Work Session
August 2, 2010
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Landry, Danderson, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Cayer and Poulin; absent was Councilor Remillard
Others present included: Sylvia Poulin, Cindy Morin, Mr. & Mrs. Felix Pisani, Francis Pisani, Roberta Remillard, Laura Viger, Jim Wagner, Connor Wagner (Eagle Scout candidate), Sharon Wang and two representatives from Wang’s Garden, Andre Caron, media and public.
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Main Street Program Update
Sylvia Poulin thanked the Council for appropriating funds in the budget process. She proceeded to update the Council on the work completed and planned by the Main Street Program and volunteers.
- Work has been done on the maintenance of flower islands
- MSP funds were spent on flowers downtown, at Glen Avenue and Gill’s Park
- Davis Tree was hired to trim all the trees in Gill Park and benches were painted by volunteers
- 8 picnic tables were made locally and placed at various locations downtown
- MSP, partnering with BIDPA, is buying replacement upper light fixtures for Main Street. These will be replaced by Ray’s Electric at no charge.
- MSP is willing to contribute to the maintenance of the landscaping at Bickford Place
- MSP has been working with church organizations to accomplish downtown beautification
- MSP committed $5,000 to match a Rural Business Opportunity Grant for an action plan for the downtown.
- The downtown ornament this year is the Burgess Fountain
- Riverfire is scheduled for Saturday, October 16. MSP will work with the Chamber and several area organizations to make it a “Signature Event” with a haunted house, parade, entertainment, vendors and culminating with fireworks
Ms. Poulin noted that the Parade of Lights will not be held this year so that volunteer efforts can be concentrated on Riverfire. Other activities will be scheduled in the downtown and Councilor McCue confirmed that “Letters to Santa” will continue.
Ms. Poulin indicated that a “Be Local; Buy Local” campaign will start soon. Mayor Grenier thanked Ms. Poulin, Ms. Morin and the volunteers and stated that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Request for Alcohol Letter of Support - Wang’s Garden
Mayor Grenier noted the letter in the Council packet requesting a letter of support to the Liquor Commission for Wang’s Garden. He stated that in all his previous years on the Council there was never a request for such a letter and there have been three in the short time he’s been Mayor. Mr. MacQueen explained that when there is a change in the status of the alcohol establishment, the Liquor Commissioner asks for a letter from the community. If the community did not support, Mr. MacQueen presumed that the Liquor Commission would work to mitigate circumstances to satisfy the municipality.
Councilor Danderson moved to send a letter of support to the Liquor Commission in favor of Wang’s Garden adding a sports bar; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Laura Viger reported that the plan was put together by a committee of staff and non-staff members who met periodically over two years. Councilor Danderson confirmed that the mitigation plan works in conjunction with emergency management plans like that of the Brookfield Hydro. Ms. Viger explained that the mitigation plan anticipates hazards and the emergency plan actually deals with them. The scenario is to plan, respond and recover.
Councilor McCue commented on the comprehensiveness of the plan and thanked Laura and the committee for the work done. He especially liked how the hazards were categorized by economic impact. Mr. MacQueen credited Ms. Viger for doing the emergency management work for the city.
There is a resolution up for first reading in New Business.
Bartlett School Update
Andre Caron reported that he met with Steve Binette and his attorney and due to family issues, Mr. Binette will be looking for a partner to move forward with the acquisition of Bartlett School. He is asking for a four month extension on the purchase and sale agreement.
Councilor Danderson moved to extend the purchase and sale agreement for the purchase of Bartlett School by four months to November 1, 2010; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Support for Sustainable Communities
Mayor Grenier explained that the regional planning commissions in the State are in the process of applying for funding to prepare updated regional plans for each region in the state. Mike King has asked for a letter of support for the initiative.
Councilor McCue commented that it is nice to see the Council and North Country Council working together. Councilor Danderson added that the reason for the disparity in the past was that NCC voted in favor of another non-member community over a grant application the City of Berlin had applied for. He agreed that it is good that NCC is working for its member communities.
Councilor Danderson moved to send the letter of support for the Sustainable Communities Initiative; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Request for Support of the Conway Bypass
Mayor Grenier informed Council members that Paul Robitaille, a Gorham Selectman, emphasized the need for the North Country to stay on top of the progress of the Conway Bypass. He added that Mitch Berkowitz and Eli Isaacson did their part in earlier stages of the project by attending hearings.
Councilor Danderson stressed the importance of testifying so that the North Country is represented. Councilor Rozek identified with sitting in traffic just south of Coleman Construction and noted that the status quo is just not acceptable.
Councilors agreed that though the pulp mill is closed, it is a misconception to think that the bypass is any less needed because the even flow of traffic is essential to the North Country’s economic recovery.
Councilor Poulin moved with a second from Councilor McCue to send a letter of support for the continuation of the Conway Bypass project.
Proposed No Parking on Hutchins Street
Councilor Evans explained that the Traffic Safety Committee is recommending No Parking on Hutchins Street originally as a result of a request from the Police Department. This issue has been discussed before; however the Safety Committee wanted to be sure that parking being removed was replaced at a nearby location. Parking has been created where the tennis courts were. Laura Viger added that there is also new parking along the perimeter of Community Field. There was some concern expressed about the width of the gate that allows access to the field and that perhaps it should be replaced with a wider gate.
Councilor Danderson asked why one side of Hutchins Street was chosen over the other for no parking. Councilor Evans stated that the distance from the center line to the edge of the pavement is less on the west side of the street. Councilor Cayer commented that there is already no parking for a portion of the street though Councilor Evans pointed out that there is no ordinance to back up the signage.
It was suggested that the curbing along the west side of Hutchins Street be removed to allow for additional room to park.
Councilor Poulin expressed concern about taking any parking away from businesses. He also mentioned that grandparents will park and watch the ball games from the spaces that are proposed to be removed. Mayor Grenier stated that parking congestion will further be alleviated once the parking lot on the mill property is added as part of the Laidlaw stipulations. Councilor Cayer commented that the main concern of the Committee was safety.
Councilor Evans concluded by saying that if this is not the direction that the Council wants to go with this issue; he is open to other ideas. He would however like to bring the issue to a conclusion as it has been around for a long time.
With no further business in work session, the meeting moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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