City Council

City Council Work Session November 3, 2025 Present were: Mayor Cone, Councilors Korzen, Grenier, Valerino, Plourde, Higbee, Qualls and Theberge. Councilor Morency was absent. Others present: City Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr., Dir. Of Strat. Initiatives and Asst. City Mgr. Pamela Laflamme, Finance Director Holly Larsen, SAU3 District Educational Services Administrator Tammy Fauteux, Ilana Preuss of Recast City LLC, Monica Hurley of Northland Property Valuations, LLC via Zoom, BIDPA Board Chair Gabriella Goode, Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun and Members of the Public. Mayor Cone opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. 2025 MS-1 Mr. Warren introduced Monica Hurley who was present via Zoom this evening, to answer questions regarding the MS-1 report. He distributed and read an email from Adam Denoncour of the DRA which was forwarded by Ms. Hurley. The email confirmed the MS-1 is reported on a calendar year basis regardless of whether community operates under a fiscal year (otherwise equalization would not be possible). For PILOTs, the total of the payments made under a given agreement during the calendar is the figure they would like to see reported on the MS-1. There is no expectation that this figure will match the reporting on the MS-434. Councilor Grenier stated he’s the one who questioned the amount on the MS-1 for the North Country Growers as it doesn’t match the amount in the PILOT agreement. Ms. Hurley confirmed the amount on the MS-1 is the amount the city is expected to receive for the calendar year. Councilor Grenier confirmed the amount on the MS-1 should be $200,000 versus the current $75,000. Mr. Warren confirmed the amount will be increased. Ms. Hurley suggested that Finance Director Holly Larsen reviews the amounts entered on all the PILOTs. Mr. Warren confirmed with Ms. Hurley that the amounts on the MS-1 for PILOTs are the anticipated amounts for the calendar year. She responded yes, that is correct. The revised MS-1 report will be brought back to Council on November 10th as they have to hold a council work session to accept the election results. Ilana Preuss, Recast Your City Consultant – Introduction (BIDPA) Ms. Laflamme introduced the Chair of the BIDPA Board Gabriella Goode who was present, and Ilana Preuss who has been working with BIDPA under a contract to look at Berlin’s downtown. She invited Ms. Preuss to speak about the current project. Ms. Preuss CEO of Recast City LLC works with communities all across the country to help them bring their downtown into a space and livelihood they want. Bring it back to life, strengthen it and bring small businesses to it. They do it through bringing small scale manufacturing businesses into store fronts which means any kind of business that creates a tangible product that you can replicate or package. Her work with BIDPA is to understand what is going on with the business sector in the city, understand what the needs are, how to help businesses grow and stay in the city, create good paying jobs and more opportunities for entrepreneurship from people or for people who live here. Over the next few days she will be interviewing property owners, meeting with the economic development team and the Planning Board as well as organizations that provide small business support. Questions were asked by the Council in regard to the project and other successful communities that have used Recast City’s services. Ms. Preuss discussed similar projects from other communities and their successes. Non-Public Session At 7:03 p.m., Councilor Theberge moved with a second from Councilor Valerino to enter into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II; (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community The motion carried unanimously by roll call. A discussion was had regarding the sale of tax deeded properties. No votes were taken. At 7:19 p.m., Councilor Theberge moved with a second from Councilor Valerino to come out of non-public session. The motion carried unanimously by roll call. At 7:20 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, November 3, 2025 Public Hearing Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-24 DES GSCF 10-Wheel Truck Replacement at 7:26 pm. There were no public comments. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 pm. Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-25 Assistance to Firefighters Grant FD at 7:27 pm. There were no public comments. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 pm. Mayor Cone opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-26 Homeland Security Grant FD at 7:27 pm. There were no public comments. Mayor Cone closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 pm. Regular Meeting Mayor Cone called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at approximately 7:28 pm. a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call Present: Mayor Cone, Councilors Qualls, Higbee, Plourde, Valerino, Grenier, Korzen, and Theberge Absent: Councilor Morency 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, Library Director Ann Brungot, Representative Lori Korzen, Representative Arnold Davis, Theodore Bosen, Matthew Chernicki, Janet Tremblay, Kelly Fortier, Lynn Blais, Paul Guerin, Christian Judson, Irene Blais, other members of the public, and Lisa Connell, Berlin Daily Sun. c. Councilor Theberge moved, with a second by Councilor Higbee, to accept the minutes of the October 20, 2025, Regular Meeting and Work Session. So moved, the motion passed. Disbursements: Disbursement Summary Draft # 1996 with a start date of 10/21/2025 and an end date of 11/03/2025 for a total cash disbursement of $780,954.75. 