City Council

City Council Work Session October 6, 2025 Present were: Mayor Cone, Councilors Korzen, Grenier, Valerino, Theberge and Morency. Councilors Higbee and Qualls were absent. Others present: City Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr., Dir. Of Strat. Initiatives and Asst. City Mgr. Pamela Laflamme, City Clerk Shelli Fortin, Finance Director Holly Larsen, Chief of Police Jeff Lemoine, Deputy Chief of Police Nathan Roy, Christian Judson, Richard Plourde, Vicky McMorrow, Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun and Members of the Public. Mayor Cone opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Notice to Municipalities – Dumpling House Mr. Warren advised Dumpling House LLC, Meng Feng Wang has made an application to the State of NH Liquor Commission for a Restaurant Beverage/Wine/Liquor liquor license. Councilor Grenier moved to endorse the State of NH Liquor Commission issuing a Restaurant Beverage/Wine/Liquor liquor license to Dumpling House LLC, Meng Feng Wang. Councilor Valerino seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. Request – Music on Main Street Mr. Warren commented he received a request from Cup & Cone for the use of Gill Park for Music on Main Street. He did not see an issue with the use of the park for that purpose. He received a concern letter from a resident of 83 Main Street which is attached. The concerns included excessive, injurious noise, improper venue, and property damage emanating from Music on Main at Gill Park. He advised the event is from 6pm-9pm. Police Chief Lemoine commented that from a law enforcement perspective in responding to such concerns, they would determine if the noise level and time of day were reasonable. Where the ordinance requires noise levels down from 10pm-6am, they probably wouldn’t find it unreasonable from 6pm-9pm. He commented no noise complaints were received at the Police Dept. from previous Fridays when the events were held. Councilor Morency moved to approve the Music on Main Street request. Councilor Valerino seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. OSG Grant Amendment Authorization Mr. Warren reminded Council this OSG Grant was awarded to the City back in October 2023. He is applying to submit an amendment request for an extension with NH DES and needs Council to authorize him to approve and authorize him to execute all documents necessary. Councilor Grenier moved to authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary for a grant extension from NH DES. Councilor Morency seconded, and the motion carried with all in favor. Sign Warrant for State Special General Election Set Polling Times/Locations City Clerk Shelli Fortin presented to Council the Warrant for the State Special General Election upcoming in November that needs to be signed by Council for her to post it. Mayor and Council signed the warrant. She also requested that the Council set by motion the polling hours of 8:00 am to 7:00 pm for the November 4, 2025 Municipal Election and State Special General Election and the polling locations as follows. PRECINCT 1 Recreation Center, First Avenue entrance PRECINCT 3 VFW Councilor Korzen moved, with a second by Councilor Theberge, to approve the polling hours and locations for the November 4, 2025 Municipal Election and State Special General Election. So moved, the motion carried with all in favor. 2025 MS-1 Mr. Warren advised this item will be presented at a future meeting as the documents didn’t go through necessary review. Interviews for Vacant Council Seat Mayor Cone thanked the applicants Christian Judson and Richard Plourde for their interest in Councilor Berthiaume’s unexpired term. Councilor Grenier suggested having the candidate not being interviewed step out of the room in order to make the interviews fair. Mayor Cone agreed and asked Mr. Plourde to step out while Mr. Judson is being interviewed. Christian Judson Mayor Cone invited Mr. Judson to introduce himself and discuss why he applied for the vacant Council position. Christian Judson of 473 Forbush Avenue commented he is a lifelong citizen of Berlin, attended Berlin Schools, he loves Berlin and would like to start seeing new businesses, homes, shopping and bring people to Berlin and build back up. He would like to bring developers to develop the area, bring building trades back at the High School to build homes. He would like to look into grants to help citizens get back. Back in 2006, his father received a grant for new windows in his home. He would like to look into such grants and start receiving tax money taken from citizens and giving back to them as they deserve. Councilor Theberge asked Mr. Judson what strengths he brings to the Council. Mr. Judson responded that as an active member of the Zoning Board, he’s worked closely with the Council, the Zoning Board and the Planning Board. These roles made it possible to work with developers and buyers to buy empty lots here in Berlin and try to move forward again building such. He would like to see our local union up this way and see if we can get more folks in Berlin and keep expanding our doors into industry and solar. He commented that we’ll eventually have more children in the area and schools are tight right now so he would like to see a school move back up