City Council Work Session
April 21, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier; Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Higbee, Rozek, Morgan-Allain, Nelson and Theberge
Others present: City Manager Jim Wheeler, Public Works Director Mike Perreault, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme; Housing Coordinator Linda White, PD Information Specialist Jennifer Cloutier, PD Lt. Dan Buteau
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Linda White reported that the Neighborhood Revitalization grant she applied to CDFA for was approved in the amount of $500,000. Once the Governor and Council approve, applications will be accepted.
RSA 80:38 Potential Liability of a Tax Deeded Property
Ms. White informed the Council that taxes have been paid on the property with environmental issues and it is a moot issue.
Adopting CDBG Code of Ethics; Financial Management Plan
Ms. Laflamme explained that it has been ten years since these were last adopted. Finance Director Patty Chase has reviewed the proposed Financial Management Plan. Councilor Rozek moved to accept the Financial Management Plan and Code of Ethics for CDFA grants; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Hutchins Street Reconstruction Plan – Dummer Yard Area
Mr. Wheeler indicated that the city attorney has advised that the City should stay out of the chain of title on the American Dismantling property. There is $800,000 of Senator Shaheen money that will be used on Hutchins Street but not on the ADC land. There is a proposed contract with HEB for a total of $80,069 contingent on DOT approval.
Councilor Remillard asked if the “dog leg” corner would be improved and Mr. Wheeler acknowledged that HEB will be working on the curve. There were also questions about sidewalks and those would depend on funding. Councilor Theberge asked if there could also be lighting kept in mind for the future.
Councilor Rozek moved to approve entering into a contract with HEB for $80,069 contingent on the approval of DOT; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried. The goal is to have the work done by the end of the summer.
Mr. Wheeler stated that there will be a preconstruction meeting on the 29th for the Hutchins Street contract from Bridge Street to Wood Street that has been awarded to AB Logging. He added that he will report the time schedule to the Council on May 5.
PWD Road Maintenance Plan
Mr. Perreault distributed information with costs of repair on the most travelled streets with winter damage. With the help of a contractor cost is estimated at $...; however it is not an exact science to estimate the cost. There are a few options for Finland Street including grinding and adding 2 inches of pavement for $33,000, then coming back next year to add pavement or it can all be done this year for $58,000.
Mr. Wheeler noted that the funding mechanism is to use segregated funds and current year funds that were going to be used on Hutchins Street; that will now be covered with funding from the bond. Asked about the time frame, Mr. Perreault committed to completing the work in 3 weeks from the time the asphalt plant opens. Councilor Remillard asked when the side streets would be repaired and Mr. Perreault noted that when there is a call, the holes are filled.
With regard to sweeping, Mr. Perreault stated that there is one street sweeper and two sidewalk sweepers that are out. Councilor Nelson questioned the policy of sweeping only at night and Councilor Remillard stated that people out walking would end up covered with sand. Select side streets could be done during the day. The City put down 4200 tons of sand this winter; when it is picked up, it is then used for landfill cover. Councilor Theberge asked about painting crosswalks and Mr. Perreault said they are usually painted in June.
RSA 83F
Mr. Wheeler stated that he worked with the City Attorney to come up with an amendment to RSA 83F that would prohibit the DRA values of a utility from entering into a dispute between the municipality and the utility. The DRA’s values were enacted for the purpose of calculating the county tax; however they are now being used to challenge the municipal value of utility assets. State DRA personnel are spending time in court.
Councilor Rozek moved to submit the proposed legislation to the NHMA for their support; Councilor Nelson seconded.
In further discussion, Mayor Grenier commented that the current scenario puts the BTLA in an arbitrary position for multimillion dollar projects which they were never set up to do.
FD Tanker Update
Mr. Wheeler reported that the fire department budget will not run over because of the tanker repair; there are two vacant positions that were budgeted for the full year and have not been filled.
Councilor Nelson asked about the fire department’s general alarm and when it will be fixed.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II (d) land matters. The motion carried with all voting unanimously in favor by roll call vote. Ms. Laflamme and Mr. Perreault were present for the non-public session.
Councilor Nelson moved to seal the minutes of the non-public session as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective. The minutes are sealed until 4/28/14; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
After a short break, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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