Work Session
March 2, 2009
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Lafleur, Remillard, Donovan, Goudreau, Cayer, Evans, and Poulin; BOA Chairman Bob Pelchat, Members: Jon Edwards, Paul Croteau; Sue Warren, Debra Patrick; Jay Poulin representing HEB; Mike Perreault, Paul Grenier, Mark Carter, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Elderly Exemptions
Mr. Pelchat explained that the last resolution to increase the income guidelines was passed in 1997; in 2005 exemption amounts were modified. In a review of other communities, Berlin had the lowest income levels to allow an exemption. Mayor Bertrand asked what the effect will be if the change is implemented and Ms. Warren replied that relatively the same number of applicants will qualify and if the guidelines are not changed; several people will no longer qualify.
Councilor Goudreau asked what the justification is to not changing the assets as well and Ms. Warren noted that it would increase the number of people who qualify and the goal of the Board of Assessors is to maintain the same number of elderly exemptions. A resolution modifying the income guidelines is on the agenda for first reading.
Taxicab Business Application
Mayor Bertrand noted that the Council is being asked to approve an application for a taxi cab company in the city. Ms. Patrick indicated that she received a comprehensive business plan from Mark Carter along with proof of insurance and satisfactory criminal background check.
Councilor Donovan asked how the customer would be informed of the time used and cost of the ride. Mr. Carter responded that he has a gps unit that will be on the dashboard and visible to the client. Councilor Goudreau commented that the business plan is well thought out and the project is well capitalized.
Councilor Goudreau moved to authorize the City Clerk to issue a taxi cab license to Mark Carter d/b/a Dependable Taxi; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Update on Engineering for Stimulus Funding
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City is applying everywhere possible for stimulus funding. HEB has been issued notices to proceed on five of the six projects; they are 12th Street Bridge, Bridge Street bridge, and Hillside Avenue bridge as well as Hutchins Street and Route 110 sewer. The Council is being asked to approve signing a duplicate agreement which will satisfy DES.
Councilor Poulin moved to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to DES; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Request for Letter to Governor Lynch re: Stimulus Funding
Mayor Bertrand indicated that staff drafted a letter to Governor Lynch expressing disappointment at the majority of funding going to the I-93 corridor and DOT projects in the southern part of the State.
Councilor Lafleur moved to forward the letter to the Governor; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Donovan suggested that Commissioner Campbell and Ray Burton be added to the courtesy copy list.
Discussion of Letter to Governor
Mayor Bertrand informed the Council that the information the Governor is receiving in Concord is giving him the impression that the City is in favor of the Laidlaw project. When the Mayor expressed that the majority are not in agreement, the Governor suggested that a letter be written to clarify.
Mayor Bertrand proposed a letter very much in line with the statement he wrote some months ago. Councilor Evans commented that he does not oppose the Laidlaw project; however he is comfortable with the letter. Councilor Lafleur noted that he has not taken a position but he will support the letter. He felt that he needed additional information such as a business plan prior to taking a position.
Councilor Goudreau stated that this goes beyond Laidlaw; it is about change and Berlin’s future. He supported the letter as well. Councilor Remillard noted that she has remained neutral to the issue of Laidlaw and she is in favor of the letter going out. Councilor McCue confirmed that the delegation has been asked to attend a future Council meeting.
Councilor Donovan moved to support the letter and send it to the Governor, delegation, county commissioners, local union, and city council; the motion was seconded by Councilor Cayer. In a roll call vote all were in favor with the exception of Councilors Evans and McCue Lafleur. (amended 3/17/2009)
Request for Support of Funding for St. Lawrence and Atlantic
Councilor Lafleur asked if the City’s request for exempt railroad crossings has been addressed yet. In response the City Manager noted that DOT has been contacted and they will facilitate.
Councilor Donovan moved to send the letter of support for Federal funding to Congressman Hodes and Senators Gregg and Shaheen; Councilor Evans seconded and the motion carried.
Schedule for March 19 adapted for attendance at Public Hearing for Route 110
The Police budget meeting with the Council is rescheduled to Wednesday, March 18 so that March 19 is kept open for attendance at the Route 110 public hearing.
Other
Councilor Goudreau expressed concern over the revenue cuts proposed in the Governor’s budget. He estimated that they could result in a $6.00 per thousand tax increase.
Councilor McCue stated that he will be attending the NHMA Membership Meeting and there are several revenue items to vote on. Mayor Bertrand suggested the Council receive the information for the next meeting.
Councilor McCue stressed the importance of attending the meeting on the Governor’s Budget in Whitefield on March 16.
He moved to reschedule the City Council meeting from March 16 to March 17 to facilitate attending the budget meeting; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Non-Public Session
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 public body itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. This exemption shall extend to any application for assistance or tax abatement or waiver of a fee, fine, or other levy, if based on inability to pay or poverty of the applicant; and (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Motion to come out of non-public session was made by Councilor Remillard, seconded by Councilor Cayer and passed unanimously by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to seal the minutes as releasing them would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of the public body itself, and render a proposed action ineffective; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilor Donovan moved to adjourn; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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