City Council Work Session
November 24, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Main Street Program Director Sylvia Poulin, Director Northern Human Services Area Director Charlie Cotton, Fire Chief Randall Trull, Lt. Peter Donovan
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:35
City Hall 100th Anniversary Ornament Unveiling
Mayor Grenier read a proclamation for the 100th anniversary of City Hall. He was presented with a plaque by Sylvia Poulin with the ornament and inscription.
Northern Human Services
Charlie Cotton reported that one in four people will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lives; one in ten will be severe. In 2014 Northern Human Services served 725 citizens of Berlin and 215 were in acute mental health crises. Of those who are treated, 70-90% report satisfactory treatment and 100% say they are treated with dignity and respect.
Funding from the City is used as match to pursue grant funded programs. REAP is the Residential Education and Assistance Program that works with the elderly in their homes. The Coos Coalition of Children and Families is a program that screens new moms for depression. Mayor Grenier asked about IEA Involuntary Emergency Action and how the agency interacts with the hospital and Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Cotton replied that an IEA can commit someone involuntarily if they are a danger to themselves or others. There is a staff person that goes to the hospital to evaluate mental status and help doctors to fill out forms.
The Sheriff’s Department transports patients to NH Hospital; however on site hospital security is provided by the Police Department when needed. Mayor Grenier asked if the state has made progress in the treatment of mental illness in the last ten years. Mr. Cotton commented that any progress has been in the wrong direction. ACT (affirmative community team) was formed to reach out to people with severe mental illness to help prevent the need for hospital stays. Councilor Higbee asked if the onset of people having insurance has increased the number of people seeking care and Mr. Cotton said that has not happened.
Mr. Cotton emphasized that he is blessed with really good staff. Mayor Grenier asked where the closest acute care facility would be and Mr. Cotton indicated that there are no facilities north of Concord. AVH was in an untenable situation when they closed Riverside 3. Councilor Rozek asked if there is a safe holding facility available. Mr. Cotton replied that patients are held in the emergency room or they are admitted in a regular hospital bed until NH Hospital has a place for them. Mr. Cotton thanked the Council and left the meeting at this time.
Fire Dept Ladder Grant – Request for Letter of Support and 5% Match
Chief Trull reported that there is grant money available for a ladder truck and he and a team of firefighters have been working on a grant that is due in early December. Criteria for funding includes communities with three story buildings and we have over 100. The current ladder truck is a 1995 truck and cost of repairs is $4,000 per year. The FD is applying for a 100 ft aerial with waterway and heavy duty steel ladder. The application is 70% complete. The cost of the truck is $1,133,154 and there is a 5% match required which is $56,758.
A stronger match shows more of a commitment to the project and is looked upon favorably by the granting agency. There is one year after the award is made to come up with matching funds. Mayor Grenier stated that there is a trade in value for the current ladder truck. That value could be put toward the match; 10 % would be $113,315.
Councilor Nelson moved to support an application to FEMA for $1.13 million dollars for a ladder truck and that the city would support a ten percent match, $113,315; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried. In further discussion Councilor Remillard noted that the current truck would be traded in. Ancillary equipment that would be included would be a winch, generator, stationary ladders, tools, compartments and the truck will have air plug in and electrical plug in at the tip of the ladder.
Berlin Station Snowmobile
Ms. Laflamme reported that DRED has been wanting to get the snowmobile trail back on Berlin Station property. The groomer has to get through and there are three poles that need to be changed because the guy wires are in the way. DRED can put in $1,000 and the City is being asked to match. Councilor Nelson moved to allocate $1,000 from Council Contingency to move the guy wires; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Ms. Laflamme indicated that BIDPA issued a waiver of first refusal on the sale of industrial park property. The Community College is selling a building they bought from BIDPA and there is a right of first refusal on it. BIDPA has no interest in the building and the City Attorney advised to get ratification from the Council. Councilor Nelson moved with a second from Councilor Otis to refuse the right to first refusal on 12 Industrial Park Road. So moved, the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier said he was approached about funding for fireworks for the Parade of Lights. Councilor Nelson confirmed that the Main Street Program has funded the fireworks at the level that they want to participate and they did not request additional funding.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:30
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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