City Council Work Session
September 3, 2013
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Theberge, Morgan Allain, Nelson, and Rozek; Councilor Higbee was absent
Others present: Public Works Director Michael Perreault, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun, Michelle Ball and several supporters of a proposed dog park
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Resolution 2013-21 Capital Carry Over Discussion
Mr. Wheeler explained that this resolution will bring capital projects over from the previous fiscal year that have not been completed into the new fiscal year. Mayor Grenier asked about bleachers and Mr. Perreault stated that antiquated bleachers are being replaced at area fields as needed.
Councilor Remillard asked about the sand and salt storage shed, questioning whether to keep researching or allocate the money to something else. Mr. Wheeler said that he has not had the chance to review the project in any depth; he added that the shed is needed. Council conceded to having an update within 60 days on how the salt shed project will move forward. Councilor Theberge asked about the vacuum truck and confirmed that we will be buying a new truck, possibly by lease purchase. Mr. Perreault said that the new sewer vacuum could also reduce manpower. Councilor Rozek asked if sewer vacuum could be contracted out and Mr. Perreault replied that there are emergency situations where it is advantageous to have our own equipment.
Ordinance 2013-08 Glen Avenue Parking
Councilor Rozek reported the findings of the Traffic Safety Committee saying that the Committee is recommending three parking spaces on the east side of Glen Avenue to include a crosswalk across from the kiosk, on a trial basis until June 1. Also to be reviewed is proposed parking on the right side on PSNH land and the possibility of moving the kiosk. The ordinance will be re-introduced after June 1.
Request for ATV Access for Riverfire
Councilor Nelson reported that the same request as Wingzilla is now being asked for Riverfire: ATV access to the Heritage Park would be allowed from 2 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday October 19. Councilor Remillard moved to allow ATV access to Riverfire for 2 to 10 on October 19; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Dog Park Discussion
Ms. Laflamme reported that Michele Ball has been working to organize volunteers for a dog park. A lot of parcels have been looked at and the land surrounding Bartlett School seems to be a good fit because it is fenced on two sides, and it is in a central location. Knowing that the City does not have the resources to create a park, this group is willing to pitch in and help out. The City will provide the land and the committee will provide the resources. This could be done on a trial period of one year. The question for the Council is whether staff should further explore a dog park and if Bartlett School is an acceptable location. There would have to be a public hearing because the park would be in a neighborhood and houses would be affected.
Councilor Rozek said that cleanliness is key to a successful dog park. Mayor Grenier said he would support staff time on this project. He would want to be sure the city does not have liability of one dog attacking another dog or liability for dog attacks on owners.
Councilor Remillard asked what happens if an investor wants to buy the school for development. Ms. Laflamme stated that would have to be a consideration for the council. Mayor Grenier commented that there is an enthusiastically engaged public and there is nothing eminent happening with Bartlett School. If there is a buyer for the Bartlett School, then we would have to look for another piece of property. It was the consensus of the Council that this is a good idea and staff should continue to work on it.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Remillard moved to go into nonpublic session per RSA 91-A:3II (d) Land Matters; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Linda White referred to a letter from Billy J. Gagnon where he is asking to acquire a property at 613 Western Avenue. His intent is to tear down the building which is partially burned and to possibility rebuild on the existing foundation. Staff recommendation is that this would be a good re-use of the property and it would keep demolition dollars for other properties.
Councilors expressed concern that abutters to the property be notified and that they be given the same opportunity. Councilor Morgan Allain asked about Mr. Gagnon’s letter having a May date and Ms. White explained that approaching the Council in May would have been premature as the City did not have a legal path forward until now.
Councilor Remillard acknowledged that the City is not giving the property away as Mr. Gagnon will be paying for the demolition. Councilors fully supported Mr. Gagnon’s plan for the property but in fairness, they wanted to give the abutters the opportunity as well.
The lot is 150 x 100 and the estimated cost for the city to have the property demolished is $10,000 to $20,000. Mr. Gagnon will initially pay $1,000 for the property and upon acceptable demolition, the money will be returned to him. Mr. Wheeler indicated that if the Council decides to transfer the property to Mr. Gagnon, they would have to accept that he could put it to any legal use.
If the Council wants to proceed, a resolution transferring the property can be read for the first time by adding it as an agenda item. Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilor Otis moved to add item 6a Sale of 613 Western Avenue to the agenda; Councilor Benski seconded and the motion carried unanimously thereby achieving the 2/3 majority needed to add the item.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Public Hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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