Work Session
April 7, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Benski was absent.
Others present City Manager James Wheeler, Public Works Director Mike Perreault, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Lt. Dan Buteau, and Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. He asked to have a communication from Homeland Security added to the agenda. Councilor Morgan Allain so moved; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Dog Park Update
Pamela Laflamme reported that there has been some concern from neighbors about the proposed dog park site and that has prompted further discussion about whether residents want a dog park at all. There is support from the group that has been fundraising. Ms. Laflamme suggested a community meeting where residents can communicate their ideas and say whether they support the concept of a dog park. It has never been the City’s intention to take on the expense of a dog park, only to provide the place. A citizen group would volunteer to maintain the park. Mayor Grenier added that he will be speaking with PSNH senior management about the Tondreau Park and the possibility of having a sub-lease where the lessee would have their own insurance.
Councilor Rozek noted that there was some confusion about a dog park taking funding away from existing parks and Mayor Grenier clarified that from the inception of this idea, the city was never going to fund cleanup and maintenance; the City was only facilitating space for the park. Councilor Remillard moved to schedule a public meeting and to advertise city wide for consideration of a dog park in the city; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried. Mayor Grenier suggested a May meeting.
PD Safety Grants
Lt Dan Buteau informed the Council that the PD is looking to apply for Highway Safety grants for speed control, dwi patrol, young driver education, sobriety checkpoints, bicycle patrol, ohrv patrol, safe commute, and seat belt patrol. These grants pay for additional patrols throughout the year. The resolution in on the agenda for first reading.
SB 366 Video Lottery and Table Gaming
Mayor Grenier stated that he received a communication from Jeff Woodburn asking the Council to support SB 366. In addition to gaming, the bill will increase revenue sharing among all communities in NH. The formula being used allocates about $1 million to the City of Berlin.
There is a resolution under new business and Mayor Grenier affirmed that there is support to suspend the rules and pass the resolution this evening.
Councilor Higbee questioned the analysis saying that it seems that only host communities, and abutting host communities would receive funds. Mayor Grenier noted that the bill removes the suspension on revenue sharing which benefits all communities.
PWD Street Maintenance
Mr. Wheeler stated that the Council asked for a plan to deal with potholes and the bad condition of some city streets. There is an ongoing effort of patching and longer term planning that needs to happen.
Mr. Perreault distributed the weekly assignments of the crew showing that there are at least two to four people patching potholes every day; however cold patch is a temporary fix. The earliest asphalt plant opening is in Gorham on April 15. The job is made more difficult because the holes are filled with water. The crew is still picking up snow because the process picks up sand as well and improves drainage by clearing catch basins.
Mr. Perreault noted that he has been looking at other methods to make the street repairs such as hiring out or putting more people on the job. Temporary patching will be focused on the most heavily travelled routes. Mayor Grenier asked when it would be reasonable to have the most heavily travelled roads patched, under ideal circumstances. Mr. Perreault estimated that it could be done in two months with enough resources.
A combination of in house and contract labor costs for certain streets was estimated at $42,000. Mayor Grenier asked if $60,000 could have the road repair done by mid-June. Mr. Wheeler emphasized that this will only buy a patch for most sections; a shim coat would get a few more serviceable years. Councilor Remillard asked why the holes are not filled with sand. Mr. Wheeler noted that the volume of traffic and water are considerations.
Mayor Grenier asked for a report on the magnitude of the job; and a plan to repair and identify sources of money to do the job by April 21.
Homeland Security
Mr. Wheeler reported that the Fire Chief received notification that the City will not receive the SAFER grant. Mayor Grenier and Council members expressed their disappointment. Mayor Grenier stated that we will have to provide security and safety for the city with the funds that are available to us.
There being no further business in the Work Session, Mayor Grenier called for a recess to a non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2,I(b) Collective Bargaining.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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