SPEAKER_1 discussed impact fee calculations based on square footage, noting residential rates include school fees while commercial rates do not. The city requires hiring a consultant for studies to mitigate liability, as previous consultant Bruce Mayberry has retired. SPEAKER_1 located a replacement consultant. SPEAKER_1 stated the planning board fixed impact fee schedules for Brickyard, 402 Mount Sport Road, and other projects at approval times; these remain locked for project lifecycles. River Park's 2010 approval waived all impact fees, a decision remaining valid for about one year. The board previously granted two waiver requests: one received a payment plan, one was denied. SPEAKER_1 reported the board tightened loopholes regarding basements and smaller apartments (under 500 square feet), where small apartments now waive only school fees, not all fees. SPEAKER_1 noted the 402 Mount Sport Road project will generate a large payment upon certificate of occupancy. SPEAKER_1 clarified operational costs, like firefighter staffing, are excluded from impact fee infrastructure calculations. No formal votes were taken.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ZkOmP7I_U
The council discussed the potential creation of a social district, specifically considering the pedestrian mall as a likely location but noting differences from Laconia's model. Rather than scheduling a public hearing immediately, the council decided to first meet with area business owners, such as Three Tomatoes and Salt Hill, to gather their concerns and feedback, particularly regarding liability and logistics. The city manager noted that the primary beneficiaries would be residents. The council plans to revisit this issue in the first quarter of 2027 to potentially schedule a public hearing and define district parameters. A roll call vote to adjourn the meeting passed 6-0, with yes votes from Councillors Fonse, Key, Appleton, Ford Burley, McNamara, and Whittlesy, and the presiding officer.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T_EIHaq3XY
The DEI Commission, chaired by SPEAKER_2, approved minutes from a July 21, 2026 meeting with a unanimous 4-0 vote. Devin Wilkie reported the Welcoming Lebanon Task Force met and voted unanimously to endorse a resolution. Wilkie will present this resolution to the city council at its upcoming meeting. The task force has concluded its work. Regarding the Nexus Music and Arts Festival, Commission members tabled with the resolution text available for public comment, though attendance was light. No budget items or appointments were discussed. SPEAKER_1 proposed revisiting the commission's mandate as a future agenda item. The meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evq1itpmnNE
SPEAKER_9 called the meeting to order and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved following a motion and second. The committee discussed developing a communication and engagement strategy to gather public input for a future strategic plan, noting that affordability and property taxes are key community concerns. While no budget votes occurred, SPEAKER_10 confirmed they requested a demo from Polco, a survey consultant, with others like CTW and Resilience Planning also under consideration. SPEAKER_10 also requested samples ofRequests for Proposals. The committee agreed on consensus items regarding the strategic plan's desired outcomes, including informing the annual budget and capital improvement planning. SPEAKER_9 will distribute a draft of these recommendations. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6th.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88z9mEAReKw
The Leak EV subcommittee approved the July 9th minutes by a unanimous vote. Regarding the Spencer Street E-Bike project, an electrician provided recommendations for two outlet boxes with six outlets, and a quote is pending. The committee discussed the "It's Electric" charging station model, proposing the City contact the company to explore potential partnerships for curbside or workplace charging at no cost to the City. Planning Board consideration of EV site plan amendments is scheduled for September 28th. A developer "payment in lieu" policy for EV charging infrastructure is under development, with no definitive figures or management details established yet. The committee aims to draft a guide for developers explaining requirements after the September 28th meeting. SPEAKER_1 will investigate costs for fast charger installation at Centerra, including potential partnerships with Rivian or Tesla.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBfxGN7dT3o