TOWN OF FARMINGTON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 15, 2007
Meeting Minutes
Members Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Ron Nolan, Sharla Rollins and Cyndi Paulin
Public Present: Joel Moulton, Public Works Director
Chairman Paula Proulx commenced the meeting at 7:08pm.
1. Review of Minutes:
Cyndi Paulin moved to accept the minutes of 4-11-2007 as amended, Sharla Rollins seconded.
2. Discussion:
The committee held a discussion about how Farmington has a lot of great qualities and a Town that is full of ambitious volunteers. It is important to utilize people's strengths to come together as a community to get things done instead of everyone working separately. One idea was to have a combined meeting with all the committees, department heads and the Selectmen once a year to set goals for the upcoming year.
So many people in our Town work hard to make Farmington a great place to live and if we could combine our efforts there would be nothing we couldn't do.
3. Sarah Greenfield Park:
Paula informed the committee that the Selectmen approved the selling price of $39,000 per acre within the Park and the Marketing Plan. A few revisions need to be made to the Marketing Plan and then the Selectmen would just like to see the final copy before it is printed and distributed. The Selectmen also approved the funds for Strafford Regional Planning Commission to attend one of this committee's meetings. Paula also stated that the Planning Secretary did a search and could not find any easements on file for a road between Artemis and the next lot, so the committee would probably need to task the contract planner to do this.
Paula asked the members for assistance in setting up questions/goals for the meeting with the contract planner. She stated that Joel Moulton will take photos from inside the park so the planner will have a visual of what is being discussed. Sharla added it would be nice to have photos of the Rte. 11 corridor that might be expanded upon from this Park. Cyndi stated that she sees to main goals for the meeting with the planner; 1. frame options for the exit of the park to get a clear decision from the Selectmen as to which way to proceed and 2. frame options for expansion of the park to Rte. 11 so there is a clear idea of where we are headed. Cyndi also suggested finding out from Joel Moulton how many test pits need to be done within the park and the estimated cost so that the value of the property can be identified.
Sharla would also like to discuss the options for easements for entrances within the Park and on Rte. 11, plus the planner should review the covenences. In discussing the covenants, Cyndi recalled that a public hearing needs to be held to change a sentence within the covenants. Paula also recalled this and questioned what the process for amendments would be, she will check with the contract planner. Sharla suggested comparing the covenants to that of other business parks and how they enforce them. She also would like some recommendations for what type of potential businesses to reach out to. Sharla suggested informing the Planner of the prior vision of the park.
A copy of the covenants, survey, plot plan and marketing plan and EDC Minutes need to be given to the contract planner before the next meeting for her to review.
Joel Moulton arrived at 8:10am.
The committee asked Joel Moulton approximately how many test pits he would need to determine the value of the materials within the Park and the approximate cost. Joel responded that twenty (20) test pits should be ample at $100 a piece, so it would cost approximately $2000. Joel stated that there is a temporary access to the back of the Park across from the Collins & Aikman entrance.
4. Other:
1. Cyndi asked if the Selectmen allow subcommittees to expend small amounts of money without prior approval. Paula responded that she can ask the Selectmen and Joel Moulton stated he believes they can spend under $250 without prior approval.
2. Cyndi brought up the issue of the Transportation Grant for sidewalks, which she is currently writing. She needs the support of the Board of Selectmen in putting together a committee cwhich should consist of a member of the Police Department, the School, citizens, Joel Moulton and an EDC member. It was suggested that Andy Crone, the School Resource Officer would be a good candidate. The committee is needed to put together a survey to ask questions on the necessity of sidewalks for the safety of children walking to school. We have to prove that these sidewalks are an alternative transportation. Ron Nolan volunteered to participate in the committee. Paula will call the Police Department and Michele
Langa for their participation or to recommend someone on their staff. Cyndi is looking at meeting the week of May 21st in the AM.
3. Ron brought up the idea of having a booth at Hay Day to promote Farmington .
4. The next meeting is scheduled for June 5th but the committee discussed moving it to June 13 or maybe the 14th because the contract planner will be in town that day.
5. Paula would like the Selectmen to get draft copies of the EDC and Downtown minutes. Cyndi added that the website needs to be updated with the current minutes as well.
Ron Nolan motioned to adjourn, Cyndi Paulin seconded. Motion passed with all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:10am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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