Town of Farmington
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Minutes
November 7, 2005
Present: Chairman Joan A. Funk, Vice Chairman Paula Proulx, Paul Parker, George Meyer, and Matt Scruton.
Also Present: Town Administrator Paul Weston, Director of Planning and Community Development Paul Esswein, Superintendent of Water/Waster Water Dale Sprague, Planning Board chairman Charlie King, Representatives of Wright and Pierce Ed Leonard and Tim Vadney, Town Clerk Kathy Seaver, Steven Dean, Gerry McCarthy, Brad Anderson, Loraine Meyer, Joanne Doke, Ann Titus, Tracey Cameron, Randy Orvis, Kim Brackett, Norman Russell, John Quinn, Ed Mullen, Hyram Watson, Barry Elliott and Secretary to the Selectmen Megan Taylor taking minutes.
Chairman Joan Funk convened the meeting at 6:00pm and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes of October 31, 2005 were reviewed. Paul Parker pointed out that an amendment to a motion involving the purchase of a new vehicle for the Police Department was not included. Joan Funk motioned to accept the minutes as amended. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
PUBLIC INPUT
Steven Dean approached the Board with a request from the Board to approve the flooding then freezing of the skateboard park on Central Street to make an ice skating rink this winter. Joan pointed out that it has been done in the past. There was concern regarding liability but then stated that liability exists with the skateboard park already. The Board all thought it was a good idea and agreed to look into the matter further.
Ann Titus approached the Board with an incident of an attack on her son by a stray dog while he was on his way to school. Her son ended up in the hospital with an injury to his hand and will have to undergo rabies shots. Ann pointed out that there is not an Animal Control Officer in Farmington and the Police are handling all complaints. Joan stated that the Town was looking into filling the position of an animal control officer. The dog has not been caught to date. Ann expressed her concern for the safety of the schoolchildren who walk to school.
WORKSHOP ON WATER & WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS
Dale Sprague presented a map of the Town, which identified the existing sewer system. The map color-coded different areas of Farmington including the areas that are Town owned, the areas that are not on sewer, areas that are under consideration for extension and areas that are beyond a reasonable expense. There are areas near the river (Spring Street, Hancock Street) which are resource protected and should be considered. Dale explained that parcels less than one acre were not taken into consideration in the build out analysis. Ed Leonard joined in discussion of the Build-Out analysis. Ed explained that this analysis should be used as a tool when considering the upgrade of the treatment plant. Currently the plant services 800 single-family residences and the build out analysis predicts up to 1200. Probable build out
will generate 320,000 gallons per day. The question is how to proceed and stay within the Master Plan and the Waste Water Plan and still be in compliance with the DES. The plant will need an upgrade; the current capacity now will not meet the need. Charlie King stated that the parcels less than one acre should be factored in and Norm Russell agreed. Dale stated that the bottom line is plant capacity; these are only projections. The current plant is close to capacity as it is. An upgrade as outlined in Phase 1 would increase capacity. Gerry McCarthy questioned if the EPA report was out yet and Ed answered not yet. Gerry stated that the report was necessary in order to know where the Town is going to go with this. Dale stated that if the Board of Selectmen were to approve Phase 1, an active public relations campaign should take place to inform the public before Town Meeting. Ed stated that the current license is due for renewal in 2006 and a new license can have new limitations
depending on the report and implementation schedule. Ed stated that they have identified three parcels of land as possible candidates for land based discharge, two of which are close to the plant. Land based discharge could cut back on if not eliminate river discharge, it would be less restrictive and cost less. George Meyer stated that he did not get a sense that this is a crisis at this point and therefore he could not support the approval of Phase1. Dale stated that it is not at crisis point but the plant is 30 years old and close to capacity. Matt stated that he did not think this should go to the next Town Meeting. George asked if Phase 1 could be modified. Joan asked to see a proposal for partial Phase 1; a ‘housekeeping’ to bring it back to snuff. Dale stated that they should develop a budget for groundwater-based discharge. In regards to scaling down on Phase 1, the key items need to stay including the increase of capacity; other items can be moved to
Phase II. Dale said they would look into including less than one-acre parcels in the build out.
Dale requested a discussion on Water/sewer connection fees. Paul Weston stated that it should be discussed at a public hearing and Paul Parker suggested having a workshop first. Discussion on Landfill Policy Revised: Paul Parker questioned the section outlining communications. Paul Weston stated that communication was essential. The subject of having a swap shop at the landfill was raised. Dale stated that there was not a building to house the items and that it had the potential to be abused. Joan Funk motioned to accept the Landfill Policy as revised. Paul Parker seconded. All in favor. ( a copy of the build out analysis along with an outline of the presentation will be available as an attachment to the final copy of these minutes.)
8:00 pm Joan Funk called for a recess.
8:10 pm Chairman Joan Funk called the meeting back to order.
