Work Session
September 8, 2008
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Goudreau, Remillard, McCue, Cayer, Lafleur and Poulin; absent was Councilor Donovan.
Others present were: Pamela Laflamme, Jonathan Edwards, Dick Huot, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Route 110 Phase II - Community Impact Assessment
Ms. Laflamme reported that the State is convinced that a Community Impact Assessment is the key to moving Phase II of the Route 110 project forward. Such an assessment has never been done in New England; however Federal Highways is seeing it as a way to get the city what it wants which is Alternative 4e.
Federal Highways needs to hear that the city will go forward with the Impact Assessment for which the City will be responsible for 20% or about $17,500 of the cost. Ms. Laflamme distributed maps and stated that the study area they've chosen is very large and could likely be cut in half, which would reduce the cost.
Mayor Bertrand asked what would happen if the City decided not to participate. Ms. Laflamme explained that Alternative II would then be the route and we would have no foundation to convince Federal Highways of any other recourse. They are hoping that the assessment would help to define and defend Alternative 4e, as well as prove it will do the least harm to the historic district.
Mayor Bertrand suggested and Council members agreed that if money has to be wasted on such a study, it should be as little as possible. They agreed with Ms. Laflamme's recommendation to reduce the study area. It was also suggested that a communication be sent to the Congressional delegation saying how wasteful this is.
Councilor Lafleur noted that the City has a responsibility to its citizens to move forward with this project.
Councilor Evans moved to direct staff to ask for a reduced study area and appropriate funds not to exceed $14,400 for this study; Councilor Remillard seconded; however following discussion, Councilor Evans withdrew his motion.
Councilor Goudreau moved to direct staff to contact the appropriate agency requesting a reduced study area and return to Council with the results of the request and information on cost; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried with Councilor McCue voting against.
Councilor McCue reasoned that this application of the regulation on historical sites is a great example of regulation run amuck.
Other
Mr. MacQueen reported that the NFHP made their payment for oil owed to the City and are now asking for their allocation from the budget.
Councilor Lafleur moved to release the funds; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Bertrand noted that tonight is the final night to comment on the floor policies. Councilor McCue who will be representing the City at the Local Government Center's Policy Conference on September 12, indicated that he is comfortable with the direction he received.
Mayor Bertrand confirmed that the City has not heard anything from the Bureau of Prisons.
The BHS Backers are asking for volunteers for the Homecoming Parade.
Mayor Bertrand received information regarding a Town of Stratford NH sustainability conference. It will be distributed to Council members.
Councilor McCue reported that State Primary Elections are tomorrow. Our State Senator and House Representatives need to be reminded about the position the Council has taken on the development of the mill site.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor Remillard to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:II(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; the motion carried unanimously by roll call. Dick Huot and Pamela Laflamme stayed for the non-public.
Councilor Evans moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to seal the minutes until their contents no longer interferes with a land matter; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Goudreau moved to adjourn; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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