City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on 10/27/2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 10/14/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Haynes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Finance Director Glenn Smith 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 Pro Tem Haynes confirmed that all 6 councilors were in attendance, and a quorum was established. Absent: Mayor St. Clair 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; and Glenn Smith, Finance Director 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of September 22, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of September 22, 2025, were distributed to members of the City Council on September 26, 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 2025-19 - LHS Homecoming Parade The Laconia High School has requested approval of a Temporary Traffic Order for the LHS Homecoming Parade from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025. Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-19, LHS Homecoming Parade, to be held on October 17, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-19, LHS Homecoming Parade, to be held on October 17, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Sammie from Christmas Village notified the council that the nonprofit organization, started in 1975, this is their 50 th year. They are looking for donations to help replace the flooring. The flooring cost is $10,000.00. At the event, every child receives a gift and there are cookies. Councilor Cheney made a motion to donate $5,000.00 towards the new floor. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: Councilor Bogert asked if we had an appropriate place to pull that money from? Manager Beattie stated he could wait until the next meeting to get an exact account but he knows there is somewhere to pull it from. Councilor Felch noted he has been involved with Christmas village over the years and he knows the Lakes Region Children’s Auction gives a donation to them as well. The council was satisfied with making the motion now and not waiting for a specific account. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - 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 Drone Project Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-31 - A Resolution 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 Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:31 PM.  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 7:31 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:32 PM. 13.C. Public Hearing - 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 Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:33 PM? Mark Dadian of 118 Church St. was wondering what this is about? He didn’t know if it would affect his regular snow clean up. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes stated this was for larger problems where whole parking lots were pushed into the sidewalk and created 10-15 foot snow piles. Chris Guilmett of Center St. is looking for clarification. He is on a fork of Adams St & Center St. He is wondering if he is going to get a fine because the City pushes snow on the sidewalk in that street intersection. Councilor Felch suggested when it happens after a large storm to contact the DPW Director and they will get a crew out there to clean it up because it is snow that is pushed from rounding the corner. The homeowner wouldn’t get fined for something like that. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:39 PM. 13.D. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2025-221-36.1 - Amending Paragraph 221-36.1 to Article II Parking, Standing or Stopping to Chapter 221, Vehicles - Proposal for a Resident-Only Parking Permit System Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:40 PM. Mark Dadian of 118 Church St. questioned if someone owns property but doesn’t live here how this affects them? Councilor Cheney explained if they were having guests they would go to the DPW to get a temp hanging placard. There will be a small fee to cover the sticker cost for each sticker. Leslie McEvoy wants to know if this is for small streets in the Weirs. Manager Beattie stated that the City Council has not reviewed the possible streets yet, but they were getting the program in place first. There has been one approved street and that is Simpson Ave. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:44 PM. 13.E. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-32 - Request to expend funds from Downtown TIF for pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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.  13.E. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-32 - Request to expend funds from Downtown TIF for pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 25, 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 Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:45 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:46 PM. 13.F. Public Hearing - To gather any public input on the question "If the City Council should create Social Districts" as defined in House Bill 467, that will appear on the November ballot Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 26, 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. There will be no action on this item later in the agenda. At the September 22, 2025 City Council meeting the first Public Hearing was held on this matter, and a motion was approved to place this question regarding creating social districts on the November 4, 2025 Municipal Election ballot. A second Public Hearing is required to be held 15 to 30 days prior to the ballot question being voted on. The purpose of this evening’s Public Hearing is to allow questions and comments from members of the public. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes opened the Public Hearing at 7:46 PM. Jon Hildreth, Ward 1. Questioned, if this supersedes the need for a 1-day special license, so this would be a permanent fixture. Manager Beattie states yes, this is why his recommendation is that if this is passed it is done with all public safety involved (Police, Fire and Public Works). Councilor Bogert asked a question if businesses in the social district would still have to get a special event permit, they couldn’t do this just on any old Friday night. Manager Beattie stated he will have to look into that, he doesn’t foresee that is the way it will be, he read it differently, he didn’t see that as a requirement. Councilor Bogert then stated that it can be outside drinking at any time? Manager Beattie stated that if passed the parameters would be set my Council as to what area is the district and the times it was allotted. Councilor Felch asked if they could limit the days that the social districting could be used, like on weekends only? Manager Beattie stated yes, he believes the Council could limit it that way as well. Mayor Pro Tem Haynes closed the Public Hearing at 7:49 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Laconia Pumpkin Festival - Update Amy Lovisek, Nancy Brown and Joia Hughes gave an update on the upcoming event to the City Council. Amy passed out the map, she noted the pumpkin tower is 34 feet tall, it will hold approximately 900 pumpkins. They have over 90 vendors that have contacted the city directly and they have the great American craft fair that is coming with 80 craft vendors. They have received $18,000 in sponsorships and $70,000 of in-kind donations. They are selling t-shirts for $15 and mugs for $10. Sales are in the City Manager’s Office Cash or Check only.  