City Council Work Session
January 5, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present included: City Manager James Wheeler, Finance Director Patty Chase; Brian Bresnahan from Congresswoman Kuster’s Office, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier noted that there will be a public hearing regarding a grant for a safety vehicle. He asked if all councilors received, read and understood a communication from the ACLU and Councilors conceded that they did. The communication will go into the record and the City Clerk will keep it on file. He added that the recommendations of the ACLU are reasonable and will minimize perceived abuse and document the vehicle’s use. Mayor Grenier recommended that work session items on the agenda be postponed to next week.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to remove items 3 & 4 from the work session and reschedule. All voted unanimously by roll call.
Interviews to Fill the Unexpired Term of Councilor Paula Benski
Mayor Grenier noted that the interviews would be conducted in order of the receipt of letters of interest. The first letter was received was from Mr. Theodore Bosen and he was not present at 6:30
Michael Gentili – Mayor Grenier welcomed and thanked Mr. Gentili for his willingness to commit to community service. He asked for a brief introduction and why he wants to be on the Council.
In response Mr. Gentille stated that he is originally from Bedford MA and was in the Coast Guard and then worked 30 years for the Bedford Fire Dept. He had hiked the mountains here and fell in love with the area, moving here in 2002 upon his retirement. He worked as a dispatcher for the PD for a short time and Sheriff Tardif encouraged him to work for the Sheriff’s Department where he now works part time on a per diem basis. He’s never done politics but has an interest and would like to have an input into where Berlin is going. He said he is proud to say that he is from Berlin and hopes to make it a better place. He added that he has no agenda and nothing to gain. He promised to assist and listen with an open mind, and he has no malice toward anyone.
Councilor Higbee asked what the most important issue for Berlin is in the next 2 to 5 years. Mr. Gentili replied that the economy is most concerning and he was struck by the fact that only 48% of properties are paying taxes. He owns two properties in the city and knows what it is like to pay taxes.
Councilor Rozek asked if there are any specific skills he could offer and Mr. Gentili said that he is working in public safety now and has worked for the people all his life. He offers common sense, life experience and he is not afraid to take a leadership role.
Councilor Remillard commented that the school system is a large expense for the City and it is important to have a strong school system. She asked for Mr. Gentili’s stand on education. He said that he has a grandson who went through the Berlin schools and with some help, he now wants to be an engineer. Children are our future and he said that he supports education.
Mayor Grenier asked, “If you are not selected, would you consider running for office in November?” Mr. Gentili said that he may run for office but he did not want to commit.
Theodore Bosen – Mayor Grenier welcomed and thanked Mr. Bosen for his willingness to commit to community service. He asked for a brief introduction and why he wants to be on the Council.
In response Mr. Bosen said that he is an attorney practicing in MA still and he is weaning from that. He is semi-retired and moved here looking to get back to simpler life. He bought a dairy farm in Berlin as a new adventure. The Bisson Dairy Farm is not a working farm; however he hopes to have goats and make goat cheese. He said that he still does appellate work, zoning and other things and expects to do legal work in the Berlin area. He expressed an Interest in government saying he originally wanted to work in government. He has an MBA in public management and wants to help the community improve itself. He is from Brocton MA where shoe factories provided work for many. He saw Brockton disintegrate and it pained him. He has lived in Plymouth MA
for 30 years and practiced law. He wanted to be sure Plymouth did not go the route of Brockton.
Mr. Bosen said he sees things in this community that remind him of Brockton including the diverse population. People still have pride and the community could be engaged to bring Berlin back. Real estate prices made it attractive to move to Berlin and the mountain views are spectacular.
Mr. Bosen indicated that he spent time on one committee or another in MA. He was elected town meeting member in Plymouth, the largest town in MA. He said that he is humbled by the opportunity to participate; however not having been elected, he may not vote on matters of policy. He would try to share his insight and experience but does not want to be the decision maker as an unelected member of the body.
Councilor Higbee asked what the most important issue for Berlin is in the next 2 to 5 years. Mr. Bosen replied that we need an economic engine to bring people jobs with a sense of dignity and a sense of community. We need two or three things that will make Berlin an economic center in which to live and work in the community and come close together and feel proud.
Gregg Marrer – Mayor Grenier welcomed and thanked Mr. Marrer for his willingness to commit to community service. He asked for a brief introduction and why he wants to be on the Council.
Mr. Marrer stated that he serves on the Zoning Board. He is originally from Berlin and works in the community. He said that he realizes a councilor would represent the people. He said that he finds government interesting and he hopes to lend his knowledge, and ability as well as learn from the experience.
Councilor Higbee asked what the most important issue for Berlin is in the next 2 to 5 years. Mr. Marrer replied that we need to bring in more revenue and industry into the community. We have to remarket Berlin into a tourist destination. Industry, businesses and jobs would be plus. The education system is good and we should consider Berlin as a regional hub for education.
Mayor Grenier asked, if not selected would he consider running for office in November and he said he would.
Eric Catman – Mayor Grenier welcomed and thanked Mr. Catman for his willingness to commit to community service. He asked for a brief introduction and why he wants to be on the Council.
Mr. Catman said he’s lived here 11 years originally having moved to Stark and then to Berlin. He has his own business distributing food products, and is a vendor for the federal prison. He wants to grow the business locally. He said he has four kids who are home schooled. Berlin has a great opportunity to bring in all different things. The ATV trails are bringing in thousands of people. He sees Berlin as a gateway to trails and that can be expanded. He said he is here for the long term and wants to stay. He said he would be representation for the younger voter.
Councilor Higbee asked what the most important issue for Berlin is in the next 2 to 5 years and Mr. Catman stated that the economy in the region is lacking. We have to find companies willing to locate here. There is a population base that is willing to work. There are people leaving because there are no jobs. Nobody can live on minimum wage. In whatever way possible, Berlin needs to bring in industry.
He said that he read about a manufacturer of guns in CT that was having a hard time doing business in that state. He said that he and others wrote letters offering Berlin as a startup location. Mr. Catman stated that he was the former chair of the Republican committee.
Councilor Remillard asked how Mr. Catman feels about Berlin schools. He replied that public education is important but there is a lot of waste that needs to be curbed back. He doesn’t understand why there is a high school in Berlin and one in Gorham. There could be one school with better programs. He added that he may not home school his kids forever and he feels cost of public education could be curbed but he would not want to eliminate it.
Councilor Rozek asked Mr. Catman if there were any Council actions in the last three months that caught his attention. He answered that he is not understanding the computer deal and why a local computer business was not given the opportunity to offer the services. The computer vendor is a friend and he questioned why the City is spending all this money when he could have done it for less. He said there is a duty to citizens to spend money wisely. He hears every day that it is harder for people to pay their taxes.
Councilor Rozek said that he likes Mr. Catman’s view points as a new entrepreneur. He asked if there is time to devote to the Council. Mr. Catman said that he sleeps very little and he feels it is his duty to serve.
George Beals – Mayor Grenier welcomed and thanked Mr. Beals for his willingness to commit to community service. He asked for a brief introduction and why he wants to be on the Council.
Mr. Beals indicated that he has lived in the community for 15 years. His parents had a camp in Brag’s Bay and when he retired, he came here. He has a military background having served in Viet Nam and in the National Guard. He has a degree in public administration and has worked for state agencies including Health & Human Services and the EPA. He said that not being a native, he doesn’t want to run the town but wants to give back and contribute something. He appreciates the opportunity and feels the Council will make the decision that is best for Berlin. He said he does not regret moving here but would like to see Berlin gradually improve and see where it leads.
Councilor Higbee asked what the most important issue for Berlin is in the next 2 to 5 years. Mr. Beals said that it is a combination of education, and pension costs. Berlin has to be creative to get funding and get its share of the pie. He would like to see competition with business and infrastructure. He would like to offer his expertise with his federal and state background to start to rebuild. Berlin is down to the core and it is time to rebuild.
Mayor Grenier asked, if not selected, would Mr. Beals consider running for office in November. Mr. Beals said that he would not want to change the NH way.
Mayor Grenier called for a show of hands for Mr. Bosen.
Councilor Otis raised his hand
Mayor Grenier called for a show of hands for Mr. Gentili
Councilors Nelson, Remillard, Rozek, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Theberge and Mayor Grenier raised their hands.
With all Councilors having voted, Mr. Gentili was appointed to the Council by majority vote of 7 – 1.
Mr. Gentili was sworn in to take his seat at the Council table.
Mayor Grenier moved on to the Public Hearings scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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