City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on 10/14/2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 9/22/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor St. Clair 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 councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Mayor St. Clair confirmed that all 6 councilors were in attendance and a quorum was established. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 6.A. Extra Mile Day - Proclamation Mayor St. Clair presented a proclamation to “Extra Mile Day” 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of September 8, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of September 8, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on September 11, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Patrick Wood, Chair of the Human Relations Committee. They had a meeting last Tuesday that was interesting. They decided to have a planning committee meeting on 9/24/25 at 9:00 AM at Laconia Housing Authority conference room for a discussion about homelessness. Commissioner Spanos said he will be in attendance, Councilor Cheney will be there, the Laconia Police Department has been invited. What was discovered at last Tuesday’s meeting is that there is a lot of things that are being discussed that are untrue. The plan is to take the report from the homelessness taskforce that was created a couple of years ago. He  Patrick Wood, Chair of the Human Relations Committee. They had a meeting last Tuesday that was interesting. They decided to have a planning committee meeting on 9/24/25 at 9:00 AM at Laconia Housing Authority conference room for a discussion about homelessness. Commissioner Spanos said he will be in attendance, Councilor Cheney will be there, the Laconia Police Department has been invited. What was discovered at last Tuesday’s meeting is that there is a lot of things that are being discussed that are untrue. The plan is to take the report from the homelessness taskforce that was created a couple of years ago. He urges councilors to contact him about the meeting if they would like to attend. Faith Bannon of 39 Methodist Circle and a member of the weirs action committee. At the Weirs Action Committee meeting they discussed America’s 250 th anniversary next year. They have created a special subcommittee, and she is heading it. She’d like to know what the city is going to do and if there will be any special plans for the 250 th anniversary of America. They want to display their patriotism all throughout the city and they’d like to work with the City if they are planning on doing anything. Mayor St. Clair said nothing has been discussed yet but perhaps at the first of the year when the new mayor and council are seated they will discuss it. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 21.A was heard next with no objection 13.A. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2025-235-21 - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article IV, Overlay Districts, § 235-21, Housing Redevelopment Overlay District (HROD) Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 10, 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 St. Clair opened the Public Hearing at 7:18 PM. Joann Morin 53 Pearl Street, she spoke in favor of this. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Discussion regarding whether to add a question onto the November ballot asking voters if the City should create Social Districts as defined in HB 467 Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 10, 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 St. Clair opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM. 13.C. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-29 - Request to extend Plantation and Colonial Roads' emergency lane designation and an exception to the City's Ordinance on  No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM. 13.C. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-29 - Request to extend Plantation and Colonial Roads' emergency lane designation and an exception to the City's Ordinance on continuing to collect solid waste at the curb Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 10, 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 St. Clair opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM. Frank Marino 52 Plantation Rd, spoke about the designation of the road, he doesn’t understand how the road had been serviced for all these years and now it is in question. He wants it to maintain its emergency lane status. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:24 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor St. Clair noted the primary election that we had on September 9 th . The turnout was very low. He thanked the election workers and the office of the City Clerk’s Office for all their hard work that is put into holding an election. He’d like to see the banner poles used to advertise for the next election. Manager Beattie noted that he will contact the police department about using their flashing message board signs. He also asked about the absentee ballots being available, applications are available but the City Clerk cannot order the ballots until the council votes on another potential question to be added to the ballot tonight and if the process had changed since some new laws had passed, the city clerk said she would check and get back to him. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney would like to see some warning signs put at both ends on Old North Main St about pedestrians. Mayor St. Clair asked if the road will be striped? Director Anderson stated no it will not. Mayor St. Clair suggested having warnings painted directly on the pavement. Director Anderson will review what the Manual Uniform Traffic Control states on what can be done. Councilor Bogert requested the City Manager to see the RFP for lighting here in the City Hall Parking lot and for along the walkway. He believes the funding was an issue. He noted that City Hall is in the TIF district and there is money in the TIF and he believes it can be used for that capital improvement. Downtown TIF meeting on Wednesday 9/24/2025 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.