February 26, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Danderson, Nelson, Lafleur, Donovan and Roy; absent were Councilors Grenier, Poulin and Cusson. Also present were Andre Caron, Patrick MacQueen, and media.
State Correctional Facility Update
Larry Blaisdell, Acting Warden of the Northern NH Correctional Facility explained that the Governor has $10 million in his budget for an expansion of the State prison in Berlin by 500 beds. The expansion would create approximately 130 jobs in the area. Mayor Danderson asked how many hours the prisoners have contributed in community service. Warden Blaisdell responded that it is in the thousands of hours; however he will send the information to the City Manager by e-mail.
Councilor Lafleur commented that the correctional officers are highly involved in the community and he wanted to know if the numbers of hours put in are tracked. The Warden indicated that he did not think that information is tracked but he would check.
Mayor Danderson complimented the work done by the inmates on St. Vincents accessible vegetable gardens and the gazebo. Councilor Donovan added that the courthouse was restored; it is beautiful and something to be proud of. Mayor Danderson noted that it is important to report on the positive things. Warden Blaisdell confirmed that people dont tend to move to Berlin to be near the inmates.
Councilor Lafleur asked about the plan for a halfway house. Warden Blaisdell stated that it is part of the facilitys long term plan and is not planned for the short term. There is also a plan for an inside the fence minimum security facility of 150 C-2 inmates. Mayor Danderson stated that the City would not likely look favorably on a halfway house. He added that anything inside the fence is acceptable.
At the request of the City Manager, Warden Blaisdell reported that there are currently 565 inmates and 50 at the C-2 level. There are currently 201 staff positions including the warden. Should the prison expand by 500 beds, it is likely that the population would rise to 1100. It is possible that high level security could be done within the walls.
As funds are secured the plan will become more polished. The total cost of the addition would be about $26 million but could be as much as $32 million. Councilor Lafleur asked if other parts of the facility would need to expand to meet the needs of an expansion. Warden Blaisdell indicated that canteen and kitchen facilities may need to be expanded as well; however the education and medical wings are sufficient size to meet the demands. A pharmacy for the local facility may also be a result of the expansion.
Councilor Roy voiced that part of the agreement the city had was that there would be no halfway houses in the City. Why is a halfway house in the discussion now? The Warden responded that a public discussion would happen long before any changes are made. The Commissioner would come to the council to make a pitch. Councilor Roy expressed his concern that local jobs, the few that there are, would go to inmates. Mayor Danderson agreed that there is no place in Berlin for inmates to work and work is an essential part of rehabilitation. Warden Blaisdell stated that the first thing to be looked at with a halfway house is its ability for success.
Councilor Danderson asked about ancillary employees and where the facility goes to recruit. The Warden explained that the facility has partnered with the technical college. The process is to hire local if possible and to expand to the rest of the State and country if necessary.
Councilor Donovan commented on the halfway house issue, stating that by the time the funding comes for a halfway house, its possible that there will be a different Berlin. It is an issue that will have to be considered at that time. The Warden said that he is not here to sell the halfway house; however he would appreciate the issue being left open for discussion.
Mr. MacQueen confirmed that even in the best scenario, the minimum security portion of the expansion would not happen until about 2010 but the full doubling of the facility is out until 2011 or 12.
Warden Blaisdell confirmed that people dont tend to move to Berlin to be near the inmates.
Update on Downtown Tax Incentive
Andre Caron updated the Council on the work he has been doing with regard to the Downtown Tax incentive. The enabling legislation was approved last year. Mr. Caron proposes to write some of the ordinance from the statute to include an exemption of up to five years for the commercial development of a location. The ordinance will give the council the ability to offer an additional tax incentive to develop 2nd and 3rd floors. The historical portion in the legislation would become part of the ordinance as some buildings could be restored.
In the downtown area there are 121 parcels with 400,000 square feet that could be developed. The goal would be to increase the use of downtown property by 30% which would increase the tax base there by 20%. Mayor Danderson suggested contacting developers to let them know the incentive exists.
Mr. Caron confirmed that the Citys existing zoning map has a Downtown Zone which starts at the Veterans Park and goes up to the church. When considering whether the zone should be expanded, it was found that it would be best to encourage development in the downtown.
Councilor Donovan asked if it would be best to seek a 2/3 majority of the Council to offer the incentive. Mr. MacQueen responded that if the council wanted to impose a tougher rule on itself with the 2/3 majority, they could. The 2/3 vote may also lessen the chance of challenge since the final appeal to this incentive is a court.
Mr. Caron stated that he is proposing a $200 filing fee because of the staff time that will be needed for reviews. Councilor Roy affirmed that the incentive would be limited to the increase in valuation created by the renovation. Councilor Donovan stated that the application fee should be non-refundable. Mr. MacQueen noted that the fees will be going to the general fund.
There would be a contract with the developer. The ordinance will likely be ready for the first reading at the 2nd meeting in March.
HB 588
Mr. MacQueen reported that HB 588 was heard by the Public Works and Highways Committee. The bill would allow the City to take over Cates Hill Road from the State and allows the State to take Jericho Road.
Inspections
Mr. MacQueen explained that the State is working toward doing inspections of 100 multi-units in a two day effort which would be done on March 14 and 15. Through the county attorneys office, the legal proceedings will be handled and warrants will be issued if necessary. The city will be left with some of the follow up. A building would only be shut down if there is eminent danger to the tenants. Councilor Donovan felt strongly that empty apartments that dont meet code should be shut down and that the landlords should not be allowed to rent them.
Councilor Donovan asked where the Berlin Housing Authority is on the issue of dilapidated buildings. Mr. Caron noted that they are partnering with the City and have obtained a loan to redo the Maynesboro Street house.
Special Meeting
Mayor Danderson called the special meeting to order.
The resolution to sell Lot 9 to Sabbow was read for the first time.
Councilor Roy moved to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing for March 5; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non public session per RSA 91-A:3 Nonpublic Sessions II (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.
Mr. Caron suggested a method for selling property the City has acquired on Burgess Street. There are two neighboring properties that could be torn down or rehabilitated. There are people interested in purchasing and Mr. Caron proposed to put the property up for sale. There would be tough escrow requirements.
Mr. MacQueen added that his gut feeling was to tear it all down; however structurally it is a decent house that could be rehabilitated to two units with adequate places to put cars. With rehabilitation we can recoup some of the tax dollars and can bring value to the neighborhood. Councilor Donovan moved to go forward per the recommendation; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Danderson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilors had the following questions:
In the police blotter it was stated that Berlin Police are called to AVH to transport a subject to Gorham. An explanation was requested.
Is it customary for the Welfare Department to pay for a narcotic such as oxycodone?
There were questions about the school phone bill.
Councilor Donovan asked that a letter be re-issued to the Gorham selectmen asking for cooperative services.
With regard to properties owned by the Catholic Church, councilors asked if there is some plan for the buildings. St Michaels School will likely be left empty after it closes in June. Perhaps Father Roberge should be invited to a meeting.
Councilor Donovan moved to adjourn; Councilor Danderson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative
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