Hollie Dube

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes a Committee on Accounts and Claims meeting and a Work Session. Key topics for the Work Session are a proposed amendment to the City of Berlin Charter and the City Manager's presentation of the FY27 Budget. The agenda also specifies two Public Hearings concerning Resolutions 2026-02 and 2026-03 related to Humanities To Go Grants for the Dr. Josh Duclos Library and the Mary Adams Library, respectively. New Business items include the City Manager's Report, the Mayor's Report covering elderly exemptions and re-appointments/appointments to the Berlin Water Commission and Planning Board, respectively.

The meeting began with a presentation from Stantec Engineering regarding a downtown revitalization project. Key discussions focused on whether to implement a one-way or two-way traffic system, which impacts project area expansion to include Glen Avenue and Pleasant Street, as well as potential changes to bike lanes and parking availability. Stantec presented conceptual drawings, noting that a two-way design would reduce parking spaces from 202 to 177. Board members debated the merits of each traffic configuration, generally favoring pedestrian emphasis over vehicular traffic flow. Separately, the Board reviewed feedback on draft zoning ordinance changes, including updates to the solar ordinance and signage section, and scheduled a full discussion for the March meeting. Project updates included submission of a Multi-Purpose Brownfields grant application, planning for the reassembly of a sculpture in the downtown park, and discussion regarding new FEMA flood maps.

Key discussions included the Economic Development Strategy, specifically the 'Recast Your City' initiative, for which final report findings and recommendations were shared with the board, with a public presentation scheduled for January 22, 2025. The board also discussed an upcoming business networking event hosted by the Small Business Development Center. Significant conversation centered on downtown traffic patterns, with general agreement on the need to enhance downtown as a destination while preserving its character. There were no updates regarding the Rite Aid Property.

The session involved detailed discussions on multiple critical agenda items. Key topics included establishing the downtown rehabilitation traffic configuration, with the Council ultimately voting to approve a two-way traffic plan for both Main and Pleasant Streets, noting that this decision could be reversed if necessary. Another significant discussion centered on a proposed amendment to the City Charter regarding a tax cap, where legal clarification on the amendment process versus a Charter Commission was sought. The Council also reviewed and approved abatement recommendations for two properties based on assessment reductions due to property conditions. Furthermore, the need to address delayed audits through reconciliation efforts, potentially by funding a new Finance position or hiring a contractor, was discussed. The meeting also covered administrative reports, including updates on salt deliveries and equipment breakdowns affecting snow removal operations, and the Mayor's recommendation for an appointment to the BIDPA board.

Discussions during the Work Session focused on reviewing and amending the Council Rules and Policies, specifically increasing the time limit for public comments from three to five minutes. Committee assignments for various bodies, including the Berlin Airport Authority and Committee on Accounts & Claims, were discussed for later approval. The Council reviewed the annual Investment Policy, approving it despite one opposition vote. A proposed amendment to the City of Berlin Charter regarding a tax cap was discussed, resulting in a motion to table the charter commission discussion until a later date. Recommendations for abatement settlements for properties owned by TKB Properties, LLC were approved. The Regular Meeting included a public hearing on Resolution 2026-01 concerning a grant for the Bartoli Sculpture restoration and installation downtown. Key discussions during the Regular Meeting centered on public comments strongly opposing a proposed tax cap, citing concerns about funding for schools and essential services, and suggesting state funding issues are the core problem. The Council proceeded to pass Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the acceptance and appropriation of the $19,500.00 NH State Council of the Arts Grant. The City Manager's report covered salt supply issues following recent storms and ongoing snow pickup operations. The Mayor's Report included the approval of a request for the Word of God Christian Church to distribute coffee, and an approved contribution of $1,000.00 to the Town of Gorham's 4th of July Celebration. Final public comments reiterated concerns regarding the impact of a tax cap on school budgets and infrastructure needs. Councilor Theberge suggested merging schools with Gorham due to declining enrollment.