City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on 12/8/2025. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber 7:00 P.M. 11/24/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor St. Clair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Felch 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 all 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 November 10, 2025 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of November 10, 2025 were distributed to members of the City Council on November 18, 2025. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, Councilor Felch made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilor Bogert. The minutes were accepted as distributed. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Temporary Traffic Order 2025-21 - Santa Shuffle 5K Race The Downtown Gym, the organizer of the Santa Shuffle 5K Race, is requesting the City Council’s approval of the attached Temporary Traffic Order 2025-21. The group will work closely with the Police Department to ensure the safety of the participants and members of the public, and will have volunteers on hand to assist. Also attached to the agenda is a map of the race route for the 5K. There are no changes from  The Downtown Gym, the organizer of the Santa Shuffle 5K Race, is requesting the City Council’s approval of the attached Temporary Traffic Order 2025-21. The group will work closely with the Police Department to ensure the safety of the participants and members of the public, and will have volunteers on hand to assist. Also attached to the agenda is a map of the race route for the 5K. There are no changes from previous years’ races. Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Temporary Traffic Order 2025-21 for the Santa Shuffle 5K Race to be held on November 29, 2025 as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Diane Lockwood, Ward 2, wanted to make the City Council aware of the need for safety awareness for bicycles riding on sidewalks, bicycle etiquette, scooter safety, she agrees that society would benefit from more bicycle usage and bicycle lanes on the roadways. She’d also like to see a noise ordinance for loud back firing vehicles. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. PRESENTATIONS 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor St. Clair said he saw a letter to the editor that they cannot find the budget. He wanted to make the public aware that the budget is located as a paper copy at the Laconia Library, in the City Clerks office and available online. There is a copy fee per page if someone would like a physical copy. He also stated the same writer said they didn’t understand why we were paving state roads and they referred to South Main Street, South Main Street is a Laconia Street, not a State road. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Hoffman mentioned they have not had a public works subcommittee meeting yet, the issues regarding speeding have not been solved in his ward. He also wanted to speak about the homeless forum that was held 12 days ago. It was well attended, and he feels there are some things that are our issues to handle based off comments. He feels the city should provide places for trash to be disposed of, needle disposal and restroom facilities. It was recommended that these items be discussed at the public works subcommittee. Councilor Cheney noted 3 things he asked the city manager to look into. He watched a near accident at the Elm Street School; he would like to see the school look at an alternate traffic plan. Councilor Hoffman noted this was something discussed at the capital improvement meeting. The curbing on the Elm Street bridge is maybe 3 inches high on one side of the street and needs to be addressed. Councilor Felch stated he knows there is another coat of pavement coming that will make the curb practically disappear. He’d also like an update on the junkyard at Parade Road and Rollercoaster Road. Manager Beattie confirmed there was an order to clean up the property. The company that went out, was refused to be allowed on the property. We had to go back to court for contempt. And they are supposed to be fined daily. Councilor Soucy spoke about a county delegation meeting that shows a proposed 7.9% increase to the budget, and it will impact the City of Laconia. Councilor Bogert stated at the next meeting it will be presentation to the county commissioners where they see what everyone’s wants and needs are. Then there are 6 more meetings where the commissioners go through line by line and make adjustments.  property. We had to go back to court for contempt. And they are supposed to be fined daily. Councilor Soucy spoke about a county delegation meeting that shows a proposed 7.9% increase to the budget, and it will impact the City of Laconia. Councilor Bogert stated at the next meeting it will be presentation to the county commissioners where they see what everyone’s wants and needs are. Then there are 6 more meetings where the commissioners go through line by line and make adjustments. Councilor Soucy would like to know what the future 6 meetings are. Mayor St. Clair stated they are all public meetings and will be posted. Councilor Felch noted the Christmas trees are set up at rotary park, they are supported by Celebrate Laconia. He also gave a shout out to the Laconia Elks for their Elks Mania event they held this past week. 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 Government Operations & Ordinances subcommittee met about the Human Relations committee where they reviewed the mission, the topic on kratom did not move forward with a recommendation to the council. The third item they spoke about is the social district. It was kept in committee. Councilor Cheney noted on the WMUR news special “close up” this past Sunday there was a doctor who talked about Kratom at length. 