Work Session
October 1, 2012
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Théberge, Rozek, Higbee and Nelson
Others present Mike Perreault, Paula Benski, Max Makaitis, Roland Viens, Claude Pigeon, media and public
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. He called for a motion to remove an item from the agenda. Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to remove item #5 Resolution for Highway Safety Grant Safe Commute. So moved, the motion carried. It was noted that funding for the grant is already in the budget.
Interviews for City Council Seat Vacated by Councilor Ducharme
Mayor Grenier voiced that we are fortunate to have two skilled, qualified individuals ready to take on the vacant council seat. Once appointed, the person will serve until next year’s municipal election, or about 14 months.
Claude Pigeon – Mayor Grenier asked for a brief bio. Mr. Pigeon indicated that he was born and raised in Berlin and returned here after college. He worked for the City under Jeff Taylor in the 1980’s doing the City’s housing program, grant administration, and downtown improvements. He now works for Couture Construction as a project manager and has lived on Pershing Avenue since 1993.
Asked about Berlin attributes and weaknesses, Mr. Pigeon said that he would be happy to work with the Council and he would not have considered the position if the Council was in turmoil. Berlin has opportunities and direction; he wants to participate and be a productive part of that.
Councilor Higbee asked, “Is there something in particular that makes you want to join the Council?” Mr. Pigeon stated that there are positive results being felt from the federal prison, and biomass. Berlin is poised for renaissance and he would like to provide input, and participate.
Mr. Pigeon responded to a question about the time commitment involved in the position from Councilor Théberge by saying that he is ready to make the commitment and absorbing the information needed to make informed decisions.
Councilor Nelson asked what Berlin’s biggest challenge is in the next 14 months. Mr. Pigeon replied that it would be keeping the budget under control in a demographically challenged community while still maintaining a level of service.
Councilor Rozek referred to a letter written to the Council by Mr. Pigeon in favor of the bicycle trail connecting Berlin and Gorham remaining for foot traffic and bicycle use only. He stated that the city has supported ATV trails and he asked how Mr. Pigeon feels about that. Mr. Pigeon stated that the trail does not serve the city as it allows people to do business in Gorham. He talked about the environmentally sensitive fauna in the area and that a full study should have been done before Fish and Game opened a trail.
Mayor Grenier thanked Mr. Pigeon and noted that a decision would be made at this meeting.
Paula Benski - Asked to give a brief bio, Ms. Benski stated that she grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Texas and St. Louis. She and her husband had a goal to live somewhere that they liked and her job doing GIS allows her to work from home. She has been living in Berlin for one year.
Mayor Grenier asked Ms. Benski for her view of Berlin’s strengths & weaknesses. Ms. Benski commented that she is impressed with how the entire city protects Bobby; people are friendly and welcoming. The challenges are keeping taxes down and supporting infrastructure. She added that this council has a commitment to taking the job seriously and integrity; she would be honored to be part of it.
Councilor Nelson asked what Berlin’s biggest challenge is in the next 14 months. Ms. Benski stated that she sees the Council striving to keep taxes down and still have infrastructure.
Councilor Rozek indicated that he is impressed with the time Ms. Benski has taken to observe at Council meetings and the time she took to review the proposed recycling ordinance. He asked if she had any special interest that she would like to see the Council working on. Ms. Benski established that she has an analytical mind and no particular agenda.
Councilor Théberge asked about education and Ms. Benski reported that she first received her Bachelor’s degree in GIS and subsequently her Master’s.
With the interviews complete, Mayor Grenier called for a show of hands for Mr. Pigeon and Councilors Higbee and Remillard responded; the remaining Councilors voted for Ms. Benski.
Project Review and Proposed River Crossing Request by BWW
Roland Viens addressed the Council explaining several grant funded projects that the Berlin Water Works has taken on including a solar power system for the office facility on Willow Street and a wind and solar energy project for Godfrey Dam. Water line replacements are being completed around Brown School. Having been sworn in, Councilor Benski joined the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
It has been established through testing that the water line crossing the Androscoggin is from the early 1900’s and is a cast iron line with an emergency repair done to it 20 years ago. A new crossing will be attempted from Barry Kelley’s property (1860 Riverside Drive) across the river to wooded city land. The boring contractor will be available in 3 weeks. Mr. Viens proposed that if the crossing is successful, a record drawing will be created with an easement showing, and the document will be recorded at the Registry of Deeds in Lancaster.
Councilor Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a water utility easement for a new water line crossing to be executed at the appropriate time; Councilor Théberge seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. Viens presented the Water Works’ two year planning document and reviewed the paving schedule for 2012 and 2013. Mayor Grenier stressed the importance of using limited resources wisely and working together to maximize the service to the community.
Councilor Rozek asked when spring paving is mentioned, when can it be expected to be complete and Mr. Viens indicated that it would likely be in June of 2013.
Councilor Benski was informed that existing pipes are from as early as 1890 and how long they last depends on the soil conditions under which they were buried. Coal ash was thought to be the perfect bedding; however it was found to produces low level sulfuric acid which corrodes the pipes. Mayor Grenier thanked Mr. Viens for the information and he left the meeting at this time.
Economic Development Update – Max Makaitis
Mayor Grenier introduced Max Makaitis who presented the Council with his update of activities since he last reported in May. Mr. Makaitis explained that he is excited about what is happening with economic development in industrial, commercial and tourism. In a cooperative effort with DRED, he facilitated a luncheon with Canadian firms that could potentially locate here.
Mr. Makaitis stressed that no one person can achieve successes in economic development; it is a supportive team of efforts. Mayor Grenier apologized for the time constraint and asked about the bank roundtable he organized. Mr. Makaitis stated that he brought together the eight banks in the area to create a lending pool. They have been instrumental in facilitating projects such as the Gorham Paper tissue machine and the Notre Dame project that would establish senior housing.
Mr. Makaitis responded to Mayor Grenier’s question about the working relationship with DRED and Beno Lamontagne by saying that he works with all economic entities, including city staff and DRED.
Councilor Nelson asked about Isaacson Steel and Mayor Grenier voiced that he’s been in touch with Mr. Presby. The small company in the industrial park is holding its own and though there is no commitment right now, Mr. Presby is looking at all the options of doing business in Berlin.
Councilor Nelson questioned the list of projects being worked on saying that it’s the same list every time. Councilor Remillard noted that she would like to see a work session dedicated to economic development so that the Council could see the whole picture. Mayor Grenier scheduled Mr. Makaitis to come back October 29.
Federal Surplus Truck
Mr. MacQueen explained that a federal surplus truck with 4200 miles on it became available for $20,000. Council is being asked to waive the bidding process. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to waive the bid process to purchase a truck chassis from Federal Surplus. So moved, the motion carried.
Lending Bleacher s to Football Association
Mr. Perreault informed the Council that he was approached by members of the football association who asked to borrow bleachers from the City. There are old bleachers available. After some discussion, councilors decided to loan the bleachers; the football association will be asked to sign a release to indemnify the City from liability.
Further Discussion of Filling City Manager Position
Mr. MacQueen reported that Primex is still doing professional recruitment and representatives could come and talk with the Council. Mayor Grenier asked if they could be scheduled for October 15.
Bickford Place Ordinance
Mr. MacQueen informed the Council that existing park ordinances have city parks closing at ½ hour after dusk. Recognizing that Bickford Place is somewhat different, the ordinance being proposed closes the park at 10:00 p.m. unless there is an event that goes beyond that time; the ordinance will also specify, “no smoking.” Councilor Remillard voiced that she had constituents who were not happy about the no smoking.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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