Work Session
July 21, 2014
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Rozek arrived at 6:47 p.m.
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Public Works Director Mike Perreault, Superintendent of Schools Corinne Cascadden, Business Administrator Bryan Lamirande, Chief Randall Trull, Paul Schmidt of CMA Engineers, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Assistant Police Chief Brian Valerino, Police Chief Pete Morency, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Recreation Director Terry Letarte, Tom Estabrookss, Brown School Principal Amy Huter, media and public
CMA Ancillary Buildings Update
Paul Schmidt, of CMA Engineers reported on the first evaluation of facilities for cold storage for recreation, restroom facilities at Community Field and impound/evidence space for the Police Department. Several sites were reviewed for the location of a building including the former Bass Shoe property, Community Field and the Gilbert Street area.
Community field is limited due to lack of unused space; a building would impact the field and play area. Bass Shoe has limitations as it is out of the way and that would add cost to the building’s use. There are metal buildings on the property that are in structurally fair condition but not in great shape. Gilbert Street was seen as the best location for Recreation cold storage. By moving the Recreation garage to the new building, the Police Department could have the basement floor of the Recreation building for storage.
There is approximately $70,000 in the Police Dept budget for storage of evidence and vehicle impound building. Councilor Rozek entered the meeting at this time (6:47 p.m.)
Mr. Schmidt reported that there are several options and costs to consider. To reduce cost, the High School Building Trades Program could be used to build some of the structures needed. On Gilbert Street, the choices are a cold storage facility only; cold storage with restroom; or cold storage with maintenance shop and restroom. Using the Building Trades Program, the cost is approximated at $355,000 for the most complete scenario. The site has potential for the future.
At Community Field, a public restroom could be constructed; or a restroom and a small space for equipment storage at a cost of $83,000 (using the Trades Program). The skate park was given the least priority. In discussion, Councilors suggested omitting the skate park for now, and allowing $35,000 for the PD to retrofit the Parks Maintenance shop to their needs. They would use the remaining PD Capital funds allocated to the impound building for the overall project.
Mayor Grenier commented that we are close to the full amount needed for full development. By removing the skate park, the total needed would be $438,000. In order for the Building Trades Program to work on the project, the concrete work would need to be done very soon.
Councilor Rozek moved to accept the scope of the project without the skate park and engage CMA Engineers continue to the next phase; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Bike Track Proposal - Tom Estabrooks
Mr. Estabrooks provided a written proposal for a bike track that was reviewed at the last meeting. At the Council’s request, he came to answer questions and describe his proposal. Mr. Estabrooks indicated that he lives near Horne Field and thinks it would be a good location for a pump track which is a series of bumps and jumps for a BMX bike. The idea is not a jump park, but a smooth consistent track and bigger kids can jump from bump to bump. He proposed to do the project with volunteers. Mr. Estabrooks noted that he would need a place, permission and the ideal dirt which would be clay loam.
Councilor Nelson said that she is not comfortable with Horne Field. She asked who would maintain the track. Mr. Estabrooks replied that the kids who use it would work on the trail. Volunteering is very important and the users will appreciate it more if they contribute.
Councilor Rozek asked about the liability to the city. Mayor Grenier suggested getting the legal questions answered as well as proposing different sites. He said that he supports kids and activities for them.
Councilor Remillard asked if Mr. Estabrooks has constructed such a track before and he said that he has a small one on his property for his children. He has not built a large scale pump track before. Councilor Theberge asked how many kids are interested and Mr. Estabrooks stated that there are five or six interested but he did not advertise before knowing if he would get permission to go ahead. Councilor Higbee suggested asking how other communities have handled such bike tracks.
Brown School Construction Update
Brian Lamirande reported that in an effort to gain storage space, he requested the removal of duct work and heating vents in a basement area at Brown School. The contractor recognized the material and suspected asbestos. Samples have been tested and everything came back positive for asbestos which now has to be removed before school starts. The removal can be done prior to the start of school; however the rebuild may go into September. This will not affect classes as long as the contractors can work the second shift.
Mr. Lamirande reported that there is no money in the school budget for this project; however a previous estimate of money being returned to the City was at $300,000; the actual amount will be $400,000 leaving $100,000 for this work.
Ms. Cascadden stated that the building was stripped of asbestos and it was reported to be clear with the exception of floor tiles that have been scheduled for removal. This is a totally new event and comes as a complete surprise. Councilor Rozek confirmed that students never had access to the boiler room where the asbestos was found.
Mayor Grenier acknowledged with the asbestos identified, it has to be dealt with. He asked if anyone on the Council would object to using the excess funds to do this project and there were no objections. Councilor Rozek asked if there is grant funding available for such a critical situation. Ms. Cascadden noted that she will make an effort to identify grant funding.
CCFHS Request for 5K Race
Coos County Family Health is asking for permission to do a 5K race in conjunction with Riverfire. Chief Morency commented that last year, they paid for an officer and one was donated. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to allow a 5K Race on October 18 for Riverfire. So moved, the motion carried.
Main Street Program Road Closure for Block Party
Sylvia Poulin wrote to the Council on behalf of the Main Street Program, asking to close Main Street on Friday, August 1 from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. Main Street would be open to ATV’s only. Councilor Nelson so moved; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Route 110 and E. Milan Road Letters
There are two draft letters for the Council’s consideration. These work in concert with the ordinance that will change the OHRV speed limit outside the urban compact. Councilor Nelson moved with a second from Councilor Morgan-Allain to send the letters requesting that Route 110 and Jericho Road be opened to ATV’s. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Theberge asked if it will be received in time for the ATV Festival. Councilor Nelson indicated that State approval may be delayed; however Chief Morency said that DRED and Fish and Game are doing everything possible to make it happen before the festival.
Non Public Session
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II(d) Land Matters. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Ms. White presented minimum bid prices for properties at 1051 Main Street which will be bid to the public and 376 Burgess Street which will be bid to abutters only. Councilors supported the proposed minimum bid and the vote will be taken in public.
218 Jericho Road was also discussed. The Council felt it is important to retain the north parking lot for ATV use.
PSNH
Parking at Community Field was discussed. There were no votes taken.
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 the meeting to the Regular Session.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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