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 Councilor Soucy reported at this morning’s Pumpkin Festival meeting they got notified that because of the drought, they cannot have fireworks at the event. In its place they are looking at having a laser light show. They are also generating interest from all around the country. The interest is building and we hope the weather holds out. Councilor Cheney doesn’t have figures in front of him, but he met with the police chief and he stated that drug deaths and he met with the fire chief and he stated that drug related ambulance rides are down. Mayor St. Clair stated he believes the City Police have been doing a great job walking the beat of downtown and their higher visibility has helped. Councilor Hoffman is a liaison of the ZBA, he’d like the City Council look at the short-term rental ordinance again. Manager Beattie stated that the short-term rental ordinance was under a large review, it was ready to go to Council and then to the Planning board. But in the process, there were some State RSA’s that changed. Planning pulled it back and resubmitted it our attorney’s who are adding in the new RSA’s that need to be followed. Hopefully the City Council will see it soon. Councilor Bogert commented that he hopes to see the rules tightened up. Councilor Cheney noted that the rules for short term rentals is the owner is required to live in the property, and he feels that has been abused and he’d like to see penalties added as well. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No one from the public wished to comment. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie presented the project updates report to the city council. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie presented the project updates report to the city council. Councilor Bogert noted the LSR is 2026-2345 for the Winnipesaukee River Basin. Councilor Haynes thanked Manager Beattie and Director Anderson for what they did at the intersection at 106/107. He believes that people are looking for a flashing light sign, like there is at Vista. Councilor Bogert believes it should be addressed on the South Main Street side first. Director Anderson said it would need to be addressed as 2 separate crossings across the 2 separate streets. 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Report Manager Beattie presented the monthly economic development report to the city council. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request for the City Manager to sign a lease agreement between the City of Laconia/Airport Authority and Yankee Aviation Services, Inc. This is a new lease with Yankee Aviation Services, Inc. The lease area is Development Zone #6 on the new development area known as Crosswinds, adjacent to and inclusive of the closed runway. Yankee Aviation Services, Inc. intends to construct a hangar on the property. · The Lease Agreement duration is 40 years in length, to be reviewed in 20 years to negotiate a new rate. · The agreed rate is $0.21 per square foot per usable acre for the 2025-2026 FY, with adjustments according to the December CPI-U each year. Fiscal Impact: The City incurs no cost; the revenue generated by this lease agreement amounts to $10,040.10 for the first-year base rental, payable to the Laconia Airport Authority for the operation of the airport. At its meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Laconia Airport Authority authorized Vice Chairman Dale Chan Eddy to sign the agreement on behalf of the LAA. · The Laconia Airport Authority is seeking approval from the City Council for Kirk Beattie as City Manager, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia. Councilor Bogert made a motion to approve the request for the City Manager to sign a lease agreement between the City of Laconia/Airport Authority and Yankee Aviation Services, Inc. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Resolution 2025-30 - A Resolution relative to authorizing the acceptance of a New Hampshire Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant in the amount of $133,542 to fund the Laconia Police Department's Tethered Drones Project In August of 2025 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through the NH Department of Safety under its 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant application. The purpose of the Laconia Police Department’s Tethered Drone project: This project would enable the LPD, LFD, surrounding Police Departments, UNH, and the state as needed to immediately implement real-time intelligence and information sharing, that includes situational awareness to respond to situations necessitating the need for securing an environment and for response personnel engaged in lifesaving and life-sustaining operations using passive and active video surveillance.  The purpose of the Laconia Police Department’s Tethered Drone project: This project would enable the LPD, LFD, surrounding Police Departments, UNH, and the state as needed to immediately implement real-time intelligence and information sharing, that includes situational awareness to respond to situations necessitating the need for securing an environment and for response personnel engaged in lifesaving and life-sustaining operations using passive and active video surveillance. This addition to Laconia PD would support the city, county, and state in operational responses during active threat situations and major events such as Motorcycle Week and Pumpkin Fest, to ensure response in a timely manner, thereby mitigating the loss of life and property through the deployment of two (2) portable tethered drones. Through this project Laconia will be better prepared in crisis situations and ensure LPD and identified partners are trained in its use. Tethered drones are intended to provide immediate video surveillance between police, fire, and emergency first responders during an event of mass evacuation and the mitigation of loss of life and property due to an emergency, such as an act of terrorism or a natural disaster. The portable tethered drones would provide interoperable video communication. In the aftermath of an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incident, this