City Council Work Session
March 3, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Rozek, and Nelson; Councilors Theberge and Higbee were absent
Others present were: City Manager Jim Wheeler
Mayor Grenier asked to add Resolution 2014-03 to the Work Session agenda. Councilor Rozek so moved; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Family Resource Grant
Councilor Remillard reported that Jim Michalik has asked to have the resolution passed by the 14th so that it can be included with the grant application. Mayor Grenier asked if SAU 20 also passed a resolution for this grant. Councilor Remillard stated that the After School Program benefits Berlin families as well as Gorham. Mayor Grenier commented that he does not want to hold the resolution since it is to show support of the grant.
Letter of Support for NCIC Grant for LNG
Mr. Wheeler explained that the Council is being asked to support a NCIC grant application to the Economic Development Administration to site a natural gas plant in Groveton which is viewed as an interim solution to escalating gas prices for the paper mill. The long term goal would be to increase the gas line capacity. The County is drafting a similar letter.
Mayor Grenier added that there will be significant benefits to Berlin though plant will be in Groveton. The increased tax base to Groveton will lower County taxes and the secondary benefit is 84 jobs to plant or hauling natural gas will help the overall economy of Coos County.
Councilor Benski moved to send a letter of support to John Frieman in support of an application to EDA for funding to site a natural gas plant in Groveton; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Communication re: HB 1590 & 1549
Mr. Wheeler reported that he sent a letter in support of HB 1590 and HB 1549. Both of these bills refer to the way that the DRA treats PILT agreements in communities where renewable energy facilities are located. The State offers incentives for building such facilities, communities work out PILT agreements and then the DRA’s treatment of PILT agreements neutralizes the State’s effort. The DRA needs to be consistent with the PILT agreements and the issue needs a legislative fix.
2015 City Manager Budget
Mr. Wheeler presented his budget to the Council and he reviewed the cover memo stating that the overall increase to the general fund is 4.5% or about $1.3 million. Just over $900,000 of that is school and $300,000 is debt service. School and police budgets were not changed by the city manager. In the budget proposal, two firemen who retired are not replaced and a ½ time position in code enforcement is not funded. These recommendations are not made lightly. Mr. Wheeler noted that he is not proposing any personnel cuts but he would rather eliminate positions through attrition.
The administrative fee in the sewer fund account was raised to justify paying for services incurred by the city. There are significant sewer customers who not pay taxes but they pay a sewer bill. If the sewer fund’s costs are not reimbursed, the taxpayer would be subsidizing the sewer fund.
Mayor Grenier stated that a $2.81 increase is more than people can afford. It will be up to the Council to study the budget and come to a number that will work for everyone. He thanked Patty Chase for her work on the budget as well.
Resolution 2014-03
Councilor Benski had questions on the resolution saying that it is proposed to socialize the cost of the additional capacity and she needed more information. She wanted to do more research on NESCOE and the plan to socialize the cost. Mayor Grenier stated that the plan is in its infancy and this is part of trying to create momentum. Councilor Remillard commented that we know it is a need but the way to pay for it has not been figured out yet.
Other
Councilor Rozek asked if there is preparation going on for spring thaw and he wants to be sure fixing potholes is a priority.
Mayor Grenier asked if the engineering to repair Route 16 can be done in house. Mr. Wheeler indicated that it is a big project with a lot of components and it is important to lay out the scope and to do it right. He said that he will come back to the Council with options.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier called for a ten minute recess and then he would go on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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