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June 14, 2010
Work Session/Special Meeting
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Poulin, McCue, Danderson, Rozek, Evans, Landry and Cayer (6:35); Councilor Remillard arrived at 7:34 p.m.
Others present included Pete Morency, Randall Trull, Bryan Lamirande, Corinne Cascadden, Blandine Shallow, Patrick MacQueen, several firefighters, media and public
6:30 Public Hearing
Resolution 2010-26 to Authorize the Change of Purpose for “PD CIP Severance” to “Wireless Antennae”.
Mayor Grenier opened the public hearing at 6:32. There being no comments, the public hearing was closed at 6:33.
Non-Meeting
Councilor Danderson moved to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2, I (b) Collective Bargaining; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call. Councilor Cayer entered the meeting at this time.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:46 pm
Budget Review
Mr. MacQueen distributed potential budget amendments that could be passed altogether or individually or not at all. They were based on items that were talked about in budget discussions such as the expense of adding two firefighters, one policeman, and one public works employee. In Recreation & Parks, $12,450 could be added to the arena account; program supplies, and field maintenance. Adding $200,000 to the housing initiative was discussed as well as $22,000 to the school CIP for the purchase of a plow truck. It was also suggested to add $200,000 for street rehabilitation making the total to take from unappropriated fund balance $840,040. The tax rate would remain at $29.82.
With the total City surplus at about $1.3 million, the net that would be added to the ufb is $671,000 or $471,000 if street rehabilitation is funded at $200,000.
Mayor Grenier commented that the schools worked hard to turn money back to the city and will be facing uncertainty in their out of district placement costs. He asked if $200,000 of the money going into ufb could be available for the sole purpose of dealing with out of district placement costs. If the schools did draw the $200,000, there would still be over $2 million in ufb.
Mayor Grenier mentioned Josh Lavoie who was hired by the school department as a math teacher; however he is one of the pink slipped teachers who has now been hired by the Windham Schools. He was willing to work in Berlin for less money and it is a loss for Berlin.
Councilor McCue affirmed that adding $50,000 to the police budget adds one position of patrolman. He asked at what percent ufb would be funded if this budget is passed and Mr. MacQueen indicated he would have to do a calculation, but it should be staying above 5%.
Councilor Danderson confirmed that $50,000 would be added to the Council’s bottom line of the PD budget. He added that there is no need to have $200,000 escrowed out for the school as the Council can withdraw from ufb at any time.
Councilor Evans stated his understanding that the previously reported .31 increase in the tax rate is gone and the numbers being reflected in the proposed changes result in a flat tax rate.
Councilor Danderson asked if there is a plan to better align the student/teacher ratio and Mayor Grenier stated that there is a plan. The Mayor then asked if everyone understands the numbers and if all are comfortable with what they are reading; there were no additional comments on the budget.
Taxi Issue
Mr. MacQueen reported that he asked the police department to talk to the taxi service because they were clearly operating in Berlin without a permit. Berlin’s taxi ordinance was recently amended to include insurance requirements beyond those required in Gorham. Dependable Taxi chose not to get a license in Berlin and was going to operate in Gorham. Asked to get a license, Mr. Millet feels he can’t afford the insurance requirements. Mr. MacQueen added that he asked Mr. Millet to write a letter expressing his sentiments about the taxi ordinance.
In his letter, Mr. Millet suggested changing the auto liability to $300,000/$500,000 and dropping the need for general liability; lowering the license fee and adding a non-compete clause. Mr. MacQueen commented that the City cannot give a non-compete promise and he left the remaining suggestions up to the Council’s judgment.
Councilor Landry asked if the figures shown in Mr. Millet’s letter were verified and Mr. MacQueen stated that they were not; however he would not argue that they are wrong because most communities have only auto liability and $500,000 of insurance or lower.
Councilor Poulin indicated that there is a need for the taxi and this much insurance is overkill.
Councilor McCue stated that he doesn’t agree with lowering the license fee. He contacted North Country Transit to see what they carry for insurance as they do a similar service. He would like some time to finish his research. He would also like to see a letter from Mr. Millet’s insurance agent. Mayor Grenier offered to have this as an agenda item for first reading on July 6. Mr. MacQueen asked for more direction on how the ordinance would be worded. Councilor Evans presented an argument for having the first reading on June 21 saying that he told his constituents that there would likely be an opportunity for public comment on the issue on the 21st.
Councilor Danderson moved to have the first reading for a change in the taxi ordinance on June 21st; Councilor Evans seconded. Councilor Landry confirmed that there is a cease and desist order on the taxi company at this time. The motion passed with Councilor McCue voting against.
Councilor Evans echoed the suggestion to bring the ordinance in line with what Gorham has so that there is no incentive or disincentive to operate in Berlin. Councilor McCue stated that there was a reason that the ordinance was amended.
Councilor Poulin noted that there is value in being a bigger community and he felt the fees should be the same but insurance should be like Gorham’s. Councilor Landry acknowledged that the Council made a mistake by having the insurance requirements that high; though he understands where Councilor McCue is coming from.
Councilor Danderson stated that consensus for insurance at $300,000/$500,000 as in Gorham; $150 fee; and to eliminate the general liability insurance requirement.
Councilor Evans asked if there could be enforcement discretion while the Council is discussing the issue and Mr. MacQueen reasoned that we cannot tell the taxi operator that he can operate while the ordinance is on the books.
Public Comments
Corinne Cascadden, 1787 Hutchins Street, commented that the schools laid off 10 teachers. All line items were decreased with the only increase being in salaries and in out of district placements. Early retirement buy outs were offered and two veteran teachers retired allowing the rehire of two who were laid off. Once all is settled, there will be six laid off from the school department and three were locals who wanted to work in the community.
Pete Morency 1944 Riverside Drive, commented that for clarification adding $50,000 to the PD budget, then reducing insurance by $10,000 would not be enough to keep an employee.
Rob Jewett 7 Adams Street, commented that when we talk layoffs throughout the city, it is a struggle for everyone. This City needs what we have. He stated that he will be affected by the cut of two firefighters if he has to show up at a fire scene with fewer men. His life and the crew’s life are on the line. They put their life on the line and have families; a cut from service affects the whole department. Their lives are in more danger.
Resolution 2010-25 Adopting a Budget for Fiscal Year 2011
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
That the following budget be adopted and accordingly, the sum of Thirty-Seven Million, Six Hundred Sixty-Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred Seventy-Four Dollars ($37,669,774.00) be appropriated to defray the expenses of Berlin’s City Government for the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, less expected revenues, with the balance to be raised by taxation on real estate of the municipality.
ACCT. NO. |
ACCOUNT TITLE |
FY2010 |
FY2011 |
01-401 |
Mayor and City Council |
44,824 |
47,608 |
01-402 |
Administration |
1,106,245 |
1,130,231 |
01-403 |
Elections |
8,580 |
15,200 |
01-404 |
City Hall & Other Bldgs |
39,120 |
49,368 |
01-406 |
Insurance |
198,036 |
179,062 |
01-408 |
Central Services |
293,080 |
334,080 |
01-409 |
Exemptions and Abatements |
- |
- |
01-410 |
Personnel Insurance Benefits |
186,000 |
140,151 |
01-411 |
Contingency |
10,000 |
10,000 |
01-412 |
Outside Agencies |
70,317 |
67,089 |
01-413 |
Cemetery |
15,289 |
15,289 |
|
Total General Government |
1,971,491 |
1,988,078 |
|
|
|
|
01-420 |
Police Department |
2,679,052 |
2,729,052 |
01-421 |
Fire Department |
1,784,117 |
1,928,495 |
01-422 |
Street Lighting |
122,200 |
122,100 |
01-423 |
Ambulance Service |
234,000 |
234,000 |
|
Total Public Safety |
4,819,369 |
5,013,647 |
|
|
|
|
01-425 |
Housing Coordinator |
24,749 |
41,696 |
|
Total Housing Coordinator |
24,749 |
41,696 |
|
|
|
|
01-430 |
Public Works Department |
1,782,742 |
1,824,815 |
01-431 |
Engineering |
101,381 |
104,100 |
01-436 |
Solid Waste |
950,807 |
955,287 |
|
Total Public Works Services |
2,834,930 |
2,884,202 |
|
|
|
|
01-440 |
Health |
574,224 |
531,574 |
01-441 |
Welfare |
126,413 |
124,367 |
01-450 |
Recreation & Parks |
387,906 |
399,816 |
01-451 |
Library |
177,572 |
177,472 |
|
Total Community Services |
1,266,115 |
1,233,229 |
|
|
|
|
01-470 |
Debt Service |
1,521,999 |
1,933,696 |
01-480 |
City Capital Improvement Projects |
821,965 |
534,000 |
|
Total Debt, Capital Improvement Projects |
2,343,964 |
2,467,696 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total City General Fund Approp. |
13,260,618 |
13,628,548 |
|
|
|
|
01-460 |
School |
15,775,124 |
15,775,124 |
01-470 |
School Debt |
687,413 |
791,948 |
01-461 |
School Capital Improvement Projects |
477,185 |
22,000 |
|
Total School General Fund Approp. |
16,939,722 |
16,589,072 |
|
|
|
|
01-407 |
County Tax |
1,455,466 |
1,455,466 |
|
Total County Tax Appropriation |
1,455,466 |
1,455,466 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total City General Fund Budget |
31,655,806 |
31,673,086 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other City Funds |
|
|
10-405 |
School Grants/Donations |
412,376 |
182,281 |
10-479 |
School Education Grants |
2,155,077 |
2,631,304 |
11-464 |
School Food Services |
645,000 |
670,800 |
13-400 |
Trust Funds |
- |
- |
13-468 |
Recreation Activity Fund |
32,000 |
32,000 |
21-400 |
BIDPA Fund |
442,247 |
555,311 |
30-400 |
Grant Fund |
135,000 |
100,383 |
31-400 |
Neighborhood Stabilization Fund |
- |
37,678 |
59-400 |
CDBG |
- |
- |
60-432 |
Sewer Fund |
1,554,001 |
1,573,237 |
63-437 |
Cates Hill Landfill |
- |
10,000 |
65-434 |
Airport Fund |
211,139 |
185,127 |
66-100 |
District Court Fund |
44,000 |
18,567 |
|
Total Other City Funds Budget |
5,630,840 |
5,996,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CITY BUDGET |
37,286,646 |
37,669,774 |
Councilor Danderson with a second from Councilor McCue moved to remove the resolution from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Remillard entered the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
Mayor Grenier determined that the budget proposal can be voted on as a package or as the Council wishes. The total budget with $200,000 for street repair would be $37,669,774; without street repair, it would be $37,469,774.
Councilor Danderson moved to amend the budget resolution by making the following changes:
add $60,375 to the Police budget bottom line and
reduce the Police budget bottom line by $10,375;
add $3,088 to the FD Overtime Winter so that the amended line is $56,308;
add $164,000 to Salaries FF 1st Class to the amended line is $358,150;
add $940 to FD Clothing Allowance so that the amended line is $1,018;
add $1,985 to FD Retirement so that the amended line is $203,959;
reduce $2,000 from FD Planned Overtime so that the amended line is $1,236;
reduce the FD Health line by $11,554 so that the amended line is $324,055;
add $3,088 to the PWD Overtime Winter line so that the amended line is $56,308;
add $36,283 to the PWD Salaries General Maintenance line so that the amended line is $338,283;
add $1,230 to the PWD Clothing Maintenance line so that the amended line is $5,610;
add $15,905 to the PWD Health Insurance line so that the amended line is $327,571;
add $202 to the PWD Group Life Insurance line so that the amended line is $5,569;
add $1,652 to the PWD Workers/Unemployment Comp line so that the amended line is $31,574; add $3,604 to the PWD Retirement line so that the amended line is $76,129;
add $3,009 to the PWD Social Security line so that the amended line is $62,422;
add $5,000 to the REC Arena line so that the amended line is $5,000;
add $1,000 to the REC Games, Nets, Balls line so that the amended line is $1,000;
add $300 to the REC Summer Program Award Supplies line so that the amended line is $300; add $150 to the REC Winter Program Award Supplies line so that the amended line is $150;
add $1000 to the REC Babe Ruth Supplies line so that the amended line $1,000;
add $1,000 to the REC Program Development line so that the amended line is $1,000;
add $3,000 to the REC Maintenance of Fields line so that the amended line is $4,000;
add $1,000 to the REC Memorial Field Maintenance line so that the amended line is $3,000;
add $200,000 to CI Housing Initiative so that the amended line is $200,000;
add $22,000 to a new School CIP line item titled Dump Plow Truck so that the new line item is $22,000;
add $200,000 to CIP Street Rehabilitation line so that the amended line is $200,000 for a total budget of $37,669,774; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Remillard abstaining.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Evans to have the second reading by short title as amended. So moved, the motion carried with Councilor Remillard abstaining.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to have the third reading of the resolution by short title, as amended. So moved, the motion carried with Councilor Remillard abstaining.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to pass the resolution as amended; so moved, the motion carried by roll call, with Councilor Remillard abstaining.
2010-26 Authorizing the Change of Purpose for PD CIP Severance to Wireless Antennae
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas the Mayor and Council previously approved the Police Department’s request to amend Bond Resolution 2009-43 in order to change the purpose of bond funds from PD Parking lot to the PD Cates Hill Wireless Project; and
Whereas said project originally involved the use of Fair Point’s tower, upon which some of the Berlin Police Department radio equipment is currently located; and
Whereas Fair Point has since advised that they are unable to work with the Police Department until their restructuring efforts are complete, and they are unable to commit to a time frame as to when the project can proceed; and
Whereas emergency communications are at stake and an alternative location has been located; and
WHEREAS use of this alternative site necessitates the transfer and installation of radio equipment at an additional cost of approximately $30,000; and
Whereas the Police Department has met its severance expenses for this fiscal year and has $29,825.80 in unexpended funds in its CI-Severance account which could assist in off-setting the wireless project expense.
Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the current remaining balance of $29,825.80 in the CI-Severance account is hereby transferred to and changed in name and purpose to CI account "PD Cates Hill Wireless". This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to remove the resolution from the table. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to have the second reading of the resolution by short title; so moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to have the third reading of the resolution by short title; so moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Landry to pass the resolution; so moved, the motion carried.
Police/Fire Union Proposed Contract Amendment Ratification
Councilor Danderson moved to ratify the cost items for a savings of $10,375 from Police and $11,554 from the Fire Department health insurance budget reductions; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor’s Report – no report.
Public Comments – there were no further comments.
Council Comments
Councilor Rozek commented that there is a plan to shut down the Twelfth Street Bridge for six weeks to speed construction of a deck repair and keep cost down. Councilor Rozek reported that he has a constituent who needs a written commitment that this work will be done in 6 weeks and in the event that week 7 rolls around, there would be a contingency plan to open one lane to traffic. He does not want it to turn into a 12 or 14 week project with no bridge access.
Councilor McCue thanked all who worked on the budget process saying that he is glad it is done.
Adjournment
Councilor Danderson moved to adjourn; Councilor Poulin seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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