Work Session
February 19, 2007
Present were Mayor Danderson, Councilors Danderson, Lafleur, Cusson, Grenier, and Nelson; absent were Councilors Donovan, Roy and Poulin. Blandine Shallow, Ernie Allain, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Pete Morency, Denise Jensen, Patrick MacQueen, and media were also present.
Setting the Sewer Rate
Mr. MacQueen distributed a corrected spreadsheet with estimates of the sewer rate through the next five years. What has changed is the commercial usage; however there are possibilities for the future with the oncoming Federal prison and plans to expand the State prison, both slated for 2010. Staff is recommending a 5% increase to $6.63 from $6.32.
The revenue will not cover the cost but attempts to keep an operating fund for the treatment plant. The citys auditors reduce the fund for depreciation by about $900,000 per year. The fund is also financing the revolving loan fund that paid for Phase I improvements at the treatment plant. Even with the increase, the City would stay close to the State average in the sewer rate. The increase of 5% gives us little capital to do essential work to keep the plant going.
There was some discussion about extending the pay period however it was decided to send the bills out in March making them due in April.
Councilor Lafleur asked about the Water Works finding bypasses on the water meters of some customers. He questioned whether there were repercussions from the City as the bypass would also affect a homeowners sewer charges. Mr. Allain confirmed that the City would lose the difference on the sewer side.
Councilor Grenier moved to add setting the sewer rate to the agenda as an item under other; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
CTE Communication/Resolution
Marion Huntley reported that the Council funded the Career Technical Education (CTE) or Vocational education renovation in FY 06. The project started in the last fiscal year and the schools expect that payments will be completed in this fiscal year. A problem occurred at the end of the year when some of the funding was carried forward but $103,362 lapsed into unappropriated fund balance at year end. The schools are asking for the money that lapsed to be reappropriated.
The other part is the State match of $1,412,077 which needs to be appropriated as well.
Mr. Moulis commented that there has been a great effort to come in on time and under budget. Councilor Grenier asked that surplus funds for the project be used for equipment purchases.
Board of Assessors Communication
Mr. MacQueen reported that the Board of Assessors met and they are recommending staying with Avitar for the gas line assessment. The enclosed resolution will award the base contract to Sansoucy and the contract allows for choosing the portions that the city wants to undertake. We wont award the gas line at this time but the City Manager will attempt to get Avitar and Sansoucy to agree on the appropriate action. Councilor Grenier expressed concern about using different contractors for utilities.
OHRV Additional Grant Funds Resolution
Chief Morency explained that Berlin showed interest in State funds that are left over and they were awarded $4,500. Councilor Grenier confirmed that the main areas of patrol are Success and the new park. The Police Department is using off duty police officers as well as Special Forces and Sheriffs Department officers who are properly trained. Chief Morency added that the City prosecutes the offenders and a portion of fines and penalties comes back to the city.
St. Lawrence & Atlantic Letter of Support
Mr. MacQueen noted that St. Lawrence and Atlantic contacted the city for a letter of support for Federal funding to upgrade a part of the rail lines in Coos County. Councilor Lafleur moved to send the letter of support; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Donation in Memory of Jonathin Ellis
Denise Jensen reported that the Childrens Department at the Library received a donation from the Kindergarten class of Jonathin Ellis, who lost his life in a fire in early January. Councilor Danderson asked if there is a way to replace the books as they age. Ms. Jensen noted that books are kept for as long as possible.
HB 143
Mr. MacQueen stated that there is a bill in the Legislature that would change the liability in litigation cases to make whoever is left in the legislation liable for all the expenses, no matter what their percentage of liability is. Councilor Grenier moved to send a letter opposing the legislation; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously
Non-Public Session
Councilor Grenier moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:III (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 Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to have the City Manager review what would be involved with taking over a property currently owned by Fraser; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Nelson moved to come out of nonpublic session; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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