October 20, 2008
Work Session
Present at the Work Session were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Lafleur, Remillard, Donovan, Goudreau, Evans and Cayer; Councilor Poulin was absent. Others present included Pamela Laflamme, Norm Charest, Patrick MacQueen, media and public.
House Bill 1651
Mayor Bertrand opened the discussion by noting that HB 1651 is enabling legislation passed in the last Legislative Session. If the Council wants to move forward to adopt its provisions, a City ordinance would be passed reviewed by the City Attorney and introduced at a future meeting.
Mr. MacQueen explained that the legislation allows for tax exemptions for new commercial and industrial construction in Coos County in an effort to stimulate economic development. Exemptions would be provided on a gradually declining scale over ten years. Having the exemption apply to all of Coos County makes the process simpler, broader and it applies to more businesses. The exemption would apply to new construction only so full taxes would apply to any portion of a building that is not new construction.
Mayor Bertrand confirmed that the ordinance has a five year sunset clause and would not be in effect after five years unless renewed by the Council.
Councilor Donovan expressed concern that companies would not receive exemptions from more than one program. Mr. MacQueen commented that if a business is eligible for PILT payments to the City, they would not qualify and if a business already receives a downtown exemption, they cannot double the exemption.
Councilor Evans affirmed that with this exemption either a business or industry qualifies or they don't. Application and control is with the Board of Assessors. Mayor Bertrand noted that if there is enough interest from the Council, the proposed ordinance would be sent to the city attorney for review. Norm Charest commented that adopting such legislation would be a useful tool.
Councilor Lafleur moved to send the proposed ordinance to the city attorney; Councilor Evans seconded and the motion carried.
Proposed Amendment to Resolution 2008-32 Authorizing Application to NHDES for $19775.50 to Re-Delineate the Aquifer
Mr. MacQueen explained that the amendment sought is to add that GeoInsight would conduct the study because they already have a good deal of background knowledge on the area of the wellhead and aquifer.
Ms. Laflamme spoke to the fact that BIDPA did not agree to $9,000 as proposed in the resolution; they did agree to spend $2,500. She asked that the resolution be amended so that perhaps the Water Works could fund an additional $6,500 which is now absent from the match. At this time there is $9,000 from BWW; $2,500 from BIDPA; and $1,977.50 from the Master Plan.
Mr. Charest explained that BIDPA's position was that they thought it was a lot of money to spend on a study that could restrict the use of the land. BIDPA is not generating revenues and is not in a financial position to replenish their fund. Councilor Donovan reasoned that City entities should be working together and this is an example where they are not.
Councilor McCue, in an effort to shift the focus to the $6,500, asked if there is any more that the city can contribute. The study would benefit the community and seeing it die does not benefit anyone.
Mr. MacQueen suggested that the funds could come from an existing line item such as Council Contingency.
Councilor Donovan moved to appropriate $6,500 from Council Contingency to provide the final match for the NHDES grant to Re-Delineate the Aquifer; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Norm Charest noted that BIDPA did not understand the relevance of the grant.
Capital Improvement Plan
Mr. MacQueen explained that the six year Capital Improvement Program is updated every year. It is difficult to increase capital spending. He hopes to start a process of goal setting since there is time prior to getting into next year's budget. It would be helpful if the Council were to tell departments in advance what is wanted in terms of spending and capital so that the budget will reflect the Council's expectations.
Councilor Lafleur confirmed that the plan is available to the public at City Hall and Library. He wanted the public to have a chance to comment on the plan.
Councilor McCue acknowledged that capital spending is not the same in every year and there are projects that get carried over year after year. Mayor Bertrand suggested holding a public hearing so that there would be plenty of opportunity for public comments.
There being no further business in the work session; the meeting moved on to the Public Hearing.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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