June 18, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Danderson, Lafleur, Grenier, Cusson, Donovan, Roy, Poulin and Nelson. Staff members present were: Blandine Shallow, Norman Charest, Andre Caron, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, and Pat MacQueen. School Board Members: Martha Laflamme, Mitch Couture, and Nathan Morin. Media and public also attended.
Economic Development Report
Norm Charest reported that some of the information regarding potential economic development is confidential and at the companies' request, cannot be discussed. For instance there have been components of the pellet plant going on for several years; however it has been left to the individuals to decide when to go public.
There have been several meetings since the mill closed. Mr. Charest noted that the decision makers are not always around the table to hear the information and potential opportunities. CEDS recently held a presentation by the company that wants to put in windmills, north of Berlin. The windmills would exceed the capacity of the current lines.
Mayor Danderson clarified that companies are wanting the utility (PSNH) to pay to extend the capacity of the lines but there is no fiscal reason for PSNH to want to spend money on such a project. Mr. Charest indicated that projects of alternative energy are indeed capacity straining projects and it will be a long process to get the approvals to increase capacity. Councilor Cusson questioned whether the situation is that of wind vs. biomass and the first to get permitting would have access to the existing transmission space. Mr. Charest confirmed that seems to be the case.
Mr. MacQueen noted that the North Country often speaks with one voice over the lack of infrastructure. To be included in that lack is that there is no ability to let the power out of the North Country. The State is doing nothing about it.
Councilor Lafleur asked about the trip to Quebec. Mr. Charest established that DRED chooses 50 companies and targets markets that are growing to invite to a social, dinner and formal presentation, held at different cities in Quebec. Each French speaking representative is assigned a table and fields questions from the companies. What will come from such a meeting, we dont know. For next year's meeting, it would be beneficial to line up Robert Godin of Guitabec to be a speaker, since he's been through the process.
CDBG Application
Andre Caron reported that he is asking for another $500,000 of CDBG grant money for housing repairs to low/moderate income homes and there is a resolution authorizing the application.
The first grant is ready for implementation but there have been an additional 39 applicants and we are certain there is enough work to satisfy a second grant. At this time contractors are being sought for the work so that they can be pre-qualified.
Mr. Caron asked for a motion to waive the City's procurement ordinance in favor of the CDBG rules. The ordinance requires 3 bids for projects over $5,000 and that we go out for sealed bids for a project of $15,000 or more. The CDBG rules state that a range is set in advance of the project and the lowest competitive price is used as long as it is within the range. If the applicant pays the difference, they can get someone else to complete the work. Councilor Cusson confirmed that the range is not made public.
There was some discussion about the City's policy to ask for $2 million of liability insurance. Some Councilors thought the amount was excessive but the consensus was to give the Housing Coordinator the discretion to ask for less if the situation merits.
Councilor Lafleur moved to waive the citys procurement ordinance and use the CDBG rules for this grant; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Budget Inn Sign
Mr. MacQueen explained that he wrote to the owner of the Budget Inn to remove the sign since it is in a state of disrepair and it is on City property. The owner is a trust in Connecticut and did not respond. The State has been issuing a license to the sign that goes back to 1971. Their records show that the City gave permission in the 70's.
Mr. MacQueen wanted to be sure the Council is on board with removing the sign. Councilor Lafleur moved to go forward with the recommendation to remove the sign; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried.
Budget
Mr. MacQueen stated that we will not know until August what the values will be on the mill property. As far as education, we dont know what will transpire. The City will be $500,000 short if the Legislature passes what is proposed.
Councilor Grenier made recommendations to be considered. He estimated $450,000 of surplus and instead of using $100,000 of unappropriated fund balance, he recommended $200,000. Medicaid on the school side could increase from $70,000 to $125,000. To be fair to the taxpayers, we have to work with the latest figure from the State for education, $9,467,452. Instead of $15,601,992., the schools will receive $15,486,834. Councilor Grenier offered to make the amendments on the floor.
Councilors commented that the State keeps changing the rules for the community. The Legislature and Governor have failed us. They are taking from the poorest communities to give to the richest.
Other
Tim Donovan commented that the grade at Rotary Park needs to be leveled and reseeded. The airport has loam available for the project and it could be done in house. Mayor Danderson added that if someone is not going to trim around the benches, they should be removed so that there are no obstacles when mowing. Mr. MacQueen suggested that the City ask the Heritage Park to turn the property over to the City since they are not maintaining it.
Councilor Nelson moved to authorize the City Manager to put a project together to own the park and to work with City departments to have the park leveled to that it can be properly maintained; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Grenier moved to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 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 Roy seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to seal the minutes as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Nelson moved to adjourn; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
The meeting ended at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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