Work Session
November 30, 2009
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Goudreau, Lafleur, Landry, Remillard, McCue, Evans and Poulin; Councilor Cayer was absent.
Others present included Patrick MacQueen, Eric Eisele, Berlin Reporter; Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun (6:55 p.m.) and public.
Updated Contract for the East Milan Road ump Station Project
Mr. MacQueen explained that Wright Pierce started the design of the upgrade to the waste water treatment plant to accommodate sewage from the new prison and they are past 50% completion. This agreement would reflect the work already done and the completion of the drawings and permitting. There would be other agreements along the way for inspection, design, and inspection of construction.
The BOP is sending $2.135 million and a resolution will be forthcoming to appropriate the money to the Sewer Fund. Councilor Lafleur confirmed that no additional costs are foreseen for now. Mr. MacQueen noted that the DES is requiring a full wetlands permit which is delaying the process. For this evening, approval to enter into an agreement is requested.
Councilor Lafleur moved to enter into an agreement with Wright Pierce for the design of waste water treatment plant improvements to accommodate the new prison at a cost of $272,600.00; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Letter Supporting Changing “Great North Woods” to “Grand North”
Mr. MacQueen reported that a request came from the Chamber of Commerce to ask the Council to support a letter to the State asking them to change the name of the region from “Great North Woods” to “Grand North” to be more in sync with the Roger Brooks grand initiative.
Councilor Goudreau commented that the term sounds hideous. Councilor Remillard felt that it did not paint a picture to someone who would be hearing it for the first time. She suggested “Grand Northern Woods”.
Councilor McCue indicated that the term ties into the “Grand Adventure” branding project that has been led by Destination Development who were hired to promote tourism for Coos County. The term Grand was selected because three of four grand hotels in the State are in the North Country. To be considered “grand”, destinations have to be worth a three hour drive. Councilor McCue added that a form letter was generated and we are being asked for support; however he did not feel there is enough information.
Councilor Landry stated that he searched for Berlin on the NH Grand web site and found only references to restaurants ( www.northnh.com/certified-grand-adventures/Grand ). He did not see the tie into Berlin and said there is too much focus on the hotels adding that if we have to compete with grand hotels and Gorham, we will not win. Councilor McCue commented that Berlin’s role would be to become the urban center and marketplace where people buy and shop for everything.
Mr. MacQueen suggested asking the Chamber of Commerce why they think changing the name is a good idea and who thought of it?
Councilor Landry stated that Great North Woods fits more with the City’s 21/21 Initiative than “Grand North.”
Councilor Evans voiced that the Roger Brooks Initiative, making Coos County the Grand County is a good idea. Grand North is just not a good name. The Great North Woods and Coos County do not have the same boundaries, complicating the proposed change. He likes the Great North Woods and would be reluctant to let it go.
Councilor Poulin followed by saying that Roger Brooks and Destination Development are very good at what they do and if they came up with the idea then he would be willing to go along because he believes in their ability. He added that he would like to find out who came up with the name and if it is Roger Brooks then he would like to know why he chose the name.
A motion was made by Councilor McCue, seconded by Councilor Landry, to table the request until there is more information.
Other
Councilor Goudreau stated that he will be absent for next two weeks.
Mayor Bertrand stated that the Coos County Commissioners have a budget hearing on December 5 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in West Stewartstown.
Councilor Evans moved to adjourn; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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