November 5, 2007
Work Session
Present were Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Bigelow, Cusson, Boucher, Poulin, Grenier Donovan and Nelson. Tim Cayer, Lucie Remillard, Laura Viger, Patrick MacQueen, media and public were also present.
Policy for Use of City Facilities for Political Purposes
Mr. MacQueen indicated that there is a concern about campaigns for which the candidates want to use city facilities such as City Hall. Does the Council want to come up with a policy to have a consistent way of charging for the facilities? The suggestion from staff is to get fees in advance. If the fee were high enough, such as $1,000 to $1,500, we could then provide what is needed.
Councilor Grenier stated that he would support a fee and does not feel staff should restrict the use of the building. With the political candidates come the press and a chance to show off the community. Fees should be for presidential candidates only and should not be so high that only the front runners can afford them.
Mayor Danderson added that he received a call from the Giuliani campaign regarding the use of city hall. Mayor Giuliani flew into the Berlin Airport and had to hold his event at the T & C. Councilors agreed that it is important to get a payment up front but noted that this was a missed opportunity for us.
Laura Viger mentioned that candidates have used the gazebo and the Recreation Department has a standard utilization form that is filled out by the campaign. They are charged by the hour for personnel who will be at the park one hour ahead of the candidate's schedule and one hour after. Their written agreement specifies that if property is damaged, it is the responsibility of the candidate. She agreed that getting the money up front is important because inquiries are never channeled to the same person and the request gets passed on to several before there is an answer. The campaign is then routed to the police department and they have their own requirements. Generally the Recreation Department charges about $250.
Councilor Lafleur asked about insurance and Mr. MacQueen reported that it is likely that if we checked with our insurance carrier, they would want us to get a certificate.
Councilor Grenier moved to allow national candidates to use city facilities for a fee of $500 to be paid ahead of the event; Councilor Lafleur seconded the motion. Councilor Donovan confirmed that the policy will come back to the Council for review.
Councilor Boucher noted that there may need to be two tiers to the policy to allow for Presidential candidates' use of the building and for more general use. Ms Viger confirmed that the parks are separate and will not be covered by this policy. Voting on the motion, all were in favor.
Councilor Lafleur made note that the BHS Civics Class are in attendance and will follow up by attending the staff meeting at City Hall Tuesday, November 6.
Options for 738 Second Avenue
Mr. MacQueen indicated that the City took the property at 738 Second Avenue by tax deed and demolished the building. In discussions about what to do with the property, it was noted that acquisition could become an issue if the lot is needed for the Route 110 Project. The recommendation from staff is to enter into a short term lease with the neighbors who would be tenants at will. Councilor Bigelow voiced his opposition to a lease and Councilor Donovan agreed that the City should just hold the property. Councilor Donovan moved to hold the property until a decision is made with the 110 route; Councilor Bigelow seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Nelson opposed.
Other
Councilor Grenier stated that he would be interested in a report with regard to revenues from timber tax. He noted that cutting at the federal prison site should yield a revenue for the City.
Homeland Security Resolution
Laura Viger reported that she is asking to have a resolution added to the agenda for the City's annual request for homeland security grants. It is appropriate to take the next step to connect the Fire Department to the Police Department's wireless network and do the connectivity work. The grant would purchase six laptop computers for the fire trucks to allow firefighters to get real time data and expand technology in the truck. There is also the capability to do personnel tracking from the incident command post.
At this time there is an antenna on the fire station but it is not enough. There has been some sensitivity at the State level of the fires in Berlin and having this additional equipment would be another tool. Councilor Bigelow confirmed that the system will have connectivity to other systems of homeland security throughout the State. Councilor Cusson affirmed that there will not be subscriber fees that will have to be paid on an ongoing basis.
Councilor Grenier moved to add the following two items to the agenda: a Resolution to Apply for and Accept a $2500 Grant from Telecom & Technology Matching Grants Program and a Resolution to Apply for and Accept a $112,000 Grant from the NH Dept of Safety Homeland Security Program to the agenda; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Veterans Day
Councilor Lafleur moved to change the meeting from Veteran's Day which is Monday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m.; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried. Council members were aware that it is the same evening as the forum on the mill site; however they will meet to accept the election results and then attend the forum.
Non-Public Session
Couniclor Grenier moved to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 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 Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to seal the minutes until the transaction has taken place, as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Grenier moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
REGULAR MEETING - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007
Mayor Danderson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at approximately 7:30 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Bigelow, Cusson, Boucher, Poulin, Grenier Donovan and Nelson. Tim Cayer, Lucie Remillard, Laura Viger, Patrick MacQueen, Mrs. Watson's 10th grade Civics class, media and public were also present.
Minutes, Previous Meetings: Councilor Poulin moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to accept the minutes of the 10/15/07 WS; 10/15/07 Regular Meeting; 10/22/07 WS; 10/29/07 WS. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims that all bills start date 10/16/07, end date 11/5/07 for a total cash disbursement of $1,803,629.98 Draft #1553 be paid. Councilor Grenier moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
Public Comments: No comments
1. Council Committee Reports: Councilor Donovan reported the following recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee from their meeting of October 15, 2007 Mechanic Street One Way Recommendation: deny any change.
