LACONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2007

CITY HALL – CONFERENCE ROOM 200A

7:30 P.M.

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:   

 

            Mayor Lahey called the meeting to order on the above date and time.

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG:  

 

            The salute to the flag was led by Councilor Armand Bolduc.

 

ROLL CALL:    

 

            Clerk Kaligian called the roll call with the following Councilors present: Councilor Luther, Lipman, Baer, Hamel and Bolduc. Absent Councilor Fitzgerald.

 

ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

 

      On motion of Councilor Bolduc, seconded by Councilor Hamel, it was voted to approve the minutes of regular and non-public meeting on 10/09/07.

 

INTERVIEWS:    NONE

 

PRESENTATIONS:

 

  • Mayor & Council to Laconia High School Huot Technical Center Building Trades and Plumbing & Heating Staff and Students

 

                        Mayor Lahey presented a plaque to Scott Davis, David Dupuis, Jerry Murphy and Gus Garside.

 

  • Joint Building Committee/ Middle School Finance Sub-Committee – Budget Update

 

                        Councilor Lipman presented and reviewed the JBC Finance/Budget Overview      

 

1.      A spreadsheet of the project as developed and approved by the JBC prior to going   out to bid.

2.      A spreadsheet using the same categories as Document 1 with an alignment based on the May 31, 2007 bid from Harvey Construction.

3.      A spreadsheet that further refines the categories to reflect the site enabling package and the pre-design architect and engineering work.

4.      The cover page of the accounting software that is being used to track the project.

5.      A tally of the Contingency Account.

                        (Copy attached to official minutes)

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

1.      A proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $12,000 in Community Development Block Grant Feasibility Study funds.  The $12,000 will be used for a commercial appraisal of the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building located at 632 Main St., as well as preliminary design and a renovation cost estimate for the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building.       

                        Mayor Lahey opened the public hearing and read the following notice.             “The City Council will hold three consecutive Public Hearings on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia, New            Hampshire to hear public comment on:

 

1.                  A proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $12,000 in Community Development Block Grant Feasibility Study Funds, The $12,000 will be used for a commercial appraisal of the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building located at 632 Main St., as well as preliminary design and a renovation cost estimate for the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building.

2.                  The Housing and Community Development Plan

3.                  The Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.

 

                        Provisions for persons will special needs can be made by contacting the City Hall Offices via telephone (527-1270) or mail, at least five days prior      to the public hearing.” The notice was duly published in The Laconia Daily Sun and posted at City Hall and the Library and the Community Center on Wednesday, October 10, 2007.

 

                        Mayor Lahey stated informational packets were available to the public.

 

                        Mayor Lahey read the following:

           

                        Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities for economic development, public facility and housing rehabilitation projects and feasibility studies that primarily benefit low and moderate income persons.  Laconia is eligible for up to $500,000 a year each for public facility/housing projects, economic development projects, as well as in emergency funds.  Feasibility Study funds are available for up to $12,000 per year.

 

                        Purpose of Community Development Block Grant funding request:

                        A proposed feasibility study application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $12,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to finance a commercial appraisal of the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building located at 632 Main Street, as well as preliminary design and a renovation cost estimate for the PEMACO/Garden Theater Building.

 

                        This project conforms with Laconia’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s Goals of: Housing Goal Encourage and plan for a wide variety of housing types to accommodate people of all ages, incomes, lifestyles, and physical capabilities at appropriate densities and locations. As the hub of both economic opportunities and social services in the County, Laconia’s population supports a diversity of income levels. As residential development expands, the City must allow for development in many varieties, types, and costs, as well as the Cultural and Historical Resources Goal: Preserve the historic character of the City. Laconia’s architecture and artifacts reflect its cultural history as one of the oldest          economic centers in the State. The character of these historic resources adds to the City’s vitality and, as such, should be preserved.

 

Funding request: up to $12,000

 

                        Mayor Lahey requested if there were any comments or questions to please come forward.

 

Barry Laughton – Opposed to the project.

 

Jessica Alward, President of the Street Car Co. – supports project and submitted letter of support.

 

Charles Bradley – presented and read a letter on behalf of the Putnam Free Lecture Fund Advisory Committee in support of the grant application. The Gardens Theater has charm, character and charisma and request the council allow the study to go forward.

 

Monique Peaslee – Arts & Education Outreach Coordinator at the Hopkins Center Center for the Arts in Hanover, N. H. spoke in favor of the project for it would reinvigorate Laconia’s downtown area.

 

David Stamps -       stated the feasibility study is a valuable first start.

 

Warren Clement -   supports the concept for the study and congratulated the Manager, Mayor and Council.

 

David Bownes -      stated he was in favor of the study for it would be a great place to enjoy the arts.

 

Whit Privette -          stated the Gardens Theater was too small to serve as the nucleus of a thriving downtown arts center. A larger theater is required for performers who draw larger crowds.

 

Steve Bogart -         stated it is a great vehicle for achieving the need for different types  of foot traffic and diversity. It is the best $12,000 that could ever be spent.

 

Greg Knytych-         questioned if the money was only going to look at the theater or include apartments for the Land Trust and store fronts.

 

Linda Harvey – stated the CDBG Funds for a feasibility study would be specifically to look at the building which includes commercial space, theater and the six apartments and they would be part of the analysis. It is not a Land Trust Project, she had knowledge of the sale and contacted the city.

 

There being no further questions or comments Mayor Lahey closed the hearing at 8:27 p.m.

 

 Mayor Lahey opened the second public hearing and read the following. “The hearing is to discuss the existing Housing and Community Development Plan.  The Plan was developed as part of the Master Plan and was adopted in February 2007.  It outlines goals and actions for the city’s housing and community development.”

 

Mayor Lahey asked for public comment. There being none the Mayor closed the hearing at 8:31 p.m.

 

Mayor Lahey opened the third public hearing on the Residential and Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistant Plan and read the following:

 

Although this project does not involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan.  The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated.

 

There being no comments or questions Mayor Lahey closed the hearing at 8:35 p.m.

 

MOTIONS:

 

Councilor Baer moved to adopt the updated Housing and Community Development Plan. Seconded by Councilor Luther. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Baer moved to adopt the Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Seconded by Councilor Luther. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilor Baer moved  to approve the submittal of the application and vote to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the application, and upon approval of the CDBG application, authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract. Seconded by Councilor Luther. Motion passed unanimously.

 

CONSENT AND ACTION CALENDAR:

 

1.      Approval of ambulance billing rates as proposed by Lakes Region General Hospital

                       

                        Councilor Lipman and Luther recused themselves from discussion and voting.

                   With Councilor Fitzgerald absent there was no quorum and therefore action was deferred to the next meeting.

 

2.      Request to transfer funds in the amount of $15,000 for paving and road work for parking at Leavitt Park

 

                        Councilor Hamel moved to transfer the following:

 

                        $15,000.00 From        01-433-218-0000 Property & Liability

 

                                           To:           01-497-479-0020 Leavitt/Opechee Park

 

                        Seconded by Councilor Bolduc. Motion passed unanimously.

 

3.      Request to use bond proceeds from 93-94 Downtown Improvement Bond in the amount of $24,700.51 for the specific purpose of designing the Downtown Riverwalk and any remaining funds to be used towards construction of Riverwalk.

 

Councilor Bolduc moved to use the proceeds from the 93-94 Downtown Improvement Bond in the amount of $24,700.51 for the specific purpose of designing the Downtown Riverwalk and any remaining funds to be used towards construction of the Riverwalk.  Seconded by Councilor Hamel. Motion passed unanimously.

 

4.      Request by Laconia Airport Authority for approval of a lease between Johnson Management Corp. and Denjo, LLC, Amended and Restate Lease Agreement with Denjo, LLC and transfer of building and improvement on the leased premises from Johnson Management Corp. to Denjo, LLC

 

                        Councilor Lipman moved to approve the following:

 

1.                  The assignment of Lease by and between Johnson Management Corp. and Denjo, LLC in accordance with the Assignment of Lease attached hereto and made a part hereof.

2.                  The Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with Denjo, LLC in accordance with the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement hereof.

3.                  The transfer of the building and improvements on the leased premises from Johnson Management Corp. to Denjo, LLC in accordance with the deed attached hereto and made a part thereof.

