City Council Work Session
October 3, 2011
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson, Théberge
Others present were: Pamela Laflamme, Debra Patrick, Eric Kaminsky, several civics class students, media and public.
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and welcomed students and those in attendance.
Disposition of 28 Spring Street
Mr. MacQueen explained that staff is recommending transferring 28 Spring Street to TKB Properties Inc. to rehabilitate into nine to twelve units under the NSP 3 Program. The building has serious lead issues in paint and soil and it would be expensive to demo because material cannot go to Mt. Carberry.
Councilor McCue asked if this is a property that the previous developer was going to use to access Notre Dame and Mr. MacQueen did not believe it was the same. Mayor Grenier commented that the property is sound but with lead problems that cannot be disposed of locally, it would cost as much to tear it down. Mr. MacQueen noted that 104 Grafton Street and 116 Stafford Street are also being worked on and there is hope to have enough money for a fourth property.
Councilor Rozek moved that the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer 28 Spring Street, Map/Lot 128-0157.0000 to TKB Properties and placed under the contractual obligations set forth in the NSP 3 Program; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Request to Sell Airport Snowblower
Eric Kaminsky, Airport Manager reported that the airport is looking to sell a used snowblower that was replaced with new equipment. Since this is specialized equipment, Mr. Kaminsky is looking to advertise on eBay; Craig’s list and in any other way that will give as much exposure as possible.
Councilor Rozek asked if this is equipment the city could use and Mr. Kaminsky indicated that the equipment is not designed to be good going up hills and the Public Works Director, did not feel it was the right equipment for city use.
Councilors suggested that the equipment be offered to the school department and to Pollution Control. Councilor Ducharme confirmed that there are no restrictions on selling. Mayor Grenier mentioned the airport deficit that has run for several years and is now at around $60,000. The sale of the equipment would go a long way toward balancing the account.
Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to approve the sale of equipment and allow advertising by any means that will give maximum exposure to maximize a sale; Councilor Ducharme seconded and the motion carried.
Redistricting
Ms. Patrick said that Kate Miller from the City Attorney’s Office is advising that there is a tight timeline to get a question on the Presidential primary ballot. Adding to the uncertainty is that the date for the Primary could be very early.
The resolution being proposed will be a little different because it relates to a Charter amendment. It will be tabled and a special meeting called on October 10 or 11 and that is when the resolution will be passed. There will then be a public hearing that will have had a published notice for 7 days. The hearing will be October 24. If the Presidential Primary were to be held in December, the City will have to do a Special Election for redistricting.
Ms. Laflamme spoke to the physical boundaries that would separate the City into two wards. Main Street would be used as the divider; however there are some other areas that need to be included to assure that the two wards are even in numbers. Mayor Grenier, Councilors, Otis, Nelson, and Théberge would be in Ward 1 under this scenario; all others would be in Ward 2.
Mayor Grenier stated this would upset the least amount of people. Ward IV has been the east side and now they will be joining with Ward 1. He noted that making ward boundary changes would affect the makeup of other boards and commissions such as the Water Commission and Airport Authority.
Ms. Patrick voiced that changing the wards will be a burden on the voters and further changes can wait until the following election. She noted that she will suggest amendments to the resolution that will correct the boards and commissions with ward representation. Mayor Grenier reasoned that ward workers are difficult to get and 2 wards will simplify the process. Councilor Rozek said that though this is a major change, it is the least intrusive.
Councilor McCue suggested that the word “Councilmen” be changed to “councilor” in two places. He stated that those elected this time for a 4 year term will only serve until the next municipal election. He asked if there will be eight councilors and a Mayor. Ms. Patrick noted that this is a Council decision; it could be 7 or 5 but that is a Council directive. Councilor McCue remarked that one could run for a 4 year term which will be until the next municipal election and the entire size of the body may change.
Councilor Remillard voiced that the proposed separation of the wards will cut her neighborhood in half. She said she is not on board because she does not feel this is the proper way to separate the City. Ms. Laflamme reported that her goal was to get 5,000 on each side of the physical boundaries.
