MINUTES
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
PRESENT: Chairman Joan A. Funk, Vice Chair Paula Proulx, Selectmen George Meyer, Paul Parker, Matt Scruton, Town Administrator Paul Weston, Director of Water and Sewer Management Dale Sprague, Director of Planning and Community Development, Paul Esswein, Conservation Commission Chair Randy Orvis, Economic Development Committee Member Hyram Watson, Interim Highway Supervisor Richard Page,
6:10 pm Chairman Joan Funk opened the meeting and asked everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
8-22-05: Joan Funk made a motion to accept the 8-22-05 minutes as written. Paul Parker seconded after commenting that he liked the format of the minutes. George Meyer in favor, Paula Proulx in favor, Joan Funk in favor, Paul Parker in favor. 4 in favor 1 abstention by Matt Scruton.
8-29-05: Joan Funk made a motion to accept the 8-29-05 minutes as written. George Meyer second. All in favor.
Paul Parker asked everyone to join him in a silent moment of prayer in honor of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. A moment of silence was observed.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Citizen Jane Wingate approached the board regarding the authorization of the striping of Hornetown Road. She asked the Board three questions regarding the striping: Who authorized it, what was the cost and what was the justification? She stated that she thought the money should be put to projects more deserving. Matt Scruton replied he thought it was a wise decision as it is a safety issue. Paul Weston stated that he could look up the cost. Joan replied that it was a Board decision. Paul Parker stated that striping was considered a traffic calming method to slow down traffic and that during the budget processes it was approved. He added that some people would speed with or without stripes. Jane asked why a double line and Joan replied that it was the law in a no passing zone.
Citizen Margaret Russell approached the board regarding striping of the roads. She asked if this was an issue to be addressed in the budget every year. Stripes were done last year and needed to be re-done. Joan replied that the winter takes its toll with plowing and sanding.
Jim Horgan stepped up and stated that he felt striping on Meadorboro Road was a good thing and kept the speed down.
Brad Anderson stood up and spoke of the paving schedule. He stated that road and paving issues were a big topic and that a larger transportation plan was needed. He stated that there was evidence that striping was less safe on some roads. He also stated that he thought public hearings were needed on this issue.
Patrick Boyle approached the Board regarding a petition to have Meadorboro Road paved. He stated that the reasons the road should be paved were dust, liability, erosion, save on maintenance and vehicles, beautification. He quoted former Highway superintendent Clark Hackett from a newspaper article in favor of paving roads in Farmington.
Dorinda Howard addressed the Board and stated that she has lived on a dirt road in Farmington for 48 years. She stated that she was proud of the dirt roads and felt that paving would encourage speeding.
Norman Russell spoke to the Board and stated that some of the roads in question did not have an adequate road base to support paving in the long term.
Robert Monohan stated that unpaved roads presented a liability and it was an environmental issue as well. The sub-base of the roads should be brought up to standard before paving.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Proposed paving program for 2005. (A copy of this plan will be available as an attachment to the final copy of these minutes from the Town Clerks office). The section of Ten Rod Road from the Rochester Line to Tibbetts roads is scheduled to be paved in 2005. There was discussion on the paving plan. Rich Page explained that last year Ten Rod Road from Button to Melody received a base coat and should have a final shim and overlay done before October 15 of this year. He explained that after 2006 the prices could skyrocket. Joan asked if a CIP was already done for this plan and Richard replied that yes it was. Richard further explained that a lot of
the roads were in tough shape. Paul Weston stated that there were 88 miles of town roads. On a ten-year plan we should be paving or reconstructing 8.8 miles of road annually. Paula Proulx stated that there should be an evaluation to determine a list of criteria for road paving and repair. Paula continued by saying that in the draft of the master Plan in Chapter 8 it outlines actions and has examples of suggestions. They should let the Planning Board do their job and help the Highway department form a plan. Joan stated that right now they needed to make a decision on the present proposal to pave a portion of Ten Rod Road. The Board agreed it should be done. Matt Scruton motioned to approve the 2005 portion of the road paving plan to pave Ten Rod Road from the Rochester Line to Tibbetts Residents ( a 2.6 mile stretch, 2” overlay total estimated cost $100, 547.00). George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
2. Rizzo Proposal. (A copy of this proposal and backup material will be available as an attachment to the approved minutes of this meeting from the Town Clerks office). Paul Esswein explained to the Board that Mr. Rizzo was in the process of compliance and just now has the deed and the survey been finalized. This is an item promoted by the Conservation Commission. Randy Orvis explained that the piece of land in question is back land; the value is based on development. The Town needs to look at its location as its value as it will connect the Town Forest and is a critical piece. Matt Scruton made a motion to approve the proposal to waive current
use withdrawal penalty in exchange for a gift of land. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to conduct a workshop meeting on September 19 a proposal to construct a private septage disposal facility. (The Board discussed their options) It was decided that the workshop would be conducted during the September 26, 2005 Board of Selectmen meeting.
2. Approval of a proposal to survey for finish grades within the Sarah Greenfield Business Park and proceed with work. The Farmington Economic Development Commission brings this proposal to the board. (A copy of this proposal and other backup material will be available as an attachment to the approved minutes of this meeting from the Town clerks Office). There was discussion on the progress of the SGBP. It was explained that in order for grading to be done to control the dust problem a grading plan must be established by first having a survey done. Paul Esswein stated that a survey would provide a basis for replat. Paula Proulx explained that
Berry Surveying would give the best price as they have done work there previously. George Meyer motioned to approve the survey by Berry Surveying and Engineering for approximately $900 - $1000. Paul Parker second. Paula Proulx questioned if this survey would be paid out of the Farmington Economic Development Budget or the Sarah Greenfield Fund. After some discussion, it was decided to use the Economic Development Fund and added this as an amendment to the motion. All in Favor.
