PUBLIC HEARING -January 21, 2008
- Resolutions: NH DES $200,000 Grant for Brownfield clean-up of 411 School Street;
NH DES $15,000,000 State Revolving Fund Grant for Waste Water Phase II Improvements
Mayor Danderson opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. There being no one wishing to speak for or against the subject matters, Mayor Danderson closed the public hearing at approximately 6:01 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING/INAUGURATION - MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2008
Mayor Danderson called the Inauguration Meeting to order at approximately 6:01 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Councilors Donovan, Bigelow, Nelson, Lafleur, Cusson, Boucher and Grenier. Councilor Poulin was absent. Also present: City Manager MacQueen, Mayor Elect Bertrand, Councilors elect Goudreau, McCue, Evans, Poulin, and Remillard, City Department Heads, Executive Councilor Burton, Senator Gallus, State Representatives Ingersoll and Thomas, the press and over 100 citizens.
Minutes, Previous Meetings Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Cusson to accept the minutes of the 1/07/08 WS; 1/07/08 Regular Mtg; 1/14/08 WS. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims that all bills start date 1/08/08; end date 1/21/2008 for a total cash disbursement of $764,333.63 Draft #1558. 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.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Resolution authorizing application to the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF)Cleanup Grant for the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,00) to remove hazardous substances found in the 411 School Street building as part of “The 411 School Street Revitalization Project. (tabled 1/07/08) Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Whereas, the City of Berlin owns the building known as 411 School Street which is currently unoccupied and in need of revitalization; and
Whereas, the City under a previous Brownfields Assessment Grant, has documented the scope and cost of removal of hazardous materials; and
Whereas, the City is eligible for a Cleanup Grant under the NHDES Brownfields cleanup Revolving Loan Fund rules for funds to clean this site; and
Whereas, the City continues to retain $40,000 from its current EPA/NHDES Grant Match Funds for 411 School Street - NDHS as a match for this grant. Now therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows: That the City Manager is authorized to sign and submit a Cleanup Grant application to the NH DES Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund for Two Hundred Thousand Dollars to remove the hazardous substances in the 411 School Street building; and that the City Manager is authorized to sign all documents and do all things necessary to effectuate the grant; and that the City Manager is further authorized to receive said grant and the grant proceeds are hereby appropriated to Grant Fund 30-402-631-6005 (NHDES Brownfields Sub-grant) in addition to all other funds, for the purpose of the grant. This
resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to pass the resolution. Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Danderson who declared the resolution passed.
2. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to file an application with the NH State Revolving Fund (SRF) for loan assistance in the amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase II improvements and collection pump station and interceptor improvements necessary to connect the new Federal Prison. (tabled 1/07/08)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Whereas, the City of Berlin after thorough consideration of the nature of its water pollution problem, hereby determines that the construction of certain works, generally described as Waster Water Treatment Facility Phase II improvements, is desirable and in the public interest, and to that end it is necessary to apply for assistance from the State Revolving Fund (SRF); and
Whereas, the Applicant has examined and duly considered the provisions of RSA 486:14 and the NH Code of Administrative Rules Chapter Env-Wq500, which relate to loans form the State Revolving Fund and deems it to be in the public interest to file a loan application and to authorize other actions in connection therewith; Now therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin, as follows:
1. That the City Manager if hereby authorized on behalf of the Applicant to file an application for a loan to be made in accordance the NH Code of Administrative Rules Chapter Env-Wq500;
2. That if such loan be made, the Applicant agrees to repay the loan as stipulated in the loan agreement;
3. That the said City Manager is hereby authorized to furnish such information and to take such other action as may be necessary to enable the Applicant to qualify for the loan;
4. That the said City Manager is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the Applicant for the purpose of furnishing such information, data, and documents pertaining to the applicant for a loan as may be required; and other wise to act as in the authorized representative of the Applicant in connection with this application.
5. That certified copies of this resolution be included as part of the application to be submitted for a loan;
6. That is such loan be made, the Applicant agrees to make provisions for assuming proper and efficient operation ad maintenance of the facilities after completion of the construction thereof. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Grenier moved with a second by Councilor Cusson to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Grenier moved with a second by Councilor Cusson to have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Grenier moved with a second by Councilor Cusson to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Grenier moved with a second by Councilor Cusson to pass the resolution at this time. Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Danderson who declared the resolution passed.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
Master of Ceremonies, Paul Fortier, opened the ceremony by introducing State Officials in attendance: Executive Councilor Burton, State Senator Gallus, State Representatives Ingersoll and Thomas. Mr. Fortier also recognized the Mayor/Council Elect families, City Department Heads, employees and citizens.
Commemorative Plaque Presentation to Outgoing Councilors
Mayor Danderson presented plaques to Councilors Bigelow, Nelson, Poulin, Cusson and Grenier.
Remarks of Outgoing Council
Councilor Grenier thanked his family for all their support and he also thanked the people of the east side. He went on to say that the Department Heads were the finest in the state of NH. It is a full team effort and he wants everyone to give Mayor Elect Bertrand their full support because everyone should be pulling the rope in the same direction.
Councilor Cusson has only served the last twelve months but it was long enough to observe all this past Mayor and Council have accomplished. He went on to name numerous projects that were initiated by Mayor Danderson and have come to their completion to make Berlin a better place to live. He advised the new Mayor and Council that the learning curve is a very steep hill but it is important that they show up for all meetings since there will be tough choices to be made along the way. He thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing him the privilege of filling Councilor Chagnon’s seat.
