Work Session
April 18, 2010
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Danderson, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson and Théberge
Others present: Recipients of the Volunteer Tree Award and their families, Mary Jo Landry, Steve-Finnegan Allen, Michael Perreault, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Volunteer Tree Plaque Presentations
The Berlin Volunteer Award is given annually during April, National Volunteer Month, to volunteers who have done service to the City of Berlin. The awards are given in a number of categories to recognize people who are making a difference in the community. Each recipient will be presented with an inscribed leaf plaque and their name will be permanently displayed on the Volunteer Tree. Recipients this, the very first year, are: Ernest (Brother) Peabody; Paul Croteau and Will O’Brien.
Veteran’s Memorial Bridge – Sign and Budget Proposal
Mike Perreault explained that he’s been working with a graphic arts company on two 4 x 3 signs, one for each end of the 12th Street bridge to rename the bridge to Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. The estimate of cost is expected to be approximately $1,100. Mayor Grenier confirmed that the signs would be coated aluminum. Mr. Perreault commented that the Veteran’s Council is in agreement. Councilor Danderson moved to approve the sign design and to pay up to $1,100 from the Council Contingency account; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Théberge asked why the military insignias are in that order and Councilor Evans commented that they are in the order of establishment.
Contract Amendment #3 with Wright Pierce for I & I Removal
Mr. MacQueen explained that this contract is an amendment to the study contract for removal of I and I that will design improvements and carry the project to bidding. It will be funded through the sewer fund and has no effect on the tax rate. The City was awarded a $1 million grant from Rural Development but to get the grant, $4 million has to be spent on improvements. Councilor McCue confirmed that the contract is for $79,000.
Councilor Danderson moved to accept Amendment 3 to the I & I contract; Councilor Nelson seconded. In discussion Councilor Rozek asked how the areas such as McGee Street are being identified as problem areas. Mr. Perreault replied that multiple studies have been done and flow meters were installed to measure storm events. Recommendations from those studies are being used to tackle the areas with the most identified I & I. Mr. Perreault also affirmed for Councilor Rozek that street paving is planned once the project is complete. Council members voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Mayor Grenier noted that there have not been enough high flow events to see if the pipe lining project from White Mountain Community College to the Dairy Bar had any significant effect on I & I. Mr. Perreault acknowledged that the treatment plant had a cso event; however he feels that the pipe is making a difference.
Proposed Contract for Phase II Assessment for AVRRDD Burgess Plant
Mr. MacQueen reported that this contract is for Wright Pierce to carry out a Phase II Environmental Assessment on the waste water treatment plant currently owned by the AVRRDD for the City’s possible purchase of the plant from the waste district. There is potential storage which could help in a pinch with I & I. Mr. MacQueen noted that the contract does not have to be approved today adding that he could bring it back at the next work session. Mayor Grenier noted that it needs to be reviewed to see if it makes sense for the city.
Memo Requesting Amendment to Resolution 2011-13
Mr. MacQueen said that the check from the Tillotson Fund came to the Main Street Program and it was agreed that the City would administer the funds. The amendment would show the money coming to the City by way of the Main Street Program.
Other
Field Dedication. Mayor Grenier said that he had been contacted by an anonymous citizen regarding the renaming of the annex field saying that it has already been dedicated to Eli Isaacson. He asked for an inventory of all parks and fields in the city to see if any of them are not officially named.
Senator Gregg Thanks. Councilor Danderson suggested that Senator Gregg be contacted to offer the City’s thanks for the $279 million prison project. He said the letter of thanks should point out to the Senator that the prison is sitting here vacant and if the Senator has any influence, we should ask him to use it. Senator Gregg could also be invited to represent the taxpayers of NH at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Councilor McCue commented that if we are reaching out, it would not hurt to reach out to Senator Ayotte to speak in favor as well. Mayor Grenier added that he will meet with Congressman Bass Monday at 10:30 and he will be sure to impress upon him the importance of the prison funding.
Repairs to 1998 Crown Vic. Councilor Rozek mentioned a voucher for the work done to a 1998 Crown Victoria with 124,000 miles. $2200 of repair was done on a vehicle that is barely worth $1500 and he questioned why it costs so much. Mayor Grenier stated that March is the city’s inspection month and the items repaired are State inspection items. If there is no money in the budget for a vehicle and a car is needed to do their job, we may have to make the repairs.
Board of Assessors Plaque Presentation
Mayor Grenier asked Paul and Shirley Croteau to come forward and he thanked Mr. Croteau for all the years he gave to the Board of Assessors. He thanked Mrs. Croteau for loaning her husband to the City.
Mayor Grenier presented Mr. Croteau with a plaque of appreciation.
Budget Councilor McCue expressed concern that the budget is not on the schedule until May 9th when a decision is expected to publish a budget. Mayor Grenier said that it is his intention to bring a blueprint forward for the Council to review noting that cuts are made with a majority vote and additions are made with a super majority.
Council members asked for a meeting to discuss the Mayor’s blueprint and agreed on Thursday May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Grenier noted that on May 9th the City will have to have a formal document to print. The public hearing will be held May 25; first reading of the budget on June 6 with the final adoption of the budget June 20th.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Grenier opened the duly advertised public hearing at 7:30 p.m. to hear public comments on: Resolution 2011-10 Authorizing an Application for $1 Million to the NHPUC for School Biomass; there were no comments
Resolution 2011-11 Authorizing a Grant/Loan for the BWW from USDA Rural Development; there were no comments
Resolution 2011-13 Accepting Tillotson Funds; there were no comments
Resolution 2011-14 Re-purposing Segregated Funds for Downtown Master Plan; Mr. MacQueen noted that the funds are not being re-appropriating but there is a change of purpose.
Adoption of the Anti-Displacement Plan for NSP 3
Andre Caron Housing Coordinator, 2 Grandview Drive. Mr. Caron said that a Copy of Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan was made available to public prior to the meeting for their review.
The City’s application for Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) Funds has been delivered to the NH Community Development Finance Authority for their review.
As part of the NSP3 submission requirements, the City had to post a public hearing notice date for the adoption of the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan and hold such a hearing. In this case, while Resolution 2011-05 was noticed, the adoption of the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan was not included in the ad
This meeting for the adoption of the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan was noticed on April 6th in the local newspaper and with the adoption of the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan by the Council tonight, we will have met the NSP3 public hearing requirements.
Copies of the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan have been made available to the public for their review and extra copies are still available here tonight.
I therefore request that the Mayor and Council adopt by motion the attached Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan as written. In the case of the proposed NSP3 work, we do not anticipate any displacement as a result of this project since the targeted buildings are currently empty, but should the need arise; the City will comply with the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.
He asked if anyone on the Council or the audience have any questions on the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.
The final public hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 18, 2011
Mayor Grenier called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:35 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, Danderson, Nelson, Théberge and Mayor Grenier. Also present: Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Minutes Previous Meetings
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to accept the minutes of the4/4/2011 work session and regular meeting and the 4/11/2011 work session. So moved the motion carried.
Disbursements
The Committee on Accounts/Claims recommends paying all bills dated 4/7/2011-4/20/2011for a total cash disbursement of $1,955,217.26 Draft #1638. Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - there were no comments
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Council Committee Reports – none
2. Resolution 2011-10 Authorizing an Application for $1 Million to the NHPUC for School Biomass
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, the Berlin Public Schools seek to reduce the short and long-term cost of heating Berlin High School by replacing the current oil-fired boiler with a biomass boiler; and
Whereas, cost savings in #2 fuel oil are estimated to be substantial enough to equal one to two full time teaching positions annually; and
Whereas, funds from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission are available for renewable energy projects of such construction and installation of biomass heating system and necessary for completion of such a project.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the City Council of the City of Berlin authorizes an application for $1,000,000 from New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission for a renewable energy project of construction and installation services to convert the heating system at Berlin High School to biomass and hereby authorizes the acceptance of such funds upon receipt and hereby appropriates the funds for the purpose of the grant;
Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to sign all documents and do all things necessary to effectuate the grant.
