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City Council Minutes 05/18/2009 Regular MeetingPUBLIC HEARING – May 18, 2009
PUBLIC HEARING – May 18, 2009
-Ordinance 2009-04 Creating Two Handicap Parking Spaces in Front of 240 School St on Sundays from 9-2
-Ordinance 2009-05 Adding a No Parking Area Between 1203 and 1207 Main Street
-Resolution 2009 18 Accepting a $500 Grant from the Neil & Louise Tillotson Foundation for Riverfire
-Resolution 2009-19 Appropriating $4,260 of Highway Grant Funds to the PD for Radar Trailer
-Resolution 2009-20 Appropriating $1,746.77 to the PD for DWI Hunter Patrols
-Resolution 2009-21 Authorizing an Application by the BWW to USDA Rural Development for up to $675,000.00 of Bonds and $225,000.00 of Grant Funds for Improvements at Godfrey Dam

Mayor Bertrand opened and called to order the duly advertised and scheduled public hearing at approximately 7:30 pm. to accept public comments.  He then listed each ordinance and resolution separately for individual public comments on each.  Jason Vien, 1207 Main Street, is opposed to the proposed ordinance to have no parking in front of 1203-1207 Main Street (Ord. 2009-05).  As a taxpayer he won’t even be able to park in front of his own house.  He thinks the ordinance is a bad idea and has hired lawyers to appeal the Planning Board and asked Council to hold off on this ordinance.

There being no one else wishing to speak for or against any other subject matter, Mayor Bertrand closed the public hearing at approximately 7:35 p.m.  The Work Session was resumed at this time.

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 18, 2009
Mayor Bertrand called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 8:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.~ The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call.  Present: Councilors Remillard, Landry, McCue, Lafleur, Evans, Goudreau, Cayer and Poulin.    Also present: City Manager MacQueen, Pam Laflamme, Jonathan Edwards, John Moulis, Russell Otis, David Gamache, Ryan Landry, Nancy Malone, Richard King, Sr, citizens and the press.

Minutes, Previous Meetings   
Councilor Poulin moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to accept the minutes of the 05/04/09 WS; 5/04/09 Regular Meeting and 5/11/09 WS.  So moved, the motion carried.

Disbursements:
It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims that all bills start date 5/07/09–5/20/2009 total cash disbursement of $1,210,005.43 Draft #1591.~ Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims.~So moved, the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  
Max Makaitis, in an effort to save legal fees, proposed to form a volunteer committee to generate guideline stipulations regarding Laidlaw.  They could bring the list to the Mayor and Council for their consideration and Max would volunteer his time.  

Mayor Bertrand replied the proposition has merit but they would still have to hire legal counsel.  

Fran Buteau, 286 Pleasant Street, emphasized that concerts should be held at parks and not in a neighborhood where houses are only 18 feet apart.  She concluded that her husband will soon have surgery and needs peace and quiet to recover.  It would be reckless to create a risk since his life could be at stake.

Norm Small said his business is located in a business zone.  He asked the Mayor and Council to step forward and give directives.

Jon Edwards reported that all invited to a meeting on June 3 where experts will be present to answer questions about biomass.  The sponsors are neutral parties.  More meeting details will be announced.
Zona Graham, 282 Pleasant Street, lives across from the big scoop and just wants peace and quiet.  She asked if the church at the big scoop could get rid of the drums and base.

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Council Committee Reports.  No Reports.

2.      Ordinance 2009-04 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15Traffic & Vehicles, Article III. Stopping, Standing & Parking, Sec.15-79. Parking spaces reserved for the disabled. (240 School St.) (tabled 5/04/09)
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Berlin, as follows:  That Sec. 15-79 is hereby amended as depicted:  (a)~~The following parking spaces are designated for parking of vehicles for disabled persons only:  School Street, two spaces in front of 240 School Street on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.

-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to remove the ordinance from the table at this time.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to have the ordinance read a second time by short title only.  Councilor Goudreau voted NO.  He cannot support this ordinance since he is concerned it sets a precedence and is not for the good of the general public but for specific heads of a church.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to pass the ordinance.  Roll call resulted in affirmative votes by Councilors Remillard, McCue, Lafleur, Cayer, Poulin and the Mayor. Voting NO were Councilors Evans and Goudreau.  Councilor Landry abstained from voting at this time.  Mayor Bertrand declared the ordinance now passed.  

