Work Session
June 16, 2008
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, McCue, Remillard, Goudreau, Evans, Cayer, Poulin, and Donovan. Others present were: Patrick MacQueen, Blandine Shallow, Pamela Laflamme, Marion Huntley, John Moulis, Mitch Couture, Nathan Morin, Nicole Plourde, Paul Grenier, Lorraine Leclerc, Angela Duquette, Jack Crisp, David Roy, Joe Vigue, media and public (approximately 60 people).
Discussion of 2/3 Majority Vote to Increase the Budget
Mayor Bertrand referred to a memo from the City Manager and an opinion that was rendered from Jack Crisp when he was city attorney. Increasing the budget subsequent to the public hearing requires a 2/3 majority of councilors present at the meeting to pass. Councilor Goudreau voiced that he did not understand the need for another public hearing. Mr. MacQueen explained that in the publication for the public hearing this evening, there was no summary of the budget published. The city attorney feels that the conservative approach is to re-advertised for a public hearing to be held Thursday. The last public hearing budget published would become the default budget if the council fails to pass a budget.
Councilor Evans indicated that he asked for the item on the agenda and he has read the charter. It seems clear that increases from the Manager’s budget need a 2/3 vote; however traditionally any item increased needs the 2/3. He disagreed with the city attorney and asked for a consensus on whether the 2/3 applies in this case.
In the discussion that followed Council members indicated that the requirements in the Charter were met and there seems to be no reason not to pass the budget this evening. Councilor McCue expressed concern that there has been notice given for a public hearing on Thursday.
Application and Participation Agreement
Mr. MacQueen noted that the City’s primary carrier for most insurance is Primex; however there is one employee group that remains with the Local Government Center. The City Council is being asked to vote to authorize the City Manager to sign an application for participation in the Health Trust. Councilor Lafleur so moved with a second from Councilor Remillard. So moved the motion carried unanimously.
Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that Apply to Special Exceptions
Ms. Laflamme introduced changes being proposed to the ordinance. Councilor Evans affirmed that the City’s ordinance will not supersede the State statute. Ms Laflamme reported that the State has created a one stop site evaluation committee for energy projects where the developer gets to interface with one person and the application goes to all the proper departments. There is a public hearing in the community where the project is happening. She was not certain what weight the site evaluation committee will put on the results of this ordinance. Mayor Bertrand clarified that the State only becomes involved in a project larger than 30 megawatts. This ordinance will generally apply to the smaller projects. The State could disregard the ordinance if they so chose.
Other
A memo in the packets regarding the tax rate was informational only.
Non Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Remillard to go in non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (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. So moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Evans moved with a second from Councilor Cayer to come out of non-public session. The motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Evans moved with a second from Councilor Cayer to seal the minutes as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective. So moved, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Bertrand opened the duly scheduled public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and called for public comments on:
Ordinance to Amend the Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that Apply to Special Exceptions Sought for any Bulk Power Supply Facility, Energy Facility or Renewable Energy Facility
Jack Crisp, with the firm of Crisp and Barret representing, North American Dismantling Corp (NADC) commented that his client understands why the City Council sees this as an important issue and respects the decisions the Council makes. It is hard for NADC not to feel that the ordinance is targeted to them and this is not an appropriate way to make public policy. There is adequate protection for the interests of all concerned already in the law. When one reads the language it is hard not to conclude that this is not much more than an attempt for road blocks to the announced plans for the southerly property.
Joe Vigue, 67 Wood Street commented that he was taken by surprise when this zoning amendment was introduced. He stated that this is a clear attempt to stop Laidlaw in its tracks and the City is on thin legal ice. The last thing the City needs is an expensive law suit. He felt the very vocal minority is swaying the Council and that there should be a referendum on the ballot where a different perspective would be seen. He did not envy the Council’s position but noted that it would be made easier with Laidlaw paying 5% of the taxes in the City. He implored the Council not to pass the zoning amendment and to have an open mind. He presented the Council with a petition with 500 names of people who agree with him.
Gerry Lacasse, 554 Sullivan Street voiced that the State has regulations on biomass and why cant’ we just stay with their regulations?
In response, Mayor Bertrand stated that a biomass plant of more than 30 megawatts would be regulated by the State; however one of less capacity would be local. The ordinance will be for any energy project that may come before the city and if the project is less than 30 megawatts, the State does not become involved.
Lorraine Leclerc, 556 Western Avenue questioned whether the Council is in favor of changing the ordinance.
Mayor Bertrand established that the ordinance was drafted under the Council’s direction and has been read for the first time. The process is that this hearing will allow the Council to hear public comments; the ordinance will be removed from the table and will be acted upon in some manner this evening.
Paul Grenier, 492 Champlain Street encouraged the Council to do research before voting on this ordinance. He added that he felt it is directed at NADC. He said this is spot zoning; and if the process takes hold, the City will be in a law suit that it cannot afford do defend. There are regulations in the books to do this process.
John Paine 24 Wood Street stated that this election brought forward thinking people and proposed opportunity to the Council. He added that Berlin’s future could be in energy with the Community College offering course study and internships in energy. This is an opportunity to turn Berlin into an energy tourism center in the State. People could come here and tour windmills, biomass and hydros. NADC has not asked for one thing. He asked that before voting on this ordinance, the Council review its opportunity to move forward.
Scott Coulombe, 290 Howard St. commented that it is interesting that at the same meeting, the Council is proposing school budget cuts and also coming up with a special exception to stop a high tax payer. The city’s logo has a stack and every person in this room knew there were smoke stacks in the air when they chose to live here. The Council should realize that it may not be as unanimous in the community as originally thought. He encouraged the City Council to look at the petition carefully because people are in favor of biomass. Laidlaw is a real deal and a lot of money has been spent and the company has done due diligence to make it happen. He asked that the Council not vote on the special exception; there are other processes in place to protect the city. He added that northern New
Hampshire could become the State’s green energy area and this is a great opportunity for the city.
Jon Edwards, 323 School Street stated that this is not an appropriate time for a major zoning change to occur especially since it is geared to a plant of 30 megawatts or less. Berlin happens to have one company that is ready to open a plant less than 30 megawatts and they are further up on the queue.
There being no further comments on the Ordinance for Special Exception, Mayor Bertrand called for comments on the Resolution Authorizing the Police Commission to Apply for $853.33 of Training Grant Funds
There were no comments.
Mayor Bertrand called for comments on:
Resolution Adopting a Budget of 49,384,655.00 for Fiscal Year 2008/2009
Joe Vigue, 67 Wood Street offered comment on Robert’s Rules of Order about rescinding a vote. He encouraged the Council to compromise.
Debra Beaudoin, 46 Smith Street thanked the Mayor for reading her letter at the last meeting and wanted to add to her statement in an attempt to sway the Council to restore $800,000 cut from the school budget. She asked for clarification on the effect the cut has on the tax rate. Ms. Beaudoin referred to the book, “Communities & Consequences, The Unbalancing of New Hampshire’s Human Ecology, & What We Can Do About It” by Peter Francese and Lorraine Stuart Merrill. They find that there is a trend in NH that the population is becoming older and the aging community is not supporting the schools. City Council has to realize that such a decision has a deep impact on the community. The Council needs to consider future growth.
Mayor Bertrand clarified that $450,000 equates to approximately $1.00 on the tax rate and prior to cutting the $800,000 from schools, the projected increase was $1.47; after the cut, it went to a .59 decrease.
Tom Mooney, 179 Willow Street commented that he attended a past budget hearing with students. He reiterated that cutting the budget will affect Berlin’s future. He said that by the time the cuts were made, he had lost his job. This is a chance to teach one more lesson before his employment is terminated. These budget cuts will affect students who need the services and they will fall behind.
Scott Coulombe 290 Howard Street thanked the Council for work done to cut the budget as low as possible. It is a mistake to look at the school for the vast majority of the cuts. The first thing people look for when considering a move is the school and they look for sports, vocational trades and everything that makes for a well rounded education. He asked that the Council look at other departments.
Paul Grenier, 492 Champlain Street offered advice on Robert’s Rules. He supported the Mayor’s compromise budget. The proposition is fair and equitable. The Council would have to budget $500,000 now and re-appropriate the School’s surplus in August.
Ralph Collins 104 Seventh Street complimented the Council for taking a stand on the budget. He encouraged the Council to continue their stand and look for ways to cut the budget. There are other communities making their stands and we have to work with what comes in.
Nancy Brannen, 196 Emery Street stated that she was born and raised in Berlin and has been an educator for 20 years. After 20 years, she is considering leaving because she wants to give the best education possible and the funding is not there to do that. She stated that she spends hundreds of dollars of her own money on notebooks and colored paper. She invited Council members to spend a day in the classroom. There is a need to keep teachers that are good.
