Work Session
October 19, 2009
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Evans, Cayer, Landry, Goudreau, McCue, and Remillard; absent were Councilors Lafleur and Poulin
Others present included: Pamela Laflamme, Jon Edwards, Charlie Cotton, Bill Gabler, Pete Morency, Jan Millis and Barney Valliere
Update on Mental Health
Mayor Bertrand introduced Charlie Cotton who came to update the Council and answer any questions regarding mental health services provided in the City. Mr. Cotton noted that his agency is seeing a dramatic increase in the services they are providing to people who can’t afford to pay. He reported that they will be adding more therapists due to the demand.
Mayor Bertrand asked how services are funded. Mr. Cotton stated that most of the program funding comes from fees for services as well as an appropriation from every town in the service area. There is not much funding for out-patient therapy. Due to funding restrictions, the agency has had to stop contributions to the employee retirement fund. With more people out of work, the recruitment of professionals has been easier.
Councilor Remillard asked if the increase in demand is relevant to the closure of Riverside 2. Mr. Cotton reported that the State has made allowances in their funding that pays for care other than hospitalization and there have been fewer hospitalizations coming from the area. The only place to go now when hospitalization is needed is Concord. The Emery Street property has been beneficial to clients who need immediate care.
Councilor Evans confirmed that the Council’s appropriation to Northern Human Services is down to $7,300 out of the $10,000 that was requested. Mr. Cotton acknowledged that the appropriation has been reduced twice in the last years. . Northern Human Services employs 120 staff in the Berlin/Gorham area and they have made an attempt to maintain full time benefit positions.
Councilor Evans questioned the policy of Northern Human Services not to deny services and asked how they are handling the increase in clients. Mr. Cotton noted that if someone is eligible for State services, they have to be offered treatment on a sliding fee scale. It is getting difficult to maintain the policy; however closing the door would mean denying services to hundreds with mental health needs. Mr. Cotton complimented the City on its skilled and professional police department and health department staff.
North Woods Animal Rescue
Mayor Bertrand acknowledged a request from North Woods Animal Rescue for the City to provide $1,500 per month for rent. Pete Morency commented that there has been some confusion between the parties involved with the proposed animal shelter, but they are trying to do the right thing. If they had the resources, they could be more helpful, but they are not there yet.
Mayor Bertrand reasoned that there is no money in this year’s budget for the shelter; however it could be considered next year in the outside agency budget. Mr. MacQueen noted that many cities provide animal control services directly. Berlin has no respite for animals and it is a significant municipal issue that needs to be seriously considered. Mayor Bertrand suggested that the request come in next year’s budget and that the Police Department could also present a proposal on how to handle the animal situation. A written response to the request will go to North Woods Animal Rescue.
Councilor McCue commented that it may help if the situation is publicized as there are perhaps people with properties that could help. Councilor Evans confirmed that the City does not have property suitable for their purposes. He asked if the group is working with the City on a pet evacuation plan and if not, who would be the point of contact. Chief Morency indicated that it is a long range goal but has not yet happened. Mr. MacQueen noted that Laura Viger does emergency planning and she would be the contact person. Laura could update on whether any efforts are being made.
PUC: Order of Notice
Mayor Bertrand explained that the Order of Notice issued by the PUC on October 9 regarding Clean Power’s complaint against PSNH specifies October 28 as the deadline to submit a petition to intervene. Mayor Bertrand suggested that such a petition could demonstrate how the City’s interest may be affected by PSNH’s decision to refuse to discuss the possibility of a power purchase agreement with Clean Power. On behalf of the City, he asked if the Council wants to participate in the process.
Council members expressed some concern over hiring legal counsel to file the petition to intervene. Mayor Bertrand summarized the question put to the Council as, “do we want to intervene and if so, to what degree?”
Councilor Evans commented that Clean Power has been treated unfairly by PSNH. Though he supports intervening, he would want to minimize the amount of hours and funds put into a petition to intervene.
Councilor Goudreau reasoned that this has nothing to do with Clean Power. PSNH is the largest reseller of power and they are dictating who will do business in Berlin. This is about the City standing up to PSNH and saying that all should be treated fairly. The City has a budget for legal expenses and it would be money well spent.
Councilor Landry supports intervening saying that PSNH is holding the city hostage and preventing development in the city.
Councilor McCue indicated that he agrees with the sentiments stated. Administrative proceedings are more relaxed than legal proceedings and it is not unreasonable to have staff prepare a petition to intervene then run it by the City Attorney. He added that it is good government for the City to participate.
Mayor Bertrand mentioned that there is a prehearing conference regarding the matter on November 3. He agreed that staff should prepare a document for review by the city attorney. He added that we need to make a statement that we are interested in knowing what the PUC will do about the situation.
Councilor Goudreau moved to have staff prepare a petition for the City to act as intervener on a complaint filed to the PUC by Clean Power Development against PSNH, have it reviewed by legal counsel and ready for the next City Council work session; Councilor Cayer seconded. In discussion that followed Councilor Evans asked that the motion be amended to include a spending cap. Councilor McCue voiced that the attorneys are licensed professionals and they well understand the budget situation the City is in; he was not comfortable setting a time/expense limit. The motion carried unanimously without amendment.
Communication from Senator Gallus
Referring to a letter from Senator Gallus, Mayor Bertrand called for any issues that might need legislative action in the coming session. He asked that the Council start thinking about what we want from our State Senator.
Other
Mr. MacQueen explained that the CIP Bond Resolution has the projects itemized as presented last week. Knowing that there is not enough funding for some projects; authorization is being sought for up to $5,000,000 in bonds.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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