MINUTES
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DECEMBER 19, 2005
Present: Chairman Joan A. Funk, Vice Chairman Paula Proulx, Selectmen Matt Scruton, George Meyer and Paula Parker. Town Administrator Paul Weston, Superintendent of Water/Waste water Dale Sprague, Marty Gilman, Fire Chief Richard Fowler, Cyndi Paulin,
The meeting conveyed at 6pm in the Selectmen’s Chambers. Chairman Joan Funk asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC INPUT: There was no public input.
Ice-skating Rink: Paula Proulx stated that Steve Dean had asked her if there was any progress in starting an ice-skating rink. Joan replied that Recreation Director Kim Brackett was looking into it.
Winter Street Gate: Residents are concerned that this is an emergency exit for the mobile home park and the gate currently cannot be opened due to snow being plowed up against it on both sides. Paul Weston stated that he spoke with the highway department and they will plow the Town side of the gate and keep it clear and the developer will do his part to keep the gate open.
Town Hall Renovations: Marty Gilman approached the Board to discuss the progress of the renovations. (A copy of a list of items will attached to the final copy of these minutes available at the Town Clerks Office). Marty explained that the ADA requirements would be satisfied with the completion of the renovations. Matt Scruton asked if the removal of the bleachers was necessary. Marty replied that the bleachers were in need of repair and that the chairs that were there originally are now being stored under the stage. Chairs with small tables would be easier to seat people. The cost to repair the bleachers is not known. With the bleachers gone, there will be wall space for art displays. Marty stated that it has been three months since the start of this project and soon they will reach a point when
it will be too late and they will not be able to move forward. He stated that he has never had to work so hard to receive a gift. George Meyer motioned to move on with the Town Hall Renovation Project as prescribed. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. Discussion: Matt Scruton asked Marty if he was uncomfortable with proceeding without the Towns full commitment for funding and added that if it were defeated at Town Meeting, (which he stated was unlikely), where would it leave the project. Marty stated that there was enough money now to take care of the life safety issues. He added that Buellah Thayer has agreed to move on. Paul Weston stated that he was comfortable that the Town could accomplish their portion of the list with the available funds. Paul Parker stated that they were still waiting for Shawn Bergerons report. Marty stated that he spoke with Bergeron and when the fire extinguishers are installed the occupancy will increase to 200. Motion: All in
favor.
Discussion with Fire Chief Richard Fowler on rental of fire truck. Chief Fowler obtained 3 proposals for renting a fire truck. (A copy of a memo from the chief along with the proposals which will be attached to the final copy of these minutes available from the Town Clerks Office). Dover Motor Mart estimates the cost to repair Engine 2 would be $4890.00. The water tank leaks and needs to be patched or replaced. To replace the tank would cost $1200.00. Rich recommended going with the American Fire Apparatus proposal 3, which is a 1989 E-one for $2,5000 a month. Rich does not want to abuse mutual aid from neighboring towns, which Matt suggested as a possibility. Matt pointed out that the rental agreement states that the Town would be responsible for all repairs to the rental vehicle. George Meyer
suggested asking community fire departments in the area if they had a loaner/rental available. George Meyer made a motion that the Chief will investigate the rental of an engine from another town within a 100 mile radius and, if that is not possible, to give the Chief the authority to rent the 1990 Engine from American fire apparatus for $2,500.00 per month. Paul parker seconded the motion. Discussion: Matt Scruton inquired on the feasibility to repair the old truck. (Complete cost including tank would be $16,890.00 and would take about two weeks). The truck may have some resale value and may be an asset to the Town. Rich stated that he did not have funds for the repair but had the money for lease in the 2005 budget and then the 2006 budget. Paul Weston stated that since this was an emergency situation the funds could be transferred from anywhere they were available. To purchase the 1990 engine would be $89,000.00 ($3,000 per month to rent for three months with 25%
off the purchase price). Rich hopes to get the approval to purchase a new/used engine at Town Meeting. Amendment to motion: Change to the 1990 with the 1250 tank for $3,000 per month. George Meyer, Paul Parker in favor. Matt Scruton, Paula Proulx and Joan Funk opposed. Motion failed. Discussion: Matt Scruton asked if the town mechanics had looked at the Engine. Rich said no. The board agreed to have the Town Mechanics look at the vehicle
