Work Session
August 24, 2009
Present were Councilors Remillard, Poulin, Lafleur, Evans, Cayer, Landry and McCue; absent was Councilor Goudreau and Mayor Bertrand
Others present included Corrections Commissioner Bill Wrenn, Warden Larry Blaisdell, Robert Théberge, Paul Ingersoll, Laura Viger, Andre Caron, Pamela Laflamme, Patrick MacQueen, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun, Eric Eisele, Berlin Reporter and several members of the public.
In the absence of Mayor Bertrand, Councilor Evans moved to have Councilor Lafleur chair the meeting; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Northern NH Correctional Facility – Commissioner Wrenn , Warden Blaisdell
Commissioner Wrenn stated that one year ago he came before the Council and this is becoming a yearly report on the history of how the correctional facility got to where they are and their plans for the future. With this year’s State budget projections, it was determined that the Laconia facility would have to be closed to avoid having to lay off 217 correctional employees. Closing the Lakes Region facility meant relocating 340 inmates in 6 months. Commissioner Wrenn gave credit to this staff who weighed the risks and took necessary precautions to create space in the Berlin facility to accommodate a portion of the relocated inmates. A gymnasium was converted into an open dorm style area which is used throughout the country and not new to corrections.
Commissioner Wrenn explained that the Laconia facility was never built to be a prison but a school campus which was adapted to be a prison. It was the most expensive per diem to run because of the way it was laid out and it made sense to close the facility. Of the 340 inmates to be relocated, the department was able to get parole plans approved for the inmates eligible and inmates who were in the US illegally are going to be returned to their native country through the Rapid Repatriation Act. These efforts resulted in lowering the number needing to be placed by 100.
The future plan is a community corrections division which will likely reduce the rate of recidivism currently at 42%. It costs about $3 to$ 4 per day to manage a parolee in the community and in prison; it costs $100 per day per inmate.
Councilor Landry asked about the possibility of privatization of the local facility. Commissioner Wrenn noted that thoughts from the Governor are very much in the infancy stages. Governor Lynch has talked with the governors of Maine and Vermont about overcrowding at facilities in their states and mentioned a tri-state facility; however there is no plan for that. The concept would be to build something large and inmates would come from other states on a tuition basis. To accomplish something that large, there would need to be capital investment that could only be done with private investment. The North Country would be an ideal location because of its proximity to the other states.
Councilor Remillard asked how many of the inmates will be in Berlin and how many in Concord? Warden Blaisdell explained that there are 170 in Berlin and the remaining are in Concord. Councilor Remillard commented that she’s heard the overcrowding is a safety issue and that the morale of the guards is at an all time low. She questioned the number of jobs that have been lost? Commissioner Wrenn indicated that in spite of everything they have one of the most professional departments that he’s had the pleasure of working with. The challenges were tremendous and the staff made it work. They may grumble but they still make it work.
The Commissioner explained that layoffs were conducted by the rules that the Corrections Department has to live by. There are divisions and classifications to include Commissioners of all facilities, Medical & Forensics, Administration, and Probation & Parole. Layoffs are done by division and then by seniority and whoever the junior person is, they get laid off. There is no consideration of where the facility is. Where the layoff occurred is where a vacancy is posted. He added that he does not anticipate any more layoffs; though furloughs in the Governor’s budget have not been voted on by the union membership. At this time all correctional officers have been recalled and it is anticipated that the process will be quick to get people back to work. For all ranking officers, any position
that becomes open will be made available to them by seniority.
Councilor McCue encouraged the Department of Corrections to keep the public informed because when rumors circulate, people get scared.
Mayor ProTem Lafleur thanked the Department of Corrections for the work being done on Jericho Lake ATV trails. He asked if the work will continue. Warden Blaisdell explained that eight staff were laid off and the increase in population at the prison has realized an additional teacher and chef position. Getting work crews out has been a juggling act and with 198 staff and an order to reduce overtime, filling vacation leave, and sick leave; it has been difficult
Commissioner Wrenn commented on the status of building a women’s prison, stating that a request for proposals has gone out to engineering firms that would be awarded a project to draw up the plans and site a facility. There are no definite location plans at this time. It is however likely that a women’s facility would be located more centrally in the state because of the special needs of a women’s facility. Commissioner Wrenn thanked the Council for allowing him this opportunity to update the Council.
Taxicab Business License Request
Mr. MacQueen explained that Cheryl Fenwick and Daniel Millet of 12A Grandview Drive have applied to the City Council for a taxi cab license. They have completed a background check and the taxi oversight group recommends that the license be granted.
Councilor Poulin moved to approve the taxi cab license for Cheryl Fenwick and Daniel Millet; Councilor Landry seconded and the motion carried. Councilor McCue confirmed that Dependable Taxi is being purchased and there is still only one taxi cab company doing business in the City.
Property Disposition – 20 Watson Street
Andre Caron reported that 20 Watson Street was tax deeded by the City and is adjacent to property the City owns as part of the waste water treatment plant. It is the recommendation of staff that the City Council retains the property for city use and authorizes the demolition of an existing structure using city funds put aside for demo.
Councilor Landry asked what the cost of demolition is and Mr. Caron indicated that it is likely to be $20,000 to $21,000. He added that grant funds will not be used to demolish this building because the funds need to be used in targeted neighborhoods.
Councilor Poulin moved to retain the property known as Map/Lot 116-0019 located at 20 Watson Street for future use by the City and demolish the building currently on site; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Neighborhood Stabilization Administrative Requirements
Mr. Caron reported that he is taking the preparatory steps for the $4.3 million by asking the City Council to consider a Grantee Financial Management Plan, Conflict of Interest Policy and Code of Ethics. Seeing as the City has the only public/private partnership, it is likely that there will be an audit
Grantee Financial Management Plan – NSP Project
It was clarified that the grant administrator has not been hired yet.
Councilor Poulin moved to adopt the Grantee Financial Management Plan as presented; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Code of Ethics
Councilor Poulin moved to accept the Code of Ethics as presented; Councilor Evans seconded and the motion carried.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Councilor Poulin moved to accept the Conflict of Interest Policy as presented; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Street Renaming
Ms. Laflamme presented the Council with a memo and map reflecting proposed changes for the renaming of Unity Street to Staff Sergeant Randy S. Rosenburg Boulevard. She noted that north of the intersection the existing Unity Street becomes Coos Street and then Hutchins Street. It is proposed that the street beginning at the intersection with Goebel Street be renamed to Hutchins Street. She went on to say that the other change being proposed is renaming Unity Street Park to be consistent with the name of the roadway. These changes would be rolled into a resolution for September 8.
Councilor McCue indicated that he received a letter objecting to this and noting that Sergeant Rosenberg is the only soldier to have a memorial at Veteran’s park. He admitted that he likes the idea of renaming the upper end of the street; however he is still grappling with changing the park and lower part of Unity St. He questioned the criteria for having such a dedication and whether others would come forward to have streets renamed after their loved ones.
Laura Viger stated that it is a dangerous precedent to set because there is always someone who is deserving of having a park named after them and there are only so many parks. Councilor Poulin commented that he sees the points being made; however there is no greater sacrifice than to have given up one’s life for their country. It would be a sign of the City’s reverence and honor to rename a street. If there are other requests they could be considered on a case by case basis. He added that it would be a sign of a City with class and some respect.
Councilor Evans agrees with Councilor McCue and renaming the street and park seems like too much and he questioned where do you draw the line? He said that the City has done something to pay their respects and the city is filled with memorials for those who gave their lives. He suggested following what has been done so far.
Councilor Landry affirmed that there would be a public hearing on the matter. Councilor Evans commented on the length of the name and Ms. Viger noted that Rosenburg Boulevard could in bold print and in smaller print would be the remainder of the title. Ms. Laflamme confirmed that the Council wants two separate resolutions for the next regular meeting of the City Council; one to rename the small section of Coos Street to Hutchins Street and the other would rename Unity Street. Renaming the park will not be up for consideration for now.
City Seal Discussion
Mr. MacQueen indicated that Laura Viger is the resident artist on staff and she was asked to come up with some rendition of the City seal. Ms. Viger presented several drawings that were done by the late Bob Hughes. She also presented the Council with a drawing she did of the current seal with the smoke stack removed and trees added.
Councilors were pleased with the seal without the stacks and commented that it would be a quick fix. Councilor McCue noted that future marketing could be developed on the city buildings and the architecture.
Councilor Poulin moved to adopt a new City seal for use in all City functions and as the official letterhead; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Evans established that the intent is to use existing letterhead until the supply is depleted and any new orders would have the new seal.
Councilor Cayer reasoned that in addition to the buildings and architecture, people who first come to the City see the façade of Mt. Forist.
Other
There was no business under other.
Adjourn
Councilor Cayer moved to adjourn; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
*Androscoggin Promotional Video was played after the meeting for those interested in viewing.
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