There being no further comments, Mayor Bertrand closed the public hearings at 8:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008
Mayor Bertrand called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at approximately 8:33 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present at roll call were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, Donovan, McCue, Evans, Goudreau, Poulin, Remillard, and Cayer
Minutes, Previous Meetings: Councilor Donovan moved with a second from Councilor McCue to accept the minutes of the 6/2/2008 Regular Meeting; and 6/9/2008 Work Session. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims that all bills start date 6/1/2008, end date 6/16/2008, for a total cash disbursement of $1,886,260.46, Draft #1568 be paid. Councilor Donovan moved with a second by Councilor Goudreau to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS there were no public comments.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ordinance to Amend the Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that Apply to Special Exceptions Sought for any Bulk Power Supply Facility, Energy Facility or Renewable Energy Facility
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Berlin that CODE OF ORDINANCES, Chapter 17, ZONING, Article II General Provisions, Sec. 17-24. Uses by Special Exception and Article XI Industrial Business Zone, Sec. 17-112. Uses is hereby amended as follows: (changes underlined)
Sec. 17-24. Uses by Special Exception
1. The Board of Adjustment shall have the power to approve uses permitted by special exception, when specified by this Ordinance and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards as stated below. All special exceptions shall be made in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Ordinance, and shall be in accordance with the general or specific rules contained in this Ordinance. A special exception will be allowed if the following conditions are met:
a. the specific site is an appropriate location for such a use;
b. property values in the district will not be reduced by such a use;
c. no nuisance or unreasonable hazard shall result;
d. no adverse traffic impact will result from such a use;
e. adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for the proper operation and maintenance of the proposed use, including water, sewer and parking;
f. no adverse impact on the view, light and air of any abutter will result; and
g. such a use would not be detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare.
2. In approving a special exception, the Board of Adjustment may impose such additional conditions as it finds reasonably necessary to safeguard the neighborhood or otherwise serve the purposes of this Ordinance. Such conditions may include the following:
a. increased lot area exceeding the minimum lot area required in a particular zone;
b. increased front, side or rear yards set backs;
c. height limitations;
d. parking requirements specific to use and location;
e. appropriate screening, buffers or planting strips, fences or walls;
f. modification of the exterior appearance of the structure;
g. limitation upon the size of any buildings, number of occupants, method and time of operation, or extent of facilities;
h. relocation of the driveway or change in driveway configuration; and
i. other conditions attached to specific uses permitted by special exception under the provisions of this Ordinance.
3. The following provisions apply to Special Exceptions sought for any Bulk Power Supply Facility, Energy Facility, or Renewable Energy Facility as defined by NHRSA 162-H:2 (referred to herein as “Energy Projects”):
Whereas the State of New Hampshire recognizes the need and value of Energy Projects, the City of Berlin has determined that changes have occurred in the community that lead to the requirement for further consideration when reviewing and considering approval of any Energy Project. With the decline of pulp manufacturing/heavy industry nationally and the closure and cessation of pulp manufacturing in Berlin, the community realizes that there will be projects proposed to utilize the wood, wind and water supply within the City. The citizens of Berlin through public hearings related to the Master Plan update in early 2008 have indicated a desire to properly locate energy related facilities within the community but ideally outside of the downtown area. The City wishes to encourage the development of
properly located Energy Projects and has developed the enclosed provisions to ensure the responsible evaluation of these Energy Projects. The following list of criteria will be reviewed in addition to Section 17-24 1 and 2 for all proposed Energy Projects within the only possible zones in which such activity could be properly allowed – the Industrial/Business Zone and the Rural Residential Zone as stated in Section
a. All Energy Projects must meet the performance standards as stated in Article XVIII Section 17-191—17-200
b. Each Applicant for a Special Exception for an Energy Project shall provide a report or study for evaluation and review by an appropriate qualified peer reviewer that indicates in reasonable detail the primary fuel source to be used and that there is adequate long range supply available for the project. The Applicant’s report shall also indicate in reasonable detail the methodology and routing for transporting any off-site fuel supply to the site. The Zoning Board shall select the peer reviewer(s) whose duty it will be to advise the Zoning Board on the issues under review; and the cost of the peer review shall be borne by the Applicant. The inadequacy of and questionable transportation methodology and/or routing of such long term fuel supply shall be grounds for denial of the
Special Exception.
