City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, February 3, 2025 Regular Meeting Councilor Berthiaume called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 6:41 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Councilors Higbee, Berthiaume, Valerino, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Mayor Cone, Councilor Qualls, Councilor Morency Also present: City Manager Phillip Warren, Jr., Finance Director Holly Larsen, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Christian Judson, Nicole Paulin, Roland Sanschagrin, Sarah Mafera, other members of the public, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Korzen moved, with a second by Councilor Theberge, to accept the minutes of the January 21, 2025 Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft #1978 with a start date of 01/22/2025 and an end date of 02/03/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,028,763.58. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to accept the disbursement summary and pay all bills as reviewed and approved by the Committee on Accounts/Claims. So moved, the motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council committee reports. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution 2025-03 EMS Training Grant (1st read) Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for February 18, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2. City Manager’s Report 1. I am cautiously optimistic that the Burgess agreement should be signed by all parties shortly. There were a few non-material changes made. All parties to the agreement have been advised as to the urgency of completing this agreement. 2. One ambulance was inspected last week and it is now able to be placed in service. Due to the cost of perishable drugs and other supplies we will wait until later this year to inspect the second one. At present, 8 current fire department employees are attending EMS training. Staff is working with the billing company to complete necessary actions. 3. The budget process has started, at present department heads are completing budget submissions. As part of this year’s budget, this office is looking at any intermunicipal agreements, whether formal or informal, to ensure that said agreements are mutually beneficial, especially this year. City Manager Warren advised that the EMS Training Grant will pay for the eight fire department employees to attend the EMS training. 1 Councilor Korzen moved, with a second by Councilor Grenier, to accept the City Manager’s report as presented and place it on file. So moved the motion carried. 3. Mayor’s Report a. Family Resource Center – Community Baby Shower Request Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally request the use of the lawn space adjacent to Maureen’s Boutique on Main Street on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The Family Resource Center I organizing our 7th annual Community Baby Shower for Berlin. This event has been instrumental in connecting numerous families with essential items such as diapers, wipes, used clothing, baby gear, books, and other resources. Last year, with your generous support in providing us with the space, we were able to assist over 85 families. This year, we aim to support and equal or greater number of families. We ask for your consideration of this request, and if you have any inquiries, please contact me. Yours sincerely, Julie Kinerson Program Manager- Healthy Families America The Family Resource Center 123 Main Street Gorham, NH On a motion by Councilor Grenier seconded by Councilor Valerino the Council voted unanimously to approve the Family Resource Center’s request for space for the Community Baby Shower on July 19, 2025. 4. Public Comments There were no public comments. 5. Council Comments Councilor Grenier advised that Mayor Cone was absent tonight because he is testifying in Concord on legislation that is critical to Berlin’s tax base and future. 6. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Grenier, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 pm. So moved, the motion carried. A True Record, Attest: Shelli Fortin City Clerk Note: Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the Council by motion. 2