City Council Work Session
December 14, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan Allain, Nelson, Rozek (6:40) and Theberge; Councilor Higbee was absent
Others present included City Manager Jim Wheeler, Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Housing Coordinator Linda White, Area Director of Northern Human Services Charlie Cotton, Barbara Tetreault Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier asked to add the Swearing in Ceremony to the agenda. Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to make the addition. So moved, the motion carried unanimously thereby achieving the 2/3 majority needed.
Northern Human Services – Charlie Cotton
Mr. Cotton distributed the 2015 Northern Human Services report. In 2015 Northern Human Services served 689 citizens or 7% of the Berlin population. Emergent care was provided to 198 Berlin residents which is up significantly. This could be a onetime occurrence and bears watching. NHS employs 12 therapists and 4 substance abuse counselors.
One in four will experience mental illness in our lives and 70 to 90% of people can be helped by treatment. Councilor Rozek entered the meeting at this time (6:40 p.m.) Mayor Grenier commented that the Legislature does not want to fund an opiate program with new money; they want to do it with Medicare funds. He indicated that ultimately funds will come from the County taxpayers.
Councilor Remillard asked if there is an expectation of an increase in outpatient clients. Mr. Cotton said that there is a higher percentage of people with more severe problems partly because the agency offers specialized intensive services. Much of the need is correlated with poverty.
Councilor Rozek asked, where the Affordable Health Care Act fits in. Mr. Cotton replied that there is an increased number of people with insurance; however those with high deductibles still can’t afford treatment. Mr. Cotton noted that there will be a forum on expansion of Medicaid at AVH next week. Mr. Cotton thanked the Council and left the meeting at this time.
Swearing in Ceremony
Mayor Grenier stated that the third Monday in January is when new council members are sworn in. He pointed out that this will be the last official ceremony for Debbie Patrick and it will also be Councilor Gentili’s first swearing in. He suggested a small gathering in the auditorium where citizens would be invited. Councilor Remillard moved to appropriate $500 from Council Contingency for the swearing in ceremony to be held the third Monday in January; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Remillard to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (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; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Linda White, Pamela Laflamme and City Attorney Chris Boldt were present for the meeting.
569 Main Street
Ms. White informed the Council that 569 Main Street did not have any bidders at the property sale held December 10. In a letter addressed to the City Manager and City Counci,l Arnie Davis is offering to purchase the property for $14,000. The minimum bid was $19,420. Mr. Davis attended the pre-bid meeting and he plans to meet the expectations for property improvement that were stipulated in the bid documents. If the Council approves, a contract will be drawn up to go forward.
Councilor Rozek moved to sell 569 Main Street to Arnie Davis for $14,000 under the terms and conditions of the original bid to be stipulated in a contract; Councilor Theberge seconded.
Councilor Remillard asked if any other businesses looked at the building and Ms. White said there were none. In the vote that followed, all voted in favor.
650 Sullivan Street
Mr. Dan Landry submitted a bid for King Street; however he was not successful. In a letter to the City Manager, he has proposed $4,000 for 650 Sullivan Street. Ms. White reported that the property has gone out to bid three times and there have not been any bidders. The property has been vandalized and there is no copper pipe left making the existing plumbing useless.
Councilor Rozek moved to sell 650 Sullivan Street to Dan Landry for $4,000 under the terms and conditions of the original bid to be stipulated in a contract; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2 (c) Consultation with legal counsel; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-meeting; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:08 p.m.
Mayor Grenier indicated that there will be no meeting on December 28th
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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