Board of Selectman’s Meeting
Thursday, February 28, 2005
6p.m.
Selectman’s chambers
356 Main Street, Municipal Offices
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Minutes
Present: Gerald McCarthy, Paula Proulx, Paul Parker and Joan Funk, Matt Scruton arrived at 6:10 .
The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Public Comment: There was no Public Comment
At 6:05 P.M. Jerry McCarthy made a motion to go into Non Public Session RSA 91-A:3 (I) (II) Seconded by Joan Funk. Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Joan Funk – yes, Jerry McCarthy – yes.
Non Public Session began at 6:06 P.M. and ended at 6:15 P.M.
4. New Business
a. Cathy Tsiros, Trustee of the Trust Fund addressed the Board. She reported on the Trust fund accounts and amounts. Cathy also reported that the Birthday Ball portion of the Leon Hayes Fund is currently holding $18,000.00, which could be used specifically for birthday balls with $10,000.00 left over for use for the towns benefit.
The Board of Selectmen and Cathy commented on the Thayer family’s’ wonderful donations to the Town. Mrs. Thayer gave money for the care of the town clock and for the scholarship fund.
b. Moose Mountain Regional Greenways Executive Director, Joyce El Kouarti asked the Town of Farmington for it’s support and endorsement in MMRG’s efforts in obtaining a grant from the Estuarine Land Conservation fund to purchase a 2185 acre tract of land in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. The tract of land is in Middleton and Brookfield. The land would be used for water resources, wildlife, and public recreation.
Paul Parker asked who would hold ownership of the land. Joyce explained that the Society would own the land either short term or permanently. She also explained that the management would be under the Forest Legacy Program.
6:20 P.M.: Matt Scruton made a Motion to support this project, which was seconded by Jerry McCarthy. All in favor.
5. Old Business:
a. Discussion of landfill approach for closure: Paul Parker asked to proceed with next subject, (Farmington Preservation Guild), and Jerry McCarthy agreed.
(This matter was discussed after the Farmington Preservation guild presentation).
Jerry McCarthy stated that a public hearing was necessary and that the Department of Environmental Services needed to address this issue. The consensus was to have Ernie set this up. Paula Proulx asked Ernie Creveling for a breakdown of specific revenue funds.
b. Farmington Preservation Guild: Farmington Preservation Guild members Brad Anderson and Cyndi Paulin, presented to the Board of Selectmen an outline of the principal responsibilities of the new Community Projects Director. Also discussed were the grants being sought from the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation and the Community Response Fund. Both of these organizations are very interested and excited about supporting the Town of Farmington.
They also presented projects in which the Guild will be working on including the Firehouse Museum, Community Adult Education, a Master Plan Implementation and a Design Manual.
A discussion followed regarding providing health insurance for the Community Projects Director. Joan Funk said that It was previously understood that the Town would make Health insurance available for the Projects director but would not be monetarily responsible. Brad Anderson questioned the funding the health insurance with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). There was some question regarding an agreement attached with the grants. Would there be stipulations with the grant and would the grants come with administrative fees? Ernie Creveling explained that there are certain restrictions and guidelines involved with a CDBG. Brad Anderson said that he was under the impression in December that there would be CDBG funds available.
Gerry McCarthy said this matter should be brought before the town at the Town Meeting and that he would speak for it. Matt Scruton expressed concern that the community might feel that this matter was snuck through. It was agreed that there should be more discussion and that the town should have a part in the decision. Matt Scruton made a suggestion to the Farmington Preservation Guild that they bring it to the Town Meeting floor.
c. Discussion with Dave Dejager about encroachment on Town land. Chris Jacobs, a surveyor, accompanied Dave Dejager to the meeting. Dave DeJagar owns land on Old Trotting Park Road on which he built a structure. According to the Town’s records, the structure sits partially on land owned by the Town. Chris Jacobs presented blueprints of the property in question. The property is surrounded by several small and large properties.There is a strip of land along route 11measuring 30’ X 50’ on Old Trotting Park Road. The property ownership history was reviewed. Part of the property in question abuts the property owned by the Blaisedells (it is not a clear title and both these issues should be cleared up) Paul Parker suggested having an outside consultant research both
problems. Dave Dejager asked what he should do. Would they consider a Boundary Line Agreement – granting slope and drainage easements to town? He could make the lot more conforming and work with the town to straighten the situation out. Paula Proulx suggested that Dave Dejager should have worked all this out prior to building . Chris Jacobs responded that there was a structure previously on the land in question. Jerry McCarthy asked why they performed a survey after the foundation was put it? Dave DeJager responded that it seemed straightforward and there was no question at the time. There was a mobile home there and a septic system for years. Matt Scruton asked if there was a warranty deed and/or title insurance. Dave Dejager said that title insurance doesn’t cover boundary disputes. Dave Dajager offered to make a monetary settlement. Matt Scruton requested to see a proposal in writing. Jerry McCarthy expressed concern over what kind of precedent this would be
setting and that this would be entering into “dangerous territory”.
At 7:45 Jerry McCarthy made a motion to reconsider the Boards previous decision to make Mr. Dejager move his building. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
7:47 p.m. Gerald McCarthy made a motion to go into Non Public Session. RSA 91A-A:3 (I) (II) which was seconded by Matt Scruton. The roll call vote was as follows:
Joan Funk: yes; Paula Proulx: yes; Paul Parker; yes Matthew Scruton; yes
Gerald McCarthy yes
6. Non Public Session for retired employee. RSA –91-A-3 (I) (II)
Vote to come out of Non-Public Session at approximately 7: 55 Gerry McCarthy: yes, Paula Proulx: yes: Mathew Scruton: yes; Paul Parker: yes; Joan Funk: yes.
Other business discussed by the Board:
- Paula Proulx presented a letter from Linda Sherman regarding a gate on winter Street (Packys Gate at the bottom of Dead Mans Hill). The gate does not close and is intended to keep traffic from going thru to town. No conclusions on this subject. Ernie stated that he would forward it to the Planning Department for action.
At 8:10 P. M. Gerry McCarthy made a motion to Adjourn and was seconded by Matt Scruton. The
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