May 14, 2012
Work Session
Present: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, and Théberge; Councilor Nelson was absent
Others present included: Donald Labrecque, Andy Langlois, Mark Evans, Matt Buteau and Bridget Young who were vying for a School Board position. Nicole Plourde, Corinne Cascadden, Thad Solstys, Randall Trull, Michael Perreault, Bryan Lamirande, media and public.
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. He indicated that the first order of business is interviews for the vacancy on the School Board created when Karin Dorval resigned her position. There were originally seven candidates who sent in letters of interest; Lynn Bisson and Lindsay Barron withdrew their letters shortly before the meeting.
School Board Interviews
Donald Labrecque-introduced himself by saying that he’s lived in the Berlin/Gorham area all his life and works as a public employee at the treatment plant. He has two children in the Berlin school system, one 14 years old and the other is 11. He has an interest in the direction of the school and is a strong believer of getting involved. He stated that he’s been on the Notre Dame Arena Board, Youth Hockey Board and involved with Cal Ripkin Baseball. He was the shop steward of the local union for ten years.
He said that he’s been hearing about regionalization and would like to have a better understanding. He brings some knowledge of city departments and how they work together, which could be an asset on the School Board. Mr. Labrecque stated that he has the ability to understand both sides of negotiation and take fiscal responsibility seriously.
Mayor Grenier confirmed with Mr. Labrecque that if he is not selected this evening, he would run for office at the next election. Councilor Remillard asked Mr. Labrecque what interest he has in the direction of the Berlin schools and he responded that he is not sure and wants to know more about regionalization to see if it makes sense.
Councilor Higbee asked, if something needs to change in the school system, what would it be? Mr. Labrecque replied that he needs a better understanding of what is going on to answer. Councilor Ducharme asked why now and Mr. Labrecque said that after talking it over with his family, they all thought it a good opportunity. Mayor Grenier commented that he is impressed with Mr. Labrecque’s volunteer record and that he is a past recipient of the Gus Rooney Award.
Andy Langlois-introduced himself by saying that he comes from a manufacturing and law enforcement background. He has 3 kids and 3 grandchildren. Mayor Grenier asked what assets Mr. Langlois could bring to the School Board and he replied that he has business experience. Councilor Ducharme asked why now, and Mr. Langlois stated that he has the time now and had not thought about it before. Councilor Théberge asked for more information on Mr. Langlois’ business experience and he said that he knows how to purchase, how to spend and not spend money.
Councilor Remillard asked Mr. Langlois what interest he has in the direction of the Berlin school and he replied that he has no idea what is going on in the schools now. Mayor Grenier confirmed with Mr. Langlois that if he is not selected this evening, he would run for office at the next election.
Mark Evans-introduced himself by saying that he’s lived in Berlin for 6 years after having moved away in grade school. He has an interest in city government and seeks to exchange ideas and expertise. His primary interest is in continuing to close the rift that exists between city government and the schools so that they work in complete harmony for a better Berlin. Councilor Remillard asked Mr. Evans what direction he feels the schools are going in. He answered that the School Board has made some improvements to trim costs and to improve communication between council and
school. The crux is that we have to provide the best we can for students within what the community can afford.
Councilor Higbee asked if there are specific items that need to be changed. Mr. Evans noted that there are areas that could be looked at such as contract negotiations. The School Board has tended to negotiate its contracts and then come to the Council to ratify, leaving the Council out of the loop. In the collective bargaining process, they should consider the city’s goals. Another item to look at is sharing administrative services with city and school for potential cost savings. Mayor Grenier confirmed with Mr. Evans that if he is not selected this evening, he would run for office at the next election as he did in the last election.
Matt Buteau-introduced himself by saying that he has a family of 4 kids ranging in age from 7 months to 10 years. He grew up in Berlin and went to college for criminal justice. That work evolved and he is now an emergency clinician assigned to assessing people’s safety. He is a member of the Berlin Housing Authority Board and understands the impact of working as a board and paying the bills. This is a good opportunity to learn. He said that he can relate to making difficult decisions. Councilor Rozek asked what made the decision to leave law enforcement.
Mr. Buteau said that an injury at the police academy led him to vocational training in human services and he now has his Masters degree and works for mental health. Mayor Grenier confirmed with Mr. Buteau that if he is not selected this evening, he would run for office at the next election.
Bridget Young-introduced herself saying that she grew up in Berlin and now teaches at the Stark Village School. She has a Masters of Education degree and previously taught in North Carolina. She said she wants to serve in a different capacity and saw the opening as an opportunity to serve the students of the City. Councilor Remillard asked Ms. Young what direction she feels the schools are going in and she replied that she attended the education workshops about regionalization and she sees more collaboration because we are in a remote area. The reasons for regionalization need to
be justified and be positive. The meetings did not result in consensus and it was clear that it is Important to have local governance. Mayor Grenier questioned whether residency needed to be for one year prior to holding office and Mr. MacQueen researched the Charter and found that the Council can choose a qualified citizen for school board member and other than being a registered voter, it is not clearly defined.
Mr. MacQueen indicated that he confirmed with the City Attorney that secret ballots are not allowed; voting has to occur in public. Mayor Grenier said that the Council heard from five great candidates. He suggested by show of hands, the council vote for their candidate. The 3 candidates with the most votes will be considered for the position. In the vote that followed, Mr. Labrecque received the seven votes of the Council and Mayor Grenier concurred that he supports Mr. Labrecque as well. Mr. Labrecque will be notified that he has to take the oath of office.
Fire Department Budget Discussion
Chief Trull reported a shortfall of $131,000 in the fire department budget caused primarily by a firefighter injury. Had there not been two floaters, it would have cost an additional $22,000. In addition to the injury, there were major repairs to the ladder truck. There is about $7,000 of revenues outstanding as well, with $4,000 of that expected from FEMA for Hurricane Irene. Mr. MacQueen added that it is likely that WC and retirement were under-budgeted. Councilor Remillard made the point that a Worker’s Comp issue is unforeseeable; she asked what could have been done if the situation would have been realized earlier. Chief Trull and Mr. MacQueen acknowledged that the Council would have been notified earlier and it would have been up to them to choose whether to make changes to stay within
budget.
Mayor Grenier established that it is an 8.5 % overage of the operating budget. He stated that there needs to be a standard operating procedure going forward that will deal with such an issue to include running the department one short.
Councilor Higbee asked what change could have prevented it from getting as bad. Mr. MacQueen indicated that it was the assumption the WC decision would be awarded and when it was not, the city paid the additional salary costs.
Councilor Remillard stated that if the department had run shorthanded, we would not be in this position. Chief Trull stated that the department has a 3 minute response time and the first 5 minutes of a fire are the most critical. If the firefighters are multi-tasking, there is more risk of injury. Mayor Grenier summarized that the Fire Department needs to be prepared to carry only 16 employees.
Women’s Art Exhibit at City Hall
Mayor Grenier thanked Laura Viger for her letter proposing an art exhibit for City Hall that would feature local women artists. Laura joined the discussion by telephone. She addressed the Council saying that she has returned to doing art since her retirement. She said that she’s discussed having a permanent exhibit in Berlin and City Hall, with its vast wall space, seems to be a good place for the exhibit. Ms. Viger said that she’s made it clear to any artists she’s spoken to about this, that the artwork would become the property of the City and they would not get it back. She also said that she would be happy to include men if that is the Council’s wish.
Councilor Ducharme commented that displays could be done on a rotating basis similar to AVH. Mr. MacQueen agreed that City Hall is an ideal place for the art; however he wanted to be sure that there would be insurance to cover vandalism. Ms. Viger said that a rotating exhibit would need a person responsible for organizing on behalf of the artists and the City. Mayor Grenier scheduled further discussion for a work session after the budget to properly organize a path forward.
Wright Pierce Amendment 6 to I & I Contract
Mr. MacQueen explained that this contract is for the field work that will determine the scope of work for Contract 3 of the I & I project. He listed the areas that will be reviewed. Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment 6 to the I & I Contract with Wright Pierce for a price not to exceed $36,955.00; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Community Baptist Church Request to Close Sullivan Street on May 19
Pastor Jon Howry wrote asking for permission to close a portion of Sullivan Street on May 19 for an event at the Community Bible Church. In his letter, he indicates that the Guardian Angel Credit Union and neighbors will be notified. Councilor Rozek moved to allow the Community Bible Church to close a portion of Sullivan Street as proposed; Councilor Ducharme seconded and the motion carried.
Review of Insurance RFQ
Mr. MacQueen summarized the insurance quotes that were received in response to an RFQ put out by the City for property/liability insurance and health insurance. The Council requested an RFQ instead of signing a multi-year agreement with Primex.
It was Mr. MacQueen’s recommendation to stay with Primex for property/liability and to sign a multi-year agreement; and to go with Inter-Local Trust for health insurance which would be a continuation of the Harvard Pilgrim plan.
Councilor Remillard moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a multi-year agreement with Primex for property/liability insurance and to continue with the Harvard Pilgrim health insurance offered through Inter-Local Trust; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Other
There were no items under other.
Non-Meeting
Councilor Rozek moved to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2,I(b) Collective Bargaining; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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