City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on April 14, 2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 3/24/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:12 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 city councilors: Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer confirmed four councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established. Councilor Cheney joined the meeting at 7:13 PM Councilor Soucy joined the meeting at 7:15 PM 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of March 10, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of March 10, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on March 19, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-02, Laconia Little League Parade A request for a Temporary Traffic Order for the Laconia Little League Parade to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, May 3, 2025) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. has been received. This is a recurring request with no changes from previous years.  Parade A request for a Temporary Traffic Order for the Laconia Little League Parade to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, May 3, 2025) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. has been received. This is a recurring request with no changes from previous years. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-02, Laconia Little League Parade, to be held on April 26, 2025 (with a rain date, if necessary, of Saturday, May 3, 2025) from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 8.B. Appointment to the Trustees of the Trust Funds We have received an application for appointment from Donald Forsberg to fill a vacancy on the Trustees of the Trust Funds. The Trustees have been without a consistent third member for quite some time, and they are anxious to have someone fill that position before their next meeting in April. Councilor Soucy, as Chair of the Appointments Subcommittee, has recommended the Council bypass its normal appointment process and has requested that the City Council approve his formal appointment this evening. The City Council was provided with Mr. Forsberg’s application prior to this meeting. Councilor Soucy made a motion to appoint Donald Forsberg to the Trustees of the Trust Funds to fill the remainder of a vacant term which expires at the end of March, 2026 at which time he may request to be reappointed. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8.C. Recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions The Appointments Subcommittee met on March 14, 2025 and interviewed candidates for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions. The following individuals are strongly recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions: Jim Daubenspeck – appointment to the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board Kara Chase – appointment to the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board Gary Dionne – appointment to the Planning Board Myles Chase – appointment to the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve the appointment of candidates to the City’s Boards and Commissions as presented and as recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Patrick Wood, Ward 3 spoke about an issue with the Laconia housing authority and how some funding cuts could affect 28 residents. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Request for tax relief per RSA 79-E from the owners of 622-634 Main Street, also known as the Pemaco Building Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the March 13, 2025 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. Warren Clement of Old North Main Street stated he was a previous property owner in downtown for over 40 years. He is hoping to see the city council give the exemption for the 5 years. He is strongly in favor of this. Patrick Wood of ward 3 has been involved with the downtown for a number of years. He is in favor of this exemption for the property owners. Sonya Misiaszek-Monterose co- owner of the Pemaco building spoke about the project. John Moriarty spoke in favor of this exemption; he is very happy to hear about the possibility of adding lighting in the alleyway. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7: 47 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Request to declare a portion of Hayes Road an emergency lane Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 27, 2025 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 7:48 PM. Marsha Borden and Jim Borden of Hayes Road spoke in favor of making Hayes Rd an emergency lane. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:50 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Live burn presentation - Chief Tim Joubert Chief Joubert presented to the Council about an upcoming live burn training, held on a parcel between North Main Street and Old North Main Street. The training will occur on March 31 st , they had a business donated to them for a live burn. It is located at 1206 Old N Main St. they are starting at 9am and hope to be done by 2:30 PM. There are other fire departments participating. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT  between North Main Street and Old North Main Street. The training will occur on March 31 st , they had a business donated to them for a live burn. It is located at 1206 Old N Main St. they are starting at 9am and hope to be done by 2:30 PM. There are other fire departments participating. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer announced that the second meeting with the citizens ad-hoc committee is being held on Wednesday 3/26/25 at 5:30 PM at the Lakes Region Mental Health Building at 40 Beacon Street East. There will be further discussion on the city owned parcel on Old North Main Street. Concord Hospital – Laconia invited Mayor Hosmer and City Manager Beattie to meet with them in Concord last Friday afternoon. Members of the executive staff from Concord and Laconia campus, members of the board of trustees and the CEO were all present. Manager Beattie expressed the concerns of the council and the future of the hospital in the community. Mayor Hosmer asked them to come speak to the city council and they are taking it under consideration. They have assured us they plan to continue to invest in the infrastructure here in Laconia and at the Franklin hospital. They intend to be here beyond the initial 5- year period. They are going to continue to expand the services and some specialty groups being located here. Mayor Hosmer encourages the council to review their annual report, it does provide some answers on their financial situation. He felt it was a very productive conversation. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney asked if we had any update on the Weirs fire station roof repairs. Manager Beattie said it is planned in next years capital. He asked about the Elm Street traffic issue. Manager Beattie stated the school has applied for a few federal grants to try to fund this project. He has no other update otherwise. Councilor Cheney would like to know what the estimated price is. Manager Beattie does not have that figure. Councilor Cheney was happy to hear what the mayor had to say about the meeting with the hospital, but he’d still like to see the city get an attorney who specializes in hospitals. He and the City Manager had a meeting with the AG’s Office and a meeting with the charitable trust division. 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 and Felch) 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. Performance Zoning 17.C.iv. 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.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 There was no one from the public wishing to speak. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie presented the projects update report to the City Council, highlights include: future road construction projects. Hilliard rd. culvert is going to bid in March of 2026 to be installed in October 2026. The Weirs Blvd. bridge project will close Weirs Blvd. for a few months, the Winnipesaukee River Basin they are looking into the baseline, to make sure we are being charged the correct amounts. Weirs Beach Dock project- rough decking is down and the fingers are going to be removed then they will begin expanding the length. Weirs beach restoration project may have some different options to help with erosion. State school update- they are still in their due diligence phase. Infrastructure may begin in late summer 2026 if everything stays on schedule. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie presented the monthly economic development report to the City Council. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Resolution 2025-10 - Acceptance of a USDA Rural Development Grant (Community Project Funding) in the amount of $96,250.00 to help fund the design and construction of a critical evidence and equipment storage facility project In February of 2022 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through Congressman Pappas’ office for US Congressional Community Funding. Recently we have been notified that our application has been approved and the grant has been awarded. This project will enable the Laconia Police Department to perform design and prep work for the construction of a Critical Evidence and Equipment Storage Facility on the Police Department property. The addition of a critical evidence and equipment storage facility would positively impact the operations of the police department by mitigating external criminal behavior on premises and ensuring that all police evidence, specialized emergency equipment, and specialized emergency vehicles are protected from the elements. This ultimately positively impacts the local community taxes from having to be used for duplicate purchases and premature repairs, as well as providing much needed protection for critical evidence in criminal investigations. This grant was included in the FY21-22 anticipated grants. The public hearing for this grant was held on July 26, 2021 as part of the public hearing for the FY 21-22 budget. Since this public hearing was several years ago, the recommendation is to schedule another public hearing on this matter before  taxes from having to be used for duplicate purchases and premature repairs, as well as providing much needed protection for critical evidence in criminal investigations. This grant was included in the FY21-22 anticipated grants. The public hearing for this grant was held on July 26, 2021 as part of the public hearing for the FY 21-22 budget. Since this public hearing was several years ago, the recommendation is to schedule another public hearing on this matter before acceptance of the grant. Fiscal Impact: None - The entire cost of this program is covered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant (Community Project Funding), there is no local match requirement. Councilor Haynes made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-10 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-10 relating to acceptance of a USDA Rural Development Grant (Community Project Funding) in the amount of $96,250.00 to help fund the design and construction of a critical evidence and equipment storage facility project. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy to schedule a Public Hearing on April 14, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Resolution 2025-12 - A Resolution strongly objecting to the freezing of Federal grant programs to states and municipalities and to agencies and organizations that support Laconia residents Councilor Hoffman requested that this Resolution be presented to the Council at this meeting for their discussion and consideration. It mirrors a Resolution recently approved by the Lebanon City Council. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-12 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 Hoffman made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-12 relating to strongly objecting to the freezing of federal grant programs to states and municipalities and to agencies and organizations that support Laconia residents. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: Councilor Cheney is ok with this wording but he’d like to add an amendment that talks about the fraud and waste that has been identified, he thought the 3 rd whereas in the resolution is where he’d like to add recognizing the dealing with loss, fraud and waste. Councilor Bogert mentioned that the US has a 37 trillion deficit and it is growing largely every day. There was a lengthy discussion going back and forth amongst Councilors. Councilor Felch called the question, Councilor Haynes seconded. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert – No Councilor Felch- Yes The motion passed with five in favor. 5-1  Councilor Cheney- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert – No Councilor Felch- Yes The motion passed with five in favor. 5-1 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-12 relating to strongly objecting to the freezing of federal grant programs to states and municipalities and to agencies and organizations that support Laconia residents. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney- No Councilor Soucy- No Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- No Councilor Felch- Yes The motion was tied 3-3, Mayor Hosmer broke the tie by voting in favor. The motion passed with four in favor. 4-3 21.C. Temporary Traffic Order 2025-03 - Lakes Region Community College graduation - Canal Street Lakes Region Community College will be holding its graduation this year at the Colonial Theatre on Saturday, May 17th. They have requested that Canal Street be blocked off on that day from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm to allow the graduates and their family, friends, classmates and faculty to gather before and after the commencement ceremony. Representatives from the college will be visiting the Canal Street businesses in early April to let them know about the event and the temporary road closure. Councilor Felch would like to see the Canal Street businesses contacted prior to approval. Councilor Felch made a motion to table seconded by Councilor Soucy. 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 item was tabled. 21.D. Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA) The City Council met in a non-public meeting earlier this evening to review the collective bargaining agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA). Under State law, the SAU needs to notify the teachers if they are being rehired for the next school year by April 15th, so a vote on the agreement is being requested at this time. The first-year increase of the contract is anticipated to be $650,853. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA) at an anticipated first year cost of $650,853. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Laconia Education Association (LEA) at an anticipated first year cost of $650,853. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.E. Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Public Works Department employees, Local #534, AFSCME Council 93 The City Council met in a non-public meeting earlier this evening to review the collective bargaining agreement with Local #534, AFSCME Council 93. The first-year increase of the contract is $96,474.74 (which includes a winter maintenance stipend). The contract contains an 11.5% insurance increase. Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Public Works Department Employees, Local #534, AFSCME Council 93, for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.F. Grant agreement between Laconia Municipal Airport and the NH Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics The New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics has offered a grant for the following project: SBG-09-15-2020 Amendment #1 – Obstruction removal of on-airport and onairport-controlled properties (approx. 14.6± acres); Conduct airport obstruction analysis; Update Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The Bureau of Aeronautics requests that the Grant Agreement be executed by the airport sponsor, Laconia Municipal Airport, and returned to the NHDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics, for submission to the Governor and Council for approval. The City has no budgetary impact; the Laconia Municipal Airport is responsible for 4.8372% of the total grant agreement cost. The Federal Aviation Administration covers 90.3256%, and the NHDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics, 4.8372%. At its meeting on March 20, 2025, the Laconia Airport Authority approved the agreement and authorized Chairman Andrew Hosmer to sign the agreement on behalf of the Laconia Airport Authority. We are now seeking authorization for the Mayor of the City of Laconia, Andrew Hosmer, or City Manager Kirk Beattie, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to authorize Mayor Andrew Hosmer or City Manager Kirk Beattie to sign grant agreement SBG-09-15-2020 between Laconia Municipal Airport and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.G. Lease agreement between the City of Laconia/Airport Authority and Chris Norwood This is an Assignment and Assumption of an existing Lease Agreement. Chris Norwood, 116 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110, is purchasing the building and improvements located at 2 Airport Road, Gilford, New Hampshire, from UHW Properties, Inc. This transaction requires an Assignment of Lease.  