Work Session
May 2, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson and Théberge; Councilor Danderson was absent.
Others Present: Mike Perreault, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
He mentioned an issue with pets in parks that Councilor Nelson would like to discuss and it was the consensus of the Council to add the item to the agenda.
Recommendation for Setting the Sewer Rate
Mr. MacQueen reported that every year staff wrestles with water consumptions and how the information received from BWW applies to sewer costs. The recommendation is to keep the sewer rate consistent at $7.99 per 100 cf. Mayor Grenier confirmed that the City is not paying debt yet and hopefully there will be the added revenue of the prison to offset that expense. Mr. MacQueen informed the Council that there is over $4 million in unappropriated fund balance in the sewer fund. The proposed rate is slightly above the State average. The sewer fund did not build the first treatment plant and there is no tax money in the sewer fund.
Councilor Remillard moved to accept sewer rate at $7.99 for calendar year 2010/billable year 2011; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried.
155-B Order for 49 Gilbert Street
Mr. MacQueen explained that 49 Gilbert Street is now owned by Joe Dimauro and has come into a bad state of disrepair. The building has been evaluated with Brownsfield money and it was determined that there is hazardous waste at the site. Councilor Remillard expressed concern that the city would spend money on the 155-B order when the property will be tax deeded in a few weeks. Mr. MacQueen noted that it has been the policy that where there is enough evidence for a 155-b order, the Fire Department moves forward with it. The property can still be taken by deed and there will not be additional cost for the 155-B. It becomes one more way of dealing with the problem building. Mr. MacQueen assured the Council that no money is paid to the owner of the building.
At the request of Councilor McCue, Mr. MacQueen recounted that the 155-b order is one of the main tools to force a property owner whose property is deficient to fix it. These are for properties that have become a hazard to public. The Fire Department petitions the court to tell the property owner to clean it up and if they do not, the city does the work and then places a lien on the property. It is very expensive for the city; however it has been effective. Councilor Théberge also noted that the lien can extend to the property owner’s other properties in the State.
Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to sign an order pursuant to RSA 155-b against the owners of 49 Gilbert Street; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Park Issue
Councilor Nelson reported that she had two people complain to her about snakes in the park. People have left the park because they are fearful of these snakes. Councilor Rozek clarified that the snakes are pets and they are brought to the park by their owners. Councilor Nelson added that there is an ordinance prohibiting dogs from being in the park; perhaps the ordinance should be expanded so that snakes would be banned as well. Parks are for kids and people should not have to leave the park because of snakes. Councilor Remillard agreed with banning exotic animals and added that they should not be allowed in the City at all, not just in parks.
Councilor McCue established that if we are banning exotic pets, what qualifies as an exotic pet? If we set an ordinance it should be about what is in parks or streets. Mayor Grenier suggested getting a recommendation from the Police Department who would have to enforce an ordinance if passed. He added that parks are for kids not for dogs and exotic pets.
702 Glen Avenue
Mayor Grenier stated that he spoke with Chief Trull and Joe Martin about 702 Glen Avenue and the mess that is there. It is a dump and being at the entrance to the city it is seen as a complete disregard for the people in the city. Mayor Grenier said that this style of managing properties has to go.
To Councilor Otis’ question about new landlords coming to Berlin, Mr. MacQueen indicated that the feeling is that new investors are the kind you want in the City and those who will be fixing up properties.
Road Toll Guidelines
City Clerk Debbie Patrick entered the meeting. Councilor Rozek mentioned a problem with the road toll guidelines and there is at least one constituent concerned about liability. Councilor Remillard stated that Steve Tardif reported that the location of the barriers on the Pleasant Street side when there is a road toll is interfering with the store’s entrance and exit. The Councilor added that she is concerned about liability and kids going into traffic to collect money. Councilor McCue suggested passing the resolution and then fine tuning it in the near future with input from the PD. Councilor Remillard disagreed saying that the fine tuning should occur first and then the resolution would be passed.
Councilor Théberge suggested holding the road toll only on one street rather than on both Pleasant Street and Glen Avenue. Ms. Patrick acknowledged that having the toll only on one side would help the situation. Mr. MacQueen suggested amending the resolution to add:
9. The road toll shall henceforth be on Glen Avenue only; and
10. All activities of minors shall be supervised by adults.
Mr. Perreault suggested that a map be handed out with the application. He noted that PWD can paint a marking on the curb where the barricades are to be put up for a road toll.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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