City of Lebanon

The meeting focused primarily on reviewing and refining the draft community survey intended for public engagement. Key discussion points included suggestions for structuring the survey introduction to better explain the purpose and leadership titles, suggestions for separating the vision statement, and modifications to questions regarding facility usage preferences, prioritizing spaces over specific activities. The team also discussed the importance of gathering fee tolerance information to support future business planning and the necessity of including feedback from non-residents. The process timeline was briefly updated, aiming to deploy the survey by early August and hold a community forum in October.

The special meeting focused on reviewing and considering monumentation options for infant graves across three distinct time periods: the 1950s - 1970s (approximately 60 graves), the 1920s - 1930s (approximately 30 graves), and the late 1800s to early 1900s (approximately 13 graves). Discussion included utilizing a large boulder with a bronze plaque for the most recent section, mapping requirements for the oldest sections to avoid disturbing sites, and evaluating traditional monumentation styles for consistency across the areas.

Key discussions included the Sexton's report detailing August operational activities, equipment issues with Mower Number 1, and unexpected utility overruns due to a water leak at Glenwood Cemetery. The Board unanimously approved proceeding with discussions regarding green burials after receiving additional information. Updates were provided on the re-instatement of funding for monument restoration, set for completion by November 15, 2020. Discussions also covered the ongoing process for managing grave curbing in West Lebanon Cemetery, where owners need to establish long-term agreements. Old business addressed alternatives to damaged granite pillars for infant grave areas and the development of proposed regulations, subject to attorney review, to amend Chapter 46 concerning green burials, which was noted as being requested by the City Council. A soil report on cemetery grasses was discussed, along with a visual inventory assessment highlighting improvements needed at Mt. Calvery signage and road repairs near Glenwood Cemetery. New business included clarifying policies regarding solar lights at grave sites and scheduling the annual election of officers for October.

The subcommittee meeting initiated with a review of meeting procedures and NH Right-to-Know requirements for remote participation. A City Councilor requested an upcoming agenda slot to propose an amendment to Site Plan Review Regulations regarding outdoor lighting color temperature (3000K or warmer). The primary focus was on studying potential amendments to Site Plan Review Regulations concerning Pedestrian and Bicyclist improvements, including mandated versus suggested requirements for improvements, porous pavement application thresholds, and defining bus rapid transit stations. Concerns were raised regarding the cost and availability of porous pavement and the relocation of parking regulations to the Zoning Ordinance. Discussion also covered preferential versus dedicated parking for electric vehicles and required EV charging capacity based on development size thresholds. The subcommittee reviewed proposed amendments for shared parking and bike parking requirements, noting concerns about imposing significant requirements on smaller projects and the need for specificity in certain sections like H.8 and H.9.

Key discussions included reviewing remote meeting procedures and New Hampshire 'Right to Know' requirements, noting this was the first remote meeting due to COVID-19 distancing mandates. The Director provided an update on library closures and the formation of a team to research re-opening strategies. The Board approved the financial reports for February and March 2020, noting variances in budget expenditures related to payroll and materials costs during the closure period. Approval was granted for the Lebanon Library Renovation Project contract, which was reduced in scope cosmetically to lower the initial high cost. The Board also approved the Alternative Work Arrangements Policy and Guide, with a stipulation to review it in one year. Committee reports covered the temporary extension of Lebanon Middle School artwork display and the Foundation Committee's commitment of $20,000. Discussions also involved the upcoming 2020-2021 budget, authorizing up to $25,000 from the Special Fund for renovation fundraising efforts, and approving applications for two open Alternate Trustee positions.