Work Session
March 28, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Danderson, McCue, Rozek, Nelson, and Théberge; Councilor Evans was absent.
Others present included Betty Domino, Andre Caron, Chris Dubey, Jonathan Dubey, Randall Trull, Thadeus Solstice, Patrick MacQueen, several firefighters, media and public
Mayor Grenier noted and Council conceded, that under “other” on the agenda he would add Council Committees.
Budget Presentation
Housing – Andre Caron. Mr. Caron reported that his budget is fairly simple. The legal line item is used for legal fees that pertain to evictions. There is money to hire Mr. Caron on a consulting basis to complete the programs that have been started. There is about $37,000 in revenues from NSP, EPA and CDBG funds to pay for some of the salary for the next housing coordinator.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that the $37,000 is over and above the$ 40,000 requested and Mr. Caron noted that it is for a new person and consultant. Mr. MacQueen indicated that the IT funds are in this department because Mr. Caron has been working on the IT. Mr. Caron stated that putting computer expenses in one line item allows for better tracking of what is spent. Mr. Caron left the meeting at this time.
Ambulance - Chris and Jonathan Dubey. Mayor Grenier noted that there were a few questions regarding the ambulance that went unanswered at the last session and Mr. Dubey was asked to attend tonight. Councilor Remillard confirmed that there are twelve full time employees and a few part time. She noted that the budget for the ambulance has remained the same from year to year though calls went down significantly in the past year.
Chris Dubey stated that the ambulance service is asking for its contractual obligation from the City which he stated is $246,000. Medicare has reduced reimbursement by 40%; however when the situation resolves itself, he said he would be willing to again reduce the subsidy, though there is no contractual obligation to do so.
Mayor Grenier affirmed that out of $890,000 of revenues private pay is about $25700; Medicare, $353,000; Medicaid $46,000 and the city subsidy $234000. Mr. Dubey indicated that he anticipates a boost in revenue with Federal prison transports once the prison opens.
Councilor McCue established that the City Manager’s budget does not cover the increase in the contract. He also made the point that the second biggest expense after personnel is insurance.
Councilor Nelson asked what the impact of the State prison closing would be. Mr. Dubey indicated that the State’s bills are paid 100% of the time. The prison closing would be a major hit as they transport 3 to 4 inmates per week amounting to a loss of at least $60,000. Mayor Grenier asked about the ambulance that is a few years old and Mr. Dubey acknowledged that the oldest ambulance needs to be replaced as soon as he is able to do so.
Councilor Danderson asked what happens if the City budgets $240,000. Mr. Dubey responded that the City would not be in line with the agreement that is in place but he would have to make it work. Councilor Théberge questioned why the ambulance service chose not to be a network provider. Mr. Dubey stated that if they agreed to be a network provider, they would have to accept significantly less fees for their services
Councilor Remillard asked for confirmation of the amount in the contract and Mr. MacQueen stated that he thinks it is $264,000 but he will check. In closing Mr. Dubey said that he believes the situation will be better in the short term and he is looking forward to giving back. He also explained that the ambulance service has had a paramedic on duty every day since 2009. EMTs are trained in the following categories: basic, intermediate, and paramedic. It is difficult to train, find and retain paramedics; he has a good group of people and their positions would be difficult to fill. Chris & Jonathan Dubey left the meeting.
Fire Department – Chief Trull. Chief Trull reported that there are three budgets: one with two additional personnel per shift; one submitted by the City Manager that cuts two positions and a third that remains status quo. He stated that in the status quo budget, the only increases are contractual. Mayor Grenier confirmed that each firefighter added to the budget is $81,000. Chief Trull commented that his crew has worked on reducing costs at the fire department. The certification for fire officers has been acknowledged by the State. Doing training in-house will save $35,000.
Chief Trull confirmed that the 216-1000 line item will be reduced by $500 to $4,500. Quotes were obtained for new equipment and it is estimated to cost $7,619.00 rather than $10,000 budgeted for new equipment. To Mayor Grenier’s question about the general condition of turnout gear, Chief Trull stated that it is new as of last year. It was replaced funded by grant money.
