January 20, 2014
Work Session
Present: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present: City Manager Jim Wheeler, School Superintendent Corinne Cascadden, PWD Director Mike Perreault, Edith Tucker Berlin Reporter, Barbara Tetreault Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Pine Island/Howard Street R.O.W. Obstruction
Mr. Wheeler reported that the right of way obstruction on Pine Island and Howard Street could be adequately addressed by moving the stop sign to improve visibility. The City Attorney agreed that this is an amenable solution. Mayor Grenier thanked staff for the work done on this issue.
Mayor Grenier asked to move the Rules and Policies to the work session for discussion. Councilor Rozek so moved; Councilor Benski seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Update
Mr. Wheeler explained that the Wastewater Project is expected to have a substantial completion date of August 15, 2014 with the final completion around mid-October. It is a $13.9 million project and there is $10.6 million spent at this time.
The dewatering component will add $990,000 to the project and construction terms were negotiated to best suit the contractor and the City. The work was originally going to be done at the end of the project; however the contractor would have been working indoors in the summer. The schedule allows the contractor to do the work in the winter and the sooner the work is complete, the City will get the benefits of the savings that will occur with the more updated dewatering measures.
Councilor Rozek commented that Henry Noel is looking out for the city’s best interest and doing a very good job of it. He asked if repaving is planned in the project. Mr. Wheeler noted that any pavement that is damaged will be addressed. Though it may not be in the plans, pavement can easily be added.
Mayor Grenier questioned whether the treatment plant had any overflows during the recent rain events and Mr. Wheeler confirmed that it had not.
Winter Budget Update
Mike Perreault reported that though it has been a rough winter, we are in better shape than other communities. The cost of salt went down by $11.00 per ton and the City still has $54,000 left in the line item; however we have overrun the sand budget by $1,337.00 so far. Winter overtime and diesel budgets are on track. Winter operations have been deployed 19 times this year.
Solid Waste
Mr. Perreault indicated that the trends are still good and a $72,000 decrease is projected in tipping fees. At this time there has been a 17% increase in recycling which is a good effort but it still is not enough. There are 660 recycle bins that have been distributed and the department continues its effort to educate the public.
Solid waste costs are also lowered by eliminating the pick up of yard waste. Mayor Grenier stated that he would like to see the collection of cardboard. Mr. Perreault noted that about 2 tons per week are collected. Mayor Grenier said that his goal is to cut tipping fees by ¼ from last year. He thanked citizens for contributing to the recycling effort saying that it is a huge accomplishment.
Mayor Grenier opened the floor to questions including the press. Barbara Tetreault confirmed that the percentage of the budget expected to be saved is about 20%.
Council Committees
Berlin Airport Authority
Councilor Rozek moved to nominate Councilors Otis, Benski, Rozek and Higbee to the Airport Authority; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried.
Committee on Accounts & Claims
Mayor Grenier, Councilors Remillard, Benski, Rozek and Theberge
Committee on Traffic Safety and Transportation
Councilors Rozek (Chair), Remillard, Morgan Allain and Theberge
Committee on Elections
Councilors Otis, Morgan Allain, Higbee and Nelson (Chair)
Committee on Emergency Action
Councilor Higbee
Planning Board Ex-Officio - Councilor Remillard
BIDPA Member - Councilor Nelson
Rules of Council
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Benski that the Council will operate its meeting under Robert’s Rules of Order.
Rules and Orders of the City Council were amended to remove references to wards. Old Business was changed to “Unfinished Business”; reference to “him” throughout the document were changed to “him/her”. It was noted that the Committee on traffic safety is referred to under different names. To be consistent, it is the Committee on Traffic Safety & Transportation. Under “Protocol” for traffic safety issues, “Council Comments” is removed.
Councilor Rozek moved to present the changes above for final approval at the Regular Meeting; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried.
There being no further business in the work session; Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
