May 7, 2007
Work Session
Council members present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Poulin, Cusson, Grenier, Lafleur and Nelson (7:30 p.m.) Staff members: Patrick MacQueen, Pamela Laflamme, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Andre Caron; guests included: Kathy Eneguess, Paul Croteau and Bob Pelchat of the Board of Assessors and several members of the BHS civics class. Media and public were also in attendance.
Request for Letter of Support
Kathy Eneguess President of the Community College explained that she asked for a letter of support for Senate Bill 82 which is now in the House. It would allow the community colleges to be removed from being a state agency. Mayor Danderson asked if there are negative aspects to the proposal. Ms. Eneguess noted that it will take 18 months to set up a system. Personnel will not change for two years. After that all employees will have a choice to continue to work for the college or go with the State.
Councilor Cusson confirmed that the main school will stay where it is. The building would receive renovations and a student wellness center. Councilor Lafleur affirmed that accreditation would continue. Ms. Eneguess indicated that the community college has been fully accredited for two and four year colleges and they have to hold to the same criteria as any other college. They are graduating their first class of Plymouth students that took all their courses in Berlin. Virtually all credits from the community college are eligible to transfer to other schools. Students can move into any university system.
Councilor Cusson moved to send a letter supporting SB82; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
AREA Agreement
John Moulis explained that the Town of Milan sends its students to the Berlin schools and has been doing so through an agreement which began in 1970. The Town and City have agreed to do a five year agreement. School Boards from Berlin and Milan have approved this agreement. It has already gone to the Milan Town Meeting.
Mayor Danderson asked about special education and how it is handled in the agreement. Mr. Moulis confirmed that special education is an add on cost based on the accommodations needed by the student. Ms. Huntley stated that a DOE 25 is an annual financial report that schools are required to complete. Based upon that report, a formula is produced that drives the tuition cost. Councilor Cusson questioned the SAU bringing their students to Berlin rather then Gorham which is in the same SAU. Mr. Moulis commented that it is most likely because Berlin is closer. Parents have the option of sending students to private schools but if they wish to take advantage of the town's services, the town pays for the students to go to Berlin. Councilor Cusson moved accept the agreement; Councilor Poulin
seconded and the motion carried.
School Grants Resolution
Ms. Huntley reported that she has already brought in the vast majority of grants for appropriation by the City Council. Since that time, the schools received three additional grants and they need to be appropriated. A resolution is on the agenda for first reading.
Avitar Agreement
Mr. MacQueen reported that Avitar is recommending additional services to better serve the public including notices/postage and an informal hearing process with 30 day website access, for an additional charge of $4,500. Councilor Grenier questioned whether the web site access is necessary and members of the Board of Assessors were in agreement that it is. Mayor Danderson thanked the Board for keeping the Council informed.
Zoning Ordinance Changes
Ms. Laflamme reported that the proposed amendments refer to signage. The amendment would allow property owners to choose how their total permitted square footage allowed on signs would be used. In the Gateway Zone, the square footage allowed would be increased.
Councilor Cusson stated that he is not for imposing more restrictions on small business. He had several suggestions including charging an annual fee for oversized signs, allowing rooftop signs, allowing animated signs, and several others. He added that he would be voting against the amendment as presented.
Councilor Grenier suggested passing this amendment because it is an improvement; however he emphasized that the ordinance should be revised further, making this a two step process.
Resolution to Discharge Streets
Ms. Laflamme explained that she has been working with a landowner who has paper streets on their deed. The resolution would discharge the paper streets on the lot. These paper streets are not a public way because the city never accepted them; however the city has an interest in the street and is discharging its interest. Notices will be sent to the abutters.
OHRV Legislation
The Local Government Center sent a request for support of legislation that would remove an amendment to RSA 215-A:23, VIII(f) which eliminates funds for OHRV patrols for communities.
Councilor Lafleur moved to send letter to re-institute funding; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
There being no further business in the work session, the meeting moved on to the regular session.
Councilor Nelson entered the meeting at this time.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Grenier moved to go into non-public session per ~RSA 91-A:3 (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 Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Discussion detailed the possible donation of property to the City.
Councilor Grenier moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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