City Council

Minutes were approved by the Laconia City Council on March 23, 2026. CITY OF LACONIA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. LACONIA CITY HALL -ARMAND A. BOLDUC CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 3/9/2026 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bordes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM 2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Councilor Conant 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 6 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. City Council regular meeting minutes of February 23, 2026 Minutes of the Laconia City Council meeting of February 23, 2026 were distributed to members of the City Council on March 3, 2026. With no corrections or changes submitted to the Clerk, the minutes were accepted as distributed. Councilor Conant made a motion to approve the February 23, 2026 minutes as distributed, seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: none. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions The Appointments Subcommittee met on February 5 and earlier this evening to interview candidates for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions. 8. CONSENT & ACTION ITEMS 8.A. Recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions The Appointments Subcommittee met on February 5 and earlier this evening to interview candidates for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions. At this time the following individuals are recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee for appointment to the City’s Boards and Commissions: Douglas Robinson – To be appointed to a public member position on the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five year term expiring at the end of March, 2031. Benjamin Pearson – To be appointed to a registered plumber position on the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five year term expiring at the end of March, 2031. Councilor Conant made a motion to approve the appointment of Doug Robinson to the City’s Boards and Commissions as presented and as recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee. There was no second. Discussion: None. The motion failed. Councilor Hildreth made a motion to approve the appointment of Benjamin Pearson to the City’s Boards and Commissions as presented and as recommended by the Appointments Subcommittee. Seconded by Councilor Conant. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Chairman Soucy also noted that in recent appointments meetings, they have interviewed people looking for reappointments, and in conversation the appointments committee is pushing for updates to be given to the city council a few times per year by the various City Boards and Commissions. 8.B. Clarification of the Public Hearing date for making Clay Street one way from Bowman Street to Fair Street, and no parking on the odd numbered side of the street At the February 23, 2026 Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing regarding making Clay Street one way from Bowman Street to Fair Street, and no parking on the odd numbered side of the street. The date of the Public Hearing included in that motion was incorrect; the correct date of the Public Hearing is at the Council meeting on April 13, 2026. Both the Public Hearing notice and the notifications sent out to residents will include the correct date of April 13. Councilor Haynes made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on April 13, 2026 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input regarding the request to make Clay Street one way from Bowman Street to Fair Street, and no parking on the odd numbered side of the street. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Sue Higgins, Ward 2 wants to know why the wow trail from Messer St through lakeport square is not being maintained during the winter months when we have a sidewalk plow. Manager Beattie noted he will look into it and get back to her. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS  Sue Higgins, Ward 2 wants to know why the wow trail from Messer St through lakeport square is not being maintained during the winter months when we have a sidewalk plow. Manager Beattie noted he will look into it and get back to her. 10. INTERVIEWS 11. NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS 12. COMMUNICATIONS 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13.A. Public Hearing - Resolution 2026-03 - Acceptance of unanticipated health insurance rebate in the amount of $86,316.00 and authorization to give the Belknap Mill $20,000.00 of said funds for building repairs, and to deposit the balance of $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 26, 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 7:13 PM. Laura LeMien, chair of the Belknap Mill Board of Directors and Kevin Switala secretary of the Belknap Mill Board of Directors stated they are seeking assistance from the city. The Belknap Mill is a nonprofit who received an L-Chip grant but they are seeking help with the matching funds they need to come up with. The repairs that are needed are underneath the building where the water flows under the building. The foundation pillars are corroded and in need of replacement/ repair, they also have cracks in the pillars in the basement. the building is over 200 years old. They wanted the council to know they pay for the electricity and water/ irrigation for Rotary Park. They have 38k already, looking for 20k from the city and will be fundraising the rest. Mayor Bordes asked since they are nonprofit what avenues have they sought to make up the $126k raised each year to keep the lights on. They have individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and they do fundraising. Councilor Soucy asked if there is still water running through? Secretary said there is no water, there is seepage but they will need to find a way to pump it out. He is confident the new materials are made better than in the past. Councilor Conant asked if we paid the mill for the use of the inauguration? Mr. Switala stated no, Councilor Conant disagreed and stated we were issued an invoice for over $500 for the use of the facility. Mr. Switala suggested maybe it was a suggested donation request, Manager Beattie confirmed no, this was definitely an invoice. Lois Kessin, Ward 3 spoke about originally saving the mill many years ago and how it wasn’t simple. She spoke in favor for the funds going to the mill. Mason Petit, Ward 3 asked what is the Healthcare Stabilization account? Manager Beattie explained. This account was created several years ago, to help offset the health insurance costs that the city may get hit. He then asked if the union had weighed in on if they were ok with it? He agrees the mill should get assistance but not with this money. Tara Shore, Ward 6 stated she is the president of the historical society, she is in favor of the funds being distributed to the bill to save the historic structure. As the head of another nonprofit in the city, she wanted to know how she could go about applying for such a large sum of money for the nonprofit she is in charge of. Manager Beattie stated that there is no formal way, there are requests seen in the budget process but otherwise something mid-year would be heard by the council on a case-by- case basis. Doug Robinson, Ward 5 doesn’t think that $20,000 should be coming from this type of money. We have a TIF district and he wonders why the funds can’t come out of that? He’d like to know how many nonprofits are going to be eligible to receive the same amount of money from the city.  the budget process but otherwise something mid-year would be heard by the council on a case-by- case basis. Doug Robinson, Ward 5 doesn’t think that $20,000 should be coming from this type of money. We have a TIF district and he wonders why the funds can’t come out of that? He’d like to know how many nonprofits are going to be eligible to receive the same amount of money from the city. Mason Petit, Ward 3 stated he is a public employee, and has been a public employee his whole career. He feels this money is not being used with the right funds. He agrees that $20k is not a lot but it is in excess and it should go back to the fund it was intended to return to. Jenn Anderson, Ward 4 former chair of the Belknap Mill for 9 years. This investment into the structure is vital for the whole community, there is no other building like this in the country. They have seen a significant impact to their reservations for the property given the land that they sit on and the activities that go on in the park. John Mcarlow, Ward 1 he doesn’t think that anyone will dispute the money going to the mill, but he doesn’t feel this money is discretionary, this money could be spent somewhere better like to help fill potholes. He feels there should be a process set up for nonprofits to seek assistance from the city. He doesn’t think the money being taken from the taxpayers and it’s going somewhere else is a good idea. Marc Burrell Ward 5, he’d like to know what the health care fund is. Manager Beattie explained, there is a budget for the health insurance, employees contribute to their health insurance as a percentage. He’d like to know why the money of the fund would be considered. Councilor Soucy stated that money that is in the fund are city funds, not money given from the employees. Councilor Bogert asked Manager Beattie, if we budgeted for a project and the project was completed and there was excess funds from the project. Would this be the same process as to handle the money? Manager Beattie confirmed the council would be choosing where the leftover funds get reallocated to. Tara Shore, Ward 6 asked if the city can create a nonprofit fund to put the money in and ask the nonprofits to apply each year. Manager Beattie explained the current process and said that is not something the city would do. Sue Higgins, Ward 2 it is clear to her that there is more than 1 nonprofit that needs funding. She agrees the Belknap mill does need the funding; she felt their presentation that they are looking for lost income. She does not envy the council on the decision they need to make tonight. Mayor Bordes closed the Public Hearing at 7:41 PM. 13.B. Public Hearing - Ordinance 2026-221-36 - Amending Article III - Parking, Standing and Stopping, Chapter 221-36 - Winter Parking Notice of this Public Hearing was made available in the February 26, 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 7:41 PM. Sue Higgins, Ward 2. She was the one who requested the change but she feels the people who have no place to park when there is a parking ban. Due to the zoning regulations that lowered the parking spaces. She’d like to see the city start a permit parking program. Mayor Bordes closed the Public Hearing at 7:43 PM. 