March 11, 2013
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present: Patty Chase, Patrick MacQueen, Corinne Cascadden, Brian Lamirande, School Board Members: Nathan Morin, Ken Proulx, Louise Valliere, and Chair Nicole Plourde; Angela Martin Giroux, Jill Fillion with Red Cross Volunteers, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun and public
Health Department Nurse
Mr. MacQueen explained that the nurse that tended resignation withdrew the resignation and hiring is no longer necessary.
Purchase and Sale for 411 School Street
Mr. MacQueen reported that AHEAD is the new developer for the Notre Dame Project and the purchase and sale agreement the City previously held with CAP now needs to be with AHEAD.
Councilor Higbee moved that the City Council hereby approves the proposed purchase and sales agreement with Affordable Homes, Education and Development Inc. for property at 411 School Street, Tax Map 128 Lots 159 and 160 and authorizes the City Manager to sign the P & S and any and all documents needed to consummate the transfer; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Proclamation
Mayor Grenier read a Proclamation for American Red Cross Month; Mayor Grenier then stepped out for a photo opportunity with Jill Fillion and the Red Cross Volunteers present. Ms. Fillion, volunteers and Ms. Martin Giroux left the meeting at this time.
School Budget
Mayor Grenier stated that the Council will be meeting with various departments to discuss next year’s funding, and capital requests. The City Manager presents the school board’s budget to the city council without making changes. A budget book was distributed to Councilors and Nicole Plourde, School Board Chair reviewed its contents. Projected enrollment is 1308; up 31 from the year before.
The Board is requesting an increase of 3.44% or $575,691 over last year. This would allow for a technology integrator position and starts the process of providing electronic devises for all students. In 2015 students will be mandated to take tests on electronic devises and this budget begins to prepare for that. Over the course of four years, all students would have a device. Chair Plourde added that $314,000 is added to the budget but is out of the Board’s control. Those expenses are for a mandatory NH Retirement increase, the school’s accepting the costs of the school’s property liability insurance and a change in budgeting for Medicaid billing.
Mayor Grenier questioned whether class sizes would remain the same providing the same number of employees are kept on the payroll. Chair Plourde noted that an additional 34 families could come from the federal prison. Councilor Higbee commented that last year it was predicted that there would be 120 additional students and actually the count went down by 38.
There was some discussion about whether the closing of ISSI and Car Freshner contributed to there being fewer students and Councilor Nelson established that less than ten families have moved away because of the closings. Ms. Cascadden noted that the numbers are based on students in the schools now.
Chair Plourde reviewed the tax rate breakdown saying that 36% is proposed to be for the school. She pointed out a trend of lower spending by the schools that is significant. The capital request for this year is $125,000 for a new bus and a fire panel.
The budget request is shown in detail and Chair Plourde indicated that the increase in salaries is the step increases and the addition of a technology integrator position. There are some costs that have gone up considerably such as fringe benefits, insurance and retirement. Some contracted services have gone up; such as Medicaid billing for $17,000 which is not a new expense but it is accounted for in expenses. The schools make a contribution to the After School Program in this budget.
There was some discussion regarding Medicaid Billing. Mayor Grenier asked City Manager MacQueen if the Health Department could undertake this function which he will look into. The School is using Multi State Billing.
Mayor Grenier asked if the school is tied in with the City when shopping for electric rates and the City Manager affirmed that they are. The School purchases fuel oil at a bulk rate and budgeted a 5% increase.
The School is expecting a reduction of grant revenue for 2013-14. Mayor Grenier asked how many employees would be laid off if the federal revenues are not received because there is staff that relies on such revenue. Superintendent Cascadden said she would provide a list of those individuals who are in employed under those federal programs. Mayor Grenier expressed how important it is that the School receive as much state and federal revenue as possible.
Chair Plourde reviewed the Team and Court Placements. In 2010-11 there were 32 placements and in 2012-13 there were 23. This reduction has a significant impact on expenses and school personnel diligently strives to reduce the placements.
Councilor Nelson asked if the students would bring the new electronic devices home and Superintendent Cascadden said she was still exploring that issue. Councilor Benski asked why every student needs their own devices verses having a testing facility. Superintendent Cascadden explained that the school will pilot a program next year to provide one class with the devices and parents would have to purchase insurance. Moving students toward technology which is the responsible thing to do.
School Board Member Ken Proulx shared that the cost of text books is very expensive and they become outdated quickly. It would be cheaper in some ways for students to use a tablet because many of the classic books are available for free and it is less expensive to upgrade text books. School Board Member Louise Valliere commented on the high value of technology in the classroom.
School Board Member Nathan Morin encouraged the Council to review the Pace Setting Study which summarizes the administrative leadership team.
Mayor Grenier thanked the School Board for their presentation. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to adjourn. The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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