Laconia City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Laconia City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with Mayor Andrew Hosmer presiding. The meeting included consent calendar approvals, public comments, two public hearings, a presentation on extended learning programs, committee reports, a lengthy discussion on the Human Relations Committee, and votes on funding and inter-municipal agreements. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved (6-0) the waiver of license, vendor, and loudspeaker fees for the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club for their February 13–15, 2026 event, recognizing the club as a nonprofit organization.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Wood (Ward 1) expressed deep concern about Liberty Utilities ceasing new natural gas connections in Laconia, stating it could halt major projects (e.g., Laconia Village) and cause "irreparable damage." He urged stronger action beyond a letter to the governor.
• Richard Mason raised issues with a neighboring house construction that he claimed violates fire codes (minimum distance of six feet vs. required 15 feet for a two-story combustible structure). He noted the appeal process is unclear and that the city’s legal team is reviewing the matter. City Manager Biotti confirmed the case is progressing through the building code board of appeals with a separate attorney.
• Doug Robinson (Ward 5) presented survey results from 15 downtown businesses, arguing that the Colonial Theater is not driving daytime foot traffic as assumed. He advocated for a social district paired with events (e.g., food trucks, performers) and minimal regulations to boost economic development.
• Charlie St. Clair responded, affirming that his business benefits from overnight visitors drawn by Colonial Theater shows, though he may not be open during performances.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearings: Two hearings were held with minimal public input: (1) Resolution 2026-02 for $57,100 in grant funding for milfoil treatment of Porpoise Bay and Lake Opechee (no speakers); (2) Termination of the inter-municipal agreement between Laconia and Guilford for the Lakes Business Park (one speaker, Eliza Ledbeater, thanked both communities for their cooperation).
• Presentation – Office of Extended Learning: Administrator Kerry Howe, along with Lisa Hines and Candice Hyde, presented on expanding career-connected learning for students K–12, including after-school programs, internships, and community partnerships (e.g., with Laconia Fire/Police Departments). The office is heavily grant-funded (79% from a 21st Century grant) and faces sustainability risks if federal funding changes. Council members praised the program and requested follow-up data and student speakers.
• Mayor’s Report: Upcoming meetings with Concord Hospital and Spectacle; meeting with Senator Shaheen’s office on federal infrastructure funding.
• Council Comments: Councilor Bogart requested the hospital stop snow removal at 3:00 AM near Lockheed Street. Councilor Susi updated on legislative progress for naming the 911 center after Chief Cheney and sought council support for a letter to senators (consensus given). Councilor Conan commended the Water Department for handling a significant water main break on February 4.
• Committee Reports:
  • Finance Committee (Councilor Susi): Proposed forming a Colonial Theater Advisory Board through the normal appointments process (to be included in upcoming contract); Budget workshops to begin in March focusing on tax cap and other issues.
  • Public Safety Committee (Councilor Susi): Hired two female officers; reports a significant reduction in opioid-related incidents over the past year.
  • Appointments Committee (Councilor Susi): Conducting interviews; recommendations expected in the next meeting or two.
  • Pumpkin Fest (Councilor Susi): 2025 event had a $3,000 loss (called a "contribution"); planning for 2026 (Oct. 24-25) includes expanded events and a potential political alley on Main Street.
  • Public Works Committee (Councilor Haynes): Reviewed winter parking ban (changing dates to Nov 15–Apr 15); vehicle strikes on Lexington Ave (a rare occurrence, no recent strikes); Old Prescott Road/Belmont Road intersection safety (city to pay for engineering study); Clay Street proposed as one-way; crosswalk concerns near courthouse; Pleasant Street/Haven shortcut issue referred back to committee.
• City Manager’s Report (Kirk Biatti): Court Street paving to be done tomorrow (winter patch); new treasurer appointed (Wes Anderson); RFPs for Rotary Park parking lot lights and Weirs bandstand expected soon; goal-setting session planned for mid-March; Financial and Operational Trends Report reviewed (building permits ~$93M adjusted down, winter maintenance budget likely overrun but no service impacts).
• New Business – Item 21A (Zoning Amendment on Short-Term Lodging): First reading and public hearing scheduled for February 23, 2026. Councilor Hoffman requested adding RS (Residential Single-Family) zones to areas where short-term lodging is not permitted; the Planning Department will draft that change for the hearing.
• Item 21B & 21C: Unanimously approved removal of several items from committee reports and future agenda items.
• Item 21D (Human Relations Committee): A motion to schedule a public hearing on repealing the Human Relations Committee (ordinance 2025-5-32) led to extended debate. Councilors Conan and Bogart supported a public hearing; Councilors Haynes, Hildreth, Hoffman, Susi opposed repeal and favored revising the committee. An attempt to indefinitely postpone failed (3-3 tie, mayor broke no). A motion to table also failed (3-3, mayor voted no). The original motion to schedule a public hearing failed 4-2 (opposed: Hildreth, Susi, Hoffman, Haynes; in favor: Bogart, Conan). A subsequent motion to refer the issue back to the Government Operations Committee for further work passed 4-2 (in favor: Hildreth, Susi, Hoffman, Bogart; opposed: Haynes, Conan).

Key Outcomes

• Approved (6-0): Waiver of fees for Lakes Region Sled Dog Club.
• Approved (6-0): Resolution 2026-02 accepting $57,100 grant for milfoil treatment, appropriating funds, and authorizing the city manager to sign documents.
• Approved (6-0): Successor agreement with Guilford on Lakes Business Park, terminating the 2001 inter-municipal agreement and authorizing the city manager to sign.
• Passed (4-2): Referral of Human Relations Committee ordinance changes back to the Government Operations Committee for further revision.
• Public Hearing Scheduled (February 23, 2026): First reading of zoning amendment on short-term lodging (Article 7 and Article 11), with council direction to prohibit short-term lodging in RS zones and adjust the consecutive-day definition to 28 days.
• Removed from Agenda: Multiple items from committee reports and future agenda items were cleared (no dissent).