December 3, 2007
Work Session
Present were Mayor Danderson, Councilors Nelson, Poulin, Boucher, Grenier, Lafleur, Donovan, Cusson; absent was Councilor Bigelow. Incumbent Mayor David Bertrand and Incumbent Councilors Ronald Goudreau, Lucie Remillard, Tom McCue, Mark Evans were also present. Staff members, Ernie Allain, Blandine Shallow, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Patrick MacQueen; State Trails Representative Clint Savage, media and public attended.
Snowmobile Trail
Clint Savage from the State Bureau of Trails explained that the State wants to run a snowmobile trail through the city again this year and he wanted to be sure the Council was still on board with the plan. Councilor Grenier asked about the ability to go across NADC property and Mr. Savage noted that they have the necessary permission from NADC and Laidlaw has also agreed to the concept.
The trail will go through the fence, onto the rail grade and by the Eastern Depot. Mayor Danderson confirmed that the groomer will do PSNH Park as it has in the past. Mr. Savage also informed the Council that he has met with Rick Treis of the Nansen Ski Club to be sure the snowmobile trail does not conflict with the cross country trails in PSNH Park.
Councilor Lafleur affirmed that the Berlin to Gorham trail will remain the same. He indicated that there have been issues with the AVRRDD and going through Success. Mr. Savage noted that law enforcement is with Fish and Game but if there are issues, the District can call him and problems will be addressed. Councilor Grenier asked for a map of the revised trail. Councilor Grenier moved to allow the snowmobile trail through the City; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Danderson asked about the rules for a vendor to put up sign on the trail and Mr. Savage indicated that signs can be put up as long as they are taken down at the end of the season. There was some concern expressed by Council members that local businesses are missing an opportunity to advertise along the trail. Councilor Donovan also noted that advertising could be done in Twin Mountain where several trails meet.
Communication re: Snow Plowing on Cates Hill
Council members considered a letter written by a local surgeon who is new to the community and concerned about the plowing on Cates Hill. Mr. Allain stated that the snow policy exists and it is up to the Council to make changes if they deem it necessary. Mr. MacQueen indicated that the City’s snow policy is not based on individuals and if one individual is accommodated we will undoubtedly have to do the same for others. Though they were not amenable to changing the policy, councilors wanted to check with the Police Department to see if they could provide a ride in the case of a snow emergency.
Hiring Freeze Committee
Waste Water Superintendent. Councilor Lafleur, with a second from Councilor Grenier moved to enter into the Hiring Freeze Committee; Councilor Donovan voted against. Mr. MacQueen reported that the Waste Water Superintendent is going to work at the hospital. This is a critical position and we will need someone who is qualified and a certified waste water treatment operator with State licensing. Councilor Donovan regretfully motioned to fill the position; 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.
Introduction of Draft Investment Policy
Mr. MacQueen noted that this is a draft of the investment policy and goes with the authority to sell stock. There will be an ordinance soon to add Trustees of Trust Funds to the code. Recent legislation recommends having an investment policy for the city and the finance director and treasurer have been involved in creating one. In reviewing the law it was discovered that within the financial instruments that the city can have, owning stocks is not one of them. In the 1970’s Berlin City Bank, now Northway Bank, issued stock based upon the amount of savings in an account on a given day. The City was issued stock and has held them until now.
The investment policy reflects the requirements of state law. Councilor Grenier noted that this money presents a good opportunity to get lights at the BHS track. Mr. MacQueen clarified that this is not found money; it is simply a change from a stock asset to a cash asset.
Mayor Danderson mentioned that lights on Community Street/Cleveland Bridge have long been requested by the community and those would benefit the general public. Councilor Donovan suggested seeing what it will cost to do both projects. Councilor Donovan so moved to add lights at the running track and Unity Street lighting to the City’s Capital Improvement Plan; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Draft Letter to ask for Voluntary PILT
Mr. MacQueen indicated that he was asked to write a letter to non-profits and governmental property owners in Berlin. He presented a draft letter and councilors commented that the formula developed may hurt us by lowering the expectations for properties that are paying now. Councilor Cusson suggested being consistent and using the Northern Lights formula. Councilor Boucher commented that a lot of agencies are non-profit and it may be good to point out their social responsibility. She also suggested sharing a telephone number for questions. Councilor Cusson moved to make the changes suggested and get another draft to review; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried; Councilor Grenier opposed.
Policy for Use of City Hall
Mr. MacQueen noted that he made some changes to a policy that the City Clerk already had. This is a draft to consider that is reasonable in terms of cost and flexible. Councilor Grenier maintained that it is important not to close off access to groups like Theater North. Councilor Grenier moved to accept the policy; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
City Council Holiday Schedule
With Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve being on Mondays, it was suggested that the next meeting after December 17 be January 7, 2008. Councilor Donovan so moved; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried.
School Grants Update
Marion Huntley reported that the budget is based upon an anticipated amount of revenue from grants and when the allocation comes in, the budget is adjusted to reflect the actual allocation. Mr. MacQueen affirmed that if we didn’t get the grant, we didn’t spend the money. In effect, from a budget point of view, there is only a need to appropriate the new funds.
Councilor Lafleur asked if funding for kindergarten has been threatened. Mr. Moulis responded that the State wants to offer communities with no kindergarten help to be sure there is the opportunity in every community.
Councilor Lafleur asked if we are expecting anything from the No Child Left Behind legislation at the federal level. Mr. Moulis responded that the legislation needs re-authorization and may be deferred to the existing process.
Mayor Danderson recessed the work session to hold the Public Hearing. At the completion of the Public Hearing, the motion was made to go into Non-Meeting
Non-Meeting
Councilor Grenier moved to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2 (b) Strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining; Councilor Donovan seconded and all voted in favor by roll call.
Councilor Poulin moved to come out of non-meeting; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
