Laconia City Council Meeting Summary - August 25, 2026
Laconia City Council Meeting Summary - August 25, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Laconia City Council convened on August 25, 2026, at 7:02 PM, presided by Mayor Mike Bourns. The session began with a tribute to the late Charlie St. Clair, followed by citizen comments, recognition of Deputy Chief Louis Lutrell, and deliberation on multiple agenda items including traffic orders, grant acceptance, and community committee appointments.
Memorial & Recognition
- Mayor Bourns delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Charlie St. Clair, former executive director of Laconia Motorcycle Week, highlighting his contributions to the city. A moment of silence was observed.
- Deputy Chief Louis Lutrell was honored for graduating from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program; the mayor read a proclamation congratulating him.
Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
- Matt (ward not specified) refuted claims that he opposed the Human Relations Committee; he expressed support for the committee but criticized its previous composition and urged the council to appoint diverse members.
- Doreen Richards (Ward 1) thanked the city for hosting a 91A training and urged absent councilors to attend.
- Sue Higgins (Ward 2) praised Police Chief Canfield, LPD, and DPW for responding to homeowner concerns about homeless encampments on Davis Place, including posting no-trespassing signs, vegetation removal, and camera installation. She relayed the homeowner's gratitude and support for purchasing additional cameras.
- Greg Huffward (Ward 2) criticized the recent Ward 5 council appointment process, stating that limited public questioning created an appearance of predetermined outcome; he questioned transparency and urged 91A training for Councilors Susie and Hildreth.
- An unnamed citizen expressed disappointment with the appointment process and noted that some councilors had skipped the 91A training.
Public Comments (Current Agenda Items)
- Claire Bennett (Ward 6) spoke on item 21E, urging a permanent (not winter-only) emergency lane on Prescott and Porgus Avenues, citing year-round road safety issues. She asked about timeline and trash collection.
- Mark Hamill (36th Porgus Avenue) supported the emergency lane resolution as an interim measure toward street betterment.
- Ken McKay (Ward 6) opposed item 21D (camera grant), arguing crime statistics do not justify permanent surveillance. He raised questions about maintenance costs, deployment locations, and data use.
- Doreen Richards (Ward 1) spoke in favor of item 21D, stating any tool to enhance public safety is warranted.
Discussion Items & Actions
21A: Temporary Traffic Order – Belknap Mill SOC HOP
- Action: Approved unanimously (6-0) to reserve parking in Rotary Park and City Hall parking lot, and extend social district hours from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM on event date.
21B: Support for Winnipesaukee River Basin Program Transition
- Action: Approved unanimously (6-0) two motions: 1) Support transition from NHDES to a regional wastewater authority; 2) Authorize council, city manager, and staff to advocate with state representatives and legislators.
21C: School Boiler Replacement – Resolution 2026-14
- Action: First reading approved (6-0); public hearing scheduled for September 14, 2026. The request seeks up to $112,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for two boilers at Hewitt Facility.
21D: Police Cameras – Resolution 2026-13
- Discussion: Councilor Hoffman asked about maintenance costs. Capt. McConey (LPD) stated cameras replace older units, have a 4-year warranty, and software updates are included. Councilor Nye raised privacy concerns; Capt. McConey confirmed cameras record only, no biometric tagging, and data is stored locally at PD. Councilor Hildreth inquired about data sharing; Capt. McConey said data is not shared unless used in a criminal case. Councilor Susi confirmed cameras are portable.
- Action: First reading approved (6-0); public hearing scheduled for September 14, 2026.
21E: Emergency Lane Declaration – Prescott and Porgus Avenues
- Discussion: Claire Bennett and Mark Hamill supported permanent emergency lane. Councilor Conan acknowledged discussions. No expiration date was specified.
- Action: Public hearing scheduled for September 14, 2026.
21F: Temporary Traffic Order – September 11th 25th Anniversary Ceremony
- Action: Approved unanimously (6-0).
22A: Community Events Committee Discussion
- Mayor Bourns proposed tabling the item to allow discussion before soliciting applications.
- Action: Approved unanimously (6-0) to table to September 28, 2026.
Key Outcomes
- All resolutions (21A–21F) passed unanimously (6-0). Public hearings were scheduled for September 14, 2026, for items 21C, 21D, and 21E.
- The Community Events Committee discussion was postponed to September 28, 2026.
- Councilors Susie and Hildreth explained their absence from the 91A training due to medical emergencies.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right. It is seven oh two. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Councilor Coney, would you like to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the United States of America. All right. Our recording secretary is Katie Gargano. Can you please call the role? Councillor Hildred. Present. Counselor Susie? President. Councillor Hoffman. Present. Counselor Haynes? Here. Counselor Nye. President. Counselor Conan? Here. Mayor Bournes. I am here. Staff in attendance. We have Glenn Smith present today. Um before we start today's meeting, as everybody knows, um, we lost Charlie St. Clair. Charlie St. Clair was much more than a long-time executive director of Laconia Motorcycle Week. He was a true son of Laconia, a passionate motorcyclist, a storyteller, a community leader, a friend, and to so many people, the heart and soul of motorcycle week. Charlie loved this city. He loved its history. He loved its people, and he loved sharing Laconia with the thousands of riders and visitors who came here each year. Born and raised in Laconia, Charlie grew up with motorcycle week practically in his backyard. As a young boy, he was fascinated by the motorcycles and the people who came to town. Experiencing firsthand the sights, sounds, and spirit that made the rally so special. Every rumbling motorcycle arriving in Laconia, every rider stopping to share a story, and every motorcycle week celebration that brings people together will carry a little piece of Charlie with it. Charlie St. Clair will always be remembered as one of the great ambassadors of Laconia Motorcycle Week. And above all, as a proud son of Laconia, who gave his heart to the community he loved. But those who knew Charlie best will remember much more than his accomplishments. They will remember his smile, his laugh, his stories, his unmistakable voice. The way the way he could make a stranger feel like an old friend, the way he could turn an ordinary conversation into a memory you would carry with you. And most of all, they remember his heart. Charlie St. Clair gave his heart to the city. And Laconia was better because he was here. Thank you, Charlie, for a lifetime of memories, friendship, laughter, and love for the place you called home. You will be missed more than words can say, but you will never be forgotten. Right on, Charlie, we'll see you down the road. I'd like to take a moment of silence to honor Charlie and his legacy.
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