3.      Ordinance 2009-05 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15Traffic & Vehicles, Article III Stopping, Standing & Parking Sec.15-69 Prohibited at all times in designated places.(1203-1207 Main St) (tabled 5/04/09)
-Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Evans to remove the ordinance from the table at this time.  Voting in the affirmative were Councilors Remillard, Evans, Poulin and Mayor Bertrand.  Voting in the negative were Councilors Cayer, Goudreau, Lafleur and McCue.  Councilor Landry abstained from voting at this time.  There being a tie vote, the motion failed and there was NO ACTION on the ordinance.

4.      Resolution 2009-18 Accepting a grant from the Neil & Louise Tillotson Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars and appropriating such funds to Riverfire. (tabled 5/04/09)    Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, Riverfire, a festival celebrating the Androscoggin River, and the many talents of the people in the Androscoggin Valley, has been held since 2003; and

Whereas, funding for Riverfire is obtained through gate sales at the event, vendor fees and donations; and
Whereas, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation recognized the community effort that goes into the Riverfire celebration and awarded $500.00 for the October 2009 event.  Now Therefore Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:  The Berlin City Council hereby accepts a grant from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and these funds are hereby appropriated to Account Number 01-373-707-0000 Riverfire for use for the upcoming year’s event.  Be it further resolved that the City Manger is authorized to do all things necessary to effectuate the grant.  This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage

-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to remove the resolution from the table at this time.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to have the resolution read a second time by short title only.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to pass the resolution.  Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Bertrand who declared the resolution passed.  

5.      Resolution 2009-19Appropriating the sum of $4,260.to the Police Department for the purpose of effectuating the Berlin SMART Radar Trailer Grant awarded by the NH Highway Safety Agency.  (tabled 5/04/09)  Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
WHEREAS on April 21, 2008, the Berlin City Council passed a resolution authorizing the Berlin Police Commission to apply for and receive funds for any and all purposes from the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency for Highway Safety Project Grants for Fiscal Year 2009; and

WHEREAS speeding traffic has been identified as a significant problem in Berlin; and

WHEREAS allocating police resources to combat speeding traffic at specific locations often requires long periods of stationary police observation which is not effective and often not possible due to police responsibilities in other areas of the community; and

WHEREAS radar trailers are an effective tool utilized in making the public more aware of their travel speeds, continually reminding citizens to check their speed; and

WHEREAS the Berlin Police Department’s current radar cart is over thirteen years old and has reached the end of its useful life; and

WHEREAS the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency recently approved the Berlin Police Department’s application for grant funds for a new radar trailer.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Dollars ($4,260.00) is hereby appropriated to the Police Department budget for the purpose of effectuating said radar trailer grant.  Further, the above sum is in addition to all other previously appropriated funds for the Berlin Police Department Fiscal Year 2009 Budget.  This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.

-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor Evans to remove the resolution from the table at this time.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor McCue to have the resolution read a second time by short title only.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor McCue to pass the resolution.  Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Bertrand who declared the resolution passed.  


6.      Resolution 2009-20: Appropriating the sum of$1,746.77 to the Berlin Police Department for the purpose of effectuating the DWI Hunter Patrols Grant. (tabled 5/04/09)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
WHEREAS on April 21, 2008, the Berlin City Council passed a resolution authorizing the Berlin Police Commission to apply for and receive funds for any and all purposes from the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency for Highway Safety Project Grants for Fiscal Year 2009; and

WHEREAS alcohol and drug impairment continue to be a factor in personal injury and fatal crashes; and

WHEREAS sobriety checkpoints and overtime enforcement patrols conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout the state are effective in increasing the safety of motorists using the roadways; and

WHEREAS there is a need for state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to partner in conducting concurrent, intensified DWI Hunter enforcement patrols;  and


WHEREAS the NH Highway Safety Agency funds local projects to promote such enforcement and recently approved the Berlin Police Department’s application for such DWI Hunter Patrols grant funds, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the sum of One Thousand, Seven Hundred Forty-Six Dollars and Seventy-Seven Cents ($1,746.77) is hereby appropriated to the Police Department Fiscal Year 2009 budget for the purpose of effectuating said DWI Hunter Patrols Grant.  This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.

-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to remove the resolution from the table at this time.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to have the resolution read a second time by short title only.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor McCue to pass the resolution.  Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Bertrand who declared the resolution passed.  

