March 17, 2009
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Lafleur, Remillard, Donovan, Goudreau, Cayer; absent were Councilors Evans and Poulin
Others present included Chief Randall Trull, Andre Caron, Ralph Collins, Mike Perreault, Jon Edwards, Patrick MacQueen, media, and public
Discussion of Sewer Rate
Mr. MacQueen explained that this is the same memo from last week; however no action was taken by the Council. The information shows sewer rates for the last several years. What is different about this year and what accounts for the increase is the debt service for the improvements that were made at the treatment plant.
In response to a question from Councilor Goudreau regarding the status of sewer for the prison, Mr. MacQueen indicated that the City will be resubmitting a revised proposal to the Bureau of Prisons. Mayor Bertrand added that he spoke to Jeff Malecha last Thursday and the door is open to make progress. Councilor Remillard confirmed that the prison has no effect on the rates being discussed this evening.
Councilor McCue established that the new sewer rate will cover the cost of this year’s sewer fund budget. He questioned whether anything could be pared back to reduce the increase. Mr. MacQueen reminded the Council that this small department took a reduction of one person last year. The options are to not pay the debt, reduce operations or reduce the $90,000 budgeted for capital.
Councilor McCue speculated that this spike may be due to the fact that there were no changes to the sewer rate for several years. Councilor Donovan and Lafleur agreed that small yearly increases would be better to avoid a spike in the rate.
Councilor Goudreau moved, with regret, to set the sewer rate at $7.99; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Remillard opposed.
Grant Application for the Fire Department
Chief Trull reported that he wants to apply to the Rural Development Administration for a grant for equipment. These are items that were requested in the budget and grant funding would help to meet the budget needs. The state is in the process of adopting new codes and these code sets are eligible for funding. In addition, the department is asking for six sets of breathing apparatus and well replacement hose.
Councilor Remillard moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the grant application forms to execute the application; Councilor Goudreau seconded and the motion carried with all in favor.
Request for a Letter of Support from the Conservation Fund
Mayor Bertrand noted that the communication from Nancy Bell was not in the packet and he recommended delaying the discussion until next week
Garbage Collection Costs
Councilor Donovan stated that Berlin is one of the only communities that does curb side trash pickup in Coos County. He suggested subcontracting the work out to the private sector. The city would put together a request for proposals that would maintain the service we have now but be done privately. This could potentially continue the service and reduce the size of government.
Mayor Bertrand commented that there is no harm in soliciting prices. Councilor McCue confirmed that the City would continue to pick up recycling. Councilor Donovan indicated that his proposal is for trash; however he would not be opposed to incorporating both trash and recycling. He added that there is no intent to put people out of work because it is likely that a company doing Berlin’s pick up would want to hire those experienced to do the work.
Councilor Goudreau wanted to be sure that the city does not pay a third party tipping fee to the district by going with a private contractor. He acknowledged that employees work on snow pick up as well as the garbage crew.
Mr. MacQueen made the point that every commercial business is picked up as a city service as well. Councilor Donovan asked that the Council review the bid documents before they go out. The Public Works Department may want to bid on the work as well but it would mean working with the union to renegotiate contracts.
Mr. MacQueen indicated that a bid would be written explaining the result that is necessary and the contractor would be allowed to decide how to achieve that result.
Councilor Donovan moved to have the City Manger draft a bid for both commercial and residential garbage pickup; Councilor Goudreau seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Mayor Bertrand reported that at the ZBA meeting last week, he heard Bill Gabler of Clean Power say that they did not have a purchase power agreement with PSNH and there was no reason given that PSNH would not provide such an agreement. Laidlaw has a purchase power agreement with PSNH for 20 years.
Mayor Bertrand provided a letter that he had drafted to PSNH asking them why the two energy companies are being treated differently. The Mayor asked for the Council’s endorsement of the letter.
Councilor McCue agreed that the letter has questions that need to be answered. Mayor Bertrand added that it appears that PSNH is casting aside Clean Power, a NH corporation in favor of Laidlaw, a company registered in NY. Councilor McCue clarified that Laidlaw Berlin Power LLC is a Delaware corporation.
Councilor Donovan moved to endorse the letter as written; Councilor Goudreau seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Remillard opposed.
Neighborhood Stabilization Grant
Andre Caron explained that earlier in the year the Council passed a resolution asking for $2.7 million of Neighborhood Stabilization funds. Since that time, a for profit company from Claremont, has applied for funding as well. The funding agency is encouraging an application for up to six million dollars and a resolution so stating is on the agenda for first reading. More information will come to the Council in a few weeks.
Non-Public Session
Councilor McCue moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (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 Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to seal the minutes of the non-public session as releasing them would make the action taken ineffectual; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Remillard moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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