City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, March 3, 2025 Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:52 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Mayor Cone, Councilors Qualls, Higbee, Morency, Valerino, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Councilor Berthiaume Also present: City Manager Phillip Warren, Jr., Director of Special Initiatives Pamela Laflamme, Library Director Ann Brungot, Police Chief Daniel Buteau, Deputy Chief Nathan Roy, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, District Education Services Administrator Tammy Fauteux, Christian Judson, Nicole Paulin, Micah Bachner, Andre Martel, Maura Annette Chappelle, Carie Catucci, Danielle Warner, Sarah Mafera, Caleb Page, Carl Ouellet, Alicia Casner, Jaime Hussey, Janet Tremblay, Jamie Welch, Gina Welch, other members of the public, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Korzen moved, with a second by Councilor Qualls, to accept the minutes of the February 18, 2025 Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft #1980 with a start date of 02/19/2025 and an end date of 03/03/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,539,603.50. 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 Maura Annette Chappelle of Jefferson asked where the $100,000 estimate for an audit came from. She also asked where the committee rules on public comments are, and noted that she belongs to the group “Right to Know NH”. Ms. Chappelle stated that the meeting should have been held in the auditorium where it is easier for the public to hear. Ms. Chappelle advised that the settlement with Great Lakes Hydro should have been listed on the agenda and not added under other in the work session. Ms. Chappelle asked how many houses have been tax deeded, and advised that she has not received notification of any through the website. Ms. Chapelle also noted that a forensic audit is not about taxes and was first suggested by Governor Sununu when he was in office, and stated that it is not necessarily about wrongdoing, but a closer look. Carie Catucci of Peavey Lane thanked the Mayor for motivating the people to voice their opinions. Ms. Catucci advised she was in favor of a forensic audit as the taxes keep going up and people are wondering where the money is going. Ms. Catucci stated that many people cannot afford much more for taxes, and would like an accurate account of what is coming in and where it is going. Christian Judson stated that he also agrees with a forensic audit. Mr. Judson also noted that many projects have been pushed off to pay bills. Mr. Judson stated that he believes the Council should not have voted for the tax rate, and instead should have come together to find where the mistake was made. Mr. Judson noted that elections will be coming up in the fall, and candidates should have ideas as to where to generate income. Andre Martel stated that he was offended that Mr. Grenier would blame anyone on the Council for the mistake, as they are not all to blame. Mr. Martel noted the Constitution has a template for oversight which is applicable to local government as well. Mr. Martel stated that he has a newspaper, and suggested that Berlin create an efficiency oversight committee. Mr. Martel suggested that taxes could be reduced by the money generated by power in Berlin by the hydros, the windmills, and the Biomass, stating that Berlin residents should not have to pay their electric bills. Mr. Martel noted that he used to own the Princess Theater and was overtaxed. Mr. Martel stated he was in support of a forensic audit for accountability. Caleb Page stated he was glad to hear that the proposed budget will be posted on the website, and asked who should be contacted with questions. Mayor Cone advised him that questions could be asked at Council meetings every Monday at 6:30 pm or that he could email the Council with questions in between meetings. 1 Micah Bachner of 59 High Street thanked everyone who showed up to share their opinions and care about the community. Mr. Bachner noted that this discourse is only available because of the American flag and that it is under attack. Mr. Bachner agreed that there were a lot of resources for generating electricity in the area, however the problem is Eversource, as they can only send so much power through the lines. Mr. Bachner stated that if the public wants different outcomes, they need to stop electing the same sort of people. Janet Tremblay of 15 Countryside Avenue was in support of an audit. Ms. Tremblay also mentioned that when the City had a Board of Assessors, they messed up, and that the new assessors have done wrong, too. Danielle Warner of 473 Grafton Street stated that she has had five assessment evaluations in the last nine years and some are not documented. Ms. Warner also stated that she has a blind daughter, but does not receive the blind exemption on her property, as her daughter is not listed as an owner. Ms. Warner shared concerns about the EMS services that will be provided by the City, noting that she did medical billing for the Health Department, and it was shut down because they did not bring in enough money. Ms. Warner stated that they will not make enough money to make up the difference in cost. Ms. Warner also noted that when she had trouble with the odor at the dump, the City did not help, so she had to call DES in Concord who helped with the problem. Sarah Mafera shared concerns about the potential reassessment to bring down the tax rate. Ms. Mafera stated that she is concerned that this may make sense this year, but may not in the years to come. Carl Ouellet asked what bankruptcy would look like for the City, and suggested this may be a way to get a free audit and restructure. Christian Judson noted that if the City was to go bankrupt, half of Police, Public Works, School, and Fire Department employees would be laid off and the City would not be able to apply for grants that they need. Mr. Judson noted that the taxpayers would take a huge hit if this was to happen. Mr. Judson also noted that if the Biomass was to shut down, the taxes would go up even further. Jaime Hussey of Hill Road in Dummer suggested that the City should allow chickens with the increased cost of food. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council committee reports. NEW BUSINESS 1. City Manager’s Report 1. Snow removal continues, with a focus on catch basins that are covered, in case we receive rain. All equipment is in service, except for one salt truck that has a differential needing repair. 