City Council Work Session
July 13, 2009
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Remillard, McCue, Evans, Goudreau, Cayer, and Poulin; absent were Councilors Lafleur and Landry
Others present included: Patrick MacQueen, Eric Eisele, Berlin Reporter
Roadside Memorials
Mayor Bertrand noted that this agenda item was brought up by Councilor Remillard and postponed until after budget. Councilor Remillard recounted that she has had constituents talk with her about roadside memorials and their seemingly indefinite presence along roadways in the City. She proposed that crosses and flowers have a restriction of 30 days and if they are not removed by the family, a city official would remove the items.
Mr. MacQueen indicated that there are no local regulations on roadside memorials and there are apparently no State laws as these are on roadways all across the State.
Councilor McCue questioned whether the memorials being just outside the right of way may deter communities from regulating them. He suggested leaving it to the discretion of public safety officials and if the memorial is a hazard or problem, it could be removed. Mayor Bertrand commented that if there is an ordinance with time limits, someone will have to track the time, and that could be a burden on staff.
Mr. MacQueen agreed that if regulated, the City should take the position that they are not allowed. Councilor Cayer mentioned that some existing memorials are on PSNH property and the City could not likely regulate unless they are in the right of way. Councilor Poulin stated that he has been asking people what they think and most he’s spoken to want there to be an end date where the memorial would be removed.
Councilor Evans said that he is not in favor of adding an ordinance. He felt that adequate direction would be to tell staff to remove the articles when they are not maintained and have become trash. He further suggested that the City mimic what a groundskeeper at a cemetery does by eliminating what becomes trashy looking. Councilor Goudreau felt that there needs to be a timeline. Mayor Bertrand proposed that the date of death must be on the memorial and 90 days from that date removed by whoever put it there or it could be removed by the City.
Mr. MacQueen stated that an ordinance will be drafted for consideration.
Other
Burnt Structure on Main St
Councilor Goudreau commented that there are ordinances in other states that fine a building owner for obstructing a public way. The rubble from the burnt buildings on Main Street has shut down a portion of the sidewalk and for that there would be a fine. Councilor McCue noted that there are already ordinances that say the sidewalk cannot be blocked. Mr. MacQueen stated that there is nothing to
prevent us from clearing the sidewalk; however it may be that in this situation, the existing partial wall is holding up a larger wall and moving the debris may cause an unsafe situation. He added that to pass such an ordinance, the City would have to get the OK from the Legislature.
CIP
Councilor Goudreau expressed concern that most councilors are six months away from their terms expiring and he would like it to be a priority to approve the CIP and projects to be bonded with the current council. Mr. MacQueen explained that department heads are preparing their CIP lists to both update the current list and provide upcoming projects. It should be ready to bring to Council in August. Councilor Goudreau commented that he wants to see projects started.
City Letterhead/Seal
Councilor Poulin proposed that the City seal depicting the mill stacks be changed to something still in line with Berlin’s heritage but moving away from the stacks. He said that it had been suggested to have a contest to come up with an appropriate city seal. Councilor McCue agreed stating that the schools could be contacted as well. Mayor Bertrand noted that such a project would have to be started soon.
Mowing
Councilor Cayer asked if City parks are being mowed, noting that Hutchins Street Park has not been mowed yet this year. Councilor Goudreau added that the pocket park at the entrance to the city is also overgrown.
Bridge/Highway Dedication
Councilor Poulin reported that he had a constituent speak to him about dedicating a highway or bridge to a soldier from Berlin who lost his life. Councilor Poulin was advised to have the constituent put together a proposal for consideration.
Questionable Magazine Salesmen
Councilor Cayer warned that he had two questionable magazine salesmen come to his house and the police were contacted. It was noted that a peddler’s permit is required to sell door to door in the City.
There being no further business, Councilor Evans moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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