TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 4, 2006
Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chairman Paul Parker, Selectmen Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman and William Tsiros.
Also Present: Water Waste/Water Superintendent Dale Sprague, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Finance Administrator Pamela Merrill, Police Chief Scott Roberge, Loraine Meyer, Joann Doke, Charlie Doke, Dottie Bean, Silvia Arquoette
At 6:00Pm, Chairman Proulx called the meeting to order and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
At 6:05 PM, Paul Parker motioned to go into Non Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 (b) (c) seconded by Marty Gilman. A roll call vote was taken: Paula Proulx-yes, Paul Parker – yes, Gerald McCarthy- yes, Martin Gilman – yes and William Tsiros – yes.
1. Discussion and interview with Police Department candidate.
2. Signing of conservation easement.
At 7:00PM, Paul Parker motioned to come out of Non Public Session seconded by Marty Gilman. A roll call vote was taken: Paula Proulx-yes, Paul Parker – yes, Gerald McCarthy- yes, Martin Gilman – yes and William Tsiros – yes.
Review of Minutes: 11-27-06 Public: After a few small corrections, Paul Parker motioned to accept as amended seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor. 11-27-06 Non Public: After one change, Paul Parker motioned to accept as amended seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor.
Public Comment: there was no public comment.
Chairman Proulx announced that Steven Durance would be passing around a petition calling for the School Board Meetings to be televised.
Preservation Grant: Town Clerk Kathy Seaver stated to the Board that the Moose License Plate Conservation Grant has been awarded to the Town in the amount of $8,531.00 for preservation of Town records. Paul Parker motioned to designate Kathy Seaver as the legal signer for the Preservation Grant seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor. Kathy told the Board that she expects the funds at the beginning of next year.
Public Works Issues: Director Joel Moulton came before the Board to discuss several issues. To start, Joel handed out a Bridge summary from the DOT listing bridges in Farmington that are red lined based on DOT inspections. Joel explained that $35,000 was appropriated at Town Meeting for Bridge Engineering Studies. Joel received quotes from Hoyle Tanner & Associates, Edwards & Kelsey, CMA and Dubois & King. Joel stated that the bids from CMA and EK were closer to what the Town is asking for and their bids offer the same scope of work but Edwards and Kelsey came in at $11,900 compared to $25,000.00 from CMA. He explained that a reason for the price difference is in house work as opposed to subcontracting which is costlier. Bill Tsiros asked Joel to do a visual inspection of the bridges for obvious
damage and make a list and Joel explained that he is not a licensed structural engineer and cannot conduct the needed tests. Gerry stated that the high street bridge is not used and should be closed. Marty asked Joel to provide the report from DOT on the findings of their inspections. Joel explained that their inspections were basically a drive by. Paula explained that an article was passed at Town Meeting to perform this work which will be used as a tool to justify monies asked for in the future for bridge repair. The Town will also have to decide to do the work in house, subcontract or use the state bridge program. Pam Merrill stated that the money for bridge engineering studies can not be encumbered without an obligation. Gerry McCarthy motioned to acquire the services of Edwards and Kelsey for the sum of $11,900 for bridge engineering studies. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. 4 in favor, Marty Gilman opposed.
Public Works Building Quotes: Joel explained that there is $24,000 left in the Public Works building budget and distributed some quotes including electrical, which Joel explained there are some code violations which need to be addressed. Also proposed is a waste oil furnace and fencing. Joel also stated that he will price out roofing materials for the pole roof which he estimates around $4 - 5,000.00. Paul Parker motioned to accept the proposal for wiring at $10,396 form Jim Langis Electric for $9886.00. Marty seconded the motion. 4 in favor with Gerry abstaining stating that Jim Langis is his brother in law. Bill Tsiros motioned to authorize the expenditure of $3,200 for fencing as proposed. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. All in favor. Joel will look at the remaining funds for materials for the pole barn.
Perkins and Loring Avenue issue: Silvia Howard came before the Board. In answer to Gerry, she stated that she did not previously agree to purchase the materials for water installation. Joel stated that in his opinion, a licensed surveyor must survey the land with the placement of certified pins on the property lines before any action should be taken. Silvia stated that there was a survey in 1921 and that if you go by her neighbor’s pins, you can see where the property lines are. Paula disagreed and stated that that is not an accurate measurement; there can be a discrepancy. Joel agreed and stated that without a certified survey of the property, he cannot say with certainty where the lot lines are. Bill Tsiros suggested a compromise between the Town and Ms. Howard. Bill Tsiros motioned for the
Town waive the water/sewer connection fees for the property in question at Loring and Perkins Avenue if Silvia Howard pays for the materials and it is agreed that the current use of the road is not restricted and can be used as it has been. Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion. Gerry, Bill, Paul and Marty in favor, Paula opposed. Paula stated that looking at this as a ratepayer, she feels that Silvia Howard should incur the costs, she has another option through applying for a waiver through the state and it is up to Ms Howard to prove ownership; it is her failed septic system and she should incur the costs; this could be setting a precedent.
Paul Parker brought to the Boards attention the receipt of an e-mail from the owner of 41 High Street with a request of the Town to apply to state agencies to remedy the situation of the edge of her property falling into the mad river which began after the May floods. Joel stated that he has looked at the property but will go back to look more closely at the situation. Paul Parker will forward a copy of the e-mail to Joel.
Dale requested the Board set a date in which to meet with the DES to discuss the permit/discharge. The Board agreed to meet on the 20th of December at around 4:30PM.
The Board addressed Dottie Bean in regards to a donation of an urn to the Town by the Davenport family via the Historical Society. Marty stated that Bob Parks has offered to move the urn from its present location. Bill Tsiros motioned to accept the gift from the Davenport family of the Town urn for the Town to assume responsibility for all maintenance and preservation of the urn and to place the urn on the grounds of the Municipal Building at 356 Main Street with the approval of the Davenport family. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Town Report printer bids: Selectmen’s Secretary Megan Taylor received a bid from Park Printer for $2,535.00, a bid from Repro graphic for $2,182.00 plus hourly graphic charge of $30.00 hour and a bid from C&K Graphics for$3,473.00. Megan recommended contracting Repro Graphics as they came in with a good price and will be available for assistance when needed and came highly recommended by other towns. David Hill of Park Printers who did the job last year, now has a full time job and may not be available for questions or assistance during working hours. Marty Gilman motioned to award the bid to Repro Graphics but to limit the hourly rate not to exceed final cost of $2,500. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. All in favor.
Correspondence:
The Board received an application for Planning Board and Downtown Committee from David Meehan. Bill Tsiros motioned for Mr. Meehan to come in for an interview seconded by Gerry McCarthy. All in favor.
Chairman Proulx updated the Board on an e-mail sent to David Dejagger, which stated that the Board expects an answer from him by December 31, 2006 in regards to the offer for the purchase of Town property.
Chairman Proulx told the Board that she spoke with Cynthia Copeland of Strafford Regional Planning. She has a potential candidate for the contractual planner position. Bill Tsiros motioned to begin the Selectmen’s meeting on the 11th of December at 5:30 PM to go into Non Public Session to interview the candidate. Marty seconded the motion. All in favor.
Paula also told the Board that she spoke with Deb Cristie of the library trustees and she will attend the next BOS meeting.
Paula stated that the town employee Christmas party will be held on 12-22-06 at noon in the Town Hall.
Review of budget
Bill Tsiros motioned to use the Patriotic line for Veteran appreciation use and to increase the line by $500.00.
Bill Tsiros motioned for the Tax anticipation note interest budget to be reduced to $2,500.00. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Bill Tsiros motioned to repeat the Conservation Commission budget same as last year. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Pam informed the Board that the employee’s health insurance increase came in at 13.69 percent. Pam will survey the employees if they would prefer the lesser plan or a higher payment.
In regards to the Municipal Building repairs line, Pam asked the Board if they would consider a plan for repairs and upkeep of the building. Kathy Seaver is looking into grants for the renovation of the building. There is about 11,000 in the account now and the school pays 35,000 a year in rent part of which goes for fuel, lights etc. Pam stated that there are quotes for the front door and Bill will call Vachon and Ron Howard to see if they will bid on the repair of the threshold.
The Board discussed the Capital Reserve fund and whether to cut down on contributions.
Road improvements: The Board decided not to put anything in at this time and to put as part of operational budget.
Gerry suggesting looking into sharing an assessor with a neighboring town to share the expense for reval.
Marty stated that he spoke with Chief Fowler who spoke with Shawn Bergeron. He will get an answer form the Fire Marshall on the Sprinkler system. Pam told the Board that the $9,8,00 has to be obligated in order for it to be encumbered. Marty will check with Langis electric for a bid for the generator.
Pam asked the Board to consider changing the original warrant article to include the demo debris revenue and expenses in the landfill closure account. The board declined. Joel needs to include debris crushing line in his operational budget.
At 11:45 PM. Gerry McCarthy motioned to adjourn the meeting seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted
Selectmen’s Secretary Megan Taylor-Fetter
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Chairman Paula Proulx Vice Chair Paul Parker
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Gerald McCarthy Martin Gilman
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William Tsiros
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