City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, September 15, 2025 Public Hearing Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-20 Reallocations of School Funds at 6:31 pm. There were no public comments. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 6:31 pm. Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-21 Stop Intersection at Madigan Street at 6:32 pm. There were no public comments. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 pm. Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 6:32 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Mayor Cone, Councilors Qualls, Higbee, Berthiaume, Morency, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Councilor Valerino Also present: City Manager Phillip Warren, Jr., Director of Strategic Initiatives Pamela Laflamme, Finance Director Holly Larsen, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Police Chief Jeffrey Lemoine, SAU 3 Business Administrator Evan Arsenault, District Education Services Administrator Tammy Fauteux, James Cowan, Jr, Matthew Chernicki, Christian Judson, other members of the public, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Grenier, to accept the minutes of the September 2, 2025, Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft # 1993 with a start date of 09/03/2025 and an end date of 09/15/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,396,181.06. 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 There were no public comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council Committee Reports. 2. Resolution 2025-20 Reallocation of School Funds (tabled 9/2/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION authorizing the reallocation of capital improvement and segregated funds for the Berlin Public Schools Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS, the Berlin Public Schools has unspent funds for the purposes of BMHS Restroom renovation, school roof replacement, and school bus replacement WHEREAS, the Public School requires a Fire Alarm System upgrade to meet state code 1 WHEREAS, there are Capital Funds available within the Berlin Public Schools Capital Improvement and Segregated Fund budgets; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 21a. of Subpart A. of the City Charter, the Berlin City Council authorizes the re-appropriation of capital expenditures listed herein. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH that $1,800 from account 01- 461-461400-0004 CI – School Bus Replacement; $12,238 from 01-495-495462-0003 School Roof Replacement; and $17,753 from 01-495-495462-0040 SF-BMHS RESTROOM RENOVATION be reallocated to the following account: $31,791 to account 01-495-495462-0028 for the replacement of the fire alarm system at the Berlin Middle High School. Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to do all things necessary to execute the purchase described above. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Morency, to remove Resolution 2025-20 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Morency, to read Resolution 2025-20 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Morency, to read Resolution 2025-20 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Morency, to pass Resolution 2025-20. So moved, the motion carried by roll call vote with all in favor. 3. Resolution 2025-21 Stop Intersection at Madigan (tabled 9/2/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION amending the City of Berlin’s Ordinances, specifically Section 15-33 Stop Intersections, to include stop intersections at Madigan Street where it intersects with Third Avenue Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: Whereas, the Traffic and Safety Committee received a request to add the aforementioned stop intersection, and the committee endorsed such a change Whereas, pursuant to the City of Berlin’s Code of Ordinances Sec. 15-33 Stop Intersections are amended by resolution. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That City Council of the City of Berlin hereby amends the City of Berlin’s Ordinances, specifically Section 15- 33 to include stop intersections at Madigan Street where it intersects with Third Avenue. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon passage. Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second from Councilor Higbee, to remove Resolution 2025-21 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second from Councilor Higbee, to read Resolution 2025-21 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. 2 Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second from Councilor Higbee, to read Resolution 2025-21 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second from Councilor Higbee, to pass Resolution 2025-21. Councilor Morency noted that all cross streets on this street have a stop sign except this one. Councilor Morency noted that there are two businesses at this intersection, and if any intersection needs a stop sign, it is this one. So moved, the motion carried. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution 2025-22 NH Dept. of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA PD (1st read) Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for October 6, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2. Resolution 2025-23 Competitive Homeland Security PD (1st read) Councilor Berthiaume moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for October 6, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 3. City Manager’s Report 1. Attached is the Fire Department August 2025 calls for service report. 2. Attached is the August 2025 Real Estate Transfer Report. 3. The trailer on Pleasant Street will be removed by All Ways Wrecking on Thursday of this week. 4. We have received 2 requests to repurchase tax deeded properties on this year’s list. Will advise as to the final status. Councilor Higbee noted that the sales prices of many homes are almost twice the assessed value, and asked about the status of the revaluation, as this will affect our equalization ratio. City Manager Warren advised that they were unable to get the revaluation done this year, but do plan to do it next year. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to accept the City Manager’s report as presented and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried. 4. Mayor’s Report a. Letter from David and Cindy Morin re: Whittemore Avenue To: The Committee on Transportation Subject: Road Surface Improvement to the end of Whittemore Ave. This letter is a formal request for significant improvements to the end of Whittemore Ave. (approximately 100’) which is city street. In the past several years there has been infrastructure deterioration due to the materials used to surface and maintain this travel-way. Key Issues: Materials used in the past have allowed runoff to causing impassable ruts and deep mud. Multiple attempts at surface repair have now elevated the roadway way above the original design heights, creating significant challenges during major weather events particularly during heavy rainstorms. The most recent effort, using grind, has generated neighborhood wide complaints, as the loose grind has ended up being plowed back through the street and was being tacked into residences. Public Works adjusted for this by raising plow blades and leaving considerable snow and slush behind in front of my house. I would be grateful if the committee would conduct a site assessment and consider allocating resources that are a permanent and practical fix. I will be happy to meet with the committee and provide further details on 3 site or at a work session. Sincerely, David and Cindy Morin City Manager Warren recommended that the letter be forwarded to the Traffic Safety Committee, however he stated that he may have a solution before the next meeting. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to forward the communication from David and Cindy Morin concerning Whittemore Avenue to the Traffic Safety Committee and to allow the City Manager to address the issue as he sees fit. Councilor Grenier advised that he did go look at the area on Whittemore Street, and agrees that it needs to be addressed. City Manager Warren advised that he plans to pave the area just past the Morin’s house, however the issue will be finding a contractor willing to pave such a small piece. So moved, the motion carried. b. Letter of Interest from D. Berthiaume – Police Commission The Honorable Robert Cone Mayor, City of Berlin 168 Main Street Berlin, NH 03570 Subject: Letter of Interest for Police Commissioner, City of Berlin Dear Mayor Cone, I am writing to express my interest in being considered for a position on the Berlin Police Commission. With my background as a Berlin City Councilor and my academic Degrees in criminal justice, I believe I have the qualifications and perspective to serve our community effectively in this role. During my time on the City Council, I gained a comprehensive understanding of city government, budget processes, and the specific challenges and opportunities facing our community. I learned how to work collaboratively with various city departments, including the police department, to find common-sense solutions that serve the public interest. My experience in public service has given me a deep appreciation for the vital work of our law enforcement officers and the importance of a strong, well-supported police force. I would be dedicated to ensuring the Berlin Police Department continues to operate with the highest level of integrity and professionalism while strengthening its relationship with the residents it serves. If appointed I would resign my City Council seat, as serving in the role of police commissioner would be a conflict. And serving as a commissioner has been a strong interest of mine. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Sincerely, Diana Berthiaume Mayor Cone advised that Councilor Berthiaume has his full support, and he could not think of a better person to appoint to the Police Commission. Councilor Grenier noted that per the City Charter, the Mayor can appoint with the support of the Council, however Councilor Berthiaume would have to resign before being appointed. Councilor Grenier noted that they could advertise for candidates to fill Councilor Berthiaume’s unexpired term until January of 2026, with interviews to be held at the October 6, 2025, Council meeting. City Manager Warren read Councilor Berthiaume’s letter of resignation: 4 Dear Mayor Cone and Members of the City Council, Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the Berlin City Council, effective immediately. This was an extremely difficult decision, but it is necessary due to my recent appointment to the Berlin Police Commission. I am honored to have been chosen for this new role and look forward to contributing to our community in this capacity. I want to thank you, and the citizens of Berlin for the opportunity to have served in my role as City Councilor for over 20 years. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I will always be grateful for the experience. I wish the Council and the City of Berlin all the best in the future. Sincerely, Diana Berthiaume Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Morency, to accept the resignation of Diana Berthiaume as a City Councilor effective immediately. So moved, the motion carried by roll call vote with all in favor. Councilor Morency moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to approve the Mayor’s nomination of Diana Berthiaume to the Police Commission with a term to expire August 1, 2028. Councilor Grenier noted that this is a difficult job and that he is thrilled Diana Berthiaume has been nominated to serve on the Police Commission, as she has been interested in this position for the last 4-5 years. Councilor Morency noted that with Commissioner Tremblay ending his service with the Police Commission, the timing is right. Councilor Morency noted that he fully supports the appointment of Diana Berthiaume to the Police Commission and believes she will do an excellent job. So moved, the motion carried. c. Letter from James Cowan, Jr. re: Recovery Walk City Clerk / City Council City of Berlin Berlin, New Hampshire Subject: Request for Parade Permit – Recovery Walk, October 19, 2025 Dear City Clerk and Members of the Council, My name is James Cowan, Jr., and I am the founder of Where Purpose is Found, a nonprofit faith-based organization rooted in recovery that uses boxing to bring healing and community support. I am writing to respectfully request a parade permit for a Recovery Walk to be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are requesting permission to have Upper Pleasant Street to Lower Main Street in Coös County cleared and closed to traffic for the duration of the walk. The Berlin Fire Department has already expressed their support and is on board with this event. The purpose of the Recovery Walk is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and bring our community together in hope and solidarity. There will be music, food, a recovery walk, and testimonies. We expect a respectful and peaceful gathering of individuals and families who have been impacted by addiction and who believe in the power of recovery. 5 Thank you in advance for your consideration and support. Please let me know if there are any forms or additional steps I need to complete to move this process forward. Sincerely, James Cowan, Jr. Founder, Where Purpose is Found Councilor Grenier shared concerns over the timing, as this is the same weekend as Riverfire. City Manager Warren advised that he has spoken with Chief Lemoine, and they both shared the same concern. Chief Lemoine advised that he met with Mr. Cowan today, and after discussion they agreed the location would be moved to the Riverwalk, between Twelfth Street and Bridge Street. They also discussed possibly using Heritage Park for the gathering after the walk. James Cowan, Jr. addressed the Council, noting that it is good to be in Berlin and see faces he knows. Mr. Cowan advised that he recently started a non-profit in Minnesota which has been successful, and he is hoping to come to Berlin every few months to help with recovery efforts in the City. Mr. Cowan noted that he recently organized a walk in Minnesota, which was life-changing. Mr. Cowan spoke about the importance of recovery, and the community coming together in support. Mr. Cowan advised that he will be speaking to the students at Gorham High School about drug addiction on October 17, and he hopes to get involved with White Horse Recovery in Berlin. Mr. Cowan advised there will be no cost to the City for the event, he just wants those in recovery to know that people care. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Morency, to approve the request to hold a Recovery Walk on October 17, 2025 on the Riverwalk between Twelfth Street and Bridge Street. Councilor Morency thanked Mr. Cowan for helping with awareness. Mr. Cowan noted that he has been helping with feeding the hungry, volunteering in prisons, helping with recovery and getting people to treatment, and with families. So moved, the motion carried. 5. Public Comments Matthew Chernicki, of 240 Burgess Street, thanked Diana Berthiaume for her service to the City, and wished her well in her new venture. Mr. Chernicki also stated that Mr. Cowan’s request for the Recovery Walk is exactly why he loves this community, and was impressed that he was willing to travel that far to make it happen. Diana Berthiaume thanked the Council, advised that resigning from the Council was difficult, but she is excited to serve on the Police Commission. Ms. Berthiaume stated she would miss everyone. 6. Council Comments Councilor Grenier asked Chief Lemoine if the two resolutions presented tonight are for the County or the Berlin Police Department. Chief Lemoine advised they are for the Berlin Police Department for equipment for the team. Chief Lemoine advised that the grant for the mobile command vehicle would allow the purchase of a Ford Transit van, in which they could set up access to records management and for monitors for use with drones, along with storage of crime scene equipment. Councilor Grenier noted the importance of emergency response county-wide. Chief Lemoine advised that the nearest armored rescue vehicle is in Laconia. Councilor Grenier noted that anything we can do to enhance response capability is something the Council should support. Councilor Grenier thanked Chief Lemoine and City Manager Warren for their work on having the trailer on Pleasant Street removed. Councilor Grenier noted that he hoped the owner would be prosecuted for abandoning the vehicle, and would have to pay for the clean up. Chief Lemoine advised this is the goal. 6 Councilor Grenier advised that this weekend is BHS homecoming, with the parade on Friday. Councilor Grenier encouraged the public to support the activities and the high school athletes. Councilor Theberge noted that the County Commissioners met last week and discussed the county’s reliance on law enforcement personnel from Berlin, which is the only city in the County. Councilor Theberge noted that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Councilor Morency thanked Police Commissioner Tremblay for his 10 years of service on the Berlin Police Commission. Councilor Korzen advised that he has spoken with Chief Lemoine and Chief Watkins and would like to see the Police Department get the grant for the mobile command vehicle. Councilor Korzen noted that people often think active shooters when they think about emergency response, however there are other emergencies that can occur as well. They need to be prepared and work together as a group. 7. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Qualls, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 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