Work Session
May 6, 2013
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; absent was Councilor Remillard
Others present included Mike Perreault, Dan Buteau, Pat MacQueen, Linda White, and Pamela Laflamme
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
3 Glen Avenue
Ms. White reviewed the proposed plan for the lot that will be created once the building at 3 Glen Avenue is torn down. The recommendation is for a paver area, walkway and handicap access for the Holiday Center. The remainder of the lot will be for municipal parking. The Holiday Center has agreed to maintain the walkway; however the City would need to maintain the parking area. This plan will serve the Holiday Center well, it will add parking in the downtown and be a big improvement to the entranceway of the city.
Councilor Theberge asked if lighting has been considered and Ms. White noted that the lot would be mostly for day use and lighting has not been considered. Unless there are unexpected expenses, there should be enough money to complete the project with grant funds. There will be arrows to direct traffic. Councilor Rozek moved to approve the concept of the redevelopment proposal presented by the Housing Coordinator; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried.
115 Mason Street
Ms. White stated that she had been to council with the concept of a park and there have been a few adjustments to the plan. There is $26,750 which would go back to PWD for installation and maintenance of equipment in the park. There is also money for 1.5 playground staff for 30 hours per week at this park. No containers for garbage will be provided; the park will have a “carry in, carry out” policy. The HEAL grant will support community gardens.
Asked if a motion is necessary, Ms. White indicated that the Council needs to be aware that additional park space is being created that the city is being asked to maintain in the future. Councilor Rozek moved to proceed with the proposed community gardens and park on 115 Mason Street; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Budget Mayor Grenier reported that he will be meeting with the City Manager to put together a budget plan for next week’s meeting where the Council will set the budget to be published.
Highway Safety Grants Dan Buteau reviewed Resolution 2013-07 regarding Highway Safety Grants explaining that the Council is being asked to appropriate funds for Grants such as Red Light Running for $5,148; Enforcement Patrols for $5,148; Sobriety Checkpoints, 4 through the summer for $11,032; Seat Belts for $3,500; OHRV for $5,148; Safe Commute for $4,320; and DUI for $7,020. The grants provide for overtime for officers.
Councilor Benski commented that she has never seen a checkpoint that did not violate citizens’ rights. She is totally against random checks. Prosecutor Buteau stated that it has been found that the deterrent factor outweighs any intrusiveness into privacy and the PD follows state law by publishing the time frame in which checkpoints will occur; they get a judge’s order having made the case that checkpoints are necessary.
Mayor Grenier voiced that he supports random checks as they are a valuable tool to enforce the law in the community.
Bond With regard to Resolution 2013-08 refinancing $3.5 Million in existing bonds and $1 Million in new bonds, City Manager MacQueen informed the Council that the loan will be with the NH Municipal Bond Bank for 12 years. Once the bonds are issued, the interest rate will be set at a rate equal or lower than the existing loan. There should be about $500,000 to $700,000 to do additional work in the streets.
Noise Councilor Higbee reported that he had a call from a constituent complaining about the mill noise during the night.
There being no further business in the work session, at 7:20 p.m. Mayor Grenier called for a 10 minute recess, then on to New Business.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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