April 22, 2013 Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Rozek, Nelson, Theberge, Benski, Morgan-Allain, and Otis; absent were Councilors Remillard and Higbee
Others present: Volunteer Tree Award Recipients: Jesse Arsenault, Mandy Woods and Katsko Zintchenko, friends and family, Terry Letarte; Mr. Stever, Mr. Griffin and members of BHS Destination Imagination; Paul Lamontagne, Gary Lamontagne, Gail Lamontagne, Patty Chase, Pat MacQueen, media and public.
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Volunteer Tree Awards Mayor Grenier presented the Volunteer Tree Awards recognizing three citizens who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer efforts for the city. People honored were: Jesse Arsenault, Mandy Woods and Katsko Zintchenko
BHS Fundraising for Destination Imagination Team to Travel to Knoxville TN Mayor Grenier introduced Mr. Stever and Mr. Griffin and asked that they explain the request to the Council. Mr. Griffin stated that he has been involved first with Odyssey of the Mind which has evolved into Destination Imagination. The Berlin High Club has worked its way into the World Finals to be held in Knoxville TN. The group is challenged to do problem solving; supporters cannot help. The group went to Regionals held in Littleton and then on to the State competition where they competed against 5 schools; 2 made it to the global level.
In addition to the challenges of “Destination Imagination,” the International competition will give the student four days of cultural exchange with students from all over this country and the world. The cost is about $1,000 per student ($12,000); however both the facilitators will pay their own way. The group is holding raffle for $10 per ticket; they are having a Crispy Cream sale; and Cosmic Bowling fundraiser. They asked for a monetary donation from the Council adding that the School Board will be providing transportation. Mayor Grenier expressed how proud he is to have this group represent the City of Berlin. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Council Nelson to appropriate $2,500 from Council Contingency to Destination Imagination. All voted in favor.
Review and Approve Tax Deed List Ms. Chase presented the list of properties that will be tax deeded tomorrow. There were 36 properties in all and of those twelve are land only. Ms. Chase recommended that two properties be withheld from tax deeding due to the potential for environmental cleanup issues. Councilor Rozek moved to proceed with deeding with the exception of a property on Glen Ave (M116; L24.L1) and 325 Main Street (M119-L66) due to potential environmental concerns; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Non Meeting At approximate 7:10 pm Councilor Rozek moved to go into Non-Meeting per RSA 91-A:2 (c) Consultation with legal counsel; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call. The regular work session resumed at 7:30 pm
Jeskey Lane Mayor Grenier confirmed with the Council that Mr. Lamontagne would be given the opportunity to speak to the issue of Jeskey Lane. Ms. Laflamme informed the Council that in a map from the 1920’s depicting the subdivision, Jeskey Lane was not included. In doing the research, it was found that after Councilor Jeskey passed away in the 1950’s, the lane was named after him. The Public Works Director at the time pointed out that Jeskey Lane had not been accepted as a street and there is no evidence that the street was ever accepted as a city street by the Council. Former Public Works Director Ernie Allain was consulted and he has no
recollection of Jeskey Lane being laid out as a city street although the City has maintained the throughway between Jolbert and Session Streets.
Recently the City tax deeded two properties, demolished the houses, removed the pavement and sold the land to the abutter, Gary Lamontagne who has merged the property with his own creating one large parcel. Mr. Lamontagne would like to fence off his property and he would like the Council to consider discontinuance of Jeskey Lane. Letters would need to be sent out to abutters and a public hearing would be held.
Mayor Grenier suggested that if there is a discontinuance, the city needs to be a party to creating the easements. Councilor Rozek stated that the City will eventually abandon all interest. Mr. MacQueen noted that if the city did not involve itself, the problems with easements would still exist. Mayor Grenier stated that it is apparent that Jeskey Lane was never a city street and there is no longer a need to maintain it.
Mr. Lamontagne commented that the lane is dimly lit and he appreciated the Council’s consideration to close the lane. Mayor Grenier stated that the Council is committed to doing the right thing.
Request to Fill Vacant Position in Finance Department Patty Chase asked if she could go forward with filling a clerk position in the Finance Office. The position will be posted for ten days in house and if not filled will subsequently be advertised. Councilor Nelson moved to fill the clerk position in the Finance Office; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Non-Public Session At 8:10 p.m. Councilor Nelson moved with a second from Councilor Morgan-Allain to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (b) (c) Personnel. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
At 8:35 p.m. Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Susan Tremblay Administrative Assistant
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