City Council

Minutes were approved by the City Council on 11/24/2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 11/10/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor St. Clair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Hoffman led the salute to the flag. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Katie Gargano, City Clerk 4. ROLL CALL Clerk Gargano called the roll of the following city councilors: Councilor Cheney, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Felch. Mayor St. Clair confirmed that all 6 city councilors were in attendance, 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. Regular City Council meeting minutes of October 27, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of October 27, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on November 7, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. 7.B. City Council special meeting minutes of September 4, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of September 4, 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 8.A. Request to appoint a City Council representative to the 2025 Debra Bieniarz Award Committee The City Council annually presents the Debra Bieniarz Award to a member of the community for their work with the youth of the Lakes Region. The award will be presented at an upcoming Council 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request to appoint a City Council representative to the 2025 Debra Bieniarz Award Committee The City Council annually presents the Debra Bieniarz Award to a member of the community for their work with the youth of the Lakes Region. The award will be presented at an upcoming Council meeting. Nominations will be sought for someone who has demonstrated a standard of excellence in their dedication to the children in our community. The Bieniarz Award committee consists of three members: one representative each from the City Council, the Police Department and the School Board. The Committee meets once after all nominations have been received to choose the winner. Councilor Soucy made a motion to appoint Councilor Haynes as the City Council’s representative to the 2025 Debra Bieniarz Award Committee. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8.B. Request from the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 13, 2026 through June 21, 2026, and to waive all special event fees in connection with the requested use Weirs Action Committee has requested the use of the Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 13, 2026 through June 21, 2026 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. This request was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission at their August 18, 2025 meeting. The Weirs Action Committee is also requesting that all Special Event fees in connection with the event be waived. Councilor Felch to approve the request by the Weirs Action Committee to use Endicott Rock Parking Lot for Laconia Motorcycle Week parking from June 13, 2026 through June 21, 2026, and to waive all Special Event fees in connection with the requested use. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Patrick Wood, Chairman of the Mayors Human Relations Committee, gave a reminder of the homelessness forum at the Laconia High School in the auditorium on Wednesday 11/12/2025 7pm. Kelly Dionne, Ward 3 sent an email to the city councilors a dew days prior to the elections. She had heard that at the elections in the City of Concord, they were holding a food drive on their election day. She is seeking the approval from the City Council to do this in the future. The Council was receptive of this idea, but they would like it to be managed by volunteers and not on city staff. Kristen O’brien, from the Taylor Community, introduced herself to the council as she takes the place of Gretchen who has moved onto another position within the Taylor Community. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come from unencumbered fund balance Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the October 30, 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 7:11 PM. There was no one from the public who wished to speak. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:12 PM. Councilor Cheney asked Glenn to explain. Business Administration Diane Clary was present to explain the situation to the City Council. 13.B. Public Hearing - Resolution 2025-34 - Relative to the request of the Laconia School Board to transfer $400,000.00 of FY25 fund balance to capital reserve funds Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the September 30, 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 7:12 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor St. Clair closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM. Item # 22 A & 22 B were heard next. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Recap of Laconia Pumpkin Festival 2025 Amy Lovisek & Nancy Brown went over the highlights of the 1 st annual Pumpkin Festival. It was a huge success, the team that was put together was amazing. There were several departments that took part, Planning, DPW, and the City Manager’s Office. Thank you to the City Council and the Citizens of Laconia for their support. There were an estimated 20,000 people who attended over the course of the day. They had craft vendors, food and other types of vendors. Thank you to Laconia Country Club for sponsoring the mini golf course. They sold t-shirts, and they have more for sale at the Parks & Recreation Department, they also sold 42 mugs. For the future they are going to be changing things up. They are looking to become a 501-C3 to be able to apply for grants, and to get more sponsors. The budget is working. They will be changing the future date to October 23 rd & 24 th , it will be a Friday night and Saturday versus a Saturday/Sunday. Friday will be a soft opening, with pumpkins on the tower, but not lit up, food vendors open and a beer tent open. People have said that the logo was a little too AI. They are going to come up with ideas and they will ask local artists to come up with a new logo. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT  it will be a Friday night and Saturday versus a Saturday/Sunday. Friday will be a soft opening, with pumpkins on the tower, but not lit up, food vendors open and a beer tent open. People have said that the logo was a little too AI. They are going to come up with ideas and they will ask local artists to come up with a new logo. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor St. Clair noted the recent election and the voter participation. He would like to have seen more voter participation. We had 29%. He was very pleased with all the candidates getting all their signs down. Thank you to everyone who took part. He thanked all 3 new elected officials who were in the audience this evening. He also noted that Christmas Village will be opening on the 4 th December. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Cheney commented about a crosswalk at the Cumberland farms in the Weirs. There has been questions about whether or not we can have them on the road if it is a state owned road. Director Anderson said that the issue is the speed limit on the road, plus sight lines. The state of NH said the City needs to complete the traffic study. It may need to be the type with the flashing lights in Meredith or the blinking yellow lights. Manager Beattie stated we will look into a cost of the traffic study. Councilor Bogert asked if we needed to do a traffic study because there may have already been one done for the condos that are across the street from the gas station. Councilor Cheney then presented his fact boards on the Laconia tax rate over several years, were the City of Laconia rate sits in the county and among all 13 cities in the state. Councilor Felch mentioned the greater lakes region children’s auction will be December 9 th -12 th . They are looking for items. They have several drop-off locations; they will be set up at the Belknap Marketplace in the old CVS store. Pub Mania will also be accepting donations. Councilor Hoffman spoke about streets located in his ward. On Holman St, Lynnewood Rd, and Shore Drive. There was a discussion at a Public Works Subcommittee meeting about lowering the speed limit on those roads. The police department set up a speed monitor, that concluded and it did not warrant to have the speed limit lowered. He understands the engineering means but he’d like to see more stop signs installed, more no through traffic signs. He’d like to recommend that it gets sent back to the Public Works Subcommittee. Councilor Cheney also stated he will speak to the police chief as the councilor liaison to ask about increased patrols. Councilor Bogert referenced something called a speed table that he has seen used in the state of Massachusetts. Councilor Soucy asked for the Police Chief to speak to the employers. 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) Chairman Haynes noted that the committee met about the Hill Street Parking restrictions. It will stay as no parking on both sides of the street. 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.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 Rich McNeil, 47 Rolling Lane and member of the planning Board, came to speak in favor of the impact fees item that is on tonight’s agenda. Douglas Robinson, 162 Cotton Hill RD Ward 5, he is requesting that the vote on the Human Relations Committee get postponed until more information is found. Patrick Wood, Human Relations Committee, stated there was a grant that was offered to the human relations committee it was $15,000.00 it was intended to expire at the end of this year, but they asked for a extension and were given until 12/31/2026. The money allowing the committee to hold public information sessions like the upcoming forum. Councilor Cheney clarified that in the budget book the grant was originally $20,000.00, they are now down to $15,000.00. Councilor Cheney clarified that if the committee was changed to be an official city committee that all committee members will have to get appointed by the city council, they will have to go before the appointments committee. Gregg Hough of Highland Street in Laconia, cautioned the city council about the impact fees being presented tonight. He believes that they are going to be used to create revenue to build infrastructure for housing that is going to be coming in. He feels that the builders will take this money and dump it right into the price of the property. He feels that it is counterproductive to creating affordable housing and building infrastructure in the area. Sue Higgins, Ward 2. spoke about the Laconia Human Relations Committee item on tonight’s agenda. She would like to see the policies & procedures document including the mission statement, values, and purpose statement set before the council votes to make it a permanent committee so the public can be aware of its true purpose before the council votes on it and the public has a chance to speak about it. 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. Manager Beattie suggested that the discussions start with the Government Operations and Ordinances subcommittee regarding the social districts. Manager Beattie suggested that the topic that Doug Robinson brought up at the last meeting about the sale of k-2 spice/ kratom in the City of Laconia, he researched the City of Franklin’s banned on it and he would like to have the topic get addressed with the Government Operations and Ordinances  Manager Beattie suggested that the discussions start with the Government Operations and Ordinances subcommittee regarding the social districts. Manager Beattie suggested that the topic that Doug Robinson brought up at the last meeting about the sale of k-2 spice/ kratom in the City of Laconia, he researched the City of Franklin’s banned on it and he would like to have the topic get addressed with the Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee. Mayor St. Clair mentioned that the winter parking ban is now in effect, he wondered if the City Manager or the Public Works Director has heard any complaints. Manager Beattie and Director Anderson confirmed they have not. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Request to restore 138 Warren Street to premerger status In accordance with RSA 674:39-aa, Ron DeDucca, owner of 138 Warren 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 nor the Planning Departments have any issues with the proposed unmerging of the lot into three of the original four lots due to the location of structures on the existing lot. Facts: Four individual tracts are identified and recorded in Book 317 Page 205 from 1949 at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds. The City has no record of a request from the property owner that the lots be merged. There are currently two structures on the existing lot. If all four lots were restored, the accompanying garage would be located on a different lot than the primary structure. For that reason, only three lots can be restored as presented in the attached site plan. In accordance with RSA 674:39-aa, City Council must review the facts at hand and determine whether the lots should be restored. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve the request to restore 138 Warren Street as close as possible to its premerger status, as presented in the attached site plan. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: Councilor Bogert asked if they are creating a non-conforming lot because there is not enough road frontage like the current zoning rules require. Director Mora confirmed that we have to put it back to as close as it was originally and even though it doesn’t currently conform to the current regulations we still have to revert it back. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Temporary Traffic Order 2025-20 - Holiday Parade and Lights Festival and Kris Kindle Mart Celebrate Laconia, the organizer of the Holiday Parade and Lights Festival, is requesting the City Council’s approval of the attached Temporary Traffic Order 2025-20. Celebrate Laconia will work closely with the Laconia Police Department to ensure the safety of the participants and members of the public and will have volunteers on hand to assist. The event will be as in past years, with one new addition. A Kris Kindle Mart will be held in the portion of the City Hall parking lot closest to the Belknap Mill, as noted on the attached map. This is similar to a traditional German Christmas market where vendors will offer handcrafted gifts, hot chocolate, cookies and food trucks. Hours of the event are 12 noon to 4:00 pm, but setup will begin at 9:30 am. During the Kris Kindle Mart Belknap Mill will be used for Santa visits for kids, as well as an area to allow for a warm space. Hot chocolate, cookies and food trucks will be there the night of the event only. Trees will remain up in Rotary and Stewart parks through 1/3/2026. A representative from Celebrate Laconia was present to answer questions from the Council or provide additional information if needed. The Council is also asked to consider waiving all City fees associated with this annual event.  A representative from Celebrate Laconia was present to answer questions from the Council or provide additional information if needed. The Council is also asked to consider waiving all City fees associated with this annual event. Beth, president of Celebrate Laconia, stated the event is on Saturday 11/29/25 until 7pm Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-20 for the Holiday Parade and Lights Festival and the Kris Kindle Mart as presented, and to approve the request to waive all City fees associated with the events. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Request from Ladies of the Lake to hold a fundraising event at Leavitt Park Clubhouse and parking lot Ladies of the Lake has requested the use of Leavitt Park Clubhouse and parking lot on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm to hold a Bazingo Fundraiser for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction. City Council approval is being requested because this event is anticipating revenues above $2,000. Recommendation that this request be approved. The Parks and Recreation Commission has approved this request conditioned upon further approval from the City Council. Kathy Drouin, Co-Chair Debbie Wallace, and Co-Chair, Sherry Kimball, Treasurer were present at the meeting to answer questions from the City Council. Councilor Soucy made motion to approve the use of Leavitt Park Clubhouse and parking lot on Friday, November 21 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for a fundraising event as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Request for approval to issue a proposal for the engineering review, design and construction of a bandstand on the Weirs Boardwalk The Weirs TIF Advisory Board is requesting City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to perform the following regarding the construction of a bandstand on the Weirs Boardwalk: 1. Engineering review of the boardwalk to determine feasibility of the project; 2. Design of a bandstand and supporting structures; and 3. Construction of a bandstand and supporting structures. If City Council approves this request, the Weirs TIF Advisory Board will work with the Department of Public Works, Finance Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department to issue the RFP and review any and all qualified proposals received. This is not a request for any appropriations at this time. Councilor Cheney made a motion to table the item. Councilor Cheney would like to see this referred to the Land and Buildings Subcommittee to review the Request For Proposal and to add other areas of the Weirs that are not on the boardwalk before sending the RFP out. The motion was seconded by Councilor Bogert. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The item is tabled. 21.E. Ordinance 2025-235-22, Article IVA - Impact Fees, and Attachment 6 - Impact Fee  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The item is tabled. 