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City Council Meeting
Minutes
July 12, 2010
Non public session in accordance with RSA
91-A to discuss contract negotiations, Concord TV and non-public session in
accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b) to discuss collective bargaining strategies
to follow the City Council meeting.
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
1. Mayor Bouley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. No clergy was present for invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Roll Call. Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff were present. Councilor Stetson was excused. Councilor Werner was absent.
5. Approval of the June 7, 2010, the June 14, 2010 and the June 21, 2010 City Council meeting minutes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the June 7, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the June 14, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the June 21, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
6. Approval of the amended June 3, 2010 and the June 17, 2010 Finance Committee meeting minutes.
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval of the June 3, 2010 Finance Committee meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor McClure moved approval of the June 17, 2010 Finance Committee meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
7. Mayor Bouley presented a proclamation in Celebration of the Concord Multicultural Festival held June 19, 2010 to Cary Gladstone and Joia Clark.
8. Agenda overview by the Mayor.
- Consent Agenda Items –
Councilor Nyhan moved approval of the consent agenda. The motion was duly seconded. Referencing item 36, Mayor Bouley asked that Council consider making this consent communication a referral to the Police Department. There was no Council objection to refer item 36 to the Police Department. The motion to approve the consent agenda passed with no dissenting votes.
Referral to General Services and the Legal Department
9. Communication from Gail Williams, Penacook School Karate, requesting permission for their After School Program to paint a mural on city property, specifically the underpass on Storrs Street where Loudon Road crosses overhead.
Items Tabled for an August 9, 2010 Public Hearing
10. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title II, Traffic Code; Chapter 18, Parking; Article 18-1, Stopping, Standing and Parking, West Washington Street; together with report from the Parking Committee.
11. Resolution appropriating the sum of $170,000 including the authorization for the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $170,000 for ambulance replacement, CIP #4; together with report from the Deputy Fire Chief.
12. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 12, Dogs; together with report from the Legal Department in response to a communication from Councilor Shurtleff requesting consideration be given to amending the Code of Ordinances to prohibit dogs in municipal cemeteries as well as implementing fines and penalties for those that do so. (6-11)
13. Resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $39,643 in unmatched grant funds from the United States Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, funds designated for law enforcement related programs; together with report from the Police Department.
From the City Manager
14. Positive Citizen Comments.
15. Council meeting date calendar.
Consent Reports
16. Monthly Appropriation Transfer Report: June 2010
17. DRA Equalized Valuation Tax Rate Comparison Information Report from the Director of Real Estate Assessments.
18. Report from the Planning Board in response to a communication from Heidi Barrett-Kitchen, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. on behalf of Floriano Couto, Trustee of the Fernco Realty Trust, requesting City Council consider releasing the city’s right of first refusal on a piece of property on South Main Street in Concord. (5-8)
19. Report from the Recreation Director on July 4th fundraising efforts.
20. Report from Community Development in response to a communication from the Bektash Shriners requesting permission to suspend banners across Loudon Road in the vicinity of Dunkin Donuts and the First Colebrook Bank as well as on Manchester Street and Loudon Road during the month of November announcing and promoting their 10th Annual “Fez”tival of Trees event. (6-10)
21. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Fire Chief requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $50 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
22. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Fire Chief requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $50 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
23. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Fire Chief requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $20 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
24. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Fire Chief requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $50 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
25. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Fire Chief requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $50 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
26. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Police Department requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $2,500 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
27. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Human Services Department requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $600 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
28. Diminimus gifts and donations report from the Human Services Department requesting authorization to accept monetary gifts totaling $700 as provided for under the preauthorization granted by City Council.
29.
Report from the Fire Chief on the After Action Report on the Wind Event
of
February 25-26, 2010.
Consent Resolutions
30. Resolution relative to short-term investment of excess funds; together with report from the City Treasurer.
31. Resolution designating depositories for the City of Concord, New Hampshire for the Fiscal Year 2011.
32. Resolution authorizing pre-payment of 2010 taxes in accordance with RSA 80:52-a.
33. Resolution rescinding resolution # 8339 in the sum of $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; together with a report from the Assistant for Special Projects.
34.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the
League of American Bicyclists to designate the City of Concord as a Bicycle
Friendly Community; together with a report from the Transportation Policy
Advisory Committee.
Consent Communications
35. Street closure request for the 30th Annual Concord Criterium bicycle race to be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010.
36. Street closure request for a Run/Walk to be held in memory of Sue Ann Martin on October 10, 2010.
Action: This item referred to the Police Department.
Appointments
37.
City Manager’s proposed appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
Robert Harrison, David Parker, Nicholas Wallner and James Monahan
**End of Consent Agenda**
38. July 12, 2010 Public Hearings
A. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Zoning Code, Chapter 28, Zoning Ordinance; Article 28-3-2 relative to the Flood Hazard (FH) District, together with a report from the Planning Board. (6-20)
Action: Mayor Bouley asked that items A and B be read together. There being no Council objection, items A and B were read together.
City Manager Tom Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the hearing for items A and B. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearings.
B. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title III, Building and Housing Code; Chapter 26, Building Regulations; Article 26-1-9 relative to the establishment of Flood Hazard Areas. (6-21)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
C. Resolution appropriating the sum of $18,550 from a New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bureau of Trails, Recreational Trails Program Grant, to assist in the development of a trail system at Rossview Farm; together with a report from the Conservation Commission. (6-22)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview of the history of the area. He explained that this would include construction of a trailhead, kiosk and parking area for six vehicles off of District #5 Road.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
D. Resolution appropriating the sum of $15,371 in unmatched grant funds from the New Hampshire Department of Justice Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Grant Program; together with report from the Police Department. (6-23)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview.
Councilor Blanchard inquired as to how successful the Police Department feels they have been in these efforts. Police Chief Bob Barry responded that he feels they have been very successful explaining that there is a certain percentage of alcohol that reaches underage drinkers that comes directly from family members in the home and there is a certain amount of underage drinking where the alcohol is procured from commercial establishments and this is the area in which they have made tremendous strides. He added that they have a firm partnership with the city’s licensees and that they truly understand the seriousness of the problem and work as hard as the Police Department to keep alcohol out of the hands of young people.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
E. Resolution appropriating the sum of $125,000 and authorizing the issuance of $125,000 in bonds and notes for the design engineering services relating to the refurbishment of one biotower at the Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, CIP# 89; together with report from General Services. (6-24)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that this is phase 2 of the odor control project at the Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant and involves the installation of new covers on the active biocell, the biocell effluent channel, the influent sewage wet well and the open influent screw pumps.
Councilor Keach inquired as to the total cost of the project. Mr. Aspell responded that it would be approximately $2.5 million which includes $225,000 for design engineering services, $200,000 for the engineering in place, and $1,959,000 for the construction.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
F. Resolution appropriating the sum of $420,000 and authorizing the issuance of $420,000 in bonds and notes for the purchase of general fund equipment, CIP# 121; together with report from General Services. (6-25)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that this is for the continued long range replacement of city vehicles and is in compliance with CIP #121 which Council reviewed as part of the capital budget.
Councilor Coen inquired as to what type of system the city has as far as a replacement cycle for city vehicles and whether there is a real cost savings benefit with the program that the city has instituted for several years. Mr. Aspell responded that the fleet has been reduced by eight percent and noted that there is a system in place which does an analysis of operating costs and vehicle maintenance repair costs on an annual basis. He added that they also look at the time and the parts that go along with that and make a determination of whether or not it’s better to keep that vehicle for another year or to purchase a new vehicle.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
G. Resolution appropriating the sum of $85,000 and authorizing the issuance of $85,000 in bonds and notes for repairs to the floor grates and fire alarm upgrades at the Combined Operation and Maintenance Facility, CIP #323, 311 No. State Street; together with report from General Services. (6-26)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
H. Resolution appropriating the sum of $430,000 and authorizing the issuance of $430,000 in bonds and notes for the lining and replacement of storm mains in Allison and Pillsbury Streets CIP# 82; together with report from General Services. (6-27)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview.
Councilor DelloIacono asked whether it would last another year maximum on these. Mr. Aspell responded that staff does not feel that they could get through this year and the city would be involved with closing down those streets this year.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
I. Resolution appropriating the sum of $1,550,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $1,550,000 for water main replacement, CIP #85 along Loudon Road; together with a report from the Associate Engineer. (6-28)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that the existing main had been installed in 1928 and has experienced numerous failures with this line along Loudon Road from Airport to Old Loudon Road. He added that the first phase will involve 3,500 feet of 12 inch main on Loudon Road from Airport Road to East Side Drive and 60 feet of 8 inch main on Grover Street. He noted that phase 2 replaces 4,500 feet of main to Old Loudon Road.
Mayor Bouley asked when the work will be done. Mr. Aspell responded that it will be done August 2010 through July 2011. Mayor Bouley inquired as to what time of the day this work will be done. Mr. Aspell responded that it will occur between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
J. Resolution appropriating the sum of $1,675,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $1,675,000 for Route 3 Corridor (North) Improvements, CIP #35; together with the report from the City Engineer. (6-29)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview explaining that this is in the phase 4a work area on North State Street from Palm Street to Call Street and includes the removal of the concrete roadway slab, pavement restoration, traffic signals and sidewalk and streetscape improvements and related drainage improvements.
Councilor McClure inquired as to when this work will take place. Mr. Aspell responded that it will take place during the day. City Engineer Ed Roberge explained that phase 3 will begin this summer and this phase, phase 4a, will be going to design and appropriating those funds now to use that for the design aspects and will be next years construction, spring to fall.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
K. Resolution appropriating the sum of $60,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $60,000 for Storm Sewer Master Plan Implementation, CIP #83; together with a report from the City Engineer. (6-30)
Action: City Manager Aspell provided a brief overview.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearing. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearing.
