Work Session
March 16, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Theberge and Nelson
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, and Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Edith Tucker Berlin Reporter
Fire Department Exhaust System Award
Mr. Wheeler referred to a memo with the bid results of the Fire Station Vehicle Exhaust System Project noting that both companies meet the specifications. Plymovent came in at $31,772 and Aire Deb was $40,342.
Councilor Rozek moved to award the FD Vehicle Exhaust System Project to Plymovent of Hanover, MA for $31,772; Councilor Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Higbee asked about the big disparity and Mr. Wheeler indicated that both companies bid on the same specifications. Councilor Gentili commented that he is familiar with Plymovent and they are a good company to work with.
Food Coop Contract
Ms. Laflamme reported that some months ago the Council agreed to award the contract for a food co op feasibility study. It soon became clear that the consultant was not willing to expand the scope beyond the traditional formula of 70% organic and 30% conventional grocery items. The model envisioned for Berlin is more of a 50/50 mix. The consultant was not hired and the project has not gone forward.
There has been time spent speaking with consultants and others who do work with co-ops. There is a consultant from Maine who has a background in grocery. He can come in with a clean slate and an open mind to get definitive market information. CDFA has agreed to extend the grant for six months and they agree that going out for bids is not necessary due to the difficulty of finding a suitable consultant. The Council is being asked to re-award the feasibility study contract to Jerry Loague.
Councilor Rozek moved to award the feasibility study for a food co-op to Jerry Loague; Councilor Nelson seconded and further discussion ensued.
Mayor Grenier confirmed that this study will only explore the possibility of a food co-op and there will not be any public money for startup. Ms. Laflamme stated that the study will explore whether a food co-op would work. There is money through the USDA, however the City is not going pursue it. Mayor Grenier noted that he is apprehensive about using public money to compete against private business.
Ms. Laflamme explained that the study will look at the market to see whether it could sustain a food co-op. It would then be up to someone else to move forward with a business. Councilor Higbee asked if ties were severed amicably with the first consultant and Ms. Laflamme confirmed that they were.
All were in favor of the motion.
Phase 2 Route 110 Update
Reporting on the Route 110 Project, Ms. Laflamme indicated that Rudy Deblois of Rudy’s Market did not want curbing around his property between 4th and 5th Avenue to allow for on street parking. It is a narrow part of the roadway and it became clear that there is not enough room to park. DOT will be accommodating the business with a bump out for on street parking. They took care of the design quickly and they are going forward with land acquisition. Mayor Grenier confirmed that Mr. Deblois is aware of the changes.
Ms. Laflamme stated that there are several ways to handle next summer’s construction between 4th and 5th Ave, including rerouting traffic or slowing traffic to one lane with traffic control. Councilor Remillard noted that it is important to find out when construction will start and how long it will take in that area. Ms. Laflamme stated that the start time is weather related; and it is the intent to finish the entire project this summer.
Mr. Wheeler added that the stake holders meeting will be held before the onset of the project. Ms. Laflamme reported that Dan Caouette is the new project manager. Councilor Rozek stated that it is important to open the lines of communication so that the business owners don’t feel disconnected. Ms. Laflamme said that she is happy to keep everyone informed.
She also reported that as part of the project, historic homes taken down had to be mitigated with the Division of Historic Resources. As part of that mitigation, there will be an historic marker depicting “The Avenues” and there will also be an engraved piece of granite that will mark The Avenues. All the street signs in that area will be replaced with historic street signs.
Councilor Remillard asked about the sign that was on the Boulay Blocks and Ms. Laflamme stated that all 31 buildings were documented and the information was given to the historical society. She will inquire whether the sign was included in that material.
Non-Meeting per RSA 91-A:2I (c)
Councilor Rozek moved to go into non meeting per RSA 91-A:2, 1 c. Legal Consultation; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Grenier opened the duly advertised public hearing at approximately 7:50 p.m. to receive public input regarding the following subject matter:
Resolution 2015-10 Authorizing Application for PD Highway Safety Funds; with no comments, Mayor Grenier closed the public hearing at 7:51 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING – March 16, 2015
Mayor Grenier called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:51 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Councilors Remillard, Otis, Rozek, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Théberge, Higbee and Nelson. Also present: James A Wheeler, Pamela Laflamme, Edith Tucker and public.
Minutes, Previous Meetings
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to accept the minutes of the March 2 Work Session and Regular Meeting; March 9, Work Session and March 11 Budget Work Session. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims to pay all bills dated March 3, 2015 to March 16, 2015 for a total cash disbursement of $1,205,021.53 Manifest #1736. Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS there were no comments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Council Committee Reports – there were no reports
- Resolution 2015-10 Authorizing Application for PD Highway Safety Funds (tabled 3/2/15)
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to read the resolution a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Morgan-Allain to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the ordinance now passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Rozek moved to accept the Manager’s Report and place it on file; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier nominated Lucien Langlois to the Berlin Water Commission for a term to end May 1, 2019. Councilor Theberge moved to accept the Mayor’s nomination of Lucien Langlois for a term to end May 1, 2019 on the Water Commission; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
On behalf of residents of Berlin Mayor Grenier thanked all the athletes who demonstrated community pride, exuded confidence and sportsmanship. The Boys and Girls Basketball teams and the Girls and Boys Hockey teams put Berlin on the map this winter.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to accept the Mayor’s Report.
- Public Comments – there were no comments
- Council Comments – there were no comments
- Adjournment
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to adjourn. The meeting ended at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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