Laconia council approves traffic change, applies for TAP grant, accepts donation; schedules hearings on kiosks, tire fees and road acceptances

The Laconia City Council on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, approved a set of routine and project-related measures and scheduled public hearings on several budget and service items.

At the meeting the council voted to approve a change to traffic restrictions on Lexington Drive near 155 Lexington Drive, approved a council resolution to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application for segments D, F, G and H of the Wild Trail Opechee Loop, accepted a $500 donation to fund planning for a firearms range for the Laconia Police Department, and scheduled public hearings on a $32,000 transfer between capital reserve funds and on proposed increases to transfer-station tire-disposal fees. The council also scheduled hearings on two petitions to accept private streets — James Avenue and Hillcrest Drive — as public highways.

The actions are mostly procedural steps to allow staff to pursue planning and funding. City Manager Kirk Biotti described the TAP application as a way to “get us into the state’s 10‑year plan of grant funding,” adding that being in the queue does not obligate the city to accept an offer if and when it is made. Biotti said the city would learn later whether the match would be cash or include in‑kind contributions and that any final acceptance would come back to council.

Key votes and next…