here. Councilor Morency questioned Mr. Judson’s comments about bringing in grants to give money back to homeowners. He is confused as Berlin is working off what is brought in to keep the city going. Mr. Judson responded that technically it comes from the homeowners. They’re paying taxes that go to the city, the county and the State and if we’re asking for State grant money back, it’s pretty much getting back to the citizens. Councilor Morency also commented on Mr. Judson’s statement about applying for grants to fix the roads. Where are those grants coming from. Mr. Judson responded he would be looking into such grants and see what is available. Councilor Morency commented that if there are grants available, they have been looked into already. Councilor Grenier stated that he’s seen some of Mr. Judson’s social media posts and he seems to have a defund the police mentality. Mr. Judson made a big deal about a grant which will get funded 100% not for a $400,000 tri axle pictured in the local newspaper, but for a $60,000 Ford transit van. Councilor Grenier stated he has a hard time supporting Mr. Judson, even though he has interest in the city, he needs to learn before he speaks. Councilor Korzen asked Mr. Judson what he thinks are Berlin’s greatest accomplishments in the last 5 years. Mr. Judson responded the biomass, road paved on Hutchins, new businesses such as Cup & Cone and Hydro, but more is still needed. Councilor Korzen asked what he would like to accomplish as a Councilor. Mr. Judson said a hotel on Main Street, solar power on unused land and more shopping options. Councilor Theberge thanked Mr. Judson for showing interest and commented it will be a learning curve for whoever gets appointed as no one is fully knowledgeable coming in. Mr. Judson commented he has a lot to learn. He has put a lot of courage and faith into this and wants to see the city grow. He would like to see more people move to Berlin and have the population go from the current 9,000 back to the 30,000 we’ve had before. Mayor Cone asked Mr. Judson what his best strength and something he would like to improve. Mr. Judson responded his best strength is dedication and always wanting to move forward. As far as improving, he would like to focus on gaining more knowledge as previously mentioned by Councilor Grenier. Mayor Cone asked Mr. Judson if he was familiar with the City Charter. Mr. Judson responded he has been familiarizing himself with it by reading parts of it. Richard Plourde Mayor Cone invited Mr. Plourde to introduce himself and discuss why he applied for the vacant Council position. Richard Plourde of 111 Washington Street commented he has resided in Berlin for the past 55 years. He was raised in Berlin and is the youngest of ten. He currently resides with his wife Nicole and raised his children in Berlin who attended Berlin Public Schools and now lead successful careers. He has served this community with the Berlin Police Dept. for over 25 years in various roles. He is an active member of the community and in the past have served as a CASA volunteer as well as him and his wife opening their home to foster children. He and his wife started a business several years ago as notary signing agents facilitating real estate transactions. After attending the New England Polygraph Institute in 2007, he started a polygraph business called ISP: Investigative Services through Polygraph, LLC. He is currently working part-time through a Dept. of Homeland Security grant as an Intelligence Liaison Officer. He loves Berlin and knows he has a lot to learn but has been told he is able to keep a level head, stay calm and respond with answers instead of emotions. His goal is to give back to the community. He plans on listening and doing a lot of reading. He read through the City Charter and what struck him was all the responsibilities that the City Manager has. Councilor Theberge commented that any organization such as a Council, the strength of a Council lies in the diversity of its membership. That being said, his concern is that currently, there are three members of the Council involved in law enforcement. What additional strength can you bring to the Council giving the fact there is already three law enforcement officers. Mr. Plourde responded he likes experiences, even though a few of us are police officers, we are all different. He is able to think for himself. Councilor Theberge stated he knows Mr. Plourde will be running for a 2-year term. He would rather see the electorate vote him in instead of putting the onus on the Council members. He doesn’t know how that will come across with the public. Things being different, he would vote for him but has those reservations. Mr. Plourde stated he can assure he is his own person and loves this city. Councilor Korzen asked Mr. Plourde what he thinks are Berlin’s greatest accomplishments in the last 5 years. Mr. Plourde responded the greatest accomplishment is the Main Street Project. Councilor Korzen asked what he would like to accomplish as a Councilor. Mr. Plourde responded he would like to come out of this knowing he assisted the Council and citizens of Berlin. Councilor Morency addressed the concerns about having three Councilors with law enforcement background. When you’re a police officer, you need different set of skills. You’re a caretaker, a parent, a therapist, human resources, etc. He’s worked with Mr. Plourde and commented he has a lot more skills than discussed. Mayor Cone asked Mr. Plourde what his best strength is and what he would like to improve. Mr. Plourde responded he’s lived in Berlin for 55 years and as a full-time officer he had to work with every department constantly. He stated his improvement would be his lack of experience in this position. He plans on doing a lot of listening. Mayor Cone asked if he had looked at the City Charter. Mr. Plourde stated he read through the City Charter. Mayor Cone commented he has heard the concerns about having so many people with law enforcement background on the Council. He personally disagrees with that statement. Having served 21 years in the military and 13 years law enforcement with the BOP himself, he acknowledges these positions wear many hats and the job does not define who you are, the morality of who you are. We are not defined by our employment, so he is not holding this against Mr. Plourde. Mr. Plourde questioned what the concerns are with having Councilors with law enforcement background. Mayor Cone was told by concerned citizens there might be a conflict of interest. Councilor Korzen stated Mr. Plourde is not a police officer anymore so he doesn’t believe there’s a conflict of interest. Councilor Valerino commented that everybody had the same opportunity to apply for this position and only two did. Councilor Theberge commented that he feels Mr. Plourde is highly qualified but is concerned about the public’s perception. Mayor Cone thanked Mr. Plourde and asked him to step out to the council chambers. Mayor Cone opened the discussion for Council to discuss the candidates. Mayor and Council discussed skillsets of both candidates, and the majority supported Mr. Plourde. Councilor Morency moved to appoint Richard Plourde. Councilor Korzen seconded, and the motion carried by roll call vote. Korzen-Yes, Morency-Yes, Grenier-Yes, Valerino-Yes, Theberge-No, Cone-Yes. With all Councilors having voted, Mr. Plourde was appointed to the Council by a majority vote of 5. Mr. Plourde was issued the Oath of Office by City Clerk Shelli Fortin to take his seat at the Council table. At 7:34 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, October 6, 2025 Public Hearing Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-22 NH Department of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA PD at 7:43 pm. Richard King, of 107 Jericho Road, spoke in opposition to Resolution 2025-23, City Manager Warren advised Mr. King that this hearing was for Resolution 2025-22. Mr. King advised he would still speak, and noted that the camper may be a grant, but would still need to be maintained and stored. Mr. King stated that the City does not have money to handle what they currently have. Mr. King asked how often they use the bearcat and asked how much it would cost to maintain the new vehicle. Mr. King noted that the City could use the State’s equipment from Twin Mountain, as they are not too far away. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:47 pm. Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-23 Competitive Homeland Security PD at 7:47 pm. Theodore Bosen, of 13 Bisson Road, stated that he has been at Council meetings several times at which the Police Commission have a Resolution, however no members of the Police Commission are in attendance. Mr. Bosen noted the importance of checks and balances in government, and that the City Charter allows for civilian oversight of the Police Department with the Police Commission. Mr. Bosen stated that they should be in attendance to advocate and provide a full analysis of why this vehicle is needed. Mr. Bosen expressed concern over the militarization of the country, and stated he would not want the vehicle used offensively against the citizenry. Mr. Bosen also noted that there are now four former police officers on the Council, which only offers one perspective of the way things should be, and noted that process is the biggest problem. Richard White, 628 Burgess Street, spoke of his background in municipal government and asked if there was a presentation made about the requested grant application. He was advised there was not. Mr. White also noted that it is the Police Commission’s job to provide civilian oversight and their job to present the argument as to why the grant and vehicle are needed, which should be expected of all committees. Mr. White noted the importance of the information being made available to the public. Micah Bachner, of 59 High Street, asked to clarify the type of vehicle being requested. When asked if it was armored or tracked, he was advised it was not, as it is a Ford Transit Van. Mr. Bachner expressed concern over the political climate in the country and growing violent rhetoric. Mr. Bachner suggested that the Police Commission could be invited to provide a presentation and slides. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:55 pm. Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:55 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Mayor Cone, Councilors Plourde, Morency, Valerino, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Councilors Qualls and Higbee 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, Paul Guerin, Richard White, Theodore Bosen, Micah Bachner, Richard King, Matthew Chernicki, 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 September 15, 2025, Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. 1  Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft # 1994 with a start date of 09/16/2025 and an end date of 10/06/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $1,069,304.19. 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 Theodore Bosen, of 13 Bisson Road, advised that the Police Commission holds public meetings each month and asked if the Council members have attended, to which a few advised they have. Mr. Bosen again noted that the Police Commission’s rationale needs to be available to the Council. Chief Lemoine spoke concerning the proposed grant to alleviate some fears. Chief Lemoine advised that the grant is a competitive grant, and they are not even sure they will receive it. The grant would be used to purchase a van, which would be outfitted with a computer workstation, printer, desk, TV monitors to monitor drones, a radio repeater, and mobile dispatch center. This will also allow access to the records management system and provide storage for equipment. Chief Lemoine advised that the ERT Team provides services to all of Coos County for emergencies such as barricaded subjects, natural disasters, shootings, festivals, and search and rescue. The nearest vehicle like this is located in Laconia. Chief Lemoine noted that the vehicle would be a multi-use mobile command center for emergencies and investigations. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council Committee Reports. 2. Resolution 2025-22 NH Dept. of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA PD (tabled 9/15/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION authorizing the Berlin Police Commission to apply for and receive grant funds from the 2025 NH Department of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA Team Allocation Grant. Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS it is the mission of the Berlin Police. Department to provide community-oriented law enforcement, designed to protect life, property and maintain order, while assuring fair and equal treatment for all and to continually enhance the training and expertise of each member of the police force; and WHEREAS the 2025 NH Department of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA Team Allocation Grant provides no match grant funding up to $64,128 for ballistic protective equipment and needed resources to NHTOA recognized teams within NH to be better prepared to save lives in the community we serve. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the Berlin Police Commission is authorized to apply for and receive grant funds from the 2025 NH Department of Safety State Homeland Security NHTOA Team Allocation Grant. Said funds granted to the City of Berlin will be used for the purpose of meeting the expenses directly included in the purpose of the grant during Fiscal Year 2025. Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to sign the grant documents and execute all things necessary to effectuate the grant. 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 2025-22 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. 2  Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-22 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-22 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to pass Resolution 2025-22. So moved, the motion carried. 3. Resolution 2025-23 Competitive Homeland Security PD (tabled 9/15/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION authorizing the Berlin Police Commission to apply for and receive grant funds from the 2025 Competitive Homeland Security Grant. Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Berlin Police Department to provide community-oriented law enforcement, designed to protect life, property and maintain order, while assuring fair and equal treatment for all and to continually enhance the training and expertise of each member of the police force; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Competitive Homeland Security Grant provides no match funding up to $95,000 to law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety by allowing the agency to purchase a Mobile Command Vehicle. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the Berlin Police Commission is authorized to apply for and receive grant funds from the 2025 Competitive Homeland Security Grant. Said funds granted to the City of Berlin will be used for the purpose of purchasing a Mobile Command Vehicle during Fiscal Year 2025. Be it further resolved that the City Manager is authorized to sign the grant documents and execute all things necessary to effectuate the grant. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon passage. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to remove Resolution 2025-23 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-23 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-23 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to pass Resolution 2025-23. Councilor Korzen agreed that a better explanation from the Police Commission for transparency would be good, to explain the benefit and inform the public of what is happening. Beyond that, Councilor Korzen advised he has no problem with the grant request, as the vehicle could be used for many things, including environmental issues or missing children. Councilor Valerino noted that he was a police officer for 26 years and attended Police Commission meetings for 14 of those years. They have tried holding the meetings in the afternoon, the evening, and in the morning, and attendance by the public has been pretty much nothing. The public is welcome, and the department does their due diligence in posting the meetings and trying to inform the public. 3 Councilor Morency noted that when he was Chief, they used the command trailer from Grafton County for events such as the ATV festival. Councilor Morency noted they have been using one for years, now they would have one of their own. Councilor Theberge noted that the Police Commission meetings are now held at 7:30 am, and stated that people who work or have children to bring to school are not able to attend. Councilor Theberge stated that he believes the time is a disservice to the public. So moved, the motion carried by roll call vote with all in favor. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ordinance 2025-02 Motor Vehicle Storage (1st read) Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to table the Ordinance and schedule a public hearing for October 20, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. City Manager Warren advised the only reason for this amendment to the Ordinance is that the State of NH will no longer be inspecting vehicles as of January of 2026. The ordinance would be irrelevant if they were to not change the requirement from inspection to registration. 2. City Manager’s Report 1. Attached is the August 2025 Activity Report for the Police Department. 2. Attached is the September 2025 Fire Department Activity Report 3. Attached is the September 2025 EMS analysis. Please note that the amount collected is on track with the revenue estimate in the current budget. This analysis will be presented to the council monthly. Collections generally have a 60–90-day lag from the date of service. 4. The Whittemore Street issue has been solved; a small area was paved since the area had a good base for paving. Attached is a letter from the person requesting the correction. Accordingly, there is no need for the Traffic and Safety Committee to consider this. 5. A complaint regarding parking adjacent to Horne Field is attached. City Manager Warren advised that the first course of paving has been completed on Kent Street. They will be returning for another coat, as well as curbing and sidewalks. City Manager Warren advised that the Fire Department has applied for a hose grant and has been approved for $150,000. This will replace their fire hoses and will empower Gorham and Milan to do the same. City Manager Warren advised that the testing for lead and asbestos on the trailer on Pleasant Street came back on Friday, and the trailer will be removed either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Mr. Warren advised that unfortunately there is no quicker way to get rid of things like this. Mr. Warren noted that the Police Department is pursuing the owner and will attempt to seek restitution. City Manager Warren noted that in reference to ambulance billing, new legislation will allow them to charge for community medicine. As of now, they can only charge when they transport a patient. City Manager Warren advised the cost for paving was $8,000 for Whittemore Avenue. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Korzen, to forward the letter concerning parking adjacent to Horne Field to the Traffic Safety Committee for review. It was suggested that no overnight parking be allowed. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Theberge asked about the Police Department Activity Report, noting that there were 3,062 stops and 3,129 warnings, and wondered how there could be more warnings than stops. Chief Lemoine advised 4 that sometimes more than one warning is given at one stop, such a stop for speeding in which the vehicle is also not inspected. Councilor Morency asked if the reduction in animal complaints could be attributed to the trash pickup being enforced. City Manager Warren advised that they are gaining ground on enforcing the trash ordinance. Chief Lemoine advised he is not sure if the reduction in animal complaints is due to this. Councilor Grenier noted that the City budgeted $249,000 for ambulance revenue, and have collected $194,819 so far. This means they may collect more than anticipated. Councilor Grenier noted that he is proud to have supported the Fire Department taking on EMS services, even though the Council was criticized for doing this. Councilor Grenier noted that prior to this, they were subsidizing a private business for ambulance service in the amount of $400,000 per year, which was more than was reasonable. Councilor Grenier thanked Chief Watkins for his work to move forward on this. 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 a. Letter re: James Couhie Memorial Hello Mayor Cone, My dear friend Jim Couhie passed away last November. As a member of this community, I’m assuming you may have known Jim. Jim dedicated his life to helping the youth of the Berlin/ Gorham community. To my knowledge he worked with students for the last 30-40 years at the Berlin Rec. Department and multiple domains in Gorham. Jim coached basketball, soccer, started a chess club and ran countless clinics and sporting events throughout the years. I think we would have the love and support from the community to have some sort of memorial in Jim’s name in our community. I know DJ runs the rec department and I’m not sure how all of this works, but maybe we could name the field at the rec after Jim? Or the gym or rec department itself after him? I hope you don’t find these ideas to be overzealous, I just would love to see something for my friend who gave so much to this community. I hope to hear from you soon. Aisha Rai Vien Teacher Education Instructor Middle School Field Hockey Coach Councilor Grenier suggested that a stone bench could be installed, if the Council so chooses, at the Recreation Department field as Mr. Couhie volunteered for youth sports for years. An eight-foot bench was suggested, so that it could be used to put on skates during the winter on the rink. Scott Turmel could be contacted to coordinate. Councilor Korzen suggested a chess table as a community building project, since Mr. Couhie started a chess club. A chess table at the vacant land at 745 Main Street was suggested as a location. City Manager Warren stated that he will look at costs for both of the suggestions and bring those to the Council. Councilor Korzen suggested that any remaining family or the person who wrote the letter could be contacted to assist with cost. Councilor Theberge stated that a memorial should be the vote of the entire Council not just the suggestion of one member, and stated they have to follow protocol and correct procedure. Mayor Cone advised that no decision has been rendered yet, this is just a discussion. b. Trustee of Trust Funds Re-appointment – Joseph Dupuis 5 To whom it may concern, I Joseph B. Dupuis would like to continue my appointment to the Trustee of Trust Funds for another term. Best, Joseph B. Dupuis Mayor Cone asked if this would be a conflict with his appointment to the Berlin Water Commission and City Manager Warren advised it would not be. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Morency, to approve the Mayor’s nomination of Joseph Dupuis as a Trustee of Trust Funds with a term to expire June 30, 2028. So moved, the motion carried. c. Cemetery Trustee Re-appointment – Kristia Davis Dear Mayor and Council, My current term as a Cemetery Trustee is up. I would like to continue as a Trustee. I have enjoyed my time and look forward to working for the needs of the cemeteries here in Berlin. Thank you, Kristia L. Davis Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to approve the nomination of Kristia Davis as a Cemetery Trustee with a term to expire 08/31/2028. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Korzen moved, with a second by Councilor Morency, to approve the Mayor’s Report and place it on file. So moved, the motion carried. 5. Public Comments Paul Guerin advised he had wanted to make a comment, but it would be irrelevant at this time. Richard White, of 628 Burgess Street, asked if the ambulance revenue was going to the Fire Department or into the general fund. Mr. White was advised that revenue goes into the general fund. Mr. White asked if the ambulance is four-wheel drive and was advised it is not. Mr. White stated that revenue generated by the Fire Department should be used to improve their equipment. Micah Bachner, of 59 High Street, asked about the order for the equipment for the pads for the disc golf course, and Pamela Laflamme advised that it is in. Mr. Bachner noted that someone has started to create a spot to anchor the post across from the Police Department. Mr. Bachner also noted that he condemns any elected official who goes on social media to target someone’s career due to opinions they express. Mr. Bachner advised that a letter was also written by the same elected person to the subject’s employer trying to get them fired, which is inexcusable behavior. Mr. Bachner shared his opinions relative to the death of Charlie Kirk, and stated he does not want to see elected people censoring others for expressing their opinions. 6. Council Comments Councilor Grenier thanked Director of Strategic Initiatives Pamela Laflamme for her work to make meetings accessible to the public without having to come to the building. Councilor Grenier stated it is great to have everyone on camera and microphone, and stated he appreciates the effort put into this. Councilor Theberge noted that he attended the GACIT hearing in the City Hall Auditorium today, and stated that he received several complaints about the speakers not having microphones and the difficulty hearing what 6 they were saying. Councilor Theberge noted that he was disappointed that we did not accommodate the State. City Manager Warren noted that the limitations of the space were made clear when the space was rented, and that most groups using the space bring their own equipment. 7. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Grenier, seconded by Councilor Morency, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 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