CITY OF LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SIXTH MEETING

OCTOBER 23, 2003 – 7:00 P.M.

 

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Peter Brunette called the meeting to order on the above date and time.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

James Baird, Peter Brunette, Richard Heinis, James Joyal. Linda Peary and Brenda Schmucker. 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Sharon Fleischman

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

In the interest of proceeding with the business on the agenda, there was no report from the chairman.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT:

On a motion from Linda Peary, seconded by Jim Baird, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2003, Motorcycle Week Committee meeting/public hearing.

 

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Public Safety and Infrastructure – Rick Heinis reported that he had received information from Jennifer Anderson as a follow-up to their request following the public hearing and it had been forwarded to the committee members.  It was also mentioned that the local wrecker operators are anxious for some action on their concerns regarding future motorcycle weeks.

 

City Council Liaison – No Report

 

Laconia Rally and Race Association Liaison – Linda Peary reported that there has not been another Rally and Race Association meeting that was open for her to attend.  The last meeting was primarily held in Executive Session.  But, in order to included input from Rally and Race, Charlie St. Clair and Jennifer Anderson were present to answer any questions from the committee.  Paul Bordeau’s comments at the candidates’ forum the previous evening were reviewed and Charlie reminded the committee members that Manchester Harley Davidson had organized a concert on the beach some years back and that the event had not been successful.  Use of that area would also have an impact on the revenue that the Weirs Action Committee uses to make many improvements in the Weirs.  Charlie suggested several possible events for consideration that he has seen at other rallies. . .extreme motorcycle racing,  a trade show at the Expo Center or a jump event w/ Robbie Knievel.  Asked by Jim Baird for his best suggestion for the rally, Charlie suggested mitigating the expenses to the City of Laconia and Belknap County and possibly finding revenue via the rooms & meals tax, a possible event tax and saving money by not moving so many prisoners out of local jails to accommodate possible detainees.  In his final comments, Charlie also indicated that he felt that the current vendor fees of $450 were fair and in addressing the towing situation, he recommended  maintaining a central impound lot which is staffed by people who are able to process the necessary papers.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

 

Local resident and businessman, Peter Morrissette, owner of Joyce Janitorial, wasn’t able to attend the public hearing but wanted to voice his opinion regarding what he feels is a missed opportunity for the City in not charging for parking on Lakeside Avenue.  He also stated that he feels motorcycle week is good for the Lakes Region economy as he has cottages on Lake Winnisquam that he is unable to rent during the month of June except for during motorcycle week.  He also benefits from additional business during that time period through his cleaning business.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Chairman Peter Brunette opened the discussion on setting up a schedule for work sessions to produce a rough draft and then a final draft of the committee’s findings/recommendations to be presented to the City Council.  Work sessions were scheduled for the following Mondays at 6:30 p.m.: 11/10, 11/24,    12/8,  12/22. Following the work sessions, it is planned to have a rough draft ready by 1/12/04 and a final draft by 1/26/04.  The committee will continue to gather public comments and input through the rough draft stage.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

On a motion by James Joyal and seconded by Rick Heinis, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted:  Linda Peary, recording on behalf of Sharon Fleischman., October 23, 2003.