April 16, 2012
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek and Théberge; Councilors Nelson and Ducharme were absent.
Others present: Michael Perreault, Gary Roy, Brian King, Pamela Laflamme, Linda White, Andre Caron, Ron Lemoine, Lucien Couture, several Civics Class students, media and public.
Recommendation for Telephone Service Provider
Andre Caron reported to the Council that the City advertised a request for quotes for a telephone service provider. Proposals were received from Bay Ring, Fairpoint and MetTel and after careful review of the services and costs, he recommended Fairpoint with Centrex services. This contract will cover all departments with the exception of the schools.
Mr. Caron explained that in response to questions about the Fairpoint telephone outage experienced recently, they established that a ring has been completed to Laconia, and voice traffic will be added to the new data lines.
Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a telephone service contract with Centrex features for 3-5 years; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Recycling Discussion
Mayor Grenier stated that he asked the City Manager to put recycling on the agenda and bring in the Public Works foremen as well as representatives of 1444 who work with the existing ordinance. He said that he wanted input from our most valuable resource, the employees. He asked what the city should be doing. In response Lucien Couture commented that there are a lot of large items picked up by the crew that should be going to the transfer station. There is a lot at curbside that should not be there and if the employees leave it, then it remains on the street.
Mayor Grenier noted that there used to be Clean Up week in designated wards; however the cost was too much. Gary Roy proposed that it be mandatory to separate recyclables and suggested that if there are not enough bins, 5 gallon pails can be used.
Councilor Remillard suggested that property owners should be billed for curbside pickup of large items and if it is not paid, it would go on the tax bill. Ron Lemoine agreed saying that the oversight has to come from the property owners. Gary Roy mentioned that the crew is often stuck picking up a bag of trash after a third floor tenant has dropped it to the ground from the third floor. He agreed that a truck should be sent out to pick up the mess and the landlord would be billed. Education and enforcement will be key to a successful program.
Lucien had several pictures that he reviewed with the Council. Some people use recycling bins as their garbage containers and it makes it appear like recyclables are going into the packer when it is emptied. There was a suggestion that PWD could pick up larger items on a fee basis. Ron Lemoine reasoned that homeowners could recycle cardboard by sending out one truck per month.
Councilor Théberge questioned whether alternating days for garbage and recycling would help and Gary Roy voiced that was discussed when recycling was implemented and it was decided that as a convenience to homeowner, both would be picked up the same day. Councilor Théberge asked about people who put the trash out the day before and Mr. MacQueen commented that the ordinance is not very clear.
The discussion raised the possibility of initiating scheduled pick up of larger items for transport to the transfer station on a fee basis; this would include a fee for yard waste. Councilor Higbee reasoned that there are a lot of good ideas and the issue is not going to be resolved tonight. Guidelines need to be issued so that there is a period of learning and a grace period and at some point, the City stops picking up what they are not supposed to and issue penalties to those who do not comply.
Mayor Grenier suggested adding one employee of 1444 and a foreman to the committee working on the solid waste/recycling issue. Mr. Lemoine mentioned that free passes are not handed out when citizens register their cars; you have to ask, he said. Councilor Théberge confirmed that fluorescent lamps are hazardous waste and they should not be picked up; however we should work out a system to get them to the AVRRDD.
Mayor Grenier thanked those who attended and said that the goal is to reduce cost and increase revenue with the intention to keep everyone working. Ron Lemoine said that Local 1444 is ready and willing to implement procedures to save money and save jobs.
Housing Coordinator Property Recommendations
Linda White informed the Council that demolition on Western Avenue is complete though there was an accident with the excavator. No one was injured.
Ms. White explained that she is seeking Council approval to sell several properties that would be offered to abutters first.
She noted that the procedure has been to ask for 1/3 of the taxable valuation. She asked if, due to: the steep slopes of some of the lots; none are buildable lots; and there are inconsistencies in the assessments, the minimum bid could be reduced to $1,500.
Councilor Rozek asked if Avitar could adjust the rates so that the assessments could be used. He added that Avitar has been inaccurate and inconsistent in determining assessed values. Mayor Grenier established that the Board of Assessors is capable of dealing with the assessments. Councilor Higbee clarified that the request is to not use the assessed values.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Remillard that the City Manager is hereby authorized, indefinitely until rescinded, to offer for sale to the direct abutters, for a minimum bid of $1,500 per parcel, at the earliest appropriate opportunity, the six properties listed below by sealed bid with conditions as indicated for each property or take the appropriate action as otherwise indicated:
- Map/Lot 117-0098.000, 653 Western Avenue;
- Map/Lot 117-0099.000, 661 Western Avenue;
- Map/Lot 117-0100.000, Western Avenue;
- Map/Lot 129-0024.000, 12 Cambridge Street;
- Map/Lot 130-0135.000, 246 Grafton Street;
- Map/Lot 130-0234.000, 249 East Mason Street
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek with a second from Councilor Remillard 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. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
No motions were made in nps.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Remillard to come out of non-public session; so moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business for the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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