BOARD OF SELECTMAN
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
MONDAY - OCTOBER 23, 2006
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Paul Parker, William Tsiros, Martin Gilman, and Gerald McCarthy.
Public Present: JoAnn Doke, Norman Russell, Mary Barron, Maura Yurick, Sylvia Arcouelle, Kim Brackett, Peter Atherton and Ed Leonard from Wright Price, Dale Sprague, Charlie King, Chief Richard Fowler, Paul Esswein.
Chairman Paula Proulx called the meeting to order at 6:02pm.
Public Input
Fire Chief Richard Fowler presented the Board of Selectman a plaque in appreciation for all their assistance and support throughout the past year. The Chief also had a plaque for Megan Taylor to recognize her dedication and support in assisting the fire department throughout the year.
Old Business
Acceptance of minutes from 10-16-2006 public: Paul Parker motioned to accept the minutes as amended, Marty Gilman seconded, motion passed with all in favor. Amendments noted were; for the spelling of Packy on page 5, that Megan should put her name on the bottom of her minutes as recording secretary, Bill Tsiros needs to be added as present, and on page 5 a line needs to read we "are" still in cost range instead of "hopeful".
Acceptance of minutes from 10-16-2006 non-public: Paul Parker moved to accept the non-public minutes as written, Marty Gilman seconded, motion passed with all in favor.
New Business
Request for Bond Reduction: Town Planner, Paul Esswein, brought forth a request to the Board for a bond reduction for the Jones Brook LLP (Tax Map R-1, L-2). Paul reported that Joel Moulton is satisfied witht he work done on the property to date and approves of the bond reduction to $136, 620. Paul Parker questioned if this money was sufficient to cover the remaining work and Mr. Esswein responded yes. Paul P. also questioned where the conservation easement stood on this parcel and Mr. Esswein responded that it is complete. Gerry McCarthy questioned who the holder of the easement is and Paul E. answered he believes it to be Moose Mountain but he would have to check the records to be sure. Paul Parker moved to accept the proposal for bond reduction on the Jones Brook
LLP (Tax Map R-1, L-2) from $339,460 to $136,620, Gerry McCarthy seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Parks and Recreation Draft Budget: Kim Brackett presented the first draft of the budget to the Board. Kim reported that the payroll numbers show a 4% cost of living increase, and that shelowered the repairs and maintenance line because she didn't expect much to be needed besides the painting of the old white courthouse. Kim noted that she would like to have money to earmark for a new locking system and updating the heating system. Marty asked if the Rec. Dept. needed Nextels and Kim responded they needed two to be in contact during trips and such, she also noted that she has never seen the Nextel bill and has no idea what their plan includes. Also, Gerry noted that the clock maintenance appropriation had not been spent and asked Kim to see about getting
preventative maintaince so as to keep costly repairs down. Bill asked Kim to bring a list of what type of services the Rec. Dept. provides, to who, and what type of revenues they receive. Marty went on to question where the truck came from that the dept. uses. Kim responded from the state auction and that according to the town mechanic the truck will not pass inspection in 9/2007 due to multiple rotting parts. Paul requested a complete clarification of the status of the truck and for a list of parts that need repair. The Rec. Dept. would like a new truck to transport lawnmowers, snowblowers, trash, etc. and Kim also mentioned that she would like to be able to put $8000 away in capital reserve for the eventual bus/van replacement.
WWTF License Renewal Update: Dale Sprague from the Water and Wastewater Department reported that the water/sewer connection fee changes were properly posted and that these fees, when collected, will be placed into the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund for future projects like the Wastewater Plant upgrade. Ed Leonard from Wright-Peirce then joined the conversation to go over the current WWTF License Renewal schedule and plans/options. Ed reported the draft license was posted in the Foster Daily Democrat on October 20, 2006 and the public has 30 days to comment. From there (11/17/2006) the state has 30 days to issue a license or a violation, we already know that the current plant will not meet the requirements so the town will recieve a violation. Then by
approximately 2/9/2006 the town will work with the state to set up a reasonable timeline to meet the requirements of the license and put Farmington in compliance.
Ed reported that the Wastewater Facilities Evaluation and Infiltration/Inflow Studies are complete and ready to be presented to the BOS at any time. Ed also said that Wright-Pierce is looking into the cost effectiveness of contracting dewatering services during the winter season like we currently do in the summer, because the dry beds do not work during the winter months. Gerry questioned what happened to the $85,000 that was appropriated for dewatering 5-6 years ago. Dale responded that most of that money went to Wright-Pierce for a study on the best approach to take and we do not have to repeat that study now.
Ed stated that the town's current goals with this project are to set-up immediate lower cost projects to meet some of the new licensing requirements and then also set-up a long term plan. He then stated that part of the regulations is that the State has to approve any sewer connection permits that are at 5,000 gallons a day output level and all permits if the plant is at 85% capacity, which it is. It was stated that at 85% are wastewater plant is considered to be at full capacity. Upon hearing this, Charlie King, Chairman of the Planning Board, questioned Dale why is board was not aware of the before mentioned state approval and asked the BOS again for a guiding policy of what should be accepted or denied for permits. Bill Tsiros responded to Charlie that the BOS was not aware of the permit condition
either and that was the purpose of meeting with Wright-Pierce so that everyone as a whole could learn the correct processes.
Dale reported that the capacity in 2005 and early 2006 was at the 80% capacity mark but due to the heavy rains and flooding are capacity rose over the 85%. The question remains should the town base decisions on permits on history or the heavy, unusual weather we have experienced. Charlie King added that one would also have to keep in mind the small lots in the VC and UR that already exist that will need to be linked into the system because of their small size.
Ed went on to explain some of the areas of concern with our current system. One item mentioned was the amount of copper in the wastewater from the degradation of copper piping. Paul Parker asked if the town allows or should not allow copper piping in any new permits being issued to help with future problems. Norm Russell stated the town currently allows the copper piping but could consider implementing a program for new developments to use something else. Marty questioned the cost difference between treating the drinking water or removing the copper at the plant. Ed responded that there is nothing that can take copper out of the water. Dale questioned if the state can make the town come up with a copper degradation removal plan. Ed said yes and they have in other towns.
In conclusion, a workshop with Wright-Pierce, the Water/Sewer Dept. and the BOS was scheduled for November 13, 2006. Dale will wait to finalize his budget until after this workshop.
Paul Parker moved for a 5-minute recess, Marty Gilman seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Meeting recessed at 8:45pm.
Chairman, Paula Proulx reconvened the meeting at 8:53pm.
Response to citizen letter from 10-2-2006: Richard Weimert wrote a letter to the BOS about his water pressure situation and how he feels he will be affected by the 9 units going in off Charles St by his home. Dale Sprague responded that the new development would not be on Mr. Weimert’s water line and that even if it was it would not effect his water pressure. Dale reported that there has always been an issue with the water pressure at this location because of the elevation. The new development was ordered to put in a holding tank and pump for each unit to get the pressure they would need for the units.
Bill asked (as a taxpayer, not a Selectman) if the town is going to make RSA pay the three original purchasers of the sewer lines from the culvert and up, since RSA will be linking into it and it was part of the original agreement. Dale responded yes he would say so, but he wasn't sure or would have to enforce it. Gerry stated that the planning board should deny applications that have water pressure issues like these and questioned Dale if there is a policy on not linking new developments above 395 feet. Dale responded yes there is such a policy and he would get a copy of it to the BOS, but that the RSA development is right at the 395 mark.
Water and Wastewater Dept. Budget Draft: Dale presented the draft budget he has for both the water and wastewater departments. The following items were discussed on the water budget;
1. The draft shows a 4% cost of living increase in payroll and he will reduce those back for the next draft until the BOS decides what the increase will be, if any. Paula questioned the 1/3 for director salary on each budget. Dale responded that each dept. now pays 1/2 and he will make the corrections.
2. Gerry questioned line 249 - Pump repair for $16,000. Dale responded that well #4 will need to be cleaned and well #5 may need a new pump.
3. Paul questioned as to how many Nextels the dept. has and Dale said he has one and that he has no idea what the plan is and that he hardly ever sees the bill. Paul and Bill both questioned who decides what type of plan is needed for each dept and if the plans are meeting the needs of the dept. The BOS will follow up with Chief Roberge since he is the facilitator of the program.
4. Marty went on to ask how the water bills are collected. Dale responded that the town pays all the bills and then collects the money and any extra fees from the taxpayers.
5. Paul questioned why there was such a jump in line 233-printing. Dale responded that a private company now creates, stuffs and mails out the bills because Cathy said it was much more cost effective. Bill asked why these departments were paying for a secretary to create the billing if they are also paying to have it sent out. Dale responded that Cathy found it easier and a better system and the BOS would need to question her for further details.
6. Gerry asked what line 219 - personnel liability is. Dale stated it is the longevity pay.
7. Paul questioned how line 230 uniforms is expended when the water and wastewater departments do not use a uniform service. Dale stated the money is used to purchase boots, jeans, and printed shirts for the employees each year and that they all wash their own clothing.
8. Gerry questioned line 264 because of the large increase. Dale responded the number is incorrect and should say $6000.
The following items were discussed on the wastewater draft budget;
1. Dale needs to know if the work that will be done to start working on meeting the new license requirements will be paid out of this budget or the capital reserve. This will be discussed at the workshop next month.
2. Paul questioned the $11,000 jump in the electricity line. Dale responded that he noticed the bills coming in higher and asked PSNH to do an inquiry. PSNH has put a new meter in and is researching the old meter to see if there is any problems, Dale should have a better idea of what has been happening over the next few weeks.
3. Paul questioned line 234-new equipment. Dale responded that he needs 2 dehumidifiers to keep the piping from rusting.
4. Bill questioned if Dale uses the dept. car to go back and forth to home or just business. Dale answered that he only uses it for town business. Bill went on to ask Dale if he is still employed with Milton and how he distinguishes his time from here and there. Dale will have a report for the next meeting.
Tax Rate Setting: Bill Tsiros moved to go with 12% on designated fund balance with anything above and beyond that to go for buy down of taxes. Gerry McCarthy seconded. Motion passed with all in favor. Bill Tsiros moved to set $50,000 for overlay, Marty Gilman seconded. Roll Call - Marty Gilman (yes), Bill Tsiros (yes), Paula Proulx (yes), Paul Parker (yes) and Gerry McCarthy (yes).
Paul Parker moved to go in non-public session under RSA 91-a:3.2.b., Gerry McCarthy seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Meeting in non-public at 10:47pm
Bill Tsiros moved to come out of non-public, Marty Gilman seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Board back in public session at 11:45pm.
Paul Parker moved to adjourn at 11:50pm, Bill Tsiros seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Paula Proulx Vice-Chairman, Paul Parker
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William Tsiros Martin Gilman
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Gerald McCarthy
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