would be deployed to allow for timely and accurate situational assessment, including video communication and coordination of evacuee transportation by assisting intelligence and data sharing in real-time, including ensuring that all first responders and medical staff are effectively routed to their destination. This project would enable the LPD to secure areas affected by an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incidents. Fiscal Impact: None - The entire cost of this program is covered by the NH Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant. Discussion: Councilor Hoffman noted that the police department is really great at getting items for free with grant money, but he’d like to see what the costs for the ongoing maintenance for these items. He’d like to see them stop using the item rather than someone losing their job if the city had no money to continue to fund all these items in the budget. Councilor Soucy wanted to know when they have used an item like this in the past. Manager Beattie stated they have used them at large events like motorcycle week or pumpkin festival. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-30 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-30 relative to authorizing the acceptance of a New Hampshire Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant in the amount of $133,542 to fund the Laconia Police Department’s Tethered Drones Project. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on October 14, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Resolution 2025-31 - A Resolution relative to authorizing the acceptance of a New Hampshire Department of Safety Homeland Security Competitive Grant in the amount of $51,000 to fund the Laconia Police Department's Utility Side-by-Side Vehicle Project In August of 2025 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through the NH Department of Safety under its 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant application. The purpose of the Laconia Police Department’s Utility Side–by–Side Vehicle Project is to enable the LPD, LFD, and other City of Laconia Departments to immediately implement a UTV for access to unpaved areas and routes around heavily congested traffic areas. Admission to areas where patrol  In August of 2025 the Laconia Police Department applied for a grant offered through the NH Department of Safety under its 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant application. The purpose of the Laconia Police Department’s Utility Side–by–Side Vehicle Project is to enable the LPD, LFD, and other City of Laconia Departments to immediately implement a UTV for access to unpaved areas and routes around heavily congested traffic areas. Admission to areas where patrol and emergency vehicles are unable to access, allow emergency first responders a way to provide lifesaving, search, rescue, recovery, and property protecting measures in the aftermath of an act of terrorism that would otherwise be unavailable. This addition to Laconia PD would support the city, county, and state in operational responses during active threat situations and major events such as Motorcycle Week and Pumpkin Fest, to ensure response in a timely manner, thereby mitigating the loss of life and property through the deployment of a UTV. In the aftermath of an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incident, this would also be deployed to support evacuee transportation by assisting intelligence and data sharing in real-time, including ensuring that all first responders and medical staff are effectively routed to their destination. Through this project Laconia will be better prepared in crisis situations, ensure LPD and identified partners are trained in its use, and enable the LPD/partners to secure areas affected by an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incidents. Fiscal Impact: None - The entire cost of this program is covered by the NH Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-31 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-31 relative to authorizing the acceptance of a New Hampshire Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant in the amount of $51,000 to fund the Laconia Police Department’s Utility Side-by-Side Vehicle Project. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on October 14, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Ordinance 2025-201-7, 201-13 - Amending paragraph 201-7 - Depositing Snow or Ice and paragraph 201-13 - Violations and Penalties to Chapter 201, Streets and Sidewalks The Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee has been meeting on changes to City Ordinance 201-7 - Depositing Snow or Ice to require property owners to remove the snow they piled on City sidewalks or roads within 24 hours. The Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee last met on July 11, 2025, on the proposed changes to the City Ordinance on depositing snow and ice on City sidewalks and roads and has recommended that the City Council approve the proposed changes to City Ordinance 201-7 - Depositing Snow or Ice and 201-13 - Violations and Penalties. During last winter’s snowstorms, contractors plowing commercial and multifamily properties plowed the snow from their parking lots onto City sidewalks. The depth of these snow piles prevented Public Works’ sidewalk tractors from plowing those sidewalks. An 1898 decision by the NH Supreme Court (State v. Jackman 69 NH 318) determined that it was unconstitutional for municipalities to “compel person to keep the snow, ice and dirt from the sidewalks in front of premises owned or occupied by them.” The City Attorney’s interpretation is that this decision applies to snow/ice from a storm falling on a sidewalk not snow being piled onto a sidewalk by abutting property owners.  