Council to meet new school superintendent at Monday meeting

LACONIA — The new city schools superintendent, Joseph Baeta, will introduce himself to council at their meeting on Monday night.

Baeta, who started his position July 1, will also make a presentation.

Also on the agenda is a public hearing about the sewer line replacement project at Belknap House, on Court Street, which is now complete.

The total cost for the sewer line replacement was $31,390, fully funded by an Emergency Community Development Block Grant, made possible by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority. The family shelter’s sewer line broke in December 2025, and was replaced in May.

Another item on Monday’s agenda is a request to accept the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, of $11,756. Funds will go to both the Laconia Police Department and Belknap County Sheriff’s Office. City police will use their share of the funds to purchase a utility trailer for transporting off-road vehicles, and the sheriff's office will use their share to purchase active shooter gear.

Councilors will consider a temporary traffic order for the Rev, White, and Brew Fest, happening downtown on Friday, Aug. 14. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking from 2 to 9 p.m., blocked by cones and barricades. The Laconia Police Department will put a digital sign at the southern entrance to Main Street, alerting drivers to detour on Beacon Street East.

Also on the agenda is a request to sign the unlicensed dog warrant for 2026. Owners of dogs which are unlicensed, or have failed to renew their dog license, will be presented in a list and discussed on Monday.

On July 9, the Appointments Subcommittee interviewed Beth Newton for an opening as an alternate member on the Library Board of Trustees. She was not recommended due to a misunderstanding about the number of vacancies available on the board.

Councilors will also discuss financial and operational trends in the city, spanning back to 2023. Net gain in construction value from building permits reached $31 million this year, from April 1 to June 30.

Also on the agenda is a request for a building permit on Colonial Road, a private road. Construction plans were sent in for a two-story house with a basement.

Council meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 13, at City Hall downtown. For more information, visit laconianh.gov.