Berlin meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Berlin Council approves ambulance lease, police grant extensions

The Berlin City Council on Aug. 17 approved a lease-purchase agreement for a new ambulance and extended three federal grants for police equipment, according to official minutes. The council also accepted a disbursement summary totaling $1,030,780.87 and reappointed a trustee.

City Council

The council approved a lease-purchase agreement for a new ambulance at a 6.15% interest rate, with annual payments of $107,252 over five years starting in 2027. It also approved three federal grant extensions for police equipment—a command vehicle, the ILO program, and SWAT SOU special equipment—through federal fiscal year 2028. Councilor Plourde recused from the grant votes.

In other business, the council accepted the City Manager's report, which included the July 2026 real estate transfer and fire/EMS reports. It reappointed David Martin as Trustee of Trust Funds, with a term expiring June 30, 2029. A citizen's letter about traffic lights on the Cleveland Bridge was referred to the Traffic Safety Committee. The council also approved minutes from its Aug. 3 meeting.

Other recent meetings

Three other boards met during the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are available.

• The Berlin Economic Development Authority (Aug. 12) discussed priorities from the "Recast Your City" report, an update on the Rite-Aid property, and July financials. It also planned a non-public session for legal advice and land matters.
• The Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission (Aug. 13) was set to determine the open gym policy for the upcoming school year and review the timeline for school and recreation programs.
• The Berlin Airport Authority (Aug. 17) considered a lease agreement and approved minutes from its June 15 meeting. A non-public session was possible for personnel, property, or legal matters.

Coming up

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Aug. 24. The agenda includes two requests:

• A variance from Andre and Deborah Bergeron to build a 14' x 40' carport at 719 Hillside Avenue (Tax Map 121, Lot 96), seeking relief from the city's accessory building square footage limit.
• A special exception to operate a new gravel pit off Jericho Road on the Rural Residential portion of Tax Map 407, Lot 3.20.

The board will also approve minutes from its July meeting.

Berlin Council approves police grants, Planning Board OKs lot adjustment

The Berlin City Council approved three police grant applications totaling $108,703 at its Aug. 3 meeting, all requiring no city match. The grants fund a mobile repeater for the police van, a long-range acoustic hailing device, and breaching equipment with infrared illuminators. The council also endorsed a liquor license for Casa Agave LLC and approved a disbursement summary of $1,421,237.32 for bills from July 21 to Aug. 3.

City Council approves police grants, liquor license, and disbursements

The council passed three resolutions authorizing grant applications for the Berlin Police Department:

• Resolution 2026-16: $9,000 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for a mobile repeater.
• Resolution 2026-17: $91,000 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for long-range acoustic hailing equipment.
• Resolution 2026-18: $8,703 NHTOA Homeland Security Grant for mechanical/manual breaching equipment and infrared illuminators.

All three grants require no city match. The council also endorsed a Restaurant Beverage/Wine/Liquor license for Casa Agave LLC, with member Juan Sebastian Gonzalez Ramirez, to the NH Liquor Commission. It accepted the City Manager's report, which included plans to send a letter to downtown businesses about trash storage ordinances, and approved the disbursement summary. Minutes from the July 20 regular meeting and work session were accepted.

Planning Board approves boundary line adjustment

The Planning Board on Aug. 4 unanimously approved a boundary line adjustment between Jarrett & Jennifer Allen and Sheila Demers for Tax Map 121 Lots 39 and 40, creating two conforming lots. The board also unanimously accepted the application as complete and adopted findings of fact. Minutes from the July 7 meeting were approved, with member Quackenbush abstaining.

The board also discussed a conceptual consultation for a proposed charitable gaming facility (Revo Casino) at the former Northland Dairy Bar, with a full application expected in September. It continued its fourth draft review of the Zoning Ordinance, discussing potential zone combinations and scheduling a public hearing for Sept. 23.

Other recent meetings

The Berlin Economic Development Authority met Aug. 12 to discuss its economic development strategy, including priorities from the 'Recast Your City' report, a Rite-Aid property update, and July financials. The agenda included a possible non-public session for legal advice and land matters. Minutes are not yet published, so no decisions are reported.

The Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission met Aug. 13 to determine the open gym policy for the upcoming school year and review the timeline for school and recreation programs. No decisions are available yet.

Coming up

The Berlin Airport Authority meets Aug. 17 to consider a lease agreement and approve minutes from its June 15 meeting. A non-public session may be held for personnel, property, or legal matters.

The City Council holds a work session Aug. 17 to discuss police grant extension requests and an ambulance lease purchase agreement, followed by a regular meeting with routine items, including a letter from Paul Guerin regarding traffic lights on Cleveland Bridge and the re-appointment of D. Martin as Trustee of Trust Funds.

Berlin Council approves police grants; zoning board grants exceptions

The Berlin City Council approved three grant applications for the police department totaling $108,703, all requiring no city match. The Zoning Board of Adjustment granted two special exceptions, and the Planning Board approved a boundary line adjustment and discussed a proposed casino.

City Council

The Council approved three resolutions authorizing grant applications for the Berlin Police Department:

• **Resolution 2026-16**: $9,000 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for a mobile repeater for the police van.
• **Resolution 2026-17**: $91,000 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for long-range acoustic hailing equipment.
• **Resolution 2026-18**: $8,703 NHTOA Homeland Security Grant for mechanical/manual breaching equipment and infrared illuminators.

All three grants require no city match. The Council also endorsed a Restaurant Beverage/Wine/Liquor license for Casa Agave LLC, member Juan Sebastian Gonzalez Ramirez, to the NH Liquor Commission. It accepted the City Manager's report, which included plans to send a letter to downtown businesses about trash storage ordinances. The Council approved a disbursement summary of $1,421,237.32 for bills from July 21 to August 3, 2026, and accepted the minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Meeting and Work Session.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board approved two special exception requests, both by 5-0 votes:

• **Case 04-26**: Allows a single-family dwelling at Jericho Road, Tax Map 107, Lot 1.
• **Case 05-26**: Allows an accessory building height of 26 feet-9 3/8 inches at 177 Cates Hill Road, Tax Map 406, Lot 16.

The board also approved amended minutes for April 20, 2026, and minutes for June 22, 2026.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a boundary line adjustment between Jarrett & Jennifer Allen and Sheila Demers for Tax Map 121 Lots 39 and 40, creating two conforming lots. The vote was unanimous. The board also accepted the application as complete and adopted findings of fact, both unanimously. It approved the July 7, 2026 minutes, with member Quackenbush abstaining.

In other business, the board held a conceptual consultation for a proposed charitable gaming facility (Revo Casino) at the former Northland Dairy Bar. A full application is expected in September. The board continued its fourth draft review of the Zoning Ordinance, discussing potential zone combinations and scheduling a public hearing for September 23.

Coming up

• **Berlin Economic Development Authority** – Wednesday, Aug. 12. The board will review July minutes and financials, discuss economic development strategy including 'Recast Your City' report priorities, get an update on the Rite-Aid property, and may enter a non-public session for legal advice and land matters. Public comments are scheduled near the end.
• **Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission** – Thursday, Aug. 13. The commission will determine the open gym policy for the upcoming school year and review the timeline for school and recreation programs.

Berlin City Council approves $1.54M in disbursements; EPA cleanup grant hearing set for July 20

The Berlin City Council approved a disbursement summary of $1,540,577.52 on July 6, 2026, the largest financial action taken across recent city meetings. The council also tabled Resolution 2026-15, an EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant, and scheduled a public hearing on the measure for July 20, 2026.

City Council

At its July 6 meeting, the council accepted minutes from June 15 and June 22, 2026, unanimously, and approved the $1,540,577.52 disbursement summary unanimously. The council then voted 3-1, with two recusals, to reconsider the Planning Board appointment of Christian Judson following what the minutes describe as derogatory remarks. A subsequent motion to appoint Judson as an alternate Planning Board member failed for lack of a second. The council also tabled Resolution 2026-15 regarding the EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant and set a public hearing for July 20. The City Manager's report was accepted as presented.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 7 and approved its June meeting minutes. Members discussed potential edits to the Zoning Ordinance, including naming inconsistencies and parking minimums, but no formal changes were voted on. The Director of Strategic Initiatives provided an update on a $1 million EPA grant for downtown property cleanup.

Berlin Economic Development Authority

On July 8, the Berlin Economic Development Authority approved its May 2026 meeting minutes unanimously and accepted an oral financial report showing a cash balance of $941,709.57 as of June 30, 2026. Members discussed updates to the city's marketing website and noted that NHDES will begin engineering work on the Rite Aid lot.

Cemetery Trustees

The Cemetery Trustees, meeting July 8, approved the purchase of two granite posts for New City Cemetery unanimously. The board also approved a refund of $1,000 from the perpetual care fund and $1,700 from the City for Hillside Cemetery Lots 3, 4, 5, and 6, unanimously. The trustees established two policies: allowing the burial of pet ashes if placed in the same urn vault as the owner, and adding markers on lots for service members buried at sea. The board approved its August 21, 2025 minutes unanimously.

Recreation and Parks Commission

The Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission met July 9. The agenda included approval of May meeting minutes, updates on summer camp programs and summer sports, and public and member comment periods. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no formal actions are confirmed.

Coming up

• **City Council — July 20, 2026:** Public hearing and consideration of Resolution 2026-15 (EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant). The council will also review three first-read items related to Homeland Security Grants for the police department: 2026-16 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for Mobile Repeater, 2026-17 NH Competitive State Homeland Security Grant for Long Range Acoustic Hailing Equipment, and 2026-18 NHTOA Homeland Security Grant. A crosswalk request for Mason Street is also on the agenda.
• **Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 27, 2026:** Two special exception requests are scheduled: Case 04-26 for a single-family dwelling at Jericho Road (Tax Map 107, Lot 1) in a business zone, and Case 05-26 for an accessory building height of 26 feet-9 3/8 inches at 177 Cates Hill Road (Tax Map 406, Lot 16).

Berlin Council Approves $1.5M in Disbursements, Reconsiders Planning Board Appointment

The Berlin City Council approved a disbursement summary of $1,540,577.52 and tabled an EPA cleanup grant resolution at its July 6 meeting, while a move to reconsider the Planning Board appointment of Christian Judson carried and a follow-up motion to name him an alternate failed for lack of a second.

City Council

The council voted unanimously to accept minutes from June 15 and June 22, 2026, and unanimously approved the disbursement summary of $1,540,577.52.

The council tabled Resolution 2026-15, which concerns an EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant, and scheduled a public hearing on the resolution for July 20, 2026. The motion to table carried.

On the Planning Board appointment, the council voted 3-1, with two recusals, to reconsider the appointment of Christian Judson. A subsequent motion to appoint Judson as an alternate member failed when no council member seconded it. The council also accepted the City Manager's report as presented.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 7 and approved its June meeting minutes. Members discussed potential edits to the Zoning Ordinance, including naming inconsistencies and parking minimums, but no formal changes were voted on.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives provided updates on a $1 million EPA grant for downtown property cleanup. No additional actions were recorded in the available minutes.

Berlin Economic Development Authority

The board met July 8 and unanimously approved its May 2026 meeting minutes. It also unanimously accepted an oral financial report showing a cash balance of $941,709.57 as of June 30, 2026.

Members discussed updates to the city's marketing website and noted that NHDES will begin engineering work on the Rite Aid lot. No formal votes on those items were recorded.

Cemetery Trustees

The Board of Cemetery Trustees met July 8 and took several unanimous actions:

• Approved the purchase of two granite posts for New City Cemetery.
• Approved a refund of $1,000 from the perpetual care fund and $1,700 from the City for Hillside Cemetery Lots 3, 4, 5, and 6.
• Approved burial of pet ashes if placed in the same urn vault as the owner.
• Approved adding markers on lots for service members buried at sea.
• Approved the August 21, 2025 minutes.

Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission

The commission met July 9. The agenda included approval of May meeting minutes, summer camp program updates, summer sports updates, and public comment. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no formal actions are confirmed.

Coming Up

No additional upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. However, the City Council has scheduled a public hearing on Resolution 2026-15 (EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant) for July 20, 2026. Residents interested in the downtown property cleanup grant may want to attend.

Berlin City Council approves $1.77M in bills; ZBA grants Sullivan Street garage setback exception

The Berlin City Council approved a disbursement summary totaling $1,767,626.87 for city bills covering June 2 through July 1, 2026, at its June 22 meeting. The motion carried, and the meeting then adjourned.

City Council — $1.77M Disbursement Approved

The Council's sole recorded action was approving the $1,767,626.87 disbursement summary. No other items were listed on the minutes. The meeting adjourned following the vote.

Zoning Board of Adjustment — Garage Setback Exception at 656 Sullivan Street

The Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a special exception to Eric and Jennifer Dupuis, allowing construction of a 28-foot by 28-foot garage at 656 Sullivan Street with reduced side and rear yard setbacks. The board cited the unique layout of the property, which prevented standard setback compliance. The vote was 5-0.

The board also approved April 20, 2026 minutes unanimously and approved findings of facts for Case 03-26, also on a 5-0 vote.

Police Commission — Personnel Policies and Detail Rates

The Berlin Police Commission met June 24 to discuss and possibly vote on revisions to personnel policies and changes to detail rates. Public comments were taken before a non-public session for personnel and legal matters. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed in the record.

Coming Up

Several meetings are scheduled in the week ahead:

• **City Council (July 6):** Work session followed by a regular meeting. The agenda includes a first reading of Resolution 2026-15 for an EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant, reconsideration of a Planning Board appointment at the request of Councilor Valerino, a Letter of Interest for the Planning Board from R. King, BIDPA appointments, and approval of disbursements.
• **Planning Board (July 7):** Review and discussion of potential edits and suggestions for the city's Zoning Ordinance, plus routine administrative approvals and public comments.
• **Berlin Economic Development Authority (July 8):** Discussion of the "Recast Your City" marketing strategy, an update on the Rite-Aid property, and review of May financial reports.
• **Cemetery Trustees (July 8):** Discussion of a perpetual care agreement with St. Anne's Church, a fallen monument at Beth Israel Cemetery, the potential sale of a cemetery lot back to the city from T. Bosen, cemetery signs, mowing services, and the financial report.
• **Berlin Recreation and Parks Commission (July 9):** Approval of May meeting minutes, updates on summer camp programs and summer sports, and public comment.

Berlin Council approves $1.77M in city bills; ZBA grants garage setback

The Berlin City Council voted on June 22 to approve a disbursement summary totaling $1,767,626.87 for city bills incurred between June 2 and July 1. The motion carried without recorded opposition.

In other recent city business, the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a special exception allowing a property owner to build a detached garage with reduced side and rear setbacks.

Other recent decisions

The Zoning Board of Adjustment met on June 22 and unanimously approved minutes from its April 20 meeting and findings of fact for Case 03-26, each by 5–0 votes. Board members then granted a special exception for a 28-by-28-foot garage at 656 Sullivan Street, also by a 5–0 vote. The exception permits reduced side- and rear-yard setbacks because the property’s layout prevents standard compliance. The applicants were Eric and Jennifer Dupuis.

Coming up

City Council – July 6 at City Hall. A work session will be followed by a regular meeting. Councilors will take a first reading on Resolution 2026-15, which concerns an EPA Cleanup and Assessment Grant. The agenda also includes reconsideration of a Planning Board appointment at the request of Councilor Valerino, a letter of interest from R. King for the same board, BIDPA appointments, and the approval of disbursements.

Planning Board – July 7. The board will review and discuss potential edits to the city’s Zoning Ordinance.

Berlin Economic Development Authority – July 8. Members will discuss the “Recast Your City” marketing strategy, receive an update on the Rite-Aid property, and review May financial reports.

Cemetery Trustees – July 8. Trustees will review the perpetual care agreement with St. Anne’s Church, discuss a fallen monument at Beth Israel Cemetery, and consider the sale of a cemetery lot back to the city by T. Bosen. Other items include cemetery signs, mowing services, and the financial report.

Recreation and Parks Commission – July 9. The commission expects to approve May minutes, hear updates on summer camp programs and summer sports, and take public comment.