Work Session
September 14, 2009
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Remillard, Lafleur, McCue, Landry and Cayer; Councilors Goudreau and Poulin were absent. Others present included Laura Viger, Larry Richards, Patrick MacQueen; several students from Mrs. Watson’s Civics class, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun, Eric Eisele, Berlin Reporter.
Redesign of Vodoukis Lot
Laura Viger presented a redesign plan for the Voudoukis lot that Larry Richards came up with. Mr. Richard’s plan called for a pathway through the property and into the sculpture garden. A more decorative stairway would come in and out of the property.
Mr. Richards suggested salvaging bricks that came off dilapidated buildings such as the one on Main Street and could be used in this kind of development. Ms. Viger further described Mr. Richards’ plan as having a waterway that would be created out of fiberglass with a fountain at the bottom. There would be a kiosk where art work would be displayed. She noted that this is likely to be a $75,000 to $80,000 project for which grant money would be sought.
Councilor McCue commented that the Voudoukis lot is the gateway to Main Street. Councilor Remillard saw the value in attracting tourists to view the gallery. Councilors expressed concern that there would be cost to maintain the park. Mayor Bertrand noted that if there is general consensus that this is a good idea, staff time could be dedicated to the layout with staff coming back to the Council in the near future with more information.
Councilor Evans voiced his concern that the budget does not seem to have enough to maintain existing parks and he is hesitant to go forward. Mayor Bertrand confirmed that maintenance and operational costs would be his major concern as well; however he would be willing to allow staff to do more research.
Councilor Lafleur moved to allow staff time to redesign the Voudoukis lot in the furtherance of Mr. Richards’ proposed plan; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Evans voting against.
Wind Powered Energy Systems Exemption
Mayor Bertrand explained that recently citizens have appeared before the zoning board for approval of residential wind energy projects. The Council had asked for additional information on adopting an exemption for wind energy as allowed by RSA 72:66. At this time 5 of the 20 municipalities in Coos County have adopted the exemption and 38 out of 234 municipalities in the State have adopted it. In 2005 the City added solar exemptions and in 1986 a referendum for a wind exemption was put on the ballot in Berlin and failed.
Mr. MacQueen explained that the City has adopted a solar exemption in the amount of the value of the improvement which sunsets in 2012. The draft of the wind exemption has it sunsetting in 2016 to see how it works.
Councilor Remillard asked if there is an amount and Mr. MacQueen noted that the amount of added value from the windmill would be exempted. It does not take anything off the value of the property.
Mayor Bertrand commented that the Master Plan speaks to adopting the exemptions and he supports energy independence. Councilor Cayer asked if anyone is taking advantage of the solar exemption and questioned how much property tax revenue we are not getting because of the exemption.
Councilor Landry wanted to be sure that the exemption would not be for wind companies but for personal use on the site.
Councilor Evans spoke in favor of the exemption saying that if we are to believe the Master Plan reflects the wishes and goals of the community, one of the recommendations of the plan is to adopt the exemptions.
Councilor McCue asked if there should be input from the City’s assessors or Board of Assessors.
Councilor Evans moved to place the resolution on the next agenda; Councilor Landry seconded. Councilor McCue noted that he would have a hard time supporting the resolution unless he has the additional information. In the vote that followed, the motion failed. Further discussion would take place once the requested information is received.
Other
Mr. MacQueen reported that he received a letter from the NH Municipal Energy Assistance Program offering to do energy policies for the city. He asked the Council to authorize seeing as it may make us eligible for assistance.
Councilor Evans moved authorize staff to move forward with the NH Municipal Energy Assistance Program; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Lafleur acknowledged the students from Mrs. Watson’s Civics Class who attended the meeting.
Mayor Bertrand recognized a member of the public who was present and his comments to change the plow route in Ward IV were heard. He was advised to put the information in a letter for consideration.
Councilor McCue strongly recommended that Council members read and comment on the Master Plan.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Evans moved to go into non public session per RSA 91-A:3II (e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been threatened in writing or filed against the body or agency or any subdivision thereof, or against any member thereof because of his or her membership in such body or agency, until the claim or litigation has been fully adjudicated or otherwise settled; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Lafleur moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried by roll call.
Councilor McCue moved to seal the minutes until such time that they can be released; Councilor Landry seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilor Evans moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
