Work Session
May 11, 2009
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Poulin, Lafleur, Remillard, McCue, Evans, and Cayer. Councilor Goudreau was absent.
Others present included Fran & Leo Buteau, Barney Valliere, Nancy Malone, Patrick MacQueen, Blandine Shallow, Bob Vachon, Mrs. Watson and several students from the BHS Civics class; media and public
City Auditor re: Bonding Capital Improvements
Bob Vachon estimated that borrowing for capital will increase taxes by 7%. In these times, it is not easy to borrow money. Mr. MacQueen noted that the plan would be to substitute amortization of the bond and defer payment out over time. It is proposed to borrow $11,000,000, repaying $6 million for 5 years and deferring the additional $5 million over years 8, 9 and 10.
Mayor Bertrand established that the City has to take serious steps with its infrastructure and he would appreciate knowing if there are red flags that the Council should be aware of. Mr. Vachon commented on the Build America Bonds Program that would allow the City to get a 35% refund of interest which is part of stimulus funding. He cautioned that it would be a problem if the City were to continue to bond and build up debt service. Mr. Vachon left the meeting at this time.
Council Decision for Publishing the Budget
Mr. MacQueen summarized the status of the budget stating that in spite of losing $475,000 of revenue sharing, there appears to be a slight revenue surplus. On the expense side, surplus has gone up more than expected with about $1 million between school and City. Assuming $900,000 is real, the undesignated fund balance (UFB) could be brought up to the Council’s goal of 5% minimum which requires $327,000 and leaves $573,000 that can be used as revenue to reduce taxes. It appears that if things fall together as planned, the Council can achieve its goals including a flat tax rate.
Councilor Lafleur noted that he would still like to meet with Chief Morency to review the PD budget. Mayor Bertrand commended City departments for holding costs down to be able to come up with surplus. Councilor Evans stated that if there is a flat tax rate, he is ready to publish the budget because publication does not close the door on changes. Councilor Poulin supported publishing as well. Mr. MacQueen added that any minor adjustments that need to be made prior to publication would be done with revenue from UFB.
It was determined that the fuel savings and other cuts made to the Police budget would come as a reduction to the bottom line of the police budget and the PD would be informed of how the Council came to those numbers. The Code Enforcement budget was further explained at the request of Councilor McCue. He also indicated that he was approached by a constituent who supported adding two firefighters. Councilors conceded that they added positions from the City Manager’s budget; however additional positions would be cost prohibitive.
Councilor Poulin moved to direct staff to publish the budget as proposed reflecting a flat tax rate; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Update of Pleasant Street Noise Issue
Mr. MacQueen reported that on May 7 Building Inspector Joe Martin and Planner Pam Laflamme met with Mr. Joey Roberts who is the pastor of the Dream Center of New England Church regarding the complaints about the recent concert at 292 Pleasant Street. Norm Small, the owner of the property, also attended the meeting. The congregation of about 40 people rented the building for three months and are using it for worship services and concerts as well as for a soup kitchen. It was determined that the building is not suitable for church services because there are life safety code issues.
Research of State statutes and the City ordinance finds that police have some discretion to determine disorderly conduct. Lt. Valliere agreed that existing State statute can give cause to take adequate action. He added that the complainant would likely have to come to court to testify to how loud the noise was.
Mayor Bertrand asked about procuring a decibel meter and Mr. MacQueen reported that past experience would lead him to stay away from decibel meters. Councilor McCue agreed.
It was noted that Mr. Small held concerts in that venue for years without issue. Councilor Remillard stated that the intention was to promote business and to fundraise for non-profit groups. Councilor Cayer confirmed that no special permits are needed.
Mayor Bertrand determined that some progress has been made and we will see how the next concert scheduled for May 29th, goes. Councilor Lafleur confirmed with Lt. Valliere that the trespassing and parking issues are enforceable in addition to the “disorderly conduct” laws mentioned above.
Memorial Day Meeting Schedule
Councilor Poulin moved to cancel the May 25, 2009 work session in observance of Memorial Day; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Unity Street Parking
Councilor Evans explained that the Traffic Safety Committee is looking at improving the parking situation along Community Field Park. It has been proposed by the Police Department, for safety reasons, to eliminate parking on Unity Street on the westerly side of the street, alongside the park. The Committee is reluctant to eliminate that parking without having other parking in its place.
Laidlaw has been contacted regarding possibly parking cars in a small dirt lot on their property that is currently blocked off by boulders. Councilor Evans wanted to seek the permission of the Council prior to making an agreement with Laidlaw for use of the lot.
Councilors were concerned that elimination of any parking would be a deterrent for the businesses along Unity Street. Councilor McCue questioned whether parking restrictions could be for particular times of day. Councilors had questions about ownership of the parcel that everyone is assuming is owned by Laidlaw.
Councilor Evans asked if Council members had objections to creating a parking area by agreement with whoever owns the dirt lot near the field. There were objections from Councilors McCue, Poulin and Mayor Bertrand.
BHS Civics Class
Councilor Lafleur acknowledged Mrs. Watson who is the Civics teacher at Berlin High School and thanked her for encouraging students to attend Council meetings.
Councilor McCue commented that he spent a day at BHS as part of the Lawyer in Every School Program.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Lafleur moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II(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 on Land matters; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Evans moved to come out of the non-public session; Councilor Cayer 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 render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Evans moved to adjourn; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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