City creates 1st reserved veteran parking spot

LACONIA — The first of many veteran parking signs is up, after a request from Councilor Mike Conant (Ward 6) at a June 22 city council meeting.

City Manager Kirk Beattie reported there is now a designated spot in front of City Hall for veterans, during a council meeting Monday night. Public works staff are currently working on more signs for other city buildings, as well as temporary signs for polling locations. Beattie said these will be similar to a tripod.

Also at the meeting night, councilors also held a public hearing on the completion of the Belknap House sewer line replacement project. Joia Hughes, director of economic and housing development, told councilors about the funding for the project.

Issues began in December 2025, and the sewer line was replaced in May 2026, through a Community Development Block Grant. Beattie said at the time, it was an “emergency repair” and costs were unknown, so the city requested a high amount. The total cost of the sewer line replacement was $31,390, awarded to Rowell’s Services for completion. The city requested $100,000 for the project, and the remaining $68,610 will be returned to CDBG.

During the public comment period, Doreen Richards, member of the Planning Board and Ward 1 resident, requested the council continue these types of projects.

“I'm just asking that we build on that success, and have staff bring maybe one or two specific projects to the front, ADA upgrades, or at a park or community facility serving low-income residents that could be structured to meet those requirements for the CDBG. And that could help reduce the burden on our local funds as well,” she said.

Conant told the council about a group of neighbors at the Four Seasons Condominium Complex, who have repeatedly requested a crosswalk be installed at the intersection of Weirs Blvd and Mentor Avenue, along Paugus Bay. In the past, state staff has not allowed it based on safety factors, and Conant said he has had discussion with Public Works Director Nate Guerette, and the public works subcommittee will review the request. 

“There are some things we could possibly do. A crosswalk may be out of the question due to logistics, but if there’s some other things we can do to try, and alleviate these neighbors' concerns — and they’re real, I drive that road at least once a day,” Conant said. “Especially now, this time of year, it’s very scary for these folks, and I would just like to offer what we can to that neighborhood.”

During discussion about a building permit for a single-family home on Colonial Road, a private road at the Weirs, Councilor Bob Soucy (Ward 2) was hesitant to move forward, as in the past there have been residents not understanding private road do not have city waste pick up, construction, or snow removal.

A “friendly amendment” by Ward 5 Councilor Steve Bogert, was added as a condition to the original motion, making it clear the city has “limited responsibility and liability for the private road.” Beattie agreed to the addition, which was incorporated into the unanimous vote of approval.

Councilors also voted unanimously to accept the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, for $11,756. Beattie will sign the related documents. The funds are split between the Laconia Police Department and Belknap County Sheriff’s Office. City police will use their share to purchase a utility trailer to transport off-road vehicles.

Councilors will meet next at City Hall at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27.