November 19, 2007
Work Session
Present were Mayor Danerson, Councilors Nelson, Poulin, Boucher, Cusson, Lafleur, Bigelow, Donovan and Grenier. Incumbent Mayor Bertrand, and Incumbent Councilors McCue, Goudreau, Remillard, and Evans were present. Andre Caron, Colette Caron, Norm Charest, Sylvia Poulin, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Pamela Laflamme, Patrick Macqueen, media and public were also present.
BCMP Application for Downtown Tax Relief
Sylvia Poulin explained that BCMP is a group of investors who are willing to invest in the City’s downtown. They took a leap of faith by buying the Gill’s building and plan to renovate to offer retail space downstairs and office space or market value apartments upstairs. Their application, under Chapter 19 of the City Code, is before the City Council. Mr. MacQueen stated that the code was adopted to encourage property owners or developers to invest in downtown properties. While the work is getting done, the investors are not seeing large increases in assessment. It will be up to the Council to decide what is an appropriate deferral of property tax increases for two to seven years. A public hearing has to be set and within 45 days after the hearing, the decision regarding the
project needs to be made.
Councilor Grenier voiced that he did not think it appropriate for this council to be making a decision on this. He indicated that he supports the project and thinks it is a good thing for the community. Councilor Lafleur confirmed that the Council can give tax relief from 0 to 5 years and then 2 more years after that if it is deemed appropriate.
Councilor Cusson reasoned that the code was adopted by this Council and he does not see why the issue should be delayed and possibly delay the progress of the project. Mayor Danderson agreed noting that this Council is elected to its terms and there is a duty to do the work until the term is complete. He added that the assessment of the property would remain the same until the completion of the project. Andre Caron declared that he is a partner in the project though he was not involved when the code was adopted by the Council. He responded that the council will set the conditions of the contract. It is looking like it will take 14 months to do the job. If the covenant with the City is broken, there is no longer tax relief.
Mayor Danderson stressed that it is important for this council to handle this first application. We have people who are willing to invest in the downtown and we should be able to work with them as best as possible. Councilor Bigelow affirmed that this is the first time this legislation goes into effect. Councilor Nelson moved to set a public hearing for December 3 and move forward with this; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Telecom & Technology Grant
Norm Charest reported that it has become a major investment to connect the Industrial Park to broadband. There are no utility poles at the park and connectivity would have to include the cost of trenching the park for underground wiring. Going wireless is the best solution; however there is a cost of about $5,000. BIDPA will pay half of the installation and they will purchase the service then sell back to the client as a customer service rather than to make a profit. The only other option for the clients in the park is to be on dial up and that is aggravating.
Councilor Cusson confirmed that the MESH network that the PD has would not work at the Industrial Park.
Councilor Lafleur asked if copper is available Mr. Charest indicated that it is at a cost of $500 to $800 per month. Research was also done to confirm that the service the new prison uses could not be tapped into to provide service to the park. Councilor Donovan asked if BIDPA has plans to recoup its $2,500 and maintenance fees to care for the system. Mr. Charest stated that clients will be billed for the service and the initial investment could be factored in.
The contract will be with Time Warner. They will allow us to aggregate all the computers in the industrial park onto this network. Mr. Charest added that the contract is open ended. The resolution is on for this evening for final reading.
NH Charitable Foundation Grant
Ms. Laflamme explained that she made a request to the granting agency for $100,000 and she was informed that she received $60,000. In a subsequent communication the granting agency provided an additional $10,000. The resolution already passed was for $60,000 and the resolution for first reading this evening is to accept and appropriate the additional $10,000.
Timber Tax Report
Mr. MacQueen explained that the State Forester was contacted regarding the intent filed by the logger for land being cleared for the prison project. We don’t have the report back yet. Councilor Grenier stated that the intent is usually for about 55% to 70% of the project. Mr. MacQueen noted that he was under the impression that the intent, in this case, was less than what was taken. An amendment to the original intent was filed by the logger.
Councilor Grenier suggested scheduling Bing Judd to meet with the new council. He commented that at $12,000 he thinks the city is being shortchanged on revenues from timber tax.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go 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 Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
A lease extension with the District Court was discussed.
Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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