Town of Farmington
Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
5-8-06
Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chair Paul Parker, Selectmen Gerry McCarthy, Marty Gilman and George Meyer. Town Administrator Paul Weston, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Coast Bus Executive Director Steve Weeks.
At 6:00PM Chairman Paula Proulx called the meeting to order and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Paul Parker made a motion to go into Non Public Session per RSA 91 A:3 (b). Paula Proulx seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes, George Meyer – yes and Marty Gilman – yes.
The Board spoke with Fire Association President Will Panek regarding the hiring of a Fire Chief.
At 6:55PM, Paul Parker motioned to come out of Non Public Session Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes, George Meyer – yes and Marty Gilman – yes.
Hiring of a Fire Chief. Paul Weston stated that the Town voted in favor of Article 10 which gave the Board of Selectmen the authority to hire a full time fire chief. Per an RSA, the transfer of authority would be effective one year from town meeting. Will Panek, president of the Farmington Fire Department Association stated that the Association has agreed to transfer power to the Board of Selectmen at this time. Paul Parker motioned to authorize Chairman Paula Proulx to sign the agreement on behalf of the Board. . Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor. Paula Proulx signed the attached agreement followed by Will Panek. Paul Weston listed the steps for hiring a new chief: develop a job description, establish a pay range, advertise for the position, review resumes, convene a technical/oral board, conduct an
interview process, run background checks, bring a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and confirm a candidate and negotiate a contract.
PUBLIC INPUT
Susan Loker stood up to thank the grade school children, teachers and Dale Sprague for their hard work during roadside cleanup day. She also thanked Beulah Thayer for the Town Hall Opening House party. Mr. Martino approached the Board to ask for a letter of support to accompany his petition for Jessica’s Law. He also asked the Board to look into the problem of illegal aliens in the town. James Spaulding approached the Board to discuss the development on Dick Dame Lane and also the loss of frontage on his property when the road was widened. He stated that he has been bringing this issue for the past 16 years to the Planning Board. He stated that there are violations in the development. Paul Parker stated that the Planning Board has handed over all the documentation to the lawyers and they are working on it.
Joanne Doke approached the board and expressed her opinion over the recent events involving the appointments to the Planning Board and the legality of George Meyers right to vote on the appointments(see attached statement).
Review of minutes: 4-17-06 public: After some clarification on page 3, Paul Parker motioned to accept the minutes as amended. Marty seconded the motion. Gerry stated that he would like the attachments attached to the draft minutes. 5 in favor. 4-17-6 Non Public: Paul Parker motioned to automatically seal all Non Public minutes for 90 days followed by a review of the Board of Selectmen. Motion failed for lack of second. Gerry stated that the minutes should be voted on an individual basis. Paula stated that there has to be specific reasons to seal Non Public minutes. Paul Parker motioned to accept the 4-17-06 Non Public minutes as written. Paula seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paul Parker motioned to move up the discussion on Coast Bus. Motion failed for lack of second.
Appointments: The Board interviewed Hiram Watson, William Hussey, Steve Durance, Cyndi Paulin and Sharla Rollins for appointments to the Farmington Economic Development Commission. All applicants except Steve Durance are current members whose terms expire this year.
Gerry McCarthy motioned to re-appoint Hiram Watson on the Economic Development Commission for a 3-year term. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Gerry motioned to appoint Steve Durance for a 3- year term on the Economic Development Commission. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Gerry McCarthy motioned to re-appoint Bill Hussey for a 1-year term on the Economic Development Commission. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paul Parker motioned to re-appoint Cyndi Paulin on the Farmington Economic Development Commission for a 2-year term. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paul Parker motioned to re-appoint Sharla Rollins for a 2-year term. George Meyer seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Gerry McCarthy motioned to re-appoint George Meyer for a 1-year term on the Farmington Economic Development Commission. Marty seconded the motion. 4 in favor, George abstained.
The Board interviewed Mark Seaver and Jim Horgan for positions on the Conservation Commission.
Gerry McCArthy motioned to appoint Mark Seaver to the Conservation Commission for a 3-year term. Marty Gilman seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paul Parker motioned to re-appoint Randy Orvis to a 1-year term on the Conservation Commission (Randy had been interviewed for this position at a previous meeting). Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Gerry motioned to appoint Jim Horgan to a 1-year term on the Conservation Commission. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paula Proulx stated that there are only two applicants for the Downtown Committee. The Board interviewed Joan Funk for the position on the Downtown Committee. Steve Durance spoke to the Board at a previous meeting for this position. Joanne Doke spoke up and stated that she will submit an application.
