City Council Work Session
August 5, 2013
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Nelson, Theberge, and Otis; Councilor Rozek was absent
Others present: Mike Perreault, Pamela Laflamme, Bryan Lamirande, Nicole Plourde, Tim Donovan, Paul Lamontagne, Gary Lamontagne, Autie Hamilton, Annie Morton, Karen Morton, Pete Morency,
School Board Discussion
Ms. Plourde reported that the schools achieved approximately $183,000 of unexpected revenue in Fiscal Year 2013. The School Board wants to use that money to move forward with their Technology Plan. The plan is to provide students with updated servers, wireless, and more wireless capacity. The system is being prepared for a one on one computing environment to give the students the best possible opportunities.
Ms. Plourde went on to say that after this year, student testing will be done on line and the students need to have the equipment to perform to the best of their ability. The surplus will allow the information technology coordinator position which was cut out to be put back into the budget and it will allow the schools to be on track for year two of the four year technology plan
Councilor Remillard confirmed that the schools will use the full amount for technology and the coordinator position will get teachers up to speed with new technology. Mayor Grenier said that he is encouraged to see the good working relationship with the Council among the boards and committees and he fully supports funding as proposed by the Board of Education. He asked for a resolution for the 19th; the Council conceded that there were no objections to the proposal.
Rotary Boat Launch
Tim Donovan addressed the City Council saying that as Director of the Mahoosuc Initiative in 2008 and 2009, he led an effort to secure grant money for a boat launch at Rotary Park. He asked the Council if the park could be named for John Morton Jr. whose dream it was to see the park turned into a public access point. There is support for naming the Park for John Morton Jr. from his family, the AV Fish & Game Club and the club at Blackjack 21.
Mayor Grenier asked if there would be a problem with keeping the park name and dedicating the boat launch to Mr. Morton and Mr. Donovan agreed. Mayor Grenier asked what progress is being made on the boat ramp adding that if a park is to be dedicated to someone, it needs to look nice. Mike Perreault stated that there is approximately $22,000 in the grant for the project and the City’s match is the same with in-kind services. He stated that the proposal for a drive in launch will not work because the radius is not enough; however it could accommodate canoes and kayaks.
Mayor Grenier asked for a final diagram of the project and a dedication will follow.
Jeskey Lane
Mr. Wheeler updated the Council on the status of Jeskey Lane saying that the research done by Pam Laflamme shows that in 1967 Clarence Brungot, the Public Works Director at the time, reported that it was not a public street. He had been directed to maintain Jeskey Lane by the Public Works Committee. The research shows a communication that outlines the steps needed in order to make Jeskey Lane a public street and there is no record that any of the options took place. The City Attorney is recommending title work. It is possible that Jeskey Lane is a private right of way on private property that we happened to maintain.
Councilor Remillard commented that there is one property owner affected and he may not want it closed. She questioned whether the City would be facing legal action. Ms. Laflamme stated that the City would need to accept and maintain as a city street and there is no evidence that Jeskey Lane was ever laid out as even a paper street. Mr. Wheeler said that the Council would get more information once the title work has been completed.
Reverse 911 Appointment
The Council voted in March to appoint Chief Trull as the primary contact person for Reverse 911. At that time it was suggested that the new City Manager would be the alternate. Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to appoint James Wheeler as the alternate contact for the Reserve 911 system in Berlin. So moved, the motion carried.
ATV Permit System
Mr. Wheeler stated that an ATV Permit System, whereby homeowners would be able to access trails from their properties by permit, has come up several times. If there is enough interest, the Police Chief and City Manager could develop an appropriate permit system then bring their proposal to the Council with options. A lot of discussion would need to take place along the way and eventually there would be a public hearing.
Councilor Nelson agreed saying that it is wise to move forward. Councilor Benski said that such permitting will bring people here. Councilor Otis commented that he’s been approached by people saying they are willing to pay a fee to drive to the trails. Mayor Grenier added that if this is to be our niche in tourism, then we need to move forward. Councilor Theberge moved to have the City Manager and Police Chief work on further investigating an ATV permit system; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Other
PD Expenses for ATV Festival
Chief Morency established that there were 213 calls on the ATV Festival weekend. The cost of police presence was $6,804; however officers split shifts, there was help from the Sheriff’s Office, and cooperation from granting agencies for a final cost to the City of $2,033.09.
Councilor Nelson commented that Jericho Motor Sports registered 135 registrations atv’s on Friday; they sold 10 bikes and had more registrations on Sunday. This festival is putting money back into the businesses and into the community. Mayor Grenier suggested the PD send a bill to the City and it will be paid from the Contingency account.
There being no further business in the work session, the Council convened in a non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2, I (a) Collective Bargaining
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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