July 12, 2010 Public Hearing Action
39. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title IV, Zoning Code, Chapter 28, Zoning Ordinance; Article 28-3-2 relative to the Flood Hazard (FH) District, together with a report from the Planning Board. (6-20)
Action: Councilor McClure moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
40. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title III, Building and Housing Code; Chapter 26, Building Regulations; Article 26-1-9 relative to the establishment of Flood Hazard Areas. (6-21)
Action: Councilor McClure moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
41. Resolution appropriating the sum of $18,550 from a New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bureau of Trails, Recreational Trails Program Grant, to assist in the development of a trail system at Rossview Farm; together with a report from the Conservation Commission. (6-22)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
42. Resolution appropriating the sum of $15,371 in unmatched grant funds from the New Hampshire Department of Justice Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Grant Program; together with report from the Police Department. (6-23)
Action: Councilor Blanchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
43. Resolution appropriating the sum of $125,000 and authorizing the issuance of $125,000 in bonds and notes for the design engineering services relating to the refurbishment of one biotower at the Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, CIP# 89; together with report from General Services. (6-24)
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
44. Resolution appropriating the sum of $420,000 and authorizing the issuance of $420,000 in bonds and notes for the purchase of general fund equipment, CIP# 121; together with report from General Services. (6-25)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
45. Resolution appropriating the sum of $85,000 and authorizing the issuance of $85,000 in bonds and notes for repairs to the floor grates and fire alarm upgrades at the Combined Operation and Maintenance Facility, CIP #323, 311 No. State Street; together with report from General Services. (6-26)
Action: Councilor Shurtleff moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
46. Resolution appropriating the sum of $430,000 and authorizing the issuance of $430,000 in bonds and notes for the lining and replacement of storm mains in Allison and Pillsbury Streets CIP# 82; together with report from General Services. (6-27)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
47. Resolution appropriating the sum of $1,550,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $1,550,000 for water main replacement, CIP #85 along Loudon Road; together with a report from the Associate Engineer. (6-28)
Action: Councilor Bouchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Coen asked how this affects the roadway itself inquiring whether this is done in the street or on the sidewalk. Mr. Roberge responded that the existing water main is located within the westbound travel lane, the lane nearest the curb line. He explained that this would be disrupted overnight with the intention of all the work they will do overnight will be paved prior to the morning commute. Councilor Coen questioned whether Loudon Road would be repaved completely once completed. Mr. Roberge explained that this is really limited to the utility work and what they are doing as kind of a side project is CIP 19 in which they are working on a restoration program, working closely with the state to look for some state and federal funding for what would be a restoration program in the future. Mr. Roberge noted that this work is related to utility patching so it would be a trench patch.
The motion to approve passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
48. Resolution appropriating the sum of $1,675,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $1,675,000 for Route 3 Corridor (North) Improvements, CIP #35; together with the report from the City Engineer. (6-29)
Action: Councilor Blanchard moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
49. Resolution appropriating the sum of $60,000 and authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $60,000 for Storm Sewer Master Plan Implementation, CIP #83; together with a report from the City Engineer. (6-30)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed 13 to 0 on a roll call vote with Councilors Bennett, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, DelloIacono, Grady, Keach, McClure, Nyhan, Patten, St. Hilaire and Shurtleff voting yes.
Reports
50. Interim report from City Administration concerning CIP #443, City Wide Community Center Project.
Action: Matt Walsh, Assistant for Special Projects, provided a brief background explaining that in the FY10 capital budget the city appropriated roughly $95,000 to hire a consulting team to assist the city in doing an engineering evaluation of the four community centers that the city currently has to simply find out what they might be lacking from a fiscal point of view, building code point of view, and to simultaneously take a look at the programmatic offerings that are at the community centers and ways in which these could be improved, with an eye of perhaps consolidating community center operations into either one or two citywide community centers. He added that in 2009 the city hired a consulting team led by the HL Turner Group and two teams from Colorado. Mr. Walsh indicated that the architectural and engineering evaluations were done in early 2010 and attached to the staff report was the finding from the consultant. He pointed out that the four community centers, as they are right now, need approximately $5.2 million of investment over the next several years in order to do basic maintenance to them as well as retro fit them for seismic code. Within his report, he highlighted the results of the community forums that were held. He noted that they are recommending that Council authorize the staff to proceed with doing financial pro-formas and business planning for two new community centers, one on the east side of the river and one on the west side of the river, proceeding with a site selection study which was approved as part of the capital budget for FY11. He noted that rather than looking for two sites in the city, staff feels that the Dame School/Keach Park location on the east side of town is pretty much nailed down and would have an eye toward the west side of town to look for a future location for when and if the city ever went in that direction. He added that they would look at the impact fee ordinance to see if it would be prudent to overhaul the ordinance relative to how the city charges recreational impact fees and may be able to assess new residential development for impact fees to expand the capacity of the community centers to serve new development as it is built in the future.
Councilor Blanchard asked whether it would be anticipated that staff would use the design that was done several years ago for a community center on the east side. Mr. Walsh responded no explaining that although there are elements of that design which were attractive that was a fairly elaborate building which had more offerings in it than the city was looking. He indicated that the intention would be to develop a new basic program and a building design at some point in the future but right now all staff is talking about is the uses inside the building and the general square footage about the building so they can roughly find out how much a building may cost. Councilor Blanchard questioned whether the previous study had cost a lot of money at the time and further questioned as to how they ended up with a design that nobody wanted. Mr. Aspell explained that the city applied for and received a grant and that was the money that was used to the complete rehabilitation of Keach Park and what was carved out of that was $50,000 that went to Groundwork Concord which used those dollars to come up with a design. He noted that he believed that the construction cost at that time was $11 million and is where it stayed.
Councilor Bouchard indicated that Mr. Aspell’s recollection is correct explaining that she believes that the city received federal money of over $1 million for Keach Park and carved out the $50,000. She pointed out that it wasn’t a design that nobody wanted, the price tag was high and it was a very large facility. She added that it is interesting that the new study has the same outcome of the study that was done years ago as far as the wants of the city. Referencing the new study, she pointed out that the April meetings were very interesting along with all of the different facilities that they were showing but noted that it was unfortunate that they didn’t show anything that was local.