3. Appointment to the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. Patricia Kelly approached the Board with an application to the Conservation Commission. After questioning by the board, Ms. Kelly responded that she would be available for the meetings and training if asked. George Meyer motioned to accept Patricia Kelly as an alternate on the Conservation Commission. Paul Parker second. All in favor. An application was presented for Charles Wibel, who is currently an alternate on the PlanningBoard to take the regular position (Gerald White has just resigned). Mr Wibel was not present at the meeting as the Board recently interviewed him for an
alternate. After some discussion regarding terms, George Meyer motioned to appoint Charles Wibel as a regular member of the Planning Board. Matt Scruton second. George Meyer, Joan Funk, Paula Proulx, Matt Scruton in favor. Paul Parker opposed.
4. Update of Site Plan Review Fee Schedule. (An attachment of this fee schedule will be available as an attachment to approved copy of these minutes available from the Town Clerks Office). Paul Esswein presented a fee schedule of site plan review including current and proposed fees. Paul explained that the fees covered the costs for a site plan review. He added that they actually have very few site plan reviews. Matt Scruton motioned to approve the new site plan review fee schedule. George Meyer second. All in favor.
5. Discussion on advertising for the Highway Department Agent Vacancy. Paul Weston stated that there needed to be a clarification of salary, job description, qualifications, scope of work (experience). Paul added that he would look into finding a model of a highway agent job description, which the Board could adjust to the needs of Farmington. Paul Parker stated that current interim Highway Supervisor, Richard Page, was doing an exceptional job. The Board agreed. The question of whether or not a Public Works Director Position should be established was discussed. This item will be on the next agenda
6. Department Head/Administrators Report.
a. Clarification on signing of purchase orders. Paul Weston spoke on the subject. Currently, authorized expenditures don’t get paid out unless approved with signatures, with a purchase order attached. The staff should have the ability to purchase items, i.e. sand/salt with an annual purchase order. The auditor will spot check. He stated that the Board has the opportunity to review expenditures when signing the manifest. He added that he was impressed with the professional work of Finance Administrator Pam Merrill who will provide monthly expenditure reports to the Selectmen.
b. Appointment of representatives to the Strafford Regional Planning Agency. Paul Parker stated that two citizens could be appointed. Paul Weston said he would put an advertisement on the local access channel.
c. Receipt of $9,296.06 of FEMA snowstorm reimbursement: Matt Scruton motioned to put the reimbursement into the revenue line. George Meyer second. All in favor.
d. Meeting with Brian Blake regarding bomb scare protocol. The Town Administrator reported that a meeting had been held.
e. IRS mileage rate reimbursement. Currently the rate is .405 per mile with a proposal of raising it to 48.5 per mile as recommended by the IRS. (This increase is a result of the recent gas price increases) It was stated that Primex recommends the Town should supply a vehicle for the Code Enforcement officer (liability). Paul Parker made a motion to approve the mileage reimbursement rate increase to .485 cents per mile effective September 1, 2005. Matt Scruton second. All in favor.
f. Welfare Hearing Officer: A committee to oversee a Welfare Decision appeal is needed. Joan Funk motioned to approve the appointment of Kathy Seaver, James Horgan and Susan Loker as members on the Welfare Appeals Board. Paul Parker second. All in favor.
g. Memo from Fire Chief. A memo from the FireChief stating that the current quote for a new ambulance has now been increased. Paul Weston suggested taking the ambulance to the Dover Motor Mart for an impartial inspection to determine if it was still road worthy. The Board agreed.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Campbell Commons The Selectmen decided Mr. Campbell should be asked to petition the Board if he wishes to have these roads on the upcoming March Town Meting Warrant. Also, the request to reduce the bond will be forwarded to Town Planner Paul Esswein – the reduction should occur as the improvements have been built. Finally, the Selectmen decided they were not interested in accepting a deed to the Town for any green space or playground areas. The Town Administrator will send a letter.
b. Liaison to the Budget Committee Board of Selectmen Liaison to Budget Committee. Matt Scruton is the current representative. Paul Parker motioned to continue Matt Scruton’s appointment as Selectmen’s Representative on the Budget Committee and to appoint Paul Parker as an alternate. George Meyer second. All in favor.
c. Cardinal Landfill The Board agreed with John Regan’s and Molly Stark’s (NHDES staff) suggestion to draft a letter to EPA Region One and convene a meeting of our State Reps and Senator concerning the Cardinal Landfill. The owner, Collins and Aikman, has filed for bankruptcy.
8:50 pm Chairman Joan Funk motioned to go into Non Public Session per RSA 9191:A-3. Paula Proulx second. Joan Funk – yes, George Meyer- yes. Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
a. Litigation
b. Personnel issue
9:15 pm Joan Funk motioned to come out of Non Public Session. A roll call vote was taken. Paula Proulx second. Joan Funk – yes, George Meyer- yes. Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
9:20 pm Joan Funk motioned to adjourn. Matt Scruton second. All in favor.
Signed this ____ day of _________, ______
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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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