7.      Resolution 2009-21: Authorizing and providing for the incurrence of indebtedness and acceptance of a grant for the purpose of providing a portion of the cost of consultant services to provide best design solutions, competitive budding, and making improvements to its water supply system facility at Godfrey Dam to serve an area lawfully within its jurisdiction to serve.   (tabled 5/04/09)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the City of Berlin (herein after called City) to raise a portion of the cost of such undertaking by issuance of its bonds in the principal amount of up to Six Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($675,000.00) pursuant to the provisions of New Hampshire Statutes Annotated; and

WHEREAS, the City intends to obtain assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture, (herein called the Government) acting under the provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.) In the planning, financing, and supervision of such undertaking and the purchasing of bonds lawfully issued, in the event that no other acceptable purchaser for such bonds is found by the City.  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises the City hereby resolves:
  • The City Council for the City of Berlin Water Works (the “City”) hereby appropriates the sum of up to $900,000 for a water supply infrastructure improvement project including, among other things, certain concrete repair-improvements to Godfrey Dam and improvements to a transmission pipeline (the “Project”) and authorizes borrowing of up to $675,000 to be raised through the issuance by the City of $675,000 of its bonds or notes under and pursuant to the terms of the Municipal Finance Act, RSA 33, as amended (the “Bonds”), such Bonds to be sold to the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development or as otherwise determined to be in the best interests of the City by its City Manager and Treasurer; the proceeds of the Bonds to be used, among other things, to pay off the outstanding principal amount of funds loaned to the City by the State Revolving Loan Fund.  The remaining, at least $225,000 of the aforesaid appropriation, to be in the form of a grant from Rural Development in accordance with the terms of the Letter of conditions; the City Manager and Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign all documents and to take all steps necessary to effectuate the intent of the foregoing; and all actions heretofore taken consistent with the foregoing; and all actions heretofore taken consistent with the foregoing hereby being ratified and confirmed.
  • To refinance the unpaid balance, in whole or in part, of its bonds upon the request of the Government if at any time it shall appear to the Government that the City is able to refinance its bonds by obtaining a loan for such purposes from responsible cooperative or private sources at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time as required by section 333(c) of said Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983 (c) ).
  • To provide for, execute, and comply with Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement,” and Form RD 400-1, “Equal Opportunity Agreement,” including and “Equal Opportunity Clause,” which clause is to be incorporated in, or attached as a rider to, each construction contract and subcontract involving in excess of $10,000.
  • To indemnify the government for any payments made or losses suffered by the Government on behalf of the City.  Such indemnification shall be payable from the same source of funds pledged to pay the bonds or any other legally permissible source.
  • That upon default in the payments of any principal and accrued interest on the bonds or in the performance of any covenant or agreement contained herein or in the instruments incident to making or insuring the loan, the Government at its option may (a) declare the entire principal amount then outstanding and accrued interest immediately due and payable, (b) for the account of the City (payable from the source of funds pledged to pay the bonds or any other legally permissible source), incur and pay reasonable expenses for repair, maintenance, and operation of the facility and such other reasonable expenses as may be necessary to cure the cause of default, and/or (c) take possession  of the facility, repair, maintain, and operate or rent it.  Default under the provisions of this resolution or any instrument incident to the making or insuring of the loan may be construed by the Government to constitute default under any other held by the Government and executed or assumed by the City, and default under any such instrument may be construed by the Government to constitute default.
  • Not to sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise encumber the facility or any portion thereof, or interest therein, or permit others to do so, without the prior written consent of the Government.
  • Not to deface the bonds, or to borrow money, enter into any contractor agreement, or otherwise incur any liabilities for any purpose in connection with the facility (exclusive of normal maintenance) without the prior written consent of the Government if such undertaking would involve the source of funds pledged to pay the bonds.
  • To place the proceeds of the bonds on deposit in an account and in a manner approved by the Government.  Funds may be deposited in institutions insured by the State or Federal Government or invested in readily marketable securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.  Any income from these accounts will be considered as revenues of the system.
  • To comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations and to continually operate and maintain the facility in good condition.
  • To provide for the receipt of adequate revenues to meet the requirements of debt service, operation and maintenances, and the establishment of adequate reserves.  Revenue accumulated over and above that needed to pay operating and maintenance, debt service and reserves may only be retained or used to make prepayments on the loan.  Revenue cannot be used to pay any expenses which are not directly incurred for the facility financed by USDA.  No free service or use of facility will be permitted.
  • To acquire and maintain such insurance and fidelity bond coverage as may be required by the Government.
  • To establish and maintain such books and records relating to the operation of the facility and its financial affairs and to provide for required audit thereof as required by the Government, to provide the Government a copy of each such audit without its request, and to forward to the Government such additional information and reports as it may from time to time require.
  • To provide the Government at all reasonable times access to all books and records relating to the facility and access to the property of the system so that the Government may ascertain that the City is complying with the provisions hereof and of the instruments incident to the making or insuring of the loan.
  • That if the Government requires that a reserve account be established, disbursements from that account(s) may be used when necessary for payments due on the bond if sufficient funds are not otherwise available and prior approval of the Government is obtained.  Also, with the prior written approval of the Government, funds may be withdrawn and used for such things as emergency maintenance, extensions to facilities, and replacement of short lived assets.
  • To provide adequate service to all persons within the service area who can feasibly and legally be served and to obtain USDA’s concurrence prior to refusing new or adequate services to such persons.  Upon failure to provide services which are feasible and legal, such person shall have a direct right of action against the City or public body.
  • To comply with the measures identified in the Government’s environmental impact analysis of this facility for the purpose of avoiding or reducing the adverse environmental impacts of the facility’s construction or operation.
  • To accept a grant in an amount to be at least Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) under the terms offered by the Government; that the City Manager of the City is hereby authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary or appropriate in the execution of all written instruments as may be required in regard to or as evidence of such grant; and to operate the facility under the terms offered in said grant agreement(s).  The provisions hereof and the provisions of all instruments incidental to the making or the insuring of the loan, unless otherwise specifically provided by the terms of such instrument, shall be binding upon the City as long as the bonds are held or insured by the government or assignee.  The provisions of sections 6 through 17 hereof may be provided for in more specific detail in the bond resolution or ordinance; to the extent that the provisions contained in such bond resolution or ordinance should be found to be inconsistent with the provisions hereof, these provisions shall be construed as controlling between the City and the Government or assignee.  This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to remove the resolution from the table at this time.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to have the resolution read a second time by short title only.  So moved, the motion carried.
-Councilor Lafleur moved with a second by Councilor McCue to pass the resolution.  Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes of Council including Mayor Bertrand who declared the resolution passed.  


NEW BUSINESS

8.      Resolution 2009-22: Amending the 2008-09 budget by revising Fund 10, School Department Federal Programs and appropriating additional grant funds to reflect the changes by $17,467.00.  (1st read)
-Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor Evans to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on June 1, 2009.  So moved, the motion carried.

9.      City Manager’s Report
Coalition Brownfields Funding
We have received word that the $1M in Brownfields Funding (referred to as the Coalition Grant -- $600k DES, $200k NCC and $200k City of Berlin ) that we applied for jointly with NH DES and the North Country Council has been awarded to us. This funding is presumably only available in October of this year so we are applying to see if we cannot receive it earlier. The funding is for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Reviews. Once Phase I's and Phase II's are completed, it should then put the City in a good position to apply for actual clean up funds to get properties cleaned up.

Fire Informational Meeting
An informational meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday evening at 7pm in the City Hall Auditorium to hear from the Berlin PD, the Berlin FD, Berlin Code Enforcement and the State Fire Marshall's Office to update local citizens about the fires we have experienced. Obviously, fire investigation details will not be discussed, but there will be discussion of such things as how to make the community safer, improving communications and dispelling rumors. It also announces a new means the Police Department is putting into place for keeping the public informed on these kinds of matters. This is called "Nixle". This is a web-based system which allows the Department to disseminate information automatically to the public. The web site is http://local.nixle.com/register/. The City website has the link for this as well under "Links for Residents" on the Home Page.

Gill Building Open House
This past Thursday an Open House was held at Berlin Downtown's newest renovation project. This project was undertaken by several local investors who took the Gill Building, gutted it and renovated it to meet all current codes into functional and attractive office/retail space on the first floor and first class apartments on the second and third floors. These apartments will provide very nice Downtown housing for people who want the advantage of maintenance-free living convenient to all the downtown entertainment, restaurants  and services and greatly reducing the need for vehicular travel.

Water Resources Meeting
State officials will be discussing a new report, the New Hampshire Water Resources Primer, on the state's water resources management challenges at the next North Country Council quarterly meeting on May 27th at 6pm at the Red Barn at the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem. Much of the report appears to deal with the impact of growth on water resources and water quality in the state.

Legislative Matters
HB 351, which reduces the interest rates that may be charged on delinquent property tax bills from the current 12% and 18% to 8% and 12% respectively, will have a hearing before the Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee on Thursday May 21st at 8:50am in LOB 103. NHMA opposes this bill because it will encourage more people not to pay their property taxes. There are many people who pay the current interest rates rather than simply pay their property taxes. Lowering these rates which have been in effect for at least the past 15 years will simply encourage more delinquency.

The so-called retirement reform bills continue their movement through the legislative process and what start out as obviously needed reforms to the get the retirement system out of the deep financial hole it is in  seem to get "reformed" as they go. For example, HB 532 which would have excluded private duty pay from the definition of "earnable compensation" under the retirement system was simply 'reformed' into oblivion by being killed.

HB 590 increased from 20 to 25 years of service needed for Group II members to retire and increased the minimum retirement age from 45 to 50. The Senate voted to allow retirement at any age with 25 years of service and increased the annual service credit from 2% to 2.5% per year.  This means a member can retire at any age with 25 years of service with a pension equal to 62.5% of final compensation. These modifications eviscerate the savings to the system intended by the original reform bill. The Retirement System is hardly pulling itself out of the financial quagmire it is in.

HB 273 relative to the submission of electronic data by municipal and county inspection stations was voted as "Ought to Pass" by the Senate Committee on Transportation and goes to the goes to the Senate Floor this Wednesday. This bill would exempt municipalities from having to long-term lease expensive equipment in order to be able to send municipal fleet data to the state via this equipment just for municipal equipment. This will avoid an unnecessary expense for Berlin and other municipalities throughout the state.


The NHMA is supporting HB 446 which would define statutorily the term "unnecessary hardship" for the purpose of granting zoning variances. The Bill also eliminates the distinction between "use" and "area" variances. Clarification in this area would seem to make a lot of sense as there seems to be a good deal of confusion among ZBA's on these issues.

Mayor Bertrand asked the City Manager if there was any Bureau of Prison news.  The City Manager replied that the ball is now in their court and we are waiting for them to reply.

Councilor Goudreau questioned if we should make another attempt to contact them.  The City Manager replied that they said they would get back to us once they had a reply.  We don’t want to appear desperate at this point.

Councilor Goudreau moved with a second by Councilor McCue to accept the City Manager’s Report and place it on file.  So moved, the motion carried.

10.     Public Comments
Jon Edwards, School Street, told Council he previously had no clue or preconceived ideas, he just knew he did not like the look of the mill stack.  He began to do his own research and came across information about Laidlaw.  He talked to other communities who dealt directly with Laidlaw and some town were involved in a suit against Laidlaw, some towns felt they had been burnt by Laidlaw and some vendors never got paid by Laidlaw and are out some serious cash.  Regarding Max’s offer to intervene, Mr Edwards stressed that this is bigger than noise or dust.  In all fairness, he does not think Council should accept Max’s offer and commended the Mayor and Council for taking this matter seriously by hiring legal counsel.    

11.     COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Goudreau thanked the six candidates for coming forward for the Ward One position.  He would like to see more people involved in city matters.

Councilor McCue concurred about the people who came forward for the Ward One seat.  On another matter, he would like to keep the issues clear about the Big Scoop concert controversy.  The concerts that Norm Small had at the Big Scoop were not a problem.  The problem is how that building will now be used. The Ward Two Councilor congratulated all involved with the fantastic renovation of 52 Main Street.  He also congratulated Stacia Roberge for completing her first year of business.

Councilor Remillard is disappointed the ordinance for  no parking in front of 1203-1207 Main Street did not pass tonight.  They did all that was asked of them and there was no reason the small business was not approved tonight.  She feels we should encourage any small business to start.  Upper Main Street is not being developed.  Councilor Remillard concluded that Council can not mandate who can or can’t start a business.  The vote seemed very biased in her opinion.

Councilor McCue stated that he is on the Planning Board and he voted against the proposal.
Councilor Poulin is also disappointed and feels we should promote small business since we make them jump through hoops.  He went on to say that anyone that makes a public comment should stay until the end of the meeting to get hear Council’s comments.  He commended Jon Edwards for being an ambassador for info regarding Laidlaw.  Council has been preoccupied with the budget lately but should bet back on target soon.  Councilor Poulin would like to see a different logo for the City of Berlin.  We need to change our image from smoke stacks to something more attractive.  He was very impressed with the law firm that they chose to hire.  He can appreciate what Max is trying to do but it seems like he is out banging the gong for Laidlaw.

Councilor Landry thanked the Mayor and Council for the votes and the opportunity to become actively involved.   
 
12.      Mayor’s Report
Mayor Bertrand reminded Council about the budget public hearing on the 28th..  

Councilor McCue reminded everyone about Drive in the 50’s on Thursday, June 4.

Councilor Poulin moved with a second by Councilor McCue to accept the Mayor’s report and place it on file.  So moved, the motion carried.   

13.     Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before Council at this time, Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to adjourn the meeting.  So moved, Mayor Bertrand declared the Regular Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:54 p.m.

A True Record, Attest:
Debra A. Patrick, CMC
City Clerk