City Council

Minutes were approved by the City Council on February 23, 2026. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. 2/9/2026 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bordes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Hildreth 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 Hildreth, Councilor Soucy, Councilor Hoffman, Councilor Haynes, Councilor Bogert and Councilor Conant. Mayor Bordes confirmed that all councilors were in attendance and a quorum was present. 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Kirk Beattie, City Manager; Glenn Smith, Finance Director Moment of Silence held for Former Mayor Paul Fitzgerald who recently passed away. He served 2 terms from 1992-1996. 6. COUNCIL PROCLAMATION 7. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7.A. City Council regular meeting minutes of January 26, 2026 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of January 26, 2026, were distributed to members of the City Council on January 29, 2026. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes will be accepted as distributed. Councilor Conant made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 13 - 15, 2026 sled dog event This is a recurring request with no changes from prior year approvals. The Special Events application and a map of the event received from the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club are attached to the agenda.  8.A. Request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 13 - 15, 2026 sled dog event This is a recurring request with no changes from prior year approvals. The Special Events application and a map of the event received from the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club are attached to the agenda. The Special Events Review Committee approved this event at their February 4, 2026 meeting. If the waiver of fees request is not approved by the Council, the fees would be as follows: Special Event License and Vendor Fees: $700 Loudspeaker Fee: $10 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve the request from Lakes Region Sled Dog Club to waive license, vendor and loudspeaker fees for the February 13 – 15, 2026 Sled Dog event. Seconded by Councilor Conant. Discussion: Mayor Bordes asked if this entity was a nonprofit? Jennifer Hallows president of the Sled Dogs Race was present and confirmed that they are a nonprofit entity. All the fundraising goes to running the event, attracting the mushers and a portion is donated to the Children’s Auction. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Patrick Wood, Ward 1 read the minutes of the last council meeting and was very concerned about the issue with natural gas permits from Liberty Utilities no longer being issued to new construction projects in Laconia. This is going to cause serious issues to the City of Laconia and one that is huge is the Laconia Village project, they need natural gas for that project. He feels that new building construction is going to come to a standstill. He doesn’t feel that a letter to the governor is going to be enough, he wants to see all councilors all hands-on deck to try to get this fixed. Richard Mason, was here a month ago about an issue with his property on Weirs Blvd. He filed an appeal, and he received a letter from the Fire Department. The code department doesn’t seem to know how the appeal process works. He passed out a handout to the city council that provided the fire department code. There is only 6 feet in front of his parcel and neighboring parcel. The neighbor received a new permit, he thinks they should have to meet all fire codes. He isn’t getting any rock-solid answers. Manager Beattie stated that the building code board of appeals has their own attorney they are working with. The city has our attorney involved. Mayor Bordes read an excerpt from the letter by the Fire Chief. So far, Mr. Mason stated he has gotten multiple answers from legal. Council Soucy asked Manager Beattie if they have been following the right process. Manager Beattie stated that he believes the correct process is being followed, it just takes time. Councilor Bogert asked if work is able to continue, Mr. Mason stated the builders are aware of what is going on and they currently haven’t been building. Doug Robinson, Ward 5 passed out a survey that showed some results that he went around to 15 businesses downtown about what can help build the downtown. He feels we should have an Event’s department to help. He doesn’t think that creating a social district is going to help. He also asked that the city does as little as possible to follow what the RSA allows and not create any extra stipulations for the social district and he wants to see the Council put in extra effort into getting people downtown. Charlie St. Clair, Ward 3 stated he doesn’t take issue with anything Doug said but he never got asked the survey he referenced. He stated he may not be open during the shows at the Colonial but he wants the council to know that he has gotten people that have come back and have said we looked in your window and came back to see your store. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - Resolution 2026-02 - Request for funding for milfoil treatment of 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2026-02 - Request for funding for milfoil treatment of Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the January 29, 2026 issue of the Laconia Daily Sun and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Community Center, Laconia Public Library and the offices of the SAU. Mayor Bordes opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM. No one from the public wished to speak. Mayor Bordes closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Termination of the Intermunicipal Agreement between the City of Laconia and the Town of Gilford governing the development of the Lakes Business Park Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the January 14, 2026 issue of the Laconia Daily Sun and posted at Laconia City Hall, Laconia Community Center, Laconia Public Library and the offices of the SAU. Mayor Bordes opened the Public Hearing at 7:22 PM. Eliza Leadbeater, Gilford stated she was the first Chair of the Belknap Economic Group and had participated in this project several years ago. She thanked both the Town of Gilford, and the City of Laconia about the formation and success of the park. Congratulations to both communities for working together over the years. She hopes to see the maintenance of the park handled properly in the years to come. Mayor Bordes closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Presentation - Kerri Howe, Office of Extended Learning Administrator Kerri Howe, Lisa Hinds, and Candace Hide Presented to the City Council to show how they have been working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in a career- connectedness experience while being educated in the Laconia School District. To reduce barriers, some opportunities are available during the school day, while other opportunities can be found out-of- school-time. They have intentionally built their out-of-school-time opportunities to provide enrichment and exposure to a variety of interest areas, such as STEM club activities, recreation, embedded academic reinforcement, arts, theater, music, and healthy living. Students can use voice and choice when deciding their personalized pathways. Research published by the NH Learning Initiative called THE POWER OF CAREER-CONNECTED LEARNING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE shows that students who participate in at least one career-connected learning opportunity have increased hope about their future and engagement in their learning. In fact, the research further showed that as student participation increased, so did their hope and engagement. While Future Learning Pathways looks different at the various ages and stages of development, we have been intentional about creating a variety of opportunities for your child to explore their personal interests and think about their future college and/or career pathways. They are fortunate to live in a city that deeply cares for our future generation and are always willing to strengthen our community connections. At the high school, they have been working to increase opportunities for students to participate in credit bearing ELOs, job shadows, interest clubs, and earn Industry Recognized Credentials. They also went over the Portrait of a graduate program that starts in Laconia in Pre-K and goes through grade 12. Most districts only focus on grades 9-12.  our future generation and are always willing to strengthen our community connections. At the high school, they have been working to increase opportunities for students to participate in credit bearing ELOs, job shadows, interest clubs, and earn Industry Recognized Credentials. They also went over the Portrait of a graduate program that starts in Laconia in Pre-K and goes through grade 12. Most districts only focus on grades 9-12. The Office of extended learning also offers a 5-week summer program and after-school programming at no cost to families. They had over 300 applicants for only 150 spots on the elementary level. The Mayor and Council thanked them for their presentation, they were very impressed with what they are offering to our students and would love for them to come back to a future meeting to share some student success stories and hear directly from the students. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bordes stated on 2/10/26 he has a meeting with the CEO of Concord Hospital. Manager Beattie and he also had a meeting with the CEO of Spectacle. He also recently met with Senator Shaheen about infrastructure funding assistance. Councilor Bogert asked Mayor Bordes while meeting with the Hospital’s CEO if he could address the moving of snow in the hospital’s back parking lot between 3:00 am-3:45 am. There has been a lot of dump trucks making noise, waking up the neighbors and he has been hearing from all the residents on Lafayette St. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Bogert stated that he has been trying to work on the Natural Gas infrastructure he has been working with BIE, they are clarifying a price of how much it would cost to bring the pipe from Loudon to Laconia. Councilor Soucy stated this past week the legislature passed a bill that would name the new 911 facility after Bruce Cheney. Next it is going to the senate. He would like to see a letter go to all the state senators and the president of the senate from the Council showing support for this bill. The consensus of the council to send a letter. Councilor Conant recognized the Laconia Water Department who handled a significant water main break, it was a 6-inch cast iron pipe that was installed in 1964. With the technology they have in place it allowed them to know there was a problem at midnight on February 4, 2026, and they were able to find the break by 6AM, they did an excellent job restoring services to the area as quickly as possible. Councilor Soucy would like to see the Council support the Laconia Water Works with a bypass expansion because that service covers such a huge area, including St. Francis Nursing Home and into Belmont. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Councilors Soucy, Bogert and Hoffman) Chairman Soucy noted that they held a meeting over the past couple of weeks. regarding 2 topics regarding the spectacle contract, they’d like to get the mayor’s approval to have the advisory board added as a council committee and to go before the appointments committee. He knows the advisory board is listed in the contract and was previously appointed by the mayor, but he would like them to come before the appointments committee. Another goal they discussed is wanting to reserve more nights to the city, find more nights that are available for the city or community members who have the experience of hosting events. They will be coming to the City Council with a more formal plan to make sure things like the maintenance of the building are being addressed. Mayor Bordes asked manager Beattie if it was already a council committee? Manager Beattie stated it is appointed by the council; we had a 5.5-year contract, and this was added after 2.5 years into the contract. The purpose is for the committee to advise the city council and the manager on making decisions moving forward. Manager Beattie doesn’t see any reason now that the new council has sat, they can adjust it to what fits for this council on who you want on the committee. Councilor Soucy clarified that the reason why he asked was because he had this same discussion with one of our former mayors at  make sure things like the maintenance of the building are being addressed. Mayor Bordes asked manager Beattie if it was already a council committee? Manager Beattie stated it is appointed by the council; we had a 5.5-year contract, and this was added after 2.5 years into the contract. The purpose is for the committee to advise the city council and the manager on making decisions moving forward. Manager Beattie doesn’t see any reason now that the new council has sat, they can adjust it to what fits for this council on who you want on the committee. Councilor Soucy clarified that the reason why he asked was because he had this same discussion with one of our former mayors at great length, and the board that is there now was appointed by him and he feels it should go through our regular appointments committee. Mayor Bordes agreed and is perfectly fine with that, he also asked if it is in the new contract. Manager Beattie confirmed yes, it is in there and in the proposal that he is working on adds that it will go through the appointments committee. Chairman Soucy also let the council know that the Finance Committee will begin working with the City Manager on holding workshops regarding the budget. 17.A.i. WOW Trail Funding 17.A.ii. Downtown TIF Financing 17.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Councilors Soucy, Haynes and Conant) Councilor Soucy stated there were 2 new officers sworn in at the last police commissioners meeting. The Police Department has also seen a significant decrease in opioid overdoses. 17.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Councilors Hoffman, Bogert and Conant) 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 (Councilors Bogert, Hildreth and Conant) 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, Soucy, Bogert) Councilor Bogert stated at the last meeting they reviewed the winter parking ban. They had a request to have a permanent schedule and only have as needed. What ended up being recommended was to amend the length of the winter parking ban to 11/15-4/15 annually instead of 11/1-4/30. There was also the discussion of vehicle strikes on Lexington Ave, and speed on Lynnewood Rd. The committee asked the manager and DPW to look into the cost of adding speed tables and adding some flashing lights to the upcoming stop signs. Councilor Hildreth asked if there was any discussion on adding a sign stating that the road is ending. Councilor Haynes noted that they are looking into all sign options. Chairman Haynes also noted there was a discussion on the Prescott hill/ Route 106 intersection. They cannot make a left-hand turn. This has caused an issue with public works and emergency vehicles. The residents now have to go into Belmont to leave their homes. We have reached out to the state. The state has agreed to revisit it, but the city must pay for the evaluation to represent the state to see if they can have it changed back to the old way. There was also a discussion on turning Clay Street into a one-way street. Public Works is looking into the actual street width; trash is already on one side of the street. There was a discussion about the crosswalk in front of the Court House, on what can be done to increase visibility. Public Works is looking into it and will report back. The last discussion was Pleasant Street near Havenwood. The issue is people from the  They cannot make a left-hand turn. This has caused an issue with public works and emergency vehicles. The residents now have to go into Belmont to leave their homes. We have reached out to the state. The state has agreed to revisit it, but the city must pay for the evaluation to represent the state to see if they can have it changed back to the old way. There was also a discussion on turning Clay Street into a one-way street. Public Works is looking into the actual street width; trash is already on one side of the street. There was a discussion about the crosswalk in front of the Court House, on what can be done to increase visibility. Public Works is looking into it and will report back. The last discussion was Pleasant Street near Havenwood. The issue is people from the Industrial Park are turning right onto Pleasant, ignoring the do not enter signs and cutting through the neighborhood. 