October 27, 2008
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Poulin, Cayer, Donovan, Remillard, Lafleur, McCue; Councilor Goudreau was absent. Pamela Laflamme, Norman Charest, Patrick MacQueen, media and public were also present.
BIDPA Response to Developing a Strategy to Grow Berlin's Economy
Ms. Laflamme noted that BIDPA wanted to have another meeting to further discuss their strategy.
Economic Development Director Discussion
Mayor Bertrand explained the current situation where the City contracts with the Community Action Program for the services of Norm Charest as Economic Development Coordinator. Mr. Charest stated that his position is full time and tends to be forty to fifty hours per week. The position is funded at $60,000 and the city pays $25,000 per year. CAP gets Community Service Block Grant funds and that amount has been cut at the Federal level.
Mayor Bertrand stressed that a job description would have to be created and the mission and goals of an economic development director and/or department would have to be established.
Councilor McCue reasoned that the City of Dover is looking for an economic development director who will work under the Dover Business and Industrial Development Authority. Business often needs to be done behind closed doors and the City Council is bound by right to know laws. Prior to hiring an economic development director, we will also need to know who that person would report to. He went on to say that there has been some discussion among the Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Park, Main Street Program and AVER to work together and perhaps have a full time economic development person who would answer to the Chamber and Main Street. There are efforts going on around us.
Councilor Cayer asked what Mr. Charest's role is with BIDPA. Mr. Charest indicated that he is a staff person and is there to provide support to the board. Part of his chore is to oversee the industrial park.
Mayor Bertrand established that there is an array of groups that claim to be involved in economic development. He could see a need for someone that will help with business retention and business relocation. We need to develop a reputation of being pro-business and pro-development.
Councilor Remilard stated a need for an ambitious person with a positive outlook who wants to make a difference. A full time director could look at places that are empty such as the Rite Aid Block and recruit to fill the empty spaces.
Councilor Donovan commented that there is a need to decide the policies of the future of the city. He suggested the City Council go on a retreat with a facilitator and hopefully come out with a policy and a plan for a path forward for this city. Mayor Bertrand and Council members agreed that they would be willing to participate in something like that. Councilor Donovan proposed a different environment and noted that he would want to speak with the City Attorney to see if the meeting could be non-public as sensitive issues would need to be discussed.
Councilor Donovan stated that he will work with the City Manager to find a facilitator and venue for the meeting.
Councilor Poulin said that he gave some thought to how he would fix what is going on in Berlin. He believes there is a management problem with who is running the day to day operation.
Mayor Bertrand added that the Council needs set policies and to have a mission statement, then it would be up to staff to implement the Council's policies and make changes.
Councilor Poulin commented that someone who wants to grow a business in Berlin has no avenue. Mr. Charest agreed and claimed that there are many inconsistencies that have occurred. Mayor Bertrand maintained that growth happens through the business community and the city can become business friendly by streamlining permitting and putting out the welcome mat.
Councilor McCue made it clear that it is not impossible to do business in Berlin; there are projects that are succeeding. Mayor Bertrand indicated that small business seems to have more difficulty
Economic Development Proposal
Norm Charest presented a proposal that he call 21/21 to the City Council. He named it 21/21 to signify that Berlin is becoming an adult in the 21st Century. The City has been under the parent /umbrella of the mill for a long time. He noted that life after the mill will be to transform Berlin from a manufacturing community to a center of commerce based on the unique experience of outdoor recreation. We need to look at where we are and to build on our unique assets.
In his proposal Mr. Charest suggested that Berlin reinvent itself as an outdoor recreational destination. He encouraged the Council to pass a resolution launching and proclaiming the project. There is a need to determine the extent of off highway vehicle travel on city streets that is allowed within existing law and to see what laws need to be changed to allow for the best route in the future. Mr. Charest went on to say that additional development such as Bed & Breakfast lodging and restaurants would also come.
He added that Berlin should acquire Success and establish a community forest managed for sustainable timber and outdoor recreation. Berlin should further develop a marketing strategy in concert with the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Bertrand determined that Chris Gamache and George Bald should be contacted. It appears that the State is falling down on their commitment to work on the trails at Jericho Park. Councilor Cayer determined that it needs to be made clear to the State that we want to get this done.
Economic Development Forum
Mayor Bertrand expressed that a forum is still a good idea but the facilitated meeting to determine policy and direction is, in his opinion, a prerequisite to a forum. Council members agreed.
With regard to the facilitated meeting, Councilor Poulin suggested that the facilitator should be someone from out of the area come who has never seen Berlin; that way they come in with fresh ideas and no preconceptions.
Councilor McCue noted that there is a Master Plan Steering Committee meeting November 12 and there will be a public discussion of the economic development chapter.
Ms. Laflamme reported that the Economic Development chapter of the Master Plan will have been put together with massive public participation. The Council's vision needs to be woven into the plan.
MRI Report Status
Mayor Bertrand indicated that in 2003 MRI did a review of City operations and made recommendations, some of which have been implemented. Councilor Evans added that some recommendations were put off because of money. He questioned what would be involved in merging BWW and Public Works. Mr. MacQueen replied that it would take a referendum which has failed several times in the past. Mayor Bertrand agreed that having the two entities joined would save money. The wording of past referendums has concentrated on the City taking over the Water Works rather than merging the two departments. If a City referendum had a positive outcome, it is likely that the legislature would have no problem amending State law to allow a combined water and sewer department.
Councilor Donovan noted that there was a committee put together to address consolidating. They met once. Mayor Bertrand theorized that if either entity is given more responsibility, they will have to do the best for the citizens of Berlin.
Other
Mr. MacQueen reported that there is a memo for each Council member with a response about snow plowing questions that were asked of the Public Works Director. He contacted other communities and has summarized what he found.
Mr. MacQueen handed out an updated ordinance after having been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Adjournment
Councilor Evans moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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