Councilor Nelson thanked the citizens of both Wards 1 and 2 for their continued support and she also thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting her and keeping her on board.
Councilor Bigelow only served a few months but was favorably impressed with the hard work and long hours everyone put in. He thanked Councilor for the many years served and also thanked the City Manager and Department Heads who were quick to help. He gave his best wishes to the new Mayor and Council and is optimistic about the City of Berlin’s future. He will continue to be involved and thanked his wife Grace for her support.
Councilor Boucher at first hand got to see the dedication of the elected officials and staff who have opinions on how to best move forward. She said this Mayor and Council have to remain fiscally responsible while keeping in mind the immediate decisions they will work on together. She thanked everyone for giving her this opportunity.
Councilor Lafleur was proud to see so many great people turn out for this event. He welcomed the new Mayor and Council and told the audience the greatest thing Council need now is the input from the citizens and what their needs are. Although he will miss the old council he looks forward to working with the new members.
Councilor Donovan said when he was first elected there were downsides within the council. All that has changed and there is a more positive attitude now. Each Councilor is passionate about the good of the City although they sometimes face much criticism. It is time to move on.
REMARKS BY MAYOR DANDERSON
Mayor Danderson began by saying politicians have a short shelf life. He was dedicates, worked hard and Council knew where he stood. He cautioned the new mayor not to be afraid to swim upstream. He also suggested that the new mayor and council work hard at their work sessions since that is where you come together as a team. He is proud of the new council and how they stepped up to the plate by attending the meetings which is valuable for their transition. Mayor Danderson also told them not to be afraid to say no and to take a stand. He recognized the Department Heads and thanked them for working with him and asked that they continue to work with the new mayor and council since the goal is to do the job with the best interest for the people of Berlin. He concluded by thanking everyone for a great
eight years.
Adjournment: Mayor Danderson adjourned the meeting at this time.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Mayor-Elect Bertrand and Councilors-Elect Remillard, McCue, Evans, Goudreau, Boucher and Poulin were sworn into their respective offices by City Clerk Debra Patrick.
FORMER MAYOR ROBERT DANDERSON PRESENTED THE GAVEL TO INCOMING MAYOR DAVID BERTRAND
APPRECIATION PLAQUE PRESENTED TO OUTGOING MAYOR DANDERSON BY MAYOR BERTRAND
FIRST MEETING OF COUNCIL CALLED TO ORDER
Mayor Bertrand called the meeting to order. Present at roll call were Mayor Bertrand and Councilors Donovan, Remillard, Lafleur, McCue, Evans, Goudreau, Boucher and Poulin.
REMARKS BY NEW COUNCILORS
Councilor Poulin thanked the people of Ward 4 for giving him the opportunity to represent them. He is optimistic about Berlin’s future but there is room for improvement. He thanked his family for supporting him while he tries to fill Councilor Grenier’s shoes.
Councilor Goudreau thanked all for attending the ceremony tonight. The large turnout shows much support. Although the weather was lousy on November 6, there was a record turnout. He asked the people to join the community since there is lots of work to do. He will work with the Department Heads to understand each Department and their needs. He asked the Department Heads to work with Council to try not to add expenses to the citizens. If we join in together, we can bring the City of Berlin to new heights.
Councilor McCue thanked the Ward 2 voters and all the citizens who turned out tonight. He stressed that Council needs to hear from the citizens to keep in touch.
Councilor Remillard thanked everyone for coming tonight. She encouraged citizens to have confidence in Council and to come to the meetings. She looks forward to begin working.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Mayor Bertrand began by saying what a great show of support it was for the new City Council in seeing everyone tonight. He thanked Executive Councilor Burton, Senator Gallus, Representatives Ingersoll and Thomas and the many city staff members for being here. He is anxious to get going with this great group. Mayor Bertrand thanked his family since he knows it will take some family time away but his wife is behind him 100%. He also thanked the past Mayor and Council for establishing a firm foundation. He went on to name the attributes of the new council and how they formed a great mix of varied spectrums. Most important on Mayor Bertrand’s list is to invoke the will of the people. He encouraged the citizens to become involved and to attend the meetings because their voices will be
heard. The Mayor will meet with the City Manager and city staff to begin a strong working relationship. His goal is to continue with the initiatives that were begun and to move ahead with possible job creation, expand and promote the airport, step up economic development efforts and to reach out to all state and federal agencies for any help they can provide. We need to find a mutual benefit to encourage our kids to stop the exodus out of Berlin. Mayor Bertrand knows this will not happen overnight, it will be a long arduous journey. The Mayor and Council plan to work at cost containment to help the overburdened taxpayer. Thinking outside the box will be encouraged. Mayor Bertrand concluded by saying he is excited to begin his term and is enthusiastic about Berlin’s future.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Goudreau to adjourn the City Council Meeting. So moved, the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:25 p.m.
REFRESHMENTS WERE PROVIDED BY TEA BIRDS CAFÉ AND ALL WERE ENCOURAGED TO SOCIALIZE.
A TRUE RECORD, ATTEST:
Debra A. Patrick, CMC
Berlin City Clerk
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