Uniform Relocation Act, required for CDBG projects that involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated. This project is a study only, no displacement or relocation is anticipated for this project. At the August 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 Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for proposed improvements at Laconia Senior Center, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for proposed improvements at Laconia Senior Center, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.F. Ordinance 2024-189-5:a, Relating to public sewer connection waivers Currently, City of Laconia Ordinance 189-5 states: A. Pursuant to the provisions of RSA 147 and 252, and any other authority thereto enabling, the owner of any improved property benefited, improved, served or accommodated by any public sewer or to which any public sewer is available shall connect such improved property therewith, in such manner as the City of Laconia may require, within 45 days after notice to such owner from the City of Laconia to make such connection, for the purpose of discharge of all sanitary sewage and industrial wastes from such improved property into the sewer system, subject to such limitations and restrictions as shall be established herein or otherwise shall be established by the City of Laconia, from time to time. Each such owner shall, within the same time limit, cease and desist from all further discharge of sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes into any other conduit or preexisting system, whether privately or publicly owned. B. A public sewer system shall be deemed available to improved property if such improved property is within 250 feet, measured from the closest part of any structure on said improved property which contains plumbing, to the public sewer system, along or across the shortest available easement. The proposed Ordinance change eliminates the requirement to connect to a newly installed public sewer system where the property owner can establish by written documentation, to the satisfaction of the City, that the property is served by an adequate alternative sewage disposal system which complies with applicable state and local regulations, designed by a subsurface system designer licensed in New Hampshire and approved for construction by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services after January 1, 1985. At the August 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 move to waive a reading of Ordinance 2024-189-5:a, Waivers, in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch I move a second reading of Ordinance 2024-189-5:a, Waivers, relative to public sewer connections. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch move to approve Ordinance 2024-189-5:a, relative to public sewer connections, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.G. Ordinance 2024-235-41-A - Residential Accessory Uses - Accessory dwelling units This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will permit Accessory Dwelling Units by right. All ADUs must follow the prescribed permitting process included in this revision. The proposed amendment was reviewed and recommended by the Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee at their July 10, 2024 meeting. In accordance with Article XIV of the City Code, the City Council must refer all Zoning Ordinance amendments to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation as well as a public hearing. It was approved by the Planning Board at their August 6, 2024 meeting.  amendment was reviewed and recommended by the Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee at their July 10, 2024 meeting. In accordance with Article XIV of the City Code, the City Council must refer all Zoning Ordinance amendments to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation as well as a public hearing. It was approved by the Planning Board at their August 6, 2024 meeting. 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. At the August 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 Ordinance 2024-235-41-A in its entirety and to read by title only.” Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. Councilor Soucy stepped out and did not vote. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move a second reading of Ordinance 2024-235-41-A amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to the following sections as presented: · Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, § 235-13, Definitions · Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, § 235-41 A, Accessory Dwelling Units · Attachment 2 – Table I, Table of Permitted Uses” Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-235-41-A, amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to the following sections as presented: · Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, § 235-13, Definitions · Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, § 235-41 A, Accessory Dwelling Units · Attachment 2 – Table I, Table of Permitted Uses” Seconded by Councilor Cheney 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  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 Haynes made a motion to go into nonpublic session according to RSA 91-A:3, 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. And for (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency or any subdivision thereof, or against any member thereof because of his membership in such body or agency, until the claim or litigation has been fully adjudicated or otherwise settled. 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 The nonpublic session began at 8:35 PM. Councilor Felch made a motion to return to public session. 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 The public session reconvened at 9:20 PM Councilor Cheney made a motion to seal the minutes for 12 Months, 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 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk