Work Session
February 8, 2010
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Landry, Remillard, McCue, Rozek, Cayer, Poulin and Evans; absent was Councilor Danderson.
Others present included Planning Board members, Fran Cusson, Ernie Allain, Aline Boucher, and David Morin; Jim Wagner, David Bertrand, Bill Gabler, Andre Caron, Corinne Cascadden, Max Makaitis, media and public were also present.
Master Plan Final Draft
Ms. Laflamme gave an overview of the Master Plan process thus far noting that it began with a citizen survey that received a 48.9% response rate. Citizens have been involved and contributing to the Plan throughout the process through a series of well attended forums.
Mayor Grenier questioned whether there is a plan going forward to combine lots throughout the City to 100 x 100 lots. He also commented that the plan should specify de-densifying neighborhoods.
Mr. Caron commented that the Housing Chapter of the Master Plan will address some of those concerns. The City received $ 4.3 million grant with $1 million for demolition and that will make a difference in several neighborhoods.
Councilor McCue commented that the implementation chapter of the Plan is very good and he encouraged everyone to review it.
Clean Power Development Project
Mayor Grenier distributed Planning Board minutes pertaining to the Clean Power development project. He stated that recent comments attributed to Bill Gabler had the city acquiring easements from PSNH for Shelby Street. Mayor Grenier stated that he did not find any reference in his research to indicate that the Planning Board committed the City to acquiring easements or that the City would be building the road.
Mayor Grenier clarified that it has always been Clean Power’s responsibility to build the road, and to acquire the easements.
Ms. Laflamme noted that the easements mentioned during the Planning Board meetings had to do with the PSNH power line that is adjacent to the back of the Clean Power property. Any time there is a project affecting the PSNH right of way, they want to be notified. The Planning Board did not address the individual easements for the roadway.
Mayor Grenier acknowledged that once Clean Power builds the street to city standards, the Council would accept the street, and the city will accept the responsibility of maintenance.
Bill Gabler explained his understanding was that the city solicited a request for proposals for engineering on six projects and the upgrade to Shelby Street was one of those projects. HEB was awarded the contract and there are economic development grants still pending. Mr. Gabler went on to say that Clean Power was going to pay the bill but his understanding was that it is a city street and a city project.
Mr. MacQueen established that Shelby Street was put in as a project because ARRA funding was available for engineered, shovel ready projects. We did not get the stimulus funds and that project has been dropped.
Fran Cusson added that conditions were imposed on Clean Power by the Planning Board and it would be their responsibility to build the road. Mayor Grenier reasoned that the City will help in any way but the road and easement are the responsibility of Clean Power. Mr. Gabler admitted that he stands corrected.
Councilor Evans confirmed that if federal funding were available for Shelby Street, the City would pursue it. Councilor Landry asked what effect this will have on Clean Power’s plans. Mr. Gabler responded that until tonight he was under a different impression in that he thought the City would take the lead on the road. He now knows that he will need to proceed in a direction to obtain easements from three parties: the city, PSNH and AVRRDD. Councilor Landry asked if it will present another obstacle that the city is not getting the easements. Mr. Gabler answered that Clean Power has never had a discussion with PSNH or AVRRDD about easements for the street. Councilor Landry encouraged Mr. Gabler to keep the Council informed of progress and if there are problems.
Councilor Rozek confirmed that the abandoned rail line that is a snowmobile trail is not one that needs to be maintained for the re-installation of tracks. Mr. Gabler reported that the snowmobile trail will not be affected by the project.
Councilor McCue reasoned that Shelby Street as it is exists on private land and is not a city street. Mr. Gabler agreed that Clean Power will have to start from the ground up for the road that currently exists.
Rotary Park Agreement Discussion
Mr. MacQueen explained that some time ago there was a proposal to apply for a grant that would create a public boat landing at the Rotary Park which is owned by Northern Forest Heritage Park. The city applied for and obtained the grant but we are waiting for the money. One of the requirements of the grant is that the land is owned by the City. NFHP agreed to grant the land to the City by agreement that would protect both NFHP and the City. The council’s approval is being sought in order that this can proceed. Heritage Park would deed the land to the city and operate under the agreement and carry out the agreement and operate on the land henceforth.
Mayor Grenier confirmed that the grant is for a boat docking facility with no exclusive use. He asked if the City would be held harmless and Mr. MacQueen indicated that the landing would be under the City’s public liability policy the same as a public park.
Councilor Remillard stated that the ownership is not clear in the agreement. Jim Wagner clarified that it was written to cover the time that NFHP owns the land and also once it is deeded over to the City. NFHP wants to use the dock and if for any reason they cannot, then they want to leave the option open to build their own dock.
Councilor McCue asked if CAP needs to be a party to the agreement and Mr. MacQueen noted that they don’t do anything in the agreement. Mayor Grenier asked for a clean copy of the agreement to vote on next week.
Proposed Budget Schedule
Mr. MacQueen pointed out the short time frame at the end of the budget process where a special meeting will be necessary to adopt the budget. Reviewing schedules, it was decided that the School Department’s meeting with the Council would be Tuesday, March 9, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
President’s Day Meeting
Councilors decided to meet on President’s Day, February 15, 2010.
Other
Councilor McCue commented that Section 2.3 of the City Code-Conflict of Interest may be lacking and he will work on this section of the code and come back to the Mayor and Council with a proposal for an updated conflict of interest ordinance.
Councilor Rozek questioned a letter received by Councilors pertaining to the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to replace culverts and he asked if the usage of roads would remain the same. Mr. MacQueen noted that he would find out and report back.
Councilor McCue reported that he and several other Councilors went to the Board of Education meeting regarding the School budget. He encouraged all Councilors to review copies of the School Department’s budget before March 9th.
Non-Public Session re: Land Matters.
Councilor McCue moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community; Councilor Landry seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Land matters were discussed and no votes were taken.
Councilor Evans moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Poulin moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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