January 2, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Nelson, Danderson, Lafleur, Donovan, Grenier, Roy and Poulin. Patrick MacQueen, media and public were also at the meeting.
Clarification of $1,000 to BHS Women=s Hockey Program
Councilor Grenier explained that at a recent Council meeting, the Council agreed to donate a portion of the ISSI land sale to the BHS Women=s Hockey team. The hockey program has been in operation for several years; however it will be another year before they are sanctioned by the NHIAA. The land is not sold yet and it may be a few months before that happens. He asked if the funds could be advanced to the hockey program from contingency and returned when the land is sold.
Councilor Lafleur commented that he thought the money was going to a sanctioned NHIAA team. He questioned whether this means the City would be committing $1,000 to a sports club and would this set precedence where other clubs would come in asking for funding? Councilor Grenier clarified that the point of the $1,000 is to keep the team going until they become sanctioned, next year. Councilor Roy further clarified that there is not a sanctioned team in the state. Councilor Grenier moved to go forward with taking the $1,000 from contingency for the women's hockey team and returning it when the land sale occurs; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Electrical Funds Resolution
Mr. MacQueen reported that last year money was appropriated for the electrical project that updated the electrical systems in five city buildings. There is a purchase order that was not carried forward and though the project is coming in at budget, funds lapsed into unappropriated fund balance at year end. This resolution would bring the money to pay the last invoices back into the budget. It is on the agenda for first reading.
Education Funding
Through an e_mail, Mike Asselin is offering to make a presentation of a proposal on education funding. Councilor Grenier voiced that there could be several proposals and hearing them is one of the reasons we have representatives elected from this area. He suggested organizing a meeting with the State representatives so that they understand Berlin=s issues.
Ward III Candidate Discussion
Mr. MacQueen explained that there are two people who have applied for the Ward III position and one does not qualify because he has not been a resident for one year. He asked how the Council wants to proceed. Councilor Grenier suggested re_advertising (due to the first advertising being during the Holidays) with a closing date of January 16th. Interviews and the appointment will be made January 22nd at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Non_Public Session
Councilor Grenier moved to go into non_public session per RSA 91_A:3 (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call
Councilor Grenier moved to seal the minutes as releasing them would likely render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to come out of non public session; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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