4.                  Authorize the City Manager to execute the Assignment of Lease, Amended and Restated Lease Agreement on behalf of the City of Laconia.

5.                  The approval of such Assignment of Lease, Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, and the transfer of the building and improvements is conditioned upon the closing between Johnson Management Corp. and Denjo, LLc, and the Assignment of Lease and Amended and Restated Lease Agreement coming into effect pursuant to their terms.

 

                                    Seconded by Councilor Bolduc. Motion passed unanimously.

 

5.      Unsealing of non-public minutes 6/26/06 and 9/11/06  

 

Councilor Bolduc moved to unseal the minutes of the non-public minutes of 6-26-06 and 9-11-06. Seconded by Councilor Hamel. Motion passed unanimously.

 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

 

            Mayor Lahey stated he attended the dedication of the Laconia Airport and it is a great project.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

  1. FINANCE:     

 

a)      Motorcycle Week Revenue

b)      Proposed changes to City fees To be removed from agenda

c)      Request for waiver of fees by non-profits

d)      Establishment of Trust Fund for a Performing Arts Center

e)      Reserve Fund for Capital Improvements

 

  1. PUBLIC SAFETY:  

 

a)      Motorcycle Week

 

                        No Report

 

  1. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ORDINANCES:  

 

a)      RSA 202-A:11a/Laconia Library

b)      RSA 79-E Community Revitalizations Tax Relief Incentive/Main St.

 

                                    To be removed from agenda

 

c)      Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 235 Zoning/Cluster Developments

 

No Report on item a & c.

 

  1. PUBLIC WORKS: 

 

a)      Road Weight Limits

b)      Rowe Court

c)      Ordinance Amending Chapter 221, Vehicles and Traffic/Parking on Sublawns

d)      Storm drains/salt leaching into lake

e)      Parking for Laconia Senior Center To be removed from agenda

f)        Proposed traffic pattern changes at Old Prescott Hill Rd. & Rt. 106

g)      Request by Michael Leclair to extend City sewer to Coliseum Indoor Sports in Belmont

h)      Church St. Crosswalk to close to crosswalk

 

                        NO Report

  

  1. LAND & BUILDINGS:  

 

a)      Repair & Maintenance of City Buildings

b)      Old Police Department building on Church St.

c)      Contracted Services

 

After meeting with Jon Gardner, Purchasing Specialist, the resolution was to monitor the buildings for a year with what is on board at the present time.

 

d)      Architectural/Design Options for 858 N. Main St.

 

                                    No Report on items a, b and d.

            

LIAISON REPORTS:    NONE

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:  NONE

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

  1. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 235/Truck Rental Facility Definition and final recommendations from Planning Board -  (This is in response to a petition to change zoning for property located at 343 Court St. from Downtown Riverfront District to Commercial requested by Peter Burr of Cheapo Depot to allow for truck rentals.   Recommendations returned by Panning Board.)

 

                        Councilor Luther introduced and read in full An Ordinance Amending Chapter 235 Zoning. Seconded by Councilor Bolduc.

 

Ordinance passed unanimously.

 

  1. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 235/Zonin regarding cluster developments – Referred    back to Planning Board 7/23/07 for public hearing concerning suggested amendments        
  2. requested by City Council.  Pending/Awaiting Recommendation of Planning Board
  3. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 119/Building Construction regarding demolition permits – Pending/Awaiting Recommendation of Planning Bd.

 

NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS:   NONE

 

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

 

  1. Councilor Bolduc stated he was in favor of saving the Gardens Theatre and if it only seats 500 it is more than we have today.

 

            Read a letter from a resident of Gold St. expressing their delight with the new fencing on   Gold and Belvidere St.

 

  1. Councilor Hamel stated the Garden Theatre is a gem in the area and very worthwhile to see what can be done and it should be saved.
  2. Councilor Luther stated two very important dates are forthcoming November 11th Veterans Day a day to thank all Veterans and November 6th Election day which is a persons right and privilege to vote.

 

CITIZEN COMMENTS FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

 

NON - PUBLIC SESSION:  NONE

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

            On motion of Councilor Bolduc, seconded by Councilor Luther, it was voted to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.

           

 

A true copy Attest:

 

Ann G. Kaligian

City Clerk