Councilor Blanchard noted her concern with spending dollars on a new study. Referencing the west side, she asked whether it would be feasible to include discussions in regards with the library plans and in any way combine a community center and a library. Mr. Walsh responded that this is a question that has come up a few times and that the Achilles heel to it seems to be that the Recreation Director, City Administration and the consulting team all feel that any new community center needs access to field based recreation.
Councilor Nyhan asked staff to comment on what is being proposed for the West Street Ward House. Mr. Walsh responded that there is a lot of affection in the community for the West Street Ward House and that it is the oldest remaining building in the state that was built for the original purpose of voting and still gets used for that purpose. He noted that his suspicion is that the city may hold on to it in the long run and end up renovating it not for the purpose of a community center but maybe for just another city structure. Councilor Nyhan inquired as to what is planned for the Green Street Community Center being the only facility that the city is currently using until that time period. Mr. Walsh responded that he suspects that if the city moves forward with building a center on the east side of the river, that it will be some time before the city can move forward building a new center for the west side. He noted that he feels that the use of Green Street will continue for the foreseeable future. He added that he believes that at some point in the future when the city can go forward with another community center on this side of the river and if at that point in the future that the city still wants to do that, either way, he envisions that the Green Street Community Center building would be retained by the city in perpetuity and likely renovated at some point in the future to provide more office space and flexibility at the City Hall campus. Councilor Nyhan asked of the list of improvements that would need to be made to the Green Street Community Center if the city were going to keep it, which of those improvements would the city need to undertake in order to sustain the Green Street Community Center at least for the next five to six years. Mr. Walsh responded that he doesn’t believe that the city will be making any of the major seismic upgrades but does feel that it will be making some of the basic upgrades to the locker rooms and bathrooms to get them to be more ADA compliant, dealing with some of the egress issues, repointing some of the masonry exterior of the building, and energy efficient lighting. He noted that he feels that the city will be doing a lot of short-term to intermediate-term improvements.
Mayor Bouley added that to bring this building up to code, according to the report, it’s going to cost $2.8 million. Mr. Walsh indicated that to be correct.
Councilor Nyhan inquired whether the renovations that are required to maintain the facility at a usable condition is currently programmed into the city’s CIP outyears. Mr. Walsh indicated that his recollection is that they are not and that staff was waiting to not only receive this report but also to see what the appetite of the Council was to move forward and what direction. Councilor Nyhan asked that it be made a part of any motion that is made this evening that staff come back with a list of recommendations that is needed to at least maintain this facility so that they can be programmed into the outyears so that they can be planned for accordingly.
Councilor McClure inquired as to the timing for the study that will indicate how much these community centers will cost. Mr. Walsh indicated that the next phase of the project would entail finishing up a market study to determine what the city’s other providers are in the market place, the financial pro-formas, and a final order of estimate of what a new facility might cost, the hard cost and the soft cost. He noted that it is staff’s intention to bring everything back to Council hopefully in time for the outyear CIP discussion which would occur in either October or November. Councilor McClure asked if the intent is to design two centers that have identical facilities or different facilities. Mr. Walsh responded that that hasn’t been completely figured out at the staff or consulting level.
Councilor Patten inquired about the Dame School. Mr. Walsh pointed out that what they need to keep in mind about reusing schools as community centers is that they typically have 800 to 900 square foot rooms which, for an educational purpose is okay, but for community center purposes that room may be too large or too small and that they can only work with so many 900 square foot “squares”. He added that it is not inconceivable that portions of Dame School might be reusable but suspects that the layout of that structure is probably not what they are going to be looking for in a new community center. Councilor Patten asked whether the Heights Community Center would get torn down. Mr. Walsh responded that it would be the intention of that building because it is inadequate for what the uses are in it right now. He added that the feeling is that the building would be demolished as would likely the residential structure that the city purchased at 28 Canterbury Road to accommodate whatever the footprint of this new community center may be up there.
Councilor St. Hilaire asked whether there was any consideration to looking at having one centralized community center instead of two that offer the identical things. Mr. Walsh responded that there was and staff had wondered if the community would accept this. He explained that when they had the conversation at the community forums, the community seemed to be willing to downsize from four to two but going from four to one seemed to be a bit too far for members of the public that were there for those two sessions. Councilor St. Hilaire pointed out that the West Street Ward House is a tiny building and a lot of them are smaller. He indicated that when looking at the outyears, there is nothing programmed in but what is clear is that if one is built, the city is going to have to program maybe $2.8 million just to upgrade one to keep it going until building a second one. Mr. Walsh noted that there is no doubt that building one citywide center might be more cost effective for the community, not only for construction but also for operation. Councilor St. Hilaire noted that his concern is that the report indicates to build two and in years will already be preconceived that two are being built. He just wants to make sure that there is a logical discussion about building one centralized one. Mr. Walsh indicated that it could very well happen that it is a long time before the city either has the financial will or desire to move forward with another one. He noted that one way with dealing with this is to perhaps making sure that the one that is designed, on the presumption that the one in East Concord is built first, is designed so that it is easily expandable so that if there is a decision point at some time in the future that centralized single facility is the way that the community wants to go that it is easy to add on to that structure.
Mayor Bouley indicated that he doesn’t see this as predetermining one or two and thinks that it is the desire of the 75 people that showed up at the two community forums. He noted that there is a whole lot more discussion that probably will take place before determining what the community really wants.
Referencing the concept of two centers having different facilities, Councilor McClure noted that as she looks at the list of the top four most important features she stated that some of them may benefit from field space but others don’t need field space. She indicated that she hopes that the consultant looks at creative ways that maybe the city can provide some of these features in a facility on the west side that may not have field space and focus what they have at Keach Park and Dame School in which there is a lot of land that can be combined with indoor space. Mr. Walsh responded that the consultant will be mindful of this and will have a full recommendation on this when coming back to Council in the fall.
Councilor Coen inquired as to what was the typical square footage for the community center on the east side and the west side. Mr. Walsh responded that he did not have an answer this evening and could get back to him with an answer. Councilor Coen noted that the reason he is asking this question is would the current Green Street Community Center fit that footage and the issue with this center is the repairs it needs and that $2.5 million could be spent to upgrade it to make it a first class community center versus maybe spending twice as much for another building of the same foot print. Mr. Walsh responded that his initial reaction is that although the Green Street Community Center looks like a large building, it’s just a gymnasium with four small rooms attached to it. He noted that this may be on the small side for what is being considered for square footage. Councilor Coen pointed out that, within the report, it didn’t indicate that space was an issue. Mr. Walsh stated that staff would have to come back to verify whether or not it is the right size or not for a community center.
Councilor Blanchard noted that if both facilities did not need field accommodations, there is plenty of field access on the east side therefore it may be feasible to possibly talk about one with the library. She wondered if the one on the east side gets built first would it be accessible to the whole city.
Councilor Bouchard pointed out that in the original study for a community center for the city there was space in the original plan for the Recreation Department to move their offices. She asked whether they envisioned moving into one of these community centers. Recreation Director David Gill responded that they have a nice office at White Park but if there is a facility built for recreation it would be better served for the parents and customer service if Recreation is in that location so that they can better serve the residents.
Councilor Keach stated that the H.L. Turner report is great in terms of identifying the physical limitations and what might be necessary to come up with new community centers but indicated that he is curious in the whole process and asked at what point does coaching, the school district, boys and girls clubs, and other interested parties become involved. Mayor Bouley responded that there were two public forums and is sure there will be future public forums but all interested parties have been invited and there have been one on one meetings with those parties that have been taking place and have been an integral part of the process. He indicated that it is important to note that if the city moves forward with this that they are not trying to replace what they already do. Councilor Keach asked if there was an opportunity to partner with them. Mayor Bouley indicated that one of the things that he feels was important to do was to look for the public/private partnership model because there is a potential for a tremendous overlap, all trying to serve the same population and the more they can coordinate, the better facility they will have and better services to be provided to the community. The Mayor noted that one of the groups that is critical to success is going to be seniors, the fastest growing population.
Councilor Shurtleff stated that any new community center would be multi-generational and would take in the needs of the city’s seniors. Mr. Gill indicated that the senior population likes to come out during the day so in the school year you would have a building that is underutilized so there is some synergy there for a healthy partnership.
City Manager Aspell pointed out that there are several things in motion including: the Kimball School project in which staff has been working with the school district in terms of how they developed it and can it be used for community uses; Dame School which is going to be abandoned and is either going to be acquired by the city or acquired by the non-profit or the private sector; the existing community centers. He added that the real question is whether the city wants to be in the community center business and how many community centers does the city want to have which leads to the question of how many can the city really afford and feels that right now the answer is one. He suggested that the city: work with the Concord School District regarding acquiring the Dame School property and the Kimball School so that as this is constructed, the community gets to use the Kimball School; explore the construction which would involve a pro-forma and public/private partnerships; bring all this information back to Council as to how much it would cost, how it would operate, where all the outside dollars would come from; and the annual operating costs. He further added that they develop an improvement plan for the maintenance of the West Street Ward House; a plan for the demolition for the Heights Community Center; look at selling the East Side Community Center; and develop a plan for the long term maintenance of the Green Street Community Center.
Councilor Nyhan indicated that Councilor St. Hilaire had asked the question as to whether it had been considered using one community center and the response was that the residents that attended the public forums favored two and that going from four to one was too much of a leap to make. He asked whether there were any other issues other than just from four to two, was it site location that they didn’t want anything too far to the west or too far to the east. He noted that the reason he is asking this is that there are other properties available closer to the river that the city can potentially locate a facility on. Mr. Aspell responded that in essence the city would have two but would not build two, there would be a new one on the east side and on the west side there will be the Green Street Community Center which will continue to be operated as a quasi community center along with Kimball School. He noted that the city would maintain all the same services and years from now, when the city has outgrown the new east side community center and the finances are in place to build a brand new one, then the Green Street Community Center would get repurposed and a new center be looked at, at that time.
Referencing the recommendations beginning on page four of the staff report, Mayor Bouley suggested taking each up individually to give the direction that staff is looking for. He indicated that the first item would be to prepare financial models and pro-formas for two separate community centers, one on the east side and one on the west side. He stated that, at this time, he does not feel that it is necessary to do the financial model and the pro-forma for something on the west side and if something does get built, the east side appears to be the first one that makes since.
Councilor DelloIacono noted his agreement however his concern is that whenever he looks at something he likes to compare and contrast such as looking at $2.8 million to get the building up to code versus the amount to build a new one on the west side.
Councilor McClure noted that to do it the way the Mayor suggests precludes the idea of looking at different uses for a west side center and does not want to preclude this option.
Mayor Bouley stated that he wasn’t trying to limit anyone’s options or alternatives in the west side but there seems to be a tremendous number of questions as to what might be possible. He added that he would prefer to take this a little more incremental and a little slower to see what the city has when they go forth to try to do something.
Councilor Blanchard asked whether there was some concern about whether the city wants to duplicate everything on the west side that is done on the east side or does the city want to coordinate and maybe only have a senior center in one of them for example.
Councilor Coen inquired as to how much money it would cost to do this study. Mayor Bouley indicated that it would be less money to do the pro-forma for just one. Councilor Coen asked if Council will be voting on allocating some money to move forward with this. Mr. Aspell responded that Council already appropriated the dollars to do this and now the question is before staff spends these dollars is it done as was originally appropriated for or based on the public input and this evening’s discussion to move in a different direction.
Councilor McClure stated that conversation argues for maintaining as much flexibility in the assessment in the study as opposed to narrowing it down so that you can only look at the east side and one center. She added that the city needs to look at the uses and where the best places for those are.
Mayor Bouley noted that he is not trying to limit imagination and possibilities but, in terms of the actual pro-formas and the financial models, he feels more confident that the Dame School site at Keach Park is probably more viable sooner than what might be happening on the west side. He indicated that he has two questions: 1) the relationship with the school district; 2) where downtown.
Councilor Nyhan noted his agreement with the Mayor. He indicated that based upon what was heard this evening and resident input they are fairly certain that the correct site is at the Dame School and the west side will happen or it won’t but they know that they want to move forward on the east side and is the best way to spend the dollars.
Councilor Bennett pointed out that a majority of the fields are on the west side of the river.
Councilor Bouchard stated that it is important to remember that there have been two studies done several years apart and they had both come back with the same needs and the same requests and they have a sound foundation on what the community is asking for.
Councilor Shurtleff made a motion to move forward with doing a financial model and pro-forma for the proposed community center on the east side of the Merrimack River. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Councilor DelloIacono made a motion to pursue dialog with the Concord School District in regards to acquisition of the Dame School property. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Bouley pointed out that the second part of the second recommendation within the report is to talk about the preferred location on the west side and has no problem with leaving that because it is part of the imagination part in terms of what is desired on the west side but the focus, for the financials, would be on the Dame School site. Mr. Walsh explained that the intention at the staff level was to go through the exercise of trying to identify exactly the preferred location of if the city was ever going to move forward to replace Green Street so that they can reserve real estate, hopefully a piece that the city already owned. He added that they can just know that at the staff level as they plan other improvements to other city facilities or when looking at private development trends on this side of the river.
Councilor McClure stated that she tends to agree that they don’t want a lot of emphasis put on finding a site on the west side as much as looking at what the city has on the west side and how some of the uses in a community center might be served in other facilities that already exist on city property or otherwise. She added that she doesn’t want to spend a lot of time looking for a site on the west side.
Mr. Aspell indicated that he would like to leave it in there from a standpoint of another one of those moving pieces that are out there where they all kind of fall together. He noted that there is a lot of potential over the next several years that are of value.
Councilor DelloIacono amended his motion to include the full recommendation from staff by adding to his motion to proceed with site selection study to identify a preferred location for the west side of the Merrimack River. The amendment was duly seconded.
Councilor DelloIacono’s motion was approved with no dissenting votes.
Councilor Nyhan made a motion to accept recommendation three which states that upon completion of the financial pro-formas and site selection study, proceed with a review of the city’s impact fee ordinance to determine if it would be prudent to revise the ordinance to include updated recreation impact fee charges for new community centers. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor DelloIacono noted that it is his understanding that if the city does expand the impact fees for recreation usage the city has to use that money within six years of collecting it or return it. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct. Mayor Bouley explained that goes for any impact fee. Mr. Aspell added that when the impact fee committee came and made its presentation years ago and the Council had a public hearing on it, all the leaders from the business community came and spoke in favor of the impact fee system.
Mayor Bouley indicated that what needs to be done is to figure out is the city collecting the appropriate way; are they the appropriate rates; are they applied appropriately.
Councilor Nyhan’s motion passed with no dissenting votes.
Mayor Bouley highlighted some of the comments that the City Manager gave on what is the city going to do with the four buildings that the city currently has: the demolition of the Heights Community Center; selling the East Concord Community Center; coming up with a long-term maintenance plan for the West Street Ward House and the Green Street Community Center. He asked if this was something that Council wants to ask Administration to come back with more information about or just simply wait. He asked what the City Manager intended by raising these points. City Manager Aspell explained that based on what comes out of this meeting, to start moving in those directions and bring this information forth to Council at the outyear capital discussion. Mayor Bouley asked Council if they were comfortable with asking staff to bring back more information for the October outyears meeting. The consensus from the Council was yes.
51. Report from Engineering on the status of the Manchester Street Improvement project (CIP36).
Action: City Manager Tom Aspell explained that during the capital budget discussion the issue came up of Manchester Street and what the phases were and the plans were and the City Engineer suggested bringing an update to Council as to where it was and to give a brief explanation as to when the project can expect to occur.
City Engineer Ed Roberge provided an electronic presentation to the Council. He provided a brief history by explaining that in 2004 Council decided to move forward with the project as outlined in the background within the staff report and in 2005 discussion on the Route 3 North Corridor came along. He noted that at that time, the work on Manchester Street ceased while focus became on the northerly leg of Route 3, Fisherville Road and North State Street. He explained that in 2009 the Council reappropriated some funds including the funds that would be shared by the state. He noted that the state’s portion of the contribution is the southbound side which included some drainage work as well as some highway work. He indicated that in 2009 they looked back at the design that had started in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and because of some code changes either ADA compliance or with federal highway lane widths, bike lane widths, sidewalk widths as well as some new state regulations on their Alteration of Terrain permitting process staff went in through with the funds that were appropriated in 2009 to look at some significant design changes. Mr. Roberge stated that where they stand today is a corridor project that has been pared down to an interim improvement. He explained that in looking at competing projects within the capital budget, the city cannot afford to do two major corridors and are currently focused on North State Street and would look at isolating the project today and complete the final design of an interim solution project. He highlighted the solutions contained within his report. He added that what staff is looking for this evening is to look at this interim solution and to get approval or an affirmation by Council that this is a direction that they would like to go. He noted that the funds that had been appropriated back in 1999 as well as 2009 are in place today so there are no new funds that need to be expended or appropriated at this point. He explained that staff estimates that this project is approximately $1.25 million and that there is some land acquisition or highway easement right of way that the city needs.
Councilor Nyhan pointed out that approximately 3 ½ years ago Mayor Donovan had expressed concerns about doing any major road improvements along Manchester Street until some of the issues with the heavy truck traffic particularly going to the grocery distribution facility in Pembroke. He inquired whether any of these issues have been resolved. Mr. Roberge responded that the trucks are there and in recent traffic count and classification studies have seen upwards to six percent which is not uncommon to this type of traffic corridor but has certainly gone up since the Associated Grocers facility has opened. He indicated that a previous Council had looked at even considering restricting trucking along the corridor but opted not to pursue this which may be difficult because this is a state and federal designated route. Councilor Nyhan indicated that one of the issues that he is trying to raise is that 3 ½ years ago he had been led to believe that the type of traffic that those particular trucks were bringing in this area would require a heavier grade construction material on that roadway as compared to normal light automobile traffic. Councilor Nyhan inquired whether this particular design being proposed takes into consideration those engineering elements, is this money being invested in the future and not just for the immediate safety condition. Mr. Roberge responded that staff has been very cognizant in trying to not spend any money that would be wasted. He indicated that there is an investment that would be made now but certainly not making the investment of full-box reconstruction now and in the future. He added that they are going to try to get by with a minimal upgrade and make it safer.
Councilor McClure inquired whether the idea is to discontinue the northern section of Broken Bridge Road. Mr. Roberge responded yes.
Councilor Bouchard moved to accept the report. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
52. NHMA Legislative Policy Process 2011-2012 Floor Policy Proposals report from the City Manager.
Action: City Manager Aspell recommended that Council accept the NHMA 2011-2012 Legislative Policy proposals and that they appoint a member of Council to represent the city at the meeting. He indicated that he has gone through the proposals that relate to the city and believes that they are all in the city’s best interest.
Councilor Bouchard moved approval of the report. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Councilor Blanchard indicated that she would like to be the Council member representative for the September 17, 2010 meeting. Without objection, Councilor Blanchard will be the Council representative.
53. Report from the Parking Manager regarding parking kiosks in the area around the State House.
Action: City Manager Aspell explained that staff would like to know whether or not Council would like to have the kiosks installed around the State House area or whether or not they would like staff to wait from installing those kiosks and work with the State Legislature to come up with another system. He indicated that he has heard from several Councilors over the last several hours which almost unanimously have suggested moving ahead with the original design of putting the kiosks in and then coming up with a system that works with those existing kiosks to work with the State House to continue to allow them to do parking for disabled legislators around the parking area.
Parking Manager Dave Florence explained that he found memos at the Police Department dating back to 1996 that outline the Legislature bagging meters for those legislators that are disabled or have mobility issues that need to park closer to the State House and the Legislative Office Building areas. He indicated that it involves up to 50 meter bags and what they currently do is that their security staff goes out in the morning and bags meters on session days. Mr. Florence further explained that the state is concerned about how to proceed in reserving the spaces historically bagged. He further stated that one option that has been brought up for consideration is to remove the meters but leave the polls, perhaps placing signs on them that could easily be bagged when needed.
Councilor Grady asked if the additional signs would be an additional cost to the city. Mr. Florence indicated that to be correct. Councilor Grady inquired whether it was known how much the signs would cost. Mr. Florence responded that it would cost $20 per sign for fifty spaces.
Mayor Bouley noted that some of the information provided to Council from the state doesn’t seem to jive with his experience explaining that the state indicates that they only bag the meters on session days which is completely inaccurate because January through June they are bagged all five days of the week. He pointed out that all fifty spaces may not be bagged each day but clearly there are bagged meters on more than just session days. He added that although they try to remove the bags as early as possible they are still there at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. at times. The Mayor indicated that if the city is going to be a good neighbor, there needs to be some clarification of this agreement and perhaps put an agreement in writing so that everyone knows what the rules of engagement are moving forward.
Councilor Bouchard noted her agreement with the Mayor stating that she feels that the city needs to relook at the memorandum of understanding and maybe redo it and also to look at definitions explaining that when she was speaking to the Chief of Security he did mention session days and that his understanding of session days includes when the General Court is also having committee meetings. She added that the parking is not just for legislators who have trouble walking and that it also includes the Governor, Senators, the Executive Council and some staff that have parking spaces on the street. She indicated that this is an opportunity for the city to start looking at how the shuttle system is working with the state of using Stickney Avenue, the new employee contract for state workers in the State House complex in which there will be a stipend for them to pay for parking and also open up the Storrs Street parking garage which she was told that the state is willing to let the city use when there are no session days.
Mayor Bouley inquired as to how many parking spaces there are in the legislative parking garage on Storrs Street. Mr. Florence responded that there are 205 parking spaces. He added that they are used predominantly on Mondays and Fridays and it is his understanding that they open them up to State Annex employees and not to the general public. He explained the state employee stipend in which they used two years ago to give each employee that was part of the bargaining group in the annex $350 per year to pay for their parking when they could not use the legislative garage.
Councilor Bouchard indicated that there are 204 or 205 parking spaces on Storrs Street and another 120 at the Legislative Office Building. She added that there are at least 424 elected so the state is short just in those two parking garages. Referencing the shuttle, she noted that they have been averaging about 31 staffers coming from Stickney Avenue. She noted that there is an ongoing committee looking to build a parking garage across the street.
City Manager Aspell noted that he believed that the idea would be that staff would work with the state and bring back a memorandum of understanding at the next meeting. He explained that the real decision point here is whether or not to install the kiosks in those sites or not and believes that the answer from what he is hearing this evening is yes that Council wants to install the kiosks, leave the meter poles there, come back with a memorandum of understanding and ask the state for $1,000 to pay for the signage.
Councilor Coen asked whether there are two meters on each pole. Mr. Florence indicated that to be correct. Councilor Coen asked whether a fork or a “Y” is needed on each pole so that if it is bagged, each space will have a designated sign. Mr. Florence responded that is what is technically there now explaining that they would take the two meter heads off and there would then be two locations for signs. Councilor Coen noted his confusion with needing the signs noting that if they have something and they go in and bag the site why would a sign be needed. Mr. Florence responded that staff could look at that option as well explaining that it was the recommendation from the contractor to have more signage. He added that if the city took the meters off they would need to develop something that a bag can be placed on.
Councilor Bouchard asked how cost effective it was to have a kiosk and take the meters out when, at least three days a week for half the year, they are going to be covered. She questioned whether the city would still make money. Mr. Florence responded yes.
Councilor Nyhan pointed out that the original scope of work for removing the poles was included so by not removing the poles and just replacing the meter heads, there should be cost savings to the city. Mr. Florence clarified that the removal of the poles was going to be done internally by staff so those costs would not be significantly less.
Councilor St. Hilaire noted that an idea that could be looked at is maybe placing solar lights on those places instead so at night they would light up the sidewalk if something other than signage is being considered. He added that there would be no cost to operate the lights.
Councilor Nyhan moved acceptance of the report with an amendment to install the kiosks and remove the meter heads with some kind of modification for bagging signs or bagging signs posts and instructing staff to work with the state. The motion was duly seconded.
Mayor Bouley stated that he expects an agreement back by August with the state of how the city is going to move forward with these spaces.
Councilor Shurtleff asked for a memorandum of understanding between the state and the City of Concord on parking, days, hours and protocol.
Councilor DelloIacono noted that he feels that the city should ask the state for any costs associated with signage either in a motion or contained within the agreement.
Mayor Bouley stated that he doesn’t want the city to be on the hook for any costs but on the other hand, if there are other alternatives which are viable the city should be willing to consider.
Councilor Nyhan amended his motion to include that staff bring back a memorandum
of understanding at the August meeting between the city and the state, to
install the kiosks, leave the poles and have staff figure out what to do with
the poles whether it is signs or another alternative, and have Administration
work to get the state to pay for the cost of the signage. The amendment was
duly seconded and passed with one dissenting vote.
Unfinished Business
54. 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) (1-53) (2-47) (3-48) (4-61) (5-68) (6-53) (Report tabled at the September 14, 2009 City Council meeting; supplemental report submitted to Council April 12, 2010; no action taken)
Action: This item remains on the table.
55. Resolution approving the acquisition of open space property northerly of Clarke Street, and authorizing the expenditure of up to $11,000 from the Conservation Fund for this purpose, as approved by the Conservation Commission; together with report from the Conservation Commission. (5-10) (6-54) (Tabled setting this item for a public hearing at the May 10, 2010 City Council meeting)
Action:
This item remains on the table.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Councilor Patten reminded Council and residents of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3rd at Rollins Park. Referencing stakes in the common area of Blossom Hill Cemetery, Councilor Patten indicated that he had spoken to General Services and was told that Chris Jacques had taken upon himself to initiate a project in which some of the stones have been long buried and found some money available to uncover those stones.
Mayor Bouley announced that the Futures Tour will be held at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course from July 19-25. He added that there are 144 individuals who compete and 10 will go onto the LPGA. He encouraged everyone to attend the annual Market Days in downtown from July 15-17. The Mayor reminded residents to license their dogs. He indicated that the Clerk’s office will be sending out fines via certified mail in the amount of $25.00 in addition to the licensing fees.
Comments, Requests by the City Manager
City Manager Aspell indicated that Council has received the FY11 budget edits to replace in their budget books.
Adjournment
The time being 9:35 p.m., Councilor Nyhan moved to adjourn the meeting and enter into non public session in accordance with RSA 91-A to discuss contract negotiations, Concord TV and non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 2, I (b) to discuss collective bargaining strategies. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
A true copy; I attest:
Michelle Tiffany
Deputy City Clerk