c. All Energy Projects shall be sited to maximize use of existing transmission lines and minimize the creation of new transmission lines. If new lines are required, the Applicant shall provide to the Zoning Board a report from a qualified engineer stating the necessity of an upgrade to the transmission lines and the propriety of the amount and location of those new transmission lines. The Zoning Board shall select the peer reviewer(s) of that report, whose duty it will be advise the Zoning Board on the issues under review; and the cost of the peer review shall be borne by the Applicant. The inappropriateness of the amount and location of those new transmission lines shall be grounds for denial of the Special Exception.
d. Further information may be required by the Planning Board during Site Plan Review.
e. The Zoning Board shall will consider the physical appropriateness of the Energy Project in relation to the surrounding area it will be located in. Several aspects should be considered when reviewing the appropriateness of the location including but not limited to scale, height, materials being used for construction, level of activity on the site both during construction and during operation, impact on existing and potential future uses of adjoining and area properties, and any other factors which may negatively impact the appropriate development of the area in compliance with the current and future Master Planning process for the City as a whole. The inappropriateness of such siting shall be grounds for denial of the Special Exception.
f. All Energy Projects must obtain a special exception from the City of Berlin before final approval by any State agency regardless of size.
g. All Energy Projects must also comply with all other City, State and Federal regulations, rules, ordinances and laws.
Sec. 17-112. Uses
Permitted Uses:
1. Heavy industry
2. Light industry
3. Industrial laundry service
4. Sawmill and lumber treatment facility
5. Freight or trucking terminal
6. Warehouse
7. Industrial park
8. Uses accessory to industrial activities including offices, automobile repair facilities and living quarters used specifically by watchmen or custodians for property in the district, provided such activity meets the performance standards contained in Article XVIII.
9. Accessory uses to the above
Uses Permitted by Special Exception:
1. All permitted uses and uses permitted by special exception in the Business
General (BG) zone
2. Storage of volatile fuels for resale provided that:
a. The location is deemed acceptable by the Berlin Fire Chief and the City
Engineer and meets accepted standards of fire protection,
b. The fuel storage tanks are fenced or located below ground,
c. The fuel storage tanks are located at least fifty (50) feet from any lot line.
3. Group child care- Class A and B
4. Bulk Power Supply Facility, Energy Facility, or Renewable Energy Facility as defined by NHRSA 162-H:2
5. Accessory uses to the above
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Donovan with a second from Councilor McCue, moved to remove the ordinance from the table. So moved, the motion carried with Councilor Evans voting against. Councilor Donovan, with a second from Councilor McCue, moved to have the second reading of the Ordinance. So moved, the motion carried on a vote of 5 to 4.
In discussion Councilor Evans voiced his fear that this ordinance would limit growth of energy products and warned that this could be the “poison pill” that would discourage energy from moving to the area
Councilor Goudreau stated that he initially supported the ordinance and he would like to see a legal opinion that reassures him that this is not spot zoning.
Councilor McCue reasoned that the ordinance has been very thoroughly vetted. This is a community that has potential energy generating projects and for this community to amend its zoning to be prepared is a very smart and honorable effort. A responsible energy generating company would see this as a positive step.
Councilor Donovan moved to pass the ordinance; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried on a vote of 5 to 4. Councilors Goudreau, Remillard, Evans and Lafleur voted against and the remaining Councilors voted affirmatively.
Proposed amendments to the ordinance were not acknowledged prior to its passing
Resolution 2008-18 Authorizing the Police Commission to Apply for $853.33 of Training Grant Funds
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas the Less Lethal Munitions Instructor Certification Course provides relevant concepts appropriate to the roles and responsibilities of deploying chemical munitions where potentially volatile situations can occur; and
Whereas the use of chemical munitions can avoid the need for use of deadly force; and
Whereas chemical munitions can only be deployed by officers trained in said deployment; and
Whereas the NHPSTC has funding available for such training; and
Whereas officers who successfully complete the instructor certification course will then have the ability to train other officers, rendering a savings in training expenses to the city,
Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the Berlin Police Commission is authorized to apply for and accept Eight Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents ($853.33) in grant funds from the NHPSTC for the Less Lethal Munitions Instructor Certification Course. Further, that Eight Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents ($853.33) be appropriated to the Berlin Police Department for the purpose of effectuating said grant. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Lafleur with a second from Councilor McCue, moved to remove the resolution from the table. So moved, the motion carried; Councilor Evans voted against. Councilor Lafleur, with a second from Councilor McCue, moved to have the second reading of the resolution. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Lafleur moved to pass the resolution; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried; Councilor Evans voted against.
