Work Session
June 4, 2012
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Ducharme, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, and Théberge; Councilor Nelson was absent
Others present were: David Bertrand, Normand Caouette, Pamela Laflamme, Dick Huot, Randall Trull, David Presby, Jim Mcman, media and public
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. He asked to add Water Commissioner interviews to the agenda because the ad specified that there would be interviews. He also asked to add additional information on McGee Street to the agenda. He informed that he would move the order of the agenda to deal with the Presby indemnity agreement first.
Councilor Rozek so moved; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Indemnity Agreement
Mr. MacQueen explained that Mr. Presby is planning to buy ISSI on Jericho Road and is asking for an agreement indemnifying his company of all environmental sins up to the date of sale associated with the property. This agreement would not cover acts of his own company into the future. Councilor Rozek confirmed that the City Attorney, Chris Boldt, has reviewed the agreement and that it is acceptable to both parties.
Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to sign an environmental indemnification agreement for the benefit of DWP Berlin Realty, LLC; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Berlin Water Commission Interviews
Norman Caouette - indicated that he was born and raised in Berlin and most recently worked for ISSI on safety, environmental and fleet management. He is interested in the Berlin Water Works having seen water quality improve tremendously over the years.
He would like to see affordable safe drinking water. He questioned some of the safety procedures on Water Works’ job. He was on the ZBA and resigned after two years. He mentioned being a part of the St. Kieran Folk Group for 15 years and recently joining the Board of Directors for the Guardian Angel Credit Union.
Councilor Remillard affirmed that Mr. Caouette had taken his concerns regarding water quality to the Water Works. Councilor Rozek learned that Mr. Caouette has no background in water related studies but that he is ready to learn. Mayor Grenier asked Mr. Caouette if he were not appointed today, would he consider serving on the Commission at a later date and he agreed that he would want to serve.
David Bertrand - explained that he is seeking re-appointment to the water commission. He said he’s been out of community service for the past few years but was on the Water Commission twice before; both times having resigned due to moving out of the ward. He was on the Board during some critical times when the Water Department was responding to the Surface Water Treatment Rules and making an effort to comply.
Mr. Bertrand went on to say that the Water Works will not see the same level of construction over next few years. He disclosed that his son in law works for the BWW. He knows and has worked with the existing board members and staff. He wants to do what it takes for the water users of Berlin and to control the rates. He commented that he works from his home and could attend meetings. Mayor Grenier asked Mr. Bertrand if he were not appointed this evening, would he be interested in serving at a future date and Mr. Bertrand said that he would want to serve. Councilor Rozek asked Mr. Bertrand about his background in water treatment he replied that other than the time served on the Water Commission for seven years, he has no particular water experience. He added that he does have
construction experience with drawings and plans.
Consideration of Street Names for Jericho Village
Pam Laflamme reported that there is interest in Jericho Village and the owners have arranged to put up a spec house; they need an address. Council is the entity that approves street names. Council will accept the streets for maintenance and care at a later date. Two names have been suggested by the developer: Loon Road and Portage Place. These will be private streets in Jericho Village subdivision if Council approves the street names.
Ms. Laflamme added that there has also been some interest in the development at Riverside Heights. It would make sense to approve the name of Victoria Lane for that subdivision. All the streets in that development will indefinitely remain private.
Councilor Rozek moved to approve Loon Road and Portage Place as new street names in Jericho Village and to approve the name Victoria Lane on Riverside Heights; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
NH Interlocal Trust Agreement
Mr. MacQueen explained that this is the same agreement the city signed with Primex in 2009. With the onset of a new trust being put into place, Council is being as to authorize the City Manager to enter into and agreement with Interlocal Trust. Councilor Remillard requested moving the issue to the next meeting so that there is ample time to review it.
Fire Academy Grant Resolution
Chief Trull reported to the Council that this grant will allow over $6900 to be reimbursed to the city. This money is from Homeland Security and will allow specialty training in ropes, and swift water rescue for two Berlin firefighters. The grant will pay for benefits and to backfill for the firefighters taking the course. There are no matching funds required for this grant.
I & I Work on Riverside Drive/McGee Street
Councilor Rozek presented photographs he took of the work that Nelson Construction is doing on Route 16. They showed a number of pot holes, debris, big rocks, plastic buckets, a ladder, broken piping, asphalt, tools and a cement mixer on the side of the road. The construction area is a mess. Debris is being allowed to wash into a brook.
Councilor Rozek commented that the work is not being done to industry standard. They are ripping out all the manholes on McGee Street, laying down pipe and then going back to put in the manholes. The way that a sewer project is done is that the pipe is laid out in a dry bed; connections are made and testing is done for integrity. He recommended that the project is stopped.
Councilor Remillard added that neighbors have asked contractors to remove their vehicles from driveways and they are given a hard time. A resident who gave an easement for $300 has had his lawn completely dug up; these contractors need to clean up.
Councilor Ducharme asked who is in charge of the contract and Mr. MacQueen indicated that no one is happy with the contractor. It has been a constant state of battle and frustration.
Councilor Higbee suggested calling them on specifications for how to do the work. Mr. MacQueen stated that they have detailed specs and the engineer on the job won’t accept the job unless the pipe has been properly put in. Councilor Remillard noted that this reflects on the City as well as Wright Pierce. Mayor Grenier asked if Chris Dwinal could meet with the Council to review. There is a meeting with the contractor on Wednesday and Mayor Grenier asked if Councilor Rozek could attend.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Public Hearings.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
