July 18, 2016
City Council Work Session
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Gentili, Morgan-Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present included Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme, Public Works Director Michael Perreault, Health & Welfare Director Angela Martin Giroux (6:45), Fire Chief Randall Trull, City Clerk Elaine Riendeau, Police Chief Pete Morency, former Mayor Bob Danderson, Bob Hynosky, Kevin Snow, Barbara Tetreault from the Berlin Daily Sun
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. In the absence of Ms. Giroux, he moved on to the second item on the agenda.
Communication re: Late Night Traffic
Mayor Grenier asked Police Chief Pete Morency to address the letter received from Dave Fortier regarding late night ATV riding in his neighborhood. Chief Morency stated that the curfew on city streets is 10:00 p.m. and infractions should be directed to the Police Department. If the police know about the issues, they can put additional patrol and enforcement. He added that an officer called on Mr. Fortier and the problem can be addressed to his satisfaction.
Chief Morency went on to say that the OHRV ordinance is working very well; however there are some who are not following the rules. The common denominator in the complaints seems to be under age riding on city streets. Councilor Nelson commented that it is important to keep a hard line with the 10:00 p.m. curfew to keep a balance with citizens.
Councilor Higbee stated that the primary complaint he hears is about in his neighborhood, the Norwegian Village, is noise. Chief Morency said that the PD is looking at purchasing a decibel meter. Mayor Grenier concluded that Chief Morency will meet with the Traffic Safety Committee and make recommendations for changes to the OHRV ordinance.
Community College Crosswalk Issue
Mike Perreault reported that, due to the Route 16 project, it was necessary to review the proposal for a crosswalk at Morning Lane. The concern was for children from the Day Care crossing on Riverside Drive. The issue had not been reviewed with the college. Martha Laflamme from the college was consulted and maintained that they are satisfied with the status quo. Chief Morency added that the proposed location for a new crosswalk was in the turn and visibility would have been very poor.
Councilor Rozek added that when there is a crosswalk in place, people feel empowered to cross. The safety committee recommendation will come at a future meeting.
Part Time Positions Health Department
Ms. Angela Martin Giroux requested hiring for two positions of between 21 to 28 hours per week. Councilor Theberge commented that the Health Department nurses do a great job and he asked if there is a need to promote the services. Ms. Giroux replied that the Department is moving forward with a consultant who will review the department’s operations and make recommendations on how best to spend the funds we have to best serve the public and the taxpayers. Mayor Grenier asked if the Health Department uses Pro Share funds which are available to nursing homes. Ms. Giroux indicated that she’s not heard of this funding but will look into it.
Councilor Nelson moved to hire two part time positions in the Health Department; Councilor Morgan Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Public Works Fuel Distribution
Mike Perreault explained that he went out to bid on a fuel distribution system and the low bid came in at $199,500; there is $195,000 in the budget. As a temporary alternative, he used a fleet card service from a State contract which allows fill up at gas stations throughout the State. Fuel purchases on the card are tax free and all reporting is web based. Mr. Perreault recommended proceeding with the fleet card system at this time and if it does not work for us, we could go back to the fuel farm. Councilor Gentili stated that the Sheriff’s Office has been using the system and is saving money.
Mr. Perreault noted that the fuel tanks at the Public Works Garage will need to be pulled out of the ground by October. There are State funds available for tank removal. Mayor Grenier asked if we could put out a bid for fuel purchasing within city limits. He stated that he is not prepared to make a decision on this without knowing if a bid would save money.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chief Trull reported that the City hired a consultant to help with a grant funded update to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The work is complete; however there needs to be a resolution to formally adopt the Plan. The Plan is late and the consultant takes full responsibility. Mayor Grenier noted that it is vitally important to have a public hearing with regard to the Plan. A resolution can be added to the agenda for first reading, a public hearing will be held August 1, and the Plan can be adopted.
Councilor Rozek moved to add item 3a) Resolution Adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan to the agenda; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Other
Route 16 Update – Mr. Perreault stated that the first construction meeting was held this morning. He met with Jay Poulin and representatives of Sargent. They have started to put up the sign package and a communications plan is in place. Cold planing will start next week from Williamson Avenue to Cates Hill. There may be two curbs to get sidewalks through the winter and to start installing utilities immediately. The work on the St. Anne’s area will begin in the next construction season. Sargent is a big company and it is feasible for them to have three to four teams working during the project. HEB representatives will be meeting face to face with abutters and they will be given a point person to contact with questions or concerns. There will be
a bi-weekly meeting on Wednesdays. Councilor Rozek asked about the continuous paving box for the work that will be done next week. Mr. Perreault noted that the final course of pavement will be done that way. Councilor Theberge asked about the reconstruction on the Twelfth Street Bridge for trucks and Mr. Perreault stated that it will be done in the next construction season.
Non-Public Session
Councilor Remillard moved with a second from Councilor Morgan Allain to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Councilor Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
A motion was made by Councilor Rozek to seal the minutes of the non-public session until resolution of the issue is complete as releasing them would likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of the public body; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
There being no further business in work session, Mayor Grenier moved on to the Regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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