Work Session
November 12, 2012
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Higbee, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Remillard, Rozek, Nelson, Otis, and Rozek
Others present: Patrick MacQueen, Mike Perreault, Henry Noel, Barbara Tetreault
Mayor Grenier reported that he’s been served in the case of Linda L. Palmer v. City of Berlin. Charlie Bauer, an attorney hired by Primex, the City’s property liability insurance company, will be defending us in the case of liability for Patricia Boucher who was hit by a car and killed at the intersection of Mason and Pleasant Street
Centrifuge Assessment Contract Proposal
Mike Perreault explained that at a previous meeting it was mentioned that additional study on the Waste Water Treatment centrifuge is in order because of recent problems with the existing system. It is experiencing vibrations with the rebuilt unit. WWT has had an OEM technician determine that the conveyor is worn and is causing premature failure of the machine. The study being proposed would have Wright pierce do an evaluation of other technologies and centrifuge as well.
Mr. MacQueen added that we don’t want to do $17 million of work on waste water improvements and end up with a dewatering system that is faulty. Councilor Remillard asked if the problems occurring are recent ones and Mr. Noel indicated that the plant has been struggling with the centrifuge since 2005 where it is wearing out sooner than it should. Councilor Remillard confirmed that the evaluation will look at life cycle cost including operation. Councilor Benski asked if $27,400 is reasonable for this study and she was informed that it is and that both the State and Rural Development have approved. Councilor Higbee prepared himself for the final cost asking what replacing a centrifuge would cost and Mr. Noel estimated $600,000 or $700,000.
Councilor Rozek questioned whether there would be other unforeseen costs and Mr. Noel commented that the bowl is original and it is not something that can be inspected by staff. He noted that sludge management may be studied for the potential of avoided cost. Mr. MacQueen also noted that the combined sewer overflow (CSO) long term control plan is something that could come up as well.
Councilor Rozek moved to allow the City Manager to enter into a contract with Wright Pierce for a WWTF Dewatering Alternative Evaluation; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
CDBG Administrator Recommendation
Mr. MacQueen indicated that Tri County CAP is the recipient of a CDBG to be used at the Guardian Angel building for energy improvements. An RFP went out and Donna Lane was the only respondent. She proposes $ 14,000 to administer the grant and staff is recommending that she be hired. Councilor Benski confirmed that the amount does not include audit, legal or advertising. Mr. MacQueen clarified that those expenses are covered by the grant for which there is $20,000 for administration.
Councilor Remillard moved to accept Donna Lane’s proposal and hire her as the grant administrator for Tri County CAP’s CDBG Energy project; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Higbee abstained.
Consultant Selection Recommendation for Architectural Services for 121 Main Street
Mr. MacQueen explained that BIDPA has taken on 121 Main Street as their next project. To get ideas for potential uses for the building, they put out an RFP for architectural services and they are recommending Banwell Architects of Lebanon, NH. In the interview, they were found to be good communicators and they are in touch with their client’s needs.
Councilor Higbee, having seen the proposals, stated that this firm has experience with optional designs when their client’s are undecided about what to do.
Councilor Nelson moved to hire Benwell Architects for 121 Main Street as recommended by the BIDPA board; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Setting the Tax Rate.
Mr. MacQueen reported that the unofficial tax rate from the DRA is .09 cents higher than the Council’s estimate. The Council can leave it as the DRA set or take an additional $40,000 from unappropriated fund balance to bring the rate to 32.23. Councilors expressed that they preferred not to take additional funds from UFB. Councilor Higbee moved to accept the tax rate of $32.32; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Mr. MacQueen reiterated the information on the law suit that was served on the city. There were no questions.
Non-Public Session.
Councilor Rozek moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II(d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Higbee moved to come out of non-public session; Council Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes of the non-public session as releasing them would render proposed action ineffective; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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