Work Session
December 5, 2011
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, McCue, Evans, Rozek, Nelson and Théberge
Others Present included: Harold Parker, Gene Chandler, Senator Bass’ Office; Chris Gamache, Clint Savage, NH Bureau of Trails; Jay Poulin, Sylvia Poulin, Stu Arnette, John Wacker, Moving Downtown Forward; Pamela Laflamme, Corinne Cascadden, Bryan Lamirande, Terry Letarte, Patrick MacQueen, media and public
Mayor Grenier welcomed all and opened the work session at 6:30 p.m. He asked for and received a motion from Councilor Rozek to allow Mr. Parker and Representative Chandler to report on the activities of Congressman Bass and participate in the meeting; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Meeting with Congressman Bass’ Office - Harold Parker, Gene Chandler
Mr. Parker thanked Mayor Grenier and the citizens of Berlin. He indicated that the Mayor and Berlin were mentioned on the House floor in a speech by the Congressman and Mayor Grenier was presented with a commendation. Mr. Parker reported that Congressman Bass has been working on deficit reductions in Washington and recently toured Afghanistan. Gene Chandler is the Coos County area’s representative for the Congressman and he holds office hours Monday and Friday afternoons in Littleton. Congressman Bass will be in the region on December 21 & 22 for his 4th visit to the North Country. Mayor Grenier commented that the Congressman is one of the most easily accessible in the Federal delegation and keeps us informed on what is going on in Washington.
Mr. MacQueen stated that Berlin has been successful in getting a population waiver for rural development when the population was 10,331 and now the waiver is needed again from the Federal government. Our population is now 10,051 and there is a need for the waiver again and we’ve not heard back as to whether it was feasible. Councilor Ducharme expressed that Senator Shaheen has acknowledged that it will be extremely difficult and we need the entire delegation’s support.
Councilor Rozek indicated that there was an agreement during the building phase of the prison that the truck route would be repaired. Mr. MacQueen clarified that the State had a bond for the road and they did not claim anything on the bond. Councilor Rozek appealed to representatives of Congressman Bass that anything in the Congressman’s ability as a repair to the road would be appreciated. Mr. Parker and Representative Chandler indicated that they would look into it.
Councilor McCue commented that he appreciates the Congressman’s work on deficit reduction.
Snowmobile Trail – Chris Gamache, Clint Savage, Bureau of Trails
Mayor Grenier introduced Chris Gamache and Clint Savage from the State Bureau of Trails stating that Mr. Gamache has been instrumental in the formation and development of Jericho State Park and Mr. Savage manages trails in this part of the State. The challenge is that an alternative to the current snowmachine trail on the east side has to be created because the construction company for the biomass plant, Babcock & Wilcox’, insurance will not allow off road vehicles on the mill property during construction.
Mr. Gamache stated that the State is faced with closing the corridor or coming up with an alternative for the next two years. Cate Street has assured that they will issue a deeded right of way on the south part of the mill property for ATV & snowmobile use once construction is complete. Mr. Gamache stated that Corridor 12 is affected, which is the railroad bed through Gorham by the Depot into Success. The trail cannot be on the mill property for 2 winters and the alternative is to use a portion of the sidewalk on Hutchins St. to get to the AVRRDD property, then to the Success trails.
Mr. MacQueen confirmed that there is one driveway in the proposed corridor. Mr. Gamache stated that the State’s groomer takes care of that portion of the trail and the driveway would be kept clear. Councilor Remillard clarified that the trail will go behind the Depot and instead of crossing Hutchins Street to the mill property, it would stay on the right side of Hutchins St to the AVRRDD property. Mr. Savage noted that there is a traffic island that is being considered and it is unsure whether the trail will go over the island or alongside the island, using the breakdown lane.
Councilor Théberge asked if complaints are expected and Mr. MacQueen indicated that the last time the trail went onto the sidewalk there were concerns voiced when the route was proposed but once it occurred, there were no complaints. Mayor Grenier established that there is a curfew on the trail and it is important to maintain that. He asked for official action from the Council to modify the trail for the next two years.
Councilor Rozek moved to allow the snowmobile trail to follow the proposed alternative route; Councilor Théberge seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier asked Mr. Gamache to report on progress being made for a broader ATV trail seeing that this is an important piece to economic development in Berlin. Mr. Gamache stated that he has made progress to have a connected trail all the way to Pittsburg. The final ½ mile is in the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge and their Master Plan does not allow for ATV’s on the protected land whatsoever. Seeing that this is a National Conservatory, it is unlikely that the trail will move forward on the current route. The idea is not dead because there is a piece of land owned by Errol that could be exchanged for the blocking piece; however a federal land swap will take time.
Mr. Gamache reported that an RFP for a campground for Jericho Park was issued nationwide. The mandatory site visit is January 5 with proposals due February 16. Hopefully someone will come forward to invest and run a campground on a lease basis. The campground would be on an additional 1500 acres across from Jericho Park. Mr. Gamache noted that the State is working to make Jericho Park a nationwide draw. He thanked the Mayor and Council for the support. Mr. Gamache, Mr. Savage, Mr. Parker and Representative Chandler left the meeting at this time.
Moving Downtown Forward - Jay Poulin, Sylvia Poulin, Stu Arnett, John Wacker
Mayor Grenier stated that this group has been working to develop a plan to move downtown beyond the talking phase. Their position is to take an active role, develop an action plan and follow through. Improvement to the downtown is an opportunity to raise property values and re-create an active meeting center in the downtown.
Ms. Poulin explained that a recommendation of the City’s Master Plan was renovating downtown. With the help of a grant, a team was hired to develop a ten year action plan that can be presented to funders. As part of that plan, the group is asking the city to make a financial commitment on a yearly basis.
Mr. Poulin stated that his firm, HEB was selected through the RFQ process and in partnership with Stu Arnett Development Group and John Wacker, Landscape Planner, the design and economic action plan have come together.
Stu Arnett complimented Berlin, stating that it is tough for a community to take hold of their future and Berlin has truly come around a corner. Several design boards were presented to the Council for review depicting a new and improved streetscape in the downtown. The 19 acre park owned by PSNH will become more a part of the downtown with better access and function. Communication and marketing needs to get people to recognize that the city has moved. “If Berlin is a stock, it is time to buy.” The Plan will cost $15 million over 10 years with City participation at 10%; other funding coming from PSNH, grants, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district; and bringing in private financing.
John Wacker noted that the area worked on is from Veterans Park to St. Anne’s Church which encompasses ¾ mile. The PSNH Park was studied and found to have a poor entrance. PNSH is a willing partner and they will work to create a North entrance to the park, bridging over the green pipe that will connect the park to the downtown. The Veterans Park area would get a new welcome sign for the City of Berlin as well as additional sidewalk so that both sides of the street have sidewalk.
A pedestrian area by the Theater will be depicted with unit pavers. A central arcade connects to Pleasant Street where trees will be planted set back from the sidewalk not to increase maintenance. Coming to City Hall, improvements will be made to pedestrian traffic. Beautiful buildings should not be impeded; however an effort to take care of the vacant buildings needs to occur as well.
Councilor Nelson confirmed that the State is not being asked to make changes to their property on Pleasant Street. Councilor Evans asked what businesses are missing in the downtown. Mr. Arnett indicated that missing are a hospitality and meeting center; family outfitters; and market housing for pre 35 and over 55. Mr. Poulin stated that the details will be put together and the group will be back in January with a final product.
Mayor Grenier stressed that this has to be done right the first time and not be just another initiative on a shelf. The results have to be measurable and affordable if the public is being asked to fund. With unemployment nearing 20%, Berlin’s contribution has to be toward bricks and mortar and can’t be money going to a staff person. Success breeds success; and the City needs to be the first ones in.
Councilor Otis asked if the snowmobile corridor is being considered and expanded upon through the downtown. Mr. Wacker stated that it is important to the community but was not put on the preliminary plan. Mayor Grenier stated that there is a narrow window of tourism and there is no reason that Berlin can’t be a hub for atv’s and snowmobiles.
Councilor Remillard established that she is very supportive and she stressed the importance of having detailed progress reports to justify the expense to her constituents. Mayor Grenier added that an ordinance will be finalized this evening that allows for tax benefits for new construction which will play an active role in development of the downtown. Councilor McCue commented that the committee is aware that in addition to a 10 year financial commitment, improvements made will be more taxing on City staff.
Mr. Poulin concluded by saying that results will ripple out and everyone in the community benefits.
Mr. Poulin, Ms. Poulin, Mr. Arnett, Mr. Wacker left the meeting at this time.
School Department Update – Corinne Cascadden, Bryan Lamirande
Ms. Cascadden explained that the retirement of a school principal offers an opportunity for restructuring and there will now be a principal in each school. Mayor Grenier confirmed that the move will streamline operations. Ms. Cascadden went on to say that the schools have gone from 284 employees last year to 264 this year. There are fewer students in special education; however it encompasses 24% of the student population. Out of district placements fluctuate with 18 team placed and 10 court ordered. In the “Team” situation, if a parent moves the student goes too and in a “court ordered” placement, Berlin educates the student until age 21.
Ms. Cascadden said that over 50% of students receive free and reduced lunch. She has tried to anticipate what class sizes would look like if the opening of the Federal prison brings additional students. The schools benefited when the President signed the appropriations bill with ARRA grants. State entitlement funding was down by $96,000 due to declining enrollment.
Bryan Lamirande gave an overview of school grants that were more than what was approved in the budget. Mayor Grenier asked how effective a grant is when it is received months into the school year. Ms. Cascadden confirmed that with some grants, two month of instruction is lost because of the uncertainty of the funding. Mayor Grenier complimented the School Board for doing a great job.
Council Approval of Incentive Raffle for Recreation Programs – Terry Letarte
Ms. Letarte proposed to introduce a raffle for people who sign up for recreation programs in a timely fashion. Mr. MacQueen commented that with Council approval, the Recreation Department could hold the raffle. Ms. Letarte stated that a raffle for a Chamber of Commerce $25 gift certificate may help with registrations and will promote good will.
Councilor Rozek moved to allow the Recreation Department to enter into an incentive raffle for timely program registration; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
There being no further Work Session business, Mayor Grenier concluded the work session at 8:10 p.m. and moved on to the Public Hearings
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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