June 23, 2008
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Goudreau, Poulin, Lafleur, Cayer, Remillard, McCue, Evans; absent was Councilor Donovan. Others present: Angela Martin Giroux, Norman Charest, Andre Caron, Ray Danforth, media and public.
Proposed Tenant Utilities Legislation
Angela Martin Giroux proposed that legislation be introduced to better protect tenants from landlords that take advantage of their tenants’ circumstances. Ms. Giroux stated that she has seen situations where one tenant agrees to pay electricity and finds that the electrical bill he is responsible for includes common areas, the furnace, or other apartments. A tenant may have agreed to pay for their own heat and then discover they are paying heat for the whole building. This makes them ineligible for fuel assistance because there is no way to figure out what oil is theirs. Tenants may not know enough to question.
Ms. Giroux is suggesting an adaptation of laws that Maine has on their books. Mayor Bertrand clarified that the Council is being asked to support sending this proposed legislation to Senator Gallus. He questioned whether the existing State laws address any of the issues brought up. Ms. Giroux established that her research did not find any existing laws. She reported that some of the tenants have written contracts; however they may not read and understand the documents they sign.
Some landlords have added late fees of up to $50 per week for a late payment. Councilor Remillard referred to a landlord/tenant handbook and noted that she would like to review the current laws prior to making a decision. Andre Caron stated that in the properties taken over by the City, we’ve had to spend money because there were no separate meters.
Council members suggested that the proposed legislation be reviewed by other agencies such as the Local Government Center, Legal Aid and if there is a State level renters association, they should also be given the opportunity to comment. Mr. MacQueen agreed with most of the proposal; however he questioned what good it does to take away a landlord’s recourse for late fees. If we put limits on their ability to charge a late fee, we would encourage late payers to continue with that practice.
It was the consensus of the Council to gather additional information and come back at a later date.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Goudreau to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II(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.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor McCue to come out of non-public session. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to seal the minutes of the non-public session as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Telephone Service Provider Contract
Andre Caron reported that the City put out a request for proposals resulting in three telecommunications providers giving us four proposals. The quotes were very competitive; a spreadsheet was provided showing the final costs. Mr. Caron recommended the proposal provided by SegTel. They are working in conjunction with NCIA and are willing to install fiber technology to the downtown. We received confirmation that they will build fiber into City Hall within 6 months. This will allow City Hall to use one server and to be on a data platform making it more efficient. This is a good proposal with a three year term and the potential to add connectivity.
Councilor Evans moved that the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a three year agreement with SegTel for local and long distance telephone services; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Councilor McCue commented that he received a letter from a constituent about the cut made to the DARE program, as reported in the Berlin Daily Sun. To clarify the DARE Program has not been cut and the comment in the Sun was wrong.
Councilor Lafleur invited Council members to the AVRRDD meeting to be held Thursday, June 26 at the post office at 6:00 pm.
Councilor Goudreau with a second from Councilor Poulin moved to adjourn. So moved, the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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