CITY COUNCIL Work Session
Monday, January 19, 2009
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, Remillard, McCue, Donovan, Evans, Poulin, and Goudreau; Councilor Cayer was absent. Others present included Jon Edwards, George Stanley, Joe Vigue, George Aubin, Patrick MacQueen, Debra Patrick, media, and public
Farmer's Market Request for Exemption
Mayor Bertrand introduced a request from Mr. Stanley for an exemption to the city's vendor/peddler ordinance. Mr. MacQueen noted that Mr. Stanley was asked to provide a letter depicting what he wanted to do and where and until that is known, it is difficult to respond. Mayor Bertrand acknowledged that the last time Mr. Stanley met with the Council regarding the establishment of a Farmer's Market, the Council asked that he provide: the parameter of what will be sold, a structured plan and that he have all the necessary permitting in place. If a plan is not formalized, it will be difficult to ascertain what permits will be required.
Mr. Stanley's letter infers that it is unfair that each vendor has to have their own peddler's license and insurance prior to selling. The current ordinance does not address a conglomeration of peddlers that could be referred to as a farmer's market. What is being requested is an adjustment to city ordinances, perhaps a new ordinance to address a farmer's market.
Councilor Donovan stated that the City's ordinance mimics State law and the City cannot make it more lenient. Vendors have to carry a license from the City as well as a State license and they must have liability insurance. Debra Patrick confirmed that other vendors such as the one who sells flowers on Glen Avenue and the one who sells Christmas trees on Riverside Drive, have the appropriate permits.
Mayor Bertrand ascertained that, for the most part, the system is working. Councilor Goudreau added that Mr. Stanley should start at the State level. The City has no jurisdiction over the State restrictions. The consensus of the Council was for the City Manager to draft a letter to Mr. Stanley so stating.
Support for Holiday Center's Application to USDA Rural Development
The Holiday Center is applying for support for a USDA grant to replace their furnace and roof; they need the endorsement of the community. Councilor Donovan moved that the Mayor endorse the application; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Biomass Information Plan Discussion
Mayor Bertrand voiced that there are two proposals for biomass in the City with Laidlaw and Clean Power. Information on the pros and cons for both projects has come about; however it would make sense to have professional and neutral experts in the field of biomass to sort the facts of information and misinformation for constituents.
It was suggested that experts be sought out to offer information regarding the wood supply, transmission issues, as well as property values with and without the biomass plant. Councilor Poulin made the point that his objection is not to biomass but to the idea of having biomass in the downtown. He would be more apt to seeing renditions of what it would look like if the stack were gone.
Mayor Bertrand noted that he would be interested in data about what happens to property values with a smokestack in the vicinity and what effect the absence or presence of biomass will have on the ability to execute the City's Neighborhood Initiative. He added that forty jobs are not going to be the answer to Berlin's problems. He stated that the vision is for the next fifty years and the City would be better without that facility.
Councilors McCue, Poulin, Goudreau and Donovan agreed with the Mayor's statements. Councilor Evans stated that he has not made up his mind on the biomass projects and any information by professionals would help in his decisions. Councilor Remillard reasoned that the Council needs more information on what biomass will do for the city. There is a need to be better educated on both plants.
Councilor McCue informed the Council that the largest portion of the tax bill is schools and these energy plants don't pay that portion of the tax bill to the community; it is negotiated with the State.
Councilor Goudreau suggested that the entities mentioned (PUC, Site Evaluation Committee, Skip Sancousy, Brian Lessard) be invited to upcoming work sessions. Mayor Bertrand suggested a forum on biomass. Councilor Remillard noted that if the Council is educated, they can then properly hold a forum.
Grant Application to the NH Bureau of Trails
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City was asked to apply for this grant by the Bureau of Trails and the grant has to be in by next Friday. He suggested that the Council consider suspending the rules to pass the resolution in one night. Funding from the grant would then come back to the Council for appropriation and public hearing. Councilor McCue said that he supports suspending the rules but has a concern about doing things last minute.
Grant from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation
Mayor Bertrand confirmed that this grant is 85% of the airport's 2.5% portion of an FAA grant for snow removal equipment at the airport. It will help leverage funds and the remainder of the cost of the equipment is expected to come from the sale of the existing 1962 grader.
Recommendation of Engineering Firm for Stimulus Funding Projects
Mr. MacQueen explained that it was the consensus of the Council to move ahead with soliciting engineering firms to engineer projects for possible upcoming stimulus funding. There were nine proposals from firms and six were selected to be interviewed by a committee of City staff. HEB is the clear firm that came out ahead and once an agreement is negotiated with them, a request to authorize funding will be made to the Council.
Councilor Donovan moved to proceed with negotiating an agreement with HEB; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Councilor Donovan questioned whether the Council was open to holding the retreat after the budget. It was the consensus of Council members to schedule the retreat as soon as possible and not wait until after the budget.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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