Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc.(fka LLEG)

[gemmerling]

Meeting with State Representatives Lucy Mears & Yvonne Thomas
Mayor Bertrand opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. He reiterated the sentiments the Council expressed at recent meetings with Senator Gallus and Representatives Ingersoll and Théberge. The Council wants to be sure representatives have an understanding of the Council’s positions on the two proposed biomass plants. Mayor Bertrand went on to say that he feels there are better and higher uses for the mill property; the Council has every intention of respecting property rights but they have to look out for long range future of Berlin. Councilor Poulin agreed.

Councilor Goudreau thanked the Representatives for coming and stressed that the Council’s message should be heard in Concord. The Council has a different vision for the parcel. He questioned how much wood we want to strip from the forest and the projected tax revenue which he said has been overestimated.

Councilor Lafleur noted that Representatives and Senators in Concord will dictate what is best for Berlin and they don’t come here to ask what we want. Mayor Bertrand explained that Laidlaw will have to go before EFSEC and Berlin will participate as an intervener to represent the environmental and financial issues pertaining to Berlin.

Representative Mears reasoned that citizens have signed a petition and there are a lot of people who want to see the project go forward. The boiler could be on the site for generations, rusted and dilapidated. She went on to say that forty jobs could be forty families.

Councilor Remillard stated that the Council wants to be sure representatives are voicing what the Council supports.

Councilor McCue thanked the Representatives for coming and resolved that the City does not want to come across as anti-business. We need to stay focused and not appear so desperate that we will take anything. As we try to address short term needs, we can’t lose sight of long term consequences.

Representative Thomas stated that the City is being presented with an opportunity of lifetime by being able to recreate ourselves without a chimney in the center of the city. She urged the Council to be patient. She added that the Legislature does not hear about Laidlaw one way or another.

http://www.berlinnh.gov/Pages/BerlinNH_CouncilMinutes/I0243E4FE

Take Care,
Greg