Work Session
December 15, 2008
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, McCue, Remillard, Evans, Goudreau and Cayer; Councilors Poulin and Donovan were absent.
Dick Huot, Dan Malone, Dave Osgood, Bob Danderson, Randy Chichetto, Emile Croteau, several members of the ATV club, Chief Morency, Yvonne Thomas, Mike Perreault, , Paul Ingersoll, media and public were also present
ATV Club to Meet with Council
Chief Morency explained that there is a group of City staff, ATV Club members, State officials and Councilor Cayer that have been meeting with regard to connecting trails through Berlin. The committee has researched what other communities are doing. Chris Gamache from the Bureau of Trails has been asked to review the pros and cons of several possible routes. The group has discovered that other communities have clubs propose the trails and the community then reviews the proposal for safety issues. Chief Morency stated that he is confident that we could get a connector going very soon.
Mayor Bertrand commented that he would like feedback from the State about what can be done next summer. On the economic development side, we should be embracing and promoting Berlin as a destination for ATVs.
Dick Huot, speaking as the outgoing President of the ATV Club said that the club has blossomed to 20 members since the announcement of the trail system at Jericho. There is potential here for economic development for Berlin and the entire valley. A connector trail could go back to Gorham and up the rail trail to the Big Apple; however Mr. Huot felt that it would be better if there were a permanent trail through the city
Dave Osgood explained that the Club can get grant funds for permanent signage. He expressed that there is no room for ATV's on sidewalks and operators' should be licensed to be on the road.
Councilor Lafleur asked that maps be made available.
Another meeting of the Committee is set for January 8. Mayor Bertrand requested feedback from the committee on a regular basis.
Councilor Evans asked about those who cause trouble on off highway vehicles and what the repercussions are. Chief Morency indicated that once an area is deemed a trail and a public way, drivers who violate the law will lose their driver's license for offences with alcohol. If the area is not an official trail, operators can still be cited for trespassing, or reckless operation. There is zero tolerance on an ATV.
Chief Morency confirmed that all Berlin police officers are deputized as special deputies and can make an arrest in the Unincorporated Townships.
Councilor Remillard affirmed that there is ongoing communication with the landowners of potential trail sites.
Emile Croteau remarked that he would like a trail to go through the city. He proposed using the railroad bed near the arena stating that the bridges are there and it would not interfere with streets. If it is too expensive to remove the tracks, they could be filled with gravel.
Councilor Goudreau stated that he supports anything we can do to tie the two existing trails together. Chief Morency clarified that the City has the authority to allow ATV's on the road within the urban compact; however outside the urban compact, the State would have to authorize through the Legislature.
Paul Ingersoll reported that he is proposing enabling legislation that would allow cities and towns to create ordinances allowing ATV operation on State roads. He added that he has also proposed a temporary registration for recreational vehicles.
Randy Chichetto owner of Jericho Motorsports announced that his business has grown 33% this year. People are coming here from everywhere to ride the trails at Jericho. Everyone loves what they see and there is good potential.
Dick Huot stated that the Chamber of Commerce receives calls all the time about the ATV Park, and where to stay. Mayor Bertrand concluded that good work is being done and he asked that the Council be kept informed.
Alternative 4e
Mayor Bertrand noted that this item can be postponed until January. There is a meeting with the DOT 1/7 and the DOT will be looking for a commitment of the City's preferred alternative at that time. Councilor McCue reported that there is a public hearing scheduled 1/15/2009 with regard to Route 110. The City will also have to commit to funding the alternative route at a cost of over $2 million.
Capital Improvement Plan
Mayor Bertrand stated that the City Manager believes there will be Federal money available for public works projects once the Obama administration takes office. Projects that are engineered and ready to go will likely have priority. Projects suggested at last week's meeting included: sewer lines to the new prison; a connector off of the Cleveland Bridge toward Shelby Street; and a proposal to continue water and sewer lines to Route 110.
Mike Perreault reported that he received rough estimates on a number of potential projects. There is $304,000 in segregated funds that could be used for engineering with Council approval. He went on to say that there are many sidewalks, retaining walls, bridge inspections and street repairs that could be done with little engineering.
Mayor Bertrand suggested shopping for the engineering with a request for quotations from several firms. Mr. Perreault added that any engineering done is not lost; it will merely need to be updated if not funded in this year.
The work session recessed for the 7:30 p.m. Public Hearing and resumed at its conclusion.
Library Trustee Position
Mayor Bertrand stated that there are four candidates for Library Trustee: Paul Cusson, Pam Couture, Tony Harp and George Stanley. Mayor Bertrand recommended Pam Couture stating that he would like to get more people involved and she is an individual who can do the job and he would like to give her the opportunity.
Councilor Evans expressed his preference for an election where each Councilor votes for a person. Councilor Lafleur voiced his support for Paul Cusson saying that he is already involved with the library and its building issues.
By voice vote of the Council Paul Cusson was appointed Library Trustee with five of seven votes (Remillard, Lafleur, McCue, Evans, Cayer); Pam Couture had two votes (Bertrand, Goudreau)
Taxi Ordinance
Mayor Bertrand asked if there were any further questions on the taxi ordinance.
Councilor McCue questioned when the Council becomes involved with the Oversight Committee. Mayor Bertrand opined that the Council should stay out of the day to day operations. Amendments to the ordinance can be made if need be.
Ms. Patrick reported that the current taxi cab owner was given a copy of the ordinance.
Councilor Cayer expressed concern that a taxi company from another community would not be able to pick someone up from Berlin unless they are licensed in Berlin. The consensus of the Council was that if such a service existed in one of the nearby communities, it would behoove the taxi company to register in Berlin in order to draw from the largest area of population.
Councilor McCue made the point that citizens need to know that they are getting into a cab that is being properly run.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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