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City Council Meeting
Minutes
December 10, 2007
Non-public
session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b) to discuss
collective bargaining/labor negotiations.
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
Action: Councilor Lemieux moved approval of the November 13, 2007 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor McClure moved to approve the November 19th meeting minutes, amending page 14 to reflect that council comments began after the bridge discussion. The minutes as amended were approved with no dissenting votes.
7. Mayor Donovan presented a resolution honoring and memorializing Leonard “Red” Brochu for his dedication and contributions to the City of Concord. (10-30) (11-6)
8. Mayor Donovan presented a resolution proclaiming December 2007 as Capital Region Food Program Month. (11-36)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell introduced Library Director Pat Immen, J. Stuart Roberts, architect, Nolan Lushington, Library Programming Consultant.
J. Stuart Roberts, architect, explained that the reasons for the needs assessment includes: the change of library services; community expansion; the need for the library to respond to the demands of the community. Mr. Roberts indicated that they looked at the existing facility and the condition of the existing facility both in terms of the building and what it holds. He explained that community input had been solicited as to what the community wanted in a library and added that a projection of space needs had been done. Mr. Roberts provided a detailed overview of the needs assessment report pointing out that the recommendation is to do a brand new 40,000 square foot library downtown to include: a meeting room for 120 people to be used after hours; a dedicated space for young adults; a childrens library story and craft room; accessible book stacks; access to technology; create book store style browsing for popular material; improve the efficiency of the work spaces and on-site parking. Mr. Roberts explained that the options included: renovations and additions to the existing library; a suburban library; a downtown library. He pointed out that one of the real questions was whether to do renovations or new construction explaining that new construction was a more cost effective option.
City Manager Tom Aspell indicated that the question before Council this evening is whether libraries will be relevant in the future. He explained that the research that he has done says that they will be. He pointed out the socialization and the communing that occurs at the library and if it could be done downtown, it not only increases the quality of life but also a quality of place. Mr. Aspell asked that Council approve the first two bulleted items within the report before them noting that staff would come back to Council at some point in the future to discuss further.
Councilor Blanchard, referencing page twelve which references possible locations for the library other than downtown, inquired whether this would mean the elimination of the Penacook Library. Mr. Lushington responded that the Penacook branch would remain and be improved.
Referencing the future needs, Councilor Black inquired as to why 40,000 square feet had been chosen rather than 50,000 square feet. Mr. Lushington indicated that this is a difficult question to answer explaining that they looked at the amount of use and the ability for libraries to get information from other places which is a changing scene. He explained that the major thing that is presently occurring with public library activity is the enormous proliferation of library loan because of the library catalogs online pointing out that this has reduced the amount of books that libraries are projecting forward. Councilor Black pointed out that Borders Book Store has a coffee shop and inquired whether this would be included within a downtown library. Mr. Lushington responded that many downtown libraries have coffee shops and have an important place because they provide an atmosphere in the library for gathering and knowledge. He indicated that a coffee shop would be a good idea but would depend on the eventual location of the library and its relation to other retail establishments.
Councilor Coen inquired as to the impact the library would have on the ongoing operating costs compared to what it currently has. Mr. Lushington responded that the city is going to continue to pay to operate a library and when paying this money out what the city is paying it for is not a library building or library collection but for the use of the library. He explained that the city wants this use to increase an environment that will minimize the economic impact of that increased use which is what the city does not have in the current library because it is not an efficient library to operate. Councilor Coen indicated that there is nothing within the report that contains or documents this information. Pat Immen, Library Director, explained that this information would be contained within the next phase of the development of the concept for a new library indicating that this is a very preliminary look at this concept.
Councilor St. Hilaire noted that he feels that it appears as if a whole new way of operating the library is being advocated. Mr. Roberts responded that he feels that they are trying to provide spaces for both kinds of activities. Mr. Lushington explained that there is a conceptual idea of the way libraries are laid out pointing out that they are very resource intense. He indicated that large book stacks is one of the best sound absorbing ideas and when a library is designed, it should be designed with a living edge so that the edge of the library gives people the opportunity to have natural light and stretches people out around the major book stack as a place for quiet reading and individual use. He noted that a public library needs to adjust the idea of individual quiet use and the idea of a community place.
Councilor Blanchard pointed out that several possible locations have been identified but not an actual location. Mr. Roberts indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Werner inquired as to what additional information could be provided in terms of a positive economic impact of siting libraries in other cities and how these strengthened the economic development possibilities. Mr. Lushington explained that this information is difficult to pin down indicating that library professions as a whole is trying to get this information.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether the possibility of a TIF as part of the financing scheme of a new library may be something that Council should look at. Mr. Aspell responded that it probably wouldn’t finance the entire construction but could finance part of it.
