July 7, 2014
Work Session
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Higbee was absent.
Others present included City Manager Jim Wheeler, Public Works Director Michael Perreault, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Police Chief Peter Morency, Assistant Chief Brian Valerino, Roland Riendeau, and Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Hiring Freeze Committee
Housing/Code Secretary Position
Mr. Wheeler explained that the person currently in the position is retiring in August and there is a request to fill the full time position. The code and housing department have a separate entrance with a lot of foot traffic. The public is best served with someone in the position. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Benski to allow the replacement of the housing code secretary position. So moved, the motion carried.
Public Works Position
Mike Perreault stated that there is a budgeted position open in the public works department. The position has been open waiting for the budget to pass. Mayor Grenier commented that we cannot ask Public Works to do more and then eliminate a position. Councilor Morgan-Allain moved with a second from Councilor Benski to replace the laborer position that is open.
Mayor Grenier asked when a plan will come to the Council about cardboard pick up. Mr. Perreault reported that it has been discussed with the crew. Mayor Grenier asked for a plan by mid-October.
BMX Bike Track Proposal
Mr. Wheeler stated that the City received a proposal from Tom Estabrooks about building a BMX track in Berlin. Mr. Estabrooks has some experience with the tracks and thought that this would be good activity for youth. Mayor Grenier asked that Mr. Estabrooks come to a meeting to discuss what he would expect from the city, what kind of liability is involved; what kind of maintenance is required among other questions. Mr. Wheeler noted that he would call and have him come prepared to speak to the Council.
Request to Keep Streets Open Until 11:00 p.m.
Councilor Nelson addressed the Council asking for streets to remain open until 11:00 p.m. on Friday August 1 and Saturday August 2 for the ATV Festival. There will be an ATV parade on Friday night and a concert at the Arena on Saturday; both are expected to attract a lot of people. Councilor Remillard moved to open the streets to ATV’s until 11:00 p.m. August 1 and August 2; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Additional Agenda Items
Mayor Grenier mentioned two additional items, the first being a letter requesting support from the City for the St. Kieran Center for the Arts to have a liquor license and also the PD Surplus Fund Request. Councilor Rozek moved, with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to add the items. The motion carried unanimously.
Nuisance Ordinance Update
Mayor Grenier noted that Councilor Benski asked for the update on how the nuisance ordinance is working. Chief Morency reported that the ordinance has been challenged by the ACLU. All offenses could be charged as a criminal offences; however they have been charged under the local ordinance. Mayor Grenier asked if malicious behavior has been curbed and Chief Morency stated that it has helped; however new ideas are always welcome. The Chief distributed statistic reports showing a reduction in crime.
Councilor Theberge asked if there is a reason for the increase in accidents in intersections. Chief Morency said that it is a trend throughout the State that distracted driving is causing accidents.
Councilor Remillard wanted to see a more complete report showing drug related incidents. She asked if the building demos done in Berlin have had an impact on crime. Chief Morency commented that there are less neighbor disputes and neighborhood involvement has helped curb crime. Landlords are communicating more.
PD Surplus for ATV Fest
Mayor Grenier asked the Police Chief if there will be heightened enforcement during the ATV festival. Chief Morency indicated that the grant funds used for that purpose in the past have ended; however he indicated that $10,000 of surplus funds could be used for police coverage for the ATV Festival. Mayor Grenier took a straw poll of the Council and they were in favor of using surplus police funds for ATV patrols. A resolution will be on the next agenda.
ATV Ordinance Change
Assistant Chief Valerino stated that the ATV ordinance is a work in progress and it has been amended several times to accommodate use. The ordinance indicates that roads with a speed limit above 30 miles an hour are not open to ATVs. That makes the East Milan Road, sections of Glen Avenue and sections of Route 110 unavailable to ATVs. The solution would be to remove the speed limit reference in the ordinance. Speed limits would be the same as those for motor vehicle traffic.
Councilor Rozek was concerned about allowing an increased speed for off highway vehicles as they are likely to flip and the tires are not rated for on highway use. Assistant Chief Valerino stated that the research was done and the City is being asked by state officials to allow the OHRVs to travel on Route 110 and East Milan Road. The ordinance is on the agenda for first reading.
Councilor Rozek mentioned noise from recreational vehicles on the east side. Instead of trail riding there are people riding around city blocks. Chief Morency encouraged people to call the PD. The police cannot fix the problem if they don’t know there is a problem. Councilor Nelson stated that the OHRV community is policing itself to some degree because they want the streets to continue to be open.
St Kieran Center for the Arts - Request for City Approval of Liquor License
The St. Kieran Center for the Arts is applying for a liquor license to sell beer and wine during their events. As part of the licensing process, they need to have support from the City. Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Rozek to approve St. Kieran Center for the Arts’ application to the NH Liquor Commission for a liquor license to sell beer and wine during events. So moved, the motion carried.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Benski to enter 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 as releasing them would make the action taken ineffective and until the Council approves the transaction; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to come out of nonpublic session. So moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier gave a five minute recess and then went on to the Regular meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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