The Berlin Daily Sun, Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Page 1

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

VOL. 20 NO. 80

BERLIN, N.H.

752-5858

FREE

City, PSNH ask court to dismiss appeal by IPPs Lack of jobs, population decline biggest problems for Coos County BY BARBARA TETREAULT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN

BERLIN -- Public Service of N.H. Monday filed a motion asking the state Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal filed by the six independent power producers (IPPs). The city of Berlin joined the motion and filed a separate one asking the court to expedite its review of the motion to dismiss. The smaller biomass plants are appealing the Public Utilities Commission’s approval of a 20-year power purchase agreement between PSNH and Berlin Station. Negotiations between the parties on an agreement that would see the IPPs withdraw their appeal resumed last month after breaking down at the end of June.

In its motion to expedite, the city said it is undisputed that financing of the 75-megawatt biomass plant will not occur while the appeal is pending. PSNH asked the court for a summary dismissal of the two separate appeals filed by the IPPs. - one filed May 17 and a later one filed July 21. PSNH argues the IPPs lack standing to bring the appeal based on alleged harm to them as competitors or as rate payers. The suit charges the IPPs intervened before the PUC primarily as competitors who would be forced to compete with Berlin Station for biomass wood fuel. But PSNH said the Supreme Court appeal does not mention the issue of competition. While arguing the see APPEAL page 6

It’s officially the Laura Lee Viger Community Gardens BY BARBARA TETREAULT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN

BERLIN -- The city council Monday night formally approved naming the botanical garden park on Hutchins Street the ‘Laura Lee Viger Community Gardens’ after the long time city official. Viger retired this year after over 30 years of service to

the city. She started her career as a teacher and served as Recreation and Parks Director, retiring as Community Services Director and Emergency Management Director. The resolution authorizing the naming said Viger went far beyond her job in organizing major community events and garnering participation from volunteers of every age. see VIGER page 7

DURHAM — A lack of jobs and a declining population are considered the most pressing problems facing the North Country by Coos County residents. Coos denizens increasingly favor using natural resources to create jobs instead of for conservation, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire. “Challenges stemming from the economic restructuring of the past decade have been deepened by the most recent recession,” researchers said. “Issues of limited economic opportunities, financial hardship, and population decline have become more pronounced. Given these trends, it is not surprising that residents’ priorities have shifted toward job creation rather than the conservation of natural resources.” “However, the extent to which see PROBLEMS page 6

City to put 13 parcels up for sale to abutters BY BARBARA TETREAULT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN

These four ATV riders are in a qualifying heat presented by Jericho Motorsports. The mud races at the mud pit highlighted the weekend of the second annual Can-Am Jericho ATV Festival. Dozens of riders from all over New England took part in the morning long competition. (JEAN LEBLANC PHOTO)

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BERLIN - Thirteen parcels of land that the city has acquired through tax deed will be offered for sale by sealed bid to abutters of the properties. Minimum bids will be set for each parcel based on the taxable value of the land and the current economic climate. Outgoing Housing Coordinator André Caron told the city council Monday night the city took the properties by tax deed in 2008 and 2009. In many of the cases, the city demolished blighted or fire gutted buildings see PARCELS page 8

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