17.C.i. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 17.C.ii. Proposed Historic Overlay District 17.C.iii. Performance Zoning 17.C.iv. Time frame for demolition permits 17.D. LAND & BUILDINGS (Bogert, Haynes, Felch) 17.D.i. Downtown parking garage 17.D.ii. Repair & maintenance of City buildings 17.D.iii. Plan for the DPW Compound 17.E. PUBLIC WORKS (Haynes (Chair), Hoffman, Soucy) 17.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17.E.ii. Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service 17.F. APPOINTMENTS (Councilors Soucy (Chair), Cheney and Haynes) 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 20.A. Project Updates Report Manager Beattie presented the project updates report to the Council. Mayor St. Clair asked about curbing at the Elm Street Bridge, and Manager Beattie stated he will send the Public Works Director out to look at it. Councilor Bogert noted there will be a point and time with the Winnipesaukee River Basin bill when it goes to committee that the city should have a letter be prepared showing support for the bill. Councilor Bogert made a motion to send a letter to the state committee in support of the Winnipesaukee River Basin to reduce the rate from 5% to 2% seconded by Councilor Soucy. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 20.B. Monthly Economic Development Update Manager Beattie noted that due to the government shut down and information not being available, this item will be presented next month. 21. NEW BUSINESS 21.A. Assignment and assumption of lease agreement - 15 Aviation Drive, Gilford, NH Chris Daley, of 15 Aviation LLC, with an address of 8 Broadview Terrace, Gilford, New Hampshire 03249, is purchasing the hangar and improvements located at 15 Aviation Drive, Gilford, New Hampshire, from Scott R. Johnson, Trustee of the Scott R. Johnson & Virginia E. Johnson 2019 Revocable Trust, with an address of 129 Shore Road, Gilford, NH, 03249. This transaction requires an Assignment and Assumption of Lease. The City incurs no cost; the revenue generated by this lease agreement is payable to the Laconia Airport Authority and is used for the airport's operation. At a November 20, 2025, meeting of the Laconia Airport Authority, Dale Chan Eddy was authorized to sign the agreement and accompanying documents as Vice Chair of the Authority. · The Laconia Airport Authority is seeking authorization from the Laconia City Council for Kirk Beattie to sign the agreement as Manager of the City of Laconia. Marv Everson, Manager from the Laconia Airport. The buyer is not seeking a new lease, they are assigning it over to the new owner. He is seeking council approval and it has already received Councilor Felch made a motion to approve Kirk Beattie, as Laconia City Manager, to sign the lease agreement as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Resolution 2025-35 - Relative to acceptance of an award in the amount of $87,000.00 from the Department of Safety Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department The City has applied to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for grant funding in the amount of $87,000.00 to purchase SWAT/SOU equipment through the Homeland Security Grant Program. Fiscal Impact: None - The entire cost of this equipment is covered by the Homeland Security Grant,  the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department The City has applied to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for grant funding in the amount of $87,000.00 to purchase SWAT/SOU equipment through the Homeland Security Grant Program. Fiscal Impact: None - The entire cost of this equipment is covered by the Homeland Security Grant, there is no local match requirement. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-35 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 2025-35 relative to acceptance of an award in the amount of $87,000.00 from the Department of Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of SWAT/SOU equipment for the Laconia Police Department. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes 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. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Resolution 2025-36 - Request to use Impact Fee funds to replace a damaged garage door motor and provide maintenance on the remaining motors at the Fire Department Central Station To request the use of Impact Fee Funds to replace a damaged garage door motor and provide maintenance on the remaining motors at the Central Station. The current motors are no longer manufactured or supported. Fiscal Impact: The expenditure is not to exceed $11,000.00 of Impact Fee Funds. Approval of this request will reduce the Impact Fees available for the Fire Department by $11,000.00 leaving a balance of $29,415.34. Chief Joubert explained the situation, the central station has bifold garage doors that are unique and options are limited when it comes to maintenance and repairs. He is looking to order 1 new motor and swap the motors that are currently on doors that are used less and install them on the doors that are used more often to extend the life of them. The cost of the motor is around $7000.00 the City Council would like to see Chief Joubert purchase 2 new motors for around $14000 versus paying almost $4000 for the moving of the other motors around. The Council would like the Chief to work with the City Manager on finding where the additional funds can come from. Councilor Felch made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-36 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 Cheney made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-36 – Request to use Impact Fee funds to replace two damaged garage door motors and provide at the Fire Department Central Station. And request the city manager find where the additional funding source to replace the second motor will come from. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes 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. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman. Discussion: none.  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes 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. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Resolution 2025-37 - Request to use Impact Fees and Internal Service Funds to purchase a used ambulance for the Laconia Fire Department A request to use Impact Fees and Internal Service Funds for the purchase of a used ambulance. Two new ambulances are on order, with the first tentatively expected to arrive in April, 2026. Due to the poor condition of the current ambulance fleet, the used ambulance would allow LFD to maintain three in-service ambulances at all times. The ambulance the Department seeks to acquire has been thoroughly inspected by the City mechanic, who reports that the unit is in sound condition. Fiscal Impact: The expenditure is not to exceed $55,000.00. It is proposed that funds be raised and appropriated within the Internal Service Fund for this purpose, with $29,400.00 provided through a transfer from the Fire Department Impact Fee Account and the remaining $25,600 from the Internal Service Fund- fund balance. It is further proposed that the Internal Service Fund- fund balance be reimbursed from the Fire Department Impact Fee Account as impact fee revenue becomes available. Chief Joubert explained the situation, they are 2 new ambulances on order. They have one ambulance that goes out of service at least once a week. The ambulance they are looking to buy is from a department up north, the ambulance has 40,000 miles, it has a stretcher and load system already. They only need to swap the numbers and the lettering on the ambulance. The stretcher set up, and radios are worth more than $55,000.00. This is a good deal to help hold us over until the new ambulances are ready so we can make sure we have enough ambulances in service for the needs of the City residents. Councilor Cheney made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2025-37 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 first reading of Resolution 2025-37 relative to the request to use Impact Fees and Internal Service Funds to purchase a used ambulance for the Laconia Fire Department. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes 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. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.E. 2025 second half sewer warrant Per Chapter 189-50 C, collection of flat rate sewer accounts are collected by the Tax Collector. Councilor Bogert made a motion to approve the 2025 second half Sewer Warrant as presented. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2025-38 - Request to expend funds from the Downtown TIF for conceptual design and cost estimate for lighting 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2025-38 - 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. A motion to table this agenda item was approved at the November 10, 2025 City Council meeting to allow time for staff to prepare a Resolution. Councilor Felch made a motion to take this agenda item off the table. 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 Resolution 2025-38 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 first reading of Resolution 2025-38, Request to Expend Funds from the Downtown TIF for conceptual design and cost estimate for lighting. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman 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. Seconded by Councilor Cheney. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. 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 $55,000 to fund the Laconia Police Department's Utility Side-by-Side Vehicle Project On October 14, 2025, following a Public Hearing, the City Council approved Resolution 2025-31, a request to authorize acceptance of a Homeland Security grant in the amount of $51,000 to fund the Laconia Police Department’s Utility Side-by-Side Vehicle Project. It was recently discovered that the amount of the grant was erroneously stated; the correct amount is $55,000. Legal counsel has recommended that the Council follow the normal grant acceptance procedure to correct this error. 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 as amended in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none.  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 as amended in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Felch. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to move a first reading of Resolution 2025-31 as amended relative to authorizing the acceptance of a New Hampshire Department of Safety 2025 Homeland Security Competitive Grant in the amount of $55,000 to fund the Laconia Police Department’s Utility Side-by- Side Vehicle Project. Seconded by Councilor Haynes. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Haynes 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. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23.A. Master Plan 23.B. Milfoil Treatment funding requests 23.C. Sewer & Water Master Plan 23.D. Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions 23.E. Strategic Planning/Goal Setting 23.F. WOW Trail 23.G. Weirs Beach Restoration Project 23.H. Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor St. Clair adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk