Council to consider several parking changes at meeting Monday

LACONIA — Along with a public hearing about a zoning amendment, the city council will hear a presentation about community power, review a health insurance rebate, consider a winter parking amendment, hear a proposal about adopting a one-way street, and learn about soil contamination remediation at a Gilford property, during their meeting Monday.

The proposed zoning amendment would restrict short-term rental properties in certain areas of the city, and allow the city Zoning Board of Adjustment more latitude in making judgement calls regarding approvals. The ordinance amendment, presented by Planning Director Rob Mora and Assistant Director Tyler Carmichael to the council on Feb. 9, is intended to clarify conflicting and confusing language regarding short-term rentals, according to Mora and Carmichael.

In new business, the council will vote on whether to accept $86,316 in health insurance rebates. City Manager Kirk Beattie is requesting the money be deposited into the Health Insurance Stabilization Reserve Fund, according to meeting documents.

Councilors will also hear about a proposed change to the winter parking ban. The Public Works Subcommittee recommends changing the winter parking ban from the existing timeframe of Nov. 1-May 1, instead to Nov. 15-April 15. City staff suggest holding a public hearing on the matter.

The Public Works Subcommittee is forwarding a request on to the council to make Clay Street a one-way thoroughfare. Clay, which connects Bowman and Fair streets off Court Street, is short and narrow, and the subcommittee also recommends permitting parking only on one side of the street instead of both. The cost of the change would be limited to signage. The suggested action is to hold a public hearing on the issue.

A property at 1467 Lake Shore Road in Gilford is known to have soil and groundwater contaminated by petroleum, according to a staff report from Water Superintendent Ben Crawford. While the property is in a neighboring town, Crawford points out in his report it is near Black Brook, which flows into Paugus Bay, the source of the city's drinking water. Crawford wants to request assistance from the state Department of Environmental Services in cleaning up the property, and would like the council's support in writing a formal letter of request.

The presentation about community power is included on the posted meeting agenda with no further detail.

Council meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at City Hall.