City Council Work Session
September 15, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Higbee was absent
Others present included: City Manager James Wheeler, Fire Chief Randall Trull, Assistant Chief Thad Soltys, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, School Superintendent Corinne Cascadden, Business Administrator Bryan Lamirande, media and public
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Couture Construction could not come to the meeting this evening.
School Department
Corinne Cascadden reported that the School Board sets goals and creates an action plan for the coming years. One goal is to implement all day kindergarten and another is career planning for law enforcement careers.
Bryan Lamirande explained that he came to the Council in August with the news that asbestos was discovered in the basement level of Brown School. The asbestos has been removed and the rebuild is almost complete. It is anticipated to be done by the end of September. The projected cost is about $110,000 plus the cost of the sprinkler installation.
Councilor Rozek asked if there is grant funding for asbestos removal in public buildings and Ms. Cascadden reported that it was not an option for the schools. The amount of the abatement was $32,000; the remainder is construction cost. In response to Councilor Rozek, Ms. Cascadden confirmed that the basement level is occupied by occupational therapy which is essentially a mini gym, speech services and other special education.
Councilor Theberge asked about lead paint in the school buildings and Mr. Lamirande reported that the custodians are trained and testing is done prior to the start of any work. Mayor Grenier suggested that the City Manager and Comptroller review the budget before the MS1 report is filed with the State. Funds for the project can either come from unappropriated fund balance or it can be added as an amendment to the segregated funds resolution which is being read for the first time this evening.
School Board Goals
Mr. Lamirande reported that each student grades 5-8 will receive a tablet educational use. Teachers have been trained and the students will be taught general information on the use of tablets. Teachers have control of what the student can access on the tablet. About 350 Kuno tablets were ordered. Mayor Grenier asked for a report at the end of the school year that would say how many units were purchased and the total amount that gets damaged or lost during the school year.
Councilor Rozek commented that technology is outdated by the time it is acquired. Responding to a question from Councilor Theberge, Ms. Cascadden indicated that students are all given the same opportunity and they will not have the ability to buy the tablet.
Ms. Cascadden reported that opening day enrollment is down by 58. There are 66 kids in Kindergarten; the middle grades have class sizes of 80; and the high school has class sizes of over 100. The total enrollment is just a little over 1200 students.
Councilor Grenier asked about the alternative energy project for the high school. Ms. Cascadden stated that it has not happened because there is not enough time. Mr. Lamirande stated that he is looking into an energy company that analyzes energy savings that could be achieved with energy saving projects. Their plan is to report the cost of engineering and propose a plan to pay for it with the money saved. There is no obligation to go forward if the numbers don’t work. Councilor Theberge asked if solar has been considered for energy and Mr. Lamirande indicated that solar is being looked at for hot water.
Authorizing a Consultant for CDBG
Ms. Laflamme said that she received one response from the same company that helped with the Littleton Food Coop. They are ready to start as soon as authorization is given. The company will do a feasibility study regarding a food coop in Berlin. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to authorize hiring a consultant for CDBG Food Coop Grant. So moved, the motion carried.
Route 16 Engineering Firm
Ms. Laflamme explained that five proposals were received from engineering firms in response to the City’s RFP for the Route 16 project. A committee consisting of Pat MacQueen, Ernie Allain, Pam Laflamme and Mike Perreault interviewed all five companies: CMA, Horizons Engineering, Wright-Pierce, VHB and HEB. The committee unanimously chose HEB. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to approve negotiating a contract with HEB for the Route 16 Project. In discussion, Councilor Theberge reminded that Brown School traffic lights and the Rotary Park boat launch were meant to be part of the overall project. HEB wants to have a stakeholders meeting soon to hear concerns of entities along the route. Mayor Grenier commented that this is a
local firm with many employees who live in Berlin and are taxpayers.
Ms. Laflamme reported that DOT’s transportation enhancement funding has changed the way they distribute money. They currently have $5 million of funds and $30 million of projects. The money has a lot of strings and there is a 3 year window before the funds become available. The City will look for other funding sources for the Riverwalk. Mr. Wheeler added that the City’s $3 million could be subject to the stipulations of the grant. Councilor Benski commented that we could do less of the road and do it right if there is not enough funding. HEB wants to be ready to go out to bid in the spring. Councilors voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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