Work Session
April 4, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Danderson, McCue, Evans, and Rozek; absent were Councilors Nelson and Théberge.
Others present included: Corinne Cascadden, Roland Viens, Tony Urban, Pamela Laflamme, Nicole Plourde, Barry Kelley, Patrick MacQueen, Sally Manikian, Larry Kelly, several students, media and public
Mayor Grenier welcomed guests and opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
NHPUC Grant for Berlin High School Biomass
Corinne Cascadden explained that the NHPUC has grant money available for energy projects of up to $1 million. She acknowledged that she had recent data available from the last grant she wrote and there was assistance from the City Planner and the Office of Energy and Planning. The intent is that the rfp would have to be put out as a design/build. She commented that there are several possibilities for further funding including building aid, and Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds made possible through ARRA .
The existing boiler is 40 years old and it is estimated that the savings achieved by replacing it would be $79000 in the first year alone. Cost estimates include permitting to open the back side of the building to accept and hold wood chips. Mayor Grenier asked what the increased labor cost would be to handle the chips. Ms. Cascadden informed that the maintenance crew can take care of the boiler without any additional labor.
Councilor McCue confirmed that the biomass boiler would work in conjunction with the existing oil fired boiler, and not eliminating it. Ms. Cascadden established that the City Manager is liable for signing the binding agreements.
Councilor Rozek questioned whether the School Department would be steering away from its contract with Honeywell and Ms. Cascadden affirmed that there is a meeting with Honey well that was set to train the maintenance crew to operate the system. Councilor Rozek warned that there are control mechanisms that are unique systems to Honeywell which force the schools to use Honeywell’s support staff for service. A new boiler will need new controls and it is important to break away from the automated controls that are proprietary.
USDA RDG for BWW
Mr. Viens informed the Council that the resolution before them is to get Berlin Water Works’ application into the queue for funding when it becomes available. He explained that 20 years ago the City’s water distribution system was in bad shape and Mr. Johnson developed a plan to improve the system. Work has been done on Godfrey Dam and several miles of pipe have been replaced.
Mr. Viens went on to say that if BWW puts in an application, they would be one of the first to be considered when there is money. The money would be used for additional miles of transmission line. Energy is another component of the application and a hydro system at the treatment plant will be used to generate power. Wind or solar may be used to power the controls.
The resolution is drawn to be 75% loan and 25% grant and when it is processed by RDG, the Water Works negotiates for a better ratio of grant to loan. It is unsure when the money would become available; however having the application in place is important. Mayor Grenier confirmed that Water Works debt will be reduced in 2015. Councilor McCue affirmed that the city would not have to bond for some time.
Mayor Grenier asked Mr. Viens to describe the work that has been done so far. He noted that the distribution system is 50 miles and had 15 miles of 2 inch pipe; 30 miles of 6 inch cast iron pipe buried in coal ash; and various other lengths of pipe. The 2 inch pipe has been replaced with just a few feet left. All but 10 miles of the 6 inch pipe has been replaced as well. Several miles of this work is engineered ahead and ready to get done when there is funding. Mayor Grenier added that the work has been done with Water Works crew that helps keep operational costs down. Water rates have not been raised since 1997.
Mt. Jasper Easement
Mayor Grenier asked that Barry Kelley be given the opportunity to speak to the issue of a Mt. Jasper easement. Councilor Danderson moved to allow Mr. Kelley to address the Council in Work session; Councilor Remillard seconded. Councilor Evans asked why the dialogue would not be heard during public comments. Mayor Grenier explained that Mr. Kelley has been working with a citizen’s commission to put together language for an easement and he doesn’t want the Council to make a decision to move forward with conservation easements without hearing their input. All were in favor of the motion.
Sally Manikian reported that Mt. Jasper was part of a Paleolithic archeological study and received national recognition. In 1992, it was put on the National Registry of Historic Places. In 2005, the City’s Master Plan identified the undeveloped land on Mt. Jasper and Mt. Forist as needing increased care and stewardship. To that end, the Planning Board recommended and City Council passed an overlay zone that prohibits building beyond the height of the trees.
The current proposal for a conservation easement is on the Council’s agenda as a resolution. It did not seem to make sense to develop an easement if the Council was completely against the idea. Ms. Manikian said that she has talked to the snowmobile clubs, state archeologist and several community partners about what an easement would entail. CAP stepped forward to hold the conservation easement because the City cannot hold an easement on its own land. She added that in the next year, she hopes to work out easement and management language that everyone will be comfortable with.
Councilor McCue stated that because Berlin has no Conservation Commission, the Planning Board is charged with their responsibilities by State Statute. Mayor Grenier pointed out that if the resolution goes through as presented, the Planning Board would have the last input and we would have to live with what the Planning Board puts together. Ms. Manikian suggested that perhaps the Council could put forward a motion that would permit her to work with the Planning Board and public on this easement and come back to the Council with the proposed final easement.
Barry Kelley commented that he had concerns, saying that an easement can be cumbersome and the City owns this particular piece of property now and it is in no danger of being obliterated. He thought the group would be consulted and they were not. He did not see any eminent danger for this land. Ms. Manikian established that it is not intended for CAP to hold the easement forever and perhaps the Steering Committee could become the holder of the easement. She reported that the easement document will come back to the Council for review.
Councilor Danderson said that he is against granting a conservation easement on Mt. Jasper. He did not feel that the city should give up land unless it is costing the city money. Mt. Jasper is not in danger and we should not give away authority.
Councilor McCue thanked Ms. Manikian and Mr. Kelly for their work and proposal. He said that he hopes people will take the time to show up to the public meetings and planning board meetings to further discuss the terms of the easement. Larry Kelly commented that CAP is an agency offering a mechanism to be as involved as it can be by holding the conservation easement.
Councilor Remillard commented that an easement takes on a life of its own and lives forever. If it is not well composed, we will live with that forever. She could see that since we don’t know who will be here 10 years from now and we don’t know how Mt. Jasper will be taken care of then, it may make sense.
Councilor Rozek asked about a snowmobile link that he thought would be affected by the easement. Ms. Manikian noted that she has been in communication with the snowmobile club and the easement would not affect any of the trails as they exist today. Councilor Rozek was leery of conservative easements saying that they can be limiting to motorized vehicles like atvs.
Ms. Manikian indicated that it is community land and this has been an exciting discussion that will lead to a good document for the future.
Councilor McCue moved that the City Council recommend that the Planning Board draft a conservation easement on land consistent with the overlay zone on Mount Jasper and work with CAP and the local stewardship committee. The final document to be approved by the City Council; Councilor Evans seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Danderson voting against.
Downtown Master Plan
Ms. Laflamme reported that the City was successful with an application to the Tillotson Foundation for a $55,000 grant. Sylvia Poulin has been working on downtown improvements and streetscaping. It would be in the interest of the City to have a plan specific to the downtown so that we are ready to be the grand marketplace for Coos County. In addition to the Tillotson money, PSNH is contributing $ 5000 and will consider another $5000 to put the Tondreau Park into the plan. Ms. Laflamme added that there was money left in Master Plan segregated funds account and she is requesting that it be moved to the downtown plan. Mayor Grenier commented that he will support this as a golden opportunity for adding to a vibrant Main Street. Ms. Laflamme noted that she is looking for Steering Committee members.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Grenier opened the duly advertised public hearing at 7:40 p.m. to hear public comment on Resolution 2011-08 Androscoggin Valley Public Access Committee tabled 3/21/2011. There were no comments.
Resolution 2011-09 Police Department Highway Safety Project Grants tabled 3/21/2011. There were no comments. The public hearing was closed at 7:44 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 4, 2011
Mayor Grenier called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:44 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Councilors Remillard, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Otis, and Mayor Grenier; Councilors Nelson and Théberge were absent. Also present: Corinne Cascadden, Roland Viens, Tony Urban, Pamela Laflamme, Nicole Plourde, Barry Kelley, Patrick MacQueen, Sally Manikian, Larry Kelly, Gina Welsh, several students, media and public
Minutes Previous Meetings
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to accept the minutes of the 3/21/2011 work session and regular meeting and the 3/28/2011 work session. So moved the motion carried.
Disbursements
The Committee on Accounts/Claims recommends paying all bills dated 3/24/2011-4/6/2011for a total cash disbursement of $1,676,207.82 Draft #1637. Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gina Welch, 102 Church Street, commented that she is a homeowner and taxpayer in Berlin. She and her husband moved here 3.5 years ago. Her husband is originally from Berlin and has a Masters degree in education. He applied to several teaching positions in several locations including Berlin and wanted to bring family back. She expressed concern that there is not a lot of support for teachers. She said that she supports raising taxes to support the schools
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Council Committee Reports – none
2. Resolution 2011-08 Androscoggin Valley Public Access Committee
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, citizens from Berlin, Gorham, Randolph and Shelburne have created a group known as the Androscoggin Valley Public Access Committee (the Committee) which has as its mission broader access to Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) local programming; and
Whereas, the Committee is particularly focused on the idea of producing and broadcasting local programming which would highlight positive events and activities in the Androscoggin Valley including but not limited to cultural and arts events, historical footage and documentaries, civic events and meetings, educational and health based programming, local sporting events and local social, economical and community based programs; and
Whereas, the Committee would like to achieve this in a way which provides local youth and interested adults an opportunity to learn skills and obtain experience in public broadcasting while fostering the positive and collaborative economic and social development of the Androscoggin Valley; and
Whereas, many communities in New Hampshire and the Country have worked with their local cable provider to assist with establishing such PEG programs and programming.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Mayor and Council of the City of Berlin hereby lend their encouragement and support to the Androscoggin Valley Public Access Committee to work on the community of Berlin's behalf toward the greater development of local PEG access along the lines described herein as a means of further enriching life in the Androscoggin Valley for its residents and its visitors. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to have the resolution read for the second time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to have the third reading of the resolution by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried.
3. Resolution 2011-09 Police Department Highway Safety Project Grants
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas voluntary compliance of bicycle, scooter, and skateboard laws is a problem in Berlin, particularly in the downtown area; and
Whereas possession of alcohol and DWI offenses are problems in Berlin; and
Whereas traffic light avoidance is a problem which creates unnecessary risk for pedestrian traffic, and designated patrols are needed for enforcement; and
Whereas the New Hampshire primary child passenger safety law requires that all children up to the age of four be restrained and properly secured in an approved child passenger safety seat, and everyone up to the age of 18 use a seat belt; and
Whereas operation of OHRVs on public ways is a concern; and
Whereas information is available to teach young, inexperienced drivers specific educational experiences that focus on the behavior of vehicles, their limits of operation, and the effectiveness of seat belt use in the operation and occupancy of a motor vehicle, as they do not realize the limitations of vehicles or the harmful impact that alcohol may have on their ability to safely operate a vehicle; and
Whereas the NH Highway Safety Agency funds local projects to promote such enforcement and education.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the Berlin Police Commission is hereby authorized to apply for and receive funds for Highway Safety Project Grants. Upon receipt, said funds granted to the City of Berlin shall be appropriated to the Berlin Police Department to be used for the purpose of meeting the expenses directly related to the grants during Fiscal Year 2012.
Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to do all things necessary to effectuate the grant.
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to have the resolution read for the second time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to have the third reading of the resolution by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
4. Resolution 2011-10 Segregating Funds from the 2010 Budget & Appropriating to 2011 Budget
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on April 18, 2011. So moved, the motion carried
5. Resolution 2011-11 Carrying Over Grant Funds from 2010 to 2011 Budget
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on April 18, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
6. Resolution 2011-12 – removed from the agenda unread.
7. Resolution 2011-13 Accepting Tillotson Funds
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor McCue to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on April 18, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
8. Resolution 2011-14 Re-Appropriating Segregated Funds for Downtown
Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on April 18, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
9. City Manager’s Report
State Budget Fallout
Attached is another memo from Welfare Officer Angela Martin-Giroux referring to the passage of HB2 by the House which still includes the provision which in effect does away with the requirement for a locality to provided welfare once its welfare budget runs out. That would be a major change in a very long standing state welfare law if it were to be finally passed.
Airport Service
I have attached a very nice commendation letter regarding the service that Eric Kaminsky provides to customers at the airport. This letter from John Hallé who is the CEO of Cate Street Capital describes the kind of service that customers at the Berlin Regional Airport receive which is first rate. Impressions are important everywhere in public service, but they are particularly important at the Airport where people get an all important first impression of the area and what it has to offer.
POD Meeting
Chief Trull and I attended a meeting last week at the BHS with Principal Gary Bisson and State Officials on the ongoing planning for a health emergency. Berlin High School is the designated (Point of Dispensing) POD for any emergency vaccines that would be dispensed to the public in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to have adequate planning for how these vaccines would be dispensed to the public in an emergency health situation.
March Snow
This year March forgot that it is supposed to be the transition to Spring. Instead, it brought us 35 more inches of snow including this last weekend in which we got another 12". Fortunately, that melted away about as fast as it came. The snow fighting budget still turned out well despite what the winter brought. PWD is to its credit still under in both its sand and salt budgets. It has been a particularly tough winter on the roads in the City and the pothole filling has been and will be ongoing.
Leo Roberge Retirement
Leo Roberge who has worked on the Public Works crew for the past 9.5 years has retired effective March 15th. Thanks go to him for his service to the City and best wishes for his retirement years.
Legislative Matters
SB133: It is hard to believe that this bill extending the pole tax exemption for Fairpoint and Comcast is even close in the State Legislature, but it is and it still floating around sitting on the table. It was reported out of House Committee on a 9-7 "Ought to Pass" vote. On the first full vote in the House, it passed on a vote of 186-180, but then its supporters moved to reconsider in the hope that there could not be a future motion to reconsider. This backfired and the motion to reconsider passed on a vote of 193-174. The supporters immediately moved to table it which is where it sits now. The Senate has already passed this bill, so to keep it on the table to kill it if it comes up again will require persistent effort from elected officials talking to their legislators. No doubt Fairpoint's and Comcast lobbyists will be.
HB1&2: This is the budget bill and its trailer. It has passed the House.
HB457: This is the bill that would lower by half the interest rates on delinquent taxes. Despite a 15:1 committee vote to ITL it, the full House passed it. It will be heard by the Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee on Tuesday 10:15am in LOB 101.
Public Works Monthly Report
Attached
10. Mayor’s Report
Mayor Grenier recommended the reappointment of Lucien Langlois to the Berlin Water Commission for a term to expire May 1, 2015. Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor McCue to accept the Mayor’s recommendation. So moved, the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier recommended the reappointment of David Morin to the Berlin Planning Board as a regular member for a term to expire April 30, 2014 and Richard Cassidy as an alternate member for a term to expire April 30, 2014. Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor McCue to accept the Mayor’s recommendation. So moved, the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier established that there is an opening on the Planning Board and Ms. Laflamme stated that one of the alternate members has expressed an interest and will be submitting a letter to the Council.
Mayor Grenier said that he received a letter from Tom McCue inviting him to participate in the Drive in the 50’s and he confirmed that he would participate. Councilor Remillard moved to accept the Mayor’s Report and place on file; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried.
Public Comments – there were no public comments.
11. Council Comments
Councilor Remillard thanked Mrs. Welch for speaking out. She stated that she too is concerned about cuts on the table for the schools as well as large class sizes adding that the comments did not fall on deaf ears.
12. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council at this time, Councilor Rozek moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to adjourn the meeting. So moved, Mayor Grenier declared the Regular Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 p.m.
A True Record, Attest:
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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