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MINUTES
FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING
MAY 15, 2006
PRESENT: Chairman Paul Proulx, Vice-Chairman Paul Parker, Selectmen George Meyer, Marty Gilman, Gerald McCarthy, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Police Chief Scott Roberge, and Town Administrator Paul Weston.
Chairman Paula Proulx opened the meeting at 6:05 PM and all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
STORM UPDATE: Chief Roberge and Director Joel Moulton gave an update on the Town’s response to the extensive damages incurred due to heavy rains. All citizens who had to be evacuated found housing with friends and relatives. The National Guard has allocated eight individuals to Town for security purposes at hazardous locations. The Chief under the disorderly conduct statute is empowered to arrest anyone not obeying requests to remove themselves from dangerous areas, relocating barricades, or hampering repair efforts. Over a dozen streets and roads are impassable, however good progress has been made today on repair. Mr. Moulton has prioritized repair work seeking to provide access to isolated homes as soon as possible. He is confident by Wednesday access to all locations will be accomplished
– a couple of locations will take longer to repair, as will private driveway entrances. Mr. Moulton stated he is spending a lot of money.
AWARD OF BID – PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE RENOVATIONS AND ADDITION: On Wednesday, May 10 at 5:00 PM the Garage Committee considered five bids which had been received at noontime that day. Bids from Whitcher Construction and Beloin Construction were not opened because of their failure to attend the mandatory walk-through/inspection of the facility. Bids from Horne Construction, Budel Construction, and Patco Construction were opened and read aloud. The Town Administrator was asked to provide a spreadsheet comparing the two low bids (Patco and Budel), Horne being out of the running due to pricing. The Committee members and Selectmen discussed the Patco and Budel submissions. Mr. Meyer stated Budel, while not offering a performance bond, was offering to carry the project and does not
expect payment until the building is accepted. This is a small, simple project, and with Patco slim on the insulation, he would go with Budel. Mr. Gilman began his day with Mr. Meader of Budel Construction reviewing his bid submission – a clarification was distributed from Budel. He stated while both are excellent companies, Patco has not fully met specifications. Also, because Budel expects payment at the end of the project Town cash can be invested – he estimated some $4,600. of interest could be earned during the six months – an important consideration. He would go with Budel. Mr. Parker brought up questions on insulation and roofing and the performance bond which the Town Attorney supports. Because we must minimize risk to the taxpayer in expenditure of public money, he was more in favor of Patco per advice of the Attorney - a $350,000. project is a lot of money. Mr. McCarthy picked up on several deficiencies in
the Patco submission, and was not bothered by the lack of a performance bond from Budel. Ms. Proulx stated she had little knowledge of the construction trade and a lot was not stated within the Budel submission initially – Mr. Gilman has cleared some of this up tonight. She asked why the roof was not included within the Town’s bid specs. Mr. Gilman explained it was discussed during an inspection – the roof has some minor leaks – at every screw the ice has picked up some metal and it dates to 1972. She (Ms. Proulx) will yield to the knowledge of others in the room tonight on this – it is a smaller project. Mr. Moulton has not had a lot of time to study both submissions, however stated both firms were reputable. He also stated he felt the Town personnel could do the earthwork to save money, even in light of the roadwork facing us. Mr. Barren emphasized Mr. Meader of Budel was putting his money on the line, and not asking for
one red cent until the building is completed. No progress payments will be made. Even a performance bond cannot remove all the risk, and an insurance company will not easily pay if a claim is made for non-performance – the attorneys will be involved and cost us a lot of money. Mr. Barren is comfortable with either company. A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to award the contract to Budel Construction for $309,888. with the roof matter to be reviewed by the Committee and brought back to the Selectmen. The vote was passed, four in favor (McCarthy, Proulx, Meyer, and Gilman), with one opposed (Parker).
NAMING NOAH’S WAY: Because the Leary’s have withdrawn the request (a neighbor who uses the Way would have to change their mailing address for the third time), the Board voted unanimously in favor of rescinding the previous vote naming the private street Noah’s Way.
TOWN HALL CHAIRS: The Board decided to sell the Town Hall chairs for $50. each, to advertise on the website, and if not sold in a couple of weeks to offer them to the churches and non-profits in Town free of charge.
LANDSCAPING ALONG ROUTE 153 AT GREENFIELD PARK: The Economic Development Committee seeks to improve the Route 153 – Greenfield Park area, the gateway into Farmington, by purchasing some trees and shrubs, and seeks the Selectmen’s opinion on the amount of dollars to be expended. Mr. Parker stated expensive trees were out of place, as was irrigation. He generally supported some improvement. Mr. McCarthy would be in favor of $5,000. if tenants were required to green up their private lots per the covenant requirements and all of the dead trees along 153 within the right of way were removed. Mr. Elliott stated we should plan to take care of the plantings as the area is very sandy. The Committee will seek at least two proposals for $5,000. and discussed their preferred
vendor with the Board. New signage for the Park will also be a part of the presentation. Town Planner Paul Esswein has prepared a marketing packet. Mr. Gilman requested everyone receive a copy of the Assessing Department’s pricing memo.
OPENING OF SEPTIC LAGOONS: Under new business, Victor LaPierre asked, in light of all the rain and cellars full of sewerage, if we could reopen the lagoons at the landfill. We are in a state of emergency because normal dumping locations (treatment plants) are under water at this time. A motion was made by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mr. Meyer, and passed unanimously, to reopen the lagoons under the following conditions: with the approval of Public Works Director Joel Moulton and Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, with NH DES approval, for two weeks only, for Farmington residents only.
Appointment of Deputy Health Officer: Upon motion of Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mr. Parker, Dennis Roseberry was appointed Deputy Health Officer to assist Health Officer Deb Lee.
Upon motion of Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Parker, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Paul Weston, Town Administrator
Town of Farmington
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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