Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
Selectmen Minutes 03/28/05
____________________________________________________________
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
                     Monday, March 28, 2005
6:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Chamber’s
356 Main Street, Municipal Offices
________________________________________________________


Present: George Meyer, Paula Proulx, Paul Parker, Matt Scruton and Joan A. Funk

Also Present: Steve Dean, Bill Baxter, Lorraine Meyer, JoAnne Doke, John Andrews, Betsy Andrews Parker, Don McVaine, John Nolan and Dale Sprague.

The Meeting convened at 6:05 p.m with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Pledge of Allegiance

Joan Funk stated that there would be a change of schedule and that the insurance issue would be placed on an Agenda for a meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 when legal counsel could be available.
2. Approval of Minutes
a). February 7, 2005: Chairman Joan A. Funk asked if there were any additions or deletions. There were no additions or deletions.
Paul Parker made a motion to accept the February 7, 2005 minutes as written. George Meyer abstained from voting, as he was not present at the meeting. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

b). February 28, 2005: Joan Funk asked if there were any additions or deletions. Joan A. Funk pointed out that the word ‘bring’ should be added to page 2 where it states: Matt Scruton suggested that the Farmington Preservation Guild bring it to the town Meeting.
Paul Parker made a motion to accept the February 28, 2005 minutes as amended. George Meyer abstained from the vote, as he was not present at the meeting. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

c) February 28, 2005, Non–Public minutes. Paula Proulx stated that the letter of resignation from Ernie Creveling should be recorded as officially accepted by the Board of Selectmen.
Paul Parker made a motion to accept the minutes as amended with an official acceptance of the letter of resignation from Ernie Creveling. The vote was unanimous.

d). March 14, 2005 minutes: Joan A. Funk asked if there were any additions or deletions. Paula Proulx pointed out that on page 2, article 3, Public Comment, the second motion should have been recorded as voted down. Ernie Creveling stated that it was unclear how the motion was resolved. Joan Funk said it would be tabled until the next meeting. Paul Parker questioned the figures discussed during Public comment regarding paving Paulson Road. Ernie Creveling explained that Clark Hackett projected the cost of maintenance and more information was needed.
Paul Parker made a motion to table the minutes until the next meeting. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

e). March 14, 2005 Non-Public minutes: Joan A Funk asked if there were any additions or deletions. Paula Proulx pointed out one typing error, which was made, in her name.
Paul Parker made a motion to accept the March 14, 2005 Non-Public minutes as amended. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

3. Public Comment. There was no public comment.

4. Discussion of Board Vacancies. Chairman Joan A. Funk requested to postpone this discussion until later in the meeting. Joan then asked to proceed to Other Business and for Dale Sprague to step up to the table.

