Work Session
August 4, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Benski was absent.
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Public Works Director Mike Perreault
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:33 p.m. He suggested adding the following agenda items: an update on Jericho Wind Power’s PILT Agreement and the meeting schedule for the 1st Monday in September, Labor Day. Councilor Rozek so moved, Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Valley Creek Request
Penny Binette wrote to the Council asking if there are objections to Valley Creek Snack Shack which operates at the Notre Dame Arena, being granted an on premise beer license. The Binette’s would sell beer at non-interscholastic events at the Notre Dame Arena. Councilor Remillard asked if there is any reason not to approve and Mayor Grenier stated that they are a great community partner that does a fantastic job operating the snack shack.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan-Allain to support Valley Creek’s effort to obtain and on premise beer license. So moved, the motion carried. State law prohibits the sale of alcohol at any interscholastic activity.
Public Works Position
Mike Perreault informed the Council that he would have an open position soon due to an employee that will not be able to return to work. Councilor Theberge confirmed that this position is in addition to the position that was approved last month. Councilor Rozek moved to fill the public works position; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
NCC Scenic Byways Council Request
Mr. Wheeler reported that the North Country Council is forming a North Country Scenic Byways Council (NCSBC) and they want to know the status of Berlin’s membership. The NCSBC is made up of towns along the state-designated scenic byways and they will assist in the creation of corridor management plans for scenic byways. NCC wants to know if Berlin will agree to participate and not designate a representative; participate and designate a representative or not participate.
Mr. Wheeler said that he assumes that a staff member would be the representative. Councilor Rozek moved to participate but not designate a representative; Councilor Nelson seconded. Subsequently Councilor Rozek amended his motion to participate and have the City Manager or his designee represent the City; Councilor Nelson seconded the revised motion and it carried unanimously as amended.
Hamlin Street Name Change
Mr. Wheeler referred to a memo from Community Development Director Pam Laflamme explaining a request from TKB to change the street name of Bartlett School. Hamlin Street does not align with the other portion of Hamlin Street and there would be confusion if the address remains the same. This change does not affect anyone’s address other than the Bartlett School. Mayor Grenier noted that the change can be done by resolution at a future meeting.
NHMA Legislative Policies
Mr. Wheeler indicated that his suggestion would be that Councilors read the document and bring back the items of interest at a future meeting. Councilor Higbee suggested providing advance notice of concerns to the City Manager. Tom McCue will be invited to the next meeting for discussion of the legislative policies.
Jericho Wind
Mr. Wheeler reported that negotiations are nearing the end on a PILT agreement for Jericho Wind. It is expected that the financial terms will come to the Council on the 18th. The plan is to present the numbers, and if approved, the remainder of the language would be put into a final agreement which would then be brought to a subsequent meeting. The City attorney and George Sansoucy have been working on putting an agreement together. Councilor Theberge confirmed that the environmental impact is done. Mr. Wheeler stated that an agreement that will benefit both parties is being negotiated.
When the numbers are presented to the Council, Mr. Sansoucy will be available by phone.
Labor Day
September 1 is Labor Day and there would be a regular meeting scheduled. Councilor Remillard moved to hold the meeting on Tuesday, September 2; Councilor Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Letter from BWW about Water Usage in Public Buildings
Mayor and Council received a letter from the Water Works showing the water usage in public buildings. Mayor Grenier said that he followed up and the information is sent to the City for information and to help establish tuition rates.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to enter into non-public session per RSA -1-A:3II(d) Land Matters. So moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Mr. Wheeler presented the Council with proposed indemnity language that PSNH has agreed to regarding the parking lot at Community Field. The new language has the city being liable for a claim until whoever is responsible for the cost is determined by a court. If the court determines that the city is not negligent then the money would be reimbursed. Primex has approved this language and agreed that the City would be covered. Mayor Grenier said that the Council would review the entire agreement with the change in indemnity at the next meeting.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier suggested a ten minute break then on to the Public Hearings and Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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