This is an Assignment and Assumption of an existing Lease Agreement. Chris Norwood, 116 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110, is purchasing the building and improvements located at 2 Airport Road, Gilford, New Hampshire, from UHW Properties, Inc. This transaction requires an Assignment of Lease. The City incurs no cost; the revenue generated by this lease agreement is payable to the Laconia Airport Authority and is used for the airport's operation. At a meeting on March 20, 2025, the Laconia Airport Authority authorized Chairman Andrew Hosmer to sign the agreement and accompanying documents. · The Laconia Airport Authority is seeking authorization from the Laconia City Council for Mayor Andrew Hosmer or City Manager Kirk Beattie to sign the agreement. Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Andrew J. Hosmer, as Mayor, or Kirk Beattie, as City Manager, to sign the lease agreement as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Request for tax relief per RSA 79-E from the owners of 622-634 Main Street, also known as the Pemaco Building The owners of 622-634 Main Street, also known as the PEMACO Building, have submitted a request for tax relief under RSA 79-E. The owners are preparing to begin substantial renovation work on the building. The City adopted the provisions of RSA: 79-E in 2012. The statute reads in part: 79-E:7 Public Benefit. – In order to qualify for tax relief under this chapter, the proposed substantial rehabilitation must provide at least one of the public benefits, and the proposed replacement must provide one or more of the public benefits to a greater degree than would a substantial rehabilitation of the same qualifying structure, as follows: 1. It enhances the economic vitality of the downtown; 2. It promotes development of municipal centers, providing for efficiency, safety, and a greater sense of community, consistent with RSA 9-B; or 3. It increases residential housing in urban or town centers. Declaration of Public Benefit. – 1. It is declared to be a public benefit to enhance downtown and town centers with respect to economic activity, cultural and historic character, sense of community, and in-town residential uses that contribute to economic and social vitality. 2. It is further declared to be a public benefit to encourage the rehabilitation of the many underutilized structures in urban and town centers as a means of encouraging growth of economic, residential, and municipal uses in a more compact pattern, in accordance with RSA 9-B. 3. Short-term property assessment tax relief and a related covenant to protect public benefit as provided under this chapter are considered to provide a demonstrated public benefit if they encourage substantial rehabilitation and use of qualifying structures, or in certain cases, the replacement of a qualifying structure, as defined in this chapter. At the March 10, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: The City Council has the authority to grant tax relief under RSA: 79-E and the financial impact of that tax relief will vary by the nature of the project and the time period and dollar  At the March 10, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: The City Council has the authority to grant tax relief under RSA: 79-E and the financial impact of that tax relief will vary by the nature of the project and the time period and dollar amount of tax relief granted. RSA: 79-E reads in part: II. Upon receipt of an application, the governing body shall hold a duly noticed public hearing to take place no later than 60 days from receipt of the application, to determine whether the structure at issue is a qualifying structure; whether any proposed rehabilitation qualifies as substantial rehabilitation; and whether there is a public benefit to granting the requested tax relief and, if so, for what duration. III. No later than 45 days after the public hearing, the governing body shall render a decision granting or denying the requested tax relief and, if so granting, establishing the tax relief period. IV. (a) The governing body may grant the tax relief, provided: (1) The governing body finds a public benefit under RSA 79-E:7; and (2) The specific public benefit is preserved through a covenant under RSA 79-E:8; and (3) The governing body finds that the proposed use is consistent with the municipality's master plan or development regulations; and (4)(b) If the governing body grants the tax relief, the governing body shall identify the specific public benefit achieved under RSA 79-E:7, and shall determine the precise terms and duration of the covenant to preserve the public benefit under RSA 79-E:8. Councilor Felch made a motion to provide the owner of 622-634 Main Street the following tax relief under RSA 79-E based on the public benefits identified in City Council deliberations. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to grant the tax relief under RSA 79-E for 5 years seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to provide the owner of 622-634 Main Street the following tax relief under RSA 79-E based on the public benefits identified in City Council deliberations. The relief is to consist of the assessed valuation of the property at 622-634 Main Street to not be greater than $370,400 through March 31, 2031. After that date, the property will be assessed at fair market value. Included in the covenant it shall be noted that if the building is sold, either fully or in part, or there is a significant change to the occupancy type, the tax exemption would become void. This motion authorizes the City Manager to sign all related documents. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Resolution 2025-13 - Establishing Hayes Road as an emergency lane under FSA 231:59-A Recent information on Hayes Road has determined that the Hayes Road private right of way might extend from the constructed portion that ends at 105 Hayes Road to Scenic Drive. Public Works to minimize any confusion has identified the constructed portion of Hayes Road that ends at the western boundary of 105 Hayes Road as the portion that is under consideration to be declared as an emergency lane. The City Council on March 11, 2024, approved stopping Public Works services on Hayes Road, a private road. Recent information on Hayes Road has determined that the Hayes Road private right of way might extend from the constructed portion that ends at 105 Hayes Road to Scenic Drive. Public Works to minimize any confusion has identified the constructed portion of Hayes Road that ends at the western boundary of 105 Hayes Road as the portion that is under consideration to be declared as an emergency lane. The City Council on March 11, 2024, approved stopping Public Works services on Hayes Road, a private road. The City Council must hold a public hearing before declaring a private road an emergency lane. At the February 24, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Abutting landowners were notified by mail a minimum of 10 days before the public hearing. The letters to abutting property owners were mailed on February 26, 2025. The City Council: · Cannot declare a private road an emergency lane without the permission of the abutting landowners. Permission can be withdrawn at any time. · Must “determine that there is a public need for keeping such a lane passable for emergency vehicles and that it is supported by a public interest and is not for the private benefit of the abutters on that road.” If declared an emergency lane, the City may expend funds to remove brush, repair culverts or do other work “deemed necessary to render such a way passable by firefighting equipment and rescue or other emergency vehicles.” The City Council can declare the road as either an emergency lane or winter only emergency lane. · An emergency lane declaration allows Public Works to maintain the road to minimize damage to emergency vehicles during all seasons. · A winter only emergency lane allows Public Works to plow and treat the roads so that emergency vehicles can access the area in the winter. · The abutting landowners are responsible for all other maintenance under either option. Declaring a road an emergency lane does not change its status. It is still a private road. During the City Council deliberation process the City Council must determine if Hayes Road: • Will be as an emergency lane or winter only emergency lane. • Will have an expiration date. The attached Resolution has a proposed expiration date of June 1, 2026. The cost to maintain these roads will be funded from the winter and highway maintenance budget. Public Works has been treating Hayes Road as an emergency lane during the process to resolve the issue with the City providing maintenance services to private roads. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-13 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-13 establishing Hayes Road as an emergency lane under RSA 231:59-A. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Councilor Felch wanted to note that this doesn’t include trash removal and add the term to be for 5 years seconded by councilor Cheney. There was no further discussion about the amendment. The amendment passed with all in favor. 6-0 The motion passed as amended with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-13 establishing Hayes Road as an emergency lane under RSA 231:59-A. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Councilor Felch wanted to note that this doesn’t include trash removal and add the term to be for 5 years seconded by councilor Cheney. There was no further discussion about the amendment. The amendment passed with all in favor. 6-0 The motion passed as amended with all in favor. 6-0 22.C. Ordinance 2025-221-41 - Amending Article IV: Regulations for Parking Meters, Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic The City Council at their March 10, 2025, meeting approved the concept of using an app to pay for parking on Lakeside Ave and Endicott Rock Park. The City’s kiosk service contractor, Flowbird, was bought by the EasyPark Group. Therefore, the app that will be servicing the City’s kiosks is ParkMobile. The City, when the kiosk system was implemented, made the decision to deduct the credit card fees from the customer’s parking fee. Public Works on March 14, 2025, met with representatives from Flowbird and ParkMobile to begin planning for implementing the app. The app will deduct the credit card fees from the customer’s parking fee. The customers will pay the convenience fee. In order to determine the programming fee, ParkMobile needs information on our system from Flowbird and Public Works. During the meeting the Council provided guidance on the use of the app to extend parking time in the 2, 3 & 5-hour parking spaces on Lakeside Ave. The parking lot at Endicott Rock Park does not have a time limit. The following is the guidance: · The extension period be limited to 1 hour · Establish a fee of $3.00/hour during the extension period. Public Works, based on the Council’s guidance, prepared the attached Ordinance to implement the time limit and the new fee. The City Council scheduled the public hearings for the time limit extension and the new fee for April 14, 2025 Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-221-41 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a first reading of Ordinance 2025-221-41 amending Article IV: Regulations for Parking Meters, Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic. Seconded by Councilor Soucy 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.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.I. Any other business that may come before the Council 24. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) Councilor Hoffman 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. 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 8:41 PM. Councilor Felch made a motion to return to public session, 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 public session was reconvened at 8:56 PM. Councilor Felch made a motion to seal the minutes for 6 Months 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 25. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM Respectfully submitted, 25. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk