January 7, 2008
Work Session
Present at the meeting were Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Bigelow, Donovan, Cusson, Grenier, Boucher and Nelson; Councilor Poulin was absent. Mayor-Elect Bertrand, Councilors Elect Remillard, Evans, McCue, and Goudreau attended the meeting. Patrick MacQueen, Andre Caron, Brian Valerino, Colette Caron, and Blandine Shallow were also present.
BCMP Discussion of Covenants
Mr. MacQueen reviewed the tax relief covenant that would hold off taxation on building improvements for a property at 107 Main Street for seven years; council is free to make changes. This application is ideal for an experiment on the city’s part for the development of the downtown. Per the guidelines in RSA 79-E adopted by the Council, the City would be relinquishing property taxes in the amount that is on the increase in value of the property to be renovated. It is likely that the project would not have occurred if this exemption did not exist. The covenant is Item 4 on the agenda under Old Business.
Mr. MacQueen clarified that changes to the document since the last meeting are that there are two parcels; public benefits were added; insurance item was revised. The City Manager asked that the City Attorney be given final approval though a previous version has been approved by the city attorney.
Mayor Danderson commented that he is not one to give away property tax but this is a good program to get investment in the downtown. When the agreement expires, the owners will be paying taxes at full value. We are not giving away taxes but building a foundation so that we can get more out of the property.
This agreement has several protections for the city including interest at 12% and 18% if it is defaulted upon. The building can be liened of any insurance proceeds collected for whatever reason. These will insure that only serious developers will be coming forward to take advantage of this incentive.
Council members want to be made aware of any changes that are made to the agreement.
Tax Exempt Property Owners
Mr. MacQueen reported that it was suggested that the Northern Lights’ PILT formula be used for all non profits. Northern Lights PILT is set by State law and it taxes them for everything except the schools. It would make the initial request so high that it may not be considered. Councilor Donovan stated that regardless of the formula, it will be up to the non-profits to decide whether they contribute. He suggested having the Mayor and Council sign the letter.
There was some discussion about the formula and its final percentage of contribution being as high as 43%. Councilor Cusson noted that he is comfortable with asking for 23% and getting something is better than nothing. He hoped that the letter would make the calculation as easy as possible with the amount of assessment and proposed payment listed. Mayor Danderson voiced that he did not want to spend any more time on this than need be. Councilor Donovan moved to remove the 4th paragraph in the letter and have it signed by the Mayor and Council; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
411 School Street
Mr. Caron reported that the City is applying to the DES for a Brownfield grant for Notre Dame. DES is allowed to grant 20% of their loan fund. The City is competing against 20 other entrants with the grant being due in February. DES is looking at the overall project and its effect on the community. The resolution needs to move forward so that it can be included with the grant.
There is a $40,000 match for the grant that is in the budget. If the building were mitigated of all hazards, it would likely be more marketable to a developer. Councilor Bigelow asked if we know what the building will be good for once it is mitigated. Mr. Caron clarified that this work needs to be done even if the building were to be torn down. Mr. MacQueen gave credit to the volunteer committee members who have been working on the site. They have cleaned, boarded the windows and planned for what makes sense for the building.
SRF Application
Mr. MacQueen explained that this resolution will set the process in motion to fund Phase II of waste water improvements that will be needed to accommodate the new Federal prison. The project was estimated at $8 million, with $4 million of the work that has already been completed. We completed $4 million and applied for a Rural Development Grant for $5 million in loans and $1 million in grants. We will immediately pay back the $5 million and borrow instead from the State RLF whose interest rate is better and 20% of the project is funded as a grant. The State also offers no payments until the work is complete.
The prison contractor hopes to have access to a working sewer system in July of 2009 and hopes to complete the project in July 2010. Mr. MacQueen stated that he hopes this expense can be done within the sewer fund. The resolution will begin the process of getting the sewer system on line for the new prison.
Public Hearing
Mayor Danderson called the public hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. He called for public comments on a change to Section 1701 of the Zoning Ordinance. Junk Motor Vehicles. There were no comments.
Mayor Danderson then called for public comments on a Resolution appropriating $4,171.80 of Department of Justice funds to the Police Department for additional detail to underage drinking. There were no comments. The public hearings ended at 7:33 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008
Mayor Danderson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at approximately 7:33 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Bigelow, Cusson, Boucher, Grenier Donovan and Nelson; Councilor Poulin was absent.
Minutes, Previous Meetings: Councilor Cusson moved with a second from Councilor Lafleur to accept the minutes of the 12/17/2007 Regular Meeting; 12/17/2007 WS. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims that all bills start date 12/18/2007, end date 1/7/2008, for a total cash disbursement of $2,189,066.80 Draft #1557 be paid. Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Lafleur 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
Council Committee Reports. No reports
Ordinance Zoning – Amending Section 1701. Junk Motor Vehicles
An ordinance amending Section 1701. Junk Motor Vehicles of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Berlin, NH as follows:
ARTICLE XVII
STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC USES
Section 1701. Junk Motor Vehicles
No more than one (1) unregistered motor vehicle which does not have a valid state motor vehicle inspection sticker may be stored outside of a building on a lot. This provision shall not apply to a licensed new or used motor vehicle dealer or a licensed junk motor vehicle dealer as defined in RSA 236:112, as amended, or to vehicles and equipment solely used for agricultural purposes.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to remove the ordinance from the table. So moved the motion carried. Mayor Danderson asked how this change will affect properties such as Paul Croteau’s on Route 110. Mr. MacQueen indicated that it will make it easier for the police to enforce and remove junk cars from properties. Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to have the second reading of the ordinance by short title. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to have the third reading of the ordinance by short title. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to pass the ordinance. So moved the motion carried.
