March 26, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Councilors Grenier, Nelson, Donovan, Roy, Cusson, and Lafleur; Councilors Poulin, Danderson and Mayor Danderson were absent. Others present were: Katie Kelley, Tim Cayer, Bill Woodward, Jim Wagner, Pamela Laflamme, Cathy Conway, Dick Huot, Larry Kelley, Mickey Therriault, Ernie Allain, Brian Valerino, Carol Miller; media and public were also present.
In the absence of Mayor Danderson, Councilor Roy moved to have Councilor Grenier chair the meeting; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Grenier noted changes to the agenda, striking Item #3 Warner Cable, because Ms. Poore could not attend. Item 4a was also removed. The Dummer Yard agreement was approved at the last meeting.
Under "Other" it was proposed to discuss Inflow and Infiltration. Councilor Lafleur moved to allow the I & I Discussion; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried with all voting in favor, covering the 2/3 majority needed.
Economic Development Discussion
Several members of AVER were present to support the discussion. Bill Woodward reflected on the role AVER has played in the community since its creation in 2002. The group helped to facilitate a sale of the mill and helped with bringing the prison back to the voters for a second referendum. Land for the prison was secured through CDFA tax credits from Berlin City Bank and Berlin City Dealerships A grant was written so that if it is not necessary to purchase land for the prison, the tax credits can be used for economic development and the project would be up to the tax donors, AVER and the City with final approval by CDFA. The City Planner and City Manager have been representing the City through this process.
Mr. Woodward went on to say that it is time for the business community to help the city get on track with economic development. If this process works, both Berlin City Bank and Berlin City Dealerships are ready to go after more tax credits. This approach to economic development would be building on what Norm Charest is doing. The Chamber of Commerce, AVER and the city would be working together.
Jim Wagner explained that in November AVER met and determined that there are areas where they have done well and areas that need improvement. At the same time the Chamber was struggling and it was determined that organizations need to come together to help the community and to help themselves survive. There is a lot of redundancy and there is a good opportunity for using staff in several roles.
Mr. Wagner went on to say that the Chamber may move into the Heritage Park to provide a concentration of effort. Councilor Cusson asked for clarification that CDFA would oversee the Chamber, AVER and Heritage Park and Jim Wagner would be the director. Councilor Grenier noted that if there is an economic development director and if they are delegated with Heritage Park, Chamber of Commerce and AVER, that person would be spread very thin. Mr. Woodward established that this new function would be promoting and marketing; business recruitment; and promoting the region. He sees hiring three people.
Councilor Roy expressed that the regional approach needs to start in Berlin and work its way out. He asked who the Economic Development Director would be working for. Mr. Woodward responded that a super board would be created with representatives of municipal; social service and economic development. He made it clear that Mr. Wagner's depth of knowledge is well known in Concord and throughout the State and he would be the ideal candidate for the job. Larry Kelley added that he is familiar with the agencies being coordinated.
Councilor Donovan acknowledged that an umbrella organization is being created with AVER, Heritage Park and the Chamber of Commerce, with a board of directors that directs all three. Mr. Woodward commented that the economic development piece would also be added to the scenario.
Councilor Donovan maintained that Norm Charest has all the resources and he did not see the City making any monetary offering to this process. When asked for a clarification of "the valley" Mr. Wagner stated that it would be Berlin, Gorham and the surroundings like Milan, Dummer, Randolph.
Mr. Woodward indicated that he is optimistic of the potential of this area. Berlin's population has dropped by 42% while the NH population goes up. The mill coming down may help the future of Berlin
Councilor Cusson commented that for years a lot of good intentioned people in several organizations have been doing several things and going in different directions. Councilor Donovan agreed that bringing it all together is critical. Mr. Woodward reasoned that through zoning and planning, the city will have a say in what comes and what doesn't. The public/private partnership was seen as key to economic development.
Mr. Woodward stated that the concept that has been developed will be finalized so that an application to CDFA can be completed. Letters of support will be sought from the bank, dealership and city. Councilor Lafleur noted that he would like a member of the group to come to the council with the final concept. Councilor Cusson said that he is sensitive about an organization spreading out beyond its means and Mr. Wagner commented that it will be run like a business.
Request from GSI to Close Pleasant St. May 20, 2007
Dick Huot stated Tim Cayer has been around for a few years. He would like to introduce a slalom street skateboarding event in Berlin. It would be the first event in some time that the Chamber sponsors. Mr. Cayer added that he is proposing to close a portion of Pleasant Street for the event. Racers will come out from all over to participate in a timed race on a course that consists of two ramps and a set of cones.
He reported that he has had a good response from the slalom community. He would hope to attract 30 to 40 skaters for the May 20 date. If all goes well, he could hold a second event in October and attract more racers.
Mr. Cayer indicated that he has had a meeting with local skateboard enthusiasts and would like to help them to get a skate park in Berlin. This event could be tied in to helping the local skaters. Mr. MacQueen asked if the event will pay for the requested city functions and insurance. Mr. Cayer responded that he does not see the event creating a burden on city functions but if there is a cost, he will need to know up front so that he can include it in the entry fees. Liability insurance is provided to cover the owner of the street and spectators but not skaters.
Mr. Cayer's company, Gravity Sports International (GSI) is the sanctioning body for the event. Councilor Roy asked if there will be street vendors invited to the event and Mr. Huot responded that this is the first of its kind in Berlin and the Chamber will coordinate with the Main Street Program and approach modestly.
Councilor Grenier noted that this is an opportunity for the City to partner with the community and promote itself. Mr. MacQueen stated that he would ask Laura Viger to coordinate on the City's behalf. The consensus of the Council was to support the initial event as a public service.
Dummer Yard Antennae Agreement
Mr. MacQueen explained that Fraser no longer has a use for the antennae at Dummer Yard formerly used at the mill for communications and weather monitoring. They are offering the antennae and any easements that go with it to the City at no cost. The Police Department would have use for the antennae.
Brian Valerino reported that the antennae would be a prime location for a back up to the Cates Hill tower. It has been well maintained and is not in bad condition. Having the antennae would likely eliminate several dead spots in the City and could benefit the city safety services as well as AVH.
Councilor Lafleur moved to allow the City Manager to accept the deed to the antennae on Dummer Yard and the easements that go with it, subject to review by the city attorney; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
I & I Study
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City has been put on notice that we have reached 80% of design capacity for its waste water treatment permits. Identifying inflow and infiltration would put us closer to taking the steps necessary to deal with the problem.
Mr. Therriault stated that last month the treatment plant treated its lowest amounts in several years at 1.3 million gallons per day and within a few weeks; they are treating 5 million gallons per day. Wright Pierce has presented a proposal to begin to study the I & I in the City so that we are prepared when we are soliciting the Bureau of Prisons and the study would begin to deal with the I & I problem. Mr. Therriault noted that the gallons per day should somewhat mirror what the Water Works is putting out which is about 2 million gallons per day. With the 80% letter from the DES we need to identify major interceptions so that when we open the streets to deal with the problem, we get the most for our money
Councilor Donovan asked how this will affect the sewer fund. Mr. MacQueen summarized that there is approximately $200,000 to put toward capital improvements and with this project and items that are necessary, there will be about $100,000 left to fund the revolving loan fund payment and any emergencies that may come up.
Councilor Donovan moved to proceed with the I & I study with Wright Pierce at a cost of $50,000; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
There being no further business, Councilor Roy moved to adjourn; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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