Works’ sidewalk tractors from plowing those sidewalks. An 1898 decision by the NH Supreme Court (State v. Jackman 69 NH 318) determined that it was unconstitutional for municipalities to “compel person to keep the snow, ice and dirt from the sidewalks in front of premises owned or occupied by them.” The City Attorney’s interpretation is that this decision applies to snow/ice from a storm falling on a sidewalk not snow being piled onto a sidewalk by abutting property owners. Public Works is proposing changes to the applicable Ordinances to require property owners to remove the snow they piled on City sidewalks or roads within 24 hours and, if they do not remove the snow, to timely fine the property owner. Additionally, paragraph 201-13 - Violation and Penalties will be modified to designate the Director of Public Works or his/her designee be responsible for enforcing Ordinance 201-7 - Depositing Snow or Ice. The current Ordinance follows: § 201-7 Depositing snow or ice. No person shall throw or put or cause to be thrown or put any snow or ice into any street, land or alley from any place outside thereof, except temporarily in case of necessity on account of no other place being available; and, in such case, he shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. The following are the major proposed changes to the City Ordinance. The changes are in bold. § 201-7 Depositing snow or ice. a. No person shall throw or put or cause to be thrown or put any snow or ice into any street, sidewalk and or alley from any place outside thereof, except temporarily in case of necessity on account of no other place being available; and, in such case, he shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. If the snow piled onto the sidewalk or into a street by an abutting property owner or their contractor is not removed from the sidewalk or road within 24 hours from the end of the storm the abutting property owner shall be fined per paragraph b. b. Offense/Fine 1 st $200 2 nd $400 3 rd $700 Councilor Bogert made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-201-7, 201-13 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to move a first reading of Ordinance 2025-201-7, 201-13 amending paragraph 201-7 – Depositing snow or ice and paragraph 201-13 – Violations and Penalties, to Chapter 201, Streets and Sidewalks. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on October 14, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.E. Ordinance 2025-221-36.1 - Amending Paragraph 221-36.1 to Article III Parking, Standing and Stopping, to Chapter 221, Vehicles - Proposal for a Resident Only Parking Permit System The Government Operations and Ordinance Subcommittee met on August 20, 2025. The Subcommittee agreed with the concept of the program. They concurred with Staff’s recommendation that: Standing and Stopping, to Chapter 221, Vehicles - Proposal for a Resident Only Parking Permit System The Government Operations and Ordinance Subcommittee met on August 20, 2025. The Subcommittee agreed with the concept of the program. They concurred with Staff’s recommendation that: · Residents will submit all requests for resident-only parking on a public street to their City Councilor (s). · The City Councilor(s) will submit the request to the City Council for consideration. · If the Council agrees to consider the request, Public Works will analyze the street and make a recommendation to the City Council. · The permit would be good for a calendar year and would have to be renewed annually. · All aspects of the program would be funded through the permits. · Eligibility to participate in the program would be limited to public streets with only residential homes abutting it. · The permit system would not be in effect during Motorcycle Week and any special events such as the City July 4th fireworks when included in the Temporary Traffic Order. · The City Manager establishes the annual fees for the resident only parking permits. · The Police Department is responsible for enforcing the program. The Subcommittee also recommended that the system should include: · Window stickers for permanent residents · Rearview mirror hangers for guests. These permits are limited to the period the guests are visiting. · A criteria system for residential streets that Public Works would use as part of the process to analyze the request. The criteria should include: o Housing density o Width of road o Dead end or no outlet road The City Council on August 25, 2025 approved Simpson Ave as resident only parking pending adoption of the resident-only parking permit system. Simpson Ave property owners have obtained their permits for this calendar year. Based on comments from Simpson Ave property owners, I expect that they will request extended quest permits for the summer. The cost of the program includes staff time for issuing and enforcing permits, the cost of the materials needed for the program to include purchasing the: · Signs and poles · Permits The objective is to price the permits so that it covers the cost of the program. The system would be included in Article III – Parking Standing and Stopping of City ordinance 221 – Vehicles and Traffic.  The objective is to price the permits so that it covers the cost of the program. The system would be included in Article III – Parking Standing and Stopping of City ordinance 221 – Vehicles and Traffic. A copy of the: · Ordinance implementing the system is at attachment 1 on the agenda · City policy establishing the criteria is at attachment 2 on the agenda · Application is at attachment 3 on the agenda. Public Works recommends that the City Council approve on first reading the resident only parking permit system and schedule a public hearing for the September 22, 2025 City Council meeting. Fiscal Impact: The estimated cost to install the necessary signs is $150 to $300 depending on the number of connections to City streets. The current estimated cost for 500 of both owner and quest permits (the minimum order) is $832. Discussion: Councilor Bogert asked if there is a limit to the number of guest passes they could get. Director Anderson stated it will be dated and will be regulated. They wont issue 6 guest passes for the same time period because they know how many the street can hold. Councilor Hoffman commended the Government Operations and Ordinance committee, Councilor Hoffman stated in the criteria it states it needs to be a dead-end road. He doesn’t think we should be too restrictive. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-221-36.1 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a first reading of Ordinance 2025-221-36 amending Paragraph 221-36.1 to Article III Parking, Standing and Stopping to Chapter 221, Vehicles, proposing a resident-only parking permit system. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to schedule a public hearing for October 14, 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 passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.F. Request to use Impact Fee funds in the amount of $20,000.00 for a Capital Facilities Study and Plan The Planning Department is requesting permission to expend $20,000.00 from the Impact Fee Revenue Accounts to conduct a study and prepare an implementation plan for the City’s capital facilities. The total amount will be spread across each Impact Fee Revenue Account as equitably as possible. The study and implementation plan will be incorporated into the City’s Master Plan and identify key facility upgrades and timelines needed meet increased growth and demand. The last capital facilities study was conducted in 1999 and does not account for any development that has occurred since nor any anticipated future growth. Fiscal Impact: A one-time expenditure of $20,000.00 spread as equitably as possible across each Impact Fee Revenue Account. Councilor Soucy made a motion to allocate a one-time expenditure of $20,000.00 to be spread as equitably as possible across each Impact Fee Revenue Account to conduct a capital facilities study  occurred since nor any anticipated future growth. Fiscal Impact: A one-time expenditure of $20,000.00 spread as equitably as possible across each Impact Fee Revenue Account. Councilor Soucy made a motion to allocate a one-time expenditure of $20,000.00 to be spread as equitably as possible across each Impact Fee Revenue Account to conduct a capital facilities study and prepare an implementation plan. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.G. Resolution 2025-32 - Request to expend funds from Downtown TIF for pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival The Laconia Pumpkin Festival Organizing Committee is requesting permission to expend $37,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund for various assets to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic circulation during the event. The Committee will allocate funds as follows: Traffic Barriers $12,500.00 Power Generator $2,000.00 Mobile Light Towers $22,500.00 The Committee first submitted its request to the Downtown TIF Advisory Board, which voted to recommend the purchase. The City routinely rents these assets to support Downtown events but owning them outright will cost less than frequently renting them. Fiscal Impact: A one-time expenditure of $37,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund. Discussion: Councilor Hoffman states he is in favor of the TIF, but he thinks the funds should be used for more of a permanent benefit of the district. Mayor St. Clair feels this will be beneficial for all the downtown events, like the Christmas parade. Councilor Soucy agrees but also noted this is the first year for the pumpkin festival and they are starting from scratch, money collected this year will be tracked separately so we can accurately know how much the event will cost us, ideally it will be self sustained like motorcycle week. Councilor Bogert asked Councilor Hoffman if he thinks Pumpkin Festival should be funded on its own? Yes, Councilor Hoffman thinks it should be. Manager Beattie confirmed that accounts have all been created, a special revenue account just like Motorcycle week. Councilor Hoffman stated that $37,000 is not an insignificant amount of money and he doesn’t believe that the city would be able to pay that back to the TIF. Councilor Felch asked if Opechee Park reaches out that far? Mayor St. Clair confirmed no, it does not. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-32 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-32, relative to the request to use Downtown TIF funds to enhance pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Soucy made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-32, relative to the request to use Downtown TIF funds to enhance pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing for the October 14, 2025 City Council meeting to receive public input to request the use of Downtown TIF funds as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Ordinance 2025-235-21 - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, relative to Article IV, Overlay Districts, § 235-21, Housing Redevelopment Overlay District (HROD) This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to rewrite the current Housing Redevelopment Overlay District (HROD) is intended to provide property owners and developers opportunities to create affordable housing in the City. The current HROD has not been utilized since its adoption and is not serving its intended purpose of promoting redevelopment of affordable housing, encouraging investment in multi-family housing stock, increasing the quality of living conditions for renters, and providing rental housing in close proximity to the central business districts. The proposed language to the HROD is intended to provide incentives and greater flexibility to developers and property owners to redevelop existing parcels within the HROD to better serve its intended purpose. Well- defined performance standards have been included to preserve the character of existing neighborhoods within the HROD. The City’s legal counsel reviewed and approved the proposed language. Anticipated benefits of this rewrite include: - Preventing urban sprawl by targeting already densely populated areas in the City. - Increasing affordable housing stock. - Protecting the character of existing neighborhoods. - Reducing regulatory barriers for property owners. In accordance with Article XIV of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board held a public hearing on and approved of the proposed Ordinance at its August 5, 2025 meeting. At the September 8, 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: Director Mora stated the units are 6/Acre. If looking for Affordable Housing it increases to 20/Acre. There is a 25-year deed restriction for that unit. Councilor Bogert made a motion to table until after the joint meeting on October 6, 2025. Seconded by Councilor Felch. The motion is non-debatable. The motion passed 4-2. Councilor Hoffman and Councilor Haynes were opposed. The item is tabled. 