Work Session
October 6, 2008
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Poulin, Remillard, Lafleur, Goudreau, Cayer, Donovan and Evans (6:50 p.m.) Others present were Pamela Laflamme, Michael Perreault, Marion Huntley, Mitch Couture, Patrick MacQueen, media and public.
Vacant Building Ordinance
There is an amended draft of the ordinance in the packets. In the discussion, it was agreed that the fee would be $150; a meeting with the fire chief would be held before the appeals process. Councilor McCue made the point that a meeting with the Fire Chief should be discretionary rather than mandatory. At Councilor Remillard's suggestion, a fee would be charged once a plan is submitted. If, upon being notified by the Fire Department, no plan is submitted, then the penalties would be initiated.
Councilor Lafleur expressed concern that we cover the cost of having the fire department administer the ordinance and Mr. MacQueen clarified that costs are not likely to be covered. Councilor Evans entered the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Councilor McCue commented that Section 6-119 speaks to the change of ownership where an additional $150 is charged to a new owner. It was agreed that that if a buyer continues with the plan already in place, there would be no additional fee; however if a new plan is submitted, then a fee of $150 will be charged to the new owner. With these changes, the vacant building ordinance is ready for the first reading.
Application to DES to ReDelineate Aquifer & Wellhead
Ms. Laflamme explained that as development progressed with the proposed pellet plant and sewer pump station on East Milan Road, it has become apparent that a more detailed delineation of the aquifer and wellhead are needed as this is the back up to the city's prime water source. There is concern about putting new construction in the area of the aquifer.
For both the pellet plant and the pump station, the Planning Board had a company called Geo Insight review the plans. They suggested having the wellhead re-delineated to better define and protect the wellhead. The grant being applied for through DES is a 50% matching grant with the total cost of the project at $39,955; DES would fund $19,977.50; Water Works would match $9,000; BIDPA $9,000 and the Master Plan could fund $1,977.50. Both Water Works and BIDPA will take up the issue of the funding at their next meeting.
Mayor Bertrand added that the Amonoosuc is Berlin's main water source and it is vulnerable. We need to take precautions to make sure (it) the Brown Farm Well (amended 10/20/2008) remains a viable back up water supply. Mr. MacQueen established that the grant is due November 2; if either BIDPA or the Water Works object to financial support, the resolution would be withdrawn. The funders would also like a letter of support from the City Council, Water Works and the Planning Board.
PWD Memo re: Garbage Tuck Transmission
Mike Perreault reported that repairs are needed for the garbage packer totaling $10,000 to $12,000. He is looking for the Council to approve segregated funds as PWD has gone through half of their repair budget already. Councilor Donovan commented that he would prefer that the budget funds continue to be used and segregated funds could be relied on if winter repairs are high; Council members conceded.
Councilor Goudreau reasoned that it would be wise to have a plan for the replacement of equipment. We are spending man hours locating, and fixing old equipment.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Bertrand declared a ten minute recess, and resuming the agenda at 7:30 with the Public Hearing.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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