Gerry made a motion to appoint Joan A. Funk to a 3-year term on the Downtown Committee. Marty seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Gerry made a motion to nominate Steve Durance to a 3-year position on the downtown Committee. Paul seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Paul Weston stated that there is a need for applicants to the Trustees of the Trust Fund. Currently, Jessica Elliot is the only member.
After a five-minute recess, Gerry McCarthy referred to RSA 674:5 regarding appointments to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Gerry made a motion to have 2 members appointed by the Budget Committee, 2 members appointed by the Board of Selectmen and o1 member appointed by the Planning Board on the CIP. Paul Parker seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Paul Parker stated that there could be regular members as well. The legislative body has discretion. The Board requested clarification on this matter from Paul Weston who will research the policy. A vote was taken. 1 in favor, Gerry. 4 opposed, George, Paula, Marty and Paul. Motion failed.
Appointments to the Webcat Committee were tabled.
The Board interviewed Stacy Gilman for a position as an alternate on the Planning Board. George Meyer and Marty Gilman recused themselves from this discussion and the following vote. Gerry McCarthy motioned to appoint Stacy Gilman to fill a 2-year vacancy as an alternate on the Planning Board. Paul Parker seconded the motion. 3 in favor, Paula, Paul and Gerry. 2 abstensions, George and Marty.
Strafford County Regional Planning Commission: Paul Parker motioned to appoint John Law as a Farmington Planning Board Representative to the Strafford County Regional Planning Commission. Gerry seconded the motion. 4 in favor, 1 abstention, George Meyer.
Gerry motioned to appoint Paul Parker as a representative on the Strafford County Regional Planning Commission. Marty seconded the motion. 4 in favor, 1 abstention, George Meyer.
Coast Bus: Steve Weeks, Executive Director of Coast Bus, came before the Board to discuss a request for additional funding for Coast Bus service into Farmington. Without the remaining funding of $7,500 (Farmington has already funded $7,500), the service to Farmington would have to be reduced. Coast is proposing eliminating 4 runs, the first three and the last run of the day. After stating that he felt the full schedule of Coast Bus was important and needed by the citizens, George Meyer motioned to retain the full schedule and fund the remaining $7,500.00. Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Paul Weston stated that one possibility for funding would be to draw the funds from the Economic Development Committee account. Steve Weeks stated that the formula for funding requests was based
on statistics from the planning commission including population, employment and ridership. Steve stated that he did not anticipate a fee increase at this time or a surcharge. Last year there was an overall fare increase from 75c to $1.00. Penny Hanson approached the board and stated that a lot of people depend on this service. The Town needs to move forward not backward. Joan Funk stood up to say that loss of service could cost the town more money in the long run. People who depend on the bus to get to work would have to come to the town for welfare assistance if they could not ride the bus to get to work. Steve Weeks stated that Coast could provide a shelter if the Town would provide the labor. Cyndi Paulin stood up to say that the town has applied for a transportation grant, which will include a shelter. The motion was brought back to the table and amended to include: Coast Bus will be funded $7,500.00 to retain the full schedule, Coast Bus will advertise to gain more
ridership and will research the installation of a shelter in front of the fire station. 5 in favor.
Update on RFP for Public Works Garage. Paul Weston explained that one of the bidders, Budel, does not wish to provide a performance bond. The Towns attorney does not recommend proceeding without a performance bond. Three firms attended the mandatory pre-bid walkthrough: Horne, Budel and Patco. Witcher called the day of the walkthrough to say he could not make it due to a family emergency but he did attend a walkthrough the following Monday. Bids are due Wednesday, May 10 at noon. Without Budels bid, there are only 2 bidders that qualify. Paul Weston recommended delaying the bids for one or two weeks, reconvene the walkthrough and allow in three other firms who have expressed interest, Beloin, Whitcher and Careno. Joel came before the Board to say that he did not think they should delay the project any further.
He felt that since Whitcher called due to a family emergency and came the next day, he should be included. Paul Weston stated that if they proceed then all bidders must have the same required criteria. Gerry McCarthy motioned for the Town Administer to reissue the condition of the bids to the Horne, Budel, Patco and Witcher to include the condition that they do not have to provide a performance bond. The bids are due by Wednesday, noon and will be opened at 5:00 P.M. and reviewed by the Public Works Building Committee who will then issue their recommendation to the Board of Selectmen at a meeting to be held on Monday, May 15th. George Meyer seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Paul Parker stated that he thought this should have been an open bid and that they should follow the legal advice. A vote was taken. 3 in favor, (Gerry, George and Marty), 2 opposed, (Paula and Paul).