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Pillsbury Group presentation - Laconia State School Kevin Smith, Lead Project Manager for Pillsbury Realty Development and the Laconia Village project, 14. PRESENTATIONS 14.A. Pillsbury Group presentation - Laconia State School Kevin Smith, Lead Project Manager for Pillsbury Realty Development and the Laconia Village project, Attorney Ari Pollak, Michael Kettenbach Managing Partner, Jimmy D’Angelo Owners Rep and Justin Kearnan were all present for presentation. Mr. Smith went over the past 12-month timeline, 3 plus years for phase 1, most likely shovels in the ground in 2028. The property is 217 acres, planning to develop nowhere near the whole amount of land. 5 phases of development. Phase 1 will have a mixed use, phase 2 housing, phase 3 civic area, phases 4 & 5 focus on trails and green space. Outstanding items to be completed: NHDOT master plan traffic review, completion of sewer membership transfer from state to the city, with approval of the master plan advancing with phase 1 development and having an estimate closing date at the end of July 2026. Councilor Soucy would like to see the presentation he gave tonight, Manager Beattie will email it out to the council. It is also listed on the City’s planning department page on the City of Laconia Website. All the submissions and plans so far are on that page. Councilor Bogert asked if a story board was provided so they could put it in the lobby so the residents can see the direction the property is going. Mr. Smith agreed, Mayor Bordes felt that would be beneficial as well. Councilor Hildreth spoke about the traffic study; do they have a preliminary result? Mr. Smith confirmed Yes, they are with the planning department. Councilor Soucy stated plans they were given a few years ago, estimate on school students? Mr. Smith said there was a report done and there are some estimates in it, but he doesn’t have those estimates with him this evening. Councilor Hoffman stated that they have been made aware that natural gas may be off the table. Mr. Smith said he feels they will be looking at all options. They were told it would take 7-10 years until natural gas gets up here. Manager Beattie stated some documents that were referenced were sent out prior to the election, so he will send them out to the new councilors and mayor so they have them. 15. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bordes stated he recently had a meeting with Senator Shaheen about funding for housing projects. He is in the final phases of the homeless subcommittee, anyone interested please reach out to him. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS None. 17. COMMITTEE REPORTS 17.A. FINANCE (Councilors Soucy, Bogert and Hoffman) 17.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Councilors Soucy, Haynes and Conant) 17.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Councilors Hoffman, Bogert and Conant)  17.B. PUBLIC SAFETY (Councilors Soucy, Haynes and Conant) 17.C. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES (Councilors Hoffman, Bogert and Conant) 17.C.i. Regulation of Short Term Residential Rental Businesses 17.C.ii. Performance Zoning 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) 17.F. APPOINTMENTS (Councilors Soucy. Hildreth and Conant) 18. LIAISON REPORTS 19. CITIZENS REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON CURRENT AGENDA ITEMS Marc Burrell, Ward 5 spoke on Short Term Rentals and presented some short-term rental facts to the council. He feels if the council changes this ordinance, the council will see many people going against the city ordinance. He questions if the council is fully representing all the people of Laconia. Carol Varney, Ward 1 applauded the council for the amount of time and effort that has gone through. She was impressed by the planning board meeting. It is not the demise and it is not that the sky is falling. She said this change affects 20% of our city. She feels the 80% is much better suited to have those types of vacation rentals. She hopes to see the council vote in favor of this change. Doug Robinson, Ward 5 stated that litigation is expensive. He doesn’t see why we would jeopardize a potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees. He feels that the 20% of the city matters and he is against this ordinance change. Brett Beliveau, Ward 5 spoke to the planning board and stated what makes the city special is that we have separate zoning areas. He feels we lose that type of variety when we offer certain zones, but we are allowing people to do it in everywhere, there is no variety. If zoning gets thrown out the window there will be bigger problems. Litigation will happen everywhere, there are too many lawyers in this world. 20. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Manager Beattie gave a reminder to the City Council that on March 18 th at 2pm is the goal setting meeting here at City Hall with City Department Heads for the goal setting process. This session is open to the public. He also stated that social districting is still being worked on and it will come back to the public safety meeting, it will be ready prior to the summer season. This Thursday 3/12/26 Freedom Energy will be here at city hall to answer any questions at 6pm in Council Chambers. An update on Lynnewood Rd and Holman St, there was a poorly placed stop sign they believe they have corrected that issue. They are still working on the speeding issue in the area. 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report  An update on Lynnewood Rd and Holman St, there was a poorly placed stop sign they believe they have corrected that issue. They are still working on the speeding issue in the area. 20.A. Financial and Operational Trends Report Manager Beattie presented the Financial and Operational Trends Report to the City Council. 21. NEW BUSINESS 22. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 22.A. Resolution 2026-03 - Acceptance of unanticipated health insurance rebate in the amount of $86,316.00 and authorization to give $20,000.00 of said funds to the Belknap Mill for building repairs, and to deposit $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund Discussion: In January 2026 the City received Eighty-six Thousand, Three Hundred Sixteen dollars ($86,316.00) from our former health insurance provider, the New Hampshire Interlocal Trust, as a rebate of an earlier over-assessment. At the February 23, 2026 Council meeting a motion was approved to give $20,000.00 of these funds to the Belknap Mill for building repairs, and to deposit the balance of $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund to be used to stabilize the impact of future health insurance expenses on the City budget. Such action requires the approval of Council, after a duly warned public hearing. That public hearing was held earlier this evening. Fiscal Impact: Approval will bring the total funds available in the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve to approximately Two Hundred Sixty-six Thousand, Five Hundred Forty-three dollars ($266,543.00). Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of this proposal. Councilor Hildreth made a motion to waive a reading of Resolution 2026-03 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 Hildreth made a motion to move a second reading of Resolution 2026-03 – Acceptance of unanticipated health insurance rebate in the amount of $86,316.00 and authorization to give the Belknap Mill $20,000.00 of said funds for building repairs and to deposit the balance of $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: Councilor Conant stated this is tax payer money and he agrees the building is a beautiful building, but he doesn’t think the money should be given to a nonprofit. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-03 – Acceptance of unanticipated health insurance rebate in the amount of $86,316.00 and authorization to give the Belknap Mill $20,000.00 of said funds for building repairs, and to deposit the balance of $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth. Discussion: Councilor Conant stated the city needs these funds and the city should not be donating the money to a nonprofit. The building doesn’t pay property taxes, and they have a few tenants, they should be self-sustaining. Mayor Bordes said he is in favor of the mill but he is not in favor of these funds being used. He feels the money should be given only during budget time. Councilor Soucy stated they have a number of nonprofits that come to the city during the year, he doesn’t know if there is a specific timeline, he’d like to see them go through the budget process like all the other nonprofits. Mayor Bordes asked on the timeline when the grant funds need to be used by? Councilor Hildreth stated that whenever we are using money, it is taken out of tax payer dollars. He fears delaying the process will only get more expensive and will cost more. He recommends we  tenants, they should be self-sustaining. Mayor Bordes said he is in favor of the mill but he is not in favor of these funds being used. He feels the money should be given only during budget time. Councilor Soucy stated they have a number of nonprofits that come to the city during the year, he doesn’t know if there is a specific timeline, he’d like to see them go through the budget process like all the other nonprofits. Mayor Bordes asked on the timeline when the grant funds need to be used by? Councilor Hildreth stated that whenever we are using money, it is taken out of tax payer dollars. He fears delaying the process will only get more expensive and will cost more. He recommends we move forward with this. Mayor Bordes stated he still feels this should be done during the budget process. Councilor Hoffman stated this money never came out of the health insurance account. It is all taxpayer money. He doesn’t feel that all nonprofits are created equally, he is in favor of this. Councilor Soucy said he agrees with Councilor Hoffman but the mill representatives have no deadline dates, so he has a hard time with the urgency when he cannot be provided with deadlines. Mayor Bordes stated that their existing fundraising is going to take time. Councilor Bogert stated the money was already spent and the city manager felt this was the best way to reallocate the funds, and no one thought otherwise. The manager could have said the full refund is going to the roads. The new lights that are going to be put in, will be on city electricity moving forward. One of the funding mechanisms for the past 2 years the park has been taken off the market. They haven’t been able to keep there income up from federal issues and city issues. He feels the revenue lost is on the city because the city failed. The mill sits on city property and is a stake to our community. Councilor Haynes stated having been in facilities maintenance for many years, when the terms structural issues come up, you do not delay. Councilor Bogert stated the council should put an authorization that the money will be given based off their ability to raise the other funds. Councilor Soucy amended his motion to approve Resolution 2026-03 – Acceptance of unanticipated health insurance rebate in the amount of $86,316.00 and authorization to give the Belknap Mill $20,000.00 of said funds payable upon them meeting their fundraising goals for building repairs, and to deposit the balance of $66,316.00 into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth Discussion: Councilor Conant stated we were just informed we have a winter maintenance account that is in the red and he doesn’t feel we should be using that towards to the Belknap mill. The motion passed as amended with 5 in favor. Councilor Conant was opposed. 22.B. Ordinance 2026-221-36 - Amending Article III - Parking, Standing and Stopping, Chapter 221-36 - Winter Parking Pursuant to a citizen’s request to review the City’s emergency winter parking ban, the Public Works Subcommittee discussed this matter at their February 2, 2026 meeting. A motion was made at that meeting to recommend changing the winter parking ban from November 1 to May 1 to November 15 to April 15, as reflected in the attached Ordinance. At the February 23, 2026 Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on this matter; that Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. Councilor Hildreth made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2026-221-36 in its entirety and to read by title only. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hildreth made a motion to move a second reading of Ordinance 2026-221-36 – Amending Article III – Parking, Standing and Stopping, Chapter 221-36 – Winter Parking. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hildreth made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-221-36 – Amending Article III – Parking, Standing and Stopping, Chapter 221.36 – Winer Parking, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Haynes Discussion: Councilor Bogert stated one of the residents brought up parking in the streets and enforcement. He sees there are parts of the city that are enforced more than others, trying to enforce something that is not getting enforced very well as a whole. The state has now allowed 1 parking space per unit, and any new developments could create a parking issue moving forward. Councilor Haynes stated that this will open a full can of worms, he is not agreeable with permit parking. Councilor Hoffman stated he feels that parking needs to be looked at across the whole city. He agrees shortening it is a good idea but it does need more work. Councilor Hildreth  Councilor Haynes Discussion: Councilor Bogert stated one of the residents brought up parking in the streets and enforcement. He sees there are parts of the city that are enforced more than others, trying to enforce something that is not getting enforced very well as a whole. The state has now allowed 1 parking space per unit, and any new developments could create a parking issue moving forward. Councilor Haynes stated that this will open a full can of worms, he is not agreeable with permit parking. Councilor Hoffman stated he feels that parking needs to be looked at across the whole city. He agrees shortening it is a good idea but it does need more work. Councilor Hildreth agrees this is a good start and people who have to juggle their cars for 5 months. Manager Beattie feels if the council is no happy with it, they shouldn’t pass it. It should be revisited and done right. Motion to table by Councilor Soucy, seconded by Councilor Haynes. The motion is nondebatable. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Bogert made a motion to send parking to the public works subcommittee seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Bogert requested to have Planning, DPW and Police at the meeting as well. Manager Beattie made note of the request. 22.C. Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 - Amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, Section 235-13, Definitions; Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses; Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment; and Attachment 2, Table I, Table of Permitted Uses 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. At the February 9, 2026 City Council meeting a motion was approved to schedule a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment which included changes to the definition of short-term lodging as less than 28 consecutive days and not permitting the use in the Residential Single-Family (RS) Zone. That Public Hearing was held at the February 23, 2026 meeting. Following the Public Hearing, the City Council voted to amend the proposed language and send it back to the Planning Board for review and approval. The Planning Board reviewed and held another public hearing on the City Council’s proposed changes at its March 3, 2026 meeting. The Planning Board found the changes to be reasonable as existing uses will be protected, the new language adds additional performance standards to protect residential neighborhoods, and not permitting the use in the RS Zone will ensure 20% of the single- family neighborhoods preserve their traditional character of non-transient uses. With these findings, the Planning Board voted 4-1 to approve the proposed language and send it back to City Council for final review and adoption. 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 Hildreth made a motion to move a second reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, Section 235-13, Definitions; Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses; Article XI, Zoning Board of  The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hildreth made a motion to move a second reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, Section 235-13, Definitions; Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses; Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment; and Attachment 2, Table I, Table of Permitted Uses, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Soucy made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article II, Definitions and Word Usage, Section 235-13, Definitions; Article VII, Supplementary Provisions, Section 235-41, Residential Accessory Uses; Article XI, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Section 235-70, Powers and Duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment; and Attachment 2, Table I, Table of Permitted Uses, as presented. Seconded by Councilor Hildreth Discussion: Councilor Soucy asked if this has all gone through legal? Manager Beattie confirmed. Councilor Haynes asked Manager Beattie if our attorneys are aware of these court cases that are going on. Director Mora did get confirmation from the attorney to make sure we are in compliance with state law. Mayor Bordes said he has concerns about this, he doesn’t feel we can tell people what they can do with their properties. Councilor Soucy stated he disagrees and this is why we have a ZBA to get a variance. Director Mora clarified that everything is eligible for a variance, it is their constitutional right and they can also appeal to the housing board of appeals. Councilor Hildreth stated those options are available to anyone and this was sent back to planning as is and has spent a lot of time on. Mayor Bordes stated he has many people speaking to him in opposition, he’d say 100-1. Councilor Bogert stated he has heard from people who are elated that the council is taking action on this. The RS zones are not meant for business. Mayor Bordes asks where we draw the line, there are warming shelters and rooming houses that are in RS zones as well, they don’t pay taxes and they are operating a business. Councilor Conant stated this original note that came from the planning board, Mayor Bordes stated he would table this, and go back to legal. The motion passed with 5 in favor. Councilor Conant was opposed. 22.D. Ordinance 2026-5-32 - Amending Chapter 5, Administration of Government, Article III - Boards and Commissions, Section 5-32, Human Relations Committee During previous City Council meetings regarding the Human Relations Committee (HRC), the Council has referred the matter back to the Government Operations and Ordinance subcommittee, with the primary mission of creating the HRC’s Purpose Statement. During discussions at the Government Operations and Ordinance subcommittee meeting of March 4, 2026, the committee reviewed the ordinance governing the committee and made suggestions that will help align their upcoming purpose statement with the ordinance. The recommended changes, as included on the attached Ordinance, need to be approved by Council. Synopsis of changes: 1. Changing number of members from 13 to 7. 2. The 7 members will be made up of (6) Council appointments, and (1) Mayor’s appointment. 3. The Mayor’s appointment will be for two years and align with the Mayor’s term. 4. The first appointments will be (2) one-year terms, (2) two -year terms, and (2) three-year terms. The Mayor’s appointment is two-years. 5. Terms expire in March of the year the members’ terms end. The council decided to change the appointments to “appointment date” rather than a specific month.  The Mayor’s appointment is two-years. 5. Terms expire in March of the year the members’ terms end. The council decided to change the appointments to “appointment date” rather than a specific month. The HRC’s purpose statement is being sent to our legal counsel and will be a separate agenda item on the March 23, 2026 Council agenda. Councilor Soucy made a motion to waive a reading of Ordinance 2026-5-32 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 Hildreth made a motion to move a first reading of Ordinance 2026-5-32 relative to amending Chapter 5, Administration of Government, Article III – Boards and Commissions, Section 5-32, Human Relations Committee. Seconded by Councilor Hoffman Discussion: None. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 Councilor Hoffman made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 23, 2026 during the regular City Council meeting to gather public input prior to any action being taken. Seconded by Councilor Soucy Discussion: Councilor Conant said as a member of the Government Operations and Ordinance committee, he worked on these changes and he agrees with them but he would like to point out to Mayor Bordes that he does not feel that the City needs a Human Relations Committee and he’d like to formally request to Mayor Bordes to be removed from the Human Relations Committee as the council liaison that he was assigned to by the mayor at the inauguration. Mayor Bordes agreed with that request. The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 23. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 24. Any other business that may come before the Council 25. NON-PUBLIC SESSION (According to RSA 91-A:3, II) Mayor Bordes noted that the City Council would be going into nonpublic session according to RSA 91-A:3, II. (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community. and (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency or any subdivision thereof, or against any member thereof because of his membership in such body or agency, until the claim or litigation has been fully adjudicated or otherwise settled. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman-Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The nonpublic session began at 9:11 PM. Councilor Bogert made a motion to return to public session. Seconded by Councilor Soucy. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman-Yes  Soucy. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman-Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 The public session was reconvened at 9:19 PM. Councilor Soucy made a motion to seal the minutes for 1 Year. Seconded by Councilor Bogert. Discussion: None. By Roll Call Vote: Councilor Hildreth- Yes Councilor Soucy- Yes Councilor Hoffman-Yes Councilor Haynes- Yes Councilor Bogert- Yes Councilor Conant- yes The motion passed with all in favor. 6-0 26. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bordes adjourned the meeting at 9:19 PM Respectfully submitted, Katie Gargano, City Clerk