Work Session
January 5, 2009
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, Remillard, Donovan, Poulin, McCue, Goudreau, Cayer and Evans. Others present included Cathy Conway, Jim Wagner, Andre Caron, Laura Viger, Pamela Laflamme, Paul Ingersoll, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Berlin vs. Mario Dicenso - 646 First Avenue, 155B Order
Councilor Lafleur moved to authorize the City Manager to sign and go forward with the 155-B order for 646 First Avenue; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Androscoggin Valley Collaboration
Cathy Conway of North Country Investment Corporation (NCIC) explained that as the fiscal agent to AVER, NCIC has been working with the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Program, Heritage Park and AVER for the last several months. These agencies have much of the same goals and they have been considering how to better work together.
The group is looking at merging functions of AVER, Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program and retaining the Chamber as the identity. Heritage Park would remain a standalone agency. This move would eliminate the redundancy by having one board of directors with representatives from each agency. Sub-committees of the board would be formed for the downtowns (Berlin, Gorham); economic development; marketing and promotions; organization and membership. Staffing would consist of an executive director; economic development director, and a program, marketing, events coordinator as well as an administrative assistant.
Ms. Conway went on to say that the Economic Development Director position is funded by grants for the next 18 months. Once the 18 months has passed, the position can be revisited. At this time the Economic Development Director would be getting direction from the Chamber board.
Councilor Goudreau indicated that he is surprised to see the Main Street Program integrated. Ms. Conway reported that the driving force is that the Main Street Program and Chamber did a lot of promotional activity together and they are using many of the same volunteers. Mayor Bertrand confirmed that the State Main Street Center and Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) are aware of the proposed changes and they are supportive.
With regard to the potential hiring of an economic development director, Councilor Goudreau asked that the Council be kept informed since the City had also considered hiring a director. Ms. Conway noted that this is a partnership between NCIC and the city. It is an opportunity to see how this person works for the city without putting any money in.
Councilor Donovan expressed concern that the city is funding three of the entities through outside agencies. His added concern is that the City Council needs to have authority over an economic development director that makes the decisions for the City of Berlin. Further, the Main Street Program's policies and charter are in direct conflict with those of the Chamber. Boundaries for the Main Street Program are defined by code and the Main Street businesses have never supported the program through their assessments as was intended.
Councilor McCue established that there are still several steps to take and there are missions that go in different paths that have to be dealt with. This presentation was informational in nature and is meant to garner information from the Council and keep them aware of the work that is being done.
Discussion of Resolution to Authorize Application for NSB Grant
Andre Caron advised that this grant program is for communities like Berlin with a high default rate on mortgages and a wage base that is going down. There is federal money targeted for demolition; building rehabilitation and soft second mortgages. Areas of the city targeted are the Notre Dame School area; lower east side; and Granite Street neighborhood.
Money would be offered toward a property in the targeted locations for people who want to occupy a multi -family home. There would be strict guidelines and penalties for non-occupancy.
Mr. Caron informed the Council that there was another application put in by two Berliners who own and manage about 130 units in the State. He feels confident that there will be some money from this grant; however the five Tier One communities turned in $55 million of requests for $11 million of funding available.
Councilor Donovan asked if the money loaned through the grant could be returned to the City in the form of a revolving loan fund. Mr. Caron noted that the final rules for the funding have not been adopted yet; however at this time that is not the case.
Rotary Park Land Transfer
Councilor Donovan reported that the Heritage Park agreed to quitclaim deed the Rotary Park land to the city with stipulations that are being met through a memorandum of understanding. The stipulations include that the park can continue to use the land for events. Funding requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund indicate that the City has to own the land in order to apply for funding a boat ramp at the park.
Jim Wagner explained that board members of the Heritage Park were hesitant to give up the land because it has been a long vision of the Park to have a river walk which would encompass that land. The Board did agree and the stipulations in the MOU have been well thought out over the last several weeks. Deeding the land to the City keeps in tune with what makes sense for the community.
Councilor Remillard expressed concern over the Heritage Park reserving the right to construct their own dock on the property. Councilor Donovan stated that they would still have to get permission from the Council prior to building.
Councilor Donovan moved to add Resolution 2009-02 to the agenda allowing the City to apply for $20,000 of Land and Water Conservation funding to construct a boat ramp at Rotary Park.
The proposed resolution was amended prior to its first reading at the request of Councilor McCue adding that the City accepts ownership of the parcel of land. With that change made, Councilor McCue seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Ms. Viger noted that these are highly competitive grants. She confirmed that the grant could be withdrawn if there is objection at the public hearing.
Councilor Donovan stated that the MOU has a 30 day window to re-apply if the City does not get the grant.
Trustees of Trust Funds
Mr. MacQueen established that the city is unique in that it has never set up trustees of trust funds. In State Law, the trustees are the custodians and overseers of trust funds of which the city has two plus the cemetery trust. By law, trust funds are supposed to be vested by trustees and trustees also oversee capital reserve funds.
Councilor Donovan confirmed that the establishment of trustees of trust funds has no effect on the Council's management of segregated funds. Mr. MacQueen clarified that if capital reserves were established, trustees would have to oversee the investment of the funds but the city council would still determine its use. This item is #3 on the agenda.
Update on Sewer
Mr. MacQueen reported that the Bureau of Prisons feels that they can provide sewer service for significantly less than what the City has offered to connect to City sewer. We have not heard where they are and DES has not been contacted by them for permitting. This will likely delay the prison's 2010 proposed opening.
Councilor Poulin reasoned that prices continue to rise and perhaps the City should have put an expiration date on their offer. Mr. MacQueen agreed, stating that this is the same price the City gave the Bureau of Prisons in July of 2006.
Casino Gambling Bill
Representative Ingersoll indicated that there were four Councilors who attended the informational meeting at the T & C regarding pending legislation to allow casinos and/or gaming. He added that he will be meeting with the Governor and he wanted a letter of support for a Berlin casino from the Mayor and Council addressed to the Governor.
There are three bills that support gaming and they may morph into one or if the trend is to go away from the North Country, Representative Ingersoll vowed to submit his own bill. Councilor Goudreau expressed his support for bringing gaming to Berlin indicating that in two years Bangor Maine has made $2 million dollars. Representative Ingersoll confirmed that the license fee alone is well over $1 million for a casino.
Councilor Donovan noted that a public referendum is needed to send a clear message to the legislature that the people of NH want gaming.
Councilor Donovan moved to send a letter in support of casino gaming in Berlin; Councilor Goudreau seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Poulin opposed.
Other
12st Street to Community College Sidewalks
Councilor Goudreau stated that he's heard from his constituents about sidewalk plowing from 12th Street to the Community College. He reasoned that this should be a priority school route. Mayor Bertrand agreed adding that the area should be plowed and if private plows fill the sidewalks with snow, they should be cited.
BIDPA
Councilor Evans noted that he is not available for the next four BIDPA meetings and asked if another member can serve in his place. Mayor Bertrand asked that the item be placed on the next agenda for consideration.
Holiday
It was the consensus of the Council to meet on President's Day, January 19, 2009.
There being no further business in the work session, the meeting moved on to the regular session.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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