Laconia City Council Meeting - January 26, 2026

The Laconia City Council convened on January 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a variety of topics including a public hearing on a police grant, a survey on resident priorities, approval of several grants and resolutions, a discussion on creating a social district, and updates from the city manager.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the regular meeting on January 12, 2026, were accepted as distributed with a motion by Councilor Conant, seconded by Councilor Bogart.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizen Comments (Not on Agenda): The Mayor set a three-minute speaking limit due to the weather. No members of the public spoke under this section.
• Public Hearing on Resolution 2026-01 (SWAT Grant):
  • Lisa Moore (Ward 2): Expressed concern about potential collaboration between the Laconia Police Department and ICE, asking if the DHS grant implied any commitment to federal agencies.
  • Mayor Borg and Councilor Hoffman: Clarified that the $26,405 grant is strictly for purchasing SWAT equipment (flashlights and radios) and carries no stipulations regarding federal cooperation. Ms. Moore thanked them for the clarification. The public hearing was closed at 7:07 PM.
• Citizen Comments on Agenda Items:
  • Charlie: Commented on the social district discussion, urging the council to keep the rules simple (avoiding wristbands and special cups) and to consider areas beyond Canal Street, such as Lakeside Avenue in the Weirs.

Mayor's Report

• Constituent Survey Results: Mayor Borg reported the results of a third-party text survey sent to 500 Laconia residents. The three top issues identified were:
  1. Homelessness and drugs.
  2. High property taxes.
  3. Affordable housing shortage.

Council Comments

• Councilor Hildreth: Reported on meetings with the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association and the Parks and Rec Committee. Noted a conflict regarding the farmers market at the Weirs Community Center.
• Councilor Susi: Questioned the status of the Roller Coaster Road junkyard. City Manager Biotti stated a court order was pushed to the spring due to winter conditions, with fines currently being issued.
• Councilor Bogart: Questioned the usage of the city's warming center. City Manager Biotti reported that only one person utilized it over the weekend at the Weirs Community Center, noting a shift toward cooling/warming/charging stations rather than shelters.

City Manager's Report

• Snow Cleanup: Biotti stated that downtown snow removal may take a few extra days due to the volume of snow.
• Community Power Plan: An update was provided on the opt-out community power program. The RFP is going out this week, with mailers expected in late February, a council presentation on February 23rd, an information session in early March, and a hoped-for start date of April 1, 2026.
• CPI Data: Annualized CPI ended at 2.69%, calculated on 11 months due to the government shutdown.
• Project Updates: Biotti provided brief updates on road maintenance planning, the Mill Street Pedestrian Bridge (scaling back to fit budget), the Hilliard Road Culvert (construction fall 2027), the Weirs Blvd Bridge (starting later this year), the OPC loop (completed with savings for pedestrian safety), downtown TIF district lighting (expanding to Rotary Park), the bandstand RFP (issued), the Winnipesaki River Basin project (productive public meeting), and the sewer collection system.
• Master Plan & State School: The next master plan meeting is January 29th. Pillsbury Group will present a state school update to the council in late February or early March.
• Weirs Beach Restoration: Biotti noted the city is working with a specialized engineer to address sand migration on the beach. Councilor Hildreth inquired about the scope, and Biotti clarified the current focus is on saving the existing beach footprint.

Discussion Items

21A: Amendment to Wage and Compensation Plan

• Proposal: City Manager Biotti presented a reorganization of the Finance Department following an upcoming retirement. Two managerial positions are consolidated into one, and an account clerk position is created, resulting in a net fiscal savings.
• Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0).

21B: Support for Natural Gas Infrastructure Expansion

• Proposal: The city manager requested council support to aid the planning department in working with Liberty Utilities and neighboring communities to address the moratorium on new natural gas connections.
• Councilor Bogart: Had contacted the Governor's office about the issue.
• Councilor Hoffman: Expressed reluctance to support fossil fuel expansion but noted that energy costs and economic development should not suffer due to a lack of options.
• Outcome: Motion to support the planning department passed unanimously (6-0).

21C: Milfoil Treatment Grant (Resolution 2026-02)

• Proposal: Resolution to accept a $57,100 NH DES grant for aquatic plant control in Porgus Bay and Lake Opeach. The city's net share is $52,407.81 after reimbursement from the Lake Opeach Preservation Association.
• Discussion: Councilors expressed a desire for more details on the rising costs and scope of the milfoil problem.
• Outcome: The first reading was approved unanimously (6-0). A public hearing was scheduled for February 9, 2026.

21D: Jet Ski Event (Pro Watercross)

• Presenter: Sean Dudak provided an update on the 2025 event and plans for 2026. The event was well-received and left the park clean.
• Discussion: Included the importance of preventing the spread of invasive species, using local company Getty Shine for wash stations. Mr. Dudak noted the event's growth, including acquisition of a national tour and CBS Sports rights. Councilor Susi suggested a donation to the milfoil commission.
• Council Feedback: Councilors praised the event and its economic impact. No formal vote was required.

21E: Social District Discussion

• Proposal: Councilor Conant presented a draft proposal for a social district primarily downtown, including designated areas on Pleasant Street, Canal Street, and potentially Rotary Park during special events.
• Discussion: Councilors discussed the need for marked containers, enforcement, boundaries, and applicability to other events like Pumpkin Fest. Councilor Hildreth cautioned about past issues at Rotary Park.
• Outcome: Motion to refer the matter to the Public Safety Subcommittee passed unanimously (6-0).

22A: SWAT Equipment Grant (Resolution 2026-01)

• Proposal: Second reading and approval of the $26,405 DHS grant for SWAT equipment for the Laconia Police Department.
• Outcome: Resolution approved unanimously (6-0). The city manager was authorized to sign related documents.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of January 12, 2026: Approved.
• Wage Plan Amendment: Approved (6-0).
• Natural Gas Expansion: Unanimous support for planning department efforts.
• Milfoil Grant (Res 2026-02): First reading passed; public hearing set for February 9, 2026.
• Social District: Referred to the Public Safety Committee.
• SWAT Grant (Res 2026-01): Final approval granted (6-0).
• Non-Public Session: Council voted unanimously (6-0) to enter a non-public session to discuss the acquisition, sale, or lease of real property.