Work Session
January 7, 2013
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present included Patrick MacQueen, Pamela Laflamme, Max Makaitis, Linda White, Michael Perreault, Jay Poulin, Pete Morency, Dan Buteau, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
HEB Engineers - Hutchins Street Plan Update
Jay Poulin presented the Council with a summary of information regarding the preliminary alignment recommendations for the reconstruction of Hutchins Street. The street is a maintenance concern and in the first phase HEB was to gather information on the existing subsurface material which was found to be 15 to 20 feet of compressible bark and ash. The roadway will continue to deteriorate as long as this material continues to compress and heave. The project would remove the material and replace it with roadway construction material.
The adjacent land was researched and it is lower in elevation and it would cost $1 million less to move the road there than to improve it at its current location. Another advantage to the project would be to eliminate the sharp turn at Bridge and Hutchins and the land that now encompasses the curve could be returned to the neighborhood. The disadvantage would be that we would be getting off the existing right of way and the project would require land acquisition.
Mr. Poulin indicated that to date the engineering study is not completed, nor is the final design or permitting. The next steps would be to acquire roadway easements; final design, permitting and coordinating with the EPA; then bidding and construction. Mr. MacQueen noted that there is about 30 acres of developable land. Councilor Theberge asked why not use the existing road and Mr. Poulin stated that certain criteria needs to be met to create a truck route and curves cannot be too sharp. Mr. MacQueen added that the existing roadway on the mill property runs through the middle of the property and it would shrink available acreage for development.
Councilor Rozek asked if HEB has done a study to come up with a matrix that would prioritize road projects in the city. He agreed that Hutchins Street is in grave condition; however he is not convinced that it is the best use of $1.2 million. Mr. MacQueen said that is the exact reason for bringing this to the Council. Mr. Poulin stated that HEB has not been contracted to do such a study.
Mayor Grenier commented that improving this roadway is a once in a generation opportunity. Mr. MacQueen made it clear that there is $800,000 of Federal money specific for this project that will be lost if the City chooses not to do it. Councilor Rozek wanted to see the current cost of the project saying that he supports the project but he wants to make sure this is a wise investment of limited resources.
Mr. Poulin stated that contingencies will be built into the contract to test material removed from the site. EPA will be working with the City as well. Mr. Poulin reported that he will come back with an updated estimate.
Ordinance to Abate Public Nuisance Activity Discussion
Councilor Benski stated that she had several questions about the proposed ordinance and she met with the PD and had received satisfactory answers. She had questioned why the ordinance seemed to repeat laws that already existed and it was explained to her that money collected would go back to the City if there is a corresponding ordinance. Forfeiture and or fines should be consistent throughout the ordinance and an amendment is being proposed to make that happen.
Councilor Rozek asked what the definition of a dangerous dog is and Chief Morency stated that it is one that fights and/or attacks.
Councilor Benski stated that she would propose in a future ordinance that fines in Chapter 10.5 be kept consistent.
Chief Morency made it clear that it is not the intent of this ordinance to keep people from calling the Police but it is for those who abuse the system.
121 Main Street
Mr. MacQueen established that BIDPA is in the best position to develop and manage 121 Main Street on the city’s behalf. The property was taken by tax deed and it is an important piece of the downtown. A resolution is on the agenda for first reading which will clarify BIDPA’s position.
CDBG Resolution
Linda White informed the Council that she is submitting another CDBG for Neighborhood Rehab to CDFA. The current grant is closing out with 34 low to medium income housing units having been rehabbed. A resolution for the grant is on for first reading.
Notre Dame Project Developer Recommendation
Mr. MacQueen explained that CAP withdrew as the developer for the Notre Dame project and staff is recommending that AHEAD out of Littleton could do the job. They have an interest and Berlin is in their service area. Mayor Grenier confirmed that the County has been kept informed since they were the applicant for $500,000 of grant funds for Notre Dame. CDFA will be contacted regarding the proposed change in developer.
Councilor Remillard moved to waive any bid or proposal requirements and authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements and do all things necessary as quickly as possible to retain AHEAD as the developer for the Notre Dame Project; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Laflamme thanked Max Makaitis for the work he did to this point on Notre Dame.
Other
Mr. MacQueen informed the Council that EFSEC is meeting Thursday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m. He asked if any elected officials would be available. Councilor Theberge offered to speak at the meeting and Mr. MacQueen will also represent the city.
With no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the regular meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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