PUBLIC HEARING – AUGUST 15, 2016
Mayor Grenier opened the duly scheduled and advertised Public Hearing at approximately 7:30 pm to hear comments on the following subject matters:
Resolution 2016-21 Authorizing an Application to NHDOT Transportation Alternatives Program for a Grant in an Amount up to Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00).
There being no one wishing to speak for or against the subject matter at this time, Mayor Grenier declared the Public Hearing portion of the meeting closed at approximately 7:31 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, August 15, 2016
Mayor Grenier called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The pledge of allegiance to the flag preceded roll call. Present: Councilors Remillard, Otis, Gentili, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge. Councilor Morgan Allain was absent. Also present: James Wheeler, Susan Tremblay and Barbara Tetreault.
Minutes, Previous Meeting
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to accept the minutes of the August 1st Regular Meeting/Work Session. So moved, the motion carried.
Disbursements:
Disbursement Summary Draft #1771 start date 08/02/2016 end date 8/12/2016 for a total cash disbursement of $434,702.33. Councilor Theberge moved with a second by Councilor Nelson to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as recommended by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – There were none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Council Committee Reports – Traffic Safety Committee Report
Councilor Rozek stated that on August 1st the Traffic Safety Committee met. He presented the following condensed version of the items reviewed along with the action taken for same.
Request for Street Lights on East Milan Road from 12th Street to White Mountain Lumber: Councilor Rozek stated that the Committee discussed traffic safety concerns for the intersection and installation cost for street lights. The Committee requested City Manager Jim Wheeler to pursue cost estimates for installation of street lights.
Request for Crosswalk at Morning Lane: The request for the crosswalk was denied by the Committee. When the request was brought up, the Committee believed that White Mountain Community College also wanted the crosswalk. However, when the college was contacted it was discovered that they preferred not having the crosswalk.
Vision Impaired Sign at 473 Grafton Street: The Committee approved the placement of the vision impaired sign. The Committee, however, expressed concern regarding placement of signs of this nature and whether they are being tracked for accuracy when changes occur. City Manager Wheeler stated that the Public Works Department is working on a system to monitor and maintain the special signs.
Request for Children at Play and an Additional Speed Limit Sign Wood Street: After review of this request, the Committee denied the additional signage, noting that traffic would not slow down because of an additional sign. The Committee recommended that the Police Department monitor speed in the area as well as place the radar cart there.
Request for Jericho Road Speed Limit Change: Councilor Rozek stated that this complaint was not really a complaint about speed, but rather a noise issue as it relates to OHRV traffic. Councilor Rozek stated that the Committee referred this matter back to the Police Department. It was noted that the Department is in the process of acquiring a decibel meter to monitor OHRV exhaust systems.
Request for “No Parking” at the South Entrance to the Industrial Park: This matter was approved and an ordinance change was requested, which was presented for its first read at this meeting.
Request for Two Lanes at Hutchins/Mason Streets: Two traffic lanes had been requested in the southbound lane at the Hutchins/Mason Streets lights. In order to accomplish this, the center line would need to be moved and lanes narrowed. The Committee expressed concern regarding truck traffic at that intersection. Therefore, the request was denied.
Oak Street Request for Handicap Sign: Councilor Rozek stated that the Committee will forward this request to the Public Works Department for further review.
OHRV Ordinance Review: The Committee noted that most of the recent complaints/concerns were resulting from noise rather than speed. The Committee feels that most of the noise revolves around the local younger folks, i.e. operation after permissible hours, underage operation. At this time, there is a concern that these matters are going unchecked. It was agreed by the Committee and Police Chief that the Ordinance will be reviewed and language redrafted to reflect the concerns.
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to accept the Traffic Safety Committee Report and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried.
2. Resolution 2016-21 Authorizing an Application to NHDOT Transportation Alternatives Program for a Grant in an Amount Up to Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00). (Tabled 8/1/2016)
A RESOLUTION authorizing an application to NHDOT Transportation Alternatives Program for a grant in an amount up to Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00). The purpose of the grant is to construct Phases Two and Three of the Riverwalk project along the Androscoggin River beginning north of the Berlin Mills Pedestrian Bridge and ending at the Twelfth Street Bridge.
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
Whereas, up to Eight Hundred Thousand ($800,000.00) is available to municipalities in New Hampshire and all grants require a match of twenty percent of the total project; and
Whereas, if awarded, Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00) of the funds will be used for constructing Phases Two and Three of the Riverwalk project along the Androscoggin River beginning north of the Berlin Mills Pedestrian Bridge and ending at the Twelfth Street Bridge; and
Whereas, the City will be undertaking a major road reconstruction project along Route 16 starting this summer continuing into the summer of 2017; and
Whereas, the City owns the property and is able to have control over its current and future growth; and
Whereas, there have been plans for a Riverwalk in this area for several years and with the increased focus on tourism and the purchase of the property, this grant offers an opportunity to begin the Riverwalk and offer better access to the river for residents and visitors; and
Whereas, this project is part of the vision for the community as stated in the City’s 2010 Master Plan.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows:
That, the City Manager is authorized to apply to the NHDOT Transportation Alternatives Program for a grant in an amount up to Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00). The purpose of the grant is to construct Phases Two and Three of the Riverwalk project along the Androscoggin River beginning north of the Berlin Mills Pedestrian Bridge and ending at the Twelfth Street Bridge and the City Manager is authorized to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate the NH DOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant and contract;
Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to receive said grant and the grant proceeds are hereby appropriated for the purpose of the grant; and all grant proceeds shall be deposited with the City Treasurer and any additional use of these funds beyond the scope of work as listed in the application shall require prior approval of the City Council.
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to remove the resolution from the table at this time. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to have the resolution read a second time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to have the resolution read a third time by title only. So moved, the motion carried.
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to pass the resolution. So moved the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the resolution now passed.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Ordinance 2016-06 Adding “No Parking” to the South Side of Industrial Park Road (1st Read)
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on September 6, 2016. So moved, the motion carried.
4. Resolution 2016-22 Appropriating $30,000 in the FY 2016 Budget to the Community Field Improvements Project Account 01-495-995-0712 (1st Read)
Councilor Remillard moved with a second by Councilor Otis to table the resolution and schedule a public hearing on September 6, 2016. So moved, the motion carried.
5. Communication City Clerk – Polling Hours and Polling Locations
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Clerk
DATE: August 4, 2016
RE: POLLING HOURS/POLLING PLACES
Council is asked for the record, by motion, to set the polling hours for the September 13, 2016 State Primary Election. The voters of Berlin previously voted to have the polls open at 8:00 a.m. and State Law mandates that all polling places remain open until 7:00 p.m.
For Council information, the Berlin voting locations are as follows:
PRECINCT 1 - Recreation Center, First Avenue entrance
PRECINCT 2/3 - St. Anne Hall, School Street
PRECINCT 4 - Community Bible Church (formerly Guardian Angel Church)
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Riendeau
Berlin City Clerk
Councilor Nelson moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to accept the communication of the City Clerk setting the polling hours and locations. So moved, the motion carried.
6. City Manager’s Report
1. Elaine Riendeau attended a full week of training last week in Concord toward obtaining her City Clerk certification from the City Clerk’s Academy Program. Elaine was able to obtain a scholarship in the amount of $260 for this program. The program’s curriculum is attached.
2. Jan Gagnon, Accountant-Tax Collector’s Assistant in the Finance Dept. and Mark Lapointe, PWD Supervisor will both be attending the Primex Supervisors Academy in Gorham on Sept. 13 through Sept. 15.
3. The Harvest Christian Fellowship Church will be holding a community dinner on Wednesday September 14th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Council granted the Church permission to close Cole Street contingent upon the Police Department’s approval. The PD has provided their approval.
4. The Fire Chief and Berlin Fire Department have arranged for a medical tent to be staffed and available at the Camp RZR event in September. The medical tent staffing and operations will be in accordance with FEMA guidelines. This is an outstanding response for service created by this event and the City’s growth in the atv tourism industry. An email explaining some of the features of this tent is attached. Thanks to the BFD for taking this on and making it happen.
5. As you know, the City has been successful in obtaining a Northern Border Regional Commission (NRBC) award of a grant in the amount of $250,000. This grant will be used for Phase 1 of the Upper Main St./Riverside Drive Riverwalk Project from Heritage Park to the pedestrian bridge at Bridge Street. This project has been envisioned as integral to the Rte. 16 upgrade and along with the Rte. 16 upgrade and Phase 2 of the Riverwalk it will play a role in redefining the City’s streetscape by creating a significant piece of infrastructure that both residents and visitors will enjoy. We are currently working on an $800,000 TAP Grant application for Phase 2 for which the NRBC funding can be counted as match money. A copy of our award letter is attached.
6. Senator Shaheen provided a letter encouraging citizens to contact her with any issues regarding federal agencies. The contact information for offices, including Berlin’s, is attached.
7. An activity report for the Fire Department is attached.
8. The Police Department statistics for the month of July are attached.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second by Councilor Higbee to accept the City Manager’s Report and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried.
7. Mayor’s Report – The Mayor had nothing to report.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS – There were none
9. Council Comments – There were no Council comments.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Mayor and Council, Councilor Rozek moved with a second by Councilor Theberge to adjourn the regular meeting. So moved, the motion carried and Mayor Grenier declared the regular meeting adjourned at approximately 7:57 P.M.
A True Record, Attest:
Elaine Riendeau
City Clerk
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