Resolution 2008-19 Adopting a Budget of $49,884,655.00 for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
That the following budget be adopted and accordingly, the sum of Forty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($49,884,655.00) be appropriated to defray the expenses of Berlin’s City Government for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, less expected revenues, with the balance to be raised by taxation on real estate of the municipality
ACCT. NO. |
ACCOUNT TITLE |
FY2009 |
SUBTOTAL |
01-401 |
Mayor and City Council |
$41,308.00 |
|
01-402 |
Administration |
$1,031,128.00 |
|
01-403 |
Elections |
$15,240.00 |
|
01-404 |
City Hall & Other Bldgs |
$62,565.00 |
|
01-406 |
Insurance |
$193,046.00 |
|
01-408 |
Central Services |
$185,000.00 |
|
01-409 |
Exemptions & Abatements |
$0.00 |
|
01-410 |
Personnel Insurance Benefits |
$124,800.00 |
|
01-411 |
Contingency |
$10,000.00 |
|
01-412 |
Outside Agencies |
$76,036.00 |
|
01-413 |
Cemetery |
$20,706.00 |
|
01-414 |
Transfers Out |
$8,154.00 |
|
|
Total General Government |
|
$1,767,983.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-420 |
Police Department |
$2,683,630.00 |
|
01-421 |
Fire Department |
$1,723,596.00 |
|
01-422 |
Street Lighting |
$132,100.00 |
|
01-423 |
Ambulance Service |
$250,000.00 |
|
|
Total Public Safety |
|
$4,789,326.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-425 |
Housing Coordinator |
$45,563.00 |
|
|
Total Housing Coordinator |
|
$45,563.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-430 |
Public Works Department |
$1,704,317.00 |
|
01-431 |
Engineering |
$108,052.00 |
|
01-436 |
Solid Waste |
$997,053.00 |
|
|
Total Public Works Services |
|
$2,809,422.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-440 |
Health |
$574,224.00 |
|
01-441 |
Welfare |
$137,968.00 |
|
01-450 |
Recreation & Parks |
$387,906.00 |
|
01-451 |
Library |
$196,997.00 |
|
|
Total Community Services |
|
$1,297,095.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-470 |
Debt Service |
$1,587,138.00 |
|
01-480 |
City Capital Improvement Projects |
$547,704.00 |
|
|
Total Debt, Capital Improvement Projects |
$2,134,842.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total City General Fund Appropriation |
|
$12,844,831.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-460 |
School |
$16,000,132.00 |
|
01-470 |
School Debt |
$709,846.00 |
|
01-461 |
School Capital Improvement Projects |
$75,360.00 |
|
|
Total School General Fund Appropriation |
|
$16,785,338.00 |
|
|
|
|
01-407 |
County Tax |
$1,693,316.00 |
|
|
Total County Tax Appropriation |
|
$1,693,316.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total City General Fund Budget |
|
$31,322,885.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other City Funds |
|
|
10-405 |
School Grants/Donations |
$319,373.00 |
|
10-479 |
School Education Grants |
$2,058,108.00 |
|
11-464 |
School Food Services |
$630,000.00 |
|
13-400 |
Trust Funds |
$0.00 |
|
13-468 |
Recreation Activity Fund |
$32,060.00 |
|
21-400 |
BIDPA Fund |
$295,041.00 |
|
30-400 |
Grant Fund |
$13,301,275.00 |
|
59-400 |
CDBG |
$0.00 |
|
60-432 |
Sewer Fund |
$1,531,746.00 |
|
65-434 |
Airport Fund |
$348,884.00 |
|
66-100 |
District Court Fund |
$45,283.00 |
|
|
Total Other City Funds Budget |
|
$18,561,770.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CITY BUDGET |
|
$49,884,655.00 |
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Goudreau with a second from Councilor McCue moved to remove the resolution from the table. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Goudreau moved with a second from Councilor McCue, to add $500,000 to the 01-460 School line item bringing it to $16,000,132.00 and the total budget to $49,884,655.00. So moved the motion carried with Councilors Evans and McCue voting against.
In discussion, Councilor Poulin wanted clarification on whether the surplus would be going to the schools as well. Mayor Bertrand clarified that the intent of his proposal was to allow the surplus to go to the school.