Councilor Bouley moved to adopt the first two recommendations of the report. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Coen noted that he is not comfortable with the ongoing operating budget or what the forecast would be moving forward. He added that he feels uncomfortable with voting to have this library built and finding out later that the operating costs are very expensive.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether Council this evening would be just accepting the report and whether Councilor Coen’s concerns would come back to Council later. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct.
Referencing the Council’s authorization for staff to proceed with conversations with acquisition of land for a new library, Councilor Lemieux inquired whether Council would be precluding a future decision of leaving the library where it is. Mr. Aspell responded that when information came back as to what it would take in terms of site acquisition, then Council would decide whether to look at suburban sites; look at acquiring property in the area of the existing library and expanding there; or do nothing. Councilor Lemieux inquired as to how far staff would go with this before coming back to Council for authorization to proceed with whatever the next step is. Mr. Aspell responded that he would get to the point where staff would develop a purchase and sales agreement with somebody explaining that before doing so, staff would come back to Council to receive authorization to enter into this.
The motion to adopt the first two recommendations of the report passed on a voice vote with two dissenting votes.
- Consent Agenda Items –
Note: Items listed as pulled from the consent agenda will be discussed at the end of the meeting following unfinished business.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved to approve the consent agenda, as amended with item 24 removed for discussion at the end of the agenda. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Referral to the Planning Board
Items Tabled for a January 14, 2008 Public Hearing
From the City Manager
Consent Reports
Action: This item removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Consent Resolutions
26.
Resolution in recognition of the services of C. Hamilton Rice.
(For presentation in January)
27.
Resolution in recognition of the services of Eugene A. Blake.
(For presentation in January)
Consent Communications
28. Street closure request from the Holiday Inn, Concord, requesting Storrs Street (behind their property) be closed from 12:00 to 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2008 for a New Year’s fireworks display.
**End of Consent Agenda**
A. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 18, Parking; Article 18-1, Stopping, Standing, and Parking; Section 18-1-6, Parking Prohibited at all times in designated places, Schedule I; Union Street; together with report from the Parking Committee. (11-14)
Action: The City Clerk read the title for both public hearings A and B.
City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the ordinances would create three hour parking zones from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on both sides of Union Street between Centre and Washington Streets as well as create a no parking zone along the east side of Union Street from Centre and Washington Streets between November 1st and April 1st.
Councilor Bennett, Parking Committee Chair, explained that this request was brought forward by Councilor Lemieux on behalf of some of the residents on Union Street and the committee felt there have been issues of parking all day on this street.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether the winter procedure of posting the signs when the snow banks get to large therefore narrowing the streets had been determined as part of the analysis as not being an acceptable solution. Councilor Lemieux indicated that the committee felt that a permanent solution should be considered rather than putting up temporary signs.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open for both public hearing items A and B.
Five Minute Public Testimony
Bill Perry, Centre Street homeowner, spoke in opposition any erosion of on-street parking.
City Manager Aspell pointed out, for public record, that an email correspondence had been received from the Reverend John C. Roustos, Rector of the Holy Dormission Orthodox Church.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearings closed on items A and B.
B. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 18, Parking; Article 18-1, Stopping, Standing, and Parking ; Section 18-1-8, Parking Time Limited in Designated Places, Schedule III; Union Street. (11-15)
Action: The public hearing for this item taken with public hearing item A.
C. Resolution appropriating the sum of $684,210 for the purpose of acquiring property for runway protection at the Concord Municipal Airport including $650,000 in grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration and $17,105 from the State of New Hampshire Division of Aeronautics and the $17,105 from the City of Concord; together with report from the Business Development Coordinator. (11-16)
Action: Ken Lurvey, Economic Development Department, explained that this program is exactly the same as the ones done for the last three years to acquire property at the airport that is in the runway protection zone. He indicated that it is mandated by the FAA to do this to remove residences from protected air space and also to be able to remove other obstacles such as trees. Mr. Lurvey indicated that this has been done for three years with $1,650,000 of grant money and have acquired five properties, relocating six families successfully. He noted that two more properties are being targeted that the city would like to acquire with this grant.
