City Council

City Council Work Session June 16, 2025 Present were: Mayor Cone, Councilors Higbee, Theberge, Korzen, Grenier, Qualls, Valerino and Morency. Councilor Berthiaume was absent. Others present: City Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr., Dir. Of Strat. Initiatives and Asst. City Mgr. Pamela Laflamme, Finance Director Holly Larsen, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Chief of Police Jeff Lemoine, SAU3 Superintendent Julie King, Wastewater Superintendent Jon Goodreau, Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun and Members of the Public. Mayor Cone opened the meeting at 6:33p.m. FY2026 Budget Mr. Warren distributed a memo including a recap of the June 2nd FY2026 budget discussion. The memo included the updates made to the proposed budget and the budget amendment needed during the regular Council meeting. These actions result in an increase to the tax rate of $0.57, a total General Fund amount of $44,465,564 and a total Sewer Fund appropriation of $3,788,156. Ms. King discussed misconceptions in regards to class sizes and school budget. She advised that the bulk of the classes have 20-24 students. Classes for cognitively impaired students and advanced placement students are smaller. There is no room to reduce staffing in the high school as each subject area the teacher needs to be certified specifically in the subject they are teaching. As far as the middle school, if we take a teacher out, we would need to take out the whole team of teachers as each grade level has four subject area teachers. There are smaller class sizes at the elementary school for grades 4 and 5, but there are larger class sizes upcoming which makes it difficult. She also discussed the fire alarm system which needs to be repaired immediately to meet code. The schools are returning $400,000 and anything above that will go towards the fire alarm system. That work will start this week. Assessing Items: Tax Deferral Mr. Warren presented a tax deferral for Shelly Beaudette, 117 Emery Street (Map 119 Lot 154). He advised that Monica Hurley, Assessing Agent, recommends approving the tax deferral. Councilor Grenier moved to approve the tax deferral as presented. Councilor Morency seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Abatement Recommendations Mr. Warren discussed the following abatement recommendations received from Ms. Monica Hurley, Assessing Agent; 5 St. Laurent Lane (Map 407 Lot 2), Ms. Hurley recommends approving the abatement application for the 2024 tax year and reduce the assessment from $752,400 to $448,300. Councilor Valerino moved to approve the property abatement as presented. Councilor Higbee seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 32 Hermanson Street (Map 137 Lot 20), Ms. Hurley recommends approving the abatement application for the 2024 tax year and reduce the assessment from $436,800 to $393,600. Councilor Higbee moved to approve the property abatement as presented. Councilor Korzen seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 690 Lancaster Street (Map 129 Lot 96), Ms. Hurley recommends approving the abatement application for the 2024 tax year and reduce the assessment from $148,800 to $126,100. Councilor Korzen moved to approve the property abatement as presented. Councilor Morency seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 96 Bemis Street (Map 135 Lot 73), Ms. Hurley recommends denying the abatement application for the 2024 tax year. Councilor Higbee moved to deny the property abatement as presented. Councilor Valerino seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 27 Glen Avenue (Map 118 Lot 110), Ms. Hurley recommends denying the abatement application for the 2024 tax year. Councilor Valerino moved to deny the property abatement as presented. Councilor Qualls seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Land Use Change Tax Mr. Warren presented a land use change tax for Bruce Luksza (Map 402 Lot 27) for land use change tax in the amount of $150. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second by Councilor Morency to accept the land use change tax as presented. So moved, the motion carried with all in favor. Sewer Abatements Mr. Warren presented the sewer abatements received. 1. Regina Lapointe, 60 Merrimack Street for a toilet tank leak. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as the water went through the sewer system. Councilor Grenier moved to abate $500 of the outstanding 2025 sewer bill as a hardship abatement. Councilor Korzen seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 2. Raymond and Elaine Gamache, 691 Second Avenue for a toilet leak. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as the water went through the sewer system. Council Qualls moved to deny the abatement request. Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 3. Errol Decker, 9 Rocky Lane for a leak in his system. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as the water went through the sewer system. Council Grenier moved to deny the abatement request. Councilor Valerino seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 4. Hill of Grace Realty Trust, 38 Glen Avenue for a broken water meter which resulted in a significant amount of water lost that didn’t go through the sewer. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as this was due to a plumbing failure. Councilor Grenier moved to abate the difference between last year’s and this year’s current usage. Councilor Korzen seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 5. Richard Lacasse, 421 Champlain Street for a hot water tank pipe burst which resulted in water running in the basement and not through the sewer system. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as this was due to a plumbing failure. Councilor Grenier moved to abate using year 2024’s volume amount at the current rate. Councilor Qualls seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 6. Green Mountains LLC c\o Angelina Gallina, 682 Cheshire Street for a frozen pipe that burst in the winter. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as this was due to a plumbing failure. Councilor Grenier moved to deny the abatement request. Councilor Valerino seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 7. Alan Stock, 10 Tenth Street for a toilet leak. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as the water went through the sewer system. Council Grenier moved to deny the abatement request. Councilor Korzen seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. 8. Ketankumar Patel, 81 Wight Street for a pipe leak. Mr. Warren recommends denying the abatement request as this was due to a plumbing failure. Councilor Morency moved to deny the abatement request. Councilor Valerino seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Mr. Warren discussed the letter received that will be read during the Mayor’s report of the regular meeting. This is a request for a sewer charge adjustment for filling a pool. He advised this is clearly an instance where the water doesn’t hit the sewer. It could easily be calculated by what the pool holds, take that from gallons to cubic ft. and then issue an abatement. There are not a lot of requests for this, but could be something to consider. He commented the best way to do this would be to let individuals purchase the water directly from Berlin Water Works, have it trucked directly to their homes. This way it would never hit the sewer system. Dog Civil Forfeitures City Clerk Shelli Fortin advised Council that as of today, there are 405 dogs that have not been licensed. She is requesting the Council to allow a third notice to owners and if not registered by July 15, to assign the $25 civil forfeiture fine. Councilor Valerino moved to authorize the City Clerk to issue dog owners another communication stating they have until July 15 to license their dogs or they will be subject to a civil forfeiture of $25 in addition to have to license their dog; Councilor Korzen seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Wastewater Superintendent re: Dummer Yard Wastewater Superintendent Jon Goodreau was invited by Council to answer questions in regards to the City’s treatment of leachate from Dummer Yard. Councilor Grenier asked how many gallons of leachate does the City treat specifically from that area per year. Mr. Goodreau advised he doesn’t know the exact number. It is generally around 3.5 gallons per minute but during a storm when no one is around, he often has to close off the leachate coming from Dummer Yard as it will overwhelm the pump station. When closed, the leachate goes to the leachate pond. He advised the agreement the City has with DES permits an average of 3 gallons per minute over a 6-month period. His best guess, with the information he has is we are treating the maximum amount permitted which equals about 4 million gallons per year. He discussed how AVRRDD landfill has different treatment/testing requirements than Dummer Yard. He advised that a lot of the questions asked would need an engineering study done to get accurate answers. Councilor Grenier commented that with his role on the Planning Board he can’t and doesn’t have a public opinion one way or another about the proposal that’s being floated in Concord. The public needs to know what is going on over there and absent of remediation will get worse. It could eventually negatively affect the Napert Village area. The State will not remediate the issues as they do not have the funds to do so. Mayor Cone asked if there are any contaminants that are dangerous to the environment and public health that are coming through that leachate. Mr. Goodreau advised there are documented samples from DES that the PFAS levels are high coming out of there. He commented an agreement between the City and DES was signed in July 2007. At that time there was a pool of money to do the maintenance. In 2019, DES contacted him advising there were no longer funds available and asked if the City wanted to take over Dummer Yard. The City did not want to take over as they didn’t want the liability. They also asked to renegotiate the 2007 agreement which the City had no interest to do so. Mayor Cone asked if Dummer Yard doesn’t get remediated, what kind of infrastructure improvements need to be made and what cost with that incur. Mr. Goodreau responded an engineering study would need to be done in order to determine this. At 8:04 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. CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, June 16, 2025 Public Hearing Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing at 8:12 pm for Resolution 2025-15 Adopting FY2026 Budget. Christian Judson of 473 Forbush Avenue commended the Council on working together on the budget. Mr. Judson noted that many departments sacrificed to keep the tax increase to $0.57, as there was not much to work with. Richard King of 107 Jericho Road noted that the Council did cut some of the budget, but stated that he feels the school budget is still too high, especially with a graduating class of less than 100 students. Mr. King suggested the school just stick with the basics when the students are young, and noted that more people should be encouraged to pursue the trades. Mr. King also shared concerns over the City taking over Route 110, noting that there is no need to stretch services more than they are currently. Mr. King noted that the culverts that have been replaced on Route 110 are not solid. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 8:16 pm. Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 8:16 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, Finance Director Holly Larsen, Library Director Ann Brungot, Superintendent Julie King, Police Chief Jeffrey Lemoine, Roland Sanschagrin, Lisa Arguin, William White, Richard King, Andre Bergeron, Ben Johnson, Scott Tranchemontagne, Christian Judson, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to accept the minutes of the June 2, 2025 Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft # 1987 with a start date of 06/03/2025 and an end date of 06/16/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,143,677.39. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Qualls, 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 Christian Judson of 473 Forbush Avenue, recognized the Berlin Police Department and Berlin Fire Department for their response to two major events in the last week, the motor vehicle accident in Success and the burn victims. Mr. Judson thanked the first responders and asked for prayers for the families involved. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports Councilor Korzen noted that AVRRDD held a successful Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day last Saturday, and thanked the volunteers who helped. Councilor Korzen noted that lithium ion batteries can no longer be disposed of in household trash, and advised that AVRRDD does have the equipment to take these. 2. Resolution 2025-15 Adopting FY2026 Budget (tabled 6/2/2025) 1 A RESOLUTION adopting a budget in the amount of Fifty-Seven Million, Fifty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred Eighty-Seven dollars ($57,051,987) and appropriating such to defray the expenses of Berlin’s City Government for the fiscal year 2026. Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: That the following budget be adopted and accordingly, the sum of Fifty-Seven Million, Fifty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred Eighty-Seven dollars ($57,051,987) be appropriated to defray the expenses of Berlin’s City Government for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, less expected revenues, with the balance to be raised by taxation on real estate of the municipality. Account FY 25 BUDGET FY26 COUNCIL Number Description AS AMENDED BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING 01-401 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL Total $ 525,628 $ 539,751 01-402 ADMINISTRATION Total $ 862,299 $ 883,064 01-403 ELECTIONS Total $ 115,680 $ 107,131 01-404 CITY HALL AND OTHER BUILDINGS Total $ 85,716 $ 86,165 01-405 SPECIAL FUNDS Total $ - $ - 01-406 PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INS Total $ 218,095 $ 237,722 01-408 CENTRAL SERVICES Total $ 36,000 $ 37,000 01-409 DISCOUNTS/ ABATEMENTS/DEEDED P Total $ 125,000 $ 125,000 01-410 PERSONNEL BENEFITS Total $ 503,409 $ 597,778 01-411 CONTINGENCY Total $ 10,000 $ 10,000 01-412 OUTSIDE AGENCIES Total $ 112,810 $ 113,718 01-413 CEMETERY Total $ 27,650 $ 27,760 01-416 IT DEPARTMENT Total $ 248,020 $ 253,520 TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 2,870,307 $ 3,018,609 01-420 POLICE DEPARTMENT Total $ 4,272,106 $ 4,284,990 01-421 FIRE DEPARTMENT Total $ 3,043,662 $ 3,449,689 01-422 STREET LIGHTING Total $ 89,500 $ 72,500 01-423 AMBULANCE SERVICE Total $ 407,714 $ - 01-424 SPECIAL PUBLIC SAFETY Total $ 214,680 $ 230,620 TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY $ 8,027,662 $ 8,037,799 01-425 HOUSING DIVISION Total $ 89,656 $ 70,441 TOTAL HOUSING DIVISION $ 89,656 $ 70,441 01-426 CODE ENFORCEMENT Total $ 146,528 $ 148,226 TOTAL CODE DIVISION $ 146,528 $ 148,226 2  01-430 PUBLIC WORKS Total $ 2,708,881 $ 2,146,291 01-436 SOLID /PW Total $ 866,855 $ 1,361,670 TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS $ 3,575,736 $ 3,507,961 01-441 WELFARE Total $ 127,012 $ 99,896 01-449 PARKS Total $ 308,113 $ 310,741 01-450 RECREATION DEPARTMENT Total $ 235,994 $ 261,422 01-451 LIBRARY Total $ 262,579 $ 269,964 TOTAL COMMUNITY SERVICES $ 933,698 $ 942,023 01-470 DEBT SERVICE Total $ 871,581 $ 880,570 01-480 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Total $ 1,427,885 $ 670,453 TOTAL CITY DEBT AND CIP $ 2,299,466 $ 1,551,023 01-460 SCHOOL OPERATING BUDGET Total $ 23,136,341 $ 24,610,113 01-461 SCHOOL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Total $ 340,000 $ - TOTAL SCHOOL GENERAL FUND $ 23,476,341 $ 24,610,113 01-407 COUNTY TAX Total $ 2,300,000 $ 2,500,000 01-414 TRANSFER OUT Total $ 84,520 $ 79,369 TOTAL CITY GENERAL FUND $ 43,803,914 $ 44,465,564 OTHER CITY FUNDS FUND 10 SCHOOL EDUCATION GRANTS Total $ 5,908,921 $ 5,953,921 11-464 SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES Total $ 780,342 $ 920,629 19-438 RECREATION ACTIVITY FUND Total $ 40,000 $ 20,000 21-402 BERLIN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Total $ 332,850 $ 331,584 FUND 30 GRANT FUND Total $ 4,044,179 $ 1,143,472 60-432 SEWER FUND TOTAL w/ Capital and Debt Service $ 4,100,522 $ 3,788,156 63-437 CATES HILL LANDFILL Total $ 7,200 $ 7,200 65-490 BERLIN AIRPORT Total w/ Capital $ 620,120 $ 421,461 TOTAL OTHER CITY FUNDS $ 15,834,134 $ 12,586,423 TOTAL CITY BUDGETS - ALL FUNDS $ 59,638,048 $ 57,051,987 This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to remove this item from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Qualls, to amend Resolution 2025-15 by reducing the amounts to be expended on health insurance by $132,249 for the General Fund and reducing the Sewer fund Health Insurance amounts by $71,869. In addition, increasing the Transfer to Berlin Airport line, account 01- 414-414903-0002 to $74,411 and reflecting such change in the revenue for account 65-000-335990-3001. These changes will result in a total General Fund amount of $44,465,564 and a total Sewer Fund appropriation of $3,788,156. City Manager Warren advised that the total budget as amended will be $57,051,987. So moved, the motion carried. 3 Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to read Resolution 2025-15 as amended by short title for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-15 as amended by short title for a third time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, that Resolution 2025-15 as amended be passed. So moved, the motion passed by roll call vote. Qualls – yes, Higbee – yes, Morency – yes, Valerino – yes, Grenier – yes, Korzen – yes, Theberge – yes, Cone - yes NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution 2025-16 NHSL Summer Learning Grant (1st read) Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for July 7, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2. City Manager’s Report 1. Attached is the April 2025 Activity Report for the Police Department. 2. Attached is the May 2025 Real Estate Transfer Report. 3. Center and side line painting of city roads has been completed. Staff is now working on the other line painting, including parking spots. 4. Water Works is performing their work on Kent Street. We anticipate getting there after they complete their work, hopefully within the next month. 5. Pothole and road damage repair is ongoing. 6. The engineering firm for the Raise grant is working in the area performing test borings to establish subsurface conditions. City Manager Warren also advised that he has noticed several items placed in the public way, such as landscaping items, dumpsters, and storage trailers, that do not belong there. If a dumpster is needed, it should be placed in the driveway if available, and cars parked on the roadway. Mr. Warren advised he will be asking the Police Department to assist with this issue. Mayor Cone asked if the pickleball court on Glen Avenue has been completed, and City Manager Warren advised that they are sizing the nets, and it should be completed by the end of the month. Councilor Korzen asked about the dog complaints on the Police Department report, and is this is tied in with the unregistered dogs presented at the Work Session. Councilor Korzen noted that the Police Department should be checking to be sure dogs are vaccinated and registered when responding to animal complaints. Councilor Theberge asked about steel storage containers in residential zones. Director of Strategic Initiatives Pamela Laflamme advised that they are not permitted, however there is a lack of staff for enforcement. Councilor Theberge asked about the higher number of motor vehicle stops by the Police Department, and Chief Lemoine advised that they are now fully staffed, so more officers equates to more stops. Councilor Morency shared concerns over Ebikes and electric scooters, which have no regulation, and seem to be everywhere recently. Councilor Morency noted that he will bring this concern to the State legislature. City Manager Warren advised that any wheeled motor vehicles should not be on the sidewalks, with the exception of the Riverwalk which is a multi-use path. However, there are no motorized wheeled vehicles allowed on the Riverwalk. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to accept the City Manager’s report as presented and place it on file. So moved the motion carried. 3. Mayor’s Report 4  a. Letter from N. Seymour re: Crosswalk From: Contact form at City of Berlin NH <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 9:42 AM To: Shelli Fortin <safortin@berlinnh.gov> Subject: [City of Berlin NH] Crosswalk (Sent by Naomi Seymour , Lilnseymour@gmail.com) On May 23rd , there was an incident in front of my barbershop at 52 Mason Street where I was nearly run over walking to my car after work. This Driver intentionally sped up. Luckily, there was a Police officer behind this particular driver and the driver was dealt with. This is not the first time this has happened. I have asked for a crosswalk in the past from Oak Street to the entrance of the municipal parking lot, not on for the safety of myself but for my clients and Dr. Leonard Shaw's patients as well. Drivers seem to think that because there isn't a crosswalk, they do not need to yield to pedestrians. I've already emailed Mr. Phil Warren and he asked me to email you and then send him the corresponding email to him. Naomi Seymour OWNER/OPERATER Naomi's Hair Care City Manager Warren shared a map of the area with the Council, and pointed out that there is a signaled crossing 108 feet from the business. Mr. Warren suggested that the concern be referred to the Traffic Safety Committee, however he would not recommend adding another crosswalk. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to accept the communication from Ms. Seymour and refer the letter to the Traffic Safety Committee. So moved, the motion carried. b. Letter of Interest for Police Commission from L. Arguin Honorable Mayor Cone & Council Members: Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in serving the City as Police Commissioner. A life-long resident of Berlin, I graduated from Berlin High School in 1983 and obtained my A.A.S. in Secretarial Science from the NH Vocational Technical College (White Mountains Community College) in 1985. The curriculum was comprised of general business studies and included courses such as accounting, business law, communications, economics, and office management. I was also hired by the City in 1985 and remained in its employ for over 35 years. Initially serving as a clerk for the Berlin Health Department for nine years, I was hired by the Berlin Police Commission in 1994 to fulfill the position of Administrative Assistant to the Chief. I remained with the Department for over 26 years until my retirement in 2021. During my tenure with the Police Department, I became proficient in administrative tasks including monitoring expenditures, assisting with budget preparation, and aiding in the development of contracts. My position also provided the opportunity to see all components of the Department, working with other law enforcement personnel and support staff, also interacting with the Police Commission. I have great respect for the Department and law enforcement’s responsibility to the community. I believe my years of experience and familiarity with the Berlin Police Department’s operations would be beneficial to the Commission and city. It would be a privilege to serve in the capacity of Police Commissioner, and I hope to be given the opportunity to discuss this further. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Respectfully, Lisa Arguin Councilor Morency advised that he is thrilled that Ms. Arguin has submitted a letter of interest for the Police 5 Commission. Councilor Morency noted that he worked with her for 26 years, and she knows the inner working of the department, including labor laws, finances, and attended more than 300 Police Commission meetings during her time with the department. Councilor Morency noted that Ms. Arguin is a loyal and caring person and would be a great fit. Councilor Valerino concurred with Councilor Morency, noting that Ms. Arguin would be a phenomenal choice and is honored that she is interested in serving the City in this capacity. Councilor Higbee noted that in the past, there has been a competitive process to fill open positions, and he would like to see that happen again. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Korzen to accept the communication from Lisa Arguin and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried. c. Request for Sewer Charge Adjustment Dear Mr. Cone and City Council: We are long-time residents of Berlin and have maintained an above ground pool at our property for over 20 years. Unfortunately, due to severe winter weather this year, frost cause significant ground movement that led to the collapse of our pool. As a result, we’ve had to replace the pool entirely. The new pool will hold approximately 15,000 gallons of water. In the past, the city provided accommodations for homeowners by allowing them to fill their pools at a discounted water rate and exempting the initial fill from sewer charges, since the water does not enter the city’s sewer system. We were recently informed we will now be charged sewer fees for the water used to fill our new pool. We respectfully request the city consider an adjustment and allow us to fill our pool without a sewer charge. The water used in the initial fill is not discharged into the sewer system, it is retained in the pool, so we believe it should not be subject to sewer fees. Thank you for your time and consideration. We would greatly appreciate any assistance or guidance you can provide on this matter. Sincerely, Deb & Gene Foss 378 Portland St. Berlin, NH 03570 City Manager Warren advised that he does not have the Public Works staff available to visit homes to calculate the cubic volume of water to be subtracted from the sewer bill to fill pools. Mr. Warren suggested that pool owners could purchase the water from the water department and have it delivered by truck. Councilor Korzen asked what the sewer charge would be for a pool this size, and was advised it would be approximately $160. Councilor Korzen noted that this would probably be less expensive than hiring a truck. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to accept the communication from Deb and Gene Foss, and place it on file with no action to be taken. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Valerino moved, with a second by Councilor Grenier, to accept the Mayor’s report as presented and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried. 4. Public Comments There were no public comments. 5. Council Comments 6 Councilor Grenier noted that although they have used the process of interviews to fill open positions, per the City Charter the Mayor can nominate someone subject to Council approval. Mayor Cone advised that the current Police Commissioner, Marc Tremblay, advised that although he is not seeking re-appointment he was willing to continue to serve for a while during the transition to the new Police Chief. City Manager Warren noted that Commissioner Tremblay’s term expires in July. Councilor Grenier noted that he has never held over a board member in a position, and this should only be done when you cannot find someone else to take the position. Councilor Morency noted that an agreement has been reached with the Sacker family in the opioid litigation, and that there is a $30 million settlement, of which Berlin will see a couple hundred thousand. Councilor Theberge noted that he attended the June 7 Blackhawk demonstration at the airport and was impressed by how well it was set up and the answers to questions. 6. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Qualls, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 pm. So moved, the motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Shelli Fortin City Clerk Note: Minutes are unofficial until they have been accepted by the Council by motion. 7