Work Session
October 17, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson, and Théberge
Others presents included: Pamela Laflamme, Max Makaitis, Sylvia Poulin, Dick Huot, Paula Kinney, media, and public
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting and welcomed those present at 6:30 p.m.
Riverfire
Councilor Nelson reported that the Chamber of Commerce started giving out pumpkins today for carving and display on the pumpkin bridge; people are also encouraged to bring their own pumpkin. The duck race is nearly sold out with only a handful of tickets remaining. Ms. Poulin said that the Main Street Program will be providing hayrides on the traditional route. Promotion of the Festival is going well on Facebook and Magic radio will be at the event live during the day.
Mayor Grenier was informed that there are 16 vendors and an effort is being made to use local vendors. The new pathway along the river will be lit with tiki lights. There are very good corporate sponsorships, with Brookfield Power, Couture Construction, ReMax and Auto North among them. The ReMax balloon will be at Horne Field.
Dick Huot commented that the Heritage Park has been a busy place with 108 private and public events held at the park this year. There are plans to begin a capital campaign to pay for benches and tables along the river path. Councilor Otis commented that the advertising for Riverfire is great; there are signs everywhere. Councilor Nelson added that Facebook advertising brought comments from outside the area.
Ms. Poulin explained that coordinators have collaborated with Parents for Playground who will provide adult supervision for the “bouncy houses”. Councilor Nelson said that every year there is a wrap up meeting where the event is critiqued and last year it was found that fireworks were done too late. There will not be fireworks this year. Lighting of the fires will be at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eventually a consistent weekend will have to be chosen for this event.
Councilor Rozek asked about the Woodsman Competition and whether it conflicts with the Woodsman Day at the Fryeburg Fair. Mr. Huot clarified that contestants appreciate that they can participate in two events in the same vicinity and that has increased the numbers to a record of 77 competitors this year. Mayor Grenier noted that this is a phenomenal reflection on the City of Berlin and it is not done by government but by residents. Ms. Poulin, Ms. Kinney and Mr. Huot left the meeting at this time.
Land Sale
Mr. MacQueen stated that a few weeks ago the Council approved a motion to authorize the sale of land to abutters. One parcel was bid upon by someone who was not technically an abutter because the City owns the street and the property is across the street from the bidder. The bidder still wants to buy the property and he is aware that he cannot build on the property. Councilor McCue confirmed that a waiver of the requirement to merge the properties is needed in this case.
Councilor Rozek moved that the City Manager is hereby authorized, to amend/eliminate the general bid requirement for merger of Map/Lot 128-0177.000 522 School Street with the awarded bidder’s parcel. (Map/Lot 128-0168.000, 523 School Street) Property uses would adhere to existing applicable zoning; Councilor McCue seconded and the motion carried.
I & I Contract
Mr. MacQueen informed the Council of a fourth proposed amendment to the Wright Pierce contract regarding I & I. Originally it was thought that wetland’s permitting would not be needed for this project; however DES is making the requirement. This will increase the cost by $8,500. Mayor Grenier confirmed that these are part of the sewer improvements.
Councilor Rozek asked if there are particular areas in the City that are prone to I & I problems and he asked if there is a list. Mr. MacQueen replied that the area of Coos Street and the Armory pump station have been identified as prime areas. Councilor McCue affirmed that the wetlands to be permitted are in the area of the armory pump station.
Councilor Rozek moved to enter into amendment #4 of a contract with Wright Pierce to deal with I & I wetlands mitigation permit; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Economic Development - Max Makaitis
Mayor Grenier noted that he asked Mr. Makaitis to come in and give an update of his work in economic development similar to the report he gave to Coos County Commissioners.
Mr. Makaitis reported that he had attended the ground breaking of the Burgess Bio Power and he noted that the Governor was happy with the accomplishment.