Request for Handicap Space from Jeannette Nadeau, 638 Rockingham Recommendation: that the Council pass an ordinance providing the requested handicap space. On a motion from Councilor Donovan and a second from Councilor Nelson, the Council unanimously accepted the recommendation of the committee on the handicap sign.
Request from Dr. Khan for Designated Parking at 213 High Street Recommendation: request be denied
Request from Ron Donato re: Northern Lights Recommendation: Council deny the request but that Public Works should review the area for a sand barrel
Madison and Dewey Recommendation: that the Council pass an ordinance to put a stop sign at Dewey coming out onto Madison when coming east out of the field. Note: An ordinance exists and PWD will put up the sign.
Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Boucher, that the Council unanimously accept the recommendations of the committee on the first, third and fourth items.
2. Mayors Report: Mayor Danderson recommended Greg Estrella to the zoning board for a term to end in April of 2010 and and Norine Van Leuven for a term to end April 2009. Both are filling unexpired terms and would be alternates on the ZBA. Councilor Grenier moved to accept both nominations, Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
The Mayor reported that he accompanied Mayor Giuliani over the weekend. Councilor Donovan moved to accept the Mayor's report; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
3. Ordinance: Handicap Parking Space in Front of 638 Rockingham Street
Councilor Donovan moved with a second from Councilor Grenier to table the ordinance and to have a public hearing November 19, 2007. So moved, the motion carried.
4. Resolution: Authorizing a Land Option for an 11 Acre Portion of Tax Map 116, Lot 23 to Clean Power Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to table the resolution and the have a public hearing November 19, 2007. So moved, the motion carried.
5. Resolution: to Apply for and Accept a $2,500 Telecom & Technology Grant for High Speed Internet Access at the Industrial Park Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to table the resolution and have a public hearing November 19, 2007. So moved, the motion carried.
6. Resolution: Authorizing an Application for a $112,000 Homeland Security Grant
Councilor Boucher moved with a second from Councilor Poulin to table the resolution and have a public hearing November 19, 2007. So moved, the motion carried.
7. Willow Street Parking Safety Concern Letter
Councilor Lafleur moved to accept the letter from Mrs. Fortin and forward it to the Safety Committee and Police Department for recommendation; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
8. City Managers Report
City's tax rate is: $30.07 with a breakdown as follows: City Rate: $16.98; Local School Rate: 7.93; State School Rate: $2.34; and County Rate: $2.82
I&I Draft Available: Wright-Pierce has completed the I&I study.
Governor and Council Visit: The Governor and Council held one of their regular meetings at the Berlin Jr. High on Wednesday, October 17th. They had breakfast at the College and heard from Andre Caron on the City's approach to our overall housing issue.
CDBG Audit: The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) did a monitoring visit regarding the Cornerstone Project CDBG funds and the City appears to be in compliance with all of the CDBG national objectives.
Mt. Forist Street and Hillside Avenue Crossings: The Mt. Forist RR crossing is open and passable for the winter. The final course and the concrete sidewalks will be finished next year. The Hillside Avenue RR crossing paving has been completed and the crossbucks will be going back up today. The Green Street Bridge will be open for the winter but will have to be close again next year for utility work and final paving.
DES Seminar and Meeting: The Public Works Director and Waste Water Treatment Superintendent are attending a NHDES seminar for communities who have exceeded 70% of their wastewater treatment plant capacity. The Manager met with NHDES in Concord to go over project eligibility and issues related to financing our WWTP improvements through the State Revolving Loan Fund and the State Grant Program.
Impressions of Care Dedication: The walkway project put together by the Hospital Auxiliary and many volunteers was dedicated in an outdoor ceremony in front of the hospital last week.
NHMA Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the New Hampshire Municipal Association will be held this Thursday at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester.
Fairpoint/Verizon Public Relations: we have received information from Fairpoint and Verizon regarding Verizon's proposed sale to Fairpoint.
Parade of Lights: The Berlin Main Street Program has scheduled this year's "Parade of Lights" and fireworks event for Friday, November 23, 2007 at 7pm.
Community panel discussion will be next week at the college at 7:00 p.m.
Councilor Grenier asked to have an informational work session on November 26 regarding the I & I study.
Councilor Bigelow confirmed that the City would have to get Legislative approval to tax telephone poles.
With regard to the Panel Discussion, November 13, Laidlaw is invited to attend but they are not on the panel
Councilor Lafleur moved to accept the managers report and place on file; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Public Comments
Jason Mercier, 10th grade student, asked what is meant by tabled and Mayor Danderson explained.
Council Comments
Councilor Grenier reported that he has received complaints from constituents concerning Time Warner and the Fox Channel. The station jumps, and skips. Time Warner is supposed to be providing a service and giving people what they pay for. He suggested sending a letter from the city and copying the PUC and FCC.
Councilor Lafleur thanked Mrs. Watson, the Civics class and the administration for taking part in the process. He encouraged everyone to get out and vote and expressed the he was sorry to see that Councilor Grenier is not on the ballot.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Poulin moved to adjourn; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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