Councilor Goudreau moved with a second from Councilor McCue to have the second reading of the resolution as amended. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Donovan moved with a second from Councilor Lafleur to pass the resolution as amended. So moved the motion carried with a vote of 8 to 1. Councilor Evans voted against.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution Accepting a Grant from the NHDOT in the Amount of $461,800.00 for the Berlin Regional Airport
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor McCue to table the resolution and schedule it for a public hearing July 7, 2008. So moved, the motion carried.
City Manager’s Report
Governor signs HB 1644 in Berlin. On Monday June 9th, Governor Lynch signed HB 1644 which is aimed at giving incentives to companies to do business in Coos County by giving up to a 5 year $750-$1000 break on State business taxes for every job they created at 1.5 to 2 times the minimum wage.
Master Plan Steering Committee. The Master Plan Committee met at AVH last Wednesday evening to review the Natural Resources Chapter and to begin to review the Transportation Chapter of the Master Plan.
Berlin WWTF Energy Efficient. The WWTF Superintendent has learned that the Berlin WWTF is very energy efficient. He has been able to utilize a federal database called the Portfolio Manager program to determine that our plant is more energy efficient than 93% of the comparably sized WWTF in the country.
Berlin Airport now Berlin Regional Airport .We have been notified that the renaming of the Berlin Airport to the Berlin Regional Airport has officially been changed with the FAA.
Government Paddle Day. Every year for a number of years the Androscoggin River Watershed Council has invited government officials to its Paddle Days on the Androscoggin.
Liberty Elm Tree Project. Tyler Couture is Boy Scout from Troop 207 who is working on his Eagle Scout Badge. His project is to plan and locate a Liberty Elm somewhere in Berlin as a Liberty Tree Memorial.
Time Warner Cable Spinoff. e Time Warner will be selling off its 84% ownership of the stock of Time Warner Cable which operates cable service in Berlin..
North Country Council Meeting and Reception. The North Country Council is holding a reception and meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem to orient NCC representatives to their role in the NCC and to meet the staff and Board of Directors.
Legislation. The omnibus retirement bill HB1645 made it through the Committee of Conference with the House giving in to the Senate on most items but finally a Committee of Conference report was signed on what passes for a compromise which has been passed now by both the House and Senate.
The Senate version of our bill (HB 1573) on dilapidated burnt out structures has also been passed by both the House and Senate
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Goudreau to accept the Manager’s Report. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joe Vigue, 67 Wood Street commented on the Ordinance to Amend the Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that Apply to Special Exceptions saying that the signatures on the petition could have been looked at. He thanked the four who voted against and stated that it is a shame that 5 voted for without considering the 500 names.
Ralph Collins, 104 Seventh Street said that the City Council has done its best and he would like to see better.
Roland Pinette, 868 Fourth Avenue stated that he is an employee of the public school and he hopes his words are not perceived as self serving. The Council is comprised of business professionals and they realize there are only two ways to raise revenue: raise taxes or grow the tax base. He encouraged the Council to focus their administration on growing the tax base and to understand that in order to grow the tax base, we need a strong education system.
Mitch Couture, 605 Sixth Avenue stated that the School Board will continue to work with the Council.
Paul Grenier, 492 Champlain Street thanked the Council for the job done for the school system.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Goudreau commented that he has made it a point to meet with department heads to get a feel for the work done in each department. He felt that it would be important to have a subcommittee to follow the school board in its budget process and to give Council members more of a comfort level. With regard to the zoning change, his position has not changed. In some sense, the project should be allowed to pass or fail on its own merits. He would have voted for the amendment if convinced it could not be considered spot zoning.
Councilor McCue stated that a special subcommittee is not necessary as each and every person with the time and interest can attend School Board meetings. He went on to say that there is often information that the governing body may have that is not public yet. He is not convinced that biomass is the best way with energy; there was never a discussion on the impacts of biomass. He looks forward to working with the public and noted that it is critical not to operate in a vacuum.
Councilor Cayer stated that he wants to hear more from the community. As far as the budget process, it was quite an experience. He felt it is a big advantage to having the entire council participates in the budget process rather than hearing from a committee that reports back to the Council.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Bertrand commented that the zoning amendment was made based on information made available to the Council. The Master Plan revision is looking at where the community is heading. There is no way to see what is coming down the line. It is important that the City look to regionalization for economic development.
The “Relay for Life” is being held this weekend for breast cancer awareness. There is a Luminary Ceremony at the Ed Fenn School in Gorham, Friday, June 21 at 10:00 p.m.
Councilor McCue moved to accept the Mayor’s Report; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Goudreau to adjourn. The meeting ended at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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