Other Business:
a)      Dale Sprague presented a suggestion to implement a fee for C&D and Bulky Wastes disposal at the landfill. This suggestion has been brought before the Board in the past but was not approved. Dale explained that now there is a more reasonable closure date and the Town does not have to look to move products off site. This new charge would bring an estimated additional income of $33,000 and would go towards landfill closure costs. In addition, by implementing a fee, the volume brought in may be reduced. Dale stated that the downside to charging for C&D and Bulky Wastes, besides upsetting the public, is that it may increase the amount of items left on the side of the road. George Meyer asked if there would be an extra charge for commercial dumping and has there ever been a fee. Dale responded with no to each question. Dale stated that it seems only reasonable to implement this charge as there is a charge for bags and Joan A. Funk and Paul Parker agreed. Matt Scruton expressed concern that this fee would cause illegal dumping and that it would be nickel and diming people. Dale Sprague explained that 1 bag of trash is equivalent to 4.0 cubic feet. The fee for C&D and Bulky Wastes would be based on measurements of the quantities being brought in. He explained that they would have to come up with individual fees for items such as mattresses and couches etc. After discussion from the Board, Paul Parker made a motion to accept the charge for C&D and Bulky Wastes with a start date of May 1, 2005. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. More discussion followed. Matt Scruton questioned that without scales, how would the items be measured and charged. Dale responded that a certain amount of inaccuracy would be likely and that there would be some latitude in computing charges. The workers at the dump would measure the items brought in and would develop a sense of measurement. Matt Scruton pointed out several problems with implementing a charge including that given capacity at the landfill, accepting Bulky Waste will not impact the lifespan of the landfill, it would be difficult to measure items and illegal dumping on the sides of the roads may increase. The lifespan of the landfill was discussed. Ernie Creveling stated that initial correspondence with DES stated that there was a possible 7-year window for closure, and that closure would depend on water quality standards. Paula Proulx asked Paul Parker to reinstate his motion.
Paul Parker amended his motion to accept the proposed charge for C&D and Bulky Wastes equal to 4 cubic feet, 1 bag equivalence, with an effective date of May 1, 2005. George Meyer made an amendment to review one-month after accepted. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. Joan A. Funk, Paul Parker, Paula Proulx and George Meyer – approve. Matt Scruton – opposed. The motion passed.
Dale Sprague confirmed that interviews with engineering firms would be held on April 4, 2005. Dale also told the Board that on April 22, 2005 he was organizing a roadside cleanup with fifth and sixth graders in honor of Earthday. Dale asked the Board if highway personal and equipment could be available to assist in the cleanup.


5. Other Business.

b)      Ernie Creveling asked the Board to sign a certificate for Christopher Dooley for achieving the Rank of Eagle Scout. All board members signed the certificate and noted that they were invited to the ceremony and would try to attend.

c)      Joan A. Funk signed an application for the Annual Installment of State Grant for Sewage Works from NHES.

d)      The Farmington Country Club is in the process of renewing its liquor license. The State requires a letter from the Town stating that they have no objections to the liquor license. Ernie Creveling asked the Board if they had any objections to sending the letter. No one objected.
Joan A. Funk made a motion to support the Liquor License for the Farmington Country Club. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.

e)      Joan A. Funk stated that they did not review the February 7, Non-Public Minutes so they would table them at the next meeting. Note: These minutes were approved at the March 14, 2005 BOS meeting.

f)      The Board then began discussion on the advertisement for a full time building inspector and code enforcement officer. Ernie Creveling asked the Board to make motion to approve the job description.
Joan A. Funk made a motion to approve advertisement of the job description for a full time Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
g)      A letter from the Venture Club was presented to the Board asking the town to contribute $1000.00 for a trip they were taking. Joan A. Funk stated that even though it sounds like a wonderful trip,  it should not be the Taxpayer’s responsibility and similar requests had been denied in the past. Paul Parker stated that there was not a trust fund set up for such requests and the taxpayer’s money should not be used. George Meyer suggested that the Venture Club go to the Women’s Club and/or the Historical Society for financial assistance. Matt Scruton agreed stating that support should be a donation.
h)      Bill Baxter, an applicant for a junkyard permit asked if the Board was addressing permits at the meeting. Ernie Creveling stated that it would be addressed at the April 11, 2005 meeting.

At approximately 7:10p.m, following other business, Joan A. Funk addressed the Board Vacancies.

The applicants are:
Don McVane, currently an alternate on the Planning Board.
Mark Paulin: applying for Planning Board
David Kestner: applying for Planning Board
Jerry McCarthy: applying for Zoning Board
James F. Horgan: applying for Planning Baord
Steven Dean: withdrew his application due to conflicting meeting nights.