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 Janet Tremblay, of 15 Countryside Avenue, asked why the annual reports were behind by two years and why they are not printed and sent to residents. City Manager Warren advised that the report cannot be printed until the financial audit is received, and the auditor is behind. It was noted that annual reports have not been printed since 2016, and Mr. Warren advised he is not sure why the decision was made to stop printing them as he was not in Berlin at that time. Matthew Chernicki, of 248 Burgess Street, asked why a revaluation is planned for 2026 since it does not have to be done until 2027. City Manager Warren explained that the revaluation does not affect what a taxpayer pays, that is determined by the budget. The equalization rate is currently at 73%, which means that the sale prices of homes are exceeding the assessed values. Utilities pay based on the equalization rate, so they are only assessed at 73% of their value, which causes the tax burden to fall of residential property owners. Mr. Chernicki also noted that the City has paid more each year to the County each time values have risen, and Mr. Warren explained that this is because the County budget has increased, not because values increased. Mr. Chernicki asked if the City picks up trash at the Coos County Nursing Home and was advised they do not. Mr. Chernicki suggested that the City hire an outside CPA to oversee finances in the city for a third-party recommendation. Mayor Cone advised that the Council would deliberate on those suggestions. 1 Kelly Fortier shared a letter with concerns about the Berlin Recreation Center: Whom it May Concern: I ask that you read this letter with an unbiased opinion, an open mind. Being such a small town it is often hard to do so, but for the sake of the children in this community I believe this is an acceptable request. That being said, my name is Kelly Fortier, I have lived in Berlin since I was a teenager. As a child I frequented the Berlin Recreation Center, always finding it a safe, productive space. Now that I have children of my own, I was confident I'd be happy with the programs and sports provided by the Rec, however I was sadly mistaken. About 4 years ago my first son started with the Summer Soccer league. Right out of the gate it was disorganized and chaotic. I thought: "Okay, maybe this is just how kids 'organized' sports are.", and "They must've made some sort of big change (that I can't see), and are just ironing out the kinks still, this will be fine." These statements couldn't be farther from the truth. Year after year I have been thinking these things, always giving the recreation center and its unapproachable "employees" the benefit of the doubt. Year after year the programs have only WORSENED, which I honestly didn't think was possible. Still because my son loves soccer, so we continued to give it a try. This year, I had both my kids in it and I will tell you right now I will never spend another penny on a single one of the programs this place offers. You might as well shut it down. The coaches were rude, and one almost killed my asthmatic child by forcing him to play even though he was blue in the face! My younger son's team made feel as if we didn't belong because we were not part of their clique. I couldn't even complain about these situations to the Rec Director if I wanted to because he never answers the phone. He is always running around, acting strangely, almost as if he is under the influence of something. We were also told neither of my children would get shirts because they didn't order enough. "Oops, sorry." I paid $100 for this!! Now that I have clued you into the atrocity that was the summer soccer program for the last 4 years, I will enlighten you as to what happened when I put my son in the Summer Program (against my better judgement I might add). Not a single person knew where my son was, he called me on his emergency watch during an asthma attack because there were no staff to be seen. When I called to complain about this, my calls went to voicemail. If I did manage to get through to someone it was "I'll look into this and call you back". I was horrified when another mother took my son from the park because there were no staff watching the kids AND NOBODY NOTICED! Not a soul! I'm extremely grateful this person meant well and it wasn't an abduction! When I learned this, nothing happened, nothing changed. My son also broke his thumb at the rec during the summer program, and no one called me. Thankfully I had given my 7-year-old that smart watch to call only me, because if I had left it up to the recreation department he would've had delayed medical care. This was in the first two weeks; he did not go back after the park incident. My whole point to this letter is that the Recreation Department needs some serious looking into. What are Duane Johnson's qualifications? Why is he never around to deal with actual situations? How come he uses the gym for personal matters and plays favorites to his friends before letting the children use it? Why isn't he hiring capable and of age staff? Why is the staff obviously untrained? I am outraged by how my tax dollars are being spent. He does not actually listen to your concerns, nor does he pretend to. No one in that department is helping the children, they are not there for them. They are there for a paycheck, or some high horse being a Berlin official. I will also say it is absolutely unacceptable for a Recreation Director to be speaking to others in the community and surrounding communities about anyone, especially people trying to do right by these children. As a person in a position of power you have a moral and integral right to behave in a manner that shows grace. This is especially true when you work in the presence of children constantly. In speaking to other parents who have had the displeasure of dealing with the rec, I am well aware there have been multiple complaints against the Director. The fact that they keep getting dismissed over politics and buddy-buddy policies is enraging. This City is struggling enough, can't we just let the kids have one nice thing? I'm not one to speak up about the way the city runs usually, but I have had enough, especially knowing people have been complaining for years and nothing has happened. We have since found a new soccer program that I am over the moon for. It is free, the coaches are actually nice and there is instruction. Life Skills are being built, as they should be. I would love to sit with Sylvia and 2 ask her what she thinks about the Recreation Department now, versus when she ran it. It would be my pleasure to speak formally with whoever will listen regarding this matter, I think it is extremely important to the community. Our kids deserve to have fun, be treated equally, and have access to quality programs. Thank you for your attention in regard to this matter, Kelly Fortier Ms. Fortier also asked if background checks and drug tests are done for employees. Ms. Fortier asked why the Recreation Department budget has skyrocketed while the programs have gotten worse. Ms. Fortier asked about record keeping at the center and asked why the Recreation Department van is used for personal use. Theodore Bosen, of 13 Bisson Road, spoke concerning the petition from 450 residents who oppose Dummer Yard and stated that there would be no legal exposure for the Council members to hold an opinion as they are not the permit granting authority if an application is submitted to the Planning Board. Mr. Bosen noted that residents want to be heard, and that expressing opinions is part of the democratic process. Mr. Bosen then spoke of a DEA drug raid in Franklin, NH, and subsequent media coverage by the Boston Globe, which he believes is serving the fascist ends of the current executive branch of the Federal government. Mr. Bosen was advised that he met his three-minute time limit for public comments. Mr. Bosen refused to stop speaking, stating that they cannot lawfully enforce the rule, limit speech based on the identity of the speaker or the content of the speech, and suggested that the rule was being selectively enforced because he is a political candidate. Mr. Bosen suggested that the City needs a civics lesson. Mr. Bosen spoke further about the Franklin drug raid and again noted his fears for legal exposure for the City if they participate in the Northern Border Alliance patrols. Lynn Blais, of 490 Goebel Street, shared a prepared letter: Hello, my name is Lynn Blais and I live at 490 Goebel St in Berlin. I am a lifelong resident. I'm here today as a mother of an 8-year-old who goes to the Recreation Center. I am very upset and worried about what's happening there. My son told me that someone at the Rec. Center has made inappropriate comments to him, including that a worker "has a crush on him" and even saying they want pictures of my son and other boys in their bathing suits. These same workers decided to give candy to a select group of kids who would "go outside and try different car door handles to see if they are unlocked. Then take something from inside the cars." If the children did this, they would get candy. Unfortunately, my son is one of those who completed the task and was rewarded by having candy thrown at their feet. My son is 8 years old and was only doing what his Rec. Councilors were telling him to do. This is an illegal activity; this is contributing to the delinquency of a minor. I have also witnessed a worker pull down another worker's pants while they were in the office. I reported it to the person in charge. When I brought all this up, the person in charge said it was funny, all just joking around. The person in charge keeps excusing this bad behavior, brushing it off, instead of fixing the problems. The person in charge does not seem to think this is serious. He says people are "too sensitive" and defends these comments instead of putting children's safety first. The person in charge told me that he was aware that my son and the other boys were sent outside to try to get into a car, but that when he heard about it he laughed because it was funny. In regards to the staff telling an 8-year-old that another staff member has a crush on him, the person in charge said that "all his workers call this worker a pedophile all the time." And that they even joke about him having a crush on the director's daughter. The person in charge said that that is his family and he is ok with it. He said they are just joking around. He basically condoned this behavior and has no problems with his workers being called pedophiles. 