City Council

Minutes were approved by the City Council on May 12, 2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 4/28/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Mayor Hosmer led the salute to the flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Katie Gargano, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Clerk Gargano called the roll of the following councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert via Zoom, Councilor Felch. Councilor Bogert reported he was unable to attend the meeting in person due to being out of town and he was alone in the room, Mayor Hosmer noted that because Councilor Bogert was attending the meeting remotely, all votes would be done by roll call vote. Mayor Hosmer confirmed that all council members were in attendance and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director Mayor Hosmer called up Savannah Brunelle, administrative secretary for the Planning Department to stand next to the new logo for Laconia Pumpkin Festival in the Council Chambers. Mayor Hosmer recognized and thanked Savannah on behalf of the city for her creation of the city’s new logo for the festival. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of April 28, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of April 14, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on April 22, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2025-08, Laconia Multicultural Festival, and request to waive fees associated with the event 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2025-08, Laconia Multicultural Festival, and request to waive fees associated with the event Temporary Traffic Order 2025-08 is attached for this year’s Multicultural Festival. This is a recurring event and there are no significant changes to the Temporary Traffic Order (other than the dates) from last year’s Festival. The organizers of the event are also requesting that all City fees associated with the event be waived. The fees consist of a $150 Special Events fee and a $10 Licensing fee. The Special Events Review Committee approved the application for this year’s Multicultural Festival event at their March 5, 2025 meeting. Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-08 as presented for the Laconia Multicultural Festival and to waive all City fees associated with the event. 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 8.B. Laconia Kiwanis Bike 'n Board Safety Day – Request to waive Parks and Recreation facility fee The Laconia Kiwanis Club will be holding their annual Bike ‘n Board Safety Day at the Laconia Skate Park parking lot on Saturday, May 17. The event received Parks and Recreation Commission approval at their meeting on March 17, 2025, at which time a $150 facility fee was assessed. The Kiwanis Club is requesting that the Council consider waiving this fee. Parks and Recreation fees have not been historically waived by the Council due to the significant strain put on both the Parks and Recreation employees and wear and tear on the facilities themselves. However, the City Council approved a similar waiver request for last year’s event. If the Council wishes to approve the request to waive this fee, a motion is provided below. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive the $150 Parks and Recreation facility fee in relation to the 2025 Laconia Kiwanis Bike ‘n Board Safety Day to be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Laconia Skate Park Parking Lot. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: Councilor Felch asked if there were any fees being assessed by the city? Manager Beattie confirmed no. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA None. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS  None. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2025-235-15 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article III Districts: Zoning Map § 235-15, Official Zoning Map and Attachment 1, Table of Zoning Map amendments Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the April 17, 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 7:11 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:12 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-11 - Request release of parking kiosk reserve funds to purchase additional upgrade kits Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the April 17, 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 7:12 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:12 PM. 13.C. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-14 - Acceptance of the donation and installation of a flagpole from Bank of New Hampshire Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the April 17, 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 7:13 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Laconia Historical & Museum Society presentation  Mayor Hosmer closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Laconia Historical & Museum Society presentation Tara Shore spoke to the City Council about the Laconia Historical & Museum Society. They own the property at 65 Water Street. Their goals for the building are to save for a new roof, hopefully to be installed in November 2025, and new brick repointing. The museum will be opening soon! 14.B. City Manager FY 26 Budget Presentation Manager Beattie went over the FY 26 Budget with the City Council. He presented a tax cap compliant budget, over the next 2.5 months the department heads will come before the council to explain to them the wants, needs, and cuts, achievements. The budget process is a lengthy process, it takes about 8 months of working on the budget. The CPIU was 2.96 %, for fiscal year 2026 the estimated tax rate is $13.54, a decrease of .09 cents per thousand compared to last year. The overall budget is 4.09% total increase from last year. Of the 4.09, 3.3% is the increase city wide. Continued funding priorities: supporting recruitment and retention of employees, public safety, infrastructure New for FY26: increase for City Relief (Welfare Dept), New Union Contracts for: LEA, Fire, Police, SEA, AFSCME, Laconia Pumpkin Festival- adding a special revenue account. New Positions requested: Crime Analyst (PD), Admin Asst. BWC (PD), IT Network Admin (Finance), Community Paramedic (FD), Planning Project Manager, Land Use Planner, Office Clerk PT, Deputy of Operations (DPW) Scale Operator (Solid Waste) (PT) Included in the budget as of now is a half year Crime Analyst and Project Manager in Planning. Capital Improvement Plan- General Fund $1,848,000 ($1.4 M New Money) 12% decrease, $600K in Internal Service Fund, $75,000 in impact fees. The Master plan update will cost $100,000, roads and streets $1M, there was a discussion on if a road bond will be in the future? The need for a new DPW Building- No construction money planned, prework on plans being drawn up for size of property and what type of building we are looking for. Revenue: Use of Fund Balance increased to $965,000.00 overall general fund revenue increased $1.75 Million. Wage and compensation plan adjustment, health insurance rates increasing as of July 1 st . The City was forced into a last-minute change to how we purchase our health insurance. Three weeks ago, we were notified our health insurance increase was doubling then they became insolvent. We reached out to another risk pool, they have 2 plan options, the negotiations with the unions will have to start again. We are not the only municipality being affected. The council will be updated as things evolve. Manager Beattie reviewed the upcoming schedule for budget presentations. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Skipped  Manager Beattie reviewed the upcoming schedule for budget presentations. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Skipped 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney noted he was advised recently that our fire boat engine failed. Manager Beattie will keep the council aware of what we can do. Some of us were also made aware of the water’s edge water bill, Manager Beattie is working with the water department about if they are being billed correctly. Councilor Cheney also brought up that he, Mayor Hosmer and Councilor Hoffman attended a meeting about how many permits have been issued. He’d like to know from the planning department about a list of units and the project costs. Councilor Soucy would like to see a report on economic development. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Soucy, Cheney and Hoffman) Chairman Soucy mentioned they had a finance meeting last week, there was a discussion about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, there was a discussion about how much the county bill is increasing and how the city houses the county buildings that are not taxed. 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.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  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 City Council. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie went over the Monthly Economic Development Report with the City Council. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request to appoint Marjory Wilkinson as Supervisor of the Checklist for Ward 3 David Stamps recently resigned from his position as the Supervisor of the Checklist for Ward 3. Marjory Wilkinson has expressed interest in being appointed for the remainder of Mr. Stamps’ term which expires on December 31, 2025. According to Chapter C, Article II Section 2:01 all vacancies occurring in the board shall be filled by the City Council. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to appoint Marjory Wilkinson to serve as Ward 3 Supervisor of the Checklist to fill the remainder of a 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. Request to appoint Seth Wingate to The Colonial Theatre Advisory Board A Colonial Theatre Advisory Board was created in 2023 as provided for in the Management Agreement between the City of Laconia and Spectacle Management. As outlined in that agreement, “…the Board shall be appointed by the City Council to serve as a liaison and sounding board with Spectacle, a conduit to the City Council and City Manager, and an evaluator of ideas and recommendations concerning the facility to the City Manager.” Former City Manager Scott Myers was appointed to the Board when it was created. Mr. Myers has since moved out of the area, and the Mayor is requesting that Seth Wingate be appointed to fill this vacant position. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the appointment of Seth Wingate as a member of The Colonial Theatre Advisory Board. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes  Colonial Theatre Advisory Board. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Laconia Historical and Museum Society – Request to waive Parks and Recreation facility fee The Laconia Historical and Museum Society will be holding an event at the Weirs Community Park Amphitheater on May 31, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at which the New Horizons Band will be performing. This event received approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission at their January 21, 2025 meeting, at which time a $150 facility fee was assessed. The Laconia Historical and Museum Society is requesting that the Council consider waiving this fee. Parks and Recreation fees have not been historically waived by the Council due to the significant strain put on both the Parks and Recreation employees and wear and tear on the facilities themselves. If the Council wishes to approve the request to waive this fee, a motion is provided below. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive the $150 Parks and Recreation facility fee in relation to the Laconia Historical and Museum Society’s event at the Weirs Community Park Amphitheater to be held on May 31, 2025. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: Councilor Felch noted at the last parks and Recreation meeting this was brought forward and they did waive the fees. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney: Yes Councilor Soucy: Yes Councilor Hoffman: Yes Councilor Haynes: Yes Councilor Bogert: Yes Councilor Felch: Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Laconia Airport Authority - Notice of Termination of Lease and new Lease Agreement Paper Birch Holdings, LLC, 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 a Termination of Lease with UHW Properties, Inc. and a New Lease Agreement with Paper Birch Holdings, LLC. At a meeting on April 24, 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 and accompanying document. Motion to Table by Councilor Cheney seconded by Councilor Felch, the motion is nondebatable. 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 The item is tabled. 21.E. Request to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the Laconia Administrative & Technical Employees, Chapter 69, State Employees Association of NH, Local 1984 (SEA), for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 The City Council met in a non-public meeting earlier this evening to review the collective bargaining agreement with Laconia Administrative & Technical Employees, Chapter 69, State Employees Association of NH, Local 1984 (SEA). Fiscal Impact: The first year increase of the contract is $175,547.17 (which includes a winter maintenance stipend). Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Laconia Administrative & Technical Employees, Chapter 69, State Employees Association of NH, Local 1984 (SEA), for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Ordinance 2025-235-15 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article III Districts, Zoning Map § 235-15, Official Zoning Map and Attachment 1, Table of Zoning Map Amendments This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will amend the Official Zoning Map to expand the Residential Apartment (RA) District to include 35 Blueberry Lane (Parcel #394-336-15). This parcel currently abuts the RA District and has a nonresidential use which does not conform to the uses permitted in the RA. The proposed Zoning Amendment would allow the parcel to be redeveloped in accordance with the character of the neighborhood and the City’s Master Plan. The overwhelming majority of dwelling units on Blueberry Lane belong to some form of multi-family structure. This includes apartment complexes, condominium complexes, townhomes, and an assisted living facility. The current nonresidential use as a conference center does not fit the character of a residential neighborhood, nor would it be permitted in the RA district. Furthermore, the City’s current Master Plan identifies a “pro-population growth land use strategy, with a focus on mid-market residential housing.” By expanding the RA District to this parcel, the City will provide developers with an opportunity to implement the City’s current land use strategy. The City’s Master Plan also identifies “an increasing number of people who live in other communities but work in Laconia,” and “a shrinking commercial valuation.” Opportunities to develop mid-market housing in a multi-family neighborhood that abuts a commercial hub encourages workers to move to Laconia and helps provide the workforce needed for commercial expansion. In accordance with Article XIV of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board reviewed and approved this proposed amendment at its meeting on April 1, 2025.  will provide developers with an opportunity to implement the City’s current land use strategy. The City’s Master Plan also identifies “an increasing number of people who live in other communities but work in Laconia,” and “a shrinking commercial valuation.” Opportunities to develop mid-market housing in a multi-family neighborhood that abuts a commercial hub encourages workers to move to Laconia and helps provide the workforce needed for commercial expansion. In accordance with Article XIV of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board reviewed and approved this proposed amendment at its meeting on April 1, 2025. At the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Discussion: Manager Beattie explained the change to the Council, Councilor Soucy asked if the Planning Department has received any feedback from any of the abutters, Director Mora said they have not. Councilor Soucy asked if there was any action being taken to make sure any development on that lot does not affect the conservation area that abuts the property, he would like to see the developer put money into an escrow account if they need to hire an arborist Director Mora said there will be conditions issued in their staff report at the Planning Board meeting and they could add that in. Mayor Hosmer asked Director Mora to follow up with Councilors Soucy and Cheney regarding this matter. Director Mora agreed. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-235-15 in its entirety and to read by title only. 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 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to move a second reading of Ordinance 2025-235-15 amending Chapter 235 Zoning, Article III Districts; Zoning Map, § 235-15 Official Zoning Map and Attachment 1, Table of Zoning Map Amendments. 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 Hoffman made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-235-15 amending Chapter 235 Zoning, Article III Districts; Zoning Map, § 235-15 Official Zoning Map and Attachment 1, Table of Zoning Map Amendments, as presented. 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.B. Resolution 2025-11 - Request release of parking kiosk reserve funds to purchase additional upgrade kits The parking kiosks were installed on Lakeside Ave and Endicott Rock Park’s parking lot in 2017. The systems will be eight years old when we activate them for the summer of 2025. The kiosks are computer-controlled and the number of problems with the systems is increasing which increases the 22.B. Resolution 2025-11 - Request release of parking kiosk reserve funds to purchase additional upgrade kits The parking kiosks were installed on Lakeside Ave and Endicott Rock Park’s parking lot in 2017. The systems will be eight years old when we activate them for the summer of 2025. The kiosks are computer-controlled and the number of problems with the systems is increasing which increases the time Public Works crews spend trouble shooting and repairing the systems. Our vendor has an upgrade package for our existing kiosks. The package replaces the computer and monitor systems in the kiosks. The City Council on October 28, 2024, approved the use of $10,000 from the Parking Kiosk reserve account to purchase two upgrade kits. This was approved by vote, but not with a Resolution. The City Council on February 10, 2025, approved Resolution 2025-03, transferring $32,000 from the LED Streetlight Reserve Account to the Parking Kiosk Reserve Account. The Trustees of the Trust Fund agreed to the transfer at their February 3, 2025, meeting and supported the use of funds to upgrade the kiosks. Public Works requests that the City Council approve Resolution 2025-11 authorizing the release of an amount not to exceed $33,000 from the Parking Kiosk Reserve Account to purchase 8 upgrade kits. This includes the 2 kits approved in October and an additional 6 units. If approved, 8 of 15 parking kiosks will be upgraded before the start of the tourist season. Public Works recommends that the City Council approve the request as it will minimize the time staff spends maintaining the systems and it will improve customer service in these parking areas. The second and final reading will be scheduled for the May 12, 2025 City Council meeting. At the April 14, 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 estimated amount of funds remaining in the Parking Kiosk Reserve Account will be $18,672.46. Motion to Table by Councilor Soucy seconded by Councilor Haynes, the motion is nondebatable. 