Resolution for Funds in the Amount of $4,171.80 to Stop Underage Drinking
A Resolution appropriating Four Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-One Dollars and Eighty Cents to the Berlin Police Department’s Underage Drinking Grant (30-420-908-1000) budget appropriation for fiscal year 2007-2008 for additional grant revenues received from the US Department of Justice for underage drinking details (30-364-602-0018)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
WHEREAS A resolution was previously passed which authorizes the Berlin Police Commission to apply for and accept grant funds from the US Department of Justice for underage drinking patrols; and
WHEREAS Supplemental grant funds have since become available to conduct additional underage drinking patrols during the period of November 28, 2007 to May 31, 2008
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the sum of Four Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-One Dollars and Eighty Cents ($4,171.80) is hereby appropriated to the Police Department budget for expenses related to underage drinking patrols; and further, the above sum is in addition to all other previously appropriated funds for the Berlin Police Department Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Donovan to remove the resolution from the table. Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Donovan to have the second reading of the resolution by short title. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Donovan to have the third reading of the resolution by short title. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Donovan to pass the resolution. So moved the motion carried.
BCMP Covenants
Councilor Grenier moved with a second from Councilor Lafleur to accept the covenant with a final review granted to the city attorney. So moved, the motion carried. Council members wanted to see any language changes made to the covenant
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Danderson reported that he was shocked to see the school budget come in at a request for $20 million. The upcoming Council will have their work cut out of them. The City collects $16 million in property taxes and the remainder comes in grants, charges and fees. The School’s budget request is high and there are several other departments that will be submitting their budgets. If the request is met, it would result in a $3.00 increase for the schools alone.
To make a better community, we have to continue to tighten low income housing. In an apartment house that pays $2,500 of taxes, it there is one child in the building, the City loses $7,500. If we have too high a tax rate, it will scare away people from the community. The Mayor went on to say that we cannot rely on commissions and boards to do the hard work. It is not boards who answer to the taxpayers, Council does.
Mayor Danderson referred to a response he received from the Police Commission regarding questions he had about Commission business. He stated that it does not say how many days in a month the chief spends at the Chief’s association and he would like to know? He also commented that it would be important that the Commission meet at a time when the average citizen can attend; 7:30 a.m. is not an opportune time.
Councilor Lafleur moved to accept the Mayor’s Report; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Resolution to Apply for and Accept $200,000. of Funds from NHDES Brownfield Clean-up at 411 School Street
Councilor Lafleur moved, with a second from Councilor Nelson to table the resolution for a public hearing January 21, 2008; so moved, the motion carried.
Resolution to Apply for and Accept $15,000,000. of Funds from NHDES State Revolving Fund for Waste Water Phase II Improvements
Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Donovan to table the resolution for public hearing January 21, 2008; so moved, the motion carried.
Communication Regarding Snow Pick Up on Sullivan Street
In a communication to the City Council, Pastor Jon Howry explained that, due to congestion in the area, it would be safer if Sullivan Street were moved up in priority for snow removal. In the discussion that followed Councilor Donovan noted that when Good Shepard had the parish, there was not the problem. Councilor Bigelow indicated that the Community Bible Church came before the Zoning Board when they added a school and they assured the Board that there would not be an issue. Councilor Cusson reported that there has been a change in the bus stops for the east side and that likely contributes to the problem. Council asked to have the issue on the next work session agenda with the people present to answer the questions.
City Manager’s Report
Henry Noel is the Acting Waste Water Treatment Superintendent.
Public Works Ernie Allain is preparing a report for the next work session on the overtime used so far this year. Northern NH towns are having difficulty getting road salt deliveries because of the high demand in the southern part of the state. Public Works has been dumping snow in two locations this year, Dummer Yard and near the WWTF.
Master Plan Meetings. The next meetings will be Wednesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the AVH lecture room. The following session is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 23 at the college cafeteria.
Electrical Bids. Vaillancourt Electric was awarded the bid for electrical services. Their bid was $10,890 and Ray’s Electric was at $12,235
Main Street Demolition Bids Both burnt out properties on upper Main Street were finally cleaned up by the City under separate 155-B orders
Meeting on Hospital Emergencies Staff met with Jim Wheeler from the hospital to review how we might better respond to emergency situations involving getting people to and from the hospital.
Emergency Operations Base Station Grant The city was notified of an award for a base station radio to be installed at the EOC at the Police Department.
Police “Me Too” Arbitration . A grievance arbitration was held January 3rd regarding a health insurance “me too” clause in the police contract.
Wildland Fire Annual Report. A copy was attached.
Updated Timber Harvesting Law. A copy was attached.
Support for Northern Border Economic Development Commission. A letter was attached urging the support of Senator Gallus, Councilor Ray Burton and Representative King to Senators Gregg and Sununu for establishing an Economic Development Commission for northern and rural areas.
Grants Conference. There will be a grants conference in Concord January 28 from 8:30 to Noon.
Manager’s Timekeeping. Attached.
Councilor Nelson moved to accept the Manager’s report; Councilor Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Council Comments
Councilor Grenier stated that he would be dropping the ceremonial first puck at the girl’s hockey game this coming Sunday.
Councilor Donovan expressed concern that a street light had not been replaced on First Avenue Extension.
Adjournment
Councilor Cusson moved to adjourn; Council Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
