March 18, 2013
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson, and Theberge
Others present included: Patrick MacQueen, Pamela Laflamme, Linda White, Debra Patrick, Mike Perreault, Linda White, Terry Letarte, Angela Martin Giroux, Ronald Carroll, Gary Richards, Barbara Tetreault Berlin Daily Sun, and public
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30
Proposed Park on Granite Street
Linda White and Michael Perreault presented a proposal to establish a small park on Granite Street with a few swing sets and community gardens. Ms. White explained that there is enough grant money from the Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to complete the park and have a small budget for maintaining the park for one year.
Councilor Remillard expressed concern about there being only two parking spaces noting that the gardens may attract visitors with gardening supplies. There was an area on the proposed plan that could be used for additional parking. Councilor Remillard confirmed that the assignment of garden plots would be through the recreation department.
Mayor Grenier clarified that there are two issues, one is the proposed park and another is a proposal to straighten some of the radius on Granite Street. He added that if there is going to be a park, it may not be in the best interest to cut the corner thereby likely increasing the speed of traffic.
Ms. White went on to say that the park would have a carry in, carry out policy with no smoking and no pets. A “Name the Park Contest” was also suggested. Mayor Grenier stated that some thought may be given to having a park where pets are welcome. Councilor Nelson agreed stating that there is a group organizing to request a place for responsible pet owners to recreate with their dogs, though this may not be the best place.
Councilor Rozek affirmed that there would be appropriate signage to provide a safety zone for the park. He asked that the Police Department be given the opportunity for input and he wanted to know how many accidents had occurred on that section of Granite Street.
Mr. Perreault commented that an effort is being made to standardize the equipment in all city parks. Ms. Martin Giroux stated that through the HEAL grant, the community was polled to get their opinion of what is missing in the City to offer healthy eating alternatives and exercise opportunities and central community garden sites were identified as one of the needs. She added that the gardens would be handicap accessible.
Councilor Benski asked if maintenance can be absorbed in the budget once the initial funding is expended. Mr. Perreault stated that the design has to encompass the least maintenance possible.
Mayor Grenier noted that discussion regarding straightening the roadway should be shelved for the time being as safety is paramount. A scaled drawing of the proposed park will be brought forward.
Sale of 180 Glen Avenue
Ms. White reported that notifications were done to meet all legal timelines and a resolution to sell 180 Glen Avenue is on the Council for first reading. Abutters were notified and there is no interest from them in the property. Jim Lavertue, who will buy the property for $10,000 has the ability and intent to rehabilitate the property.
Taxi Permit
Mr. Ronald Carroll of 15 Webster Hill Road, Plymouth NH applied for a taxi permit to operate his business in the City. Mr. MacQueen reported that City Clerk Debra Patrick, Police Chief Peter Morency and he convened as the taxi committee and reviewed the application; a background check came back with no record. The taxi will be operating from 256 Main Street. Councilor Nelson moved to grant the taxi permit; Councilor Rozek seconded. In further discussion Councilor Theberge asked what vehicle would be used and Mr. Carroll replied it is a Cadillac Escalade. In the vote that followed, the taxi permit application was unanimously approved.
Ordinance Restaurant Licensing
Mr. MacQueen explained that he and Ms. Martin Giroux thoroughly reviewed the City’s restaurant licensing in Chapter 9 of the Code. The ordinance before the Council this evening deletes much of the old ordinance and adopts the State’s regulations. The new ordinance has a process for appeal and the proposed fee is $50. Councilor Remillard questioned whether pertinent language was removed from the ordinance and Ms. Martin Giroux assured her that adopting the State regulations will likely cover everything needed as they are more stringent.
Other – none
At 7:05 p.m. Councilor Theberge moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II(b) Personnel. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
At 7:38 p.m. Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes, until a new manager is hired as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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