Mr. Aspell added that the two properties that staff is looking at acquiring are both willing sellers and that the city’s match is $17,105 for a total project cost of $684,210 pointing out that those funds come from the airport fund and not from the general taxpayer fund.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
D. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code, Chapter 35, Classification and Compensation Plan, Schedule D of Article 35-2, Class Specification Index, Traffic Engineer; together with report from the Director of Personnel and Labor Relations and the City Engineer. (11-17)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that one of the Council’s goals was trying to focus on traffic and traffic calming throughout the city and as part of the FY08 budget he had recommended that a traffic engineer position be created.
Councilor Stetson inquired as to the compensation amount for this position. Norm O’Neil, Director of Personnel, responded that the labor grade 13 salary range is $55,889 to $72,883.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
E. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, appropriate and administer the sum of $100,000 of Emergency Community Development Block Grant funds from the NH Community Development Finance Authority for costs related to the construction of a new sanitary sewer main and associated improvements to serve three homes on Tremblay Court; together with a report from the Grants and Projects Specialist and the Assistant for Special Projects. (11-18)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the Code Division has discovered that there are piggyback connections for the sewer system which is no longer viable. He explained that staff has been working with the Community Development Advisory Committee to come up with a way to try to reconstruct the sewer system and would like authorization to apply for $100,000. Mr. Aspell indicated that staff feels that the project will cost between $70,000 to $80,000 and the grant, if received, would help cover the city’s administrative costs of $7,000 to $10,000 and that the funds would be made available in early 2008 and would reconstruct the sewer system. He added that this is a health related emergency that needs to be undertaken.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
F. Resolution appropriating the sum of $6,250 from the Episcopal Church, Diocese of New Hampshire; together with report from the Episcopal Diocese Committee. (11-19)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that $6,250 in funds from the trustees of the Episcopal Church of the Diocese of New Hampshire had been received and that the Episcopal Diocese Committee has made recommendations before Council.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
G. Resolution accepting and appropriating gifts, grants and donations up to $10,000; together with report from the Deputy City Manager – Finance. (11-20)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that this changes the process of how much the city can accept without going through the two month public hearing process.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
H. Resolution appropriating the sum of $2,500 in donations from the Comfort Inn and Susan Duprey to be used for rent of a facility for the Concord Recreation Department Senior Center Program; together with report from the Recreation Director. (11-21)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that $2,500 was donated, $1,000 from the Dupreys and $1,500 from the Comfort Inn, to the Recreation Department to help with the senior program.
Mayor Donovan thanked Susan Duprey and the Comfort Inn and pointed out that the downside to the acceptance of public hearing G is the public acknowledgement of donations less than $10,000. Jim Howard, Deputy City Manager-Finance, explained that as part of the resolution for the previous public hearing there would still be the requirement that all these donations still come forward to City Council prior to them being spent for the consent agenda.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
I. Resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $3,100 in unmatched grant funds from the United States Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest partnership grant program; together with report from the Police Department. (11-22)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the grant would provide direct reimbursement of fifty percent for each bulletproof vest purchased this year and the Police Department will use the funds to supplement the FY08 uniform and personnel equipment budget.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
J. Petition for the discontinuance of a public highway known as Flaghole Road in Concord. (9Sus1) (11-26) (11Sus3)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview asking Council to grant this request to discontinue Flaghole Road without prejudice to any private access rights to access public utilities, including, Unitil, Verizon, Comcast, or any such rights that may exist. He indicated that Councilor Bouley had a question in terms of the necessity to hold an on-site public hearing and that the City Planner was going to look into this.
City Planner Doug Woodward explained that the statute used to read that an on-site public hearing used to be required and that statute had changed in the 90’s. He explained that the discontinuances that have occurred since the late 90’s have not had any benefit of an on-site public hearing explaining that this had been deleted from the language of the statute.
Mayor Donovan declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
December 10, 2007 Public Hearing Action
Action: Councilor Lemieux moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Lemieux moved to amend the ordinance from November 1st to April 1st to read from November 1st to March 31st. The motion was duly seconded
Councilor Bennett explained that the Parking Committee has been seeing more of these requests being brought forth to the committee noting that parking is becoming more of a problem throughout the city. He noted that the addition of a traffic engineer is money well spent.
Mayor Donovan indicated that he would be voting against this item pointing out that there is a problem but that it’s not uncommon to a lot of the streets. He noted that he feels that there needs to be an overall approach.
Councilor Bennett explained that he is in the process along with Mainstreet Concord of coming forth with a proposal for overnight on-street parking with a winter snow ban noting that he feels that this may alleviate some problems. He noted his agreement that this is a problem on many streets throughout the city in the winter with narrowing streets due to the snow banks.
Councilor Nyhan noted his concern as to where the residents would park during the banned hours.
The motion to amend the ordinance passed on a voice vote.
Councilor Shurtleff inquired whether the Fire Department had expressed any concern about their apparatus getting through Union Street.
Fire Chief Tim McGinley responded that there is a history of fires within this area and in the winter time there is some difficulty passing through and setting up on this street. He indicated that this ordinance would be a positive step for the Fire Department.
Councilor Bouley inquired whether this street is unique to the area. Chief McGinley indicated that it is not unique. Councilor Bouley inquired whether a more comprehensive approach is needed. Chief McGinley indicated this would be a step in the right direction noting that he would be in favor of that. Councilor Bouley inquired as to how many residents had shown up at the Parking Committee meeting. Parking Manager Dave Florence responded that five individuals attended the meeting explaining that residents had been invited to attend this evening’s public hearing as well.
The motion to approve the ordinance, as amended, passed on a voice vote.
Action: Councilor Lemieux moved approval of the ordinance. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Lemieux moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor McClure asked for an explanation as to how this position is funded. Mr. Aspell explained that the way it was discussed within the budget is that many times the city gets traffic studies that will come in from applicants to do projects, they will pay fees to consultants to prepare those and submit them to the city. He indicated that the city does not actually have enough expertise, knowledge and time to review these and have to send these out. He indicated that when the studies come in, they can be reviewed in-house in a consistent manner and at a cost that is dramatically less than what a private consultant can do so the city can therefore reduce the cost to the development standpoint and still charge the applicant some dollars and use those dollars to offset the cost of the position. Mr. Aspell explained that the conservative estimates is that the city will still need to come up with approximately $14,500 and pay on an annual basis to offset these dollars that come in from the private sector. Councilor McClure inquired whether it’s expected to continue year after year. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Lemieux inquired as to whether it can be estimated as to what portion of the traffic engineer’s time would be spent on the Planning Board activities and what portion would be left over for traffic calming and working with the Parking Committee. City Engineer Ed Roberge explained that over the last twenty four months there have been ten or twelve applications annually indicating that this portion would be ten percent of the traffic engineer’s time.
The motion to adopt the ordinance passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Blanchard inquired as to how it is determined as to which food pantries receive the money. Mayor Donovan explained that the Episcopal Committee, comprised by three City Councilors, recommends how to distribute this money.
Councilor St. Hilaire, Episcopal Committee member, explained that the committee felt that there was a need for the food pantries because of the critical food shortage this year.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor McClure asked that staff send a letter to thank the Comfort Inn and Susan Duprey.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether this could be voted on by a voice vote or whether it required a special vote. Staff indicated that a voice vote would be acceptable.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
Reports
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell indicated that Councilor McClure had brought up several questions at the last Council meeting and asked for an update on the parking garage.
Councilor McClure asked staff to provide a brief outline of what the plan is and the timing.
Assistant for Special Projects Matt Walsh, referencing page six and seven of the report, explained that there is an overview of several options that staff feels might help to improve the situation with some being pricey and others at low cost or no cost. He indicated that the first recommendation was to provide attendance at the garage primarily in the evening hours explaining that the majority of the issues being experienced have been occurring during non-business hours. He added that there is a proposal to staff the garage for at least ninety days with an attendant at night to educate and assist patrons on how to use the system. Mr. Walsh indicated that the second recommendation is for the Council to considerthe installation of a third pay station to be located on the first floor of the garage. He noted that staff feels that this would help to improve some of the user friendliness of the garage for people who do not pay at the pay stations that are located on the third floor. He added that the cost for the unit itself costs approximately $49,000 and once it is hardwired to where it needs to be, provide an emergency phone, and a surveillance camera this brings it to the $55,000 to $56,000 range. He indicated that recommendation three is to try to eliminate the amount of free parking, that the city controls, around the garage. Mr. Walsh noted that staff feels that there are two primary factors hurting the financial performance of the garage: the office building is still fifty percent untenanted and unleased which is 40,000 square feet of office space that does not currently have anything in it; the amount of free parking near the project including on street parking on the south end of Storrs Street, the city owned Theater Street lot, as well as the large parking lot that is located at the Burlington Coat Factory plaza. He pointed out that the city can control two of the three items and the recommendation is to either remove or regulate parking on the south end of Storrs Street as well as otherwise manage or close the Theater Street parking lot to help drive people to the garage. Mr. Walsh indicated that the fourth recommendation is the Theater Street recommendation that was just touched upon. He explained that the fifth recommendation is to try to promote the garage to people who are already downtown and driving through. He indicated that the sixth recommendation is to raise the gate bars during weekend hours explaining that staff has some trepidation about this particular option because of the concern of managing this and that it wouldn’t teach patrons to use the garage. Mr. Walsh explained that the seventh option is to institute a program for merchant validation of parking and noted that the validation machine costs approximately $1,200 per unit and each merchant would require their own unit. He explained that the eighth recommendation is to install some more directional signage downtown.
Councilor McClure inquired whether the signage would be the typical signage in cities for parking. Mr. Walsh responded that it would be the typical green and white sign, the P with the arrow. He explained that it was installed at the Storrs Street intersection, Hills Avenue and Pleasant Street and that there has been some question as to whether it is visible. Councilor McClure inquired whether staff is going to pursue getting more signage. Mr. Walsh responded that this is something that he can do and is a lower expense when looking at the other options. Councilor McClure noted that the comments that she has received have been from individuals who want to use the parking garage during the day and that they cannot figure out how to operate the system. She inquired whether attendance is being considered during the day. Parking Manager Dave Florence indicated that they are at the point where everything is working fine explaining that there had been some malfunctions in the pay stations when they first arrived. He indicated that the complaints and errors being received are human caused not necessarily mechanically caused explaining that there are individuals using the garage overnight then go over to the pay station to validate their ticket to the way to their car spending more than ten minutes warming their car up so that when they get downstairs their tickets have expired. Councilor McClure indicated that she feels that the elimination of the free parking appears to be a good idea.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether the money that is gained from the proposed roughly forty meters could be used and dedicated to pay off toward the pro forma of the garage until the garage itself catches up. Mr. Florence responded that, yes, this could be done. He explained that staff’s recommendation for the Storrs Street parking that is currently free is to remove it from parking all together and not install parking meters and that to install parking meters the city would be looking at approximately $600 a space to install the meters.
Referencing the Storrs Street parking, Councilor Bennett indicated that if this lot is restricted or metered it will affect the merchants’ employee parking. He noted that he does not have a problem with charging them for a permit for parking. He added that it is expensive to park downtown and that a lot of the jobs of these employees are on a part-time basis.
Councilor Coen indicated his concern that if staff addresses the parking on Storrs Street and other areas, staff is missing the point of why the parking garage isn’t being utilized. He noted that he feels that the biggest point is that it is not user friendly and that is why people are not parking there. Councilor Coen inquired whether it is possible to change the amount of time to leave the garage from a ten minute window to possibly a fifteen minute window. Mr. Florence responded that the time period can be changed. He added that staff could also make it a time from the time somebody enters and pulls their ticket.
Councilor St. Hilaire indicated that he had parked on the first floor of the garage during a weekend and had to walk across to the other side and up a couple of flights of stairs just to get his free parking ticket and walk back down again. Referencing option two, he inquired whether there is a way that staff can look at paying for it, not at a separate pay station, but using the same ticket when exiting reading the time and giving you a price. Mr. Walsh responded that he and Mr. Florence have a meeting with the vendor that sold the city the system and that this is one of the items they will be talking to him about. He indicated that the vendor that staff has talked to about it has cautioned staff against this particular approach because they are smaller units and work well for managing smaller spaces because they hold less cash in them. He explained that staff is intending on exploring with the vendor to find out what the cost may be and to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of it. Councilor St. Hilaire indicated that if this does not seem to be a viable option, is there an option of using a regular pay machine in an in-lane status or another option in which it can be programmed such that the card initially taken to enter into the garage can be used, at least on the weekends when parking is free, to put in to open the gate. Mr. Florence responded that this is one of the questions that had been posed to the manufacturer and the in car machines do work for large facilities but are staff dependent explaining that the machine holds very little money and needs to be changed frequently. He reiterated that staff will be meeting with the vendor tomorrow and will be able to pose these questions to them.
Councilor Bouley asked that Mr. Florence talk to his own staff explaining that he feels that the information received, in terms of breaking down, is inaccurate. He indicated that he feels that the system is not working and is not the city’s fault but is the vendors fault.
Councilor Lemieux noted that he feels that it is more than the difficulty in operating the system that is causing the garage to be empty most of the time. He noted that taking the options one at a time it needs to be estimated as to how much each of these items will increase usership of people parking in the car generating revenue before moving forward with any of the options listed.
City Manager Tom Aspell suggested that Council direct the staff to do all the options that are free and refer the report to the Parking Committee to come back to a subsequent Council meeting with recommendations as to which ones to implement.
Councilor Bouley noted his agreement in moving in the direction that the City Manager has suggested. Councilor Bouley moved to approve what the City Manager has recommended to do the free or low cost options and refer the report to the Parking Committee. The motion was duly seconded.
Mr. Walsh explained that recommendations five and eight are the easiest to achieve assuming that General Services has an electronic message sign that is available and the installation of additional signage which is a very low cost item.
Mayor Donovan inquired as to why raising the gates on the weekend would not be considered a non-cost or low cost item. Mr. Walsh explained that there is a miniscule cost that goes with this.
Mr. Aspell suggested that staff move forward with options 4, 5, 6 and 8.
Mayor Donovan indicated that the City Manager has made his recommendation to move forward with options 4, 5, 6 and 8 and refer the rest of the report to the Parking Committee. Mayor Donovan noted that Councilor Bouley has agreed that this was his motion.
Following brief Council discussion, Councilor McClure inquired whether there were problems with raising the gates in terms of security. Mr. Aspell responded that the real issue is with the time the gates would be raised and would be something that would need to be worked out.
Referencing option two, Councilor Blanchard inquired as to why one of the existing pay stations couldn’t be moved to the first floor. Mr. Walsh responded that the Parking Committee has discussed this noting that it can be done with a cost associated with it. He explained that individuals are getting used to where the pay stations currently located and moving them would mean that people would need to be retrained to start adjusting to new locations. Councilor Blanchard inquired as to the current locations of the pay stations. Mr. Walsh indicated that one is located in the elevator tower on the third floor and the second one is located at the north stair which is near the Endicott Hotel. Councilor Blanchard inquired to the cost of moving one of the stations. Mr. Walsh responded that the cost would be approximately $5,500.
Councilor Stetson questioned whether the Theater Street lot was the parking lot near Hermanos. Mr. Walsh responded that, no, the Theater Street lot is across from where the Salvation Army shop used to be. Councilor Stetson inquired whether there is any way these can be leased to the businesses that are close by. Mr. Florence responded that this lot was put up for lease during construction to some of the businesses affected by losing parking on Hills Avenue and received very few takers. He added that this is something that could be looked at. Councilor Stetson inquired as to how many were leased. Mr. Florence responded that four individuals participated in leasing spaces which ended with the opening of the garage.
Referencing option six, Councilor Lemieux inquired how this would relate to people using the garage. Mr. Walsh explained that it would create a convenience for people going to the Red River Theatre and the Capitol Center for the Arts. He indicated that as far as creating additional revenue, it’s plausible that someone will use the garage on the weekend, like it and come back to use it during business hours.
Mr. Florence added that without a ticket and the gates being lifted the counts of vehicles will not be able to be obtained.
Councilor Stetson inquired whether it would decrease expenses to the Police Department if they do not have to respond to calls for service on the weekend if the gates were up. Mr. Florence indicated that for the most part the Police Department are responding to phone calls and not necessarily sending an officer out to the garage. He explained that they have been instructed and trained on how to open the gate from the Police Department.
Councilor McClure inquired whether the banners have been ordered. Mr. Walsh indicated that they have been ordered and that staff had spent some additional money on signage for the garage including banners and will be installed the week of December 17th.
Councilor Bouley’s motion passed with no dissenting votes.
New Business
Unfinished Business
Action: Councilor Blanchard moved to remove this item from the table. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the question came from the Mayor a few months ago as to what is the estimated cost to remove the concrete slabs that are underneath Fisherville Road/North State Street. He added that the report contains information on those costs.
Bill Moore, Fay Spofford & Thorndike LLC, provided a detailed overview explaining that the report contains three alternatives to rehabilitate the pavement: removing the concrete and rebuilding a new roadway; rubbilization which is taking the pavement off of the existing concrete pavers underneath and breaking the concrete up to form a base material for asphalt to be placed after the fact; maintaining the existing concrete pavement. Mr. Moore continued with a very detailed summarization of each of the options as detailed within his report. In summary, he indicated that the full depth reconstruction is the most expensive alternative costing approximately $1.65 million for the initial construction and maintenance costs over thirty years; approximately $1.48 million for the rubbilization option’s initial construction and maintenance costs; the cost for maintaining existing concrete has a lower initial construction cost but a higher maintenance cost with a total of approximately $1,375,000. He explained that staff is looking at options of reducing the full depth option and removing the concrete by crushing the concrete off-site and bringing it back in as aggregate material indicating that it will not reduce the full depth reconstruction cost to a dollar value less than maintaining the concrete but it may make it a more viable option. Mr. Moore indicated that his recommendation, based on what has been done throughout the study and this process, is to spend the money spent initially on areas that are in good shape and maintaining them at a high level of condition, maintaining those first and then attacking the areas of poor condition later as funds become available.
City Engineer Ed Roberge explained that this was the request of the Mayor to really look at the pavement restoration options. He noted that maintaining the existing concrete pavement is what is currently in the program today that is listed out in the six years of today’s capital program and if staff was to look at other options; it would affect the cost and program phasing. Noting the CIP outyear meeting at the end of January, he indicated that if Council is so inclined for staff to look at options to include full depth reconstruction then Council can look at reprogramming.
Councilor Shurtleff inquired whether there will come a point in time when the concrete will have to be removed from this site. Mr. Moore responded that he does not believe this to be the case explaining that he has spoken to several states and that New Hampshire has either taken it out and for the most part because of funding, these have been left in place and have maintained it in a minor amount with no major problems. He added that Massachusetts had indicated that they rarely remove it. Mr. Moore noted that if it is a good solid concrete base that has not been exposed or deteriorated, it could last.
Councilor Lemieux inquired if the relative cost of the three alternatives in terms of traffic inconvenience or inconvenience to the residents had been looked at. He further questioned if one alternative would be better than another in this way. Mr. Moore responded that an additional cost for traffic management had been included within the full depth reconstruction because it will be much more to stage this project. He added that rubbilization would also have an additional cost due to staging and not being able to drive over the area when its rubbilized. He explained that it would also raise the elevation of the roadway in which there is a cost also associated with this. In summary, Mr. Moore indicated that there is an additional cost for the complexity of each of the alternatives. Councilor Lemieux indicated that the recommendation is predicated on routine maintenance inquiring whether this is four times in thirty years. Mr. Moore indicated that to be correct. Councilor Lemieux questioned that if the maintenance does not occur, would the recommendation be changed. Mr. Moore responded that he added in the extra maintenance based on his own feeling that there needed to be some criteria with this particular alternative that showed that its not going to be as good as full depth. He explained that the roadway will not deteriorate to the point where it would lose the value of the roadway but it will lose some of its ride ability.
Councilor Stetson indicated that there are areas within the area being discussed that have no concrete because of sewer and water service being trenched across it and inquired whether the concrete is planned on being replaced in these sections. Mr. Moore responded that he wants a continuous section through there and not a differential settlement between one section and another. Councilor Stetson inquired whether it is better to take the concrete out the full length of the corridor. Mr. Moore responded that the cost of the corridor would be substantially higher.
Referencing the removal of the concrete slabs in some areas and not in other areas, Councilor Blanchard questioned what the quality of the road would be. Mr. Roberge responded that it would be the same similar effect of what is currently there today. Mr. Moore added that the corridor was prioritized to where the concrete or the pavement was either in good condition, fair condition or poor condition. He explained that pavement tends to deteriorate in its first seventy five percent of its life at thirty to forty percent deterioration. He indicated that money is best spent over time bringing the good sections up to excellent and withholding funds until needed on the portions that are in poor conditions.
Councilor McClure indicated that it has been explained that the joints between the cement pieces would need to be sealed and inquired whether this would entail taking the asphalt off in order to seal these. Referencing the maintenance phase, Mr. Moore responded that saw cutting would occur at the approximate joint locations, seal and overlay.
Mayor Donovan asked for clarification as to whether Council is being asked to accept the report and adopt the recommendations in it which is that the planning and programming would proceed along the line of maintaining the existing concrete pavement solution. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Blanchard moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor St. Hilaire noted his concern with maintenance of cutting through the pavement, sealing the joints and resealing the pavement indicating that this may increase the feeling of the bumps in the road.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether the committee had preferred the alternative of removing the concrete. Councilor Stetson indicated that to be correct.
Councilor McClure inquired as to whether the total cost would be $271,000 more to remove the concrete including maintenance. Mr. Moore indicated that to be correct. Councilor McClure inquired as to the cost to remove the concrete over the entire span of the project. Mr. Roberge indicated that if the decision is made to fundamentally remove the concrete slab they were thinking that it is somewhere along the lines of forty percent but since the report had been prepared staff has had ongoing conversations with General Services to see what would be a best scenario. He noted that if Council decides to remove the slabs in its entirety and wants to know what the cost impact is, staff can prepare themselves to come back at the CIP outyear meeting at the end of January and plan what the program would be and its relative cost.
Mayor Donovan inquired whether the thirty year life on the maintenance is at present value. Mr. Moore indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Stetson indicated that there are areas that are already being recommended to take the concrete out and inquired whether the price would be raised by twenty to forty percent. Mr. Moore responded that considering the fact that some areas are already programmed in he believes that the range at this point would be within twenty to forty percent.
Following additional Council discussion, Councilor St. Hilaire moved to table the report.
City Manager Aspell inquired whether tabling this until the end of January would delay the implementation of priority one or two area for design. Mr. Roberge responded that staff would not be able to proceed with final design until after the meeting.
The motion to table passed 8 to 7 with a show of hands vote.
Councilor Bouley moved to consider items pulled from the consent agenda out of order. The motion duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Consideration of items pulled from the consent agenda for discussion
Item 24 was pulled from the consent agenda to be discussed following unfinished business items on the agenda.
Action: (Councilor Lemieux indicated that whatever decision is going to be made to remedy this are decisions that need to be made by the Traffic Calming Committee. He moved to accept the report and refer it to the Traffic Calming Committee. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Councilor Rowe thanked the residents of Ward Eight for electing him as a Councilor two years ago. He wished the new Council luck in the budget and tax process.
Councilor Rogers thanked city departments and city employees noting that she will miss the interaction between the employees and the ability to thank them every day for what they do. She noted that she often thinks about the people that served with her that are no longer here including Red Brochu, Marjory Swope, Dave Poulin and Ken McDonald. She thanked these families for letting them serve the city and indicated that she hopes that the city always remember these individuals because they added an amazing amount to the city.
Mayor Donovan thanked the residents of Concord for the privilege of letting him serve as mayor for the last six years. He noted that he enjoyed being Mayor and everyone for the trust and confidence they placed in him over the years. He thanked his wife, Lisa, for her moral support, encouragement and patience during his tenure as Mayor and Councilor. He further thanked his two sons, Parker and Kyle, for their understanding and support. Mayor Donovan noted that Concord is a great community, has a solid economic base, a very good school system, superior municipal services, has an outstanding safety net of social services, medical services and nonprofits, and a beautiful natural environment. He indicated that the challenge as Concord’s elected officials has been and will be to ensure that things stay this way and always keep in mind the attributes that makes Concord what it is today and make sure that city government does its best to maintain and build upon these community assets which make Concord such a great community to live and work in. Mayor Donovan thanked City Clerk Janice Bonenfant and Deputy City Clerk Michelle Tiffany for researching information, writing letters and mayoral proclamations, putting together gift baskets for dignitaries, responding to numerous inquiries and requests made of him, and keeping his ceremonial schedule in order. He added that the City Clerk’s office has a pleasant and cheerful approach to their work. He noted that in his eighteen years in Council he has had the pleasure of working with four City Managers, Jim Smith, Julia Griffin, Duncan Ballantyne, and Tom Aspell, each of them being a capable, skilled public administrator with strong moral characters and ethical standards and visionary in their own way. Mayor Donovan noted that the present City Manager Tom Aspell is an honest, strong administrator, very hard worker, and an outstanding City Manager and further noted that Councilors will be well advised to listen very carefully to what he suggests in the coming years. Mayor Donovan recognized all the city employees for the fine job that they do in providing the residents and the working population of the city with superior municipal services and that their dedication is what makes the city’s effective government work. He further thanked the individuals who have sat in Council Chambers with him over the last eighteen years adding that everyone who sits in this room comes with the idea that they are doing their very best for the people they represent. Lastly, he thanked Mayor Pro Tem Bouley for all his help during his tenure as Mayor and wished him the very best and noted that he is confident that he will do a great job as the next Mayor.
Further Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Referencing info item 8, Copy of Merrimack County proposed budget for the 2008 calendar year, Councilor Blanchard pointed out that the bottom line is up 11.27 percent and in actuality the revenues are down.
Councilor Blanchard reminded everyone of the 2nd annual Christmas caroling to be held in Penacook Square on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m.
Councilor McClure reminded Council that the proposed master plan is located on the city’s website and available at City Hall. She pointed out that there will be two hearings in January on the 23rd and 24th.
Councilor Bouley reminded Council of the city tour on Friday. Referencing the calendar within the Council packet, Councilor Bouley indicated that the CIP outyear review meeting is listed for January 18th and should actually be listed as January 28th.
Adjournment
The time being 10:35 p.m., Councilor Nyhan moved to adjourn the meeting and enter into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b) to discuss collective bargaining/labor negotiations. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Black, Blanchard, Bouley, Coen, Mayor Donovan, Councilors Lemieux, McClure, Nyhan, Rowe, St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, and Werner voting yes. Councilors Rogers and Stetson voted no.