City Council Work Session
July 15, 2013
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Higbee, Rozek, Theberge, Benski, Otis, Morgan Allain, Remillard and Nelson
Others present, Ray Burton, Don Provencher, Fred Smith, Tony Donovan from the Maine Rail Transit Coalition, Glen Holmes Director of the Western Maine ED Council, Robert Steele and David Schwanke of the Golden Eagle Railway Corporation, Beano Lamontagne, Chuck Henderson, Bob Chapman, several members of the public were present for the railway discussion; Police Chief Peter Morency, Mike Perreault, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun.
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
Railroad Presentation
He introduced Don Provencher who explained that the North Country, specifically the Berlin/Gorham area, is a prime location for a stop for passenger rail travelling from Portland to Montreal. There are several groups from Maine who see the potential and are advocating for rail transportation.
Tony Donovan presented a Power Point with information on the opportunities for increased economic development in a ¾ mile radius of a passenger rail stop. Studies have shown that passengers will walk ¾ of a mile before they seek another mode of transportation.
DMU Corridor Initiative wants to work with State and local interest to bring rail back. There are several ideas with one being a privately operated night train. Dining cars, a lounge car, and sleeper cars, would bring passengers to their destination overnight. Another idea is a day train that would take in the natural beauty of the area.
Mr. Donovan stated that there are several ways to fund rail. In areas that are going to become centers of economic development, property owners should be willing to contribute to the cost of the rail system. If a community wants passenger rail, the key criteria to getting it is showing how much it is wanted. He asked the Council to consider a resolution of support for the Northern Border Commission. He mentioned Mobility Project Reports that are available at www.MaineRailTransit.org
Mayor Grenier called for questions. Mr. Donovan answered a question about the average speed of a passenger trains saying that Class 4 travels at 79 miles per hour; and there is no desire for high speed at this time. To another question from the audience asking how much of the rail system is in need of upgrade to make this happen, Mr. Donovan replied that the system as is could support a train going 59 miles per hour.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that the plans for passenger rail use the existing rails. Councilor Otis asked if there have been studies to see if people would get out of their railcars and Mr. Donovan indicated that a study projected 800,000 Canadians would come. Mr. Wheeler asked what is driving the trend towards rail. Mr. Donovan indicated that the price of gas deters driving. People want to live in a place where they can get on a train in the evening and wake up in Boston. Trains are also a good alternative for those concerned about the environment.
Mr. Holmes commented that the service is coming faster than expected with a train coming next year. Communities along the corridor have been supportive. He asked that the Council consider the resolution and appoint someone to come to the meetings.
Councilor Theberge asked what the roadblocks are and Mr. Donovan said that the requirements of St. Lawrence and Atlantic have to be met and insurance is an issue.
Mayor Grenier asked Executive Councilor Ray Burton to comment and he urged the Council to take a look at the resolution. Rail is a boost to the tourist industry and with the Vermonter in Vermont and the Downeaster in Maine, he urged the council to take a look at the resolution. There is the best chance for TIGER grant funds for rail when commuter rail is tied in.
Mayor Grenier stated that the resolution will see its first reading Monday, August 5 and he voiced his support. He thanked the group of rail supporters and they left the meeting at this time.
ATV/OHRV Daytime Hour Limitation
Mr. Wheeler presented a memo and draft of rules that came from the ATV Committee Meeting. The document would be provided to atv enthusiasts in the festival program. The proposed change to limit the hours of operation came as a reasonable request from citizens concerned about noise at night time. The new rule would limit the hours to 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Councilor Theberge said that mandatory eye protection was also mentioned as well as helmet.
Councilor Theberge moved to limit the hours of operation form OHRV’s on City streets during the ATV Festival to be held on July 26 and 27, 2013 to the hours between 7:a.m. and 11 p.m.; Councilor Higbee seconded.
In discussion, Mayor Grenier made it clear that there should only be one set of rules. Councilor Theberge pointed out that the law to have underage drivers accompanied by an adult is only going into effect August 1. Chief Morency clarified that he can’t enforce a law that does not exist but it does not prevent an officer from making people aware of the law and it can be a rule. In the vote that followed discussion, all voted in favor.
Request to Waive Bid Requirements for Capital Purchase
Mr. Wheeler reported that there are two ejector pumps that provide the sanitary needs of the treatment plant. One of these pumps failed in 2003 and was replaced; the second pump is original to the plant and it has failed. These pumps have a specific piping arrangement that needs to fit and the most cost effective option is to replace the pump with the specific model. The quote for replacement is $7,424 and the Council is being asked to waive the bidding requirements for this purchase.
Councilor Nelson moved to waive the bidding requirements for the purchase of a pump not to exceed the quote of $7,424; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Theberge moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II(d) Land Matters; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes until there is an executed p & s agreement, as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
At 7:25 p.m. Mayor Grenier moved the meeting to the Regular Session.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
