September 24, 2012
Work Session
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Rozek, Théberge, Remillard, Otis, Higbee, Morgan-Allain, and Nelson
Others present included Patrick MacQueen; Gorham Selectmen Bill Jackson, Paul Robitaille, David Graham; Gorham Town Manager Robin Frost; Shelburne Selectman Stan Judge; Milan Selectman George Pozutto; Mike Waddell, Pamela Laflamme; Mike Scala from Senator Ayotte’s Office; Gene Chandler & Harold Parker, from Congressman Bass’ Office, Chuck Henderson from Senator Shaheen’s Office; media and public
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Discussion of FEMA Flood Mapping
Mayor Grenier welcomed representatives from Gorham, Milan and Shelburne who were present at the work session to see if there is an interest in a coordinated response to the new FEMA flood maps scheduled to go into effect in February of 2013. If there is such an interest, what would it entail? He introduced Mike Waddell from the Town of Gorham who has extensive knowledge about the FERC licensing process of the Upper Dams which was done in the late 1990’s.
Mr. Waddell informed the group that in the 90’s the Town of Gorham was successful in getting FEMA to take a second look at the maps after finding an error in data. The studies that were done in the past had on the ground information with input from local citizens; none of that happened in preparing this latest version of the maps. FEMA did not incorporate any public input.
Mr. Waddell went through statistical information on high water that occurred in 1998. Only in 1917 and in 1923 had such levels been neared. He encouraged anyone with pictures of any of these events to bring them forward. He questioned whether the 1998 event is the 100 year flood event; noting that the two other events occurred when Berlin was still driving long logs down the Androscoggin making high water a necessity for the economy of the City.
Mr. Waddell made the point that the Androscoggin is one of the most regulated waterways in the country. As a citizen he said that he can observe that there is something wrong with the calculations. He suggested checking elevations on municipal property to compare against the elevations given.
George Pozutto commented that he is glad to hear an affirmation of how effective the dams can be to slow down the water. There is come confidence with how the dam owners are figuring the retention of upstream tension and how it affects downstream flows. Milan’s fields hold a lot of water and slow the rate of discharge highlighting the importance of keeping flood plains intact.
Approximately one dozen Milan residents have received letters saying they will need flood insurance. These letters are premature since the new maps do not go into effect until February; however there is no penalty for sending them out. Of those who have received the letters and hired a surveyor to disprove the data, 100% have been proven not to be in the flood plain; the map is wrong. This is costing the residents money and anxiety.
Bill Jackson expressed that the most frustrating thing about the presentation from FEMA was that the maps were scientifically done and FEMA did not take into account the flood mitigation efforts that are in place in all communities. He recommended that the four communities make a list of concerns, coordinate the list and push forward.
Mayor Grenier suggested selecting a spokesperson to represent the consortium of communities. Mike Waddell would be a good representative. Mr. Waddell agreed stating that he would work with an administrator to get letters out. Mr. MacQueen indicated that he would delegate the work to City Planner, Pamela Laflamme.
Stan Judge reported that much of Shelburne’s flood danger comes off of the Presidentials and as with the other towns, the Androscoggin. No one has built in the floodway and they are fortunate that flood waters tend to go up and down quickly. He agreed that Mr. Waddell would be a good representative.
Paul Robitaille stated that the FEMA study presented an enormous amount of detail on some streams and very little on others. Feeder streams seem to be where the problems are. He called for detailed work on all the streams. Mayor Grenier summarized that the communities will form a consortium with Mike Waddell as a spokesperson and Berlin staff assisting; they will be communicating with the Congressional delegation. Seeing as FEMA is looking at an implementation date of February 1, we should ask for a delay in the implementation until there is better detail. Bill Jackson added that we need to go on record asking for a window of time to present evidence. Mr. Pozzuto suggested that the delay is until such time as we have had a chance to speak with engineers. Mr. Jackson noted that there
should be an answer for those being hit by mortgage companies to increase rates.
Mayor Grenier addressed the delegation, asking them if they thought there would be any chance of delaying FEMA’s implementation of the maps. Mr. Chandler replied that it is a reasonable request. A joint letter bringing the coalition’s concerns to FEMA should get some attention. Mr. Henderson stated that FEMA should come here for a meeting to show their work and answer the challenges. A collaboration letter to the agencies would show support. Mr. Parker reiterated that a letter is to be written on behalf of the Androscoggin Valley communities expressing their concerns and asking for a delay in implementation until more information can be gathered.
Mr. Pozzuto stated that each community will write a letter designating Mr. Waddell as the official representative of the consortium; then a letter from the consortium will ask for a delay until the towns can understand how the mapping was conducted and what data was used.
Mayor Grenier resolved that all will write a letter from each community expressing concerns and designating Mike Waddell as chairperson of the consortium; Mike will then write asking for a delay until there is a meeting with FEMA District 1 and the engineers who put the study together. Letters will go out within the next two weeks. It was determined that the chair of each board will serve as co-chair of the Coalition.
Capital Improvement Program
Mr. MacQueen commented on the capital improvement program saying that every year the Council has used the document to set goals for the budget. The CIP includes a summary by year and a project specific sheet that gives the detail of what we know about the project thus far including cost estimates, priorities, and rationale.
The first year of the document will automatically go in as a request in the annual operating budget. If the city were to fund all projects, capital spending would be at $2.5 million per year.
In the past few years the Council has set their goals at no tax rate increase. It is helpful to the departments to have a consensus of the goals prior to putting their budgets together. As a rule of thumb capital should be at 15%; however Berlin’s was at 6.7% this year. Unappropriated fund balance is recommended at 10% and Berlin’s is higher at $3,262,000
Mayor Grenier commented that Berlin still has a struggling population and we have to be careful about spending money. Councilor Rozek added that he has been a firm supporter of holding the tax rate. Mayor Grenier stated that a high tax rate kills development opportunities; we will have to tow the line.
Other
City Manager Pat MacQueen presented the Council with his letter of resignation giving a one year notice. Mayor Grenier indicated that choosing a new manager will be one of the most important decisions of this Council. It would be advisable to have someone on board for the budget process. It is important to explore all the options and to get the best person for the job.
Mayor Grenier added further discussion of filling the City Manager position to the next agenda.
Adjournment
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Remillard to adjourn. So moved, the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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