17.E.i. Retaining Wall Policy 17.E.ii. Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service 17.E.iii. APPOINTMENTS (Councilors Soucy. Hildreth and Conant) Councilor Soucy provided an update that last week they held some interviews, this week they have another meeting for more interviews on open board and committee positions. 18. LIAISON REPORTS Councilor Soucy gave an update on Pumpkin Fest- the financial report shows a loss of $3,000 for the year. He feels this was pretty good for it being the first year being run by the city. Next year’s planning has already begun. 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS No one from public wished to speak. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Manager Beattie informed the City Council of the following: -Tomorrow paving will happen on Court Street where the water main break was. -There was some concern about city alerts going out, they are looking into options between the city website sign up and the police department alert system. - He needs to appoint a new treasurer. The new treasurer will be Wes Anderson. He will be taking that role in the next couple of months. -Waiting for the update on the lighting RFP. -RFP is due tomorrow for the Weirs band stand. 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. Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Relative to Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses; and Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is intended to address conflicting and confusing language within the short-term lodging regulations. The City’s legal counsel has drafted the proposed language in accordance with state law and recent NH Supreme Court decisions. This proposed language includes better defined performance standards and requirements to allow for greater Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is intended to address conflicting and confusing language within the short-term lodging regulations. The City’s legal counsel has drafted the proposed language in accordance with state law and recent NH Supreme Court decisions. This proposed language includes better defined performance standards and requirements to allow for greater enforcement. Additionally, after further discussion with legal counsel, the Special Exception application will be updated by the Planning Department to require applicants to sign and acknowledge their obligation to comply with the requirements for Short-Term Lodging as outlined in the City Code. In accordance with Article XIV of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board held a public hearing on and unanimously approved the proposed Ordinance at its November 3, 2025 meeting. Fiscal Impact: There is no direct and immediate fiscal impact to the City. Staff Recommendation: The Planning Department recommends that the City Council review the proposed amendment and schedule a public hearing or refer it back to the Planning Board for further review. Discussion: Manager Beattie noted there are 2 potential motions listed for the council to choose from. The planning department is at the meeting and able to fill in any gaps or answer any questions that the council may have. Councilor Soucy asked if this was going to be a final decision or if it was going to come back to the council. Manager Beattie clarified that we will have the discussion tonight, schedule a public hearing, make any further adjustments then send it back to Planning Board for Approval then it will come back to the City Council for a final vote. Mayor Bordes noted that Land Use changes have a lot of back and forth between Council and Planning Board. Councilor Hoffman stated as the liason to the zoning board, this is a vital tool that the board needs and is a long time coming and is sorely needed. This takes out a lot of the gray area for the zoning board and restores the balance. It will allow the character to be preserved in the neighborhoods. One suggestion he has for a change is he would like to see RS zone added to the list of zones where this is not allowed at all. Councilor Soucy asked the planning department if they have any comments or concerns about what Councilor Hoffman suggested being an amendment. Director Mora stated that he does understand that we are trying to preserve housing stock, they are very supportive of whatever way the City Council wants to go. He feels there are options for areas they want to preserve and areas they want to say its ok in. He can see it from both sides, there are property rights that people want to reserve and have the option to do short term lodging and there is the need to preserve the housing stock for full time residents, it is a delicate level to balance. The council agreed, they were ok with the suggestion. Councilor Bogert stated that he does support the idea of removing that zone from the available list and putting it on the not available list for short term rentals. Councilor Soucy would like to see the language changed prior to the public hearing. Director Mora said they will make the language changes and post it online tomorrow so the public can see it and then they will hold the public hearing, send it back to planning board and they will hold their public hearing on it then it will come back to City Council for final adoption. Councilor Bogert stated he thought there was section that referenced a number of days that constituted short term housing. Councilor Hoffman Agreed, Director Mora stated there was some discussion and feedback regarding Section M. for dwelling units for a period of less than 15 days consecutive days and they want to move it to 28 days. Councilor Hildreth confirmed that the council wanted 28 days. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0  wanted 28 days. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to conduct a first reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses, and Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Conant made a motion to schedule a public hearing on February 23, 2026 during the regular City Council meeting to gather input prior to adoption. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.B. Review of list of items included under "Committee Reports" on the City Council agenda Removal of any items listed on the City Council agenda under the “Committee Reports” section requires a recommendation from the various subcommittees to remove items, followed by a vote of the full City Council. Following is a list of items recommended for removal by the Government Operations & Ordinances Subcommittee at their January 28, 2026 meeting: - Proposed Historic Overlay District - Time Frame for Demolition Permits Following is a list of items recommended for removal by the Public Works Subcommittee at their February 2, 2026 meeting: - Retaining Wall Policy - Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service Following is a list of items recommended for removal by the Finance Subcommittee at their January 27, 2026 meeting: - WOW Trail funding - Downtown TIF Financing Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve the removal of the following items from the Committee Reports section of the City Council agenda: Government Operations & Ordinances Subcommittee - Proposed Historic Overlay District - Time Frame for Demolition Permits Public Works Subcommittee - Retaining Wall Policy  - Time Frame for Demolition Permits Public Works Subcommittee - Retaining Wall Policy - Discussion for converting from a manual to an automated solid waste curbside collection service Finance Subcommittee - WOW Trail funding - Downtown TIF Financing Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: Councilor Haynes asked if we are at the point where we are going to eliminate the Historic District. Manager Beattie stated this is being addressed with the Master Plan, it will be coming back to the full council. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.C. Review of list of items included under "Future Agenda Items" on the City Council agenda Removal of any items listed on the City Council agenda under the “Future Agenda Items” section requires approval by the Council. Following is a list of items that currently are listed under “Future Agenda Items” on the City Council agenda: - Master Plan - Milfoil Treatment funding requests - Sewer & Water Master Plan - Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions - Strategic Planning/Goal Setting - WOW Trail - Weirs Beach Restoration Project - Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents Please note that if items are removed from the “Future Agenda Items” section, they can be reinstated on the list at any time by vote of the Council. Councilor Bogert made a motion to approve the removal of the following items from the Future Agenda Items section of the City Council agenda: (list items) -Master Plan - Milfoil Treatment funding requests - Sewer & Water Master Plan - Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions - Strategic Planning/Goal Setting  - Sewer & Water Master Plan - Single Stream Recycling/Concord Co-op/Solid Waste disposal cost reductions - Strategic Planning/Goal Setting - WOW Trail - Weirs Beach Restoration Project - Fair St/Court St traffic problems and accidents Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 21.D. Discussion regarding repeal of Ordinance 2025-5-20, 5-32, 5-33, Section 5-32 relating to the Human Relations Committee During the January 28, 2026, Government Operations and Ordinances Subcommittee meeting, the following motion was made: Councilor Conant made a motion to amend ordinance 5-32, striking the Human Relations Committee from the council committee list. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: Councilor Hoffman does not like the idea of removing the committee from ordinance, he thinks the membership is fine and going to the appointments committee is a thorough process. The motion passed with two in favor. 2- 1 Councilor Hoffman was opposed Ordinance 2025-5-20, 5-32, 5-33 as it currently exists is attached to the agenda. Councilor Conant made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 9, 2026 regarding amending Ordinance 5-20, 5-32, 5-33, Section 5-32, to strike the Human Relations Committee from the Council committee list. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked if this motion was going to kill the human relations committee? Mayor Bordes clarified that this was to schedule a public hearing to discuss a potential repeal of the ordinance that was passed by the previous city council. Councilor Soucy stated he is not in favor of killing the committee, but he is in favor of redoing the committee from what it is today. He doesn’t feel the council has full oversight of that committee, he feels 13 members is too much, he would rather see 5 or 7 and the candidates are selected through the appointments committee process to be then brought to the city council. Mayor Bordes stated that it looks like the subcommittee recommends repealing it, so he is looking to hold another public hearing and then we can all vote and make a decision at that point. Councilor Soucy doesn’t want it to look like the council is putting a message out to the public that we are killing the human relations committee, because he would not be in favor of that. He is fine with having a public hearing to have the public have the ability to speak to it again. Councilor Hildreth clarified that all we are doing is voting to schedule a public hearing. Councilor Bogert agrees with what Councilor Soucy stated, he agrees that the current make up that was done, that portion would have to be repealed but there is nothing stopping to have the committee redone and allow the Government Operations & Ordinances committee to work out the kinks as Councilor Soucy suggested. Councilor Bogert informed the council after that vote was made at the subcommittee meeting, they did continue to have discussion and work on what they were tasked with but due to the way the ordinance is written to make a lot of these changes we would have to redo the whole ordinance. Councilor Soucy fears if we repeal it, it will be a bear to bring it back, so he would rather just make specific amendments to the current ordinance. Councilor Hoffman stated that he agrees he would be open to amending the current ordinance, especially when it comes to the number of people on the committee and how those members are appointed. He stated that he didn’t vote for it in committee and he is not going to vote for it now to advance to removing the Human Relations Committee completely. He thinks amendments to the ordinance that was passed is the best way to go about this. Mayor Bordes noted that we are not voting to remove it, we are voting on having a public hearing on if we should remove it. Councilor Hoffman understands that, and he will not be voting for that either. Councilor Soucy asked for more clarification on the motion on the floor. Mayor Bordes confirmed the council is voting to set a public hearing date Hoffman stated that he agrees he would be open to amending the current ordinance, especially when it comes to the number of people on the committee and how those members are appointed. He stated that he didn’t vote for it in committee and he is not going to vote for it now to advance to removing the Human Relations Committee completely. He thinks amendments to the ordinance that was passed is the best way to go about this. Mayor Bordes noted that we are not voting to remove it, we are voting on having a public hearing on if we should remove it. Councilor Hoffman understands that, and he will not be voting for that either. Councilor Soucy asked for more clarification on the motion on the floor. Mayor Bordes confirmed the council is voting to set a public hearing date regarding a potential repeal. They are not voting to repeal the ordinance tonight. Manager Beattie stated in the next council packet the council would hold the public hearing then they would have an agenda item asking what action the council wants to take based off the feedback at the public hearing. Councilor Soucy stated that he has a scheduling conflict where he cannot attend the next council meeting and he requests to have the public hearing pushed out one more meeting. Councilor Bogert made an amendment to have the public hearing on 3/9/2026. there was no second, the amendment died. Councilor Hildreth stated that he is in favor of amending the ordinance but not repealing it in its entirety. Councilor Soucy would like to see this item sent back to the Government Operations and Ordinances to revisit the ordinance and come back with a revised ordinance. As the Chair, Councilor Bogert is fine with that. Councilor Conant stated he’d like to have a public hearing to have the public involved. Councilor Haynes stated that we have already had several public hearings, and we’re just going to keep going back and forth. The original motion was never voted on. When the next motion was proposed. Councilor Haynes made a motion to postpone this item indefinitely and send back to committee, the motion was seconded by Soucy. Discussion: Mayor Bordes explained the difference between postponing indefinitely and putting the item on the table. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- No Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- No Councilor Conant- No The vote was tied 3-3 with Mayor Bordes to break the tie. Mayor Bordes voted No, the motion failed. 3-4 Councilor Soucy made a motion to table and send back to committee, seconded by Councilor Bogert. The motion is nondebatable. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- No Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- No Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- No The vote was tied 3-3 with Mayor Bordes to break the tie. Mayor Bordes voted No, the motion failed. 3-4 Mayor Bordes brought the Council back to the original motion; where Councilor Conant made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 9, 2026 regarding amending Ordinance 5-20, 5-32, 5- 33, Section 5-32, to strike the Human Relations Committee from the Council committee list. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- No Councilor Soucy- No Councilor Hoffman- No Councilor Haynes- No Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- Yes The motion failed. 