September 16, 2013
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson, and Theberge
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Police Chief Peter Morency, Assistant Chief Brian Valerino, David Rodriguez, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Request to Hold 5K Race
A communication from Adele Woods of Coos County Family Health, asking to hold a 5K Race in conjunction with Riverfire, was reviewed by the Council. Mr. Wheeler explained that the event was discussed with the Riverfire Committee. The event will start at Heritage Park, go to 12th Street, and turn left with a turnaround just south of White Mountain Lumber for a total of 3.1 miles. Councilor Nelson was concerned that Riverfire not incur additional cost. Mayor Grenier conferred with Chief Morency asking him what it would cost to have traffic control for the race. He stated that the PD usually splits the cost on city events; he asked that Ms. Woods contact him to coordinate.
Councilor Rozek moved to approve holding the 5 K race with traffic control cost to be determined by the Police Chief and City Manager; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Proposed Permitting for City Street Access to ATV/OHRV
Mr. Wheeler reported that he and Chief Morency started to put a permit system together to attract ATV/OHRV riders to the city, educate and help them understand the rules and track the number of riders. Anyone who owns property, is a resident or a guest of a property owner could be permitted to ride their ATV/OHRV from a residence to the nearest trail.
Chief Morency added that this is the logical next step moving forward though he want to approach with caution. Having a permit would not allow unlimited street access but it would allow someone to drive their ATV/OHRV from home to the closest trail access point. The driver would have to fall under the provisions of RSA 383 for the insurance protections of the State to be in place.
Councilor Rozek voiced that he does not support the permit system. He stated that the permits will start at no cost, but a fee will likely be attached in the future. If there is a permit system, it has to be on line for easy access. He questioned whether OHRV’s would include snowmobiles. He also questioned the equipment needed on the ATV/OHRV saying that mirrors are needed and they tend to get knocked off on the trail. He reiterated that there should be no permit needed at the onset of allowing street access to the nearest trail to residents.
Chief Morency compared the ATV/OHRV permitting to bicycle registrations that the PD has been doing for years. It will give the PD information about who is in the area. He agreed the permit should be available on the City’s web site. With regard to equipment, he listed everything and if the Council wants to remove items when passing an ordinance, then so be it. Councilor Rozek commented that these machines are registered with the state and they have already met a criteria.
Councilor Nelson reasoned that a permit system will alert the PD to how many ATV/OHRV’s will be driving on city streets. She did not think the permit should be limited to residents as this could encourage buyers. She preferred the idea of charging a fee saying that paying would give some responsibility to the rider. There should be revenue and accountability. She commented on warnings for infractions that should be limited to “three strikes”.
Councilor Remillard confirmed that the permit is to access the street with the nearest ATV/OHRV trail to your home.
Councilor Higbee stated that he agrees with issuing a permit; there should be a fee. Violations should be handled with a warning, a fine then loss of privilege. The permit is designed to address people who are here and want to get to the nearest trail to their home.
Councilor Theberge questioned whether permits will issued yearly or if it would be a onetime permit. Chief Morency stated that he has 100 man hours into ATV/OHRVs at this time and the Fire Department has had rescues. He asked if we start with no fee and then review again in one year to see if a fee is warranted. Mayor Grenier asked that the PD break down the data of 100 man hours into how much time was spent on residents and nonresidents. He did not anticipate that the issue was going to be resolved without further discussion.
Councilor Benski said that she has not made up her mind about whether a permit system will work. She asked what is proposed as an alternative.
Councilors agreed that the trail should be expanded without a permit being necessary to access local businesses and Chief Morency stated that could be done by amending the ordinance.
Councilor Morgan Allain asked if going to someone’s house on ATV/OHRV would be allowed. Mayor Grenier indicated that a work session will be scheduled in October to further discuss.
Hutchins Street Reconstruction Project
Mr. Wheeler explained that in a memo dated August 16, 2013, he reported funding strategies for Hutchins Street. In a continued effort to save money, we have continued to review alternatives to get the most out of the project. The original intent for Hutchins Street was to have Cross, who is now doing utility work, also do the road reconstruction project. The first estimates were based on similar items in Cross’ project as well as estimates from Wright Pierce.
The road project was presented to Cross and to their credit, they said they are not a road construction contractor. In the meantime, the Route 110 project bid came through and using the unit prices in that road project, a second estimate was calculated with a difference of about $75,000 less. Mr. Wheeler suggested that Hutchins Street be put out to bid soon and though there is no guarantee that we will get the same pricing, it will foster competition. The more roadwork that can be put out to bid when there is a large project already in the area, the better prices can be expected.
The overall strategy, is to do Hutchins Street, Napert Village to Bridge Street, estimated at $2.2 million. That work would be contiguous to what has been done from Wood to 12th Street. There have been plans for an enhanced Riverwalk and the ground work could be laid out for future work. The Rotary Park boat launch should be done at the same time; 12th Street to the College could be planed and resurfaced.
Councilor Remillard stated that she likes the strategy; she questioned what the temporary patch work on Hutchins will cost and whether that is wasted money. Mr. Wheeler estimated that it would be about $20,000; however that amount and more could be recouped in savings.
Councilor Otis asked if the work will be done in the spring and Mr. Wheeler indicated that it would be scheduled but it would depend on the contractor. Councilor Rozek offered kudos to the City Manager for having the vision and experience to create a development plan as a unit. Mr. Wheeler said that capital projects are so expensive, we have to take every opportunity to save.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier called for a 5 minute recess, then he went on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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