Town of Farmington
Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2005
Present: Chairman Joan A Funk, Vice Chair Paula Proulx, Paul Parker, Matt Scruton, George Meyer, Paul Weston, Dale Sprague, Kathy Seaver, Marty Gilman
At 6:00pm, Chairman Joan Funk called the meeting to order and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes: November 7, 2005. After a few corrections were made, Joan motioned to accept the minutes as amended. George Meyer seconded. All in favor.
Public Input: Resident Betty Vachon approached the Board to discuss a petition signed by 74 residents opposing the current zoning ordinance, which allows for construction on ¼ acre lots. The petition calls for an amendment to ½ acre lots. Betty explained that Garfield Street and Summer Street were examples of bad planning due to the ¼ allowance. Parking problems and sewer troubles are issues. Paul Parker stated that the petition should go before the Planning Board for endorsement; the planning board could make suggestions. Matt Scruton stated that the petition has to go to Town Meeting as it is written, it can’t be changed. Paul Weston stated that the Town Clerk has verified the signatures on the petition. (Kathy Seaver later commented that the petition has to go to the Planning Board for a
recommendation; either for or against.)
Wastewater/Water Connection Fees: (a memo from Dale Sprague on the basis of the fee determination will be attached to the final copy of these minutes available from the Ttown Clerks Office). Dale Sprague approached the Board to discuss the proposed fees. Dale stated that the current fees have been in place for many years. The new fees will apply to new construction only. The money goes into the capital reserve funds. Dale explained the methodology for coming up with the new fees and stated that it is defensible in case it is challenged in court. Paul Parker expressed concern that if the sewer lines were to be expanded, this would force individuals to hook up; there was nothing in the directional to amend costs due to mandatory hookup or hardship. Dale stated that it would be clearly stated in the Rules
and Regulations. The Rules and Regulations will be amended to allow the Board of Selectmen to make adjustments. Dale stated that he has talked with Town Counsel and they recommend a Public Hearing. This would take effect when people come in for their occupancy permits. Paul Parker motioned to hold a Public Hearing on the rate increase. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. All in favor. The meeting will be held on December 5, 2005 6pm.
Municipal Building Computer System: Paul Weston spoke with the Board regarding the current computer system for the municipal offices. Currently, it is on a Citrix system maintained by Deva Systems. Paul attempted to obtain proposals from other companies but could only get one proposal from Certified computers who ended up withdrawing their proposal. Paul asked for permission to renew the DEVA contract. Kathy Seaver joined in the discussion. She explained that Citrix has served the Town well. Kathy stated that DEVA comes up quarterly for maintenance and any other issues that need to be addressed. The price is for one year and is not binding thereafter. George Meyer made a motion to renew the DEVA contract. Joan Funk seconded the motion. All in favor.
Ice Skating Park: Joan brought up the request from last Board of Selectmen’s meeting to flood the skate park at Ferland Park this winter for ice-skating. Joan spoke with Parks and Recreation Director Kim Brackett who stated that the reason it stopped was because of the upkeep, public complaints and that the weather was a factor. Paul Parker stated that he would still like to pursue the possibility and look into both locations (Fernald Park and Union street). Matt Scruton stated that someone would have to maintain the ice-skating area; possibly the 500 Boys and Girls Club or an individual.
Lease with the School for 356 Main Street. A brief discussion was held on this subject: It was determined that the 5% increase was part of the agreement and will remain in place.
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of conservation easement on acreage of energy Resources Group (ERG) (former Voith Property). Two and one half acres of wetlands have been set aside which the Town and the Conservation Committee will oversee. Paul Parker made a motion to accept the easement and authorize the Chairman to sign. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor. (Easement attached to final copy of these minutes)
Update on the hiring of the Public Works Director. Paul Weston stated that he and Dale Sprague and Richard Page would conduct the initial interviewing. The final recommendation would come before the Board.
Discussion on the need to hire a new Welfare Director. Paul Weston explained that currently the Selectmen’s Secretary, Megan Taylor, is acting as Welfare Director. The problems with this situation are that welfare administration is consuming Megan’s time and the location in which Welfare interviews take place is not acceptable. Megan stated that the demand for Welfare is ever increasing and that Farmington needs someone at least 30 hours a week exclusively for Welfare. Hiring a Welfare director would benefit the Town in various ways. With the increase in fuel costs, this will be a very busy season. (A letter from Megan to the Board explaining the situation and a brief summary of Welfare statistics will be attached to the final copy of these minutes). Joan Funk motioned to advertise for a
Welfare Director. Discussion followed. Matt asked if the money was budgeted this year for this position. Paul Weston stated that the money could be found and that it could be budgeted for 2006. The Selectmen authorized the Administrator to proceed to advertise the position and bring back to them a proposal for welfare administration within the 2006 Municipal Budget process.
Pay raise for part time Welfare Director assistant: Joan Funk stated that Walter Mills is requesting $15.00 per hour (currently he makes $11.00 an hour). He will not continue to assist the welfare director unless he receives this increase. Matt stated that he did not think they should grant a mid-year increase. Paul Weston stated that it was important that they retain Walter to assist Megan until a new Welfare Director is hired. Paul and Joan will speak to Walter.
Budget Schedule: A schedule has been set and posted. Paul Weston stated that they are four large items in the budget: treatment plant, roads, and transportation plan and highway garage. Joan stated that they should look at the department head budgets first and then address the large items. Paul stated that there should be a standing capital improvement committee. We need to know the total bond debt (School and Town) and maintain a healthy fund balance.
Bridge Design: Paul Weston will proceed with interviewing engineers for bridge design. Three proposals will be obtained. Ten Rod Road and Old Bay Road bridges are top priorities. The design will be scheduled for 2006 and the construction for 2007. The design should be ready for March Town Meeting. Joan Funk motioned to allow Paul Weston to proceed with interviewing engineer firms for the design of the bridges. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
Correspondence files:
1. Debra Cantwell has joined the budget committee.
2. 2005 County Tax Assessment from Strafford County was signed
3. Letter from the Department of Environmental Services: Application for a state grant for the sewer treatment plant. Matt Scruton motioned to approve the application. George Meyer seconded. All in favor.
4. Proclamation to the Advent Christian Church. (Copy enclosed with final copy of minutes).
5. Welcome letter for new business moving into the Voith building.
6. Memo from Paul Esswein requesting a performance guarantee for Cherub Estates. Joan Funk motioned to accept the cashiers check for $43,000 for the performance guarantee. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor. Paul Parker amended the motion to include that Paul Weston was authorized to sign when he has reviewed the check.
7:50 pm Joan Funk motioned to take 10 minute break.
8:00pm Joan Funk called the meeting back to order.
Town Hall Renovation project: Marty Gilman and Shawn Bergeron. Engineer Shawn Bergeron submitted a proposal for the Provision of Technical Services. (A copy of this proposal will be attached to the final copy of these minutes along with Shaun Bergeron’s resume) Discussion on the Fire Marshals report in 1999. Several significant problems with the life safety code were listed and still remain. Bergeron was recommended by the Fire Marshall. Shaun stated that he would have a report by the first of February and can give an estimate for Town Meeting and hopes to develop a phased project and implement a remediation plan. George Meyer motioned to accept Shaun Bergeron’s proposal. Joan Funk seconded. Matt added that it be noted that time is of the essence. All in favor. Marty Gilman stated that
Mrs. Thayer would like to start her part of the renovations. She has signed her interest of the families trusts over to the Town Hall Project. She would like a commitment from the Town to start the project this year. Paul Weston listed the available funds for the project. In 2004 at Town Meeting $140,000 was appropriated for repairs to the Town Hall. Paul Parker expressed concern that those monies were not appropriated for just any Town Hall repairs. He read from the 2004 Town Report Article 4 which stated that the money was for an elevator and the façade. Joan stated that it was determined after that the structure was not conducive to install an elevator. Matt stated that if this was a change of use for the money it would need to be put on a new Town Warrant. Paula stated that the funds were appropriated for specific items. Paul Weston said he spoke with the Town auditor and was told that the Board could vote to authorize expenditure. Matt stated that he would like to consult
with Town Attorney Tim Bates. Joan reminded the Board that the repairs needed to be done regardless of where the money is coming from. There are safety issues that need to be addressed now. Paul Weston stated that details could be delegated to the project committee. Matt stated that they shouldn’t authorize funds until there is a list of costs. He also stated that funds could be released for priorities. Matt motioned to release funds from the CDBG funds, the community center repair line and the Trustee’s funds towards Life Safety repairs. (The Town Hall funds to be release contingent upon the advise of Tim Bates) George Meyer seconded the motion. Discussion: Paul Parker wanted to hear from legal before he made a decision. Matt stated that they should look at the priority items for the releasing of funds. A vote was taken. Joan Funk, Matt Scruton, George Meyer and Paula Proulx in favor Paul Parker opposed.
Renovation Committee: The committee includes Joan Funk, George Meyer, Loraine Meyer, Marty Gilman, Sylvia Thayer, Buelah Thayer, Rick Thayer, Diane Thayer, Susan Loker, Larry Parent, and Brian Blake. ( A copy of this information will be attached to the final copy of these minutes). Matt Scruton requested to have his name removed form the committee list. Joan Funk motioned to appoint the Renovation Committee as proposed excluding Matt Scruton. Matt seconded. George Meyer, Paula Proulx, Matt Scruton, Joan Funk in favor. Paul Parker opposed.
Correspondence Folder:
1. Community Projects Director – bill.
2. Memo from Police chief Scott Roberge regarding Police Officer health leave.
3. Memo from Scott Roberge on Traffic Control Officer’s hours change
4. Frisbee Hospital request for survey response
5. Memo regarding installation of Christmas lights.
6. Great Bay Estuary meeting on regional sewerage effort
9:40 pm Meeting adjourned.
Signed this date of _____________________
_______________________ _______________________
Joan A. Funk, Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chair
_______________________ ________________________
George Meyer Paul Parker
_______________________ ________________________
Matt Scruton
| 