2. The Watson Street force main bypass and outflow repair project is 90% designed and undergoing review. As you may recall this was damaged during the December 2023 heavy rain event. 3. The vacant, uninhabitable house on Hillsboro Street was demolished last week. The only property remaining is the one located at 745 Main Street – that will be demolished later this spring. 4. We were notified by Berlin EMS that they plan on exiting their contract prior to July 1. The takeover date has been negotiated to April 1 – this will allow City staff to take all necessary actions and ensure no break in EMS services. Berlin EMS will be compensated through March 31 and the City will take over April 1. 5. Chief Watkins has worked with both AVH and a private ambulance firm, Lifestar Ambulance, to handle the interfacility medical transfers that AVH may have. As you may remember this was a discussion point during the EMS services discussions. While not a responsibility of the City, Chief Watkins worked tirelessly to ensure transfers would be addressed as part of this EMS transition. In addition to transfers, Lifestar ambulance will assist the City during major incidences and with mutual aid, when available. 2 Councilor Korzen asked where Lifestar Ambulance was from, and was advised Albany, NH. City Manager Warren noted that they are looking for a place to house the ambulance in the City. Councilor Theberge 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. Councilor Higbee thanked Chief Watkins for his work on getting a transfer ambulance service in Berlin. 2. Mayor’s Report a. Re-Appointment to Berlin Water Commission – F. Treiss Dear Honorable Mayor, My term of office for Water Board Commissioner expires as of May 1, 2025. I am willing to continue to serve as a Board Member. Would you please consider reappointing me as a Water Board Commissioner, with a new term of office expiring on May 1, 2029. Respectfully submitted, Frederick Treiss Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to reappoint Frederick Treiss to the Berlin Water Commission for a term to expire May 1, 2029. So moved, the motion carried. b. Resignation from Berlin Water Commission – P. Ingersoll Dear Commissioners: It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the position of Berlin Water Works Commissioner. I have greatly enjoyed being on the commission and working with all of your over the years. Unfortunately, due to health issues I am not able to effectively continue to serve the board. My last day at Berlin Water Works will be 11/20/24. I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the transition of my duties to my successor. I wish the Berlin Water Works Department and all its employees much success in the coming years. Sincerely, Paul H. Ingersoll Commissioner Berlin Water Works. c. Appointment to Berlin Water Commission – J. Dupuis Dear Mayor Cone and City Council, I was approached to join the Berlin Water Commission as a member. I understand I would be appointed to the term of March 2025 to May 2026. I am pleased to formally accept the position of Water Commission member with City Council’s approval. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the effective management and stewardship of Berlin’s water resources, and I look forward to serving the community in this vital role. Please let me know the next steps, including any paperwork formalities required to finalize my appointment. I am available to begin at your earliest convenience and can be reached at 603-723-2970 or fishin33@hotmail.com if there are any immediate matters to discuss. Thank you once again for this opportunity. I am eager to collaborate with the board and staff to ensure the continued success of Berlin’s water management initiatives. 3 Sincerely, Joe Dupuis Honorable Mayor and City Council, The Board of Water Commissioners respectfully requests City Council approval of Mayor Cone’s nomination of Joseph Dupuis to fill the vacant Water Commissioner seat left by Commissioner Paul Ingersoll. Joseph will serve on the Commission to fill the unexpired term, with a term of office expiring May 01, 2026. We thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Sean Brungot Berlin Water Commission Councilor Morency moved, with a second by Councilor Grenier, to appoint Joseph Dupuis to the Berlin Water Commission for a term to expire May 1, 2026. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier noted that a plaque should be given to Paul Ingersoll honoring his service to the City on the Water Commission. Mayor Cone thanked the public for attending the meeting, and being engaged in the discussion. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to accept the Mayor’s Report and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried. 3. Public Comments Maura Annette Chappelle thanked the Mayor for putting information out there for the public to be involved. Micah Bachner thanked everyone for what they do, and noted that he has faith in the City Manager. Alicia Casner of 15 Eighth Street noted that she is also in favor of allowing chickens in the City for self-sustainability. Ms. Casner also stated that she chose to move to Berlin and that we need to do what we can so that people can build a life and retire here, that we have the ability as a community to make this a treasure north of the mountains. Ms. Casner also noted that she would like to make her property more beautiful, however the more you do the higher the taxes get. 4. Council Comments Councilor Grenier responded to the question concerning Council rules, and stated they are voted on when the new Council is sworn in, and that it was voted on that public comments would not be accepted during work sessions, but are allowed during the public meeting. Councilor Grenier pointed out that State Law only requires one public comment section during the meeting, and we allow two. Councilor Grenier thanked Councilor Morency and Councilor Valerino, our State Representatives, for voting to reel back in the bail reform law. Councilor Theberge asked if this was a committee vote, and Councilor Morency advised that it is going to a full vote with the recommendation of the Committee. Councilor Morency advised the vote was not unanimous. 5. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Berthiaume, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 pm. So moved, the motion carried. 4 A True Record, Attest: Shelli Fortin City Clerk Note: Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the Council by motion. 5