City Council

City Council Work Session January 6, 2025 Present were: Mayor Cone, Councilors Qualls, Korzen, Morency, Higbee, Berthiaume, Grenier and Theberge. Councilor Valerino was absent. Others present: City Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr., Dir. Of Strat. Initiatives and Asst. City Mgr. Pamela Laflamme, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Finance Director Holly Larsen, Chief of Police Daniel Buteau, Recreation Director Duane (DJ) Johnson, Kirt Mayland, VT Law and Graduate School Professor, Jeannie Oliver, VP of ROC-NH & Energy Solutions, Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun and Members of the Public. Mayor Cone opened the meeting at 6:29 p.m. Ryan Scammon Post 36 Junior Baseball Team —Recognition Recreation Director Duane (DJ) Johnson spoke in recognition of the baseball team. He discussed the growth and success of the team through the years. He thanked the legion members present for all their hard work in the success of the team. A few legion members thanked DJ for his dedication to the baseball team. Land Use Change Tax Mr. Warren presented two tax warrants for land use change tax. The first one for the State of NH (Map 407 Lot 3.30) for land use change tax in the amount of $14,720. The second one for Shadow Ridge, LLC (Map 126 Lot 1) for land use change tax in the amount of $5,750. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen to accept the tax warrants as presented. So moved, the motion carried with all in favor. Mobile Veterinary Clinic Proposal Mr. Warren advised this request was received at the City Manager’s office. He recommended having Wandersnip Mobile Pet Clinic contact local businesses for space and utilities. Councilor Grenier suggested the Heritage Park as there is plenty of parking space and utilities are available. Councilor Berthiaume commented she agrees with trying the Heritage Park before referring them to local businesses. Councilor Grenier moved to support the proposal made by Wandersnip Mobile Pet Clinic and the use of Heritage Park. Councilor Qualls seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Mr. Warren commented he would notify the AV Chamber of Commerce. Investment Policy Review Mr. Warren advised Council is required to review the investment policy on an annual basis. Council reviewed the policy and had no questions or concerns. Other Mayor Cone advised there is another item under other to discuss a solar power project at the Northwoods Mobile Home Park. Mike Holt, President of the Northwoods Mobile Home Cooperative, stated they applied for a federal grant for energy upgrades and solar power and were awarded the grant. He invited Jeannie Oliver, VP of ROC-NH & Energy Solutions, to discuss further as they will be administering the grant and requirements. Documents including the property map showing the proposed solar panel array and an aerial view was distributed to Council along with a project overview and timeline. Ms. Oliver discussed details of what is included in this project in regards to the solar array and how it will affect the City. The project will require land use permitting from the City and if there are any tax exemptions available for solar power property. She advised that VT Law & Graduate clinics are providing pro bono legal services to low-and moderate-income communities doing renewable energy projects. She invited Mr. Kirt Mayland, Professor at the VT Law & Graduate School, to discuss more on the taxation. Mr. Mayland commented it’s early in the process to discuss taxes, but NH does allow for Towns and Cities to adopt a solar exemption through their legislative body. They wanted to float the idea of the City of Berlin exercising its right under State Law to adopt the property tax exemption for this community solar project. They will put together a formal request in writing and could even draft a tax agreement or PILT. Mr. Warren commented that from the Council’s standpoint the best thing would be that this group submit the letter for the exemption and then he would be able to follow up and see if the City has the ability to do so under the renewable energy statute. At 7:08 p.m., there being no further business in Work Session, Mayor Cone recessed before moving on to the Regular Meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Danielle Rioux Executive Assistant *Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the City Council by motion.