City Council Work Session
September 21, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson, and Theberge; Councilor Otis was absent
Others present were City Manager James Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Holiday Center Director Linda Leblanc, Holiday Center Board member Pauline Tibbets, and Chief Supervisor NH Department of Trails Chris Gamache
Trails Update
Mayor Grenier welcomed Chris Gamache to the meeting and asked to add a progress report on trails to the agenda. There was no objection.
Mr. Gamache reported that Jericho Park has had a good summer with an increase in attendance at the park, an increase in ATV registrations and many repeat visitors. The cabins and campground have been full. The ATV Festival had good attendance and the layout worked well. There were few enforcement complaints and the Festival was done really well. Plans are underway for next year.
$540,000 of funding has been approved for a new bathroom and shower building at Jericho Park. The old building will be demolished and the hope is to have the shell up before winter and open for the next operating season. The new bathhouse will also have a small store. The Jeep Trail had a great first season; it was approved for a three year plan and will shut down January 1 if not re-affirmed. The Jeep trail is a market that no other public land has. Mr. Gamache informed that the State trails will close November 2. The idea of a uniform trail closure date is being considered.
Mr. Gamache commented that Berlin residents are allowed to use Jericho Park for free and keeping tabs on who is a resident is difficult. The State may ask that a Recreation Pass be issued by the City to show to Jericho Park staff to allow entrance to the Park.
Councilor Remillard asked for more information on the Jeep Trail and Mr. Gamache stated that it is 2.5 miles and it takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. Trucks are not allowed without a winch. If a future trail is created, there would be a need to develop a trail that is not as difficult for the urban rider. Councilor Theberge asked if there is wi-fi at the visitor’s center and Mr. Gamache said that the Communications Division is hesitant to offer open wi-fi access. With thanks from the Mayor and Council, Mr. Gamache left the meeting at 6:45
CDBG
Ms. Laflamme reported that there are multiple CDBG applications that are reflected in resolutions on the agenda for first reading. Capone Iron will benefit from an economic development grant which will be administered through CEDC who will award up to $473,500 of funding based on jobs created. This is good news for the community as up to 25 jobs are anticipated.
There is a feasibility study planning grant for the Holiday Center which will determine what is needed for it to become a licensed adult medical day care center. This can then be followed up with an implementation grant. Linda Leblanc said that they are now a non-medical facility with no nursing on staff. To become licensed, they would have to have a nurse on duty. She added that Executive Councilor Joe Kenney was contacted by Gorham students about the needs of the Holiday Center and he is very supportive.
The final CDBG grant is also a feasibility study to find alternate uses for St. Joseph School, possibly incubator space for new business. Andre Caron has been working with the Catholic Church to help find use for some of their unused building. CDFA will put in both planning grants; however we would need to prioritize what application comes first in case only one can be funded. Ms. Laflamme advocated for the Holiday Center since they need the license to continue with services
AV Chamber of Commerce and Heritage Park
Mr. Wheeler explained that the Chamber has been looking for a sponsor to help with the Heritage Park and Service Credit Union is stepping up to provide $7,500 for five years. For this year, they will also provide $2,500 for Riverfire. In addition $5,000 to $7,000 will be spent on marketing yearly. Service Credit Union wants their name associated with the park. The name suggested was Service Credit Union Heritage Park. Councilors agreed that the name association is important and Councilor Higbee suggested Service Credit Union Park. Another suggestion was Service Credit Union Pavilion. Councilor Higbee confirmed that Brookfield does not want to sponsor at that level. Mr. Wheeler stated that we can provide suggestions and allow them to decide. Mayor
Grenier commented that we don’t want to stand in their way.
Holiday Center
Ms. Tibbets asked for a moment for Linda Leblanc to thank the City for its support of the Holiday Center. Ms. Leblanc thanked the City Council and said that she looks forward to providing respite care for a lot of people who can’t afford care at the Holiday Center. Ms. Tibbets and Ms. Leblanc left the meeting at this time.
No More Campaign
Mr. Wheeler reported that as a result of an agreement with HUD that came about because of the City’s nuisance ordinance, we were to do an activity to bring about domestic violence awareness. All department heads are involved. We will place banners in the city, wear purple on Thursdays, issue “no more” campaign stickers, post to social media and a student assembly with speakers is scheduled for mid-October. There is a component of fundraising to help RESPONSE. Mr. Wheeler asked for a small budget to pay for banners and stickers.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to expend $680 from Council Contingency for No More campaign materials. All voted in favor.
Non-Public Session
At 7:10 p.m. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Theberge to enter into nonpublic 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 was approved by unanimous roll call vote.
White Mountain Lumber Easement
Ms. Laflamme explained that in exchange for an easement for a new water line, Barry Kelley wants a piece of land that the city owns in between two of his parcels on Riverside Drive. The item will be brought forward in a resolution if the Council is in agreement to transfer the parcel. Mayor Grenier asked for a straw poll to accept the premise of the agreement and all were in favor.
Jericho Road (former Bass Shoe)
Mr. Wheeler reported that there was objection from the buyer when Mr. Chapman’s attorney was informed of the Council’s amendment to the resolution to sell Bass Shoe. The amendment assured that easements for OHRV access and access to little People Pond would be preserved. The Council discussed the potential sale at length and came to the conclusion that the rights of way need to stay with the property.
A motion was made by Councilor Rozek, seconded by Councilor Nelson to seal the minutes of a land matter regarding Main Street because it was determined that divulgence of this information likely would render a proposed action ineffective. So moved the motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
A motion was made by Councilor Rozek, seconded by Councilor Nelson to come out of non-public session. So moved, the motion passed.
There being no further business in work session, at 8:15 p.m. Mayor Grenier went on to the regular meeting
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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