May 27, 2008
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Evans, Cayer, Remillard, Lafleur and Poulin; Councilors Donovan and Goudreau were absent. Others present were Library Trustees Linda Lafleur, Yvonne Thomas, Harold Nelson, Library Director Denise Nelson, Police Commissioners, Tony Urban, Steve Griffin and Police Chief Peter Morency, Patrick MacQueen, Sharon L’Heureux, Rita Gagnon, media and public
Library Trustees
Mayor Bertrand noted that Councilor Lafleur asked for a meeting with the Library Trustees and Police Commission. Councilor Lafleur added that this would be an opportunity to ask questions of the elected officials and Commissioners. Denise Nelson introduced the trustees.
Mayor Bertrand indicated that in the proposed budget, the request from the library was not adjusted; it has been increased by .8 percent for fuel allowance. Councilor Remillard asked how it is decided what books to order. Ms. Nelson responded that requests from patrons are considered as will as book reviews. The Library accepts donated books. Those that are not used in the Library are sold at a used book sale and any remaining are recycled.
Councilor McCue asked about the demolition of 260 Main Street and whether that will be done this year. Mr. MacQueen noted that the building is on a list of buildings to be demolished. Ms. Nelson stated that the outdoor space created by the demolition will be used for outdoor activities with the children’s department.
In the final comments it was noted that as the economy becomes stressed, there is an increase in the use of the library. People use the computer services more and they borrow the movies to have something to watch at night.
Police Commissioners
Mayor Bertrand acknowledged that there were two of three commissioners present. Councilor Lafleur established that these appointed commissioners are responsible for the second largest budget in the city. Jim Wagner was not present. Mayor Bertrand confirmed that the commissioners are appointed for 3 year staggered terms. Mr. Urban’s term is ending this year.
Mayor Bertrand reiterated a question posed to him by his constituents. Why does the Police Department have the number of vehicles and types of vehicles it has? Why do we have such “gas hogs”? Steve Griffin stated that, due to the terrain in Berlin, the department transitioned to a semi four wheel drive fleet. There are donated four wheelers and an old military vehicle for the tactical team. Chief Morency added that there are approximately 10 vehicles in the department and when they are of no further use, they get passed along to other departments. The gas mileage is 19 miles per gallon on the trucks and 20 miles per gallon on the cars. They are purchased through the State bid.
Councilor Cayer asked if it is possible to have an officer on the beat downtown? Mr. Griffin indicated that due to the decline in the number of officers, it is not likely. Mr. Urban added that having the officers in vehicles is necessary to respond to the kind of crime that is present in the city.
Steve Griffin invited the Council to attend any of the Commission meetings that are held on the first Friday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Police Station.
Non-Meeting
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into a non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2 ~(b) Strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
The Council came out of non-meeting at 7:35 p.m. on a motion from Councilor Lafleur, a second from Councilor Poulin and unanimously roll call vote of all members present.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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