Request to name streets within Morgana Woods subdivision (Morgans Way and Anna Mae Drive). Joan made a motion to approve the proposed naming of the streets. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Funding for 2006 for the Community Preservation Guild: Director Cyndi Paulin approached the Board to discuss the progress and accomplishments of the Community Preservation Guild. (A copy of Cyndi’s report will be available as an attachment to the final copy of these minutes available from the Town Clerks Office). Cyndi stated that she was pleased to be working with the Board of Selectmen and that she feels this program is an investment in the community’s future. The organization has been working in collaboration with other organizations, which has been a benefit. The Board addressed several issues on the subject. Matt asked how much grant revenue there is and Cyndi stated that they received a grant from Adult Learning Center. It does not stipulate a percentage for education/outreach. It
is cross over work. Paula asked if the CDBG grant stipulates that this be a partner ship with the Town. Cyndi stated that it was a stipulation but they did not use strong-arm tactics. Cyndi stated that she understood that the Town committed to two years towards the funding of this project and Joan stated she thought it was just one year. Cyndi stated she understood that if they gave it a try, used the CDBG funds, after a year come back and look at the future of the program. Paul Weston stated that he was not aware of available funds at this time. Paul Parker stated that they should look at other funds.
Approval of Minutes:
12-05-05: Tabled to a later date
12-07-05: Joan Funk made a motion to accept the minutes as written. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
12-13-05: Joan Funk made a motion to accept as written. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
1214-05: Paul Parker made motion to accept as amended. George Meyer seconded. All in favor.
Update on Wastewater treatment plant upgrade: Dale Sprague approached the Board to state that in a recent conversation with Wright and Pierce, he was told that the EPA is changing the rules in regards to permits. They think the permit will be issued soon and will have low TDML (total daily maximum load) number but this is not confirmed. They will proceed with the available data. After the Holidays they may know how to proceed so a pitch can be made at Town Meeting. Dale stated that the plant in its current condition will not be able to meet the low numbers and modifications may be needed. There is $24,000 in the Wastewater budget for the bond issue. The 2007 budget would have money accumulated, which would be allocated towards Phase I. The plant is heading towards injection. They will have to wait 2-3 weeks to
see where they are headed.
Water Distribution System Master Planning: Dale recommended Underwood Engineers as they came in with the lowest bid ($18-22,000). They are looking at a long term Capital Improvement Plan for water lines, tanks ect. There is $13,000 from the 2005 budget for the consulting fee and then money from the 2006 and 2007 budget totaling $20,000. Joan Funk motioned to accept the Underwood Engineering proposal under Dale Sprague’s recommendation. Matt Scruton seconded the motion. All in favor. ($13,000 from the 2005 budget and $7,000 from the 2006 budget).
Signature File:
1. Denied abatement request
2. Tax Collectors deed waivers packet
3. Wording on Water Connection Fees
4. Meeting Minutes for 11-21-05 $ 11-28-05
Correspondence File:
1. Short discussion regarding Collins and Aikman plant closing in Michigan.
2. Employee Christmas Party
3. Conservation commission Meeting Agenda
4. Police Office exit letter
5. Letter from a citizen regarding traffic problem on Route 11. Paul Weston stated that he would refer this issue to the DOT.
6. The Recreation Department bus has broken down. They are looking into the warranty from the manufacturer.
7. Fire Department: A summary of the monthly runs submitted by Chief Fowler.
8. Summary of questions re: Cross country Appraisals.
9. Money owed to Jeff Taylor for the Master Plan. The Board agreed to pay him the $2,500.00.
Motion for Non Public Session RSA 91-A:3 B & E. A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk – yes, George Meyer – yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
Discussion on ongoing Legal Matter
Interveiw with Public Works Director Candidate:
Matt Scruton motioned to make a conditional offer of employment to the candidate of a starting salary of $50,000.00 with a six-month probationary period after which a $52,00.oo per year salary would be considered. The offer is conditional upon the candidate obtaining a CDL license. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor.
9:45 Motion to come out of Non Public Session. A roll call vote was taken. Joan Funk – yes, George Meyer – yes, Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Matt Scruton – yes.
9:45 pm Meeting Adjourned.
Signed this date 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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