3 The person in charge then said, "You should know that these workers come from important families in the community." I felt I was being threatened, that he was implying that if I made an issue of this, my son and I would become targets. I felt he was directly threatening me and my son to keep quiet!!! This is classic grooming behavior! When I asked about security cameras, I was told they don't work. This has been reported to the Berlin Police Department, and I want the person in charge to know that his threat was useless, as I have no intention of backing down. This is about the safety and well-being of my son, and the other children. Mayor and City Council, please remember: the staff are paid by the city and should be setting a good example for kids. Instead, they make things worse for the children they are supposed to protect. This behavior and this situation are classic grooming techniques that are used against children. My child and his friends should never be sexualized for the amusement of city workers. This type of behavior wouldn't be allowed in ANY job setting, even among all adult staff. People from the top down should lose their jobs for this and other sexualized comments and activities. Regardless of the outcome of the police investigation and whether or not charges can be pursued, this is completely inappropriate behavior for any community rec. center. Someone should be held responsible for not taking complaints seriously and for allowing this to happen. The 'boys will be boys' excuse is ridiculous and dangerous. Fix the security cameras. Cameras are put in place to protect the property, the workers, and the children. No one, especially a child, should have to deal with this kind of behavior anywhere, and especially not at our city rec center. In closing, I would like to see Berlin thrive and become known to people for things we do and the accomplishments we've made in the city. Not from a TV commercial that states, "if your child attended the Berlin rec department between these years, you may be entitled to compensation please call 1-800 for more information." That is where we are headed! City Manager Warren stated that the department head brought the issue to him the next morning, they have taken swift action, and the employees will not be returning to work. Mr. Warren noted that none of this behavior is condoned. Mr. Warren noted that the issue is a personnel matter and asked that those with issues bring matters to his attention. Chief Lemoine confirmed that there is an ongoing police investigation into the incident. Paul Guerin, of 583 Burgess Street, noted that other people have spoken about issues in the Recreation Department and they have been swept under the rug. City Manager Warren stated that every complaint has been investigated, and an appropriate outcome decided. Mr. Guerin shared a comment made on social media by Councilor Grenier in support of the Recreation Director after a previous incident. Councilor Grenier noted that the comment was made two years ago about an issue that was not a City activity or Recreation Department activity. Mr. Warren noted that personnel matters are not public record. Christian Judson, of Forbush Avenue, stated that there should be no time limit for public comments at meetings, and then asked for the immediate removal of Councilor Grenier after the comment on social media, stating it was time for him to retire. Irene Blais, of Goebel Street, suggested that under the circumstances, for the safety of the children and the workers, the cameras at the Recreation Department should be fixed. This way parents and grandparents do not have to wonder, as the recording would tell the proof of what happened. This way more kids could enjoy the recreation department. Ms. Blais asked about the person in charge of the department and if they will be reprimanded. City Manager Warren advised that appropriate action has been taken to be sure it does not happen again. 4 Paul Guerin, of 583 Burgess Street, asked why this was not done in the past when other complaints were brought up. Mr. Warren stated that it was not warranted based on what was presented. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Council Committee Reports There were no Council Committee Reports. 2. Resolution 2025-24 DES GSCF 10 Wheel Truck Replacement (tabled 10/20/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION authorizing the receipt of a DES Granite State Clean Fleets Grant for the replacement of a Public Works 10 Wheel Truck. Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS, the NH Department of Environmental Services, through the Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program has offered the City funds to replace a 10 Wheel Truck, a 1999 International, with a Model Year 2026 replacement, with a total cost of $ 173,921; and WHEREAS, the grant will fund $139,137 of the replacement and the City will fund $34,784 from available Capital Improvement Program and Segregated funds. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH, that the City Manager is authorized to receive all grant funds from the NH Department of Environmental Services’ Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program in an amount not to exceed $173,921. Be it Further Resolved that the City Manager is authorized to do 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 2025-24 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-24 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-24 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to pass Resolution 2025-24. So moved, the motion carried. 3. Resolution 2025-25 Assistance to Firefighters Grant FD (tabled 10/20/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION accepting an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $148,974.00 Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS, The Fire Department has been awarded a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant to obtain funding to receive new Fire hose, nozzles, and appliances along with the Towns of Gorham and Milan; and WHEREAS, if this grant is awarded the City would be responsible for a 5% match to this grant totaling $2,527.05 which will come from the Fire Department budget. Town of Gorham would be responsible for $2,443.05 and the Town of Milan $2,052.48; and 5 WHEREAS, Much of the Fire Department hose was manufactured in the 1970’s and 1980’s it needs to be replaced. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH that if awarded the Assistance to Firefighter grant, the City will authorize the expense of $2,527.05. 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 2025-25 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-25 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to read Resolution 2025-25 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second from Councilor Valerino, to pass Resolution 2025-25. Councilor Korzen noted that Chief Watkins did reach out to him about the breakdown of the grant between the communities, and the total amount will be split based on the same percentages as the cost. So moved, the motion carried. 4. Resolution 2025-26 Homeland Security Grant FD (tabled 10/20/2025) In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five A RESOLUTION accepting a 2023 Homeland Security Grant for $11,000.00 Resolved by the City Council of the City of Berlin as Follows: WHEREAS, The Fire Department has been awarded a 2023 Homeland Security Grant for $11,000.00 to purchase Active Shooter equipment. Consisting of (6) Ballistic Helmets, (6) Ballistic vests, (2) sling first aid kits; and WHEREAS, There is no match for this grant; and WHEREAS, Due to recent events and the Fire Department has no Active Shooter equipment, this equipment is necessary for the staff. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Berlin, NH that if awarded the Homeland Security Grant, the City will authorize the expense of $0.00 This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after passage. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second from Councilor Qualls, to remove Resolution 2025-26 from the table. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second from Councilor Qualls, to read Resolution 2025-26 for a second time. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second from Councilor Qualls, to read Resolution 2025-26 for a third time. So moved the motion carried. Councilor Higbee moved, with a second from Councilor Qualls, to pass Resolution 2025-26. So moved, the motion carried. NEW BUSINESS 6 1. Resolution 2025-27 Carnegie Corporation of New York Library (1st read) Councilor Higbee moved, with a second by Councilor Qualls, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for November 17, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 2. Resolution 2025-28 Patriot Hydro Donation PD (1st read) Councilor Higbee moved, with a second by Councilor Qualls, to table the Resolution and schedule a public hearing for November 17, 2025. So moved, the motion carried. 3. City Manager’s Report 1. Attached is the September 2025 Activity Report for the Police Department. 2. Attached is the October 2025 Fire Department Activity Report. 3. As a reminder, no items should be left in the public way that may impede snow removal, including basketball hoops, bicycles and trailers. 4. We are in the process of compiling the Capital Improvement Plan for the coming year and this office has informed all departments that funding for this program will be limited in the coming year, due to the funds that may be available and the need to ensure that proper attention is paid to any potential tax increase. 5. The damaged fence at Friendship Park is due to a motor vehicle accident. We are waiting for the fence contractor to perform the repairs. Their schedule has delayed repairs. 6. Solid waste issues have improved in various areas but there are still instances where containers are placed at the curb the night prior. City Manager Warren advised that Janet Nickerson, of the Chamber of Commerce, has requested $350 from the City for the Parade of Lights. Councilor Grenier moved, with a second by Councilor Valerino, to expend $350 from the Council Contingency Fund for the Parade of Lights. Councilor Korzen asked what the money will be used for, and City Manager Warren advised it will be used to support sponsorships and awards. So moved, the motion carried. Councilor Theberge noted that he received a phone call asking if there was a Christmas activity at the Recreation Department on November 29. Mr. Warren advised he would find out and let him know. Councilor Valerino 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 Marie Arsenault re: Joliette Snowshoe Club Monument Good Afternoon Friends; I had almost given up but a recent post on Facebook has given me some hope that this could happen, such nice comments on events and memories of the Joliette Snowshoe Club. I would like to put up a monument somewhere in Berlin about the history of the Joliette Snowshoe Club, Simple! I have the monies I have a great design and I would like to use local people to create the monument. It being 6 ft high with the history of how the Snowshoe movements stopped in Berlin. 7 Being 5 feet across should create a pleasing picture of Snowshoes and just 2 feet wide should make it an easy monument to put saying some of the History of Berlin’s Joliette Snowshoe Club. Give me some time at a Council Meeting and I can convience someone that Really is a good thing. Sincerely Marie Arsenault Marie Arsenault was in attendance and advised that she had been part of the Joliette Snowshoe Club from the age of 15 until it disbanded. Ms. Arsenault advised that she is hoping to erect a monument, as the club is an important part of the history and heritage of the Franco-American community. Several Council members spoke in support of the monument, and suggested various possible locations, including the grass island by Service Credit Union, Hutchins Street Park, a snowshoeing trailhead, and the Laura Lee Viger botanical gardens. The Council noted concerns over future requests, suggesting a protocol should be in place. City Manager Warren will be in touch with Ms. Arsenault to move forward with a plan. Councilor Korzen 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. 5. Public Comments Theodore Bosen, of 13 Bisson Road, noted that people who stay at his Berlin Trails Inn snowshoe at Jericho State Park, and suggested it might be inspiring to see the Joliette Snowshoe Club monument at a trailhead there. Matthew Chernicki, of 248 Burgess Street, thanked the Council for their service and the vast knowledge they bring to the City. Mr. Chernicki shared the quote “United we stand, divided we fall”. Janet Tremblay, of 15 Countryside Avenue, asked about Burgess Biomass and how they are doing. City Manager Warren stated that they are 99% emerged from bankruptcy with just paperwork left. Mr. Warren noted that they will negotiate a new PILT agreement in 12-18 months, as the one they currently have is only good for two years. Ms. Tremblay asked about the tax rate for this year, and Mr. Warren noted that the MS1 is the first part of the tax setting process, and it will be finalized on November 10. After that they will work with the State to get the rate set. Ms. Tremblay stated she is hoping for the best. 6. Council Comments Councilor Qualls stated it was disturbing to hear about the complaints at the Recreation Center and asked that a non-public session be held for the Council at the next meeting to discuss the issues and get reassurance, as she is concerned about the youth. Mayor Cone stated that a non-public session will be held on November 17. Councilor Grenier noted that he is also disappointed and disturbed about what happened, and agreed that the people involved should no longer be employed by the City. Councilor Grenier reiterated his support for DJ Johnson, noting that Mr. Johnson had worked hard to start a Post 36 Legion baseball program which won the state championship. Councilor Grenier stated that Mr. Johnson has rebuilt athletic programs for all ages at the Recreation Department. Councilor Grenier noted that the previous incident reported to the Council happened when Mr. Johnson was not working for the City or participating in a City activity. Councilor Grenier noted a recent incident that happened with another athletic program in which parents were disruptive, and asked if we would punish the program for the actions of unruly parents. Councilor Grenier noted the past incident was a mistake that Mr. Johnson would admit, and again stated that he is proud of what Mr. Johnson has done. Councilor Grenier agreed that department heads do need to be responsible for their employees and the City will deal with it. Christian Judson asked to speak again, and Mayor Cone advised him that the Public Comment session was done. 8 Councilor Theberge recommended that the Recreation Director be present for the non-public meeting on November 17. Councilor Higbee reminded everyone to vote on Tuesday, as this is their opportunity to influence democracy in the City. Councilor Higbee stated that he is encouraged by the number of people running for Council seats. 7. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Higbee, seconded by Councilor Qualls, the Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 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. 9