He went on to say that looking at economic development of the County, there is a need to create disposable income to sustain businesses. Burgess Bio Power is as good for Berlin and the County as an anchor tenant in shopping mall. The City may find itself with a shortage of labor rather than unemployment which will serve to grow the population.
Mr. Makaitis speculated that FCI Berlin will happen. It was funded in the President’s budget and approved by a Senate Subcommittee. It is a matter of timing and no one can predict exactly when.
There is a Groveton Mill purchase that could create hundreds of jobs. Mr. Makaitis explained that he’s been working with Bob Chapman who wants to create jobs and he has put the down payment on the Groveton mill building.
The Balsams sale is tenuous; with a proposed deal that fell apart. The hotel needs $20 to $25 million in renovations and that has to be taken into consideration by a buyer who could buy the hotel for $1 million.
The Millsfield wind farm does not have a lot of jobs associated long term; however construction created many short term jobs. Mayor Grenier reported that there will be a PILT payment that will benefit the unincorporated townships of Millsfield, and Odelle which will ultimately help the overall cost of County taxes in each community.
With regard to the Northern loop upgrade, Mr. Makaitis said that Coos County provides 50% of NH’s renewable energy. We are becoming a green county as opposed to an industrial county.
The Northern Pass would provide permanent jobs; however landowners need to be protected. America needs all the renewable energy possible. Mayor Grenier added that the threat of eminent domain will be a tough sell for PSNH. He reported that he wants to go on record supporting the concept of Northern Pass adding that landowners need to be willing participants and there needs to be a benefit to the public.
Councilor Rozek asked what the resistance is due to and Mayor Grenier informed that it is about infractions to viewshed; and people being forced to sell land or rights of way on their land or face eminent domain. He acknowledged that PSNH has to minimize or not affect landowners and they are taking a step back and making a concerted effort to minimize upsetting people.
Councilor McCue added that downstate people are concerned about living next to power lines in their neighborhoods. There is a viable need to replace fossil fuel and how to do it so that it will not affect an existing standard of living.
Mr. Makaitis reported that he started a Coos County Bank Round Table Project to discuss the economic development structure in the County collectively. There is enthusiasm by the eight Community Revitalization Act (CRA) banks to create strategies and effect projects. Councilor McCue confirmed that credit unions are not involved at this time.
The Pellet plant at the Maynesboro Park or on the bio power site is an ongoing discussion but not all the pieces are together yet. On behalf of Tri County CAP, Mr. Makaitis said that he’s applied for a CDBG grant as well as to the NHHFA for the Notre Dame Facility project for an $8 million project.
He represents BIDPA on the CEDC board which is the only true economic development agency for Coos County. On the BIDPA Board, Mr. Makaitis reported that he visits with tenants periodically. To the extent that Ms. Laflamme is not handling the industrial park, he does. He is on the AVH Board of Directors, the FCI Talent Team and Moving Downtown Berlin Forward Committee.
Councilor McCue asked if there is a sense of time table for the Notre Dame project. Mr. Makaitis responded that completing the grant was part of the process and there should be word from the granting agency the week before Thanksgiving. Mayor Grenier asked what will happen if the project is not funded and Mr. Makaitis confirmed that the money from the other two agencies would be returned and the project would not happen.
Councilor McCue commented that when the Council authorized BIDPA to take the Rite Aid building adjacent to Bickford Place, they made it clear it was to get back on the tax rolls as soon as possible. Mr. Makaitis acknowledged that is BIDPA’s goal as well.
Councilor Théberge asked about the Route 110 hotel and Mr. Makaitis explained that he may be asking for the City’s CDBG for that project and there are currently three equity players and there is a need for a fourth. That project will be very successful.
Councilor Nelson asked if the pellet plant is a tangible project and Mr. Makaitis stated that he’s been working with a consultant in biomass to export pellets; however the pieces have not come together yet.
Councilor Remillard commented that a lot of seeds have been planted and economic development has come a long way.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier thanked Mr. Makaitis for the update and moved on to the regular meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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