September 22, 2008
Work Session
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Remillard, Lafleur, Cayer, and Poulin; Councilors Donovan, Goudreau and Evans were absent. Others at the meeting included Jim Wagner, Norm Charest, Jon Edwards, Dick Huot, Pamela Laflamme, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Coos County Branding Study
Ms. Laflamme reported that the Department of Resource and Economic Development, in conjunction with NCIC got together to bring Roger Brooks of Destination Development to Coos County to do a branding study. The study looks at strengths and weaknesses of each community and will work on strengthening what is already in the community. We can then, as a region, use the information to identify ourselves and with the help of Destination Development, come up with a brand for all of Coos County. There will be a brand direction meeting at White Mountain Regional High School on October 14.
Dick Huot stated that the group has developed the seven wonders of Coos County and they include the grand hotels, Santa's Village and others. The County's Chambers of Commerce have decided to work together and publish one brochure for the entire county.
Though the funding is short term, NCIC has funding to continue for an additional 18 months. Once the final report comes in December, it will be important to get the word out and lay the foundation for the brand. Part of the initiative is educating the public and the business community. Most will find that there is a benefit to working together.
Economic Development
Mayor Bertrand asked for and an update of projects such as the wood pellet plant and when it is expected to break ground. Mr. Wagner stated that the conservation easement for BIDPA land and the air permit are still pending. No money is distributed until permits are in place. At this time the hope is to have foundations poured before the winter comes.
Mr. MacQueen confirmed that the company does not have any additional information on revenue bonds.
Mr. Charest established that the City is at a critical and exciting time. The City is upgrading its Master Plan so there will be a wealth of information available and the challenge will be how to put the findings into motion and what role the city will play. He suggested that the City call on Jim Wagner to vision and set goals and priorities.
Councilor Lafleur made the point that the strategy for economic development does not come from Council; Council is the policy maker and their job is to implement. Mayor Bertrand added that the public's perception of economic development is, "what will be done to create jobs in Berlin. "
Councilor Remillard voiced that the Economic Development Director is in a position where he should be working with all entities to develop a strategy and present it to the Council.
Ms. Laflamme noted that the most money is being spent on the economic development chapter of the Master Plan. The visioning session will include meetings with the public. Mr. MacQueen agreed stating that the Master Plan is visioning for the city for the next ten years; all things are supposed to flow from the Master Plan.
Councilor Cayer reasoned that he is eager to see the Master Plan that is not biased by the mill. Mr. Wagner went on to say that the Master Plan will drive what needs to be done. Mr. Charest added that the challenge will be to what degree the City Council will execute the findings of the studies?
Dick Huot commented that, as Chair of BIDPA he could take the challenge from Mayor and Council to develop a strategy to grow the economy of Berlin. Councilor Poulin determined that this Council has not said no to any ideas yet. Business leaders will see opportunity and go for it. He suggested that Berlin be "open for business".
There is a potential to link the east and west ATV trails in Berlin and it seems that should not be a difficult task; the footprint has been laid and we're almost there.
Mayor Bertrand concluded the discussion by stating that the Council is more apt to be pro-active to ideas and nurture ideas. Most new development will come from the private the sector. We have the major initiatives of the Master Plan and Branding Study going on and we should not attempt to re-invent that wheel.
The Council has made it clear that biomass in the center of the city at the former mill site is not the direction that the city wants to go.
October 13 Holiday
With it being the fifth Monday, Mayor Bertrand advocated having no meeting on September 29. With regard to the October 13 meeting, barring any emergency issues, there will be no meeting on October 13. There is a meeting at White Mtn Regional High School on the evening of October 14 regarding the branding study and Councilors were encouraged to attend.
On October 13 the Elm Tree Planting will occur as scheduled.
Mayor Bertrand asked that BIDPA come to Council on October 27 to talk about the challenge of economic strategy for Berlin.
Councilor Poulin moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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