July 23, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Poulin, Lafleur, Grenier, Cusson, and Donovan. Staff members present were: Patrick MacQueen, Marion Huntley. Nathan Morin, Brian Leclerc and Mitch Couture (7:10 p.m.) represented the School Board. Ralph Collins, Dick Poulin, Diana Nelson, Bernie Buzzell, media and public were also present.
Councilor Lafleur moved to add one non-public matter under litigation; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Interviews for Ward II Council Seat
Diana Nelson, 199 State Street. Ms. Nelson gave an overview of her experience with employment services in the area. She has a BA in human service and a degree in criminal justice. To a question from Councilor Cusson regarding Berlin's future, Ms. Nelson commented that it is important to keep promoting new business and the area; be business and tax base friendly. Events are positive for the community. Ms. Nelson went on to say that she is a member of the Planning Board, BIDPA, Chamber of Commerce, Riverfire and the AVER Economic Development and Education Committees.
Councilor Lafleur asked about response time when getting back to the public. Ms. Nelson stated that she's taken the time on a Sunday to meet with people who had a problem. Councilor Cusson asked if the State prison has been an asset and what effect she sees the Federal prison having on the community. Ms. Nelson indicated that people have moved here and bought real estate; she reported that she sees the same happening already in anticipation of the construction phase of the Federal prison.
Bernie Buzzell, 433 Hillside Avenue. Mr. Buzzell stated that he has lived in Ward II since October of 2000 and lived in Berlin since the mid 80's. He has a BA in sociology and a Masters in human services from Springfield College. He had a marshal arts studio in the downtown and was President of the merchants association. He worked at Health and Human Services and then at the hospital's psyche unit. He was BIDPA chair and served one term at the State House where he was involved with alternative energy and constituent issues with 13 Mile Woods. He was on the Judiciary Committee and has served as a volunteer for the postal food drive.
Mr. Buzzell expressed concern about the mental health facility proposed for the City. He noted that his recommendation was to augment the existing mental health facilities and not create a new one. He cautioned that Northern Human Services needs to take supervision into consideration. He added that there should have been more discussion with the city and with the neighborhood before the decision was made on a location.
With regard to the Federal and State prisons, Mr. Buzzell felt that there will be a change in our community and there will be a difference in population creating issues with the schools. Berlin is at a point of transition and it is not good enough to say "no" to ideas; something needs to be brought to the table. The city should focus some effort on the development of Neighborhood Watch and Community Watch programs. We all have a responsibility to help and be sure we are as safe as possible.
Councilor Lafleur asked for Mr. Buzzell's views on education funding. In response, Mr. Buzzell commented that he likes the idea of targeted aid to help communities to get up to a certain standard of education.
Council members voted, with the results being four votes for Ms. Nelson and three votes for Mr. Buzzell. Ms. Nelson took her seat as Ward II councilor.
Nansen Ski Club Proposal
In a letter from Rick Treiss, the Nansen Ski Club proposes to create cross country ski trails in the PSNH Park. Mayor Danderson expressed that the company is likely to be very much in favor. The additional trail would serve the older population and more novice skiers who find the Milan Hill State Park challenging. In a motion from Councilor Donovan, second from Councilor Cusson, the Council voted to support the idea of cross country trails at the PSNH Park in the downtown, provided that PSNH supports. Councilor Donovan suggested informing the Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Program of the concept.
School Department Revenues
Ms. Huntley reported that the school board passed a budget that will utilize funds for girl's ice hockey and athletic equipment when they get the re-appropriated school revenues. Councilor Grenier noted that the process is to have a public hearing and a 2/3 vote of the city council to increase the school's operating budget. Mr. MacQueen suggested that the increase occur along with segregated funds from other departments. Mayor Danderson took a straw poll of Council members and they voted to return the $180,000 to the schools. Councilor Cusson abstained.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency or any subdivision thereof, or against any member thereof because of his or her membership in such body or agency, until the claim or litigation has been fully adjudicated or otherwise settled. Any application filed for tax abatement, pursuant to law, with any body or board shall not constitute a threatened or filed litigation against any body, board, or agency for the purposes of this subparagraph; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Mr. MacQueen updated the Council on two tax cases: Dumoulin and Liberty Gardens apartments.
Councilor Lafleur moved to seal the minutes as divulgence of the information likely would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Lafleur moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Dick Poulin
Councilor Grenier moved to add Dick Poulin to the agenda; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Poulin reported to the Council that he had his properties tax deeded and had to dig up the money to buy them back, with interest, penalties and fees. He recounted that he was surprised by the fee of 15% of the assessed value of the building. While the City owned the building, they collected rent and they did $4,000 of work for which he was responsible for paying. This ended up being a $44,000 mistake. He went on to say that the liens do not mention the 15% fee.
Mr. MacQueen explained that the City Council passed an ordinance to waive the 15% fee for residential, owner occupied properties. They did not decide to waive the fee for commercial properties.
Mayor Danderson noted that when property taxes go unpaid, it affects the revenues and others end up paying the difference. Council members empathized with Mr. Poulin but were not inclined to support changing the ordinance or legislation.
Councilor Donovan moved to adjourn; Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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