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TOWN OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING BOARD
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Board Members Present: Paul Parker, Charlie Doke, Glen Demers and Jim Horgan
Board Members Absent: Cindy Snowdon, Dave Kestner
Selectmen’s Representative: Charlie King
Town Staff Present: Director of Planning and Community Development Kathy Menici
Public Present: Neil Johnson, Bill Rollins, Tony Punton, Peter Goodwin, Reuben Hull, Jeff McGlur, Dean Graves, Bill Moore, Dave Makanara, Bill Straub, David Saladino,
At 6:07pm, Chairman Paul Parker opened the meeting and sat Jim Horgan for Dave Kestner.
BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD:
- Interviews of the Top 5 Potential Peer Engineering Review Consultants:
- The Board interviewed representatives from The Louis Berger Group. Bill Rollins and Tony Punton represented the Louis Berger Group. They explained that they typically work for municipalities and counties as a peer engineering group and do not provide engineering services for private development. Bill Rollins would be the project manager for Farmington if the Board chooses to contract with the Louis Berger Group. They provide all peer review services in house except for surveying though they do have surveyors available to them. When asked what the initial turn-around time is, Mr. Rollins stated that they typically ask for 10 days but can turn stuff around quicker if it is needed and subsequent reviews/responses are within a few days. They explained that they will
not approve changes to an approved plan in the field without the Board’s approval because they are there to protect the town’s interest only.
- The Board interviewed representatives from Weston & Sampson. Peter Goodwin, Reuben Hull and Jeff McGlur represented Weston & Sampson. Peter explained that they offer all engineering services and primarily (80%) work with municipalities. Jeff would be the primary contact for the town if there firm is chosen. They explained that timeliness is critical and they will always be available for the town and strive to meet the town’s schedule. The initial review generally takes 10-15 days and subsequent reviews are typically 5 business days. When questioned how they would deal with in the field changes to the approved plan Jeff explained that they would first have a discussion with the Board on what types of changes the Board is
comfortable with them making in the field and then otherwise they would bring significant changes back to the Board for approval. Kathy asked if they have construction inspection staff and they replied yes.
At 7:22pm, Jim Horgan motioned for a short recess, 2nd Glen Demers. Motion carried with all in favor.
The Board reconvened at 7:29pm.
- The Board interviewed three representatives from Fay, Spofford & Thorndike (FST). Dean Graves explained that they primarily work for the public sector and not typically for private entities and that he would be the principal in charge, with Kevin Gagne the point of contact. When asked how long they would need for an initial review they explained they will work on the town’s schedule but a week would be typical.
- The Board interviewed CMA Engineers representatives, Bill Straub and David Saladino. Bill explained that CMA Engineers is teaming up with David Saladino’s firm Resource Systems Group (who focus on traffic review) for peer review services with municipalities. Bill explained that he would be the project engineer if the Board chooses CMA. If hired by the town they would schedule a meeting to develop an understanding of what the Board would like them to focus on and provide services for. Bill explained that they are always available and typically require 3-5 days for an initial review but can accommodate the Board with a faster turn-around if it is requested. When asked how they deal with issues in the field and Bill replied that they would report
any changes or issues to the Board.
- The Board interviewed Jones & Beach representatives, Jonathan Ring and Brad Bradford-Jones. Mr. Ring explained that they are joining up with four additional companies to provide all the services the town specified in the proposal request. He further explained they would typically like to have a week for initial review but can turn a review over in a matter of day if the town requires it. When asked how they would deal with field changes Mr. Jones explained that they would note small inconsequential changes but other changes would be brought to the Board. Charlie asked what type of time commitment they have with the firms they have teamed up with and Mr. Ring replied that they have worked with these firms for over 15 years and are confident they would
have reviews complete within a week. Mr. Ring would be the initial contact but once construction commences Mr. Jones would be the contact.
- The Board briefly discussed the interviews and will review the answers to the questions the firms will provide next week before making a decision.
- A memo from SW Cole Engineering was received regarding the hand borings performed on Labrador Road.
At 9:00pm, Jim Horgan motioned to adjourn, 2nd Glen Demers. Motion carried with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Paul Parker
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