Work Session
January 22, 2007
Present were: Councilors Donovan, Nelson, Lafleur, Danderson, Grenier and Roy; Mayor Danderson and Councilor Poulin were absent. Patrick MacQueen, Ralph Collins, Paul Cusson, Pete Morency, Pamela Laflamme, Debra Patrick, Dick Huot, Donna Cummings, media and public were also present.
Councilor Roy moved that in the absence of Mayor Danderson, Councilor Grenier take the Chair; Councilor Danderson seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Councilor Grenier called the meeting to order.
Interviews for Ward III City Councilor
Ralph Collins.
Q. What could you bring to the table?
Mr. Collins replied to Councilor Grenier’s question stating that he could not fill the shoes of Ray Chagnon; however he has been associated with the planning board and can be in a supportive role to the city. Councilor Grenier commented that he was impressed with interest shown by Mr. Collins in his recent run for State Representative and the role that position plays in county government.
Q. What are the three biggest issues the city is facing?
Mr. Collins responded to Councilor Nelson by saying that in his opinion, they are the tax rate, projects such as Route 110, and the development of the mill property.
Q. How do you feel about the housing issue?
To this question from Councilor Donovan, Mr. Collins noted that Andre Caron is doing a great job and the City is headed in the right direction.
Q. What are your thoughts on education?
To Councilor Lafleur’s question, Mr. Collins indicated that he does not have a big educational background; however his father graduated from Plymouth State University and was highly involved in his community. He would like to see the technical college and schools work together. Education will play a big role in creating new businesses. He would also like to see more emphasis in science and technology here.
Q. Where do you see the City going in five to ten years and how will growth be implemented?
Mr. Collins replied to Councilor Danderson’s question by saying that he would like to see a controlled growth or smart growth. He wants to see a good tax base to do some planning. Mr. Collins acknowledged that he would have to give up his position on the planning board if appointed to the Council seat. With both Ward III seats open at the next election, would you be interested in running for Council in the election.
Mr. Collins responded to Councilor Grenier by saying that he has always lived here and wants to be involved so it is likely that he would run.
Q. Do you have any general ideas about how to cut the tax rate?
To Councilor Nelson’s question, Mr. Collins stated that he does have ideas but does not feel it would be fair to present them at this time.
Q. How do feel about the press being at the meetings and meetings being open.
To Councilor Lafleur’s questions, Mr. Collins said that it does not bother him at all.
Councilor Grenier commented that the City is blessed to have two talented individuals come forward for the position.
Paul Cusson
Q. Please give a brief overview of why you want to be on the Council.
To Councilor Grenier’s question, Mr. Cusson stated that Ward III has to be represented. He does not have the inclination to run for office; however there is a lot to be done. He believes Berlin is the next hot development area of the state. He has ideas and vision and wants to help out.
Q. What are the three biggest issues facing the City?
To Councilor Nelson’s question, Mr. Cusson replied, overcoming the loss of the paper mill and putting something adequate in the space; making sure we are able to see the prison to fruition; encouraging growth of the airport and small business.
Q. How would your involvement in the police commission and as a volunteer fireman affect your views?
To Councilor Lafleur’s question, Mr. Cusson responded that his involvement on the police commission was from 1977 through 1981 and the Police Department has evolved into something completely different than it was then. The same is true with the fire department Being actively involved in the community, how will you prioritize and meet the demand of the seat?
To Councilor Danderson’s question, Mr. Cusson stated that he has been on the board of the GACU for 14 years and they meet one Monday per month. His absence would create problem on the board. He would therefore, have to miss one council meeting per month.
Q. How do you envision Berlin in ten years?
Mr. Cusson responded to Councilor Donovan by saying that there is potential for the mill property, Jericho Lake Park, and interest from the outside. In ten years he sees an expansion of the college, Route 110 bypass would be complete. There may be a shortage of employees which will help with the housing situation.
Q. If you are not selected, would you run for the Ward III council seat in November?
To Councilor Grenier’s question, Mr. Cusson expressed that if he is not selected, it is not likely that he would run. He disclosed that he is a part time bus driver. How do you feel about education?
Mr. Cusson replied to Councilor Roy’s question by stating that it is time to start looking at a regional school system; he would like to see consolidation and reduction in the SAU by one.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91:A II c (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body or agency itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. This exemption shall extend to any application for assistance or tax abatement or waiver of a fee, fine, or other levy, if based on inability to pay or poverty of the applicant; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There were no disclosures that would adversely affect the reputation of either candidate.
Councilor Danderson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Donovan moved hold a secret ballot; Councilor Danderson seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Grenier announced the result of the secret ballot, being that Mr. Cusson had the most votes.
Councilor Lafleur moved to accept Paul Cusson as Ward III Councilor until January of 2008 when the elected official from the November election is sworn in; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
City Clerk Debra Patrick swore Mr. Cusson in as the new Ward 3 Councilor until the November 2007 Municipal Election.
Coos County Family Health Grant Request
Councilor Grenier commented that he read the grant opportunity and feels the need to know exactly what the city’s role is. Donna Cummings of Coos County Family Health reported that her agency has determined that there is a need for a child advocacy center in the North Country. This grant opportunity comes from the Department of Justice and can be applied for by a unit of government. The City would need to supply a letter that the money does not supplant as well as a drug free work place statement. CCFH would do all the putting of the grant together and the City would simply have to submit the grant.
Ms. Cummings went on to say that if we received the grant, residents would no longer have to go to Plymouth for supervised visitation. The Program would use an existing building and it requires cooperation with the courts. There is no current resource to do this. DCYF has numerous occasions to use the service.
Councilor Grenier asked if this would adversely affect other DOJ grants received by the Police Department and Chief Morency indicated that he can’t see how it would impact the city negatively. Ms. Cummings reported that there is no match required for victims’ services and there is no mandate for continuation. The Program would likely benefit most of Coos County. There are security needs but the grant provides funding for security. Chief Morency asked about reporting requirements and Ms. Cummings responded that they are minimal but include the number of visitations, and number of families served.
Councilor Danderson asked how this would affect the court backlog and whether CCFH has the staff members to provide the services. She confirmed that city buildings will not be used for the service. Ms. Cummings indicated that they are looking at existing space to see what could be used. With regard to the court’s backlog, this service could free court time allowing more court reviews of cases.
Mr. MacQueen asked who would be responsible for the financial administration. Ms. Cummings reported that the day to day finances would be done by CCFH but the city would have to do the reimbursement. CCFH would do all the reporting.
Mr. MacQueen noted that the service is county wide and he asked if the county could be a better applicant. Ms. Cummings established that she approached Sue Collins at the County level and was told that due to the changes coming up in County government, she could not possibly take this on.
Councilor Laflleur asked for a basic overview of what the grant is about. Ms. Cummings responded that though a child is put into placement because of an unsafe home, there is still a need for visits from the parents. The child is brought by the foster family to a safe location and the court has allotted an amount of time for a supervised visit. The service can also provide a safe exchange program for divorced parents.
Councilor Donovan confirmed that Coos County Family Health is prepared to support the program financially until reimbursement is received from the grant through the city. He asked if there is an administration fee for the city. Ms. Cummings commented that if the city has a rate set with the federal government then administration would be appropriate. Councilor Donovan noted that administration should be worked into the grant. He asked why we would want to provide this service and Ms. Cummings noted that there is no closer place than Plymouth. The program would likely have to hire one full time and perhaps one part time employee.
Councilor Danderson asked for statistics that say how many people or families would benefit from each community. Ms. Cummings noted that at this time she simply needs the Council’s agreement that there is interest. A letter of interest needs to go to the Department of Justice by tomorrow. Ms. Cummings promised to have the grant done in advance of the due date so that it could be reviewed by the City. Councilor Grenier confirmed that the City would be under no obligation to move forward.
Councilor Grenier reiterated the Council’s concerns about fees as well as the statistics requested. He added that he would like a letter of support from the police commission. Chief Morency commented that his concern is security and manpower. Ms. Cummings stated that safety measures have to be in place and there has to be a security force present and there is money in the grant for it. Councilor Donovan moved to send a letter of intent to the Department of Justice; Councilor Nelson seconded the motion to support the application and send a letter of intent.
BIDPA Proposal for a New Building
Dick Huot summarized BIDPA’s activities since 2001. BIDPA now owns only one building at the Maynesboro Industrial Park and it is fully occupied with tenants. BIDPA has been reacting to the needs of the business community and now there is not space left to offer anyone. The Board has been entertaining the idea of putting up a 23000 square foot building and there is a prospective tenant who may be willing to make a three year commitment.
The Board voted to put out an rfp for the design of a building, if the Council agrees with moving forward. With the design in place, BIDPA would be ready to build if the right opportunity comes up. The cost of the design and plans would be about $30,000. Councilor Nelson commented that there are companies who come to the City and we have to tell them there is no space. It will cost BIDPA initially but if we want to get new businesses, we have to do it.
Councilor Cusson noted that the Federal prison may be built in modules and the company that makes these modules was looking for space. Perhaps something could be built to accommodate prospective business as well as this company. Councilor Grenier established that bonding would have to be in compliance with RSA162-G. Mr. MacQueen added that the RSA implies that bonding be done with revenue bonds which means we need to know where the money to pay back the bond is coming from
Councilor Grenier noted that BIDPA has had the mission of providing industrial development for the City and he would support going through with developing specifications and pricing a building. He questioned how much more it would cost to make the building 40,000 square feet. He added that, in the condition the city is facing, he could not support a government obligation bond.
Councilor Donovan moved to proceed with a request for proposals to explore a new building at the Maynesboro Industrial Park; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Jericho Lake Road
Councilor Lafleur moved to add Jericho Lake Road Agreement to the agenda; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City is still in the process of donating Jericho Lake Park to the State. The road to Jericho Lake is a city street and the State did not want to take the road. An exchange agreement has been proposed which would have the City taking Cates Hill Road and the State taking Jericho Lake Road. Legislation will be introduced to make this happen. Councilor Cusson confirmed that the status of Cates Hill Road would be changed to a Class V city street.
Councilor Lafleur asked about dam and gravel issues and Mr. MacQueen noted that he will check and status and report back.
Councilor Roy moved to adjourn; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
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