Work Session
July 2, 2007
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Roy, Nelson, Poulin, Grenier, Cusson and Lafleur; Councilor Donovan was absent. Staff members present were Norm Charest, Pamela Laflamme, Ernie Allain and Patrick MacQueen. Media and public were also present
Snow Policy
Mr. Allain opened by saying that the policy for snow removal is set by the City Council and the Public Works Department will implement whatever is set by the Council. Councilor Roy mentioned an area on upper Pleasant Street that is congested when there is snow. Mr. MacQueen suggested that narrow areas in the City could be signed with "no parking." Councilor Cusson noted that Main Street is plowed so that the snow is in the parking areas; however people park despite the snow. He suggested a 9 foot blade that could open more of the narrow streets. Mr. Allain indicated that he could work with Parks and Recreation as they have a small plow.
Mr. Allain reviewed the priority list, noting that the downtown area is the first priority, with truck routes, then schools as the next in line. Mr. MacQueen indicated that, depending on the size of the storm, the downtown may take several days to clear. There is a lack of snow dumping sites and that adds to the time and miles it takes to dump each load.
It was suggested that the order of priorities be changed with the downtown still being first but the schools coming before the truck route. Councilor Cusson also noted that the schools should be able to open the handicap parking space even though it is not on their side.
Mayor Danderson suggested talking to NADC about using the yard for snow dumping. He proposed that as many snow dumps as possible be created to lessen the travel time between loads. Mr. MacQueen added that Berlin may be one of the only communities that pick up as much snow as we do and perhaps some streets could be eliminated. Councilor Nelson cautioned against taking away services.
Councilor Cusson asked about salt and whether we should use more. Mr. Allain commented that salting delays plowing. Councilor Grenier confirmed that we are using sea salt rather than mined salt. Mr. Allain reasoned that the mined salt is better; however the State bid is for sea salt and it would be very expensive to buy the mined salt and have it delivered.
Councilor Grenier moved to change the priority of schools in plowing and snow pick up, making it come ahead of truck routes; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Roy moved to remove Oak St from the downtown priority area; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. MacQueen acknowledged that we salt before we plow and experience says it is the best way. The risk of not salting is that there would be an ice build up. Mayor Danderson voiced that we should not go against what the experts say. He suggested an article in the paper to explain why it is done this way.
Councilor Cusson asked about drainage pipes in the City that are 3/4 plugged due to sand and silt. Mr. Allain stated that the City cleans catch basins but often the lines remain plugged. It would take a new vac-all, a new truck and three people to work to clean. Councilor Grenier reasoned that if the situation needs to be remedied, it would be better to put together a plan and buy a piece of equipment. We shouldn't be leasing if it is an ongoing problem
Public Works Update
Mr. Allain reported that Glen Avenue will be paved from the City line to Cabral's Service Station. All cracks have been filled and we are waiting for Pike to come and grind. This process will cause the traffic lights to come off the loop, meaning that they will be on a timer.
Couture has started working on Hillside sidewalks to be done from Spruce to Madison on the westerly side and up to High Street on the easterly side. There is also a crew out repairing snow plow damage and line painting.
Councilor Grenier mentioned an area on East Mason by the ambulance garage where the pipe fence is rusted through. He asked that PWD repair.
Heating System at Industrial Park
Mr. MacQueen reported that BIDPA has approved installing additional heating at the industrial building at 143 Industrial Park Road. Norm Charest noted that the additional heating in needed due to the change of use of the building. The previous lessee's machinery generated heat during its process. The current lessee uses 3 garage doors and an 18 wheeler loaded with steel is driven into the building. A radiant heat system will be put in and stays behind if the tenant leaves. Negotiation resulted in BIDPA paying for 1/3 of the upgrade and the tenant paying for 2/3.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
