City Council

Minutes were approved on July 28, 2025, by the Laconia City Council. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. 7/14/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Haynes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Soucy 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 Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert, and Councilor Felch. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes confirmed that all councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director Mayor Pro Tem Haynes noted that there will be a Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 (l) Consideration of legal advice provided by legal counsel, either in writing or orally, to one or more members of the public body, even where legal counsel is not present at the end of the meeting. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 6.A. Proclamation - Lakes Region Community Services Mayor Pro Tem Haynes presented to: 4 members from Lakes Region Community Services board of directors a proclamation for their 50 th anniversary. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, for half a century Lakes Region Community Services has been dedicated to strengthening and enhancing the lives of individuals and families within our community and across the Lakes Region; and WHEREAS, through the years LRCS has provided a wide range of services including: acting as the designated Area Agency for Region III, providing community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders, and providing early support and services. LRCS also operates a Family Resource Center of Quality with programs such as the Parenting Journey/Sober Parenting Journey (parent education,) Welcome Baby, Step Ahead, and Kinship, and Home Assist, allowing adults in our community to age in place in their homes; and WHEREAS, the tireless efforts of Lakes Region Community Services’ staff, board members, volunteers and community partners have positively impacted thousands of lives, fostering a stronger,  LRCS also operates a Family Resource Center of Quality with programs such as the Parenting Journey/Sober Parenting Journey (parent education,) Welcome Baby, Step Ahead, and Kinship, and Home Assist, allowing adults in our community to age in place in their homes; and WHEREAS, the tireless efforts of Lakes Region Community Services’ staff, board members, volunteers and community partners have positively impacted thousands of lives, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community; and WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of Lakes Region Community Services provides an opportunity to reflect on its accomplishments, celebrate its impact, and look forward to continued service and progress for generations to come. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew J. Hosmer, Mayor of the City of Laconia, do hereby proclaim 2025 as the 50th Anniversary Year of Lakes Region Community Services, and encourage all residents to recognize, support and celebrate the vital mission and contributions of this outstanding organization. Given under my hand and the seal of the City of Laconia, New Hampshire, this 14th day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five. Andrew J. Hosmer, Mayor 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of June 23, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of June 23, 2025, were distributed to members of the City Council on June 24, 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 2025-12 - Runaway Pumpkin 2025 The 2025 Runaway Pumpkin 5K Run, 5K/10K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This event is done in conjunction with the Laconia Pumpkin Festival, and proceeds from the event will benefit the WOW Trail. This is a recurring event, and there are no changes from last year’s TTO other than the date. Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-12 for the 2025 Runaway Pumpkin Event, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: Councilor Felch already signed up and he hopes to see other Councilors and the City Manager join him. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Patrick Wood, Ward 1 spoke about how great the 4 th of July event went at Opechee Park. He then spoke about the congregate housing program, where the funding was being cut by the state budget. The Laconia housing authority worked with the senate, they agreed to add the $700,000 back into the budget. They have to apply for the money. They have 27 residents that depend on the funding, Manchester has 7 residents that also use this money. He wanted to thank the Council for their support. Councilor Soucy asked how much money did Laconia need to keep the program running? He said they needed $700,000 for the 2 years. He hopes they don’t have to compete with the City of Manchester. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Proposed Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements CDBG Project - Laconia Senior Center Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:12 PM Donna Lane stated that there are informational packets on the back table. She also noted that Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available for Economic Development Projects, up $500,000 for Housing Projects, up to $500,000 for Public Facility Projects, up to $500,000 in Emergency Funds, up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility Funds. Of the grant funds, up to $35,000 will be retained by the City for administrative/labor compliance costs associated with the project, up to $465,000 of the funds will be subgranted to Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM). CAPBM proposes to make improvements to the Laconia Senior Center, 184 Beacon W St, Laconia, including a commercial kitchen that would allow for on-site preparation of meals for daily on-site congregate meals and to allow for a significant expansion of the Meals-on-Wheels program as it will allow for preparation and distribution locally rather than transporting from Concord. This project conforms with Laconia’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s goals of: Promote activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors (Short-term and Long- term goal) Councilor Soucy asked what CDBG stood for. Ms. Lane stated Community Development Block Grant. No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 PM 13.B. Public Hearing - Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements CDBG Project Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:16 PM Donna Lane explained 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 does not anticipate displacement or  Mayor Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:16 PM Donna Lane explained 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 does not anticipate displacement or relocation. Councilor Bogert asked for clarification on if the senior center is actually getting displaced based off the new kitchen. Karen Prior- Consultant for CAP, the current kitchen is just used for keeping the food warm, no food is prepared, there is no displacement for the project. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 PM 13.C. Public Hearing - Presentation of the Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements Planning Study CDBG Project - Laconia Senior Center Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 PM Donna Lane explained that CDBG funded a Planning Study grant so that Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM) could hire an architect to determine the pre-development costs of the proposed Senior Center improvements project including pre-construction planning, preliminary architectural design and cost estimates. The expected cost of the kitchen expansion and improvements is approx $1.3 million Councilor Soucy asked how many people are served per day for meals on wheels. Suzanne Demers was the director, she stated 25-75 are served for the congregate meals. No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM 13.D. Public Hearing - Updated Housing and Community Development Plan Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:22 PM Donna Lane explained A Housing and Community Development Plan is required to be eligible to apply for CDBG funds. The proposed Housing and Community Development Plan (HCDP) identifies needs, which currently exist or are anticipated during the next three years. The Plan provides a basis for guiding the Town’s housing and community development objectives and actions. In addition, the proposed Plan includes a CDBG Citizen Participation plan that details the CDBG requirements for public hearings.  be eligible to apply for CDBG funds. The proposed Housing and Community Development Plan (HCDP) identifies needs, which currently exist or are anticipated during the next three years. The Plan provides a basis for guiding the Town’s housing and community development objectives and actions. In addition, the proposed Plan includes a CDBG Citizen Participation plan that details the CDBG requirements for public hearings. The Housing and Community Development Plan can’t be more than 3 years old. Laconia’s Plan was last adopted in November 2021. No changes have been made to that plan’s goals of: Goal: Encourage a varied stock of safe, sanitary, decent and affordable housing for persons of all age and income groups. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Encourage economic development activities to increase quality industrial and commercial development. Encourage the expansion and retention of employment opportunities for residents. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Encourage municipal and private water and wastewater systems that are safe, sanitary and that meet DES regulations. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Preserve and promote the City’s historically and culturally significant structures. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Promote activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors. (Short-term and Long-term goal). No Questions from the City Council No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:23 PM 13.E. Public Hearing - Progress of the Boy's and Girl's Club of Central NH's Lakes Region Early Learning Center Playground Improvements Project Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:24 PM Donna Lane explained CDBG has awarded funding for improvements to the playground at the Lakes Region Early Learning Center at 22 Strafford St. The existing natural play area will be replaced with a new sand play area, a music play area, a sensory garden, and a separate toddler play area. The playground will consist of a mix natural features and hand-made structures. Construction is expected from August to October 2025. Councilor Soucy stated that he walks this area and he was glad to see the project moving forward. He asked how much was the grant- Donna stated it was almost $460,000.00 No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM  Councilor Soucy stated that he walks this area and he was glad to see the project moving forward. He asked how much was the grant- Donna stated it was almost $460,000.00 No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM 13.F. Public Hearing - Progress of the Partnership for Public Health's Improvements Project Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:26 PM Donna Lane explained that CDBG awarded funding for improvements at the Partnership for Public Health’s property at 11 Academy Square. Improvements to include ADA accessibility requirements, energy, safety, security and privacy items. The bid opening for the subtrade work was held in June. Construction is expected from July to June 2026. No Questions from the Council No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 PM 13.G. Public Hearing - Lakes Region Community Developers CDBG Millview Apartments Improvement Project Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:27 PM Donna Lane explained CDBG awarded funding for improvements to Lakes Region Community Developer’s Millview Apartments located at 115-117 Union Ave, 20&28 Locust St and 5 Jameson St. Improvements include new roofing, siding and possible boilers. Roofing is complete and siding is in process. Construction is expected to be complete by June 2026. No Questions from the Council No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:29 PM 13.H. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-25 relative to proposed amendments to the Laconia City Charter to amend Article II, Elections and Election Officers, Sections 2:02, 2:03, 2:06 and 3:05 Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the July 2, 2025 editions 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 July 2, 2025 editions 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 PM No Questions from the Council No one from public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Pro Tem Haynes spoke about the 4 th of July festivities, he wanted to give a shout out to all the city staff, EMS and Councilor Felch for his work on the parade. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney spoke to the manager about a diesel spill on Clearwater Place, he followed up on it with the residents and saw marks on the road and evidence there still may be diesel fuel on the road. He also stated the resident only parking signs can go up on Simpson Ave. Councilor Felch was at Got Lunch this morning, they are serving well over 500 children now. He invites councilors and community members on Sunday at 10AM and Mondays at 8AM. He’s also been attending the concerts on Canal Street, and they have been looking like a huge success. Compliments to Dan from Vintage Vinyl. 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.D.i. Downtown parking garage 17.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 17.D.iii. Plan for the DPW Compound 17.E. PUBLIC WORKS (Haynes (Chair), Hoffman, Soucy) 17.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17.E.ii. Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service 17.F. APPOINTMENTS (Councilors Soucy (Chair), Cheney and Haynes) 18. LIAISON REPORTS Councilor Soucy spoke about the Pumpkin Festival meetings that have been going on. There will be a show for the kids, a well known band at the evening and fireworks off the top of the parking garage. Councilor Haynes wanted to make the Council aware that there is going to be a public hearing on August 13 th during the Heritage Commission meeting about 136 Old Prescott Hill Rd, the house has been deemed significant it goes back to the house 1700’s and the Barn are of historic significance. They will also be looking at 406 Union Ave this is the Harris Family Furniture House and they have applied for a demolition permit. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No one from the public wished to speak. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report Manager Beattie presented the Financial and Operational Trends report to the City Council. What are the MIH Hours, Kirk- she does work daily, but she does work nights or weekends. Councilor Bogert asked about the School Reserves, he wondered if it is correct based off school construction, Manager Beattie stated no they have not been updated. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Appointment of Councilor Hoffman as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment At the March 10, 2025 City Council meeting Councilor Hoffman was appointed to an alternate position on the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three-year term expiring at the end of August, 2028. The appointment was made in the same capacity as a non-Councilor, not as a dedicated City Councilor member position. At the time of Councilor Hoffman’s appointment, there were only alternate positions available. However, there are currently two vacant regular member positions. The recommendation of City Manager Beattie is to appoint Councilor Hoffman as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Councilor Cheney made a motion to appoint City Councilor Eric Hoffman to a regular member position on the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three year term expiring at the end of August, 2028. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Councilor Cheney made a motion to appoint City Councilor Eric Hoffman to a regular member position on the Zoning Board of Adjustment to a three year term expiring at the end of August, 2028. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Proposed Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements CDBG Project - Laconia Senior Center Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available for Economic Development Projects, up $500,000 for Housing Projects, up to $500,000 for Public Facility Projects, up to $500,000 in Emergency Funds, up to $25,000 per Planning Study grant. All projects must directly benefit a majority of low- and moderate-income persons. This is a proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in CDBG Public Facility Funds. Of the grant funds, up to $35,000 will be retained by the City for administrative/labor compliance costs associated with the project, up to $465,000 of the funds will be subgranted to Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM). CAPBM proposes to make improvements to the Laconia Senior Center, 184 Beacon W St, Laconia, including a commercial kitchen that would allow for on-site preparation of meals for daily on-site congregate meals and to allow for a significant expansion of the Meals-on-Wheels program as it will allow for preparation and distribution locally rather than transporting from Concord. This project conforms with Laconia’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s goals of: Promote activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors (Short-term and Longterm goal). At the June 23, 2025 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 the Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements CDBG Project CDBG application and vote to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the CDBG application, and upon approval of the CDBG application, authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract, and any amendments thereto. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: Councilor Felch would like to suggest to read by title only moving forward. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Adoption of the City's Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvements CDBG Project at the 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 does not anticipate displacement or relocation. At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Soucy made a motion to adopt 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  Councilor Soucy made a motion to adopt 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.C. Presentation of the Community Action Program Kitchen Expansion and Improvement Planning Study CDBG Project - Laconia Senior Center CDBG funded a Planning Study grant so that Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM) could hire an architect to determine the pre-development costs of the proposed Senior Center improvements project including pre-construction planning, preliminary architectural design and cost estimates. The expected cost of the kitchen expansion and improvements is approximately $1.3million. At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. There is no action required on this agenda item. 22.D. Updated Housing and Community Development Plan A Housing and Community Development Plan is required to be eligible to apply for CDBG funds. The proposed Housing and Community Development Plan (HCDP) identifies needs, which currently exist or are anticipated during the next three years. The Plan provides a basis for guiding the Town’s housing and community development objectives and actions. In addition, the proposed Plan includes a CDBG Citizen Participation plan that details the CDBG requirements for public hearings. The Housing and Community Development Plan can’t be more than 3 years old. Laconia’s Plan was last adopted in November 2021. No changes have been made to that plan’s goals of: Goal: Encourage a varied stock of safe, sanitary, decent and affordable housing for persons of all age and income groups. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Encourage economic development activities to increase quality industrial and commercial development. Encourage the expansion and retention of employment opportunities for residents. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Encourage municipal and private water and wastewater systems that are safe, sanitary and that meet DES regulations. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Preserve and promote the City’s historically and culturally significant structures. (Short-term and Long-term goal). Goal: Promote activities that protect the health and safety of residents and visitors. (Short-term and Long-term goal). At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Soucy made a motion to read by title only, Seconded by Councilor Bogert. No vote was made. Councilor Felch made a motion to adopt the updated Housing and Community Development Plan, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.E. Progress of the Boys and Girls Club of Central NH's Lakes Region Early Learning Center Playground Improvements Project CDBG has awarded funding for improvements to the playground at the Lakes Region Early Learning  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.E. Progress of the Boys and Girls Club of Central NH's Lakes Region Early Learning Center Playground Improvements Project CDBG has awarded funding for improvements to the playground at the Lakes Region Early Learning Center at 22 Strafford St. The existing natural play area will be replaced with a new sand play area, a music play area, a sensory garden, and a separate toddler play area. The playground will consist of a mix natural features and hand-made structures. Construction is expected from August to October 2025. At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. There is no action required on this agenda item. 22.F. Progress of the Partnership for Public Health's Improvement Project at 11 Academy Square CDBG awarded funding for improvements at the Partnership for Public Health’s property at 11 Academy Square. Improvements to include ADA accessibility requirements, energy, safety, security and privacy items. The bid opening for the subtrade work was held in June. Construction is expected from July to June 2026. At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. There is no action required on this agenda item. 22.G. Progress of Lakes Region Community Developers Millview Apartment Improvements Project CDBG awarded funding for improvements to Lakes Region Community Developer’s Millview Apartments located at 115-117 Union Ave, 20&28 Locust St and 5 Jameson St. Improvements include new roofing, siding and possible boilers. Roofing is complete and siding is in process. Construction is expected to be complete by June 2026. At the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. There is no action required on this agenda item. 22.H. Resolution 2025-25 - Relative to proposed amendments to Sections 2:02, 2:03, 2:06 and 3:05 of the Laconia City Charter, to be included on the ballot for the November 2025 Municipal Election The City Clerk is proposing several potential Laconia City Charter changes to be included on the ballot for the November 2025 Municipal Election. Below is a summary of the proposed changes; detailed information is included in the information attached: ? Amend Section 2:02 correcting the Supervisor of the Checklist session meeting time ? Repeal Section 2:03 in the City Charter as it is redundant to Section 2:02 ? Amend Section 2:06 removing the requirement to hold a Municipal Primary Election ? Amend Section 2:06 changing the date for the filing period for Municipal Elections ? Amend Section 3:05 changing the City Council meeting start time  ? Amend Section 2:06 removing the requirement to hold a Municipal Primary Election ? Amend Section 2:06 changing the date for the filing period for Municipal Elections ? Amend Section 3:05 changing the City Council meeting start time The proposed changes were reviewed by the City’s legal counsel. At the June 23, 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: Estimated savings of $5,000 would be realized if the Municipal Primary Election was eliminated. These savings would include the cost of programming ballot counting devices, printing of ballots, programming of accessible voting tablets, personnel, postage for absentee ballots and food for election workers. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-25 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 Soucy made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2025-25 relative to proposed amendments to the Laconia City Charter to amend Sections 2:02, 2:03, 2:06 and 3:05. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-25 relative to proposed amendments to the Laconia City Charter to amend Sections 2:02, 2:03, 2:06 and 3:05, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: Councilor Felch would like to see these voted on separately. He is OK with the first 2 but not the other 2:06 to eliminate the primary, and is not OK with section 3:05 on changing the start time of the City Council Meetings. Councilor Bogert agrees with Councilor Felch, he agrees with the beginning section. He would rather see a filing period change versus eliminating the primary. Councilor Hoffman also agrees with what Councilor Felch stated and he would agree to also have it tabled. Councilor Bogert made a motion to table, seconded by Councilor Felch, the motion is non debatable. The motion passed 5-1 Councilor Cheney was opposed. 22.I. Adoption of Resolution 2025-21 relative to making itemized appropriations for City funds for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025 and terminating June 30, 2026 The proposed FY26 budget was presented to the City Council on April 28, 2025. A first reading of the Resolution was held on June 9, 2025. On June 23, 2025 Council held a public hearing on the proposed budget. During review and discussion of the proposal, amendments were proposed to reflect information received after the budget proposal was delivered to Council and to better meet the needs of the City and its citizens. These are summarized in Addendum #1 of this report. Fiscal Impact: The proposed budget includes estimated revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Motorcycle Week Fund, Ambulance EMS Fund, Sanitary Sewer Fund, Water Works Fund, Internal Service Fund, Downtown TIF District, Lakeport TIF District and Weirs TIF District, as well as anticipated grants for FY25. Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 general fund budget as follows: Increase total appropriations by two hundred sixty thousand dollars, from ninety-nine million two hundred thirty-three thousand eight hundred thirty-six dollars ($99,233,836) to ninety-nine million four Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 general fund budget as follows: Increase total appropriations by two hundred sixty thousand dollars, from ninety-nine million two hundred thirty-three thousand eight hundred thirty-six dollars ($99,233,836) to ninety-nine million four hundred ninety-three thousand eight hundred thirty-six dollars ($99,493,836), and Increase non-tax revenues by two hundred sixty thousand dollars, from thirty-six million seven hundred twenty-eight thousand, six hundred thirty-two dollars ($36,728,632) to thirty-six million nine hundred eighty-eight thousand, six hundred thirty-two dollars ($36,988,632). Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The above changes have no impact on the amount to be raised by taxes. Amend Anticipated Grants: Councilor Felch made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 anticipated grant budget as follows: Increase appropriations and non-tax revenues by sixteen thousand seven hundred sixty five dollars, from seventy seven thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($77,650) to ninety four thousand four hundred fifteen dollars (94,415). Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Add PumpkinFest: Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget proposal to include ninety-five thousand four hundred sixty seven dollars ($95,467) in revenues and expenditures in support of Laconia Pumpkinfest, such action to have no impact on the amount to be raised by taxes. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Amend Internal Service Fund: Councilor Soucy made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 internal service fund budget as follows: Decrease appropriations and non-tax revenues by one hundred ten thousand nine hundred seventy five dollars, from one million nine hundred eleven thousand eighty dollars ($1,911,080) to one million eight hundred thousand one hundred five dollars($1,800,105). Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Amend Lakeport TIF District Fund: Councilor Felch made a motion to amend the proposed fiscal year 2026 Lakeport TIF budget as follows: Decrease recommended increment by fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), from seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). Decrease recommended expenses by one hundred thousand dollars, ($100,000), from one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to zero dollars. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Adoption of amended Resolution: Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-21 in its entirety and read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-21 in its entirety and read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2025-21 relative to making itemized appropriations for city funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and terminating June 30, 2026. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-21 as amended relative to making itemized appropriations for city funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and terminating June 30, 2026. Seconded by Councilor Felch. 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 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. 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 (l) Consideration of legal advice provided by legal counsel, either in writing or orally, to one or more members of the public body, even where legal counsel is not present at the end of the meeting. 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 The nonpublic session began at 8:25 PM. Councilor Bogert made a motion to return to public session. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes  Councilor Bogert made a motion to return to public session. 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 public session was reconvened at 8:32 PM. Councilor Bogert made a motion to seal the minutes for 6 months. 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 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Haynes adjourned the meeting at 8:32 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk