| December 14, 2009 Meeting Minutes |
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City Council Meeting
Minutes
December 14, 2009
Non-public session in
accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b)
to discuss collective bargaining strategies; followed by a non-public session
in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss contract negotiations and
property acquisition
City
Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the November 9, 2009 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
6. Resolution proclaiming December 2009 as Capital Regional Food Program Month. (11-31)
- 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: Mayor Bouley asked whether it was all right with Council to also refer item 9 to the Rules Committee. There was no Council objection to this request. Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval the consent agenda, as amended, with items 18 and 23 removed for discussion at the end of the agenda. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Referral to Community Development
Referral to the City Clerk and the Legal Department
Referral to the Economic Development Advisory
Committee and Community Development – Code Administration
Items Tabled for a January 11, 2010 Public Hearing
From the City Manager
Action: This item was removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Consent Reports
Action: This item was removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
Consent Resolutions
Consent Communications
**End of Consent Agenda**
A. Resolution determining the proposed project has a public benefit and approving an application by the Sanel Realty Company, Inc. on behalf of Duprey Acquisitions, LLC for a RSA 79-E Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive for a proposed 80,000 SF +/- office building to be constructed at 45a-49 South Main Street Concord, known as the "Sanel Block"; together with a report from the Assistant for Special Projects. (11-11)
Action: Matt Walsh, Assistant for Special Projects, explained that back in September the Council approved the development agreement with Duprey Acquisitions which contemplated this application before Council this evening. He indicated that Mr. Duprey’s project when it is completed, which would be likely around April 1, 2011, would receive a tax relief incentive whereby the amount of the improvement to the premises and not the underlying base value today would receive a tax relief and that he wouldn’t have to pay taxes on that for the first five years after that building is completed. Mr. Walsh explained that the city worked with Mr. Duprey and the State of New Hampshire to revise RSA 79-E so it could benefit not only his project but other similar projects whereby certain structures are taken down at the property. He indicated that Council has to make a finding, under the statute, that the project has an economic benefit to downtown; they have to make a finding that there are no negative or adverse impacts to architecturally, historically or culturally significant buildings. He added that as part of this project, Mr. Duprey has commissioned architectural historian Liz Hengen to survey the existing buildings and it was determined that none of the buildings possess those qualities and, further, the same architectural report was presented to the Heritage Commission on November 5th and the commission also concurred with that finding. Mr. Walsh indicated that there is a requirement that projects that use federal grants or other subsidies that do not have to be repaid which total fifty percent or more of the construction cost of a project are not eligible. Referencing page 4 and 5 of the report, he pointed out that there was an analysis done with the two tax credit programs that Mr. Duprey’s project would benefit from: 1) New Markets Tax Credits program, a federal tax credit program administered by the Department of Commerce, whereby Mr. Duprey will get financing through the sale of that tax credit which he’ll qualify for and in turn take that allocation of credits and sell them for equity which will go into the project with the amount of credit being approximately $3.55 million; 2) the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, a tenant within the project, is going to receive a $1 million Community Development Investment Program Tax Credit through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. Mr. Walsh stated that the amount of subsidies is only 49.97 percent of the construction cost and not 50 percent so therefore it qualifies. He emphasized that the approach that staff took relative to the tax credit calculation was very conservative. He explained that although Mr. Duprey is going to receive $3.55 million in New Markets Tax Credits, the amount he actually receives when he sells them for equity is less than that $3.55 million. He noted that staff’s recommendation is that Council approve the application before them this evening explaining that staff feels that it complies with the state law.
Councilor Blanchard inquired as to the actual amount of taxes that would be paid in that five years. Mr. Walsh responded that the current assessed valuation of the Sanel Block is $1.25 million and what would happen is if Council grants this request tonight the City Assessor has to go out and update that number. He indicated that Mr. Duprey would continue to pay on that $1.25 million, adjusted either way after the Assessing Office goes out, and that he will not have to pay on the difference between what his property will be worth once the building is built minus that $1.25 million.
Councilor Lemieux asked Mr. Walsh to list the advantages to the city and its residents if approved by Council. Mr. Walsh responded that without this credit Mr. Duprey’s project doesn’t go forward. He explained that the benefit to the city is long term economic development for downtown in the form of tax base expansion. He added that once the credit expires, the incremental tax revenues created by this new office building will first go to pay down debt in the Capital Commons TIF district and once that debt is satisfied the money will accrue to the city’s general fund. He indicated that in the shorter term, the project is going to create approximately 250 to 300 jobs to downtown once the building is completed. He explained that this job base into the southerly end of the downtown central business district will help to continue the momentum of redevelopment for this part of town and creates activity from people going to this particular building to conduct business. He noted that the relocation of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters to this building helps to keep them in Concord which is a benefit to the city and helps to bolster the creation of an arts and culture district. City Manager Tom Aspell added that when the 250 jobs come from Concord Hospital, different campuses around, they’ll be located onto this site and that there will be additional opportunities for expansion at those sites and at the Concord Hospital’s main headquarters because those parking spaces will now become available and there will be opportunities to redevelop those sites.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing.
Public Testimony
Roy Schweiker, Concord resident, noted his concerns with Mr. Duprey receiving tax credits and wondered why nobody else gets any of these. He noted that if Mr. Duprey builds this building and sells it for what it cost him to build it he will immediately receive a 60 percent profit because of the tax credit. He noted his disagreement with the City Manager’s comment explaining that with this project, other office spaces are being emptied to move them downtown and it is not known for sure what is going to take the place of these and that it is possible that these sites may stay vacant. He noted his concern with the owners of these vacant buildings requesting a reduction in their assessments because they can’t rent their space. He suggested that the city ask Mr. Duprey to guarantee that if these buildings remain vacant and their assessments are reduced that he will make up the difference of what they should have been paying so that the city will not lose taxes in the short term based on this project.
Steve Duprey explained that the original approach was to do the infrastructure improvements through the TIF district which would mean 100 percent of the tax payment on the property would go to the garage and anything else in this TIF district for 20 years. He note that by him taking on that responsibility of making the improvements, he is paid back through RSA 79-E for the cost of doing the work but also takes the risk that if it cost them more to do that work, they are the ones left with that expense. He noted that he feels that the plus to the city with this arrangement is that it means they see tax revenues in year 6 instead of 15, 18 or 20. Speaking of the prime tenant, he explained that this will allow them to consolidate from 5 locations to 1. Mr. Duprey explained that the tax credits is a volatile market and that there is one buyer of tax credits in the United States for New Markets Tax Credits and they were selling at 76 cents and are now selling at 65 cents on the dollar and continue to go down in value as the economy stumbles. He added that there is also a requirement at the end of the 6 years, those tax credits are considered income and would have to pay income tax on every dollar of the credit.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
B. Resolution appropriating the sum of $25,000 in US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey Grant Funds from the Aerial Imagery Cooperative Program, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into the cooperative agreement with the US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey to acquire high resolution aerial imagery of Concord, NH in conjunction with the FY2010 city-wide aerial mapping project, CIP #297; together with report from the City Engineer. (11-12)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
C. Resolution appropriating the sum of $6,335 from the grant repayment account to be utilized in the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) Emergency Grant Account; together with report from the Community Development Advisory Committee. (11-13)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
D. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to continue implementation of the Community Development revolving loan fund program, fund 2701, and appropriating the sum of $294,220; together with report from the Community Development Advisory Committee. (11-14)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that each year the Community Development Advisory Committee needs to come before Council to reappropriate the dollars in the revolving loan fund. He indicated that these funds were generated from a grant many years ago that continually get loaned out and repaid at very low interest rates to help finance various projects throughout the city.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
E. Resolution appropriating an additional sum of $22,000 and authorizing the issuance of $22,000 in bonds and notes for sedimentation basin concrete repairs at the Hutchins Street Water Treatment Plan (CIP #88) and rescinding the sum of $22,000 for the refurbishment of a generator set at the Contoocook River Pump Station (CIP #372); together with report from the Deputy General Services Director. (11-15)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
December 14, 2009 Public Hearing Action
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Bouley clarified that by accepting the report, Council is saying that it satisfies the public benefit, it will enhance the economic vitality of downtown and that they are granting community revitalization tax relief incentive for a period of five years for the 80,000 square foot office building.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Lemieux moved approval. 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 Blanchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 14 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Black, Blanchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, Keach, Lemeiux, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, Stetson and Werner voting yes.
Reports
Action: Councilor McClure, Chair of the Taskforce for 21st Century Library, explained that this presentation is just an update and that they would like feedback, suggestions and input from the Council. She explained that the taskforce convened in January 2009 and were given three tasks: select a site; estimate operating costs; analyze private fundraising potential. She indicated that they are focusing on site selection this evening and showing Council the presentation that they have taken out to the community including the Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Chamber Board, Library Trustees and Foundation and Concord Mainstreet. She provided a brief history of the Library adding that the last expansion of the Library was in 1965. She noted that the back up for their work is the 2007 Needs Assessment which concluded that it was time for Concord to make a new investment in what should be a vital community asset. This report had been accepted by the Council in November 2007 and staff was directed to search for a site. Councilor McClure pointed out some of the highlights of the study including: an inefficient floor plan, severe lack of parking, little room for children and teen programming, and in the bomb shelter there is 30 percent of the Library’s 155 volume collection and of this, 50 percent of the adult collection is in storage. She added that the auditorium is a last resort for anybody seeking a meeting because there is no natural light, barely ADA accessible, there are no separate entrances or restrooms and cannot be effectively used by community groups after hours. Councilor McClure explained that the study did look at renovation of the existing building but that it would have to be extensive, would require the demolition of the 1965 addition on the rear of the building, would require land acquisition which could have a negative impact on the community and renovation of the current building would cost as much as building new elsewhere. She noted that the existing library has under 20,000 square feet of useable floor space while a new library would have approximately 32,000 square feet which would be 61 percent more useable. She pointed out other features of a 21st Century Library that the needs assessment outline includes: access to at least 100 parking spaces, teen section, a café, variety of community meeting spaces, special project areas for different activities and more public computers. She noted that libraries of the 21st century are not just depositories of books, they are adaptable and created to be community meeting centers, technology centers, places where individuals can get information in a variety of ways. Councilor McClure explained that the needs assessment indicated that the library should be located downtown and that the taskforce took that and expanded it going as far west as the State Hospital grounds and as far east as the Everett Arena up to Walker School and down to Perley Street. She noted that they evaluated 20 different sites in this larger downtown area. She further noted that they used a site selection study matrix that evaluated 46 separate criteria and 6 different categories looking at such items as lot size, cost of acquisition, anticipated difficulty of construction, impact on historic structures, availability of parking on-street and off-street and the opportunity of long term expansion. She indicated that the NH Employment Security property was one of their top choices, the second choice, because it has a Main Street presence, ample public parking, close to the garage, currently tax exempt so it wouldn’t be taken off the tax rolls, and there is a single owner. She noted that the drawbacks to this site is that the owner is the state which could involve long term negotiation and that it has also been viewed as a possible site for the Merrimack County Court House. She indicated that the Storrs Street site was their first/preferred choice because it is in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the city’s cultural district, ¾ of an acre, currently underutilized, 40 spaces available on site and also for future expansion, no historic structures are involved, adjacent to the garage, it would remain on the tax rolls after purchasing until construction and is one of the least expensive sites with a current estimated cost of $2.14 million. She added that one of the other things about this site that the taskforce felt could be a benefit to the community and downtown is the potential redevelopment it may spur in the area including Depot Street, Main Street and Kennedy Lane. She added that they feel that the added foot traffic that a library would generate in this location would be a good bolster to the cultural district and to downtown merchants. She explained that a number of communities in the state have recently renovated or built new libraries. She noted that they wanted to go out and see what a 21st Century library looked like and visited the Portsmouth Library because it is about the same size as anticipated that Concord would need. She explained that some of the things they liked about the library included an efficient floor plan and a café noting that such features as the café, the court yard and community garden space were all provided by private donations. The library went into their private fundraising campaign after construction had started and had a number of features such as these that they wanted to put into their library but did not have public money for and they were able to raise approximately $700,000 for some of these features. She noted that the Portsmouth Library also has a community room that holds 224 people and is open to non-profits for free with a $50.00 deposit that is returned if the room is left in the same condition that it was provided for. The room is used almost daily, has its own exterior entrance, restrooms and its own kitchen facility. She noted that there are also a number of small meeting rooms of different sizes throughout the building that are used regularly by the community. Councilor McClure indicated that MainStreet Concord, EDAC and the Chamber group agree that the Storrs Street location is the best location and there was a broad consensus on the positive economic development aspects of a project such as this in a downtown location. She noted that there were questions about the roles of technology in a new library but that there needs to be a change as to a way information is provided.
Mary Beth Robinson, Taskforce for 21st Century Library member, indicated that the process of selection of a downtown site for a new library was a very painstaking procedure. She noted that the taskforce set out to prove the original site choice might not be the one and as it happened, it is the site that is needed for the future of Concord Public Library, a project which will enrich the city and its citizens for many years to come. She thanked Council for her appointment to the taskforce.
Van McLeod, Taskforce for 21st Century Library member, noted that the members of the taskforce are committed to the community and care about the city. He thanked members of the taskforce as well as staff for their participation in the process. He indicated that the city needs to move into this century and build a library that is truly fitting for this city, the capital of the state. He noted that a 21st century building is not just a book depository but a community commons, a gathering place, a meeting place and all about programming and its access to technology and information. He spoke as to how crucial it is to have such features such as a teen meeting space and a café. He added that a new library would be a good investment on all levels: social, economic and civic. He indicated that it is economic development because it creates an investment in and for local business, it is a catalyst for economic vitality; it will improve property values, and it builds community. He noted that a new library will support greater library use, more library card holders, more circulation per capita and more reading. Mr. McLeod indicated that it’s essential to maintain a productive community; builds toward the vision of what we want Concord to be; catalyst for the city’s cultural identity, vitality and creative economy efforts; catalyst for personal growth of individuals; supports education, literacy; and fuels local economy. He noted that some say that the city cannot afford to do this right now further noting that the city can’t afford not to.
Mayor Bouley thanked the taskforce for all their time and effort.
Referring to the Portsmouth Library being LEED certified, Councilor Werner asked as to what extent the taskforce had discussed the desire to move in this direction as well. Councilor McClure responded that they had discussed this a little noting that it is a bit premature since there is not yet a site or a plan. She indicated that there is interest on the committee to make it energy efficient and noted that she feels when going forward her philosophy would be if it is a long term benefit to the taxpayer, if it saves money, they would definitely go in any route that was a green building.
Councilor Nyhan noted that it is indicated that the 2007 needs assessment outlines a cost of an $18.9 million project that needs to be updated but Portsmouth’s library came in at $9 million inquiring as to the difference between these two projects. Councilor McClure responded that Portsmouth did not have acquisition of site to deal with. Matt Walsh, Assistant for Special Projects, explained that Portsmouth’s contract was signed in 2004 and it is 6 years later in which there has been inflation of construction costs. He indicated that Portsmouth had some demolition which was a long debate for them and feels that Concord is going to have some urban construction issues in downtown which is a little different than the Portsmouth site.
Councilor Keach inquired as to what would happen to the existing library. Mr. Walsh responded that there are several different options: the city could sell it; the city could retain the property as part of the city hall campus extending into the library; it could be retained by the city and rented out; it could be partially occupied by the city and partially by not for profit partners.
Councilor Nyhan inquired as to what the bond payments would be and what the city is looking at for annual costs to build this project. Mr. Walsh gave two scenarios: if the city were to bond the acquisition cost of the real estate, $2.24 million, over 20 years at 4 ½ percent add about $172,000 in debt service annually and working under the assumption that roughly $300,000 in expenditures equals 1 percent on the municipal tax rate it increases by .57 percent; if looking at the total project cost, $18.9 million, and going with the recommendation within the report of 10 percent of the project being donated to the city through gifts and donations, bonding $17.9 million, at 4 ½ percent over 20 years the number is approximately $1.3 million annually in debt service.
Referencing increasing efficiencies, Councilor Keach questioned whether this would result in the reduction of staff or is it expected that tripling in square feet cause a tripling of overhead costs. Councilor McClure responded that a lot of the figuring done by the taskforce in trying to accomplish the two tasks given to them, operating costs and fundraising, is really hard to do at this stage of a project. She indicated that what they came up with was based upon the figures of the Portsmouth Library and comparing them to what the city has at their current programming level and current hours open. She added that a new bigger library is probably going to require additional staff but being more efficient will require less additional staff than would be if there was the same configuration here. She believes there will be cost efficiencies but there would be such a vibrant, larger and more used library that the city will need to provide support for that. Van McLeod added that what was seen in the Portsmouth Library was when they moved from their old facility which could only hold a certain number of people and was only viable for a certain number that when they went to the new facility it was much more used with more programming, activity and more community being built there. He noted that he feels that the city needs to build a building for the 21st century for the next 70 years starting with envisioning how to do something that is going to change with technology, as the population grows and as the needs are different. Library Director Pat Immen added that Portsmouth has seen a sustained increase in use of 30 percent. Councilor McClure noted that this points to the fact that a 21st century library is going to have tremendous amount more community support which can generate dollars.
Councilor McClure thanked everyone who served on the committee for being very supportive and active.
Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the report. The motion was duly
seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
New Business
Action: Mayor Bouley asked for an update on yesterday’s fire. Fire Chief Dan Andrus indicated that there was a second alarm fire at 19 Burns Avenue reported at 9:37 a.m. from the occupant of the residence. He explained that most of the second story of one townhouse was involved, four people were at home with three treated for smoke inhalation and one transported by private vehicle to Concord Hospital. He indicated that the investigation continues and that there is approximately $75,000 worth of damage. Chief Andrus noted that he was pleased that his crew at the Heights Station was able to arrive within 2 minutes and the fire was controlled within 35 minutes preventing its spread to the other 6 units. He added that they are looking at the possibility that the smoke alarms in the unit may have been disabled. He stressed the importance of having working smoke alarms and having an escape plan. He noted that they are also advising of the hazards of the holiday season particularly the large accumulation of wrapping paper, use of candles, ignition sources and the use of alcohol making for a deadly combination and this is the time of year in which they see the worst fires in terms of damage severity and fatalities. He indicated that there have been an astonishing number of fires over the last few weeks throughout the state with two fatality fires within the capital region.
Referring to the report, Chief Andrus explained that as recently as four fiscal years ago, the department spent over a million dollars in overtime and through the last four fiscal years, has been successful in reducing actual expenditures by 34 percent, just under $700,000. He noted that in each of these 4 years, they have been substantially over budget and every year but one that overtime excess was more than absorbed by salary savings from vacancies. He provided an overview for the basis for the FY2010 overtime budget contained within the report. He indicated that they had engaged the services of newly formed Office of Management and Budget in early September and have spent hours reviewing projections and looked at over 700 staffing documents documenting their experience over the last year. Chief Andrus explained that the department had been very pro-active and, prior to his arrival, had instituted a cost center structure within the department to identify cost by divisions so that they knew how much was being spent and there also had been introduced 8 overtime codes that gave them an idea about how this overtime was being spent. He pointed out that the problem that they had was that they had less than a year worth of data and that they will now have 18 months worth of data. He noted that they were surprised to see that the number was approximately $276,000 short of what had been budgeted with the comp adjustments. He indicated that this is the position that they arrive here this evening with and is somewhat concerned that they had a budget overage but also dedicated to coming up with solid numbers. He noted that the overtime budget has been overshot for years and propose now that with some very rigorous analytics that they reverse this trend and shoot to come in right on budget with overtime realizing that there is some flexibility.
City Manager Tom Aspell explained that the Chief and staff have come up with recommendations as to how to handle these dollars without any impact to the taxpayers. He noted that they will move forward into FY2011 budget development with this in mind in terms of the development of how the model works and how many dollars they are going to need for overtime. He added that the solutions that are provided will allow them to keep the current level of service that was decided to put into place without affecting that for the rest of the fiscal year and will look at what there will be for service next year as they put together the new budget.
Councilor McClure noted that 61.79 percent of the overtime seems to be caused by what is categorized by minimum staffing coverage and questioned whether it is anticipated being able to change some of those criteria so that there isn’t that factor causing overtime. Chief Andrus responded that they looked at everything that was impacting minimum staffing essentially everything that was taking people off line. He explained that there are two categories of annual leave use called family annual and super annuals; there are three opportunities for the firefighters and two for the officers each year which allows them to take annual leave when all the vacation slots are filled. He noted that this benefit was reduced as they went into the current fiscal year because the change in staffing levels and in what is called the “buffer”, the number of people above minimum staffing level. He added that in terms of other pieces of this, that number represents both fire dispatch coverage and also the suppression to EMS. He explained that they looked at sick leave use and as of the first 14 weeks of the year was significantly below 2007 levels and somewhat above 2008 levels; running 5.2 percent above the average of the 2 years and that they will be monitoring this closely. He noted that Deputy Chief Tim McGinley has instituted some cost cutting measures explaining that they had paramedic recertification which halved the number of overtime hours that were required to certify the departments paramedics by using a vendor who was able to achieve 24 of the 48 required hours by doing on-line on-duty training.
Councilor Coen thanked and commended Chief Andrus, Deputy Chief McGinley and the city for putting this report together.
Councilor Patten inquired about the mutual aid system and whether there are any trucks currently out of service. Chief Andrus responded that Deputy Chief McGinley keeps a vigilant eye on apparatus and their status and repairs. In response to the mutual aid system, he indicated that the system seems to be working well. He noted that they secured an additional $140,000 in grant funding through the Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact. Deputy Chief McGinley noted that while the city has reduced the number of responding units down to 7, emergency incidents have not gone down so when there is a steady but slow increase in emergency incidents and less resources that respond to them with more miles and hours being placed on the vehicles the department is seeing increased need in maintenance and repairs.
Councilor Stetson moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting reports.
Unfinished Business
Action: No action taken. This item remains on the table.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Councilor Patten thanked everybody who supported him with the Christmas Parade and the tree lighting ceremony. He further thanked the General Services Department for all their work on the tree lighting with special thanks to Chris Jacques, Chip Chesley and Scott Carlson. Councilor Patten noted his concern with the bus stops on Manchester Street and others that are not on a main route not being cleared from ice and snow. He inquired whether a temporary shelter could be erected for the winter months.
Councilor Blanchard noted the success of the tree lighting ceremony in Penacook. Referencing Families in Transition, she indicated that they have a new boutique in Bicentennial Square and that people can drop off clothing. She gave Council a challenge of giving $10.00 to the Fly Space Project at the Audi. She added that there is a donor who is matching all donations until December 31st.
Councilor Lemieux stated what a pleasure it has been to serve with Council and thanked them for the guidance given to him. He thanked Mayor Bouley, former Mayor Donovan, Tom Aspell and Janice Bonenfant.
Councilor Werner indicated that there is a workshop that the Energy and Environment Committee will be offering to all residents of Concord. This workshop is called “Button Up NH” and done in collaboration with Cool Air, Clean Planet. He stated that the workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers. He noted that it is a great opportunity for residents to see what they can be doing this winter to tighten up their homes and save energy.
Councilor Black noted how honored he has been to be a City Councilor.
Mayor Bouley distributed an agenda in regards to the priority setting session to be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course. He noted that it also includes a list of the priorities for the past three Councils. He added that the meeting is open to the public and encouraged anyone who wishes to attend to do so. Mayor Bouley complimented the General Services Department for doing an outstanding job at keeping the streets in downtown and the community safe. Lastly, thanked Councilors Lemieux and Black and asked that they thank their families for lending them to the Council and the community.
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Referencing item 19, City Manager Tom Aspell pointed out that there are four meetings scheduled in the month of January.
Consideration of items pulled from the consent agenda for discussion
Items 18 and 23 were pulled from the consent agenda to be discussed following unfinished business items on the agenda.
Action: Councilor Blanchard referred to the letter from Lori Brown, Merrimack County Nursing Home Administrator, thanking the Fire Department. She echoed this pointing out it was a lifesaving situation.
Councilor Blanchard moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Action: Councilor Lemieux indicated that the reason that he had pulled this item is because it has to do with the possible expansion of RSA 79-E Tax Relief District. He noted that this is a benefit that is allowed to commercial developers that he thinks the city should bend over backwards to try to make the same allowance available to residential property owners as well. He pointed out that the report concludes that more study may be needed and that he wanted to make sure that more study is done.
Councilor Lemieux moved acceptance of the report with the recommendation that the Mayor designate a taskforce or citizens to look into this to see if there is any benefits that can extend to residential property owners. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Coen questioned whether the Economic Development Advisory Committee would be the appropriate committee to look at this. The Mayor responded that it may be.
Carlos Baia, Deputy City Manager – Development, clarified that the RSA 79-E benefit does apply to residential property owners today if they are within the district. He noted that he believes the request from Councilor Lemieux was to expand it into a district that is primarily residential today so it would have a broad range of impact on homeowners which today it has to a certain degree but not as far as it would be if the boundaries are changed.
Councilor Lemieux’s motion passed with no dissenting votes.
Adjournment
The time being 8:50p.m., Councilor McClure moved to enter into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b) to discuss collective bargaining strategies; followed by a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (d) to discuss contract negotiations and property acquisition. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Black, Blanchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, Keach, Lemieux, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, Stetson and Werner voting yes. Councilor Bennett was absent from the vote.
At 9:40 p.m., Councilor Lemieux moved to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes of that meeting. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
A true copy; I attest:
Michelle Tiffany
Deputy City Clerk