October 5, 2009
Work Session
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Remillard, Lafleur, McCue, Evans, Landry and Cayer; absent were Councilors Goudreau and Poulin. Others present included Andre Caron, Patrick MacQueen, Brian Valerino, media and public.
Discussion of Resolution 2009-41 re: Forfeited Drug Seizure Funds
Mr. MacQueen explained that the Police Department has the opportunity to receive drug task force money. Due to being late with the paperwork, the Council is being asked to pass a resolution accepting the funds and later there will be another resolution to appropriate the funds. Mayor Bertrand asked if there are strings attached and Deputy Chief Valerino indicated that the funds would have to be spent on drug related equipment. This is not a normal grant as funds come from Berlin’s participation in drug investigations that result in forfeiture.
Mayor Bertrand confirmed that these funds were made possible due to some drug related discovery made within the city.
Councilor McCue questioned passing the resolution in one night without the usual public hearing and Mr. MacQueen noted that there is an October 10 deadline. Councilor Landry reiterated that there will be another resolution going forward where there will be a public hearing. He questioned what kind of things could be done with the money. The Deputy Chief stated that the PD intends to use the money for equipment purchases to enhance drug investigations and DARE program. They will look for what is best for the entire city.
Choice of Neighborhood Stabilization Program Consultants
Mr. Caron presented a memo to the Council recommending consultants necessary for compliance with the rules set forth by the NSP program. The grant administrator will answer questions and keep records. Donna Lane is being recommended to be the grant administrator. She comes with experience and has done several CDBG projects in Berlin.
Dann Dodd is being recommended to handle housing quality standards where he will do a pre and post construction exam to see that a project meets all the housing quality standards. Councilor Remillard expressed concern for the quality as well as the aesthetics of the housing projects. Mr. Caron noted that he will try to have a full second means of egress for each building.
It is proposed that Elizabeth Hengen be hired as the Architectural Historian for the project. 92% of Berlin’s housing stock is categorized as historic. It will be Ms. Hengen’s job to gauge every house as a contributing architectural benefit to the neighborhood. If the building is considered historic, the project will have to negotiate how the renovation will occur considering energy efficiency versus historic value.
Energy auditors being recommended are Building Alternatives Inc. of Franconia, NH who will do preconstruction and generate a plan for each building and the Jordan Institute will do an independent audit to complete the certification of the building.
Proposed environmental consultants for the project will be Morrissey Environmental of Lewiston, Maine. They will do hazardous materials inspections and supply the City with an abatement plan and cost estimates.
The Berlin Housing Authority would serve as the project’s Relocation Specialist to assure that people are not forced out of their homes and that they have an equal or better place to live, if they need to move. Currently nine out of eleven houses in the project scope are vacant.
The Berlin Housing Authority will also monitor the 25 year rental compliance that New England Family Housing will need to adhere to.
Councilor McCue questioned the use of an Environmental Consultant from Lewiston, Maine asking if there is not someone qualified who is closer. Mr. Caron indicated that the City has worked with Morrissey before and their billing is reasonable where they do not charge travel time for their trip from Lewiston.
Councilor McCue asked why some fees are set amounts at a fixed rate and others are a flat fee. He asked if the NSP has standards that they will come back and apply. Mr. Caron noted that all fees are sent to CDFA for approval.
Councilor Landry asked how the collaboration with NE Family Housing will work. He added that he would like to see local contractors get the work. Mr. Caron reported that he invited all contractors to an informational meeting about getting this work; however he cannot force contractors to get the necessary insurances or have them choose what jobs they want and don’t want. He noted that there will be another public meeting. Councilor Landry confirmed that work will be bid and Mr. Caron added that they will try to bid several similar projects at one time (such as 3 heating systems or 4 roofs). Local contractors should be able to meet the prices being offered by those out of town.
Mayor Bertrand noted that after advertising and a bidding process for the consultants needed for the grant, the recommendations of staff are before the Council for approval.
Councilor McCue moved to accept the proposed consultants for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program; Councilor Landry seconded and the motion carried.
Columbus Day Meeting
Councilor McCue remembered that there was no meeting last year on Columbus Day. Mr. MacQueen stated that the only pending issue would be the CIP and that could be delayed. Mayor Bertrand preferred not to delay the CIP and bond issue any further. The consensus was to hold the work session Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
Other
Councilor McCue encouraged councilors and citizens to attend the school board meeting and master plan steering committee meeting.
Councilor Landry commented that the City is working on marketing itself and it is evident that we do not have the infrastructure to take care of tourists with the only hotel option being the Budget Inn. The reviews on line for the motel are horrible. The motel is the only asset to keep a tourist here and when someone books a trip, they read the reviews. The Budget Inn is not representing the city well. Councilor McCue mentioned the Budget Inn sign that is dilapidated and still on city property.
Councilor Remillard noted that she will pay a visit to the Budget Inn and talk with the new manager.
Councilor McCue confirmed that the forfeiture money and grant funds from the Department of Justice are not anticipated in the police budget. Deputy Chief Valerino acknowledged that the PD does not know ahead how much will be available in any given year.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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