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 is tabled. 22.C. Resolution 2025-14 – Acceptance of the donation and installation of a flagpole from Bank of New Hampshire The Bank of New Hampshire has generously offered to donate, install and maintain a new flagpole to replace the one currently located on the island in Veteran’s Square. The Bank has received the attached quote for the purchase and installation of the flagpole. At the April 14, 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: There is no cost to the City. Councilor Haynes made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-14 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote:  Fiscal Impact: There is no cost to the City. Councilor Haynes made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-14 in its entirety and to read by title only. 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 Soucy made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2025-14, Acceptance of a Donation, Installation and Maintenance of a Flagpole from Bank of New Hampshire. 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 approve Resolution 2025-14, Acceptance of a Donation, Installation and Maintenance of a Flagpole from Bank of New Hampshire as presented and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: Councilor Felch asked if this includes lighting for the flagpole. Councilor Soucy asked about the maintenance of the island. 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. Proposed changes to the City Council Rules of Procedure At the March 10, 2025 City Council meeting Councilor Cheney raised concerns with the language contained in the City Council Rules of Procedure. At a Government Operations and Ordinances meeting on March 27, 2025 a motion was approved to make the changes as recommended by the City Manager and bring them forth to the full Council. At the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to table this agenda item. Councilor Cheney made a motion to take this agenda item off the table. 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 the revised City Council Rules of Procedure as presented.  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 the revised City Council Rules of Procedure as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: Councilor Bogert asked a question about the definition of business. He feels ad hoc committees should differ between profit and nonprofit businesses, Manager Beattie stated he copied the exact usage of the TIF committee. 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.E. Resolution 2025-16 - Request to extend Plantation and Colonial Road's emergency lane designation and an exception to the City Ordinance on continuing to collect solid waste at the curb The City Council on October 28, 2024 declared Plantation and Colonial Roads to be emergency lanes until April 30, 2025 or the date of the Belknap Superior Court’s decision on case number 211- 2024-CV-00054, Joy Sabato, et al v City of Laconia, whichever is first. Councilmember Felch on April 22, 2025 informed me that he would be asking the City Council at their April 28, 2025 meeting to extend the emergency lane designation until the Belknap Superior Court’s decision is made. Presently, the Court trial is scheduled for October 2-3, 2025. The City Council to extend the emergency lane designation must hold a public hearing and provide notice to abutting property owners no later than 10 days before the public hearing. 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. The City Council 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.” If the City Council supports Councilmember Felch’s request, Public Works recommends the expiration date for the emergency lane declaration be October 31, 2025, or the date of the Belknap Superior Court’s decision on case number 211-2024-CV-00054, Joy Sabato, et al v City of Laconia, whichever is first. Also on October 28, 2024, the City Council authorized the collection of solid waste at the curb for those properties that abut Plantation and Colonial Roads during the period of the emergency declaration. City Ordinance 194-4-B prohibits the City’s “solid waste collection contractor from entering a privately owned driveway, roadway or lane for the purpose of collection of garbage or residential household rubbish from privately owned property.” Declaring a road an emergency lane does not change its status. It is still a private road. Therefore, the Council will have to again authorize an exception to the City ordinance to collect solid waste at the curb. Public Works recommends that the City Council schedule a public hearing on May 12, 2025 on declaring Plantation and Colonial Roads to be emergency lanes. Declaring a road an emergency lane does not change its status. It is still a private road. Therefore, the Council will have to again authorize an exception to the City ordinance to collect solid waste at the curb. Public Works recommends that the City Council schedule a public hearing on May 12, 2025 on declaring Plantation and Colonial Roads to be emergency lanes. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-16 in its entirety and to read by title only. 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 Councilor Flech made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-16 establishing Plantation Road and Colonial Road as emergency lanes under RSA 231:59-a with an expiration date of October 31, 2025 or the date of the Belknap Superior Court’s decision on case number 211-2024-CV-00054, Joy Sabato, et al v City of Laconia, whichever is first. 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 schedule a public hearing on May 12, 2025 establishing Plantation and Colonial Roads as emergency lanes under RSA 231:59-a with an expiration date of October 31, 2025 or the date of the Belknap Superior Court’s decision on case number 211-2024- CV-00054, Joy Sabato, et al v City of Laconia, whichever is first. 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 If the City Council desires to approve the exception to the City’s Solid Waste Ordinances, the following motion is provided: Councilor Felch made a motion that the City Council approves an exception to City Ordinance 194-4- B and allow the City’s solid waste collection contractor to collect solid waste at the curb on Plantation and Colonial Roads during the period the two roads are an emergency lane. 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 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 8:25 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk