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Council sets public hearing after first reading of NH DES milfoil grant; city’s net cost noted
Summary
Council gave first reading to Resolution 20‑26‑02 accepting NH DES support for aquatic plant control in Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee, discussed treatment cycles and costs, and scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 9; the record lists grant and city-share figures and an offered reimbursement from the Lake Opechee Preservation Association.
The council took up Resolution 20‑26‑02, a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) exotic aquatic plant‑control grant for milfoil treatment in Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee.
City staff described the program as recurring; contractors conduct dye‑assisted harvesting in some years and herbicide treatment in alternating years. Rob (project staff/contractor) said this year involves herbicide treatment, which carries higher cost. The meeting record shows a NH DES grant amount of $57,100 and states that the Lake Opechee Preservation Association has offered to reimburse the city for 50% of the city's share, a calculation the manager recorded as producing a net city cost of $52,407.81 (an increase from a previous appropriation of $45,000). Councilors asked for additional detail on trend and historic costs; staff said they would provide comparisons and coordinate with the Conservation Commission.
The council waived reading, took first reading of the resolution, and scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 9, 2026, during the regular council meeting to gather public input before adoption.
Why it matters: The lakes are key to Laconia’s economy and water intake infrastructure; councilors sought more detail on whether the increase reflects wider spread of invasive species or a one‑time treatment cost, and asked staff to provide follow‑up information.
