Work Session
June 2, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Rozek, Nelson, and Theberge; Councilor Higbee was absent
Others present: Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Health & Welfare Director Angela Martin Giroux, Nursing Supervisor Yvette Leighton, Housing Coordinator Linda White
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30
Hiring Freeze
Angela Martin Giroux explained that she has an LPN that is retiring in July and she would like to replace the position with a registered nurse. The difference in the cost would be about $10,000; however she is confident that costs would be covered by additional revenue. Mayor Grenier commented that if we have a reasonable expectation that the cost will go up then we should reflect that change in the budget through an amendment in two weeks.
Mayor Grenier asked Ms. Giroux to put together the line items that would be affected in both the expenses and on the revenue side. Councilor Rozek confirmed that the Health Department will be able to provide additional service.
Yvette Leighton stated that there have been a lot of referrals from local medical facilities as well as from CMC and Concord Orthopedic. Councilor Theberge asked if the department does any advertising and Ms. Giroux indicated that marketing was cut to achieve budget goals. She added that the Department hands out brochures at every opportunity.
Councilor Benski confirmed that the budget adjustment would be made in two weeks; however the Council could go forward with authorizing the hire of a registered nurse. Mayor Grenier asked if the Department is in a position to take on several more clients. Ms. Giroux noted that more planning would have to be done to increase the agency beyond its scope
Councilor Remillard moved to hire a full time Registered Nurse in replacement of retiring Licensed Practical Nurse; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried.
Library Computers
Ms. Laflamme reported that she had applied to the NH Charitable Foundation to fund new computers at the Library for use by the public. A resolution appropriating $4,000 of funding is on the agenda for first read.
Farmer’s Market Update
Ms. Laflamme explained that this will be the 5th summer for the Farmer’s Market. It was on Mechanic Street and was then moved to Pleasant Street. There has been discussion about moving the market to Main Street. Meetings have been held with Fire, Police, merchants and business owners. The PD feels moving the market would be expensive and they would need to be there for the duration of the market which neither the Market nor the city can afford. Toni’s Pizza is in the center of Main Street and closing Main Street would deter business for them. They are opposed to locating the market on Main Street.
This is coming to the Council for input.
Councilor Theberge asked if other communities have a market on their Main Street and Ms. Laflamme said that it does not seem to happen in other communities. Councilor Benski asked for more detail on the increased Police expense for a market on Main Street. Councilor Nelson said she does not agree with disrupting some businesses for a Main Street market. Councilor Otis commented that if we could make it work, it would be a good way to augment the revitalization of Main Street. Councilor Remillard suggested that Main Street have a sidewalk sale every week to attract people to “do the loop”. Councilor Morgan-Allain and Councilor Rozek acknowledged that Toni’s would be negatively affected by moving the market to Main Street.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II (d) land matters. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes until the City Manager deems it appropriate, as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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