Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
June 27, 2005
6:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Chambers,
356 Main Street, Municipal Offices
Present: George Meyer, Joan A. Funk, Paula Proulx, Paul Parker. Matt Scruton.
Also Present: Paul Esswein, Director of Planning and Codes, Dale Sprague, Director Waste Water/ Sewer, Richard Page, Acting Highway Supervisor, Dave Dejagger, Paul Sprague, John and Jane Wingate, Brad Anderson, Fire Chief Richard Fowler, William Hussey, Charles Wibel, David Kestner,
Chairman Joan a. Funk called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Joan A. Funk presented a State Flag accompanied by a certificate signed by State Representative Sam Cataldo stating that the flag was flown over the New Hampshire State House on Friday, June 17, 2005 for the Town of Farmington.
2. Approval of Minutes:
a. 06-06-05: A few typographical errors were pointed out. Paul Parker then made a motion to accept as amended. Joan Funk second. All in favor.
b. 06-13-05: After a few amendments were made, Joan Funk motioned to accept as amended. George Meyer second. All in favor.
3. Public Comment: Citizen Paul Sprague read a statement regarding a petition to pave Meadorboro Road which was presented to the Selectmen at a previous meeting. Several people responded to Mr. Sprague’s statement. Joan Funk stated that the Board has not addressed this issue and no decisions have been made. John Wingate read a statement regarding the same issue
4. Board applications.
An application from John Allard to be moved from his alternate position on the ZBA to a regular position. Paul Parker questioned who was leaving and what was the policy regarding taking over a term for an existing member. It was determined that the position vacant was left by Russell stokes. Paula Proulx made a motion to appoint John Allard as a regular member on the ZBA with the contingency that he would fill the term of the exiting member. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor. It was later determined that the position vacant was left by Russell stokes but it was not determined what his term was.
A regular position was open on the Planning Board to fill Troy Robidas’s term, which ends in 2006. Charles Wibel, currently an alternate on the planning Board, submitted an application for this position. The Board questioned Mr. Wibel on his abilities and availability to serve as a regular and Mr Wibel replied. David Kestner also submitted an application to move from an alternate on the Planning Board to a regular position. The Board asked Mr. Kestner similar questions, which Mr. Kestner answered. Paul Parker made a motion to appoint David Kestner as a regular on the Planning Board to fill Troy Ribidas’s term. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. All in favor.
William Hussey submitted an application for a membership on the Farmington Economic Development Commission. After Mr. Hussey answered several questions by the Board, George Meyer made a motion to appoint William Hussey to the Farmington Economic Commission.
Joan Funk referred to a memo from the Police Department regarding a recommendation from a citizen to reduce the speed limit the on Sheepboro Road. After discussion, Matt Scruton made a motion to reduce the speed limit on Sheepboro Road to 30MPH. More discussion followed. Joan suggested that it might even be dropped to 25MPH. She would check with the Police Chief. George Meyer seconded the motion adding that it was contingent upon the Chiefs recommendation to lower the speed limit to 25 or 30 MPH and to put new signage up. All in favor.
5. Transportation Enhancement Grant. Director of Planning, Paul Esswein presented to the Board information on a Transportation Enhancement Grant. He stated that he met with several people to gather ideas on projects that could be considered for this grant. The consensus was to focus on the downtown area. The grant is an 80/20 match to be used for non- highway transportation projects such as bicycle, pedestrian pathways, street beautification, sidewalks ect. One project considered would be to extend the Tiger Trail system to the other side of Main Street and connect Civic Street to Lonestar. The application is due on July 31, 2005. Paul will draft a project proposal and bring it back to the Selectmen on July 25, 2005. Paul added that other smaller projects could be added to
utilize all the money available. Paul recommended applying for no more than $250,000; the town’s portion would be $50,000.
Re: Dave DeJagger: Paul Esswein suggested to Dave DeJagger that he pursue the idea of swapping with the town a piece of land which he would purchase from a neighbor for the piece of land which his structure is on. Matt Scruton said there was a question regarding the ownership of the road. Paul stated that the town does not own it. The state statute that states that towns could not use adverse possession to claim roads for a period of 40 years prior to 1969. The section of road in question was not in existence in that time frame. Attorney Tim Bates would be consulted regarding this proposal to swap land. An appraised value of each piece of land would be obtained at Mr. DeJaggers expense. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with the swap if the values of the pieces of land were
comparable.
6. Water Department Discussion of Boil Water Notice: Dale Sprague explained that the positive test result for e-coli was from a sample taken from well # 5. Well #5 is presently shut down and has been chlorinated. The NH DES has rescinded the boil order as of this morning. Notices have been put up in addition to notification to the local papers and radio/TV stations. More testing is being done. There is enough water from the other wells to service Farmington at this time. Chlorination will continue. Dale suggested to the Board that someone who had expertise in disinfection should be appointed to oversee this problem. Dale stated that this problem has nothing to do with flushing which was done in the spring.
8:05 pm Joan Funk made a motion to break seconded by George Meyer. All in favor.
8:15 pm meeting called back to order.
6. Fire Department Issues:
· Chief Richard Fowler presented to the Board a list of buildings that have switched over to the digital fire alarm system a list of those that haven’tChief Fowler asked for the support of the Board in sending out a letter requesting the owners of the buildings to switch to digital .
· Chief Fowler then presented to the Board a letter regarding payment for the replacement of the departments breathing apparatus
· Chief Fowler presented to the Board a bid proposal for a new ambulance. Discussion followed.. Matt Scruton stated that there should be more bids. Matt questioned the need for a new ambulance. Paul Parker suggested getting an evaluation on both ambulances. Richard Page from the highway department stated that he would check his records for any work, which has been done to the ambulances.
· The issue of missed calls was raised. Chief Fowler stated that he was not aware of any missed calls. Often a re-tone is a call for additional help. He estimated there were 600 EMS and 400 fire calls per year.
· Joan Funk questioned 2 purchase orders which were issued from the fire department. She stated that it is a town policy that a purchases over $250.00 need approval from the Board. Discussion followed. Joan also stated that any money received by the fire department for fundraisers needed to go thru the town books. Rich said he was not aware of that policy.
8:45 pm. Joan Funk made a motion to go into Non Public session RSA 91:A:3 (I) (II). Paula Proulx seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk – yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Matt Scruton – yes
a. Review of High Department job applications.
b. Review of Welfare Director applications.
c. Review of Town Administrator Resumes
d. Discussion of various other issues.
10:25 Joan Funk motioned to come out of Non Public Session RSA:91-A:3 (I) (II). Matt Scruton seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk – yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Matt Scruton – yes
Joan Funk presented a memo from Pam Merrill, finance director requesting approval to put a bid out for oil. The consensus of the Board was to put the bid out.
10:30 pm. Joan Funk motioned to adjourn the meeting seconded by Paula Proulx. All in favor.
Approved this ____ day of _________, ______
_______________________ _______________________
Joan A. Funk, Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chair
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George Meyer Paul Parker
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Matt Scruton
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