July 16, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Nelson, Poulin, Cusson, Grenier, Donovan, Lafleur and Roy. Staff members present were: Marion Huntley, John Moulis, Patrick MacQueen, Pamela Laflamme; media and public were also present.
Mayor Danderson asked to add two items to the agenda: Thunder in the Mountains and Street Discontinuance. Councilor Grenier so moved, Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
School General Fund Surplus
Mr. Moulis reported that the schools will have approximately $179,000 in excess revenues at year end. The schools would like to have the funds returned to their budget to address their needs. Councilor Grenier indicated that the School Board walked away from an agreement to fund girls hockey and needed athletic equipment. He considered it a breech of an honorable working relationship. He is not willing to return the excess revenues over to the school until the funding for hockey and athletic equipment is finalized.
Councilor Donovan agreed stating that sports are part of a rounded education. Councilor Cusson noted that he is disappointed to see how the school board reacted after all the effort the Council put in. Mayor Danderson commented that he has every intention of voting to send the revenues back to the schools because that is a commitment he made.
Councilor Lafleur commented that the School Board has the final decision coming up at its next meeting where a tie on the decision of whether to fund girl's hockey will be decided upon. Councilor Nelson reasoned that the public needs to understand that the school board makes the final decision on how to appropriate the funds approved by the Council.
Jericho Lake Deed Approval
Mr. MacQueen noted that the only change made to the deed from last week was to add OHRV so that the park is referred to State/OHRV Park. Roland Viens advised that BWW is still looking to get $4,000 from the State for surveying work. Councilor Poulin moved to accept the deed as presented; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Donovan asked for a copy of the final.
Council Vacancy
Mayor Danderson explained that Councilor Nelson has moved her residency from Ward I to Ward II and would like to be considered for the vacant Ward II Council seat. We also received a letter from Bernie Buzzell to be considered.
Councilor Grenier voiced a problem with the process. We have advertised for a Ward II position and now that there is a person who has applied, we have a councilor who wants to move ward. Councilor Nelson clarified that she has taken steps to make her residency in Ward II permanent.
Councilor Donovan stressed that it has been the Councils policy to interview candidates for vacant Council position and both candidates should be considered. Councilor Poulin was of the opinion that with only a few more months before the end of her term, Councilor Nelson should remain in Ward I and the candidate who applied should be put into the Ward II position.
Councilor Roy stated that once he sold his house in Berlin, he was ready to resign but he was waiting until the Ward II Council seat was filled.
Mayor Danderson noted that he does not want to lose any of the councilors but the rules have to be followed. Candidates for the Ward II position will be interviewed at the next work session Letters of interest for Ward II will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. July 23rd.
Main Line Safety Upgrade Project Support Letter
Mr. MacQueen explained that the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad is asking for support for funding from TCSP funds. The Council has supported this effort in the past. Councilor Lafleur asked if something can be done to keep the railroad working toward completion on Green Street. Mr. MacQueen indicated that it is unclear what is slowing the work on the 110 project. Work is proceeding but not at the pace that was anticipated. Councilor Grenier moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a support letter on the City Council's behalf; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Street Discontinuance
Ms. Laflamme reported that a request came in from a property owner to discontinue a portion of Rheims Street. There are no utilities on the street. If the Council is amenable to considering the discontinuance of this portion of Rheims Street, upon approval, the land would be divided among the owners. The Planning Board has approved. There is a resolution ready for first reading if the council agrees. RSA 231:43 allows for a 14 day notice to owners and we would ask that the resolution not have its public hearing until August 20. Councilor Donovan expressed concern that the other abutters on the street have not yet been notified but Ms. Laflamme assured him that she would contact them by phone as well as through the usual notices.
Thunder in the Mountains
Mr. MacQueen stated that the Main Street Program is looking to close an additional street for Thunder in the Mountains. With no objection from the council, the closings will be worked out with departments
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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