Work Session
October 15, 2007
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Nelson, Poulin, Cusson, Boucher, Bigelow, Donovan, Lafleur and Grenier. Others present were Patrick MacQueen, Blandine Shallow, Chief Trull, Ralph Collins, Tim Cayer, media and public.
Discussion of the Proposed Tax Rate
Mr. MacQueen noted that assessments are up a bit and the tax rate could be lowered to an estimated rate of $30.30, down from the proposed $31.29. It was $29.24 in the previous year. Mayor Danderson commented that residential customers were hit with a sizable increase with the revaluation. The Council should work to keep the tax rate as stable as possible.
Councilor Grenier indicated that the County tax will be approximately $85,000 less than originally projected. Mr. MacQueen noted that he is optimistic that the DRA will go with the Council's recommendation. Mayor Danderson made the point that Berlin no longer has the highest tax rate in the North Country.
Councilor Bigelow questioned whether the assessment number is a final one or whether it is subject to being challenged. Councilor Grenier felt comfortable that these utility values would not be challenged because they are similar to those of other communities. Mayor Danderson confirmed that the more conservative method of valuation was used and the number is based on generation.
Vote to Authorize 155-B Order on 468 Champlain Street
Councilor Grenier moved to approve the order; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Chief Trull clarified that this property is already in the 155-B process but it was found that the wife had to be served as well. Doing that will not delay what is already in place.
Non Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 Nonpublic Sessions 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 Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Mr. MacQueen referred to a letter from Henrich Kendel seeking to donate a fire gutted property at 450 Goebel Street to the city. He would also be willing to donate $2,500. In the opinion of the housing coordinator and fire chief, accepting the donation could set a bad precedent. It would make sense to accept property if it were in a strategic location, adjacent to a city building or served some public purpose. Asbestos at the Goebel Street site would be expensive to clean up.
Mr. Kendel is currently under order to clean up his property, and in the same manner as everyone else, we would move forward to enforce the order if he does not comply.
In further discussion the Council debated about asking for a greater amount of money. The Council came to the conclusion that accepting the donation would be helping him shuck his responsibility of cleaning the fire property.
There was some question about whether the City is able to attach properties in Florida for the cost of clean up. Mr. MacQueen stated that he would check with the City attorney; however it has been our understanding that the City can only attach/lien the property in violation of the order.
With regard to the time involved, a transfer to the city would likely bring the building down faster, providing we can find the money. A 155-B order will likely take a year. Liability will remain with the property owner for as long as he owns the building.
Councilor Donovan moved to deny the request; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilor Lafleur moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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