Councilors Valerino and Lavertu moved to enter Non-Public Session regarding tax-deeded properties; the motion carried unanimously. Councilor Valerino moved to extend the EMPG Grant and to authorize the City Manager to approve a Christmas parade request; both motions carried with all in favor. Disbursement Summary Draft #2016 for $2,983,355.98 was accepted. The Council tabled Ordinance 2026-02 and scheduled a public hearing for September 21, 2026. Councilor Valerino moved to appoint Christian Judson as an alternate Planning Board member through April 30, 2029; the motion carried. A letter regarding sidewalk safety was referred to the Traffic Safety Committee. Councilor Korzen moved to approve the PorchFest road closure on Emery Street for October 3, 2026; the motion carried. A splashpad proposal was referred to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Source: https://www.berlinnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092026-189
The Berlin Recreation Commission met on August 14, 2026, at Berlin City Hall with attendees Tony Valliere, Bernie Martel, Alex Terry, Natalee Croteau, and Crystle Dickinson. The commission approved the minutes from July 9, 2026. They established an Open Gym Policy for the school year, available to sixth graders and above, requiring registration for participants under 18 and implementing a "Three-Strike Rule" for behavioral violations. Hours are set for 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. The department will coordinate youth programs with Berlin Elementary School, offering fall soccer and field hockey for Kindergarten through 2nd grade, winter co-ed basketball, and potential spring mini-camps. Summer programs may include soccer, baseball, softball, and tennis. The commission voted to meet monthly on the second Thursday at 4:30 PM, with the next meeting scheduled for September 10, 2026. Future agenda items include summer program review and Halloween event planning.
Source: https://www.berlinnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08132026-178
The Zoning Board approved a Special Exception for Case 07-26, allowing Verdantas, on behalf of Albert & Mary Guay, to remove material from a gravel pit. The request, for a 40-acre site with a 10-year plan to haul 35,000 cubic yards of gravel annually, was approved under Article V, Section 17-52.18. Don Bouchard stated the site is appropriate with buffers and limited hours. The board found the use would not diminish property values, create hazards, or adversely impact traffic, views, or public welfare. Presenting findings on conditions, Dave Lavallee Sr. moved to accept them, seconded by Christian Judson. The board voted unanimously 5-0 to accept the findings and grant the request. No opposition was presented. Chair Hoyt closed the hearing at 6:59 PM, advising the applicant a decision letter would follow.
Source: https://www.berlinnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08242026-185
The board approved the July 27, 2026 minutes. For Case 06-26, Andre & Deborah Bergeron sought a variance for 719 Hillside Avenue to construct a 14’ x 40’ carport alongside two existing garages. They cited Deborah Bergeron's skin condition preventing sun exposure and the inability to place the carport at the rear due to roof lines. The board received written support from neighbors Jerry Hamanne and the Dumont family. Christian Judson moved to grant the variance, seconded by David Lavallee Sr. The vote was 5-0 in favor. The board approved the findings of fact and granted the request, allowing construction per Article II, Section 17-26.2. Michel Salek inquired about meeting availability for September 28th. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm.
Source: https://www.berlinnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08242026-184
The Council approved three Homeland Security grant extensions for police equipment through fiscal year 2028 and authorized a $450,000 ambulance lease-purchase agreement with a 6.15% interest rate and annual payments of $107,252 starting in 2027. Disbursements totaling $1,030,780.87 were approved. David Martin was re-appointed as Trustee of Trust Funds until June 30, 2029. The Manager reported the pollution control facility passed its annual inspection and a succession plan for the superintendent is underway. The Traffic Safety Committee will review night-time operations of the Cleveland Bridge lights. The RAISE grant project will go out to bid this fall, and the FY 24 audit is expected to be finalized between October 15 and 31.
Source: https://www.berlinnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08172026-183