PUBLIC HEARING – May 17, 2010
Mayor Grenier opened and called to order the duly advertised and scheduled public hearing to accept public comments on the below noted ordinances and resolutions at approximately 7:32 p.m.
-Lowering of the water level of York Pond for repair work to the dam.
The NH Fish & Game Department informed the Mayor and Council that they intend to lower the water level of York Pond a maximum of six feet on June 2, 2010. First, they are trying to see what the relationship there may be between the water level in York Pond and the static level of their two gravel packed wells used at the Berlin State fish hatchery. Second, they are hoping to use this opportunity to inspect and replace the dam boards if necessary on the dam on York Pond since the boards are in need of replacement due to age and deterioration. There were no public comments.
-Ordinance 2010-05 Amending Chapter 16 Utilities (Sewer) - No comments
-Ordinance 2010-06 Amending Chapter 15 Crosswalks – No comments
-Resolution 2010-18 Removing Certain Capital Projects from the FY10 Operating Budget – No comments
-Resolution 2010-19 Authorizing a CDBG for up to $500,000 to be Subgranted to the AVRRDD - Donna Lane, CDBG Consultant, made the following presentation:
Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available on a competitive basis for economic development, public facility and housing projects and emergency activities that directly benefit low and moderate income persons. Up to $12,000 is available for feasibility study grants. Up to $200,000 is available annually for Capacity Building activities.
The purpose of this Community Development Block Grant funding request: A proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Economic Development funds. Of the funds, $470,000 will be subgranted to Androscoggin Valley Regional Refuse Disposal District (AVRRDD). AVRRDD will use the funds towards the construction of a natural gas metering & regulating facility and 3,700+/- feet of pipeline which will carry a blend of processed landfill gas and natural gas to the Gorham Paper Mill.~ The metering & regulating facility will provide an interconnect with the Portland Natural Gas transmission system. The project, as part of a larger landfill gas/natural gas pipeline project will allow the Gorham Paper Mill to retain 25 jobs at the mill that are occupied by at
least 60% low and moderate income persons.
This project conforms with Berlin’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s Goal of:
To assist the Berlin economy in responding to change in the City’s economic base alleviating and/or mitigating the impact of job erosion and/or threatened plant displacement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Mayor Grenier opened the floor for public comments at this time.
Close Public Hearing. There being on one wishing to make a public comment at this time, Mayor Grenier declared this public hearing closed.
Mayor Grenier Opened the next Public Hearing
Ms. Lane discussed the updated Housing and Community Development Plan. The following has been added to Berlin’s existing Housing and Community Development Plan:
These goals are consistent with Berlin’s Master Plan and Ordinances.
Any federal CDBG grant funds awarded to address any of these goals shall be expended consistent with national objectives and shall, at a minimum, provide improved housing in accordance with Section 8 standards, be used for public facility projects, employment opportunities, or feasibility studies. All CDBG funded projects, shall primarily benefit low and moderate income persons or households, and shall not benefit moderate income persons to the exclusion of low income persons.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Mayor Grenier opened the floor for public comments at this time.
Councilor Remillard asked if this only helps low income persons.
Donna Lane replied that if this is undertaken, it is primarily for low income but can’t exclude moderate income either.
Close Public Hearing. There being on one wishing to make a public comment at this time, Mayor Grenier declared this public hearing closed.
Mayor Grenier Opened the next Public Hearing
Ms. Lane went on to discuss the Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.
Although this project does not involve any displacement or relocation of persons (or businesses), if the City were to undertake a CDBG project which involved displacement or relocation they would follow this plan. The plan outlines the measures they would take to find comparable, suitable housing for persons (or businesses) displaced or relocated.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Mayor Grenier opened the floor for public comments at this time.
Close Public Hearing. There being on one wishing to make a public comment at this time, Mayor Grenier declared this public hearing closed.
MOTIONS:
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to adopt the updated Housing and Community Development Plan. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to adopt the Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Poulin moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to approve the submittal of the application and vote to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the application, and upon approval of the CDBG application, authorize the City Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract. So moved, the motion carried.