Chief Trull stated that he continues to look for grants. The vacant building code is soon to be a revenue source and it is projected to bring in $37,000. Master box owners will soon be paying for the fire alarm system.
Mayor Grenier said that he supports the vacant buildings code as it should help to keep our firefighters safe. Chief Trull acknowledged that the duty crews will be doing most of the work. He added that the City’s vacant building ordinance has gone to the National Fire Academy as an example. Mayor Grenier stated that no one on the Council wants to see a reduction in personnel. It is important to maintain what we have but there is no money. It is important to strike a balance with employees.
Councilor Remillard agreed that there is a goal not to lay off. She confirmed that there are four fire lieutenants; six first class; two second class; one third class; four captains, one clerk; one assistant chief and one chief. She asked for the list of abandoned buildings that the department will be working with.
Councilor McCue confirmed that the salary increase includes a 3% contractual increase and the City Manager has included a 4% increase for Emergency Management duties.
Councilor Théberge asked if there is grant money for HAZMAT training. Chief Trull explained that HAZMAT is part of the Firefighter 1 & 2 training and specialized training would be made available if the gas line were to come. Mayor Grenier confirmed that there will be a retirement in the department next month. He noted that there may be a delay in hiring until the budget numbers are clearer.
Councilor Remillard asked for the status quo budget and the new numbers that were proposed tonight. Mayor Grenier confirmed that there have not been any long term Workers Comp injuries related to fighting fires. Chief Trull reported that knowing the condition of vacant buildings will hopefully keep accidents down. There were 92 vacant structures in Berlin ad that inventory was done before the Route 110 project created additional vacancies. The department will search, identify and develop a plan to deal with these buildings.
Mayor Grenier asked what, other than funding, is needed from the City Council to do the job. Chief Trull said that funding for personnel and training are key pieces to the puzzle. Councilor Nelson acknowledged that the call department currently has nine and the Chief is looking to double that amount. Chief Trull and the firefighters left the meeting at this time.
Councilor Théberge asked that the page number and line item number be mentioned to better follow along in the budgets.
Councilor McCue reiterated that strong sentiment of the Council not to cut personnel.
Intervener Status
Mr. MacQueen explained that there have been several proceedings through the EFSEC process. There was a new docket created for the amendment process. DRM, representing the City, has estimated the cost to file as an intervener would be about $400. If for some reason the docket gets going and the city wants to participate further, it would cost more. Mr. MacQueen informed the Council that $301,000 has been spent this year on legal fees.
Mr. MacQueen went on to say that both the city’s attorneys and city’s experts have been protecting the city’s interest and the City Council has felt it was in our best interest. Councilor Danderson asked if there is any real value to being in intervener. Mr. MacQueen responded that $400 is a very small amount to pay; however there are no great risks. Mayor Grenier stated that the City should have a seat at the table. Councilor McCue commented that the City has invested a lot and came out well in the EFSEC proceedings. It does not make sense to not continue in the process.
Councilor McCue asked for a breakdown of Sansoucy’s fees for PILT; PUC etc.
Mayor Grenier noted that this amendment has to do with the ownership and management structure of the company; it takes some of the lawyer language out and de-layers their management structure.
Councilor Rozek moved to file for intervener status on the new docket created for the amendment process to Laidlaw – Berlin Station; Councilor Nelson seconded.
Councilor McCue commented that he would like to continue to be consulted during the process and Mr. MacQueen acknowledged that if something happens and the City would incur fees, he will confer with the Council.
In the vote that followed, the Council voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Council Committees
Mayor Grenier stated that Council resignations have affected standing committees. Council conceded to having Councilors Otis and Nelson on the Airport Authority; Councilor Théberge on the Committee on Accounts and Claims; Councilor Théberge on the Safety Committee; Councilor Nelson on the Committee on Elections.
Mayor Grenier mentioned that City Council approval will be needed for finalizing PILT and that is likely to occur on April 11.
Mayor Grenier reminded Council members that the Public Works will be presenting their budget on Wednesday, March 30.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Otiis seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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