Work Session
November 2, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Theberge and Nelson
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Superintendent of Schools Corinne Cascadden, Public Works Director Michael Perreault, Coleen Poulin, Recreation Director Terry Letarte, Christy Langlois, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
Skate Park Update
Colleen Poulin explained that a committee has been meeting and discussing different sites for a skate park. The location needs to be visible and the group felt that it could be worked into the field by the police station. Christy Langlois reported that she met with the police chief who was very receptive to the idea.
The next step is to distribute a survey in Berlin, Gorham and Milan asking what young people want in their skate park and the top choices will be incorporated into the design and also used to calculate the space needed. The group has been advised that the park can be built in phases. Councilor Higbee noted that existing slopes are an advantage and can be used in the design. Councilor Rozek added that there should be room for expansion.
Ms. Laflamme advised to do the surveys first, see what is needed and then find the space that best suits the need. Mayor Grenier established that the initial investment will be $35,000 to $50,000. Ms. Langlois and Ms. Poulin indicated that they will seek grants and corporate sponsors to add to the project. Councilor Nelson asked if a “Go Fund Me” page could be set up on Facebook. Ms. Langlois stated that she will look into what is needed and she will soon have a Facebook page up for the cause. Councilor Higbee cautioned about have a picture of an elaborate skate park on the front of the survey. Ms. Poulin and Ms. Langlois will come back when they have new information. With that, they left the meeting at this time.
Project AWARE
Corinne Cascadden gave the Council a broad overview of project AWARE which stands for Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education. The Federal initiative is centered on school mental health services and mental health first aid. The funds were distributed to the NH Department of Education and they invited three communities to apply based on demographics in the community. Berlin wwas successful and will receive $250,000 per year for five years.
Funding will be to begin Integration and coordination of mental health services in the schools including preventing behavioral health problems as well as substance abuse. It will promote early childhood social and emotional learning and development and help connect families, schools and communities.
Mayor Grenier asked if Berlin schools have this infrastructure in place, will it invite families needing the services to this school because we have it in place. Ms. Cascadden clarified that this is not a program but an effort to change the culture and infuse mental health capabilities into the work that is already being done.
Ms. Cascadden commented that the goal is to go heavy on prevention as a means for treatment and recovery. Bob Thomson has been hired as the Prevention Specialist; his office is at Marston School.
This effort is a work in progress to turn around the culture around mental illness and drug addiction.
Sale of Equipment
Mr. Wheeler reported that the City’s ordinances require approval of the city council when items collectively totaling $5,000 or more will be sold. Public Works has a list of items to sell through public bid. Councilor Rozek moved to proceed with the bid process; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried. Mayor Grenier wanted to be sure that the Water Works had no use for the Vac-All.
Resolution 2015-34 Street Name Change Route 110 Realignment
Ms. Laflamme explained that this new resolution will repeal Resolution 2015-02 and correct language affecting the new Route 110 realignment. This acknowledges the street in front the Eagle’s Club as Green Square. Mayor Grenier confirmed that the change does not affect changing anyone’s address.
Revision to Resolution 2015-33
Mr. Wheeler stated that there needs to be a change to Resolution 2015-33 that clarifies Primex premium holiday funds are to be appropriated to school capital. The changes are visible as the underlined script in Resolution 2015-33R1.
Pavement
Mr. Wheeler informed the Council that we will not use $50,000 slated to pave Willow Street at this time because Water Works will be working in the street. The funds could be saved and held for Willow or the funds could be reallocated to another street.
There was no objection to Mr. Perreault’s proposal to use these funds on Forbush Avenue and on Sweden Street from 10th Street to the hill.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier called for a five minute recess prior to the start of the regular meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Grenier opened the duly advertised public hearings at approximately 7:47 p.m. to receive public
input regarding the following subject matter:
Resolution 2015-32 Appropriating $200,000 to City Housing Initiative for Demolition; with no comments, Mayor Grenier closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
At 7:48 Mayor Grenier opened the public hearing for Resolution 2015-33 Appropriating $52,811.04 School Primex Premium to School Dept; with no comments, Mayor Grenier closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING – November 2, 2015
Mayor Grenier called the regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:50 p.m. 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, Barbara Tetreault
Minutes, Previous Meeting
Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to accept the minutes of the October 19 Work Session and Regular Meeting; and October 26 Work Session. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements: It was recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims to pay all bills dated October 20, 2015 to November 2, 2015 for a total cash disbursement of $822,975.47 Manifest #1752. Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis 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 2015-32 Appropriating $200,000 City Housing Initiative for Demolition (tabled 10/19/2015) Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to read the resolution a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to pass the resolution. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the ordinance now passed.
