November 9, 2009
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Goudreau, Lafleur, Landry, Remillard, Mccue, Cayer and Poulin; absent was Councilor Evans
Others present included: Debra Patrick, Pamela Laflamme, Gerry Dumoulin, Michael Caron, Peter Higbee, Dick Eastman, Dick Huot, Mary-Jo Landry, Irene Grondin, David Graham, Esq., Paul Grenier, Norman Charest, several students, media and public.
Special Meeting to Accept the Municipal Election Results
Debra Patrick presented the election results for the Council’s consideration. Councilor Lafleur moved to accept the election results; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried with all in favor.
WORK SESSION
Meet with BIDPA
Mayor Bertrand commented that Councilor Evans initiated the discussion about BIDPA’s mission statement and its present and future role and how that might change in the future. Dick Huot explained BIDPA’s current position has been to focus on finding suitable, developable sites for commercial and industrial development. In this economy the board was getting eager to do something for the community and when they were approached by the owner of the Rite Aid building to accept the building as a donation, they accepted. The property has been renamed Bickford Place. BIDPA wants to get involved with the development of Main Street.
Mayor Bertrand asked about the Georgia Pacific property. Chair Huot noted that GP wants complete indemnification and until legal counsel can move forward, negotiations are at a standstill. BIDPA has made an offer on the Hexaport building and there has not been any response. There is no point in taking the building off the tax rolls. Mr. Huot also mentioned that BIDPA was contacted by an attorney for NADC about the northern 60 acres of the mill property but no proposal has come forward.
Mayor Bertrand asked about the City’s need for a revolving loan fund. Chair Huot explained that BIDPA is restricted against loaning money by statute. They have however, come up with creative ways to help businesses such as Isaacson Steel where equipment was purchased and leased back to Isaacson’s thereby saving jobs in the community and preventing the company from moving a part of its operation to another area. Councilor Lafleur confirmed that the City Council was apprised of BIDPA’s work with Isaacson’s and they were fully supportive.
Councilor Goudreau encouraged BIDPA to partner with an entity that is not subject to state law (RSA 162-G) for a revolving loan fund. Mr. Huot reported that BEDCO and NCIC were invited to meet with BIDPA and the end result was that they were not the right fit for BIDPA.
Norm Charest acknowledged that BIDPA funds could not be used for a revolving loan fund. He added that he has not given up but has come up with an idea for a collateral fund which uses as its foundation the principles established by the Isaacson deal. A request would come in from an entrepreneur who has spent his savings and credit line on equipment and BIDPA could buy the equipment and lease it back to the individual. At the end of the term, the equipment would go back to the client. Mr. Charest indicated that he is developing an application form and will be presenting the peripheral language to the Authority next week.
Mr. Huot informed the Council that BIDPA is not opposed to the idea; however they take their responsibility of managing city funds seriously and feel they have to be conservative. Ideas are great; entrepreneurs are good; but there is a need to value their assets and get verification before getting into a financial situation. This needs to be done the right way.
Mayor Bertrand thanked Chair Huot and board members for attending.
Berlin Housing Authority Update
Mary Jo Landry introduced herself as the Executive Director of the Berlin Housing Authority. The Housing Authority was successful in getting ARRA funds for roofing and siding in several of their residential units affecting 55 tenants. There is grant money for energy related improvements and BHA will get a second housing grant to increase handicap accessibility to the housing units. The BHA manages St. Regis House; 382 housing units in Berlin and Northumberland. The BHA will also be monitoring NE Family Housing units for the Neighborhood Stabilization Grant for the next 20 years.
Chair of the BHA Irene Gallant presented Mayor Bertrand with a check for payments in lieu of taxes (PILT). Incoming Chair David Graham, Esq. was introduced to the Council . Ms. Landry thanked all the City departments for the assistance provided to the Housing Authority and its clients. She felt it important that non-profits hear the message of providing support through PILT to the City.