-Resolution 2010-20 Appropriating $13,500 for the Purchase of 169 Green Street – no comments
There being no one else wishing to speak for or against the above noted ordinances or resolutions, Mayor Grenier closed the public hearing portion of the meeting at approximately 7:47 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 17, 2010
Mayor Grenier called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:48 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.~ The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Councilors Remillard, Landry, Danderson, Evans, Rozek, Cayer and Poulin. Councilor McCue was absent. Also present: Pat MacQueen, Susan Tremblay, Chris Hansen, representing AVRRDD: Sharon Gauthier Andy Hartford and the press.
Minutes, Previous Meetings
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to accept the minutes of the 5/03/10 WS & Regular Meeting; 4/10/10 WS. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements:
It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims to pay all bills dated 5/06/10–5/19/2010 for a total cash disbursement of $1,302,279.71 Draft #1616.~ Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chris Hansen, owns a welding business on Seventh Avenue. He was here to talk about the letter he received from Pam Laflamme informing him that due to the State 911 requirement, Seventh Avenue needed to be renamed. Although Ms. Laflamme gave him the option to pick a new street name, he would like Council to support not changing his business street name. Mr. Hansen gave the Mayor and Council a handout listing specific costs he would incur to change the street name on his various business dealings which totaled an estimated $28,320.00.
Mayor Grenier stated that the state may force this change down the city’s throat.
Councilor Danderson agrees with Mr. Hansen and added that since he is an employer it is important to help. The name of the street should reflect his business if they are forced to change it.
Mr. Hansen’s issue is not so much with the name. The real issue is with the cost to make those changes.
Mayor Grenier asked the City Manager if the City is actually required to change that street name now.
The City Manager replied that the state has been pushing for the last 5-10 years for emergency reasons. The actual date when they are required to comply or get penalized, he does not know.
Councilor Landry said that Pam suggesting to change this one now and why Seventh Street was not changed back when the others were changes does not make much sense. He definitely does not want to impact an employer.
Mr. Hansen does not want to offend the residents of Seventh Street. As a boy, he went to church on Seventh Street and grew up in the area.
Councilor Rozek asked Mr. Hansen how many people actually live on Seventh Avenue.
Mr. Hansen replied there is only 1 house on the street and that technically is considered Labossier Street, so no one lives on that street. His business is the only one on 7th avenue.
Councilor Poulin said that there is no business located on Seventh Street so a name change there would not be affecting a business person who has to put out hard money to fix changes. Personal changes are not as costly. It is important to save this business man from the hassle. This change should have been done back when the others were done.
Mayor Grenier wants to schedule this discussion for a future work session to make a determination. Council sympathizes with his plight and will work to help. His position is to leave it alone.
Mr. Hansen’s fear is safety-related. If someone gets hurt on the job due to the type of work they do, would an ambulance have a hard time to find them in time?
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Council Committee Reports - No Reports
2. Ordinance 2010-05 Clarifying that the City May Charge Assessment Levy–Connection Fees for New Connections Related to the Impact Such Connections May Have on the City Sewer System Whether Such Impacts are at the Waste Water Treatment Facility or in the Collection Systems (tabled 5/03/10) Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Berlin, as follows:
WHEREAS, the City of Berlin operates under a Sewer User Ordinance which covers residential, commercial and industrial users; and
WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Ordinance is to "provide for fees for the equitable distribution of the cost of operation, maintenance, and improvement" of the City sanitary system; WHEREAS, the City has been notified by the State of New Hampshire that it is at 80% of design flow capacity and must therefore gain approval from NHDES for each new connection to the system; and
WHEREAS, NHDES is requiring that a certain amount of infiltration and inflow (I&I) removal occur before each new connection is made; and
WHEREAS, the City has already allocated a one-time connection charge to the Bureau of Prisons-Federal Correctional Institution for I&I removal, for sewer extension and Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) improvements; and
WHEREAS, while it is the belief of the City that the existing Sewer User Ordinance provides the basic authority and intent to charge an assessment levy- connection fee to a user which clearly has a large impact on the WWTF or collection system, the language of the ordinance speaks generally without specific reference to impacts on the collection system. Now therefore be it ordained by the Mayor and Council that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Berlin be and hereby is further amended pursuant to RSA 47:17 and RSA 149-I:6 as follows:
Add the following new Section 125a to Division 4. Rates and Charges of Article III Sanitary Sewer System of Chapter 16, UTILITIES: "Sec. 125 a One-time Assessment Levy - Connection Fee
A large commercial or industrial sewer user as defined herein may be charged a one-time assessment levy - connection fee to offset the cost of immediate improvements which have to be made as a result of the new connection to the sanitary sewer and treatment system because of the flow, strength, makeup of the discharge or the location of the sewer user in relation to the sanitary sewer system. With respect to flow, a large commercial or industrial user is defined as any commercial or industrial user with estimated average flow in excess of 50,000 gpd.
In the case of sewer extensions including gravity mains, force mains and pump stations which need to be installed to provide service to the user, the one-time fee charged may be up to 78% of the city's estimated cost of the improvement.
In the case of the removal of I&I needed to offset the estimated new flow, the one-time fee charged may be up to 78% of the city's estimated cost of the I&I removal.
In the case of improvements needed at the WWTF to handle the strength or makeup of the discharge, the one-time fee charged may be up to 78% of the city's estimated cost of the improvements.
In the case of an industrial user which is required to pay the above one-time connection fee to offset improvements needed at the WWTF, the surcharge called for in Section 16-125 shall be waived, except that if the Suspended Solids or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) limits for a Group 1 user later increases to the standards of a Group 2 user, then a surcharge will also be charged in the amount of 30 percent of the normal sewer bill." All other provisions of said Chapter 16 remain in effect. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to remove the ordinance from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to have the ordinance read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to amend the ordinance by adding after the fourth sentence, on page 2: “Any amount less than the 78% referred to in the previous three sentences will be approved by the City Council.” So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to read the ordinance, as amended, a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to pass the ordinance, as amended. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the ordinance, as amended, now passed.
3. Ordinance 2010-06 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Traffic and Vehicles, Article II, Specific Street Regulations, Sec. 15-40. Crosswalks by adding a crosswalk on Main Street in front of 650 Main Street (Health & Human Services Building). (tabled 5/03/10)
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Wherever authorized crossing lines are painted as depicted in Sec. 15-1, a driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to pedestrians per RSA 265:35. ~Authorized crosswalks are listed below:
Main Street, in front of 650 Main Street (Health & Human Services Building). This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to remove the ordinance from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to have the ordinance read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to have the ordinance read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to pass the ordinance. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the ordinance now passed.
4. Resolution 2010-18 Removing Certain Specified Capital Projects from the FY’10 Operating Budget Because they have been Otherwise Funded in Bond Resolution 2009-43. (tabled 5/03/10) Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Whereas, the FY 2010 budget which we are currently in funds a number of capital projects; and
Whereas, the Mayor and Council, fully anticipating that some of these capital projects would be otherwise funded through a bond issue or some other future mechanism, made a non-specific reduction in the overall FY10 capital program of $513,942 when they finalized the FY10 annual operating budget in June of 2009; and
Whereas, as planned by the Mayor and Council, certain specified capital projects were subsequently funded by the Mayor and Council in bond resolution 2009-43 passed by the Mayor and Council on November 2, 2009 or expected to be funded by a future bond issue or some other future funding mechanism; and
Whereas, there was never any intent to have duplicate appropriations for any of these specified capital projects. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council that the specified projects which have been funded in Bond Resolution 2009-43 are hereby removed from the capital portion of the annual FY2010 annual operating budget as shown on the attached page which shows the capital portion of the FY2010 annual operating budget before and after the removal of the specified capital projects ('strikethroughs' signify the removed projects).
