Work Session
February 2, 2009
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Cayer, Goudreau, Remillard, McCue and Lafleur; absent were Councilors Donovan and Poulin. Others present were Marion Huntley, Roland Viens, Debbie Patrick, Lorraine Leclerc, Jon Edwards, John Moulis, Dick Huot, Mitch Couture, Martha Laflamme, Brian Leclerc, media and public
Communication re: BIDPA's Response to Economic Development
Dick Huot established that a few months ago he offered to garner a strategy for economic development from BIDPA to add to the Council's discussions on the subject. BIDPA Board members are clear that industrial land is needed as well as incubator space for potential business. BIDPA could also support having meeting space available where companies could share a conference room and office equipment.
Mr. Huot related that the city may have lost industrial development opportunities because there is no space to offer. He went on to say that BIDPA wants to work more closely with existing employers, potential new employers and to entice new business.
There is potential for power producers to sell power to abutting businesses and BIDPA could get involved where needed. He talked about working with the State to move some of their offices to the North Country. BIDPA believes in doing things regionally and combining efforts to build on partnerships.
Councilor McCue clarified that NCIC is hiring a regional economic development person because they are administering an economic development grant. That person will be answering to the boards of the Chamber, Heritage Park, and Main Street Program.
Councilor Remillard stated that she is interested in seeing what BIDPA can do; however she does not want Berlin to be lost in the shuffle. There should be focus on Berlin without straying. Mr. Huot, speaking on behalf of BIDPA, reasoned that such a strategy is no longer working because there are too many missed opportunities. By promoting the entire area, more opportunities are being provided. Mr. Huot went on to say that Berlin holds one third of the population of Coos County and the city will benefit from any development in the County.
Mr. Huot added that Success should be looked at as having potential developable land for the future. Mayor Bertrand agreed that we would look out first and foremost for the citizens of Berlin but if it can't be in Berlin, it should be in the region. Development is good for everyone.
Request for Release of Water Rights
Mr. MacQueen explained that this request came from General Services Administration to Roland Viens asking that water rights depicted in a deed be released by the City. The Berlin Water Commission addressed the request at their meeting and voted to support retaining the water rights; however they acknowledged that the decision is that of the City Council.
The request from the GSA did not address the effect of the request being denied. Mr. MacQueen reasoned that the City should not want to give up any rights unless someone comes forward to explain why.
Mayor Bertrand suggested that the GSA be invited to a meeting so that the Council could get more information.
School Grants
Mayor Bertrand explained that this is a yearly process whereby the schools adjust the projections made in the budget to the actual grant funds being received. Ms. Huntley added that grant amounts presented at budget time are estimates and as the grants become firm, the numbers are updated.
President's Day
Council members conceded to having the next regular meeting Monday, February 16th
Other
Mayor Bertrand reported that Roy Duddy of DRED wants to come before the Council as soon as possible. The date scheduled for the meeting was 2/23; however that meeting has been set aside for a consultation with the City Attorney. The consensus was to meet with the City Attorney on 2/23 and reschedule all other meetings.
North Country Council Meeting
Councilor McCue established that he will be going to the North Country Council meeting to support Berlin's projects for stimulus funds. He commented that one of the projects mentioned in the list of NCC's proposals is a re-use effort for the mill site in Groveton; Berlin could use that as well. Mr. MacQueen informed the group that not all of Berlin's projects are on the list provided by NCC. Mayor Bertrand asked for the list of Berlin's projects as well as the Water Commission's projects to take to meeting.
Non-Public Session with School Board
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body or agency itself, unless such person requests an open meeting; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call. Mitch Couture, Martha Laflamme, and Brian Leclerc were present for the non-public session.
School Board Chair Couture reported that the Board accepted the resignation of superintendent Moulis effective June 30 of this year which will give the School Board the opportunity to restructure. There were no votes taken in non-public session.
Councilor McCue moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business for the work session, Council moved on to the regular session.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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