A discussion began regarding the Board vacancies and applicants. Ernie stated that Norman Russell’s term has expired leaving one vacancy on the Planning Board. Joan A. Funk asked if the alternates have the option to move up to a regular appointment. Ernie responded that they could re-apply as described in the policy (Appointment Procedure for Town Boards and committees). Paul Parker questioned the status of two members of the Planning Board, as they have been absent due to personal issues. Ernie Creveling responded that he had received word that Gerald White wishes to stay on the Board despite his recent absence. Joan A. Funk asked how long Gerald had been absent and stated that if he could not commit himself to future meetings he should be removed. Ernie explained that the Planning Board has by-laws and they allow 3 unexcused absences. Paula Proulx stated that attendance is a consideration in the appointment process. Paul Parker stated that the issue of absenteeism should be addressed, possibly at the next Planning Board meeting. If the members in question are willing to make a commitment, wouldn’t the Board consider their re-appointment. Paul Parker stated that the Planning Board could make a recommendation.
Joan A. Funk made a motion to seat Donald MacVain to a regular position on the Planning Board. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. All in favor.
Joan A. Funk then thanked Mr. Steve Dean for his application and asked if he had anything to add. Mr. Dean replied saying that ‘it is all in his application’. James Horgan stated that some things never change and that he was willing to serve and was available for the meetings. Paul Parker asked Steve Dean and James Horgan if they would accept an alternate appointment on the Planning Board. Both replied yes. Paula Proulx stated that Mark Paulin and David Kestner should be interviewed. Joan A. Funk asked if the interview could be waived. Matt Scruton Made a motion to appoint all 5 applicants as alternates in the Planning Board.Matt continued to say that he didn’t feel they needed to be interviewed  or needed experience since they would learn as alternates. Paul Parker sated that he would like to interview the other 2 applicants before considering them for appointment. Ernie Creveling referred to the policy for appointment, which states that the Board of Selectmen shall conduct interviews and consider all applicants before making any appointments. Paula Proulx suggested scheduling a time and dating for interviews. Joan A. Funk stated that she thought it would be waste of time, the applications look good. Matt Scruton said that he had no problem with a delay and withdrew his motion to appoint all 5 Planning Board applicants as alternates.
Joan A. Funk made a motion to appoint James Horgan as an alternate on the Planning Board and if a regular seat opened up he would be considered for the position. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. All in favor.
Joan A. Funk made a motion to appoint Steve Dean as an alternate on the Planning Board. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. All in favor.
Later Mr. Dean declined the appointment as an alternate as the meetings conflicted with his schedule. Ernie Creveling discussed the vacancies and terms. Ernie informed the Board that there are 3 spots open on the Zoning board and presently there is 1 regular member on the Planning Board.
Joan A.  Funk made a motion to appoint Joanne Shomphe as a regular ZBA member. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Joan A. Funk suggested interviewing the rest of the applicants at the next meeting.
Paul Parker made a motion to appoint Gerald McCarthy as a regular member of the ZBA. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. Paul Parker and Paula Proulx in favor. Matt Scruton, Joan A. Funk and George Meyer opposed. Motion failed.
Matt Scruton stated that he was not prepared to vote and George Meyer agreed. Joan A. Funk stated that the other applicants deserved an equal chance. Paula Proulx asked why hold off on one and not all. The Board ended their discussion on board Vacancies at approximately 7:45Matt Scruton made a motion to adjourn. Joan A. Funk seconded the motion.  

Paul Parker requested the meeting continue and presented a memo to Ernie Creveling dated March 18, 2005 from contracted code enforcement officer Jack Dever to the Town of Farmington. Paul stated that the memo should have been distributed to the Board of Selectmen earlier. Ernie Creveling asked what memo Paul was referring to. Paul Parker showed Ernie a memo dated March 18, 2005. Ernie replied that the memo was sent out before Jack Dever knew all the facts surrounding the Equivise Project on Route 11, which was the subject of the memo. Ernie further explained that when he reviewed the memo, he talked with Jack Dever and Don Jutton of MRI and once Don Jutton, (Principal of Municipal Resources, Inc) was aware of the facts, he issued a new memo clarifying Jack Devers role, as they were informed this would be a contentious issue. Ernie pointed out that the valid memo was placed in the Board of Selectmen’s boxes as soon as it was received.

A vote was taken to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. All in favor.