Work Session
November 21, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, McCue, Evans Rozek, Nelson, and Théberge
Others present included Charlie Cotton, Executive Director of Mental Health Services, Patrick MacQueen, press and public
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Grenier asked if there were any objections to adding a request from the NCC for a letter of support on a grant regarding Scenic Byways. With no objections, the item was added to the work session.
Mental Health Services in Berlin – Charlie Cotton, Area Director
Mr. Cotton explained that his office deals with all residents from Wolfeboro north with varying degrees of need for mental health services. He said that he appreciates the years of support his agency has had from the city, both financially and with staff time such as police.
Mr. Cotton informed the Council that one in four people experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime and one in ten have severe mental illness. The good news is that treatments work with outcomes of 70% to 90% of those treated reporting a reduction of symptoms though only about 44% of those who need treatment get it. Many cannot afford the cost of care and the consequences are catastrophic as nine out of ten suicide victims have mental illness and the life expectancy of someone with mental illness is 25 years shorter.
Mental Health Services employs 20 staff in Berlin and they attempt to buy goods and services locally. As of September 30, they had served 659 citizens and they also contract with local schools, nursing homes and the hospital. Mr. Cotton went on to say that there is no long waiting list for services with the goal of the agency being to get someone who is requesting services in within 2 weeks.
Services are partially funded through fees; however the agency tries not to allow fees to be the reason that someone would not seek services. The City is not billed for city welfare or prisoner evaluations. Mr. Cotton established that Mental Health Services has a grant to reach out to child victims of crime.
Mayor Grenier asked Mr. Cotton to explain Mental Health Services’ role in involuntary emergency admission (IEA) which allows someone to be committed to a hospital. Mr. Cotton noted that an involuntary commitment can occur if a person has significant mental illness; is a danger to self or community; if there is a connection between the illness and the danger. The agency puts together a significant amount of paperwork and consults with a physician to write a petition that when complete, allows law enforcement to take a person into custody and take them to a mental facility. Mayor Grenier asked about the timeline between a mental health crisis and law enforcement intervention and Mr. Cotton indicated that it can vary depending on the situation but ultimately the legal standard has to be met. There is now video
conferencing in all 7 North Country hospitals and it helps considerably that patients can be evaluated via video saving money on travel time for the agency and still providing service.
Councilor Ducharme asked for a definition of essential services to qualify for reduced fees. Mr. Cotton stated that if someone wants to talk to a therapist about marital problems, they would be less likely to receive a reduced fee than someone calling about PTSD, excessive compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia.
Mayor Grenier confirmed that all forms of mental illness are treatable. Mr. Cotton also affirmed that Mental Health Services received a contribution from every community last year. Every dollar received raises $3 to $5 of outside funding.
Councilor Ducharme asked if there is a way to measure outcomes and Mr. Cotton responded that there are mandated tools to assess functions; employment statistics, are tracked and followed. Councilor Remillard said she’s seen the agency at work first hand and complimented them on a great staff. Mayor Grenier thanked Mr. Cotton for the information. Mr. Cotton left the meeting at this time.
NCC Request for Letter of Support for Solid Waste Tech Assistance Grant
Mr. MacQueen explained that North Country Council is asking for a letter of support for their application for a Solid Waste Technical Assistance Grant through the US Department of Agriculture. Mayor Grenier acknowledged the need for the grant; however he said that Berlin would not likely have a direct benefit because we have the AVRRDD that does a great job for Berlin and area towns. Mayor Grenier noted that he would still support a letter.
Councilor McCue moved to send a letter of support for the NCC’s application for a Solid Waste Technical Assistance Grant through the US Department of Agriculture; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Ordinance 2011-12 Chapter 19 Commercial Industrial Tax Incentive Discussion
Mr. MacQueen stated that this ordinance would put back the similar ordinance rescinded by the Council last year. This fits with the Legislative changes the Council asked John Gallus to do in this Legislative Session. Only Coos County is allowed by law, to adopt this tax incentive for new development. If adopted, the exemption/abatement would be for commercial and/or industrial property undertaking new construction. It is being brought up now because prospective developers may be able to take advantage of the incentive and there is no reason not to have this incentive as a tool.
Mayor Grenier said that the focus of his second term will be changing the face of the downtown. Councilor Rozek mentioned that former Councilor Danderson spoke strongly against the tax incentive. Mayor Grenier explained that it was his preference not to have the tax incentive in place when a PILT was being negotiated; however it would have had no bearing on the negotiations. At this time, the city needs more tools to attract business and industry. Councilor Remillard asked if the incentive should be just for retail since the focus is the downtown and Mr. MacQueen commented that industry bring the most prosperity to the city. The ordinance will have its first reading at this meeting.
Letter from NCC re: Application for a North Country Scenic Byways Project
The North Country Council is submitting an application to the NH Scenic Byways Program for corridor management of the Woodlands Heritage Trail and the Moose Path Trail. They are also seeking the appointment of someone to represent the City interests as the plan is developed. Mayor Grenier voiced his support and stated that he would nominate Councilor McCue to represent city on this committee.
With regard to the previous letter sought by the NCC, Councilor Ducharme stated that it would be helpful if the Council were to choose an option as suggested in the letter. She recommended full cost accounting and there were no objections.
There being no further Work Session business, Mayor Grenier concluded the work session at this time.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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