Councilor McCue said he understands the deadline but this is a lot to decide tonight. If a Charter Commission is formed, this could get changed again. Ms. Patrick said that there will be a public hearing and the wording will be on a ballot and the voters will decide. Council can send their recommendation. Councilor McCue confirmed that the vote in November is under the current system and in September of 2012, it will be a whole new system. Ms. Patrick concluded that voters will be moved no matter what option is chosen.
Councilor Nelson affirmed that it is not necessary to choose less councilors. Mayor Grenier commented that he is not in favor of reducing the council. If too many changes are presented to the voters, they will vote it down. Councilor Nelson said that the Council is here to serve the city as a whole and in the end it’s just a line. Councilor Remillard recommended not cutting the neighborhood in half.
Councilors acknowledged that the “at large” element will help to make the two wards work. Ms. Patrick answered a question about polling places saying that the Recreation Department and one of the schools could be used. Mayor Grenier encouraged the Council to have the resolution read and tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.
Councilors had a few suggestions for changes that Ms. Laflamme said she would work on.
Columbus Day Holiday
It was the consensus of the Council to meet on Monday, October 10 for a special meeting. Mayor Grenier emphasized that redistricting will be the only item on the agenda.
Other
Fire Access Road
Councilor Remillard questioned whether the Fire Access designation could be put on Francis Street without an ordinance and Mr. MacQueen replied that enforcement needs an ordinance.
Traffic Safety Committee Issues
Councilor Rozek asked how issues are brought up at Traffic Safety. Mayor Grenier added that the Council has not received a letter about play streets or speed limits and the issue is on the agenda. Councilor Evans replied that as Chair of the Safety Committee he wanted to go through outdated ordinances and the ordinance eliminating play streets is not in response to public outcry. He went on to say that the Committee gets a complaint and the code book is a mess of old and new and it is difficult to tell what is relevant.
Mayor Grenier stated that traffic safety issues should be coming from the public. The Council is rewriting the code every two weeks absent of public participation. He questioned whether the committee is out of control. The accepted process has been that a member of the public sent a letter; it is brought to council and Council refers it to the safety committee.
Councilor Théberge brought up Cates Hill and its speed limit of 35 saying that there are and no signs and several walkers there. Councilor Rozek added that it is rural and if he lived there he would not want a lower speed limit. He questioned where these ideas are coming from saying that it is out of hand.
Mayor Grenier stated that out of respect for the chair of the Safety Committee he kept the items on the agenda. Councilor Remillard reported that items are on the Committee’s agenda that were not put on by anyone on the board. She said that the Traffic and Safety Committee is not in agreement with the choices of the Chair, adding that he is taking control like he’s the board and that is the problem. Mayor Grenier commented that the process has meandered and it has to be brought back to process.
Mayor Grenier asked about the issues that are currently on the agenda that have come from Traffic Safety such as the change to the speed limit map and play streets. Councilor Evans reported that the speed limit map does not show the areas that are out of the City’s jurisdiction and belong to the State. The proposed correction is a housekeeping issue that would outline areas on the map not under the authority of the Council. With regard to placing these on the agenda, he said that staff put them on and it was not his intention to skip the work session discussion.
In response to a question about play streets, Councilor Evans stated that when the Catholic School was open a section of Emery Street was blocked off for students to play and there was an ordinance supporting that. It was estimated that the street has not been blocked off for play in 20 years, so the ordinance should be removed.
Councilor Evans stated that the ordinance regarding fire access lanes for Francis Street is not prepared yet but it will be on an upcoming agenda. Mayor Grenier noted that he will support the proposed changes and he recognized Chair Evans’ efforts; however he added that changes need to be driven by the public.
Main Street
Councilor McCue asked about the barricades across from the Albert Theatre and Mr. MacQueen answered that there was some vandalism where windows were broken; they have since been repaired and we need to pick up the barricades.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assisatant
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