Amy Lovisek, Nancy Brown and Joia Hughes gave an update on the upcoming event to the City Council. Amy passed out the map, she noted the pumpkin tower is 34 feet tall, it will hold approximately 900 pumpkins. They have over 90 vendors that have contacted the city directly and they have the great American craft fair that is coming with 80 craft vendors. They have received $18,000 in sponsorships and $70,000 of in-kind donations. They are selling t-shirts for $15 and mugs for $10. Sales are in the City Manager’s Office Cash or Check only. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Pro Tem Haynes stated that he spoke to Mayor St. Clair this morning, he is out of state on business. The city received thank you notes from the Lakes region boys & girls club, CASA and Lakes Region VNA for the contributions that were made to those organizations. Thank you to Assistant Planner Tyler Carmichael and Planning Rob Mora for the master plan meeting that was held. Thank you to the pumpkin festival team for all their hard work trying to put this event together, he thinks they are doing a great job. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Hoffman stated at the last public works committee they met at Pleasant Street, about the intersection at the end of the street and the speeding on the road. The committee came up with some ideas but the neighbors were concerned about the interruption in trash pickup. He was looking for an update on trash pickup from the city manager. Manager Beattie does not at this time, but he will get it to Councilor Hoffman and also an update from the police department on their extra patrols. Councilor Hoffman also spoke about parking issues for tenants downtown, we have an ordinance that doesn’t allow overnight parking in the city lots, there is a case by case basis where they can park at night but then they are not allowed to park there during the day, he would like to see the government ordinances and operations committee adjust the ordinance. He thinks there should be permitted parking. Councilor Cheney noted the snow removal issues. Councilor Bogert agrees with Councilor Hoffman. The Council agreed to send it to committee. Councilor Bogert asked for an update on the lighting along the river walk outside of City Hall, Manager Beattie stated the RFP had to updated and the Downtown TIF group is looking at it. 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.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 Bogert stated that Lakes Region Public Access is in dire straits at the moment. They have had to move all their equipment over to the Gilford Town Hall. The Historical Society asked them to move out due to renovations. They are looking for a small office space with a green space. He is wondering if the councilors have any suggestions for space. 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. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request to restore 436 Elm Street to premerger status In accordance with RSA 674:39-aa, William Prescott and Rosita Wiggins, owners of 436 Elm Street, submitted a request to restore their lot which was involuntarily merged some years ago. After reviewing all of the documents provided, neither the Assessing Department nor the Planning Department have any issues with the proposed unmerging of the lots. The two individual tracts are identified and recorded in Book 263 Page 208 from 1943 at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds. The City has no record of a request from the property owner that the lots be merged, and the lots meet the requirements of unmerging. In accordance with RSA 674:39-aa, the City Council must review the facts at hand and determine whether the lots should be restored. Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve the request to restore 436 Elm Street to its premerger status. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked a question, if this impacted the parking issues with the Elm Street School. Manager Beattie stated no, this is on lot that is near the school but does not abut the property where they were looking to make changes to the traffic flow. Mike Donovan was present on behalf of the property owners to answer any questions to the council if they had any. Councilor Hoffman asked how a property got involuntary merged? Manager Beattie stated it happened in 1943, so he is unaware.  Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve the request to restore 436 Elm Street to its premerger status. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked a question, if this impacted the parking issues with the Elm Street School. Manager Beattie stated no, this is on lot that is near the school but does not abut the property where they were looking to make changes to the traffic flow. Mike Donovan was present on behalf of the property owners to answer any questions to the council if they had any. Councilor Hoffman asked how a property got involuntary merged? Manager Beattie stated it happened in 1943, so he is unaware. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Request to change the parking restrictions on Hill Street Presently Hill Street is no parking on both sides of the street from Clinton Street to Cole Street. This is the entire length of the street. There are 6 residences whose driveways access Hill Street between Clinton and Pear Streets. Councilor Soucy received a request from a resident to eliminate the parking restrictions on Hill Street. Public Works does not recommend eliminating the restrictions due to the width of the road and the steepness of the hill on the street. The restrictions on Hill Street between Clinton and Pear Streets could be changed to no parking on one side of the street. Due to the topography at the intersection of Clinton and Prospect Streets, emergency vehicles may not be able to access Prospect and Cole Streets from Clinton Street. Thus, it may or may not be possible to change the restrictions between the two streets. Public Works recommends that the City Council send the request to the Government Operations and Ordinance Subcommittee for review and a recommendation after receiving input from the Police and Fire Departments. Councilor Cheney made a motion that the request to eliminate parking restrictions on Hill Street be referred to the Government Operations and Ordinance Subcommittee for review and a recommendation after receiving input from the Police and Fire Departments. Seconded by Councilor Felch 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 - 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. A Public Hearing was also held at the September 22, 2025 City Council meeting. At that meeting a motion was approved to table this agenda item. Director Mora gave a quick overview of this item to the City Council. He passed out maps to the Councilors highlighting the existing zone and the expansion of the zone in the City. Councilor Soucy made a motion to take this agenda item off the table. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked if they change this, does it increase density in some areas? It allows the applicant to go to planning get approved and if the planning board says no, then they can go to try to get approved by Zoning Board, and then they have no say in it, is that correct? Director Mora said yes, this is adding another tool to their toolbox to incentivize people to build affordable housing units. It does not increase the total density for the entire district, it only allows people who are using the tool, to allow them a larger scale of density to play with to adjust their number of units, but it is all dependent on getting their approval from the zoning board. Councilor Soucy said he hopes this will help increase the number of available units in the area and help bring down the costs since it is a monopoly out there right now in some cases. Director Mora also stated that the boards are going to make sure that any redevelopments still keep the character of the existing neighborhoods. Councilor Hoffman asked for clarification at the last meeting he had said that no one has taken advantage of the current incentive program and there is currently a homeowner that is looking to take advantage of the new incentive to provide affordable housing units. Director Mora stated that is correct. Councilor Hoffman felt that is encouraging. Councilor Bogert asked if there was a deed restriction that would be on the property? Director Mora stated yes. Councilor Bogert asked if they are income based? Director Mora said Yes, they are. Councilor Bogert stated we already have 90 units on Province Street that we are struggling to fill because of the income limits. He is curious if we are going to cause issues from people looking for housing who do not meet the housing income limit. Director Mora thinks there are more contributing factors that are linked to the properties he is referring to on Province Street. Councilor Cheney asked a question about the map passed out, he asked if someone didn’t want to have income limited housing. Director Mora stated yes, they would need to go to the ZBA for a variance. Councilor Felch noted that they will have to have a practical parking plan for these units because parking is not allowed on the streets in the winter. Councilor Soucy agrees on the parking, he feels the developer should work it out in their plan and not abide by the requirement because it is not feasible. Councilor Hoffman pointed out that the workforce housing is a min 2 units or 20%. Director Mora said he attended a planning conference at Tuscan village, they discussed this tool. He feels there will be time to review and adjust as needed. He doesn’t think there will be developers or property owners banging down the door when this is approved. Councilor Bogert asked to have this go back to planning board to remove ward 5. The other Councilors did not agree with that request. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-235-21 in its entirety and to  feels there will be time to review and adjust as needed. He doesn’t think there will be developers or property owners banging down the door when this is approved. Councilor Bogert asked to have this go back to planning board to remove ward 5. The other Councilors did not agree with that request. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-235-21 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-1 Councilor Bogert Opposed Councilor Felch made a motion to conduct a second reading of Ordinance 2025-235-21 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article IV, Overlay Districts, § 235-21, Housing Redevelopment Overlay District (HROD). Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-1 Councilor Bogert Opposed Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-235-21 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article IV, Overlay Districts, § 235-21, Housing Redevelopment Overlay District (HROD). Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-1 Councilor Bogert Opposed 22.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. 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. At the September 22, 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 Hoffman would like to see the fiscal impact of what this would cost the city in the future. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-30 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 would like to see the fiscal impact of what this would cost the city in the future. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-30 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 Felch made a motion to move a second 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 Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve 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 as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.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 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. At the September 22, 2025 Laconia City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. 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 Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to move a second 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 Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  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 Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve 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 as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.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. 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  § 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 1st $200 2nd $400 3rd $700 Councilor Cheney 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 second 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 Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Felch made a motion to approve 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 as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.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: · 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. · 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. Director Anderson stated the Initial fee is $10, fees later will be reviewed by the city manager and adjusted as needed. At the September 22, 2025 Laconia City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Cheney 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 Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to move a second 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 Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-221-36 amending Paragraph 221-36.1 to Article III Parking, Standing and Stopping to Chapter 221, Vehicles, establishing a resident-only  a resident-only parking permit system. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-221-36 amending Paragraph 221-36.1 to Article III Parking, Standing and Stopping to Chapter 221, Vehicles, establishing a resident-only parking permit system, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.F. 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. At the September 22, 2025 Laconia City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: A one-time expenditure of $37,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund. Councilor Soucy 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 second 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 Felch Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked a question to Director Mora and Manger Beattie, can we change the TIF rules to be able to use this equipment in other areas in the city? Manager Beattie stated it is an RSA that limits the usage to the district. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-32, relative to the request to use Downtown TIF funds to enhance pedestrian safety and circulation for Laconia Pumpkin Festival as presented. 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.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.C. Sewer & Water Master Plan 23.D. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.E. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.F. WOW Trail 23.G. Weirs Beach Restoration Project 23.H. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Haynes adjourned the meeting at 8:53 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk