Work Session
April 28, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; absent was Councilor Morgan-Allain
Others present: City Manager Jim Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Health & Welfare Director Angela Martin Giroux, Finance Director Patty Chase and Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Benski to add the Tondreau Kiosk as an agenda item. So moved, the motion carried unanimously.
Final Tax Deed List
Ms. Chase distributed the final list of tax deeded properties. She informed the Council that the number of properties has decreased from over 40, two years ago, to 30 last year and there are 19 this year. None of the properties have environmental concerns. Ms. Chase indicated that she will send out notices to repurchase with 30 days to respond. Once the City is notified of the intent to repurchase, the former owner has 30 days to pay or 45 days if they live in the house. They will have to pay three years of back taxes, any city liens, sewer, water, fees, costs and a penalty of 15% of the assessment.
Councilor Rozek moved to approve the finalized tax deeding list and to authorize the tax collector to go forward with the tax deeds; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Hiring Freeze Committee
Mr. Giroux explained that she has a position open for a full time RN. The department has been working hard to improve efficiency and it stands to make a profit of about $48,000 this year. Mayor Grenier commented that he is proud of the work done by the health department and Ms. Giroux gave credit to the department staff.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Benski to hire to replace the vacated RN position. So moved, the motion carried.
Snowmobile Club
The White Mountain Ridgerunners will be working on an 80 foot bridge that goes under the railroad trestle west of the Dead River off of Cole Street. As part of their grant writing, they need permission from the city to do work on city land. Councilor Rozek moved to give land owner permission to the White Mountain Ridgerunners to do trail work and bridge repair on City tax map 119/ Lot 245 and Map 119/lot 319; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Tondreau Kiosk
Mr. Wheeler reported that he was approached by Rene Boutin who asked if the kiosk at the Tondreau lot could be moved to Jericho. The kiosk was built and installed by the high school, paid for with grant money and is to be used for atv purposes. The ATV club could better use the kiosk if it were closer to the park. Councilors had no objections to moving the kiosk to where it would better serve the public.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Theberge moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3(d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call. There was a brief discussion regarding the city’s attempt to bid on the Car Freshner building. No decisions were made.
Councilor Nelson moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
SB 366
Mayor Grenier informed the Council that he sent a letter in support of SB366 in favor of the gambling bill.
Other
Councilor Rozek suggested that the city manager look at other city owned buildings for storage such as the Bass Shoe building. He acknowledged that it is further away but it is worth looking into. Mr. Wheeler indicated that the City has an RFP out for storage facility and this idea could be looked at.
Councilor Nelson also suggested the Hexaport building and Mr. Wheeler noted that its location on the aquifer would limit its use.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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