August 27, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Bigelow, Grenier, Cusson, Nelson Donovan and Poulin (7:00 p.m.) Chief Trull, Charles Carpenter, Ernie Allain, Leo Ouellette, Ray Godbout (7:15 p.m.), Don Mercier
Vote to Authorize 155-B Orders on 468 Champlain Street and 450 Goebel Street
Councilor Lafleur moved to approve issuing two 155-B orders relating to 468 Champlain Street and 450 Goebel Street; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier questioned the status of the former East Side Cleaners on Grafton Street that had a fire some time ago. Chief Trull indicated that it is going through the auction process and has been boarded. The damage is not significant enough to where it has to be removed. Chief Trull and Mr. Carpenter left the meeting at this time
Sewer Abatement Reviews.
Leo Ouellette, 275 Finland Street. He presented his request for abatement explaining that he has both City water and a well. There are two faucets that have well water and the remaining are already charged through the Water Department. Mr. Ouellette went on to say that he feels he is being unfairly charged the prorated amount for his well.
Mayor Danderson commented that a meter could be installed on the well and the reading would give the accurate number of gallons being used. Councilor Nelson noted that a meter costs $150 plus the plumbing. Councilor Grenier moved to deny the request; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Grenier commented that consideration would be given if the Council could rely on metered sources for both the well and city water.
Therese Tremblay, 25 Wood Street. Ernie indicated that the formula for wells is to charge per bedroom resulting in a charge of 4,500 cubic feet Mrs. Tremblay's home. The sewer charge continues to go up but the only thing that changes is the cost per cubic foot. Councilor Grenier moved to deny the request; Councilor Donovan seconded. Councilor Grenier commented that consideration would be given if the Council could rely on metered sources for the well. All voted for with exception of Councilor Donovan.
Moonlight Machine, 143 E. Milan Road which is in the industrial park. Ernie reported that most water used goes into the process. Moonlight is billed at 100% of consumption because they are commercial. Water going into their business is being metered. The bill is $133 and has gone down from the previous year. Councilor Donovan moved to deny; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Riverside Hydro, 972 Main Street. Don Mercier reported that water from the city is used in non-contact cooling and discharged into the river. There is no sewer connection to that site. He wanted to be sure that the hydro would not be charged in the future due to there being no connection. Councilor Lafleur asked that Ernie verify there is no sewer connection. Councilor Grenier moved to abate the full amount of the bill upon verification; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Ray Godbout from Moonlight Machine entered the meeting at this time and was given the opportunity to explain his request. He stated that water is vaporized and vented out of the building. He suggested that his water bill should be equal or less than that of the DMV. Councilors were in agreement that a meter could be installed to measure the exact usage and Mr. Godbout would have to pay for the meter and the installation.
Cross Power, Don Mercier explained that water is used for cooling the generator bearings and then dumped into the river. Very little water is used that goes into the sewer system and they are willing to install a meter. Councilor Grenier moved to base next year's abatement request on the meter that is to be installed by GL Hydro; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Great Lakes Hydro, request for abatement on a bill of $46,907. Don Mercier reported that when the land transfer was done in September of 2006, they were sent a bill for $46,907. GL only owned the hydro for one quarter of the year.
Councilor Bigelow noted that he had the same problem when he bought his house and the problem appears to be part of the property transfer between Fraser and Great Lakes. He was told that the bill follows the property. Councilor Nelson was of the opinion that if we billed improperly on water, we should take care of it. Councilor Nelson moved to have Mr. Allain investigate the circumstance and return to Council for a decision; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried.
Coleen Frenette, 71 Corbin Street stated in a letter that she did not receive the bill and wants to be abated the interest. Councilor Grenier moved to abate the interest of $12.97; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Cab for Truck
Ernie Allain reported that he had three quotes for an International cab. One was lower and one was higher than the original price received.
Paving
Mr. Allain stated that the Water Works is offering to pave some of their project streets to three feet from the curb to save money. The amount saved would then go into a fund that could pave a street that was in the T-Buck project. The amount could be spent on paving Western Avenue. There was some discussion about the poor condition of some of the streets including Willard Street. Councilor Donovan moved to authorize Ernie to go ahead with his plan; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Scheduling Ward IV Interviews
Ward IV interviews will be held at the next work session, September 4.
Rash of Vandalism
Mayor Danderson suggested sending a letter to the judge that emphasizes the seriousness of the vandalism that occurred over the weekend. Stupid acts such as this merit a harsh sentence of time. Councilor Grenier suggested the letter go to the prosecuting attorney. Councilor Donovan so moved; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Meeting with Ray Burton
Councilor Donovan indicated that he was just informed of a meeting scheduled by Ray Burton for September 10, to help local airports market themselves to the grand hotels. The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. at the airport and it will be with DOT officials, Mountain View Grant, Balsams, and Mt. Washington Hotel. Councilor Nelson commented that there are contractors coming into Berlin as part of the prison project and they may be interested in flying as well.
Councilor Donovan moved to hold the Council work session at the airport if necessary and have Council and Airport Authority members at the marketing meeting at the airport; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Adjournment
Councilor Grenier moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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