4-2 Councilor Bogert made a motion to send this agenda item back to the Government Operations & Ordinances Subcommittee. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None.  Councilor Haynes- No Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- Yes The motion failed. 4-2 Councilor Bogert made a motion to send this agenda item back to the Government Operations & Ordinances Subcommittee. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman- Yes Councilor Haynes- No Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- No The motion passed with 4 votes in favor. 4-2 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2026-02 - Request for funding for milfoil treatment of Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee The NHDES Exotic Species Program has awarded the City of Laconia a grant to fund up to 50% of project costs for aquatic plant control remediation in Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee. This is an annual project that removes invasive species currently present in Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee and mitigates their recurrence. NHDES works with the Planning Department to identify locations for plant control to be completed, hires contractors to complete work, and returns for post remediation testing. The City’s share of the grant is $57,100 which is 50% of the total cost of the project. The Lake Opechee Preservation Association (LOPA) has offered to reimburse the City for 50% of its share for remediation work in Lake Opechee. This effectively makes the total cost to the City $52,407.81 which is a $7,407.81 increase from last year’s appropriation of $45,000. The cost breakdown is as follows: Project Cost: $114,200.00 NHDES Grant: ($57,100.00) City Share: $57,100.00 LOPA Reimbursement: ($4,692.19) Total Cost to City: $52,407.81 At the January 26, 2026 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: The total cost to the City is $52,407.81. The City’s share will be expended from the FY27 Administration Non-Departmental budget. Director Mora presented the Council with a history of the costs, he also stated he reached out to Conservation Chair Dean Anson about our funding amounts and he agreed it is being funded appropriately. Councilor Conant made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2026-02 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 Hoffman made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2026-02, relative to the acceptance of a 2026 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant in the amount of $57,100.00 and appropriate $57,100.00 to the Administration Non- Departmental account, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None.  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2026-02, relative to the acceptance of a 2026 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant in the amount of $57,100.00 and appropriate $57,100.00 to the Administration Non- Departmental account, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Conant made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-02, relative to the acceptance of a 2026 NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grant in the amount of $57,100.00 and appropriate $57,100.00 to the Administration Non-Departmental account as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this matter. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 22.B. Termination of the Inter-Municipal Agreement between the City of Laconia and the Town of Gilford governing the development of the Lakes Business Park In May of 2001, an Inter-Municipal Agreement was signed governing the joint economic activities between the City of Laconia and the Town of Gilford related to Lakes Business Park in the area better known as Hounsell Av. The Town of Gilford voters have authorized their Board of Selectman to negotiate and execute a successor agreement with the City of Laconia. A draft successor agreement and original intermunicipal agreement is attached to the agenda. At the January 12, 2026 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Manager Beattie stated there was one clause in the original agreement about returning any money between the two communities, the only money is in the capital reserve fund which is in in the amendment. In section1.3 on the 2 nd page, there was an amendment where it terminates in 2040 from Gilford rather than 2050. And in section 2.2 that was a clause that was added that is related to the build out of the capital. What happens when its over one million dollars in capital, it releases us of any fiscal responsibility for anything over one million. Councilor Hoffman was pleased with the addition of the clause. Manager Beattie worked with the Town of Gilford and our City Attorney’s on this and they are fine with the language. Councilor Hoffman made a motion to approve the successor agreement with the Town of Gilford pertaining to the Lakes Business Park Intermunicipal Agreement agreed upon in 2001 and to authorize the City Manager to sign all related documents. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: Councilor Bogert is curious about signage at the corner of, it needs to be looked out. Manager Beattie stated that he did see that and he will send someone out to look at it. 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.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 Bordes adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk