City Council

Minutes were approved by the City Council on August 25, 2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 8/11/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hosmer called the meeting the order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Council Cheney led the salute to the flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Katie Gargano, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Clerk Gargano called the roll of the following councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Mayor Hosmer confirmed that all councilor members were present and a quorum was established. 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 July 28, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of July 28, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on August 8, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions The Appointments Subcommittee met on July 31, 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: Arthur Kirk – reappointment to the Parks and Rec Commission Richard Boddie – appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (moving from alternate to a full member)  The following individuals are strongly recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions: Arthur Kirk – reappointment to the Parks and Rec Commission Richard Boddie – appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (moving from alternate to a full member) Deb Williams – reappointment to the Conservation Commission John Tracy – appointment to the Water Commission Warren Clement – reappointment to the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board Lois Kessin – reappointment to the Heritage Commission Michael Argiropolis – appointment to the Library Board Lisa Morin – reappointment to the Conservation Commission Aaron Bassett – reappointment to the Library Board Charlie St. Clair – reappointment to the Downtown TIF District Advisory Board Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve the appointee’s as presented and as recommended by the appointments committee, seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA No one wished to speak. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hosmer noted his last meeting will be on August 25, 2025. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Felch mentioned Got lunch, food went out to 551 families this summer and that National night out is from 4-7pm on Thursday August 14 th at Opechee Park. Councilor Cheney would like to see the resident only parking get priority on Simpson Ave, he knows it is going to the subcommittee. He’d like to know if the historic district has been made aware of reviewing the weirs. He was looking for an update on the Solar project in the weirs. Manager Beattie stated the Solar farm is up and running off of sterling drive it began January 2025. The way how it is set up is we receive by contract money based off the power produced and we receive a lease payment for the property. Councilor Cheney stated he also got a complaint about parking issues on Beaman Street, he received pictures that showed the sidewalks being blocked. He hopes that this will be enforced by the police department.  going to the subcommittee. He’d like to know if the historic district has been made aware of reviewing the weirs. He was looking for an update on the Solar project in the weirs. Manager Beattie stated the Solar farm is up and running off of sterling drive it began January 2025. The way how it is set up is we receive by contract money based off the power produced and we receive a lease payment for the property. Councilor Cheney stated he also got a complaint about parking issues on Beaman Street, he received pictures that showed the sidewalks being blocked. He hopes that this will be enforced by the police department. 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.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 Chad Puzzo from the Mini Winni spoke about the commercial boats and the $100 fine for dropping and picking people up. They are a charter boat company who bring people to the businesses in the Weirs. Bill Verner, long island rd. in Moultonborough he owns Lake Winnipesaukee boat tours, he was very surprised to see the sign. He also is a disabled veteran and he does not see a handicap space on the dock. He said there is a handicap space in Wolfeboro and it works very well. Jeff owner of Lake Winnipesaukee boat tours, stated he agrees with what Chad said. He feels the economic impact is significant, he recommends the restaurants in the weirs to his customers. He thinks that safety is very important on the lake, he feels they are helping keep people who shouldn’t be renting boats and navigating the unfamiliar water off the lake by chartering them. He was wondering what the need was for the sign to be put up. Councilor Cheney stated that he was one who brought the issue up, he was told the docks used to have a sign that stated the same, it is in an existing ordinance.  Jeff owner of Lake Winnipesaukee boat tours, stated he agrees with what Chad said. He feels the economic impact is significant, he recommends the restaurants in the weirs to his customers. He thinks that safety is very important on the lake, he feels they are helping keep people who shouldn’t be renting boats and navigating the unfamiliar water off the lake by chartering them. He was wondering what the need was for the sign to be put up. Councilor Cheney stated that he was one who brought the issue up, he was told the docks used to have a sign that stated the same, it is in an existing ordinance. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Manager Beattie reviewed the timeline to replace the vacancy for the remainder of the mayor’s term. 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report Manager Beattie presented the financial and operational trends report to the City Council. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request for a building permit on a private road (54 Colonial Road) The owner of 54 Colonial Road submitted a building permit to construct a single-family home on the existing vacant lot. Colonial Road is neither a City street nor does it correspond with a street plat approved by Planning Board. In accordance with RSA 674:41, the Planning Board must review and provide comments, if any, on the building permit prior to going to City Council for review and approval. The Planning Board reviewed the building permit at its meeting on August 5, 2025. The Board would ask the City Council to consider requiring a drainage plan to be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of the permit. In accordance with RSA 674:41, the City Council must now review and determine whether to approve or deny the issuance of a building permit. If the City Council approves the issuance of the permit, the property owner must sign a document acknowledging the City shall have no responsibility for the maintenance of or liability for any damages incurred from the use of the private road. This document will be recorded at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds. Councilor Felch made a motion to authorize the issuance of a building permit for 54 Colonial Road with the following conditions: 1. A drainage plan must be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of the permit. 2. The acknowledgment of the City’s limited responsibility and liability for the private road is signed and recorded at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds.” Councilor Felch further moved to authorize the City Manager to sign, on behalf of the City, the Notice of Limits of Responsibility and Liability form in connection with this matter. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: There was a conversation between the mayor and city manager about the conditions of the road and how they are being built, and if they are being built up to city standards. Manager Beattie stated this is a road that has existed for a number of years and is not a new road, but there are procedures in place on new developments. Councilor Cheney asked about proper setbacks, Director Mora stated that all new construction will adhere to the proper setbacks. Councilor Felch asked if there is any type of bond that is collected incase of the developer goes bankrupt during the construction process that could be used to finish the road. Manager Beattie stated this has nothing to do with the road but in other cases when there are new roads being built they are getting securities in place. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Resolution 2025-27 - Request to authorize the City Manager to accept and expend a New Hampshire Department of Safety Grant in the amount of $40,000 The Laconia Police Department applied to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for grant funding under the Granite Shield/Northern Shield grant program. The grant will provide the Laconia Police 21.B. Resolution 2025-27 - Request to authorize the City Manager to accept and expend a New Hampshire Department of Safety Grant in the amount of $40,000 The Laconia Police Department applied to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for grant funding under the Granite Shield/Northern Shield grant program. The grant will provide the Laconia Police Department the resources to identify, investigate, and apprehend individuals and/or organizations that are involved in narcotics-related drug use and trafficking. The department was recently informed that the grant had been awarded. The requested funds will cover overtime expenses incurred for these efforts. This grant is a two (2) year grant. Fiscal Impact: None – there is no local match requirement for this grant. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-27 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passes with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-27 – Request to authorize the City Manager to accept and expend a New Hampshire Department of Safety grant on behalf of the City in the amount of $40,000.00. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passes with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on August 25, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passes with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. City Council discussion regarding proposed water rate increases At their regularly scheduled meeting on July 21, 2025, The Board of Water Commissioners voted to proceed with increasing its water rates by changing the base rate from $25.00 per quarter to $28.75 per quarter, a 15% increase. The rate change for consumption is proposed to change from $2.55 to $2.81 per hundred cubic feet, which is a 10% increase. The increase will allow the Water Department to keep in good financial position, while continually being able to meet current and future operational and capital needs of the department. The change would go into effect for any bills generated on or after January 1, 2026, and will reflect any water used on or after November 1, 2025. The estimated increase for a family of 4 with average water usage is $1.08 per day. *Correction the increase is .11 cents/ day or $41 per year. There is a public hearing regarding the rate change on August 12, 2025, at 6pm in City Council Chambers. The City Manager has been asked to place this on City Council agenda for review and discussion. Fiscal Impact: Estimated increase of $350,000 in revenue to the Water Department. Brian Wolfe, Chair of the water commission, was present to take any questions from the City Council. Mayor Hosmer noted this is an enterprise fund that is determined by the water commission. He’d like to know why this is even before the council to begin with. Councilor Cheney stated that he feels that the city council should be reviewing this. Councilor Cheney wants to see this go to the subcommittee for the ordinance to be amended. Mayor Hosmer questioned their authority. It was implemented by ordinance that was approved in, the amount of money in reserve is 6 months of operating expenses. Director Smith does not know what the appropriate amount of reserved that the  Mayor Hosmer noted this is an enterprise fund that is determined by the water commission. He’d like to know why this is even before the council to begin with. Councilor Cheney stated that he feels that the city council should be reviewing this. Councilor Cheney wants to see this go to the subcommittee for the ordinance to be amended. Mayor Hosmer questioned their authority. It was implemented by ordinance that was approved in, the amount of money in reserve is 6 months of operating expenses. Director Smith does not know what the appropriate amount of reserved that the reserves are unacceptable. Mayor Hosmer asked if it is appropriate for the auditors to do an analysis to let us know what a water department our size should have in reserves. Councilor Soucy would also like to see how the water department works in other cities/ towns in NH. Councilor Bogert asked Manager Beattie what the appropriate percentage is to have in reserves, Manager Beattie stated that the Department of Revenue gives a percentage range that is acceptable in fund balance. Director Smith stated that the DRA minimum request for cash on hand is 5%, over the years we have kept 5-10% on hand. Councilor Cheney made a motion for the review of the water departments operations get reviewed by the Government Operations & Ordinances Subcommittee, the motion was seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: this will not be discussed at the scheduled 8/13/25 meeting, it will be on the next meeting, and the committee will let the water department know when that date is set. Mr. Wolfe noted Laconia has the 4 th lowest water rate in the state. 21.D. City Council discussion regarding Chapter 229 of the Laconia City Code - Wharves, Section 229-3 - Commercial Use Restricted The City Council and City Manager have received requests from multiple Lake Winnipesaukee related businesses requesting the City Council consider amending City Code Chapter 229 Wharves, to allow short term docking by commercial vessels for the purpose of transporting passengers in and out of Weirs Beach via the Weirs Docks. The request specifically relates to Chapter 229-3 Commercial Use Restricted. § 229-3 Commercial use restricted. A. Operators of boats engaged in commercial enterprise shall not moor such boats at any public wharf except as provided in Subsections B and C. B. The United States Mail boat may be moored on the southerly side of the wharf, known as "Dock No. 6," at Weirs Beach during such hours and according to such regulations as the City Council may direct by vote; such regulations as to hours and other matters shall be effective when posted at said Dock No. 6. No other boat shall be moored on the southerly side of Dock No. 6 during the hours posted for mooring of said United States Mail boat; provided, however, that said mail boat will be responsible to the City of Laconia for any and all damage occurring to said Dock No. 6 as a result of the mooring of said United States Mail boat. C. The City Council may, in its sole discretion, lease public dock space to one or more commercial enterprises on such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate. Prior to entering into any such lease, the City Council shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed lease. The full Ordinance is attached to the agenda. City Manager recommends after tonight’s discussion the City Council should send this to the Government Operations and Ordinances sub-committee for review and recommendations. Councilor Haynes made a motion to refer it to the government operations and ordinances subcommittee seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: the subcommittee has a meeting on  City Manager recommends after tonight’s discussion the City Council should send this to the Government Operations and Ordinances sub-committee for review and recommendations. Councilor Haynes made a motion to refer it to the government operations and ordinances subcommittee seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: the subcommittee has a meeting on 8/13/25 at 2pm, Manager Beattie let the audience members know the next step in the process is the subcommittee will review it, come to a consensus and then refer it back to the full council. There will then have to be a public hearing held for any changes to the ordinance and then at another meeting the council would vote on the ordinance change, this is not a fast fix, it will take at least a month. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 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 (A) The dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee, or the investigation of any charges against him, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. 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 The nonpublic session began at 7:54 PM. Councilor Soucy 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  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 8:09 PM. Councilor Haynes made a motion to seal the minutes for 6 months. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Cheney- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Felch- Yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hosmer adjourned the meeting at 8:10 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk