Town of Farmington
Board of Selectmen Meeting
7-24-06
Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chair Paul Parker, Selectmen George Meyer and Gerry McCarthy, Town Administrator Paul Weston, Water Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, Fire Chief Richard Fowler
Paula Proulx called the meeting to order at 6:00Pm and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC INPUT
Norman Russell approached the Board and stated that people are charged $1.00 per copy for documents in the Municipal Offices and feels this is costly and is more than what is charged at the Library and the Strafford County Registry of Deeds. This charge may discourage people from obtaining information; “Freedom of Information is not free”. Mr. Russell then discussed the policy of minute taking at TRC meetings. He stated that currently the TRC does not approve the minutes and that some officials have said that the TRC meetings are a waste of time. If the minutes are not reviewed and accepted, there is not an opportunity to see what is reflected in the meeting. The Planning Board does not typically receive the minutes but may get a verbal summary from the Town Planner. Paul Parker stated that copies of the
approved minutes should be filed with the corresponding applicants file for reference and review. George Meyer stated that the TRC is a valuable Committee as it saves the Town money on the long run. Rich Fowler spoke up to recommend that each Department Head be given a sign off sheet for comments and recommendations from each TRC meeting to go before the Planning Board. Gerry McCarthy stated that the TRC is a subcommittee and should follow the same policy as the Planning Board. Dale Sprague stated that attendance is down and should be encouraged. The Board requested the Town Administrator send a memo to Department Heads to mandate attendance.
Steve Dean approached the Board and informed them that the Downtown flag was wrapped around a main electrical wire. PSNH came to correct the situation. He asked the Board to designate one person to raise and lower the flag as needed and volunteered his services. He also stated that he was not notified, as a representative of the American legion, that the Hayday fireworks are scheduled for the Friday night before Hayday. The Department of Parks and Recreation is in charge of Hayday and changed the fireworks to Friday to minimize intoxication and prevent incidents like what occurred last year. Paul Parker suggested more Police presence at the festivities. Paula stated she would look into the matter.
James Spaulding of Dick Dame Lane came before the Board and stated that he has had problems with the development at Farmington Ridge and the situation with Dick Dame Lane for over 18 years now. He has filed a contempt of Court against the Town for violating an agreement signed in Superior Court regarding the width of the road. Mr. Spalding stated that at the last Planning Board Meeting, Mr. Campbell presented a new plan and that the Planning Board was rushed to make a decision. He feels there are many safety issues with the road and the traffic volume is overburdening the road. Mr Spaulding asked the Board of Selectmen to step in and review the situation and stop it. He stated that he will file a cease and desist order if he has to. Paul Parker responded to say that Mr. Campbell’s presentation did not change the
basic plan of the original proposal. He agreed that it needed more study but the application and construction were the same. Parker stated that the 1991 agreement with the Town stated the road may not go further than 20 plus 4 feet. Mr. Spaulding stated that his property has suffered damage and some of his trees were cut down. Parker stated that a Notice of Decision by the Planning Board to survey the road and find where the road exists and who owns it. Paula Proulx stated that the worst-case scenario is to fix the road; the Public Works Director should look at the worst-case scenario. Parker said that a Notice of Decision states that the Planner and the PW Director must evaluate the road to determine the worst-case scenario. Spaulding asked the Board to consider opening Winter Street to lessen the burden on Dick Dame Lane. Parker stated that Winter Street was too small to use, it was another unsafe road. Paula told Mr. Spaulding that the Board will look into this matter and will
be in contact with Mr. Spaulding.
Approval of Minutes: 6-5-06: Tabled for Non Public Session. 7-10-06 Public: After an addition by Paul Parker, he motioned to approve as amended. Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion. All in favor.
Review with Fire Chief on appointments and hiring within the Fire Department. Chief Folwer approached the Board and stated that, as in his memo dated 7-10-06, all new volunteer staff will be handled by himself following department policy of background checks and physicals. In the past, the Association would vote for volunteer applicants. The Chief will still consider the Association’s input Per Diem candidates will be brought before the Board for approval. The open positions are faxed to all New Hampshire Fire Departments. Gerry asked Rich to provide to the Board a list of all volunteer applicants. Rich will include this in his department head monthly report. Paul Parker motioned to accept the Fire Chief’s proposal for the volunteer and per diem hiring adding that the Chief will submit a monthly
listing of all volunteer applicants. George Meyer seconded the motion. All in favor. The chief stated that most volunteers are Farmington residents with a few exceptions who are Middleton residents.
Update on water situation: Dale Sprague came before the Board to present an update on the recent Boil Water Order. He stated that this is the second bacterial event in 2 years. On Tuesday, 7-18, Dale received a call from DES that a water sample tested positive for total coliform and later he was notified later that it was tested positive for e-coli. A Boil Water Order was issued Tuesday afternoon and protocol was followed for notification. Well # 5 was shut down and chlorinated. A sample taken from well 5 is still positive for total coliform and off line. Dale stated that he could not get a residual chlorine reading in the distribution center until Friday PM / Sat AM. We are in good shape now. DES concurred two negative rounds of samples were obtained and the order was lifted as of Monday per the DES.The public
has been notified. Dale presented to the Selectmen a list of 10 recommendations to correct these problems. Gerry asked Dale what the source of the contamination is and if it is from the water that is pumped into the system. Dale stated that he is not 100% sure. Last year the reason was not determined after inspection by Wright and Pierce, the State and other experts. Paula asked if a worse case scenario could be that during flushing, the hydrant runs dry, bacteria could form. Dale stated that that is highly unlikely; his staff closely monitors the process. Flushing is done once a year. Dale stated that some areas in town are dead ends and troublesome to get a residual. Parker asked if the chlorination was safe for people especially with existing health problems. Dale was not aware of any problems.. There are other alternatives to chlorination, which he can explore down the road. Gerry asked Dale to find the source of the contamination and rectify it. Dale has talked with
engineering firms with their hydrological staff. Dale will look into placing signs in the well protection areas. Gerry McCarthy motioned to allow the purchase of a chlorine residual analyzer, if the money is in the budget. Paul Parker seconded the motion adding that he does not like the idea of chlorination but understands that this will make it more consistent. All in favor.
