City Council

CITY OF BERLIN New Hampshire Minutes of Council Work Session of 3/24/2025 City Council Chambers 6:30 pm Members: Mayor Cone Councilor Theberge Councilor Grenier Councilor Morency Councilor Korzen Councilor Higbee Councilor Qualls Councilor Berthiaume City Staff: Phillip Warren, Jr, City Manager (via Zoom) Holly Larsen, Finance Director/Tax Collector Duane Johnson, Recreation Director Shelli Fortin, City Clerk Aaron Blais, Public Works Public: Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun Christian Judson Other members of the public At 6:29 p.m. Mayor Cone opened the meeting. Recreation Department Duane Johnson provided an overview of programs for the past year. Mr. Johnson stated that the summer program was a big success, and noted that they added a day at Jericho Lake to the schedule, and continued field trips on Fridays. They are making some changes to the program, based on suggestions received, to be more structured in some areas. The baseball clinics had 25 youth participate from Berlin, Lancaster, and Milan. Summer soccer had 80-90 kids last August. The first and second grade basketball is educational and concentrates just on the basics. Rec Hockey made a great comeback this year, with almost 50 children participating, and they are hoping to expand it next year. The Halloween and Christmas parties had a lot of family support. The ski program went well, with 42 youth participating from grades 3 through 8. Mr. Johnson stated that William White has been running a basketball clinic on weekends. They are currently getting ready for the Easter activity, along with girls softball and baseball. Pickleball has been well received, meeting on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. Mr. Johnson noted that they have also been working with the Charter School, and they are hoping to start working with families with substance abuse. Mr. Johnson advised that he understands the community is struggling financially, and it has been a tough year, however it is about the kids. Mr. Johnson stated that they do not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay, and do provide scholarships. Mr. Johnson advised that he will be helping with the youth football program, trying to rebuild, with flag football through high school football. Mr. Johnson noted that a semi-pro baseball team may to come Berlin next year, which may bring some funds to work on the fields. Mr. Johnson reviewed the proposed budget, noting that there is not much of a change from last year. Mr. Johnson stated that he overestimated revenues, so that will be brought down from $40,000 to $25,000. Mr. Johnson stated that he did overspend, but was not using the line items for expenses as much as he should have, tending to use Fund 19 for most. Councilor Berthiaume asked if the football program is the Gladiators, and Mr. Johnson advised that it is. It will still be the same program, they are just hoping to expand. Councilor Theberge asked if parents help contribute to the cost of programs, and Mr. Johnson advised that there are user fees, which are between $25-$40, which puts money back into the programs. Mr. Johnson noted that those than cannot afford to pay are not turned away. Councilor Morency asked about the scholarships and Mr. Johnson stated that the family fills out paperwork to apply. Councilor Morency asked if they will be holding the summer program again, and Mr. Johnson advised they will, with more structure for safety reasons. Councilor Korzen asked if there was a way to track cash payments for programs, and City Manager Warren advised that all of the money collected is entered in as cash receipts. Councilor Korzen also asked about background checks for volunteers, and City Manager Warren agreed that this is something they need to be better about doing, however there is a cost involved. Councilor Grenier noted that any volunteers at the arena must do a background check and training. Councilor Grenier also asked about weightlifting, and Mr. Johnson advised it is available during business hours. Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to provide a keyless entry to use the equipment after business hours at some point. Councilor Morency asked about volunteer training being offered by the City, and City Manager Warren advised that he believes funds are better used toward service delivery. Mr. Warren stated that if volunteers can receive training through outside groups, we could do the background checks. Councilor Grenier thanked Mr. Johnson for all of the activities being offered, noting that it makes a big difference for youth. Public Works City Manager Warren presented the Public Works budget, noting that salaries have not yet been adjusted, as the contract still needs to be completed. Mr. Warren noted that the budget appears to be less than last year, but this is due to the $650,000 for roads being moved from the budget to the Capital Improvement Program. Increases to the budget are all for employee benefit lines, including life insurance, health insurance, workers compensation, dental insurance, retirement, social security, and Medicare. It was noted that this is a tight budget, and that programs have not been reduced. Councilor Korzen asked about the road management plan, and City Manager advised they are on year two, however North Country Council has been asked to provide an updated plan based on $650,000 per year, to allow them to do a little more each year. Councilor Berthiaume asked about the cost of salt, as the winter seemed to be mild. City Manager Warren noted that it was less snowy, however there was a lot of ice, and the cost of salt did increase. When asked if sand and salt was still available for purchase at the Public Works garage, Mr. Warren noted that they used to sell salt, but no longer do. Sand is still available. The Council discussed the barrels available throughout town, and City Manager Warren noted that other communities do not provide these, as the majority ends up in private driveways. Councilor Berthiaume noted that they are needed in some sections of the City, as it may take hours for the hills to be plowed. Councilor Grenier noted that this is the last year for the bond payment of the Route 110 project. Councilor Morency stated that there was not ice build-up on the roads like there was in years past, due to the use of salt. City Manager Warren noted that the last grader, which is not being used, will be sold as surplus. Solid Waste City Manager Warren noted that the increase to the Solid Waste budget is in the employee line items, and advised that they are now fully staffed. Mr. Warren noted that some of the positions will be re-allocated in the budget, as some do not belong here. Councilor Korzen asked if all of the public works employees were in the same union, and City Manager Warren advised that they are. The union includes public works, solid waste, parks, and sewer employees. Street Lighting City Manager Warren noted that this is a static budget, and covers street and traffic lights. Mayor Grenier noted that they are fortunate that most of the lights were converted to LED, as they used to spend more. Parks City Manager Warren advised that the Parks budget is consistent with prior years. Councilor Grenier asked how many full-time employees there are, and was advised there are three. Councilor Morency thanked City Manager Warren for holding the line on the budget, which is much appreciated. Sewer City Manager Warren advised that Fund 60 is sewer and pollution control, which is funded through sewer user fees. The increases to this budget are for utility costs, employees benefits, and just the cost of doing business. They are keeping up with Capital Improvements inside and outside of the plant. Councilor Grenier asked if enough was budgeted for chemical costs, and City Manager Warren advised that Superintendent Jon Goodreau was comfortable with the amounts. Mayor Cone asked if they were on track for the Kent Street repair this spring, and City Manager Warren advised they are. Councilor Morency asked about the water at the manhole on Riverside Drive, and was advised it is a drainage issue. Other Councilor Grenier reminded the Council and the public of the presentation on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 pm for the soil monofill project at Dummer Yard. Councilor Grenier recommended that everyone attend to get the facts and figures. DES will be there to explain the current conditions, and this may be an opportunity to remediate a bad situation. Motion to adjourn by Councilor Berthiaume and seconded by Councilor Grenier. So moved, the motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Shelli Fortin Note: Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the Council by motion.