- Resolution 2015-33 Appropriating $52,811.04 School Primex Premium to School Dept (tabled 10/19/2015) Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved to amend the resolution as presented in Resolution 2015-33 R1; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to read the resolution a second time by title only as amended. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to have the resolution read a third time by title only as amended. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to pass the resolution as amended. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the resolution as amended now passed.
NEW BUSINESS
- Resolution 2015-34 Renaming a Section of Green Street between Glen Ave and Main Street
A resolution repealing Resolution 2015-02 and replacing it with Resolution 2015-34, changing the names of a section of Green Street and a section of First Avenue along the newly realigned section of NH Route 110.
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, the new realignment of NH Route 110 has changed the layouts of both Green Street and First Avenue; and
Whereas, there are several homes that are sited along the new roadway and no longer front on First Avenue; and
Whereas, there are many street segments along Route 110 with different names and the changes will eliminate confusion; and
Whereas, renaming sections of both Green Street and First Avenue along the newly realigned Route 110 to Wight Street (see attached map) will lessen confusion for emergency services and visitors to the area.
Now therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Berlin that the names of the identified sections of Green Street and First Avenue are hereby changed to “Wight Street.”
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Nelson moved to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing for November 16, 2015; Councilor seconded and the motion carried.
-The Police Department Citizens Academy was held on Wednesday, October 21st. About 30 people were in attendance at the Recreation Center. They heard Chief Morency talk about the work of his department and were invited to tour the Police facilities.
The next event for the Citizens Academy is the Heroin Forum entitled “Community is Greater than Heroin” to be held Wednesday November 18th at Berlin High School. There will be a panel of partners including Friendship House, AVH, NH Family Services, Father Kyle of the Catholic Church, and others.
-The City was prepared to open bids for 99 Pine Island Avenue on October 22nd. No bidders responded. The property will be re-bid on November 18th.
Demolition bids were also opened on October 22nd for 32 Corbin St., 108 High Street, 79 Seventh Street and 466 Burgess Street. A bid tabulation sheet is attached for each of these properties.
-Pike Industries is scheduled to complete paving on Cates Hill Road and other streets later this week.
-A Department Head committee was formed (Mike Perreault, Debbie Patrick, Denise Jensen, Terry Letarte) to review employee parking at City Hall. The recommendation from the Committee was to open up two parking spaces and make them available for 20 minute public parking. These spaces will service people who come in for the foot clinic and others who come into Code Enforcement offices for a brief appointments.
-A copy of the County Tax warrant is attached. The warrant is $1,553,959 and is approximately $130,000 less that the amount carried ($1,689,241) in the FY16 budget.
-City employees held two fundraisers as part of a campaign to bring awareness to domestic violence, October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a result $579.70 will be donated to RESPONSE.
-The City’s parking ban went into effect on November 1st. There is no parking on city streets from Midnight to 7:00 a.m. There is overnight parking allowed at the municipal parking lot adjacent to the Salvation Army building at 15 Cole Street.
-The Council is invited to the Berlin Bowling Center on Saturday, November 7th to witness the annual Great North Woods Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament.~ The younger division, (15 and under) which is a smaller group, will begin their competition at 9:00 am with awards at approximately 12:00 noon.~ The older group (approximately 40 bowlers) will begin at approximately 1:00 p.m. with awards at approximately 4:00 p.m.~ Knights of Columbus members have already confirmed their attendance to cheer the Olympians on as well as assist them in handing out the awards with the Berlin Police Department (as available).
This truly is a life-affirming event and the athletes (as well as family members) love seeing members of the community show their support.~ You are welcome to come anytime during the event!
Councilor Rozek moved to accept the Manager’s Report and place it on file; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Grenier had no formal report; however he wished everyone running for office the best of luck hoping that the group would stay together for the community.
- Public Comments – there were no comments
- Council Comments
Councilor Theberge thanked the Mayor for his hard work.
Councilor Higbee reported that North Country Council will change their dues structure to eliminate the discount that had been implemented on Berlin and other communities. The change will be phased in over three years and the fee is based on the census and property values. Berlin will go from $3775.66 this year to $4,101.89 next year and $7,877.55 in the following year. He added that Christine Frost is taking a position at Northern Borders Regional Commission.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Nelson to adjourn. The meeting ended at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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