22.B. Discussion regarding whether to add a question onto the November ballot asking voters if the City should create Social Districts as defined in HB 467 In the 2025 Legislative Session, HB 467 was passed and signed by Governor Ayotte, allowing municipalities to create “social districts”. A social district is defined as an outdoor area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages  voters if the City should create Social Districts as defined in HB 467 In the 2025 Legislative Session, HB 467 was passed and signed by Governor Ayotte, allowing municipalities to create “social districts”. A social district is defined as an outdoor area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by licensee. For the City to create a social district or districts, the City Council must first hold a public hearing and then vote to place the question on the November City election ballot. Sample question would be “Shall we allow the operation of social districts within the City of Laconia”. A second public hearing would need to be scheduled 15-30 days prior to the question being voted on. No action is required by the City Council at the second public hearing. If the ballot question passes, the City would then create social districts, including mapping out approved boundaries. At the September 8, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule the first Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Manager Beattie went over the criteria and the steps. Mayor St. Clair asked for clarification, because he was surprised that the Liquor Commission has the final say. Councilor Soucy made a motion to place the question “Shall we allow the operation of social districts within the City of Laconia” on the November 4, 2025, Municipal Election Ballot. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: Councilor Cheney stated The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to schedule a public hearing on October 14, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.C. Resolution 2025-29 - Request to extend Plantation and Colonial Roads' Emergency Lane Designation and an exception to the City's Ordinance on continuing to collect solid waste at the curb On May 12, 2025 the City Council declared Plantation and Colonial Roads to be emergency lanes until 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. The City Attorney on September 2, 2025 requested that the City Council extend the Emergency Lane designation until April 30, 2026 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 later. Presently the Court trial is scheduled for October 2-3, 2025. 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. At the September 8, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. 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.” 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 the City Attorney’s request, Public Works recommends the expiration date for the emergency lane declaration be April 30, 2026 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 later. Also on May 12, 2025 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 declare Plantation and Colonial Roads emergency lanes with an expiration date of April 30, 2026 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 later. Fiscal Impact: The cost to maintain these roads will be funded from the highway budget. Collecting solid waste at the curb for the two private roads will not exceed the collection contracts “stop” limits and thus will not result in an increase in the cost of collection. Recommendations: Public Works recommends that the City Council declare Plantation and Colonial Roads emergency lanes with an expiration date of April 30, 2026 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 later. Public Works recommends that the City Council approve the exception for collecting solid waste at the curb on Plantation and Colonial Roads. Discussion: Councilor Hoffman asked what the City’s position is on this road, Manager Beattie stated the City believes it is private. Councilor Hoffman asked what the recourse the residents can take on this? They could petition to make it a public road and during this time they have tried looking at alternatives to see if they can make it as a good condition road, they don’t want to put money into the road if it will just fall apart. This is going to all depend on the outcome of the lawsuit. Councilor Cheney made a motion that that the City Council waive a reading of Resolution 2025-29 in its entirety and read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-29, relative to a request to extend Plantation and Colonial Roads’ emergency lane designation, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Haynes made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-29, relative to a request to extend Plantation and Colonial Roads’ emergency lane designation, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: None. 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. 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 City Gargano made a comment to the Mayor and Council about the Mayor’s question during his Mayor Update on changes to the absentee ballot application process. During the meeting she read guidance provided by the Secretary of State’s Office: Effective on September 30 th , all absentee ballot requests must be received with a valid photo ID or application must be notarized, applications received without a photo ID or that have not been notarized will be rejected, the clerk’s office will have 7 days to try to contact the voter and get the copy of the ID but the ballot cannot be mailed out ahead of receiving a valid photo ID. There will be a new absentee ballot application uploaded to the City Clerk’s page on the city website on September 30, 2025. 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor St. Clair adjourned the meeting at 9:01 PM Respectfully Submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk