June 8, 2009
Work Session
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Cayer, Poulin, Landry, Lafleur, Remillard, and McCue. Others present included Representative Paul Ingersoll, Jay Poulin, Ed Bergeron, Paul & Fran Cusson, Norm Charest, Mike King, Jim Rafferty, Ken Mimmack, Pamela Laflamme, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Update on Engineering Projects
Jay Poulin reported that HEB Engineers has been working on the conceptual design for several projects in the City. They will begin to apply for funding and if successful will continue to the design phase.
Route 110 Municipal Sewer Extension. HEB looked at the feasibility of doing a sewer extension from the former Bass Shoe out to the height of land where the proposed hotel would go. The project would include 2.3 miles of municipal sewer extension and minor upgrades to the pump station. Project cost is $2.35 million including the sewer line, pump station upgrades, engineering fees, permitting, easements, and contingency. It is not likely that the project will be funded through ARRA as it was rated #132 and only 30 projects will be funded. Rural Development may have some funding. Councilor Lafleur confirmed that wetlands’ permitting is within normal costs. Mr. Poulin indicated that trench cutting is not allowed; however directional drilling would be done underneath the road.
Hutchins Street. Mr. Poulin explained that the existing alignment is difficult to maintain because it is built on 15 to 20 feet of bark. The bark would need to be taken out and disposed of. There is an opportunity with this project to realign the street into the former mill property which would straighten out the odd turn at Bridge Street. This would also allow the existing roadway to be reconstructed into a multiuse path for a bike path or ATV use.
12th St Bridge was found to have significant corrosion on the deck and will be in need of re-decking. Preliminary cost is $835,000; however State Bridge Aid, if approved, would provide 80% funding. The bridge is on the list for funding for 2016. Councilor Evans noted that a new bridge would cost $4 to $5 million. Councilor Landry asked if the bridge will last until 2016 and Mr. Poulin recommended that the work be done prior to that date. Mayor Bertrand clarified that the abutments to the bridge are still stable; it is the decking that needs to be replaced.
Hillside Avenue Bridge over the Dead River. Mr. Poulin indicated that there are actually two bridges and both need help to the degree of complete replacement at a cost of $600,000. This bridge could also be on the State Aid for Bridges Program for 2017. Mr. Bergeron commented that the bridge is likely to be red listed by the State soon and once it is the heavy truck load will be eliminated, thereby extending the life of the bridge.
Berlin Mills Pedestrian Bridge. Mr. Poulin reported that the bridge is structurally sound but in need of painting and repair. There is the potential of raising the bridge so that boats could get under. Because this is an historic bridge, the State limits it to repair rather than replacement. HEB recommends pressure washing the bridge, then encapsulating the lead paint by repainting. This would cost just over $800,000 and does not include lifting the bridge which would add $100,000. Mayor Bertrand asked if the historic designation would allow an enhancement to the bridge for ATV and/or snowmobile use. Mr. Poulin reported that the bridge’s width could likely be expanded to its original distance across.
Mr. Poulin indicated that his company also looked at the possibility of a pedestrian bridge in the Tondreau lot that would cost between $250,000 to $500,000 and would cover a short span just south of the island and provide tremendous views of the river.
Mayor Bertrand questioned the Cole Street Bridge and asked about its red list designation. Mr. Bergeron stated that it is likely due to load rating.
North Country Council – Mike King
Mayor Bertrand established that this Council opted to re-join the North Country Council and Mike King was at the meeting to give a general update on NCC activities. Mr. King stated that the NCC provides services from master planning, and environmental planning, to providing services of an economic development district. There is a Transportation Committee that communities are invited to participate in. Transportation projects are on a deadline of July 1 to get a letter of interest in.
NCC is working on an update of the ten year plan that will go to the Governor and then to GACIT hearings. In partnership with DES, the NCC has secured funding for Brownfields and the City has benefited from that. NCC is the regional planning commission for 51 communities in 3 counties.
NH Charitable Gaming Proposal - Jim Rafferty
Mayor Bertrand reported that tomorrow night there will be a public information meeting where the public will be free to ask questions regarding the gaming proposal. Jim Rafferty established that gaming needs a final push to get State legislation passed in this year. Current legislation would allow 2000 machines in the North Country with a licensing fee of $10,000 each
Ken Mimmack stated the gaming operations are a business and it’s important to benefit everyone involved. The operation would create economic development; jobs; generate tourism; promote entertainment; and strengthen the economy. He emphasized that the southern portion of the State has the mass and population and if the bill stays as written, there will not likely be gaming in the North Country. He encouraged support for “right sizing” the bill to make it work in the smaller communities. He proposed reducing the licensing fee to $5,000 per unit.
Mr. Rafferty explained to the group that his company viewed several possible sites and it became obvious that gaming should be in the downtown. There is an opportunity at the Albert Theatre and NH Charitable Gaming has reached a tentative agreement on the sale of the building contingent upon legislation passing; they also have an option on the Rite Aid parcel.
Phase I of the project will take the Rite Aid buildings out completely and turn it into a parking facility. The Albert Theatre would have 250 slots, 10 table games, a 70 seat restaurant; bar and performance stage. This phase has a budget of $7 million.
If the legislature were to accept their version of the bill, $2.6 million annual income to would come to the State; $300,000 annual income to the city; $100,000 income to the county; $260,000 to local charities; $100,000 to problem gambling programs; and there would be payroll expenses of $4.6 million. There would be 155 direct jobs created and d 155 indirect jobs.
In Phase 2, the operation will effectively double in size, including additional parking resulting in a $17 million budgeted project.
Mr. Rafferty informed the group they had a talented architectural firm develop a view of the proposed project following the architectural features of other downtown buildings such as city hall.
Phase 3 would be an expanded facility and hotel with 1,000 gaming machines, 25 table games and a 300 room hotel and convention center and showroom. The project would have a $50 million budget and would go into the Oak Street area.
The company is asking the City of Berlin to be their legislative partner as grassroots support is essential.
Mayor Bertrand opened the meeting to questions from the Council and urged all to attend the public forum to be held tomorrow night. He added that the City Council has endorsed the bill but they have not taken a vote to endorse a particular proposal.
Councilor Evans asked for an explanation of charitable gaming and Mr. Rafferty explained that NH law allows poker tournaments sponsored by a charity. The proceeds are then divided with the charity receiving 35%, the State 10% and the facility 55%. This concept is embraced in the Delasandro bill and would apply if passed. The Charitable aspect would only be on the table games.
Councilor Landry asked if there is an estimate of tax revenue to the city and Mr. Rafferty noted that there is no tax relief for the gaming operations. He added that in each phase that is added revenue doubles. Councilor Landry asked if there is an estimates on traffic based on what is seen in other facilities. Mr. Mimmack stated that the phased in project will allow for problems to be worked out.
Representative Ingersoll commented that there is a good possibility for the gambling bill to make it through the Legislature.
He added that he will be asking the City Council to support his request for a sign on Route 26 in Errol depicting the route to Old Orchard Beach via Route 16.
Budget Revisions
Mayor Bertrand noted that the Council heard from several people at the public hearing asking that budget cuts to the Health and Recreation Departments be reconsidered. It was determined that it would add .18 to .20 on the tax rate to fund both departments to last year’s level.
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City was made aware of an additional $2,700,000 of assessed value that results in an additional $75,000 of tax revenue and offsets the change to both departments.
Councilor Landry asked if some of the money from the recently announced $4.3 million Neighborhood Stabilization grant can be sent to the budget to reduce the Housing line item. Mr. MacQeen defended the line item by saying that the City needs to develop a fund for housing renovation, and demolition that leverages grant money. The City money has no strings attached and the City can use it as it sees fit.
Councilor Remillard expressed that she would prefer the Finance Director position to be funded at a full time level in the budget. In a straw poll, Councilor Remillard moved to fund a full time position including the requisite benefits for the position; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion failed with Councilors Remillard, Lafleur and McCue voted for the motion and the remaining Councilors voting against.
In a straw poll Councilor McCue moved with a second from Councilor Lafleur to fund the Recreation and Health Departments at a zero increase from the 2009 budget. There were seven Councilors in agreement and Councilor Evans indicated his disapproval.
Bureau of Prisons Waste Water Treatment Contract
Mr. MacQueen explained that the Bureau of Prisons has accepted the City’s proposal to supply a sewer line to the federal prison for $8.5 million. He added that the offer was made when the City thought it would get DES funding and due to the State budget woes, that money will be deferred. We are now applying to Rural Development and if we don’t get funded, the project will have to be cut back. The next step is to work out the agreement and get the design going.
Councilor McCue moved that the City Manager is hereby authorized to sign an agreement with the BOP similar to the attached agreement subject to the final details being worked out to his satisfaction as well as the satisfaction of the City's Engineer Wright-Pierce and the City's Attorney and to proceed with the work necessary to connect the Federal Prison to the City sewer system and to treat its sewerage; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Other
Biomass Meeting. Councilor McCue reported that he received information regarding a public information session on biomass to be held at the college sponsored by Plymouth State University and BEDCO Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
High St. Fire. Councilor Lafleur commented that firefighters did another tremendous job with an unoccupied apartment house fire on High Street. Mayor Bertrand added that there was substantive damage to a neighboring occupied structure and he concurred that firefighters did a great job.
Concerts. Mayor Bertrand acknowledged correspondence from Fran Buteau and the request for a written reply. Councilor McCue confirmed that the permit issued by the Council was for concerts, not for church services. He added that other than concerns about trespassing, concerts were well run and well attended. Mayor Bertrand asked staff to write a letter indicating efforts taking place.
Transmission Line Meeting – Lancaster. Norm Charest informed the Council that there will be a meeting Friday at 1:30 at the Lancaster Town Hall regarding a proposed transmission line that would bring Hydro Quebec through NH. FERC has approved this line and it puts into question the need for the Coos loop. Mr. Charest added that the proposed line is not compatible with the existing grid.
CEDDS. Mr. Charest also commented on the CEDDS Committee of NCC noting that the committee submits projects for EDA funding. Berlin currently has four projects for EDA money including three for Clean Power and one for BIDPA land.
There being no further business, Councilor Cayer moved to adjourn; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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