NEW BUSINESS
Short discussion on the request by Kim Brackett of Parks and Recreation to purchase used Mini Bus from Bus and Bodies for $2200,00 (bargained down from $24,900.00). After inspection by the highway garage, it was recommended that the bus get a tune up, new shocks as well as a replacement of a very small portion of the tailpipe. Matt Scruton motioned to approve the purchase of the 2001 GMC Mini Bus. George Meyer seconded. All in favor.
School to work program. Program coordinator Tracey Cameron joined the Board and explained that this is a new program to Farmington for age sixteen and over high school students. There are eligibility requirements and the students must present a resume and fill out an application. The students are fully screened before they are recommended for any job. This is part of a new state curriculum. There is a possible candidate who could work for the Town Municipal Offices. The Town would pay the student minimum wage or higher and the student would work 4 hours per day. Matt Scruton motioned to consider a student to work for the Town Municipal Office under the School to Work Program for minimum wage, 20 hours a week. Paul Parker expressed concern as to whether or not the students would neglect their schoolwork or be
a disruption to employees. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Zoning ordinance amendment. Paul Esswein described the current ordinance, which allows for 1 dwelling per 5000 square feet. Charlie King stated that there were some restrictions in the amendment to sustain quality development but no change to density requirements. Town Clerk Kathy Seaver stated that she was told of a petition that was circulating among residents regarding this amendment. Paul Esswein stated that design factors should be considered in higher density areas; in the urban core. It is an economic incentive to redevelop buildings. Joan expressed concern that by turning buildings into multi unit dwellings will increase the population without adding more tax dollars and therefore become a burden on the taxpayers. Charlie King stated that ideally they want to bring development up to a higher level
and could do this by ‘incentifizing’ developers to build to ‘atractability’. George Meyer stated that he has seen bad results from high-density development: Summer Street, Mechanic Street. Concern was expressed over the lack of parking in high-density areas. Matt Scruton stated that density requirements had a positive impact in limiting dwellings. Higher density created more parking, traffic, school children, and water/sewer usage. It does not make sense to relax the ordinance.
2001 Police Cruiser: Police Chief Scott Roberge (not present at the meeting) offered to turn the 2001 police cruiser over for Town use. Matt Scruton motioned to authorize the 2001 cruiser for Town use and allow the Town Administrator to create the policies for its use. Joan Funk seconded the motion. All in favor.
Wingman personnel pay raise: Paul Weston stated that there were four wingmen available for snowstorms. The current pay rate is $6.86 per hour. It is proposed to raise the rate to $8.00 per hour. Matt Scruton stated that pay adjustments should be done during the Budget Cycle. Paul Weston stated that since this is a seasonal position, it should be considered now. It is understood that the wingmen will not return at the current pay rate. Paula Proulx asked if the adjustment was in the budget and Paul Weston stated that it was. Matt Scruton motioned to approve the pay raise for the wingmen. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
Several issues were briefly discussed:
Trustees: Paul Weston stated that he will be meeting with the Trustees regarding funding for the Town Hall renovations.
Lease with SAU 61 in 356 Main Street: The lease with SAU 61 will increase by 5%
The Court has dismissed the court case involving Equivise.
The North American Training Lodge has submitted a petition for a rehearing with the ZBA
Banner Request: Real Estate firm Caldwell Banker, who is sponsoring a project by Habitat Humanity in Farmington, has asked to hang a banner downtown. Matt Scruton expressed concern that this would be a form of free advertisement for Caldwell and Banker. Other concerns expressed by the Board members include maintenance of the banner, liability, location, and possible interference with the Christmas Decorations. The Board asked Paul Weston to handle this item.
9:05 pm Chairman Joan Funk motioned to go into Non Public Session RSA 91-A:3 (C). A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk-yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
9:20 pm Chairman Joan Funk motioned to come out of Non Public Session. A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk-yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
More issues briefly discussed:
Fire Department Payroll: Paul Weston asked to discuss the Fire Department payroll. The department has decided to pay the chief extra money. Joan Funk stated that this decision is not up to the Fire Department.
Fire Department Training Exercise/complaint: Paul Weston distributed a letter from Charles Wibel expressing concern over a training exercise carried out by the fire Department. The exercise was training burn at a Charles Street House on November 5. Mr. Wibel complained that he was not informed and that he was concerned of the potential toxicity of the smoke. Paul also distributed a letter from Fire Chief Fowler regarding this issue. He stated that signs were posted and all safety precautions were taken. (Copies of both letters will be attached final copy of these minutes.)
Church Anniversary: Joan Funk informed the Board that Pastor David Anderson of the Advent Church of Farmington has invited the Board Members to the Church’s 135th year celebration to be held on November 13, at 6pm.
Paul Parker stated that the Holy Rosary Credit Union has gotten the approval to build on Route 11.
9:30 pm matt Scruton motioned to adjourn the meeting. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned.
Approved November 21, 2005
Signed this date 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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