Councilor McCue thanked the Housing Authority for the payment and appreciates that the Housing Authority is working to encourage other non-profits. He mentioned that the work the BHA is doing is an opportunity for weatherization and energy training giving people a chance to learn new skills for new jobs. Ms. Landry clarified that though Glen Guilders of North Conway got the contracting bid, they hired local workers.
Councilor Remillard referred to a freeze on section 8 housing and asked if the City should be concerned that money will not be available for these housing units. Ms. Landry explained that rents have gone up faster than funding is coming in to the Housing Authority and they are being fiscally responsible. It would not be responsible to put anyone else on the waiting list until there is more funding.
Councilor Landry confirmed that the house on Maynesboro Street was put on the market when houses were selling for more and that the BHA is willing to negotiate the price.
Disposition of Tax Deeded Properties
Mayor Bertrand noted that there are recommendations for several properties that the city has in its possession.
Councilor Remillard asked if the properties being deeded to NE Family Housing are at no cost. Mr. MacQueen confirmed that there is no initial cost; however the buildings will need to be rehabilitated in accordance to the grant and will have to be retained for 20 years. Councilor Remillard asked about the area that the grant is covering. Ms. Laflamme stated that NE Family Housing is concentrating their effort on a small area on the east side but the actual area drawn and approved was much larger.
Councilor Lafleur moved with a second from Councilor McCue that the City Manager is hereby authorized, indefinitely until rescinded, to offer for sale at the earliest appropriate opportunity, the properties listed below by sealed bid with conditions as indicated for each property or to take the appropriate action as otherwise indicated:
Map/Lot 129-0011.0000, 390 School Street & 52 Cambridge Street: The City will demolish 390 School Street and deed 52 Cambridge Street to New England Family Housing for rehabilitation using NSP funds.
Map/Lot 130-0158.0000, 584 Rockingham Street: The City will deed this property to New England Family Housing for rehabilitation using NSP funds.
Map/Lot 119-0126.0000, 95 Mason Street: The City will deed this property to New England Family Housing for rehabilitation using NSP funds.
Map/Lot 136-0050.0000: Land located on Wood Street: Lot to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Map/Lot 120-0141.00001001: Land located on Willard Street: Lot to be sold by sealed bid to abutting neighbors with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Map/Lot 119-0468.0000: Land located on 818 Fourth Avenue: Lot to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses and place applicable zoning rules.
Map/Lot 119-0335.0000: Land located at 703 First Avenue: Lot to be retained by the City for future use.
Map/Lot 128-0177.0000: 522 School Street: Property to be retained for future demolition using NSP funds.
Map/Lot 130-0177.0000: 276 East Mason Street: Lot to be retained for possible future use of NSP funds.
Map/Lot 130-0374.0000: 575 Champlain Street: Property to be retained for future demolition using NSP funds.
Map/Lot 131-0044.0000: Land located on Hillsboro Street: Lot to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Map/Lot 135-0213.0000: 120 Pershing Street: Property to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Map/Lot 128-0191.0000: Land at 695 Main Street: Lot to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Map/Lot 126-0069.0000: Land located on Highland Avenue: Lot to be sold by sealed bid with minimum price set to recover back taxes and expenses.
Zoning Ordinance for Groundwater Management Zone
Mayor Bertrand related that Sevee & Maher have recommendations for ground water management zones in the City. They have a contract with DES to manage and monitor the Dummer Yard property. They have found a significant amount of manganese coming out of ground in the area surrounding Dummer Yard. On Friday Sevee & Maher decided to withhold their recommendation to a later date.
Mayor Bertrand asked if there are any wells in Napert Village; Ms. Laflamme stated that there are none known but she would confirm. The Mayor noted that Sevee & Maher will come back with a recommendation.
Upcoming Legislative Session
Mayor Bertrand reviewed the suggestions that Councilor Evans prepared to send to Senator Gallus. The first was legislation to make it easier for residents to purchase power from local power generators. Councilor McCue added that renewable energy and energy generated locally would be used locally. There was no objection from the Council.
Councilor Evans’ communication indicates that there are regulations in place that prevent hot water pipes from crossing power lines and he would like to see that changed. Councilor McCue will get more information from Councilor Evans.
The next item: a reduction in the sweeping privileges currently enjoyed by collective bargaining units. Mayor Bertrand noted that this factor needs further refinement. Councilor McCue reasoned that Senator Gallus will need to keep the City in mind as changes to laws affecting collective bargaining agreements could have a tremendous effect on the City.
The Council reviewed Councilor Evans’ suggestion to introduce legislation that would reduce fire codes that drive up the costs of building construction. Councilor Remillard voiced that she would not be in favor of slacking regulations that are improving the safety of homes and buildings in Berlin. Councilor McCue said that often the difficulty is in the interpretation of codes.
Mr. MacQueen mentioned the IEBC Code that has never been adopted by the State. It recognizes existing construction and may facilitate downtown construction. The Council asked for more information from Joe and Chief Trull.
Councilor Evans’ letter asks Senator Gallus to restore revenue sharing and there was no opposition from the Council. Legalizing gambling was the final item on the list. Councilor McCue stated that the Senator often reminds people that he is the senator who represents the North Country and he supports legalized gambling in the North Country. Councilor Poulin affirmed that he has not changed his position and he continues to oppose gambling. City Manager MacQueen offered to draft a letter for the Council’s consideration.
Other
Burned, dilapidated buildings. Councilor Goudreau expressed disbelief that the city cannot do something beyond the 155-b process when it comes to burnt, dilapidated properties. Federal law is superseded when State law is more stringent; he could not see how local law would not supersede State law if it is more stringent. He questioned whether fines would encourage swifter action. Councilor McCue rationalized that fines become unrealistic and end up being uncollected or waived by the court when the property owner has no money, which is in most cases.
Councilor Remillard asked what gave the City the authority to take down the building on Mason Street that began to collapse. Mr. MacQueen indicated that it was a safety hazard and had fallen onto the sidewalk. Though it was taken down, it was not hauled away.
Councilor Remillard asked if the city did not take the initiative on Main Street since what was left of the burnt property was seemingly unsafe. Mr. MacQueen responded that the fire scene is under the jurisdiction of the Fire Marshall. Councilor Poulin determined that it should be a matter of policy that a half burned property would be knocked into a little pile.
Mayor Bertrand asked if something could come from the fire chief outlining the time frame for dealing with fire properties and how much time the fire marshal has to make a determination. Councilor Goudreau stated that communities pass laws to protect their community. We as a city have a problem; there has to be something that the legislative body can pass.
Tax Collections. Councilor McCue commented that property tax collections are at 92.3% having been collected.
Veteran’s Day. Councilor McCue further commented that November 11 is the day to honor veterans.
Capital Improvement Bond. Mr. MacQueen informed the Council that banks will have their bonding quotes in by Thursday of this week and the bond bank needs a commitment by Friday. Depending on the quotes received, a decision will be made on whether to go with the bond bank or local bank. If the bond is not through the Municipal Bond Bank, the resolution that was passed will need to be amended. Councilor Goudreau indicated that several things need to be considered including fees and a disbursement schedule.
21/21. Norm Charest reported that he is going forward with selecting a task force and next week individuals will participate in a training session involving a private networking system which will be the primary way the task force will communicate.
Next meeting. Mayor Bertrand informed the Council that he will not be at the next meeting; Councilor Lafleur will preside.
ATV Trail. Mayor Bertrand stated that the opening of the ATV trail through the city went very well with over 100 atv’s taking part. The event was very well received. Councilor Lafleur congratulated Councilor Cayer for the hard work on the ATV trail and he thanked Mr. Pinette’s students who worked on the kiosk. Councilor Cayer said that it was a group effort and shows what can be achieved when working toward a common goal. This is just the beginning.
Councilor Cayer moved to adjourn; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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