March 25, 2024
Minutes of the Meeting
President Laura Lamarre Anderson convened the meeting at 7:02 PM.
Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2,312.29, which reflects no deposits or
expenditures.
The minutes of the February 26 meeting were unanimously approved on a motion and
second from Ginny Burnham and Stephen Greene.
LPD Lt. Dawn Beauchesne provided the police report which showed 5 aggravated assaults
all of which were cleared. There was a “smash and grab” at 121 Church Street, and 3
breaking and entering incidents with suspects arrested. There was a slight uptick in car
breaks due to a TikTok challenge focused on Kia and Honda vehicles. Nonetheless, per
usual, 4 of the other 5 were involved unlocked cars. Rounding out the report was a
disorderly conduct at River Place (3 juveniles arrested), an attempted carjack at 79
Merrimack St. and a pair of vandalisms (egged cars).
The lieutenant took questions regarding trash/sanitation issues behind the Saab Building,
as well as concerns about police and health inspectors frequently calls to 103 Central St.
Parking Director Terry Ryan, the featured speaker, stated his focus is on improving
lighting, staffing, security and improved accessibility in all the garages. He outlined several
of the maintenance and facility upgrades at the downtown garages including:
Roy Garage: new steel doors; re-striping, roof repairs; 24 new cameras and a 65” monitor in the office
John Street Garage and Ayotte Garage: 5 million dollar renovation starting summer ’24; drainage repairs; new EV charging stations and additional security.
Mr. Ryan indicated that the city requested a complete review of all the city’s parking fees to
address revenue shortfalls. Some of the increases under consideration by the City Council
include increases in meter rates and an extending meter to 8pm. Garage rates for
downtown residents would increase from $78 to $93 per month and from $43 to $46.50 for
seniors/ disabled. Discussion and questions followed.
District Councilor Wayne Jenness reported that the Economic Development Sub-committee
would be meeting to receive a presentation on UML’s development plans for the East
Campus. He also spoke about the apparently stalled situation at the Hamilton Canal District.
And with regard to the new parking fee proposal, he was receptive to the suggestion that
any changes take effect July 1 to provide residents and HOAs time to adjust their budgets
etc.
At 8:20 pm, the meeting adjourned upon a motion by Greg Lamarre Anderson and Bob
Casey.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey, Secretary