Work Session
November 18, 2013
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, and Nelson; Councilor Theberge was absent.
Others present included City Manager Jim Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Finance Director Patty Chase, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Ray Nolin, Don Piper, Gary Lamontagne, Paul Lamontagne, Paula Poirier, Helen & Ray Francoeur, Glenn Ward, Tim Coulombe and Kevin Lacasse of TKB Properties media and public.
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
In a motion from Councilor Rozek two items were added to the agenda: the DRA Tax Rate and Main Street Program Letter; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and them motion carried unanimously.
Bartlett School
Mr. Coulombe and Mr. Lacasse explained their proposal to acquire Bartlett School and renovate the property into rental units. The project would be contingent on a successful CDBG grant through the County. Tim Sappington and Giroux Carpentry have been through the property and will consult on a plan to move the project forward. Mayor Grenier confirmed the timeline to apply for the January round of funding which would then be available in July of 2014 and by the spring of 2015, the project would be complete.
Ms. White reported that a formal Request for Proposals for development of the building was advertised state wide and there were no other proposals. Any asbestos issues in the building would be addressed by TKB as they have done in their other projects.
Councilor Remillard asked if the dog park would still be allowed. Ms. White confirmed that the City would maintain ownership of the parcel whether it becomes a dog park or not. Councilor Remillard asked if the apartments would be rented strictly to low income. Mr. Coulombe noted that the income limits allowed by CDBG are substantial enough that they do not hinder renting with the income limit for single at $58,000 and a family of four at $85,000.
Councilor Higbee pointed out that CDBG would want assurance that the remainder of the funding is established prior to going forward with the grant. Mr. Coulombe indicated that TKB may apply for tax credit funding; however they are prepared to inject their own capital if necessary. Councilor Nelson confirmed that there is a stipulation that the building will revert to the City if the project is not completed in two years
Councilor Rozek mentioned that the Community College has dormitory needs that perhaps TKB can review in the future; Mr. Coulombe expressed interest. Mr. Coulombe and Mr. Lacasse left the meeting at this time.
Area Sometimes Referred to as Jeskey Lane
Ms. Laflamme reported that though there is no supporting documentation that Jeskey Lane was ever accepted as a city street, the City took the precaution of notifying the property owners involved. One of the property owners lives in England and 30 days is a reasonable time for notification. The research shows that there is no reason or right for the city to be in or on the property and the City has no right to maintain the property.
There are easements on the property that give others the right to maintain and use it. After the public hearing, the Council may go ahead with the suggested motion acknowledging that the city has no rights in what has been formerly referenced as “Jeskey Lane”.
Councilor Remillard asked if anyone is going to be affected by the city no longer maintaining the lane. Ms. Lafalmme stated that there is one property whose owners may need to negotiate an easement for access; however the properties on the end have another access. The issue is one of private property rights. Councilor Remillard confirmed that all abutters were made aware and thus far no one has notified us of any opposition.
Zoning Change Request
Ms. Laflamme explained that she was contacted by Fleury Funeral Home asking if crematoriums are allowed in the Residential Zone. Our zoning ordinance does not mention crematoriums and therefore they are not allowed. The Planning Board reviewed the issue at their last meeting and recommended changing the ordinance to allow crematoriums in residential zones by special exception. That would give a small layer of protection, with notices to abutters and a public hearing with the zoning board.
In 2012 there was 112 deaths in Berlin and in all of Coos County there were 440. In NH 50% of people choose cremation as their final dispensation. Littleton, Manchester, and Wilton have crematoriums in dense residential neighborhoods. The Department of Environmental Services does not intervene as the emissions are irrelevant; there is no nuisance and no noise.
Mayor Grenier questioned whether it would be wise to limit crematoriums to an association with funeral homes. Councilor Rozek questioned the noise. Ms. Laflamme stated that depending on the insulation of the stack and insulation of the building it will be within the 70 decibels that the ordinance allows. Mr. Ward added that since this will be a new facility, noise can be addressed in the installation, where precautions can be taken to reduce noise dramatically.
Request for Re-Tabling Resolution 2013-25
Ms. White stated that there was a delay in getting the proper notifications in the paper and the request is to re-table until December 2. Mayor Grenier advised to remove the item from the table and retable to keep it as an active motion
Other
DRA Tax Rate Setting
Mr. Wheeler reported that the DRA has indicated the City’s tax rate will be $33.00 per thousand.
Communication from the Main Street Program
In a letter from Sylvia Poulin, the Main Street Program is asking for OHRV’s to be allowed on City streets November 29 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the Parade of Lights event. Councilor Rozek so moved with a second from Councilor Nelson. The motion carried unanimously. Councilor Higbee confirmed that it is city streets that are open 5:30 to 8:00 on November 29.
Ms. Laflamme reported that there may be a problem with PSNH allowing fireworks at the Tondreau Lot. They want full indemnity for PSNH and Primex will not indemnify. To the extent that Council would need to be informed, Community Field is the secondary location. Councilors conceded that as long as any debris is cleaned up after the event, it is acceptable to use Community Field.
There being no further business in Work Session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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