21.E. Ordinance 2025-235-22, Article IVA - Impact Fees, and Attachment 6 - Impact Fee Schedule This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is a complete rewrite of the impact fee section. This amendment incorporates recent changes to state law as well as the Development Impact Fee Justification Study (2025) conducted by DTA Finance. Background: The current impact fee ordinance was adopted in 2011 using a 2009 study. This study determined how much the City should collect from developers in order to adequately support new development in the City. From 2011 to 2022, the City collected 25% of the 2009 figures. In 2022, the amount collected was increased by City Council to 50% of the 2009 figures. In October 2024, the Planning Department contracted with DTA Finance to reevaluate the financial impact of new development on the City. The final report was completed and presented to the Planning Board on September 2, 2025. It incorporated interviews with department heads, site visits, requested capital improvements, and current levels of service provided. The Planning Board held a public hearing on the proposed amendment on October 7, 2025 and a second public hearing on November 3, 2025. No members of the public spoke in favor of or opposition to the proposed amendment at either hearing. The Planning Board strongly recommends the City Council adopt the 50% language for the following reasons: - The current impact fee rates are based on 25-year-old data - Laconia is projected to experience significant growth in the next 15 years - The financial burden is shifted from the taxpayer to the developer Director Rob Mora and Assistant Director Tyler Carmichael of the Planning Department were there to answer any questions the City Council may have. Councilor Cheney noted he is on the planning board and he is in favor of this change. Councilor Soucy wonders where this is going to put us on the map. Director Mora said when looking at the chart it will put us close to Bedford/just below Brentwood. Councilor Felch noted that we are only sending this to a public hearing tonight, we are not voting on this tonight. Councilor Bogert asked about the workforce housing exemption. The exemption is for 20% and only for projects with workforce housing. If the project was 10 units total and 2 of them were workforce housing, the exemption would only apply to the 2 workforce housing units. Councilor Cheney noted the city hired a firm to do a study and it was found that we are far below the average. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-235-22 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney stepped out during the vote. Councilor Felch made a motion to conduct a first reading of Ordinance 2025-235-22 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article IVA, Impact Fees, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney stepped out during the vote.  Councilor Felch made a motion to conduct a first reading of Ordinance 2025-235-22 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article IVA, Impact Fees, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 5-0 Councilor Cheney stepped out during the vote. Councilor Soucy made a motion to move to schedule a public hearing on December 8, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.F. Request to expend funds from the Downtown TIF for conceptual design and cost estimate for lighting The Downtown TIF Advisory Board is requesting permission to expend $6,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund for an amended conceptual design and cost estimate for lighting at the following locations: 1. Beacon Street East Municipal Parking Lot (432-15-34) 2. City Hall Parking Lot (432-15-35) 3. Rotary Park (442-15-8) An initial conceptual design and cost estimate was completed in 2023 at the request of City Council but did not include Rotary Park. This funding request is to update the previous conceptual design to include Rotary Park and receive an updated cost estimate for the project. Fiscal Impact: A one-time expenditure of $6,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund. Manager Beattie noted that the Item needs a resolution and suggested the City Council table until he can make that for the next meeting. Motion to table by Councilor Bogert, Seconded by councilor Soucy. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The item is tabled. 21.G. Ordinance 2025-5-20, 5-32, 5-33 - Boards and Commissions This proposed amendment to Chapter 5, Article III – Boards and Commissions will add a section for establishing the Human Relations Committee as a city committee and outline the procedures for appointment of its members. The City Manager recommends this matter be referred to the Government and Operations Subcommittee, and that the City Council schedule a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to receive public input prior to its adoption. Councilor Bogert likes the idea of bringing it under the council’s purview. He feels there are some technical issues. There is no purpose stated. He wants to see the purpose before we vote on it. He doesn’t want to see it written by the committee even though the city council could change it. He noted under section #C 5-32 C. he has a problem with the term business. Because of the business being a non-profit business versus a for-profit business. He doesn’t want to see a non-profit business included. He would like to see an amendment to either exclude nonprofits or to exclude nonprofits from voting. He would like to see the public give comment first before the subcommittee meets to create. Councilor Cheney stated he an issue with people being on the committee and not being Laconia residents. He feels it is intended that the purpose be explained and then decide whether they are going to have a public hearing about this. He’d like to go ahead with a public hearing.  from voting. He would like to see the public give comment first before the subcommittee meets to create. Councilor Cheney stated he an issue with people being on the committee and not being Laconia residents. He feels it is intended that the purpose be explained and then decide whether they are going to have a public hearing about this. He’d like to go ahead with a public hearing. Councilor Hoffman also agrees for this to go to public hearing. He feels since the committee has already been around for 20 plus years, he feels it already has a purpose. Councilor Soucy only wants to see people who are residents who are eligible to vote and participate. Residents only. Councilor Cheney asked Patrick Wood to present a mission statement. Councilor Haynes stated he researched it and there already is a mission statement, and that is the purpose. So, he doesn’t understand why we are beating a dead horse. Councilor Felch noted this item is only to schedule a public hearing not until December 8 th , so there should be plenty of time for it to possibly go before Government Operations before the public hearing on the 8 th and then possibly again after the public hearing once the council gets some of this ironed out. Councilor Cheney made a motion to send this item to the government operations and ordinances committee prior to the December 8 th . Then after the public hearing it will go back to government operations and ordinances and then will be back to the council to review at the December 22, 2025. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2025-5-20, 5-32, 5-33 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 conduct a first reading of Ordinance 2025-5-20, 5-32, 5-33 amending Chapter 5, Article III – Boards and Commissions, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Cheney Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Bogert made a motion to schedule a public hearing on December 8, 2025 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. With no action to be taken on December 8 th and again Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.H. Donation of discarded bikes to the WOW Trail auction Over a period of time, the Laconia Police Department has received a number of found and unclaimed bicycles from around the city. These bikes are generally sent to the White Farm in Concord, and sold/auctioned off, with a limited amount of the proceeds coming back to the city. It has been several years since this happened. The WOW Trail has asked to manage the auction in conjunction with Laconia Police, and have all proceeds go into maintenance and upkeep of the WOW Trail. Laconia Police would assist in coordinating the auction. Councilor Cheney made a motion to allow the WOW Trail to take the proceeds of the bike auction and use those funds towards WOW Trail upkeep and maintenance. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None.  proceeds go into maintenance and upkeep of the WOW Trail. Laconia Police would assist in coordinating the auction. Councilor Cheney made a motion to allow the WOW Trail to take the proceeds of the bike auction and use those funds towards WOW Trail upkeep and maintenance. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.I. City Manager Contract Extension Section 2 of the City Manager’s Employment Agreement provides that it be extended at the end of each contract year so that there is always a full year’s contract in place in the event the Manager or Council decide not to renew. At this time, the Council should consider extending the City Manager’s Employment Agreement until August 8, 2027. Councilor Cheney made a motion to extend the contract of City Manager Kirk Beattie as outlined in Section 2 of his Employment Agreement, until August 8, 2027. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come from unencumbered fund balance On September 23, 2025, the Laconia School Department was informed that it was subject to a ‘contribution assessment’ by its health insurance provider School Care. The purpose of the assessment is to restore reserves to the required level of 12% of member contributions. On October 1, 2025 the Laconia School Board was informed that its share of this assessment was $874,867.47. The Board was able to cover $117,867.47 with current appropriations, leaving an outstanding balance of $757,000. The Laconia School Department finished FY25 with a surplus totaling $1,157,000. The School Board seeks to use $757,000 of these funds to supplement the funds available in the current year to pay the assessment. On October 7, 2025 the School Board voted to move forward with this action and seeks the approval of City Council. At the October 27, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: Approval will reduce the undesignated fund balance by $757,000. Business Administrator Diane Clary explained the agenda item to the City Council. Questions were asked by Councilor Soucy and Councilor Bogert about the school’s fund balance practices. Manager Beattie noted that the City was not affected last year because we were not on Schoolcare at the time, we are on it now for this upcoming year. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-33 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 conduct a second reading of Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come from unencumbered  by title only. Seconded by Councilor Bogert Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to conduct a second reading of Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come from unencumbered fund balance. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Bogert made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-33 - Authorization of a supplemental appropriation in an amount of $757,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of a special assessment levied against the School Department, with funding to come from unencumbered fund balance, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Resolution 2025-34 - A Resolution relative to the request of the Laconia School Board to transfer $400,000.00 of FY25 fund balance to capital reserve funds The Laconia School Board has informed the City that it wishes to transfer $400,000 in FY25 surplus appropriations as follows: · $300,000 from year end fund balance to the School Construction Capital Reserve Fund · $100,000 from year end fund balance to the LHS BNH Stadium Repair and Upgrade reserve Account. After this transfer, the School will retain $757,000 in surplus funds, which it intends to use to fund a supplemental Schoolcare health insurance assessment. At the October 27, 2025 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: Approval will reduce the fund balance available for use to offset taxes in FY27 by $400,000 and increase reserve fund balances as indicated. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-34 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 Bogert made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2025-34 relative to the request of the Laconia School Board to transfer $400,000.00 of FY25 fund balance to capital reserve funds. Seconded by Councilor Felch Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-34 relative to the request of the Laconia School Board to transfer $400,000.00 of FY25 fund balance to capital reserve funds. Seconded by Councilor Haynes 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 Mayor St. Clair noted that tomorrow is Veterans’ Day, there will be a celebration at 11am at Veterans Square. Today is also the 250 th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor St. Clair adjourned the meeting at 9:38 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk