Work Session
May 23, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson and Théberge
Others Present: Pamela Laflamme, Patrick MacQueen, Andre Caron, Barbara Tetreault, and public.
Consultant Selection for Downtown Design and Economic Strategy
City Planner Pamela Laflamme reported that a sub-committee met and interviewed two prospective companies to do a downtown design plan. They recommended and the full committee agreed on HEB who presented a team including John Wacker who did the landscape design for Bickford Park and Stu Arnett’s company who are also familiar with the North Country. Approval of the Council to move forward with the contract is being sought.
Councilor Nelson moved to hire HEB for the Downtown Design and Economic Strategy; Councilor Otis seconded.
In discussion Councilor Remillard confirmed that HEB plans on collecting data through a public meeting that will be held at end of June at Bickford Place, either outside or in the building. It is expected that it will take nine months to a year to finish the plan and in addition to public input, there will be heavy merchant involvement. Ms. Laflamme indicated that once a contract is signed, HEB will come up with a defined scope of work.
Councilor Ducharme asked how the proposals differed and Councilor McCue noted that the other was a real estate firm who wanted to be the City’s commercial realtor. Their approach was to come in and sell without focus. HEB had more ideas and is familiar with Berlin. In the interest of full disclosure, Mayor Grenier said that his son is an employee of HEB and Councilor McCue noted that Sylvia Poulin abstained from voting on the committee.
In the vote, all were in favor of the motion to hire HEB for the Downtown Design.
Laidlaw Title Work
Mayor Grenier explained that in the title work being done by Cate Street Capital, there is a series of title issues that have come up, some dating back to the 1940’s. These items have been reviewed by the City Planner and there would be no adverse effects to moving forward on them.
Councilor Rozek moved to accept the agreements as presented with the exception of the sixth agreement to address housekeeping issues from Brown Company to the new Laidlaw; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Primex Insurance Programs
Mr. MacQueen reported that we have to determine how far into the future to go with our insurance carrier. There are incentives with multi-year agreements and this one for property/liability insurance guarantees an increase cap of 7% and 8% for Worker’s Comp. Though it is nice to get the guarantee, Mr. MacQueen recommended going with a one year agreement and getting quotes yearly for the best price.
Mayor Grenier added that Primex is getting out of the health insurance business and there is a cost benefit to having multiple agreements under one carrier.
Councilor Rozek questioned the City’s practice of choosing carriers saying that there should be at least three quotes from companies. Mr. MacQueen noted that health care carriers are named in the contracts. Primex is called for in all contracts except OPEIU.
Councilor Rozek said that cost savings could be achieved if all the unions sat at one table and agreed to one insurance plan rather that negotiating with all the groups. Mayor Grenier established that he and Mr. MacQueen sat with all the unions and though talked about, it was not accomplished. The City Manager added that there are not many carriers for municipalities.
Councilor McCue expressed concern about collective bargaining in a public session saying that he gets uncomfortable with that. Councilor Ducharme asked if there are other agents and Mr. MacQueen noted that Cigna had gotten away from municipal insurance but it looks like they may be coming back; there is Primex that has Harvard Pilgrim as a carrier and LGC that has Blue Cross as the carrier.
Mayor Grenier commented that in this case, the issue is property liability and Worker’s Comp insurance. He affirmed that the numbers in the budget are still valid. Councilor Ducharme asked and Mr. MacQueen confirmed that there is not a carrier for property liability insurance. Prixex is the carrier and with Worker’s Comp they are the underwriter.
Councilor Evans moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a one year contact for PL & WC insurance with Primex; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Review Park Inventory
Mayor Grenier stated that the Council wanted to honor Laura Viger’s efforts in the community by naming a park after her. Councilor McCue suggested Gill Park since Gill’s has moved location. Another suggestion was the Voudoukis Park since it is has art and sculptures. Councilor Nelson agreed that it was appropriate. Councilor Théberge suggested the College practice field and Mayor Grenier noted that it would take State legislation to rename. The consensus was to look further into the Voudoukis Park.
Other
Mayor Grenier confirmed with the Council that other items would be considered on the agenda though the “Other” category was left off the agenda.
Councilor Rozek asked if it would be appropriate to invite Jon Edwards to a Council meeting to respond to questions from the Council. Mayor Grenier established that he has to strike a balance as chair considering what would be gained. Mr. Edwards is working against city interest. He is delinquent on his taxes. Councilor Rozek commented that he can’t help but question whether there is a love or hatred for the community.
Councilor McCue cautioned that there is a PUC matter with hearings being held and it is not a subject for this body to deliberate. Mayor Grenier added that the delay is taking its toll on the community. Isaacson Steel would likely have six months worth of work if the project were to move forward. It would provide an economic gain not only to new businesses but to solid businesses that have been here a long time. Mayor Grenier went on to say that the project is being stonewalled by two groups, one trying to leverage for their own good and a local citizen whose motives he is not able to figure out. It is sobering that one person can have a negative effect on several hundred jobs and there appears to be nothing to gain. Councilor Rozek questioned the intent with delinquent taxes.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Nelson moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3,II(d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
The Council discussed the acquisition of property.
There being no further business, Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilors continued the meeting under RSA 91-A:2, I (b) Collective Bargaining
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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