City Council Work Session
February 15, 2016
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Theberge and Rozek (6:38 p.m.); absent were Councilors Nelson, and Remillard
Others present included City Manager James Wheeler, Police Chief Pete Morency, Assistant Chief Dan Buteau and Barbara Tetreault from the Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
OHRV Ordinance and Sunset Clause
Chief Morency reported that the City has moved slowly taking the time to make the OHRV ordinance work and it is now recognized favorable throughout the State. There have been 13 accidents, 79 complaints and 99 motor vehicle stops in 2015. There were two complaints in Jericho Park, 3 accidents and 13 traffic stops. These were not all violators, some were stopped to inform of the rules. Having the streets open works and it brings thousands of people to the area. Chief Morency made the point that the Council can change an ordinance at any time; perhaps it is time to remove the sunset clause.
Councilor Rozek entered the meeting at this time, 7:38. Mr. Wheeler stated that eliminating the sunset clause is not a bad thing because it adds a small degree of certainty if someone is considering buying a property because of the OHRV access. The ordinance will be read as presented and amended to eliminate the language that deals with the sunset clause.
Highway Safety Grants
Dan Buteau reported that the PD applies for Highway Safety grants every year. The grants are important to the community and keeping it safe with additional enforcement. Grants cover speed, red light, pedestrian and bike patrol.
Councilor Theberge asked if there are still grants for OHRV patrols. Assistant Chief Buteau indicated that Berlin once received $15,000 for OHRV patrol and now the grant is down to $3,200. Highway safety money is used for OHRV safety mainly on the city streets. Chief Morency added that the Highway Safety Grants are important because officers spend 85% of their time doing reports which does not give them time to be on the streets. The grant funding is directly related to an officer interacting with the community.
Non Meeting
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2, I (b) Collective Bargaining. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assisant
| 
