Work Session
April 23, 2007
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Nelson, Grenier, Donovan, and Lafleur; absent were Councilors Poulin, Danderson, Cusson and Roy. Staff members present were: Debbie Patrick, Pamela Laflamme, Norman Charest, Blandine Shallow and Patrick MacQueen. Guests included Cathy Conway, Larry Kelly, Bill Woodward, and Jim Wagner. Media and public were also present.
Councilor Grenier moved to add, a discussion of Health and Human Services' plan to replace Riverside 2 with a ten bed housing facility in Berlin, on the agenda; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
AVER Economic Development Proposal
Bill Woodward stated that he has been working with AVER to use tax credits to fund economic development in the Berlin/Gorham area. The plan maximizes the use of the NFHP by incorporating the offices of the Chamber of Commerce at the park. An economic development director will work on marketing, assisting local businesses and business recruitment. The effort will be governed by a board that represents all the stake holders.
Jim Wagner reported that he has been working with the Bureau of Prisons and Employment Security to be sure that there are workers prepared with the right background to work for the Federal prison. Through team work, the effort will work toward recruiting businesses. Growing the tourism industry is also on the list of priorities.
NCIC is the fiscal agent for the $240,000 and the program will be reviewed after one year. There is a need for a thorough comprehensive package for businesses that want to relocate. Mayor Danderson indicated that he is in favor but has concerns about what happens after the first year. He suggested using Jericho Mountain Park as a draw for tourism. Housing blight is the City's biggest problem. It is important to hold the tax rate down.
Bill Woodward noted that, if this works, there is the possibility of applying for more tax credits. Councilor Lafleur confirmed that the time frame to start with this proposal is in just a few weeks. A letter of support is needed from the city and once the application is sent to CDFA, they are expected to act very quickly.
Councilor Donovan moved to send a letter of support; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Danderson noted that perhaps a line of communication could be opened with North American Dismantling.
Revenues/Administration Budget
Mr. MacQueen indicated that the revenues presented were the best estimates at the time the budget was being prepared. The school amount is based on what was being proposed at the legislature and is likely going to be reduced. Inspections and fees were increased with the intent of bringing in an ordinance to charge for these services. Councilor Grenier confirmed that there will be no unappropriated fund balance to use to balance the budget. Mr. MacQueen agreed that fund balance cannot be counted on as we have in the past.
Budget committee meetings were set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1 & 2.
There were no questions with regard to the administration budget.
Request for a Letter of Support
Kathy Eneguess requested a letter of support for the technical college's proposal to be a stand alone entity. Council members had several questions and it was suggested that Ms. Eneguess be invited to a meeting so that the proposal could be better understood.
Riverside II
Councilor Grenier reported that he met with Dr. McDowell, Russ Keene, and Jim Brennan to go over the hospital's decision to no longer provide an emergency medical facility for mental health patients. The State has only a 100 bed facility. Over time, every hospital has had to stop sponsoring because of cost and lack of reimbursement. The hospital was losing $1.4 million per year by hosting Riverside II. Two out of three inpatient days were not people from Coos County.
The State has decided to put facilities in Littleton, Conway and Berlin; however there is only $985,000 for the project. This is bad for Berlin and the city should take a public position opposing.
Ms. Laflamme reported that there is a process and perimeters that the planning board will have to review through site plan.
Councilor Grenier moved to send a letter opposing the facility in Berlin to Governor Lynch, Health & Human Services Commissioner Stephens, and the Coos County delegation, and to have the City Planner call her contact at HHS to express the Council's concerns; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Council; Councilor Grenier moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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