City Council Work Session
November 23, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Gentili, Morgan Allain, Rozek, Higbee, Theberge, Remillard and Nelson
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Finance Director Patty Chase, Sylvia Poulin, Jon Edwards, Barbara Tetreault Berlin Daily Sun, and public
Fireworks Display
Sylvia Poulin explained that there is sponsorship money from Service Credit Union for fireworks; however it is not enough to pay for the $5,000 show. She went through the expenses for holding the parade and preparing the downtown for Christmas.
Mayor Grenier stated that he is willing to help using the Council’s Contingency Fund; however he did not want the City to pay the entire remaining amount. Councilor Nelson asked if the show could be cut to fifteen minutes for less money and Ms. Poulin noted that for this year, they are committed to Anderson Pyrotechnics for $5,000.
After some discussion Councilor Nelson moved to expend $2,250 from the Council Contingency Fund for fireworks; Councilor Higbee seconded and in a roll call vote, the motion was approved. Councilor Rozek voted against.
Northern Pass
Mayor Grenier indicated that the Council had a detailed presentation some weeks ago from the developer of Northern Pass and the project has now been filed with the Site Evaluation Committee. Once the committee deems the application as complete, it will start a 9 month review process. There were benefits for Berlin such as a reduction in Berlin’s County tax which is expected to go down by $100,000 and an upgrade of the Coos Loop which would increase capacity for future energy development.
Mayor Grenier proposed that the Council go on record in support of the project. He asked that the City Manager draft a letter for review and vote at the next meeting. Councilor Rozek acknowledged that the project has changed substantially since it was first proposed with lower tower heights, and an additional 63 miles of underground line.
Councilor Rozek moved to draft a letter in support of Northern Pass for review at the next meeting; Councilor Theberge seconded. In discussion Councilor Higbee suggested focusing on the approval of creating the pathway. All voted in favor with the exception of Councilor Nelson who abstained.
Tax Rate
Mr. Wheeler showed the Council the DRA’s web site where the numbers are entered and calculated for the tax rate. He explained that the City uses the accrual basis for arriving at its unappropriated fund balance; however most communities use the budgetary basis. By changing to the budgetary basis, we can use more of ufb to reduce the tax rate.
Councilors offered several suggestions of reducing the fund balance and overlay; however the changes did not make a substantial difference in the rate. The increased rate is the result of decreased values.
Councilor Rozek asked what it will take for the values to go up. Mr. Wheeler replied that the problem did not occur overnight and it will take time to fix it. We need to decrease supply and increase the quality of what is remaining. We need to continue to improve infrastructure to attract people to buy here.
Ms. Chase reported that tax bills will not be going out until December 2 and they would then be due January 2. Councilor Higbee moved to recommend a tax rate of $39.19 to the DRA; Councilor Otis seconded and the motion passed with all Councilors voting for the motion with the exception of Councilor Rozek who voted against.
Non-Meeting
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilors were informed that there was an offer on a tax deeded property and they agreed with the recommendation to offer the property for sale by sealed bid as planned.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Other
Councilor Nelson asked if there has been a PILT payment from Notre Dame. Mr. Wheeler reported that he will check.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:45.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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