Request from First Congregational Church to waive a building permit fee for roof repair. Norm Greely came before the Board and stated that they were putting on a new roof on the church and educational building and the cost for an application and permit is $409.00. Gerry McCarthy made a motion to waive the building permit fee for the First Congregational Church. Paul Parker seconded the motion. Discussion followed: Gerry stated that there is a bigger issue that needs to be addressed. The policy for roof repair, siding, windows, (maintenance), permits needs to be changed. George Meyer stated that many communities encourage improvements and do not charge a permit fee for theses improvements. Paul Parker stated that improvements increase the value of the home and Gerry stated then let the assessors make the
changes during reval. A unanimous vote in favor of waiving the permit fee was taken.
At 8:15 Pm the Board took a recess and reconvened at 8:25.
CDBG Grant application: Paul Weston explained that this grant would be for low-income housing improvements and repairs and also to address contamination in the rivers by repairing/replacing septic systems, sidewalk installation and water/sewer improvements. The rental rehab garners the most points. The Town would need to hire a full time director to administer these grants. Weston suggested the staff develop a program for a clear definition of targeted areas. An advisory committee could be established to meet with landlords and tenants. Weston stated that the last grant was for the Childcare Center. George Meyer stated that the Town has been through this in the past and the project was poorly administered. The Board agreed that a grant administrator was needed. Paula stated that the data collected for this
grant application was valuable for Town planning. Weston will look at other town’s experiences with this type of grant. Paula suggested this process be done in steps and the Board notified before moving forward.
Hiring policy: this topic will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Street light fixtures: Weston told the Board that PSNH is in the process of putting together a proposal for street light fixtures. A letter from Kathleen Lewis of PSNH states that the Town has received a $332.00 credit for billing. The PD sent a memo to PSNH with a list of 11 locations they recommend for street light installation for safety reasons. Paul Parker asked for the area where the traffic director stands at Main & Central to be added to the list. He also stated that he is not sold on the savings with switching the fixtures and would like to see a list from PSNH of other Towns that have switched. Weston stated that Kathleen Lewis will include the different combinations of fixtures in the proposal. The Board agreed to hold off on any decisions until they see the whole package.
Fuel Bids: Weston stated that they received 4 out of 8 bids requested: Downeast, Eastern, CN Brown and Union. Weston recommended going with Downeast who had the lowest fixed price of 2.379 per gallon for #2 heating oil for a commitment of 108,000 gallons. Eastern propane proposed .25cents above the Newington NH price rack, CN Brown proposed a fixed price of 2.459 per gallon, price only good until July17 after which price is subject to change and Union Oil proposed a fixed price of 2.49 per gallon. Gerry asked if these prices included tax and Paul Weston stated that municipalities are tax-exempt. Fuel prices are expected to continue to rise and may go up to $100 per barrel. Weston previously discussed with department heads the idea of buying gas and diesel directly from the gas stations but this idea is
less desirable because a power outage would be problematic. There is a generator at the garage. Paula stated that she needed more clarification on the bids and George requested to see contracts form each bidder. Paul Weston will gather the requested information.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
Update on Coast Bus: Two bus shelters are on order for Farmington.
Memo from Megan Taylor regarding requests for a reduction of the charge for Town Hall benches. The Board decided to reduce the price from $50.00 each set to $30.00 each or 2 sets or $50.00.
Update on FEMA: Pam Merrill and Joel Moulton have completed the reimbursement requests and have submitted the paperwork to FEMA.
Dubois property update: The sale will close at 4:00PM 8-24. Weston will obtain title insurance
Town Hall Update: The Town has received a letter from Mr. Degman of the Fire Marshals Office which states that the variance request for sprinkling has been denied and that the entire Town Hall must be sprinkled with a dry system. The present smoke and heat system is approved. The Board agreed to allow Shawn Bergeron to proceed with putting together bid specs and to seek bids for the sprinkling. The Board also requested that the sprinkler system not be visible when installed.
Letter from Holy Rosary Credit Union has been received stating that they will have a grand opening in early fall 2006.
At 9:45 PM Paul Parker made a motion to go into Non Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 (b). Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes.
1. Discussion on hiring of assessing clerk and deputy tax collector.
2. Review of Town Administrator evaluation.
At 10:45 The Board voted to come out of Non Public Session. A roll call vote was taken: A roll call vote was taken: Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, George Meyer – yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes.
A motion was made by Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr Meyer, instructing the Town Administrator to make a job offer to Bonnie Lauze for the position of Assessing Clerk, and supporting Town Clerk Kathy Seaver’s job offer to Terese Healey to become her Deputy Town Clerk. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Upon a motion of Mr. Parker and a second by Mr. Meyer and a unanimous vote in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 PM
Signed this __________ day of ________, 2006
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Chairman Paula Proulx Vice Chairman Paul Parker
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George Meyer Gerry McCarthy
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Marty Gilman
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