Update on Sarah Greenfield Park: Joel described the work that his crew has completed at the Park, various materials found and their uses. He stated that the seeding on the slopes will take place on May 11.
Purchase of a Water Department Truck. Dale Sprague came to the Board and presented three proposals for a new truck. Granite State Ford submitted the lowest bid of $25,218.00 without trade and $24,218.00 with trade in of the old truck. Dale asked the Board to either approve the needed repairs to the old truck or approve the purchase of a new truck. Paul Weston stated that he consulted with legal and was told that the Board of Selectmen have the authority to remove funds from the Capital Reserve funds without a warrant article (Per RSA 3535:7 and RSA 38:29). The other option would be to have a municipal lease but that would cause an increase in the water rates. George Meyer motioned to approve the purchase of a new truck from Granite Ford for $24,218 with the trade in and pay cash from the Enterprise Fund.
Marty Gilman seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Gerry questioned Dale on the maintenance of the truck and why he wasn’t aware of the extensive repairs needed to pass inspection prior to Town meeting. Dale stated that the Mechanics inspected the truck in September but did not find the damage then. Dale did come to the Board at Budget season to request a truck but it was not approved. Gerry stated that he felt this request was putting him on the spot and that a letter should be sent to the Budget Committee to explain this purchase. A vote was taken. 5 in favor. Paul Weston stated that Wright and Pierce Engineers would be in for a meeting on Tuesday at 8:30 to discuss plans for the wastewater plant. Dale stated that he would like to establish a Utility Advisory Board.
Improvements to Haywagon Road. John Huckins came before the Board to request approval to improve this class 1V road. The Planning Board has reviewed this request and recommends approval. Mr Huckins proposes to bring 700 feet of the road up to his driveway to minimum standards within town road ordinances. He would deed a 50-foot right of way to the Town and the Planner and Public works director will oversee the improvements. Marty expressed concern that there would be development in the 55 acres Mr Huckins owns. Mr Huckins stated that he only plans to build one home but cannot make promises to what will happen in the future. Mr Huckins property has frontage on Meadorboro Road but the grade is very steep. Paul Parker motioned to approve the proposed improvements to Haywagon Road to minimum standards,
under 700 feet as recommended by the Planning Board, with the conditions that the liability waiver signed, and a fifty foot easement deeded to the town. George Meyer seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Gerry stated that the Board should not approve a waiver for improvements to a Class IV road. It has not been done in the past and the Board should not make exceptions. A vote was taken. 2 in favor, (George and Paul). 3 opposed, (Paula, Marty and Gerry). Motion failed.
Liaisons: There were no volunteers for the Budget Committee. The other committees were tabled until a later date.
Appointment Procedure Policy: Paul Parker motioned to amend the Policy to state that a seated individual can be excused by the Board from an interview upon a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen. Marty seconded the motion. Discussion. Gerry amended the motion to state that the Board may excuse an applicant from an interview upon a recommendation from the Board of Selectmen or a request from the applicant and a unanimous vote. A vote was taken: 5 in favor.
Administrators Report: Marty briefly updated the Board on the improvements to the Town Hall. He added that he thought the keys to the Hall should be changed and suggested a card access system. Paul Weston stated that he was working with Parks and Rec on coming up with a Use Policy for the Town Hall. Paul Weston asked the Board what they thought should be done with the old bench chairs from the Town Hall. The Board suggested advertising them on the TV. Regarding the Dubois property, there is still a need for a survey and an environmental assessment. Paul Weston was asked to have a representative from PSNH attend the next meeting to discuss streetlights.
Per a request by the Leary family, George motioned to approve the naming of Noah’s Way off of Hornetown Road. Gerry seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
A request for a veterans tax credit was issued 9 days after the deadline. The applicant is requesting the Board to approve it. The Board agreed that they could not approve it.
At 11:25 PM Paula Proulx motioned to adjourn the meeting. Paul Parker seconded the motion. 5 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Municipal Secretary Megan Taylor
Signed this _____ day of _________, 2006
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Chairman Paula Proulx Vice Chair Paul Parker
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George Meyer Marty Gilman
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Gerry McCarthy
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