City Council

City Council Work Session August 18, 2025 Present were: Mayor Cone, Councilors Higbee, Korzen, Grenier, Valerino, Theberge, Berthiaume and Morency. Councilor Qualls was absent. Others present: City Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr., Dir. Of Strat. Initiatives and Asst. City Mgr. Pamela Laflamme, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Chief of Police Jeff Lemoine, Deputy Chief of Police Nathan Roy, Larry Laflamme, Martha Laflamme, Ally Lefebvre, Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun and Members of the Public. Mayor Cone opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Presentation of Plaque to L. Laflamme Mayor Cone read the following dedication to Larry Laflamme. “Tonight, we recognize Larry Laflamme. Larry has spent a large part of his life serving the citizens of Berlin. He has worn many hats over the years — as a city employee working as a firefighter, most recently as a member of our Planning Board, a State Representative, one of the Supervisors of the Checklist. Larry has been a solid volunteer on boards and committees. He has taken on each role with dedication and integrity. Larry has been the kind of volunteer every community hopes to have – he is always ready to lend a hand. Larry’s impact on Berlin has been a real asset to our community and the citizens of Berlin. He and his wife Martha have both given their time and talents to the community for many years. While he is relocating and we are sorry to see him go, we are grateful for everything he has given to this community. Larry, you’ve set an example of what it means to truly be part of a community through your service and commitment, As Mayor, I want to thank you on behalf of the city. We wish you and Martha all the best in this next chapter of your life — you’ve earned it. No matter where you both go, you will always be part of Berlin and its history. Thank you.” Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Laflamme for his dedication and presented him with a plaque. At 6:33 p.m., Councilor Berthiaume moved with a second from Councilor Valerino to enter into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II; (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person. The motion carried unanimously by roll call. Personnel matters were discussed. No votes were taken. At 6:42 p.m., Councilor Korzen moved with a second from Councilor Valerino to come out of non-public session, take a brief recess and return to the City Council work session. The motion carried unanimously by roll call. Councilor Grenier moved to add item 2a. to the regular meeting under new business for Ratification of Cost Items with AFSCME Local 3657. Councilor Higbee seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. Tax Deferral Mr. Warren presented a tax deferral for Shirley Love, 691 Fourth Avenue (Map 110 Lot 51). He advised that Monica Hurley, Assessing Agent, recommends approving the tax deferral. Councilor Morency moved to approve the tax deferral as presented. Councilor Higbee seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. Consider Tax Deed Waivers Mr. Warren presented and discussed the tax deed list to consider for waivers. He recommends to waive the deeds for items 2349, 2350, 2351, 2860, 3701, 3708 and 3711 as waived in past years due to contamination issues on the properties. Councilor Berthiaume moved to waive the tax deeds for items 2349, 2350, 2351, 2860, 3701, 3708 and 3711. Councilor Morency seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. Other Mayor Cone read a correspondence received from Ally Lefebvre, on behalf of Berlin K-Kids for a donation for their ongoing “Paws for a Cause” food and resource drive, benefiting the Conway Area Humane Society. Mr. Warren advised no funds have been spent from the Council contingency account so that is available. Councilor Valerino moved to donate $500 from the Council contingency fund. Councilor Theberge seconded, and the motion carried with majority in favor. Councilor Berthiaume abstained. Mr. Warren advised the Council that the livestreaming of meetings will be live at one of the meetings in September. Councilor Grenier mentioned a correspondence received at the City Clerk’s office this afternoon from Mr. & Mrs. Tardiff of Jericho Road and would like this to be entered into record. He suggested sending them a response letter. Mr. Warren commented the correspondence is already entered into the record and he anticipates having a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Tardiff. At 7:07 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, August 18, 2025 Public Hearing Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-18 Budget Transfers at 7:15 pm. There were no public comments, Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 pm. Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:16 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Mayor Cone, Councilors Higbee, Berthiaume, Morency, Valerino, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Councilor Qualls Also present: City Manager Phillip Warren, Jr., Finance Director Holly Larsen, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Police Chief Jeffrey Lemoine, Deputy Chief Nathan Roy, Christian Judson, other members of the public, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to accept the minutes of the August 4, 2025, Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft # 1991 with a start date of 08/05/2025 and an end date of 08/18/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,709,504.11. 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 Christian Judson, of 473 Forbush Avenue, spoke concerning the accident with the 18-wheeler this morning on Hutchins Street. Mr. Judson suggested that a “sharp turn ahead” sign be added, as it is a dangerous turn and the truck could have killed someone. Mr. Judson also suggested that the Police Department monitor that area for speed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council Committee Reports. 2. Resolution 2025-18 Budget Transfers (tabled 08/04/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION authorizing budget transfers Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS the below listed transfers are requested by the City Manager to assist in Police Department funding for the current, Fiscal Year 2026 budget. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the following amounts be transferred to the Police budget and allocated by the Police Commission: 1 Account Amount 01-436-436150-4100 $ 47,000 01-430-430453-5000 $ 65,000 01-430-430506-6000 $ 5,000 01-480-480965-0002 $ 28,000 01-410-410822-0000 $ 50,000 01-404-404521-0000 $ 2,500 01-425-425819-0000 $ 2,500 total $ 200,000 This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to remove Resolution 2025-18 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-18 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-18 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier noted that this Resolution will need a 2/3 majority to pass. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to pass Resolution 2025-18. So moved, the motion carried by roll call vote with all in favor. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ordinance 2025-01 Trailer Ordinance (1st read) Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to table the Ordinance and schedule a public hearing for September 2, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2. Resolution 2025-19 Carryover Capital Appropriations (1st read) Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for September 2, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2a. Ratification of Cost Items with AFSCME Local 3657 Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to approve the cost items for FY2026-FY2028 for the agreement with AFSCME 3657. Councilor Grenier read the cost items for the agreement into the record: FY2026 $117,500 FY2027 $136,500 FY2028 $158,000 So moved, the motion carried. 3. City Manager’s Report 1. Attached is the July 2025 Real Estate Transfer Report. 2  2. Solid waste problems persist. Chief Lemoine has assisted us in enforcement the past 2 weeks and the Avenues continue to be a problem. Enforcement efforts will continue. 3. We have had a few code enforcement issues that will require court action, one involves a home occupation, and another involves a health matter. In both cases the landowner in question has not taken the corrective action necessary. 4. Work continues on the Kent Street project, drainage improvements are wrapping up, next will be to remove pavement and prepare for paving. 5. This office is reviewing any and all agreements for use of City facilities and or property that the City has with others – many are informal and should be formalized. In addition, it has been discovered that in some instances the City does not have an insurance certificate from the user – a step that our insurer stresses. City Manager Warren also noted that in reference to the ordinance change that was read tonight, dumpsters are not motor vehicles and should not be left in the roadway. If a dumpster is needed, it should be put in the driveway and the vehicles parked on the street. Councilor Theberge asked for an update on the grant for the downtown project. City Manager Warren advised that an engineering firm is currently working on determining existing conditions. Councilor Morency moved, with a second by Councilor Berthiaume, to accept the City Manager’s report as presented and place it on file. So moved the motion carried. 4. Mayor’s Report There was no Mayor’s report. 5. Public Comments Janet Tremblay, of 15 Countryside Avenue, asked about the lift for handicap access to Council meetings. City Manager Warren advised that the new lift has been designed, however it cannot be installed without architectural changes to the stairways. HEB Engineers is looking at the building, and we are waiting for their report. 6. Council Comments Councilor Valerino noted that one of his employees recently had to contact 911 for a medical emergency for a spouse, and noted that the responders worked like a “well-oiled machine”. Councilor Valerino stated that she was very thankful. Councilor Valerino stated that he believes it was the right choice for the Fire Department to take over EMS services. Councilor Morency stated that it was nice to see the military do a presentation at the airport for the community. 7. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Berthiaume, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 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. 3