| JANUARY 11, 2010 MEETING MINUTES |
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City Council Meeting
Minutes
January 11, 2010
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Invocation by Pastor David Keller, First Congregational Church.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Roll Call. Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, Stetson and Werner were present. Councilor McClure was excused.
5. Approval of the December 14, 2009 meeting minutes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the December 14, 2009 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
6. Councilor St. Hilaire presented a resolution in recognition of the services of Detective Todd M. Flanagan.
7. Mayor Bouley presented a resolution in recognition of the services of Dick Lemieux.
8. Mayor Bouley presented a resolution in recognition of the services of Douglas Black.
9. Concord Substance Abuse Survey Presentation – John Duval and David Keller.
Action: Pastor David Keller noted that the Concord Substance Abuse Coalition is comprised of various community leaders, law enforcement, clergy, educators, social service people, parents and other concerned citizens who look to prevent the use of substances by young people and to reduce the inappropriate use of substances especially by young adults in the community. He explained that they are in the process of looking forward in developing a work plan for the coming year and years ahead. Pastor Keller noted that Council received a survey that is being made available to many groups of citizens in the Concord area in hopes that they can receive input early on in the development of their plan as to what citizens and leaders in this community believe are the key issues in creating the most healthy community that they can create.
John Duval, Concord Police Department, noted that law enforcement sees a great value in the prevention efforts that the coalition brings forth into the community. He indicated that there is quantifiable data that shows that prevention and education works and that enforcement only goes so far in dealing with the problem. He added that he is excited about the prospect of looking at the strategic plan and how they can better serve the citizens of the city.
Mayor Bouley recognized and thanked Pastor Keller for all the hard work he puts into emergency shelter for the homeless.
10. Agenda overview by the Mayor.
- Consent Agenda
Items –
Note: Items
listed as pulled from the consent agenda will be discussed at the end of the
meeting following unfinished business.
Mayor Bouley indicated that items 31 and 40 have been removed to be discussed at the end of the agenda. Councilor DelloIacono asked to remove item 26. Councilor Nyhan moved approval the consent agenda, as amended, with items 26, 31 and 40 removed for discussion at the end of the agenda. The motion was duly seconded. Mayor Bouley indicated that he would be taking 6A and not be voting on item 34. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Referral to Community Development
11. Request from Northeast Select Properties, LLC to install a business sign on municipal property located on Locke Road in Concord.
Referral to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee
12. Communication from Brian & Diane Bechtler in reference to the cost of pay as you throw (PAYT) bags as well as the location of the company that produces them.
Items Tabled for a February 8, 2010 Public Hearing
13. Report proposing an increase of supplemental fees and charges for the Recreation Department.
14. Report from the Airport Advisory Committee recommending an amendment to the Concord Municipal Airport Minimum Standards.
15. Resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $13,600 from the proceeds of a Certified Local Government Grant for the conduct and preparation of a survey of Concord’s historic school buildings; together with report from the Heritage Commission.
16. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Subdivision Code; Chapter 29.2, Public Capital Facilities Impact Fees Ordinance; Section 29.2-1-2, Assessment and Collection; together with report from the Planning Board.
17. Resolution appropriating the sum of $10,000 from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) to complete the preparation of an aquifer protection ordinance begun under an earlier CTAP grant; together with report from the City Planner.
18. Resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $300,000 for the purpose of conducting an environmental site assessment (EA) at the Concord Municipal Airport including $285,000 in grant funds form the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and $7,500 each from the State of New Hampshire Division of Aeronautics and the City of Concord, CIP #469; together with report from Engineering.
19. 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; together with report from the Traffic Operations Committee.
20. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances; Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 17, Vehicles and Traffic; Article 17-4, Operation of Motor Vehicles; Section 17-4-6, U-Turns Prohibited in Designated Place, Schedule VIII; together with report from the Traffic Operations Committee with recommendation to prohibit U-turns at the following designated locations: Manchester Street southbound approach to the Old Turnpike Road intersection; Bouton Street southbound approach to the N. Main Street/Bouton Street/I-393 intersection; N. Main Street northbound approach to the N. Main Street/Bouton Street/I-393 intersection; and N. Main Street southbound approach to the N. Main Street/Franklin Street intersection.
21. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title V, Administrative Code; Chapter 31, Purchasing and Contract Procedure; Article 31-1, Purchasing Procedure; together with report from the Purchasing Manager.
22. Resolution authorizing the annual appraisal of Real Estate at Market Value per RSA 75:8-b; together with report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments. (Public hearings must be held in February and March 2010)
From the City Manager
23. Positive Citizen Comments.
24. Council meeting date calendar.
Consent Reports
25. Monthly Appropriation Transfer Report: December 2009.
26. Report from the Assessing Department requesting that the City of Concord release building sketch information and allow access to assessing data by owner name on the on-line assessment information web-site.
Action: This item was removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
27. Diminimus gifts and donations report from Community Development requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $4,000 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
28. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Recreation Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $3,990 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
29. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Human Services Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $500 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
30. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Library Director requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $1,559.90 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
31. Report from Engineering Services regarding safety benefits realized following various recent transportation improvements. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Coen)
Action: This item was removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
32. Report from the General Services Department recommending Beaver Meadow Golf Course rates for the 2010 season.
33. Report from the Deputy City Manager – Development recommending an amendment to the date City Council receives an Annual North End Opportunity Corridor Tax Increment Finance District (NEOCTIF) Report.
34. Report from the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee regarding the city’s participation in the NH Municipal Association’s Article 28-1 lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire.
35. Fall Leaf Collection Report from the General Services Department.
Consent Resolutions
36. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for up to $300,000 to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), Division of Aeronautics grant funds for the purpose of conducting an environmental site assessment at the Concord Municipal Airport, CIP #469; together with report from Engineering.
37. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a grant agreement for an amount not to exceed $300,000 with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), Division of Aeronautics for the purpose of conducting an environment site assessment (EA) at the Concord Municipal Airport, CIP #469.
38. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game (NHDF&G) for the mitigation plan for the runway 12-30 reconstruction project in the amount of $15,016.26; together with report from Engineering.
39. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for up to $45,000 to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Special Project Grants; together with report from the General Services Director.
40. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for up to $196,200 to the NH Office of Energy and Planning for energy efficiency projects under the NH Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program; together with report from the Energy & Environment Committee. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Werner)
Action: This item was removed for discussion at the end of the agenda.
41. Resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bureau of Trails, Recreational Trails Program for funds that will assists in improvement of the City’s trail system; together with report from the Conservation Commission.
42. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding through the staffing for adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program administered by the United States Department of Homeland Security; and appropriating funds awarded for this purpose; together with a report from the Fire Chief.
Consent Communications
Appointments
43. City Council Committee Appointments. (To be submitted under separate cover)
44. Communication from the Mayor regarding the City Manager's Annual Performance evaluation.
**End of Consent Agenda**
45.January 11, 2010 Public Hearings
A. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application in an amount of up to $450,000 and accept and appropriate grant proceeds of up to $450,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds on behalf of the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing (CATCH) for development of 45 units of affordable housing at the so called Sanel Block in downtown Concord and re-adopting the City’s Housing and Community Development Plan and Displacement and Relocation Plan; together with a report from the Community Development Advisory Committee. (12-11)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing proposal is for the construction of new and affordable housing development at the Theatre Street lot. He indicated that there would be 45 rental units as part of the Sanel Block redevelopment project at 45a-49 South Main Street and the rental units would house low-income households and preference shall be given to income eligible artists for up to half of the units being created as part of the development. He noted that a group affiliated with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen will review artists for eligibility. He pointed out that the next item is a companion piece to this explaining that the city can apply for up to $500,000 each round so this one is for $450,000 and the next item is for $50,000.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open.
Public Testimony
Roy Schweiker, Concord resident, noted his concern that there are several things that the city keeps wanting for in the downtown. He noted that he feels that the city should ask CATCH that if they want the city’s help applying for this grant that they should use it to provide retail space on the lower floor of Storrs Street or they should use it to move the people from the Endicott Hotel and place different low income people there until it can be converted to market rate housing. He indicated that they have no incentives to do either of these because he feels that the city is giving them the same grant to do what they want rather than what the city wants. Referencing an article in the newspaper, he stated that they have a $9 million project for which they are receiving a grant and a loan from the Merrimack County Savings Bank of $5 million and $2 million and that they are also receiving credits from the NH Housing Finance Authority of $5.76 million inquiring as to why they would need this grant.
Mayor Bouley indicated that staff is requesting that this public hearing and public hearing B be held and to recess these for the January 19, 2010 meeting. City Manager Aspell indicated that to be correct explaining that this would enable it to meet the specifications for a certain specific time period for notice of the public hearing. He indicated that public hearings are being held this evening but staff is requesting that they be recessed until January 19th and take any additional public input at that time and make any decisions that evening.
Councilor St. Hiliare moved to recess the public hearing on this item until the January 19th meeting. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
B. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application in an amount of up to $50,000 and accept and appropriate grant proceeds in an amount up to $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds on behalf of the Friends of Forgotten Children for renovation of their facility located on Bog Road and re-adopting the City’s Housing and Community Development Plan and Displacement and Relocation Plan. (12-12)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the Community Development Advisory Committee recommends that the grant be applied for. He noted that the improvements needed include a new furnace, energy efficiency improvements such as windows, insulation and lighting to decrease utility costs, storage and potentially a small expansion of the building if the budget allows.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public testimony, Councilor St. Hilaire moved to recess the public hearing on this item until the January 19th meeting. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
C. Resolution approving the proposed North-South Bike Route and authorizing the City Manager to accept and appropriate a grant of up to $8,000 from Concord 20/20 to provide initial striping, signage, and educational support for the proposed bike route; together with a report from the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. (12-13)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the proposed North-South Bike Route is the first phase of what is proposed by the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee to be a network of routes north, south and east and west outlying areas of the hubs of city activity. He noted that the committee’s belief is that the proposed routes would offer the best mix of safety and convenience but also uses low traffic streets to encourage users that may shy away from some of the higher traffic areas. He stated that the total estimated cost of the improvements are $8,000 which includes $5,700 for initial striping and signage and $2,300 for educational support materials. He explained that the funding would come from a grant from Concord 20/20 and at this time the annual pavement marking maintenance cost is estimated at $2,600 by Engineering. He noted that by approval of the proposed bike route and acceptance of the grant, Council is being asked to commit to ongoing maintenance of the bike route markings.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open.
Public Testimony
City Engineer Ed Roberge introduced Peter Rhodes, Bike Subcommittee Chair, and Jennifer Kretovic, Executive Director of Concord 20/20. He indicated that a brief slideshow presentation was created for this evening’s meeting.
Peter Rhodes pointed out some of the other subcommittee members within the audience. Referencing the map currently within the Concord master plan and in which was highlighted as potential routes that the city could use as bike transportation, he explained that they took what was on the map and mapped out what they thought was the best alternative for the introductory route of a first phase of a North-South and eventually an East-West route. He described the proposed route contained within the report. He pointed out that what the subcommittee is hoping to accomplish is pushing the bikes off of some major transportation routes but paralleling at the same time. He explained that they have tied the safe routes to school zones together. Referencing a powerpoint enhanced photo, he pointed out what the signage and indicators would look like. He noted that the marking on the road is called a “sharrow” which is used to show the direction that the cyclist is supposed to be traveling and also informs cars that this route is going to be shared by bikes. Mr. Rhodes listed some of the benefits that the city would see including: provides a designated route for both novices and commuters in a low traffic neighborhood setting; it encourages reduced travel speed by other vehicles; discourages one of the main objectives of TPAC which is neighborhood cut-through traffic; uses the existing safe routes to school; promotes a healthy and physical lifestyle for everyone in the city. He indicated there was a public outreach and that Concord 20/20 had mailed everyone who lives along the route and also had a public meeting and when all was said and done there was pretty much a unanimous consensus on the designated road as is seen now. Referencing the mailing, he noted that of those that replied, 86.2 percent are in favor of this and only 13 percent were against it.
Jennifer Kretovic pointed out that those who were against the North-South bike route seemed to be adamantly against it but the reasons were contained that they feel South Street is too busy of road and that bikes do not belong on it at all. She noted that she feels that through the education portion, they will be able to alleviate some of the concerns that the citizens have.
Councilor Keach inquired whether any of this would involve the kind of striping seen now on Clinton Street just prior to South Fruit Street in which there is a designated striped line for bicycles. Mr. Roberge responded that it would be different and that they would use “sharrows” which identifies a shared lane in which vehicles and bikes would be sharing the lane. He explained that Clinton Street is a dedicated bike lane and the proposed route would have a specific bike graphic when done.
Councilor Coen inquired whether this would mean that bikers would need to follow the speed limit to keep up with the traffic because it is a shared route. Mr. Rhodes responded no explaining that the general consensus is that bikers shouldn’t be impeding traffic when on a bicycle but more designated as helping map out the route and to let people know that this will be a shared route.
Councilor Nyhan noted that as he recalls from the safe routes discussions in the Conant/Rumford area that McKee Square did receive quite a bit of attention and believes it is scheduled for some capital improvements in the outyears and if so is it known what years the city is looking at that intersection. Mr. Roberge responded that it is currently funded in 2010 for traffic study and staff will be performing this internally in-house and expect to get this started off the ground within the next few weeks. He explained that the program itself, construction is in the 2012 timeframe as it sits today and that may move depending on how the outyear CIP review meeting goes as well as the preliminary information that staff gathers from the preliminary design.
Roy Schweiker noted that he feels that this has the making of an excellent plan. He indicated that his only concern with Rumford Street is that in order to keep the cut through traffic down there has been a lot of stop signs placed on Rumford Street and wonders if bicyclists are going to head over to State Street so that they don’t have to stop as frequently. He stated that the particular thing that he likes about this concept is that it doesn’t steal space from pedestrians.
John Corrigan, Penacook resident, indicated that he is an all year bicyclist that greatly appreciates the new facilities on the Route 3 corridor and has changed his route to make use of them. He spoke enthusiastically about this new project noting that the transportation policy has to look at two issues: balancing the transportation system to make sure the pedestrians and bicyclists are included in that system; making sure the system is efficient and safe. He noted that he feels that this project does that in a few ways by way of pavement markings and signs and further feels that it is very important to have this educational component because there are many bicyclists out there that are doing everything wrong. He indicated that the only thing that he suggests is that they expand the program to include similar signs and markings along the new facilities on North State Street. He added that this project is an excellent example of citizens working in partnership with municipal government.
Lara Gabash indicated that she is a new resident to Concord and that one of the things that is most exciting about the city is seeing all the people that are very active making the city attractive, healthy which brings good energy to the city. She noted that a designated bike route would help people to know what to do and make people more aware of the right moves to take for bikers and pedestrians on the street.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing
D. Resolution adopting a Comprehensive Transportation Policy; together with a report from the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. (12-14)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that this embodies all of the new practices that the city has tried to do over the last several years. He noted that it is a very concise and accurate piece of how the they are trying to look at their capital improvements and all of the engineering the city does.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open.
Dick Lemieux explained that this was developed by the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee and that the committee has spent a lot of time and effort on this policy.
City Engineer Ed Roberge explained that this is a cross section of what the committee feels is important in the needs of transportation within the City of Concord. He indicated that it’s multi-modal in terms of addressing all aspects of transportation which is one of the aspects and goals that was charged with the committee from its inception and further indicated that it also deals with public transportation. He noted that it sets the guidelines for the future of what staff, Council and policy decision makers can do for the city.
Councilor Blanchard noted her concern with the city trying to prevent vehicles from driving down certain streets when they are public streets. Mr. Roberge responded that the paramount issue is the concern for safety because when vehicles are cutting through neighborhoods that are not their typical route, they tend to be driving faster than the conditions set for that particular neighborhood. He noted that it is an important policy to do everything that they can to encourage vehicles to stay away from those and the only way to do that is to encourage them to use the main corridors. Mr. Lemieux added that the neighborhood traffic control is not intent on forbidding people from driving on any street and what the city needs to do is try to make its arterial streets more passable so that they attract more traffic and there would be less bypass traffic.
There being no being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
E. Resolution appropriating a gift from the Concord Public Library Foundation in the amount of $19,751.59 to support the mission of the Concord Public Library; together with report the Library Director. (12-15)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview pointing out the areas in which the gift will be distributed as outlined within the report.
Mayor Bouley declared the hearing open. There being no public hearing, the Mayor closed the hearing.
F. Resolution appropriating the sum of $98,690 in US Department of Transportation Grant Funds from the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program agreement with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation for construction of improvements along South Street and Broadway in conjunction with the neighborhood safety improvement project (CIP #380); together with report from the City Engineer. (12-16)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
City Engineer Ed Roberge explained that this is 100 percent grant dollars so what the city invests is 100 percent reimbursed. He indicated that part of the discussion through the public process in the travel plan that was completed was looking at issues related to traffic safety along the South Street corridor particularly in the morning and afternoon times and what was an issue was traffic safety between the two crosswalks. He explained that what they were proposing was a no car, no stopping, no standing access between those two crosswalks. He highlighted information contained within the conceptual layout plan. Mr. Roberge noted that this was one of the top priority projects that was identified in the travel plan and are quite pleased that they could leverage this improvement along with the on campus improvement both through rounds of Safe Routes to School grant opportunities. He added that the project will be designed this winter and because of its proximity to the school district, construction wouldn’t begin until school was out.
Councilor Keach inquired whether this would be in coordination with the proposed consolidation of Conant School. Mr. Roberge responded that staff is working with the school district because what is uncertain is what the final plan on the campus looks like. He noted that they do know that there are several concepts out there that include the two driveways in about the same location and there may be a slight variation to the driveways but that staff will work with the school district to receive final design detail.
Councilor St. Hilaire inquired whether there is any possibility that the school is going to want to divert traffic in the route that goes between Conant and Rundlett schools. Mr. Roberge responded that the latest concept that staff saw from the school district, the school district would like to separate and one of the options was to have a one-way driveway access for pick up and drop off which would eliminate the need for any circular intersection or any traffic drop off in the front of the site. He noted that the school district has been very open and willing to work with the city and the Safe School to Routes group to facilitate some positive change.
Councilor St. Hilaire noted that what he and Councilor Keach want to make sure that if the city spends this money that with the schools project it is not going to be wasted.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
G. Resolution appropriating the sum of $7,542 from the Episcopal Church, Diocese of New Hampshire; together with report from the Episcopal Diocese Committee. (12-17)
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Councilor Blanchard inquired whether it is assumed that these are all of the food pantries in the city. She noted that the reason she is asking is because the United Church of Penacook is not included on the list but maybe it was intended to include all the pantries.
Councilor Nyhan, Episcopal Diocese Committee, indicated that the committee had met and that there was no intention to exclude any food pantry. He noted that if there is an additional one Councilor Blanchard could make this modification during the action phase.
The Mayor opened the hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
January 11, 2010 Public Hearing Action
46. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application in an amount of up to $450,000 and accept and appropriate grant proceeds of up to $450,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds on behalf of the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing (CATCH) for development of 45 units of affordable housing at the so called Sanel Block in downtown Concord and re-adopting the City’s Housing and Community Development Plan and Displacement and Relocation Plan; together with a report from the Community Development Advisory Committee. (12-11)
No action taken – public hearing tabled until January 19, 2010.
47. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application in an amount of up to $50,000 and accept and appropriate grant proceeds in an amount up to $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds on behalf of the Friends of Forgotten Children for renovation of their facility located on Bog Road and re-adopting the City’s Housing and Community Development Plan and Displacement and Relocation Plan. (12-12)
No action taken – public hearing tabled until January 19, 2010.
48. Resolution approving the proposed North-South Bike Route and authorizing the City Manager to accept and appropriate a grant of up to $8,000 from Concord 20/20 to provide initial striping, signage, and educational support for the proposed bike route; together with a report from the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. (12-13)
Action: Councilor Bouchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Nyhan pointed out that the last recommendation of the report is that the city commit to ongoing maintenance of the striping and noted that he wants to make sure that this doesn’t receive any additional or higher priority over any other striping that is done within the city.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
49. Resolution adopting a Comprehensive Transportation Policy; together with a report from the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee. (12-14)
Action: Councilor Bouchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Bouley thanked the members of the committee and their commitment to serve. He noted that this is exactly what he had in mind and that it is true that the city uses most of these principles already but to put it in black and white is very appropriate.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
50. Resolution appropriating a gift from the Concord Public Library Foundation in the amount of $19,751.59 to support the mission of the Concord Public Library; together with report the Library Director. (12-15)
Action: Councilor Bouchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Keach inquired whether these gifts are received by the library with designated purposes. City Manager Aspell explained that the Library Director works with the foundation to see what types of dollars they have available, makes the application and those stipulations come with those grant dollars specifically for those purposes. Councilor Keach inquired whether they go back to the foundation or to the individuals who donated the money for the specific purpose. Mr. Aspell indicated that the foundation goes out and raises the dollars and gives a gift to the city and then the city allocates those dollars based on the stipulations of the grant. Councilor Keach clarified that if an amount goes to books for the childrens room, this may not necessarily a function of the individuals who donated the money but the intent of the foundation. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
51. Resolution appropriating the sum of $98,690 in US Department of Transportation Grant Funds from the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program agreement with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation for construction of improvements along South Street and Broadway in conjunction with the neighborhood safety improvement project (CIP #380); together with report from the City Engineer. (12-16)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Nyhan thanked members of the Safe Routes to School Coalition for all their efforts.
The motion to approve passed with no dissenting votes.
52. Resolution appropriating the sum of $7,542 from the Episcopal Church, Diocese of New Hampshire; together with report from the Episcopal Diocese Committee. (12-17)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Blanchard moved to amend the motion to include the United Church of Penacook which would amend the amount received by each organization to $580.15. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
The original motion, as amended, passed with no dissenting votes.
Councilor Nyhan pointed out that this is the second donation from the Episcopal Diocese this year and wanted to thank them for their donations.
Mayor Bouley noted that he has not been able to talk to everyone and that he will have these ready next Tuesday evening.
Unfinished Business
53. Report from the Deputy City Manager - Community Development in response to a communication from Holly Carlson on behalf of Manchester Street businesses requesting City Council consider a zoning change to the existing sign ordinance. (4-10) (9-48) (10-39) (11-38) (12-40) (Report tabled at the September 14, 2009 City Council meeting)
Action: Item remains tabled.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Councilor Grady noted that the White Park Winter Carnival will be held on Saturday, January 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with an alternate date on February 4th depending on ice conditions on the pond. She indicated that activities will include a parade, skate races, a bonfire, scavenger hunt and a bake sale put on by the fifth graders at Kimball and Walker schools.
Councilor Bennett noted that February 6th is the elected officials workshop at the Local Government Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
Jim Howard, Deputy City Manager-Finance, indicated that the city received preliminary notification today that the negative credit watch on the city’s bond rating has been removed and that the city received several very positive comments in association with the steps that they took over that last few years to get their financial house straightened out and avoid deficit spending as well as establish a an undesignated fund balance reserve on the general fund that demonstrates a commitment to strong fiscal management. He noted that Council is given a lot of credit for this because this is something the city has been trying to do for a number of years but until this Council understood this issue and under the leadership of the Mayor, they have been able to focus on it and it has been an extraordinary accomplishment.
Mr. Aspell added that with the Mayor’s guidance and the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee this has been a huge accomplishment and puts the city in very good financial standing going forward.
Consideration of items pulled from the consent agenda for discussion
Items 26, 31 and 40 were pulled from the consent agenda to be discussed following unfinished business items on the agenda.
26. Report from the Assessing Department requesting that the City of Concord release building sketch information and allow access to assessing data by owner name on the on-line assessment information web-site.
Action: Councilor DelloIacono noted that he had a resident contact him today concerned about the city’s policy standpoint on privacy and wanted Council to open up a dialogue and a discussion in regards to this. He indicated that the resident’s concern was being able to search by name in the assessing database.
Councilor Shurtleff noted that he received an email today about this item. He moved to refer this report to the Public Safety Committee to look at this item to alleviate any concerns that constituents may have and to bring this back next month.
Mayor Bouley noted that one month would not make much of a difference. He noted that it is his understanding that this information, actually even more, is available with the county and that all this information is listed by name. He indicated that he would be more than welcome to have the Public Safety Committee look at this but that he would like to understand the difference between the county and why it’s available there and the city.
Councilor Shurtleff noted his understanding that this is public information and that anyone could walk into the Assessing Office and get this information.
Mayor Bouley stated that at the county level this information is available online.
Councilor Nyhan indicated that the Information Technology Advisory Committee did look at this issue prior to it coming before the Council and in hearing all the different debate regarding this, they did not see it as a conflict of privacy because the information is already available publically online and available in the Assessing Office. He added that there is a cash savings associated with this directly relating to staff time in supporting some of these requests. He noted that he recalls that the Police Department was also consulted and although there are always concerns with privacy, there weren’t any egregious concerns. He noted that he has no problem with this going to the Public Safety Committee but that it is not a recommendation that came forth without prior consideration.
Mayor Bouley noted that Pembroke, Bedford, Manchester, Hooksett, Salem and Laconia all put this information out by name and asked whether someone from the committee could talk to these communities regarding concerns.
Councilor Keach inquired whether the assessing information is already available online by name. Mayor Bouley responded that the information is retrieved either by map, block and lot or by address. He clarified that one can search by name on the county site and that the site also has a sketch of the home.
Councilor St. Hilaire inquired whether one has to register to enter onto the county site and to obtain additional information one must pay a fee. Mayor Bouley noted that to be correct. Councilor St. Hilaire indicated that the Public Safety Committee can look at the public safety aspects of this but as a committee they are going to have a lot of questions related to the technology such as what do other websites provide and other questions that the Information Technology Advisory Committee may have the answers to. He added that he is not sure that if the recommendation passes that it should be vetted by both committees.
Mayor Bouley concurred with Councilor St. Hilaire’s comments and indicated that it was his hope that the Assessor could attend the Public Safety Advisory Committee and that she could provide the information from these other communities which provide information by name.
The motion not to accept the report and to refer this report to the Public Safety Advisory Committee was duly seconded and passed with one dissenting vote.
31. Report from Engineering Services regarding safety benefits realized following various recent transportation improvements. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Coen)
Action: Councilor Coen noted that this is in regards to two roundabouts that were installed within the city and that his concern was with the roundabout on Centre and Auburn Streets noting that he wasn’t really for it. He noted that he goes through this intersection at least twice a day and found that it seems to be working quite well. He inquired whether there is information available not only about the safety but also the maintenance, plowing and fire apparatus. He also asked whether there is any information on Langley Parkway South and the effect that has had with safety improvements and traffic off of Pleasant Street. City Engineer Ed Roberge indicated that public input in regards to the roundabout has been very positive and that accident history is down. He noted that on average, there have only been two single accidents at both roundabouts pointing out that North State and Franklin Streets were averaging over five accidents a year and now down to hopefully what is one for the year. Mr. Roberge stated that the Centre, Liberty and Auburn Streets roundabout has demonstrated the same safety aspects and both, in short term, have been quite a success and staff is pleased with that. General Service Director Chip Chesley noted that as far as snow removal, there hasn’t been a significant issue and that the one issue that they need to keep an eye on is the landscaping issue. Fire Chief Andrus indicated that the design had been taken into account for the needs of fire apparatus and that he has not heard of any significant negatives recently. He complimented the design team for taking into account the needs of fire emergency services. Robert Mack, Engineering, explained that Langley Parkway has been quite successful in terms of attracting traffic noting that the year 2020 traffic projections that was done about ten years ago for the Langley Parkway was about 8,000 cars a day and that they are over 8,000 cars a day. He noted that as of this past summer, there were 7,600 cars a day using Langley Parkway. He added that it has reduced traffic flows along Pleasant Street, Warren Street, and Clinton Street and that traffic has been attracted away from the central core out to Exit 2 on I-89 in excess to 3.000 cars a day. Mr. Mack added that the city is looking at advancing a project to placing signals in on Clinton Street as the traffic thresholds have gone up.
Councilor Coen moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
40. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for up to $196,200 to the NH Office of Energy and Planning for energy efficiency projects under the NH Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program; together with report from the Energy & Environment Committee. (Pulled from consent by Councilor Werner)
Action: Councilor Werner noted that the reason that he removed this item was that in consultation with Mr. Howard, going forward they wanted to inform the Council and have a discussion as to what the opportunities are for additional funds with the block grant in terms of energy efficiency but also discuss the possibility of this item being discussed as part of the CIP discussion on January 25th and possibly for additional public hearing being set for February.
Deputy City Manager – Finance Jim Howard explained that the city made an application for $203,800 under the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant Program that was announced back in the spring; the application was filed by the due date in August expecting to receive a response from the grantor very shortly having a shovel ready project ready to go. He added that it wasn’t until last week that they actually received acknowledgement of this grant and when the award came through the conditions were a little bit different than what was expected explaining that it was expected that they have eighteen months in order to be able to finish the work and in the award they only have eight months. Mr. Howard explained that with the shortened timeframe they need to accelerate the process with regard to appropriating those funds. He noted that they are working with the energy consultant to prepare the necessary plans to go back out to bid. He added that the second piece is that the state has decided to take some additional funds and make them available to the communities noting that previously the city had been advised that they would not be eligible for those dollars but recently the state had issued a notice and just last Friday indicated that they would be entertaining requests for the city to submit a letter of intent on some additional funding. He explained that with the timeframe that are developing and the need to move this along, the city needs some assistance from the energy consultant in order to be able to put this grant application together. Mr. Howard noted that what they will be proposing for the meeting on January 25th is to introduce a resolution for a February public hearing in order to expedite this process and they will have a full report with regard to authorizing the grant funds which together now represents a total of $400,000 and that they are also looking at some city bond funds as well. He added that he will be meeting with the Energy Committee to look at some of the aspects of this second round of funding.
Councilor Blanchard inquired whether Council would be voting to approve the resolution before them this evening or whether it would be voted upon on January 25th.
Mr. Howard explained that the resolution before Council is only to authorize the City Manager to apply for the grant and at the January 25th meeting there will be a resolution to be set for a February public hearing to appropriate the funds.
Councilor Werner moved to adopt this resolution and to bring forth a resolution on January 25th to be set for a February public hearing on the appropriation of funds for energy improvement purposes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Mayor Bouley reminded Council of the January 19th priority setting meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course. He noted that the Clerk will send out a meeting reminder so if any Councilor wishes to forward any priorities to get out to everyone ahead of time, he encouraged them to forward them to the Clerk.
Adjournment
The time being 8:50 p.m., Councilor Stetson moved to recess this meeting to January 19, 2010. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
A true copy; I attest:
Michelle Tiffany
Deputy City Clerk