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 2011-11 Authorizing a Grant/Loan for the BWW from USDA Rural Development
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, it is necessary for the City of Berlin (herein after called Association) to raise a portion of the cost of such undertaking by issuance of its bonds in the principal amount of up to Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) pursuant to the provisions of New Hampshire Statutes Annotated: and
Whereas, the Association intends to obtain assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture, (herein called the Government) acting under the provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.) In the planning, financing, and supervision of such undertaking and the purchasing of bonds lawfully issued, in the event that no other acceptable purchaser for such bonds is found by the Association:
Now Therefore, in consideration of the premises the Association hereby resolves:
1. The City Council for the City of Berlin Water Works (the “City”) hereby appropriates the sum of up to $1,000,000 for a water supply infrastructure improvement project including, among other things, improvements to transmission pipeline (the “Project”); Up To $750,000 of such sum to be raised through the issuance by the City of $750,000 of its bonds or notes under and pursuant to the terms of the Municipal Finance Act, RSA 33, as amended (the “Bonds”), such Bonds to be sold to the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development or as otherwise determined to be in the best interests of the City by its City Manager and Treasurer; the proceeds of the Bonds to be used,
among other things, to pay off the outstanding principal amount of funds loaned to the City by the State Revolving Loan Fund. The remaining at least $250,000 of the aforesaid appropriation to be in the form of a grant from Rural Development in accordance with the terms of the Letter of conditions; the City Manager and Treasurer being hereby authorized to sign all documents and to take such other steps as are necessary to effectuate the intent of the foregoing: and all actions heretofore taken consistent with the foregoing; and all actions heretofore taken consistent with the foregoing hereby being ratified and confirmed.
2. To refinance the unpaid balance, in whole or in part, of its bonds upon the request of the Government if at any time it shall appear to the Government that the Association is able to refinance its bonds by obtaining a loan for such purposes from responsible cooperative or private sources at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time as required by section 333(c) of said Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983 (c).
3. To provide for, execute, and comply with Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement,” and Form RD 400-1, “Equal Opportunity Agreement,” including and “Equal Opportunity Clause,” which clause is to be incorporated in, or attached as a rider to, each construction contract and subcontract involving in excess of $10,000.
4. To indemnify the government for any payments made or losses suffered by the Government on behalf of the Association. Such indemnification shall be payable from the same source of funds pledged to pay the bonds or any other legally permissible source.
5. That upon default in the payments of any principal and accrued interest on the bonds or in the performance of any covenant or agreement contained herein or in the instruments incident to making or insuring the loan, the Government at its option may (a) declare the entire principal amount then outstanding and accrued interest immediately due and payable, (b) for the account of the Association (payable from the source of funds pledged to pay the bonds or any other legally permissible source), incur and pay reasonable expenses for repair, maintenance, and operation of the facility and such other reasonable expenses as may be necessary to cure the cause of default, and/or (c) take possession of the facility,
repair, maintain, and operate or rent it. Default under the provisions of this resolution or any instrument incident to the making or insuring of the loan may be construed by the Government to constitute default under any other held by the Government and executed or assumed by the Association, and default under any such instrument may be construed by the Government to constitute default.
6. Not to sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise encumber the facility or any portion thereof, or interest therein, or permit others to do so, without the prior written consent of the Government.
7. Not to defease the bonds, or to borrow money, enter into any contractor agreement, or otherwise incur any liabilities for any purpose in connection with the facility (exclusive of normal maintenance) without the prior written consent of the Government if such undertaking would involve the source of funds pledged to pay the bonds.
8. To place the proceeds of the bonds on deposit in an account and in a manner approved by the Government. Funds may be deposited in institutions insured by the State or Federal Government or invested in readily marketable securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Any income from these accounts will be considered as revenues of the system.
9. To comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations and to continually operate and maintain the facility in good condition.
10. To provide for the receipt of adequate revenues to meet the requirements of debt service, operation and maintenances, and the establishment of adequate reserves. Revenue accumulated over and above that needed to pay operating and maintenance, debt service and reserves may only be retained or used to make prepayments on the loan. Revenue cannot be used to pay any expenses which are not directly incurred for the facility financed by USDA. No free service or use of facility will be permitted.
11. To acquire and maintain such insurance and fidelity bond coverage as may be required by the Government.
12. To establish and maintain such books and records relating to the operation of the facility and its financial affairs and to provide for required audit thereof as required by the Government, to provide the Government a copy of each such audit without its request, and to forward to the Government such additional information and reports as it may from time to time require.
13. To provide the Government at all reasonable times access to all books and records relating to the facility and access to the property of the system so that the Government may ascertain that the Association is complying with the provisions hereof and of the instruments incident to the making or insuring of the loan.
14. That if the Government requires that a reserve account be established, disbursements from that account(s) may be used when necessary for payments due on the bond if sufficient funds are not otherwise available and prior approval of the Government is obtained. Also, with the prior written approval of the Government, funds may be withdrawn and used for such things as emergency maintenance, extensions to facilities, and replacement of short lived assets.
15. To provide adequate service to all persons within the service area who can feasibly and legally be served and to obtain USDA’s concurrence prior to refusing new or adequate services to such persons. Upon failure to provide services which are feasible and legal, such person shall have a direct right of action against the Association or public body.
16. To comply with the measures identified in the Government’s environmental impact analysis of this facility for the purpose of avoiding or reducing the adverse environmental impacts of the facility’s construction or operation.
17. To accept a grant in an amount to be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) under the terms offered by the Government; that the City Manager of the Association is hereby authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary or appropriate in the execution of all written instruments as may be required in regard to or as evidence of such grant; and to operate the facility under the terms offered in said grant agreement(s).
The provisions hereof and the provisions of all instruments incidents to the making or the insuring of the loan, unless otherwise specifically provided by the terms of such instrument, shall be binding upon the Association as long as the bonds are held or insured by the government or assignee. The provisions of sections 6 through 17 hereof may be provided for in more specific detail in the bond resolution or ordinance; to the extent that the provisions contained in such bond resolution or ordinance should be found to be inconsistent with the provisions hereof, these provisions shall be construed as controlling between the Association and the Government or assignee.
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to have the resolution read for the second time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to have the third reading of the resolution by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
4. Resolution 2011-13-R1 Accepting Tillotson Funds
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, the Berlin Master Plan completed in March 2010 lists downtown redevelopment as a primary implementation strategy; and
Whereas, the Berlin Main Street Program continues to work on projects on Main Street to create an inviting gathering place for residents and visitors alike; and
Whereas, the Berlin Main Street Program is the primary partner for this project and all administrative functions will be handled by the Planning Department; and
Whereas, the County-wide Branding Initiative identifies Berlin as the likely community for a visitor shopping experience; and
Whereas, it is important that the community identify what should be done to retain the current businesses in downtown and what it will take to bring new businesses to the downtown that cater to both the residents of Berlin and visitors looking for a “grand” experience related to the Branding Initiative (NH Grand).
Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the City Council of the City of Berlin hereby appropriates fifty-five thousand dollars ($55,000.00) from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation by way of the Berlin Main Street Program to create a downtown plan that will address both economic development and landscaping public spaces; and
Be it further resolved that, the City Manager is authorized to accept the grant and to sign and do all things necessary to effectuate and carry out the grant.
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage
Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor McCue moved to have the second reading of the resolution and subsequently withdrew the motion.
Councilor McCue moved to amend the resolution as recommended in the underlined version; Councilor Danderson seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to have the second reading of the resolution in its entirety, as amended. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to have the third reading of the resolution by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor McCue moved with a second by Councilor Danderson to pass the resolution, as amended. So moved, the motion carried
5. Resolution 2011-14 Re-purposing Segregated Funds for Downtown Master Plan
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas the City has finished its Master Plan project and a primary recommendation of the plan was to focus on downtown redevelopment; and
Whereas, it would be better to repurpose the funds for downtown master planning which will allow the City to develop a strong plan for redevelopment and streetscaping.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the current remaining balance of $9,514.39 from the Segregated Master Plan account (01-495-995-1111) for Master Plan is hereby changed in name and purpose to Downtown Master Plan.
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 unanimously by roll call
6. Adoption of the Anti-Displacement Plan for NSP 3
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to accept the plan. So moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Ordinance 2011-02 High Volume Low Strength Sewer Rate
Councilor Danderson moved with a second by Councilor McCue to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on May 2, 2011. So moved, the motion carried
8. Resolution 2011-15 Road Toll Guidelines
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Remillard to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on May 2, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
9. Resolution 2011-16 DWI Hunter Patrols
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on May 2, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
10. Resolution 2011-17 Safe Commute Patrols
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on May2, 2011. So moved, the motion carried.
11. Vote on BEA Contract
Mayor Grenier read the cost items of the two year contract proposal into the record:
-There is to be no wage increase in both years of the agreement;
- No step movement in year one and movement of one step in year two with a cost saving of 98,197 over the length of the agreement;
-No increase in longevity in year one saves $9865 with the cost of longevity in year two at $11660 for a savings of $1795 over the agreement;
-Change in health insurance from POS to HMO saves $58256 in year one (cost is not available for year two);
-Reduction in health insurance waiver from $5,302 to $2,000 saves $95750 in year one. Reduction of employees eligible for the waiver saves an additional $20,000 in year two for a total savings of $115,750 over the contract;
-No payment of steps and longevity and the reduction in the cost of the insurance waiver saves $15592 in FICA costs in year one and steps and longevity cost of $6874 in FICA in year two. A total savings over the two year agreement is $180,929.
Councilor Danderson moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to approve the agreement. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
12. City Manager’s Report
Laura Viger Receives Sylvia Evans Award
We are most proud that Laura Viger was the recipient of the prestigious Sylvia Evans Award this year. It was awarded to her at a very nice ceremony at WMCC Friday before last. This award is given each year to a woman in the community who has demonstrated concern and devoted time and energy to the families of the Androscoggin Valley. The award is named after Sylvia V. Forman Evans. She was the first recipient of the award in 1981. There can be no doubt that Laura is one of the most deserving recipients of this award given her long career of public service and giving of herself to others and the community.
State Assessing Feedback
Attached is more correspondence from the State Department of Revenue Administration regarding their review of the City's assessing revaluation carried out by Avitar. Their findings all seem to indicate that they believe the revaluation met their criteria for quality.
WWTF Design Refinements
Henry Noel, Mike Perreault and I have been going over design refinements with Wright-Pierce on a fairly regular basis now as the design improvements move forward. The Value Engineering process will probably occur in June or July, and at the moment, it looks like bidding for this major construction should occur probably in October or November.
BOP Conference Calls
We continue to have our conference calls with the Bureau of Prisons about every three weeks. As the Council is aware, there currently is no money in the Federal budget for the new Prison to start its staffing ramp up as it had planned. Now it appears that that ramp up cannot really start until at least October. In some ways, this may help with our WWTF improvements schedule, but certainly from the point of view of providing an economic boost to the region it is another kick in the teeth.
Ambulance Contract
Last week I met with Chris Dubey of Berlin Emergency Medical Services to review the contract and the budget. We agreed that the amount we show in the budget for BEMS of $240,000 is the correct contractually agreed upon amount for the coming budget year.
Health Advisory Board
Part of the Medicare requirements for operating a home health nursing operation such as we do requires that there be quarterly meetings of a Professional Advisory Board. Due to Laura Viger's absence, this Board has not met in quite a while. We re-established meetings of this Board and held a meeting last week. The Board is made up mostly of local health professionals who were appointed by the Mayor and Council.
K-Kids of Berlin, NH
K-Kids of Berlin, NH is a student-led community service club in the Berlin, Gorham and Milan area operating under the Berlin Kiwanis Club. As part of their efforts they will on April 30th be doing a community service project working on cleaning up Community Park. We couldn't be happier to get this type of service from our youth.
Tax-Deeding Day
The day for tax deeding this year has been established by the Finance Department as May 17th.
North Country Ride Share
Attached is a letter from the North Country Council regarding North Country RideShare. This is an initiative to promote ride sharing in the North Country. The program through NHDOT uses a computer matching system to match up riders. The goal of North Country RideShare (NCRS) is to provide public education and awareness about this DOT program. NCRS will presumably be meeting with us in the near future to go over it and publicizing events they have planned.
Highway Safety Grants
I have attached the award letters for Highway Safety Grants for the following projects to be carried out by the BPD:
· Berlin Red Light Running
· DWI Hunter Patrols
· Operation Safe Commute Patrols
· Enforcement Patrols
· DWI/DUI Patrols
· Bicycle Patrols
· NH Clique Seat Belt Campaign
Legislative Matters
HB1&2: This is the budget bill and its trailer. It has passed the House. It is now being reviewed in the Senate and I don't presume to understand all of the 'ins and outs' of it. The Senate will be holding public hearings on these two bills this Thursday.
SB156: This is the vehicle registration bill which the Mayor and Council opposed, which would allow auto dealers to register vehicles at the time of purchase through an electronic vehicle registration system. Presumably according to NHMA, the municipal concerns about the revenue and registration errors have been addressed in the current version of the bill. It will have a hearing tomorrow afternoon before the House Commerce Committee.
HB 464: This bill transfers $89 million from the Group II (police/fire) specials accounts used to pay for COLA's to the pension system where it belongs.
HB 457: Happily, this bill which would have reduced by half unpaid property tax interest rates from 12% and 18% respectively to 6% and 12% was killed in the Senate.
Councilor Remillard asked for a list of tax deeded properties.
Councilor Danderson moved to accept the City Manager’s oral and written report and place on file; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
13. Mayor’s Report
a. 2010 Arbor Day Proclamation-Mayor Grenier declared April 30, 2010 Arbor Day for the previous year.
b. Planning Board. Mayor Grenier recommended Greg Estrella to a three year term to expire April of 2014. Councilor Remillard moved to accept Mr. Estrella as a regular member of the Planning Board for a term to expire April 2014; Councilor Evans seconded and the motion carried.
c. ZBA. Mayor Grenier recommended the re-appointment of Henry Boucher to the Zoning Board for a term to expire April 2014. Councilor Remillard moved to re-appoint Mr. Boucher to the ZBA for a term to expire April 2014; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
d. Mayor Grenier read a letter of resignation from the ZBA from Harold Bigelow adding that he shall be missed. Councilor Remillard moved to accept Mr. Bigelow’s resignation from the ZBA; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. Mayor Grenier asked for a list of the regular and alternate members of the ZBA.
Mayor Grenier thanked teachers and the BEA for working on a contract that works well for the community.
Mayor Grenier noted that the Council has two qualified people on BIDPA and Councilor Evans has graciously bowed out to allow Councilor Nelson to serve as the City Council’s ex-officio. Councilor Danderson moved to have Councilor Nelson as the City Council ex-officio of BIDPA; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Danderson moved to accept the Mayor’s report; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
14. Public Comments – there were no public comments.
15. Council Comments – there were no Council Comments
16. 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 8:45 p.m.
A True Record Attest:
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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