Work Session
December 21, 2015
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge; Councilor Morgan Allain was absent
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, Fire Chief Randall Trull, and Police Lt Dan Buteau
Mayor Grenier asked to put an amendment to Resolution 2015-35 on the agenda and Councilor Rozek so moved; Councilor Remillard seconded and the motion carried.
Waste Water Treatment Otis Elevator
Mr. Wheeler explained that the Waste Water Treatment Plant has a service agreement with Otis Elevator to do routine maintenance; however there is a need for significant work changing out hydraulic fluid and seals. There are not many elevator contractors and due to this being a sole source situation, the Council is being asked to authorize.
Councilor Rozek asked if a more environmentally friendly product can be used to get away from petroleum based hydraulic fluid. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to authorize Otis Elevator to do the necessary repairs up to $8,000 with more environmentally friendly material if possible. All voted in favor.
Grant Funding for Ladder Truck
Chief Trull reported that he wants to re-apply for a ladder truck in the January 2016 round of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The closing date is 1/15/2016. The terms of the grant are a 5% match from the community however 10% was authorized last year and Chief Trull is asking for 10% again this year so that the application will score better. As a term of the grant, the truck can no longer be used for emergency response. The existing ladder truck will be 21 years old this year and it no longer meets the requirements of today. Parts for the current truck are obsolete. Mayor Grenier stressed that the application should state that the City lost resident value and the purchase of a ladder truck without grant funding would raise the tax rate. Councilor
Gentili confirmed that as long as the truck meets the specs, it can be any brand.
Councilor Gentili asked if firefighters have been hired since the approval of the SAFER grant. Chief Trull stated that a grant amendment allowed the department to begin hiring early. So far, there are two on board, Shane Warren and Chris Saunders. Both have EMS training. There are two more who are just being notified. The additions will allow four per shift and will reduce overtime. Councilor Rozek asked to see the numbers of what it costs for a firefighter versus filling in with overtime.
Councilor Rozek asked about the combustibility of the chip pile at Burgess Biopower. Chief Trull commented that they need to keep rotating the pile to lower fire danger
Heritage Park Lease Agreement
Mr. Wheeler reported that the Heritage Park lease agreement has been approved by the Chamber of Commerce Board. The lease will be $1 Dollar per year; the city is making a commitment to continue to fund $5,760 to a capital reserve account for the Park. The Chamber will be responsible for operations; collect fees for rental, sponsorships including naming rights and whatever funds collected will be used for operations. Mr. Wheeler added that the City will continue to work closely with the Chamber and offer assistance as needed.
Councilor Higbee moved to approve the lease agreement between the City of Berlin and the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce for the operation of the Northern Forest Heritage Park; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Nelson abstained
PD Resolution 2015-35
Mr. Wheeler explained that the grant agreement language is specific that the governing body accepts the grant. The proposed amendment follows the language suggested in the grant document.
With no further business in the work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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