Work Session
February 3, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present: City Manager Jim Wheeler, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Raul Reyes, Jerrod Grimes, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Councilor Rozek moved to discuss item #4 of the agenda: “Communication from Raul Reyes re: Northern NH Youth Football and Cheer” in the work session; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Brownfield Funding
Linda White explained that she is applying for $400,000 of Brownfield funding. She distributed a list of potential projects for the money’s use. The money is not tied to any particular project nor does the City have to own the property being abated. If funded, the City can choose the most useful project. The application has gone in and funding would be in April if approved.
Property Memo
Ms. White reported a resurgence of interest in the properties the City offers for sale. All properties are in need of heating systems and significant investment to get them up to code. There is a list properties to be demolished that is not funded. Mayor Grenier commented that we would be doing the neighborhood a disservice by recycling the building at 630 Rockingham Street. He added that renting the three tenement building will contribute to congestion on the street.
Ms. White stated that the properties have to be brought to code within 12 months and that assures that their value stabilize. Not all buildings can be disposed of and she tries to choose buildings that are structurally sound to offer up for sale. Mayor Grenier remain unconvinced.
After some discussion, Councilors decided to vote on the recommendations for all properties with the exception of 630 Rockingham Street which will be reviewed again.
Motion: Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson that the City Manager is hereby authorized, indefinitely until rescinded, to offer for sale at the earliest appropriate opportunity, the properties listed below by sealed bid with conditions as indicated for each property or take the appropriate action as otherwise indicated.
Map/Lot 110-0041.000, 615 Fourth Avenue .11 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid of $5,980, determined by condition (poor/fair), lot size, and assessed valuation ($59,800). The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 118-0078.000, 827 Western Ave .28 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (poor/fair), lot size, and assessed valuation ($27,600). Minimum bid is $4,140. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 120-0024.000, 212 Willow Street .22 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid of $15,150, determined by condition (fair), lot size, and assessed valuation ($101,000). The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 120-0339.000, 306 Church Street .14 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (fair/good), lot size, and assessed valuation ($79,800). Minimum bid is $9,975. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 120-0355.000, 127 Prospect Street .27 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (poor/fair), lot size, and assessed valuation ($65,100). Minimum bid is $8,138. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 130-0124.000, 290 Grafton Street .23 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (fair/poor), lot size, and assessed valuation ($39,600). Minimum bid is $5,940. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 130-0337.000, 422 Champlain Street .11 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (fair), lot size, and assessed valuation ($74,800). Minimum bid is $7,480. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met.
Map/Lot 130-0398.000, 511 Goebel Street .11 acre: This parcel and building will be offered for sale by sealed bid with the minimum bid being determined by condition (fair/good), lot size, and assessed valuation ($87,900). Minimum bid is $10,988. The purchasing party is required to renovate and make the property habitable within 12 months of the purchase date and meet the requirements set forth in the then current City Ordinances. City Code Enforcement will make the final determination as to the fitness of the building. The sale of this property will be subject to a reverter if the conditions of the sale are not met. So moved, the motion carried.
Investment Policy
Mr. Wheeler explained a small change in the investment policy. For audit purposes, the policy is adopted yearly. Councilor Rozek moved to accept the investment policy as presented; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
2/17 Holiday
Councilors conceded to meet on Monday, February 17, President’s Day.
Northern NH Youth Football - Jerrod Grimes, Raul Reyes
Mayor Grenier referred to the letter sent to Council from Raul Reyes asking for the use of Gaydo Field for the Northern NH Youth Football and Cheering. Mr. Grimes said that they are looking at the field near the high school because the field best represents the area. The league requires that they have a field to play and practice and they are required to carry their own insurance.
Mr. Wheeler explained that last fall we dealt with the Gladiator League and the City is prepping the annex field at Memorial for football. The high school field gets a tremendous amount of use in the fall. Mayor Grenier said that the Council wants to accommodate the group to the extent possible. Mr. Grimes stated that the field would be used for four games on Sundays only and no practices at the playing field. The age group is 4th grade to 8th grade. Councilor Remillard confirmed that local kids would be on the teams.
Councilors asked why there is a preference for Gaydo Field and Mr. Grimes indicated that the field offers the feel of a college stadium and it allows the parents and spectators to be separated from the players. Mayor Grenier promised that there would be a field available though it may not be Gaydo Field. We may have to work to make Memorial Field more aesthetically possible. The City Manager will discuss the issue with the schools. Mayor Grenier thanked the gentlemen for their interest in the kids.
Mayor Grenier stated that the next work session may need to be in the auditorium. There will be a discussion on the future of the White Mountains Community College and its curriculum. We will have someone from the college to perhaps make presentation. There will also be a discussion on the Northern Pass.
There being no further business in the work session; Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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