|
FY10 Capital Budget before and after Resolution 2010-18 |
|
|
2010 Capital |
Revised 2010 |
ACCT |
ACCOUNT |
Budget |
Capital Budget |
NUMBER |
DESCRIPTION |
before Res. 2010-18 |
after Res. 2010-18 |
01-480-400-0004
|
CI - SCHOOL BUS REPLACEMENT
|
80,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-400-0018
|
CI - BJHS WINDOWS
|
27,185.00 |
0 |
01-480-400-0019
|
CI - BOILER REPLACEMNT - BROWN SCHOOL
|
370,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-905-0001 |
CI - ASSESSORS AVITAR |
170,632.00 |
170,632.00 |
01-480-913-0002
|
CI - SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT
|
55,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-913-0003
|
CI - RETAINING WALL REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
|
65,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-913-0004
|
CI - STREET REHABILITATION
|
110,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-913-0006
|
CI - BRIDGE INSPECTION/REPAIR PROGRAM
|
50,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-913-0016 |
CI - STORM DRAIN REPLACEMENTS |
20,000.00 |
20,000.00 |
01-480-913-0017
|
CI - SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
|
15,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-932-0009 |
CI - POLICE CRUISERS |
54,100.00 |
54,100.00 |
01-480-932-0012
|
CI - PD PAVED PARKING AREA (WI-FI)
|
15,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-932-0017 |
CI - PD SEVERANCE |
87,000.00 |
87,000.00 |
01-480-932-0018
|
CI - PD NEW FACILITY
|
20,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-932-0019
|
CI - PD MEN'S BATHROOM
|
12,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-961-0001
|
CI - FD REPAIR PROGRAM (ALARM CONSOLE)
|
20,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-961-0002
|
CI - FD ADDITION
|
20,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-961-0019
|
CI - FD TELEPHONE REPLACEMENT
|
12,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-962-0004
|
CI - PWD EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
|
120,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-962-0006
|
CI - PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE UPGRADE II
|
75,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-963-0007
|
CI - PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENT PLAN
|
50,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-963-0030 |
CI - ROTARY PARK BOAT RAMP |
2,500.00 |
2,500.00 |
01-480-965-0001
|
CI - HOUSING INITIATIVE
|
250,000.00 |
0 |
01-480-965-0002
|
CI - IT INITIATIVE
|
52,675.00 |
0 |
01-480-965-0003 |
CI - 411 SCHOOL STREET (NOTRE DAME) |
60,000.00 |
60,000.00 |
01-480-999-0000
|
CI - REDUCTION DUE TO BONDING
|
(513,942.00) |
0 |
01-460-813-0000 |
CIP School Bond Debt Service |
|
53,867.00 |
01-460-814-0002 |
CIP School Interest Debt Service |
|
5,528.00 |
01-480-999-9999 |
Appropriated But Not Spent |
~ |
845,523.00 |
|
TOTALS |
1,299,150.00 |
1,299,150.00 |
This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Landry have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Landry to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Landry to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the resolution now passed.
5. Resolution 2010-19 Authorizing an Application for an Economic Development Community Development Block Grant in an amount up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) to be Sub-Granted to the AVRRDD. (tabled 5/03/10)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Whereas, up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) is available annually on a competitive basis for housing and public facilities, economic development and emergency activities that directly benefit low and moderate income persons; and
Whereas, if awarded, Four Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($470,000.00) of the funds would be subgranted to the AVRRDD to use towards the construction of a natural gas metering and regulating facility and 3,700 feet of pipeline which will carry a blend of processed landfill gas and natural gas to the Gorham Paper Mill; and
Whereas, the landfill gas/natural gas pipeline project will allow the Gorham Paper Mill to retain 25 jobs at the mill that are occupied by at least 60% low and moderate income persons; and
Whereas, Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) will be used to pay the City’s administrative, audit and legal costs. Now therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
That the City Manager is authorized to apply for an Economic Development Community Development Block Grant in an amount up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) and upon approval of said application, the grant will be subgranted to the AVRRDD and the City Manager is authorized to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract;
Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to receive said grant and the grant proceeds are hereby appropriated for the purpose of the grant; and all grant proceeds shall be deposited with the City Treasurer and any additional use of these funds beyond the scope of work as listed in the application shall require prior approval of the City Council.
The City Council adopts the updated Housing and Community Development Plan; and the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Landry to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the resolution now passed.
6 . Resolution 2010-20 Appropriating Thirteen Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($13,500.00) for the Purchase of 169 Green Street. (tabled 5/03/10)
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as follows:
Whereas, 169 Green Street is adjacent to City property and would, among other possible uses, be suitable to provide additional parking space for the Berlin Recreation Center; and
Whereas, the building is in foreclosure and available at a reasonable price; and
Whereas, the existing building is in poor condition and the City will use its demolition fund to demolish the building. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Berlin City Council hereby appropriates Thirteen Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($13,500.00) from Undesignated Fund Balance for the purchase of 169 Green Street. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Poulin to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to pass the resolution. Roll call resulted in unanimous affirmative votes including Mayor Grenier who declared the resolution now passed.
NEW BUSINESS
6. Ordinance 2010-07 Amending Chapter 4 Building, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Berlin. (1st read). Due to the length of this ordinance, the ordinance was not read in its entirety but the Mayor informed the public that a copy is available in the City Clerk’s Office for public review
Councilor Evans moved with a second by Councilor Cayer to table the ordinance and schedule a public hearing for June 7. So moved, the motion carried.
7. City Manager’s Report
Budget Publication
Attached is the budget which was published for the Budget Public Hearing which is scheduled for Wednesday May 26, 2010 at 6:30pm in the City Hall Auditorium.
East Milan Road Project
We are awaiting NH DES approval to award the East Milan Road project. At the request of BWW we also included work in the bid for (e.g. bringing a water line across the 12th Street Bridge when we bring the sewer line across). We are also waiting for BWW to determine the extent of their participation.
Granite Street Property Demolition
The demolition for the Granite Street demolition project finally occurred last week. The work by KRW Dirtwork went smoothly.
CPD PILT Meeting
An initial meeting was held this past week between Bill Gabler of CPD and Skip Sansoucy and me on the issue of PILT. The meeting consisted primarily of Bill explaining what it was that they planned to build and what each of us hoped to achieve from a PILT.
Laidlaw Tour
Primarily to allow Skip Sansoucy to provide a value for this year's tax assessment as well as form the basis for PILT discussions, Mr. Sansoucy and I are scheduled to meet for a tour of the Laidlaw property on May 24th.
Tax deed 15% assessment waivers
As the Council is aware, a number of the properties that were recently tax deeded were single family homes. Thus far four of the owners of those properties are applying for the waiver of the 15% assessment penalty which the Council provided by ordinance for these types of situations some years ago. In most cases they are eligible for this waiver. One of these parties has already re-purchased back their tax deeded property, and it appears likely that the remaining three will do so as well.
Tree City USA
Berlin has again been named a Tree City USA community for 2009. The Tree City USA program is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The award itself usually comes through the State Forester's office in the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED).
Statewide Mosaic Parcel Map
City Planner Pam Laflamme is working with State DRA in association with the State Departments of Information Technology, Safety, and Transportation and the UNH Technology Transfer Center to assemble a statewide parcel map with linked assessment data bases. Basically what this will do is to link the state-wide GIS mapping with local data mapping such as Berlin's tax mapping and other GIS mapping so that someone going to the state Granite site would basically have access to the GIS mapping in each of the municipalities which participate in this project. They are calling this the Mosaic Parcel Map. The driver in this for DRA is to streamline its internal processes that aid in the support of disaster relief/response, regional planning, and equitable property tax assessment and equalization.
Robin Hood Road Rally
The Robin Road Rally will occur this coming weekend at the Laidlaw site and Mt. Carberry Road. Hutchins Street will be closed for the two days of the event because Hutchins Street will be crossed about every five minutes by a race car. It should be quite an event with 54 cars of varying racing types schedule to compete on an every five minute schedule for two days with each car hoping to have three races each of the two days.
WWTF Sale of Surplus Material
The WWTF recently advertised and took bids on a bunch of surplus materials which included two used diesel generators, two raw sewage pumps, a hand crank hoist and other assorted pieces of used equipment. It looks like the bids for these materials should bring in a little over $5,000 to the Sewer Fund. One of the items was 14 pallets of masonry block left over from the original construction of the facility. The block is not in good shape having sat outside for the last 30 years and brought a bid of only $20.
Legislative Matters
State Budget
The State Budget goes round and round and Committee of conference reports are supposed to be finalized by May 27th for a final vote by the full House and Senate by June 2nd. Keep your heads covered….
Pooled Risk Management Programs
While most of the State's stated concerns seem to have to do with the Local Government Center Health Trust, the legislation which has been introduced in Concord would provide further regulation of these entities which were form in the 80's to provide property liability and worker's compensation insurance to municipalities who were having a very hard time getting any insurance at all. Since that time these entities have been providing these types of insurance for municipalities, counties and schools in the state.
Two things should be of concern: First, it is disconcerting to have the State of New Hampshire which has watched and done nothing about the approaching insolvency of the New Hampshire Retirement System wanting to tell these entities how much they should be holding in reserve. Second, if there is to be greater regulation of these entities, common sense would say that that would be done by the New Hampshire Insurance Department. Yet the legislation proposed mystifyingly puts the regulation under the Secretary of State which has no experience whatsoever in insurance regulation insurance.
Councilor Rozek asked the City Manager who is KRW? The City Manager replied it is Gleason Demolition.
Mayor Grenier asked the City Manager who oversees the15% Assessment Waiver qualifications.
The City Manager explained that in order to qualify, the person has to certify they live there and have no past deeds. They just do not automatically qualify.
The Mayor is concerned that it is done without anyone actually going to the building. The City Manager said that he checks with several department heads to see if they qualify. The Ordinance is specifically written for a two-unit dwelling where the owner lives there or single family home only.
If the building owner plays it out correctly, they can get up to 60 days but if they miss a deadline they would be out of luck.
Councilor Remillard is most concerned with owner-occupied single family homes and does not want to see anyone being put out of their home. The City Manager informed her there are four buildings that are currently affected. The ordinance was created to help single family homeowners in trouble.
Councilor Poulin moved with a second by Councilor Dansderson to accept the City Manager’s Report and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried
8. Mayor’s Report - No Report
9. Public Comments - No public comments
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Danderson publicly announced that he will not vote for any appointee to a board who will not agree to serve during evening hours. An example was how a working person came tonight to speak to the Mayor and Council. If the meeting was held in the morning that person would not have been able to attend. That is the situation with most of the public. It sets a bad precedent to conduct morning meetings and two boards are currently doing that now. He would like to have the Mayor ask the appointee if they are willing to work evenings. He hopes the other Council members do the same.
Councilor Poulin asked the City Manager the status of the junk yard on Kent Street? Is there a timetable to get it cleaned up and what is taking so long. He thinks the city should be more aggressive in their approach. Once you let something like this go, it just keeps getting worse.
The City Manager replied that he is not sure of the dates involved. Joe Martin did get the guy to start cleaning up and he moved vehicles.
Mayor Grenier added that the end of Church Street is an issue again. The City should get on him again and bring him to court right away on violation of the court order.
11. Adjournment:
There being no further business before the Mayor and Council at this time, Councilor Poulin moved with a second by Councilor Landry to adjourn the regular meeting. So moved, Mayor Grenier declared the Regular Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:43 p.m.
A TRUE RECORD, ATTEST:
Debra A. Patrick, CMC
City Clerk
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