March 2, 2015
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Higbee was absent.
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, Fire Chief Randall Trull, Fire Lt. Roland Berthiaume, City Treasurer Gerry Dumoulin, School Superintendent Corinne Cascadden and Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
SAFER Grant Review of Obligations
Mayor Grenier indicated that the Fire Chief is at the meeting to discuss the City’s requirements if we are successful with the SAFER grant application seeking funds for staffing. Chief Trull explained that Berlin has applied in the past and was not successful. Funding from the SAFER grant would increase and maintain the level of firefighters in the City. Replacing the two positions vacated through attrition that were not funded in last year’s budget is a high priority and two additional positions are being requested. There are four in the department that could retire within four years; two with 28 years, one with 26 and one with 20.
The City would be obligated to keep the personnel on board during the time of the grant. The application closes March 6 and it would be good to send the letter of support in the grant application. The grant would fund hiring of new firefighters or retention of firefighters who are facing eminent layoff or firefighters that have been curtailed through attrition. The grant pays for two years of salary and benefits or if the hire is a veteran it pays for 3 years with no obligation to the city other than training and protective clothing.
During the period of the grant the City must maintain staffing at the level that existed at the time of the award for the performance commitment. Mayor Grenier asked if we are seeking funding for four firefighters, would the city be required to keep a roster of 20 during the term of the grant. Chief Trull replied that during performance, the City can apply for the attrition in the performance period and SAFER will pay for the position.
Mayor Grenier confirmed that there are four in the call department that are good candidates for the positions. That would bring the call department to three. Mayor Grenier confirmed that there has been some discussion of how to recruit for the call department. Councilor Gentili asked about the potential changes in retirement in this legislative session and the effect it would have on the number of retirements at the Fire Department. Chief Trull noted that all four are reviewing the options.
Chief Trull reported that SAFER grant awards will start June 1 and go through to September 15. Mayor Grenier stated that we will be looking for political support from our Senators and Congressmen. The Mayor asked Roland Berthiaume if he had anything to add. Lt. Berthiaume stated that Senator Shaheen is the senior senator that sits on the SAFER Grant Committee. NH did not fare well in the last grant round and hopefully it will be better this round.
Destination Imagination
Corinne Cascadden reported that Berlin High School will be the venue for a Destination Imagination Regional competition on March 14. There are 49 teams from 178 communities that will come to Berlin for the competition and 350 spectators are also expected. There is an Entrance Parade where the participants wear funky hats. There is no entrance fee and one can stop in to see competitions going on. The only hitch is that if the basketball or hockey teams make it to the tournament, it will also be March 14.
Ms. Cascadden reported that the Board will be nominating the candidate for high school principal at their meeting Wednesday. Councilor Rozek confirmed that it is an internal candidate. Ms. Cascadden stated that they used the Primex hiring process and they were very impressed with the entire process.
Ms. Cascadden noted that the Governor and Council tabled all the federal grants delaying the start of work with Project AWARE.
SAFER Grant Letter of Support
Mayor Grenier indicated that there is a letter outlining the Council’s understanding and support of the SAFER grant for consideration. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan-Allain to sign and send the letter. So moved, the motion carried.
Presentation of the City Budget
Mayor Grenier reported that the City Manager’s budget is a working document and there will be many changes from now until the public hearing in May. Property value changes have not been factored into this document.
Mr. Wheeler thanked the Finance Director Patty Chase and department heads saying that this budget went smoothly due to everyone’s participation. The Manager’s budget represents a 3.4% increase in the general fund with most of the increase in school and capital funding. The budget excludes the same two positons at the fire department and there is still hope that the SAFER grant will come with a positive result. Changes include that the numbers for IT have been put together under one heading so that the true cost of IT can be seen. The Engineering budget is zeroed out and expenses are moved into Public Works.
The Sewer Fund capital improvement budget looks different in that a short term capital reserve account has been created rather than listing individual capital projects. Mr. Wheeler confirmed that the Sewer User undesignated fund balance was not used for this account. Capital projects will come to the Council before moving forward. This budget would yield a tax rate of $38.91 up $4.96.
Mayor Grenier indicated that the Manager has to submit a conservative request on the first submission. It will change and he noted that he does not support an increase of $4.96; it is about $2 million too much.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek with a second from Councilor Theberge moved to enter into a non-public session per RSA 91-A 3 II ~~ (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Councilor Rozek moved to seal the minutes until the transaction is complete as releasing them would render the proposed action ineffective, Councilor Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Theberge to come out of non public session and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
| 
