TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
12-18-06
Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chairman Paul Parker, Selectmen Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman and William Tsiros.
Also Present: Water Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, Fire Chief Richard Folwer, Town Clerk Tax Collector Kathy Seaver, David Meehan, Welfare Director Yvette Martin, Lorraine Meyer, Joann Doke, Silvia Arquoette, Planning and Codes Secretary Doreen Hayden, and Selectmen’s Secretary Megan Taylor-Fetter recording the minutes.
At 6:10 PM, Chairman Proulx called the meeting to order and asked everyone to join her in the pledge of allegiance.
Review of Minutes: 12-11-06 Public: After several adjustments. Paul Parker motioned to accept the minutes as amended, seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor. 12-11-06 Non Public: Paul Parker motioned to accept the minutes as written, seconded by Marty Gilman. All in favor.
Interview with David Meehan for the Planning Board. Paul Parker motioned to appoint David Meehan as an alternate Planning Board Member to fill the position that ends in 2009. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. All in favor.
Public Hearing for receipt and expenditure of unanticipated revenue of FEMA funds. Joel Moulton approached the Board and read a letter outlining the funds and the proposed expenditure (a copy of this letter will be attached to the final copy of these minutes). There is a balance of $54,702.74 out of the $259,455.71 that was received out of which $204,752.97 has already been utilized for repairs to flood damage. Joel proposed using the balance for repairs and mitigation for 5 projects: Cocheco Road, Governors Road, Dick Dame Lane, Chestnut Hill Road and Ten Rod Road. FEMA requires that the work be completed in a certain amount of time. Chairman Proulx opened the meeting to public input. Silvia Arquoete stood up to ask Joel to repeat the 5 projects, which he did. Chairman Proulx then closed the public
input and asked the Board if they had any more discussion. Bill Tsioros asked if the money is carried over and asked if the work to be done is just to repair and not to being the roads up to par. Joel responded that some mitigation is for upgrade and to reestablish prior conditions. Paul Parker motioned to encumber the remaining FEMA funds of $54,702.74 to complete the remaining 5 projects for mitigation purposes. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. Marty asked if any of the money will be placed in next years budget and Joel replied yes. Gerry pointed out a discrepancy in the amount, which was clarified to be a .40c discrepancy. A vote was taken: All in favor.
Discussion with Department heads on salaries, capital outlay and encumbrances.
Kathy Seaver approached the Board and stated that there are many inequities in the pay scale and that the Police Department is the only Department with a step increase above the cost of living adjustment. Kathy explained that last year, except for the PD, the old pay scale was dropped and nothing was put in its place. Kathy will research the minutes to find out why the pay scale was dropped. There were two salary surveys done, the second one Kathy stated did not ask for input from the employees. Paul Parker asked to see both surveys. He stated that very few places of employment receive COLA’s and that we have to be sensitive to who pays the bill. There should be a cap and once reached, only COLA’s should be granted. Gerry stated that the COLA is based in a family of four and is set by the
department of labor.
Dale Sprague approached the Board and stated that he will know more on his sewer budget after the 12-20-06 meeting with EPA and the Geo technical catch basins which could be $60,000-70,000. They have to identify a pit for rapid infiltration; the public works department needs to know what they need for materials.
Kim Brackett came before the Board and stated that they will need a new truck for the custodians and $8,000 in anticipation of replacing the van. Marty is looking into prices for a card key system for the Town Hall. He got a phone quote for $4,200. Kim explained that the custodians use the truck daily for trash removal and in the summer to hall the lawn equipment etc. Bill stated that the REC could do away with one of their vehicles, why do they need the van and the bus. Kim explained that they can transport many more kids and do a lot more with the two vehicles. They do not have to rent buses for certain trips. Kim handed out a copy of her cash accounts. Bill suggested that the REC send a letter to neighboring towns who utilize some of the programs and ask them to pitch in to support the programs.
Richard Fowler came before the Board and informed the Board of a quote for a 2004 Quint pumper/ladder truck with 25,000 miles for $339,000, with an offer for a trade in of $39,000 and a 1988 rescue truck with 107,000 miles for $99,000 both vehicles for $438,000. There is a thirty-day warranty. Rich stated that if the Board was interested, they could put a deposit on the truck and he and a mechanic could go down to Alabama to inspect it. The purchase would have to be put on a warrant article. The Board asked Rich to get more information including a price for a 2007 Quint ladder/pumper.
At 7;30 Pm. Chairman Proulx called for a recess. The meeting reconvened at 7:45.
Joel Moulton came before the Board to discuss his budget. Regarding capital outlay, Joel stated that last year they purchased the new 10-wheel dump truck and in time may need to replace the 1995 truck. The department has made all efforts to maintain the town vehicles. They use the rented small excavator almost daily since the May floods for landfill slopes, ect; it is a multipurpose useful piece of equipment. Joel proposed lease purchasing one. They spent $83,000 in rental equipment this year and the line for rental equipment is $58,000. Bill asked Joel to come up with a work plan for the roads and Joel responded that a plan is forthcoming. Gerry stated that the rental line could be cut if they purchase the excavator. Marty , in regards to the rebuild/repave line, stated that the taxpayers cannot expend that
much money. Joel responded that they are working on encumbering money. Joel then discussed a proposal for a lift for the garage with a cost of $27,908.00 In regards to encumbrances, there is $108,000 for the rebuild/repair, the remainder of the salt money, truck repair and radio line; a total of $200,000. Joel then asked the Board to consider changing the landfill hours to 8-4 for safety reasons, as it gets dark earlier. Paul Parker argued that for some people it was convenient to be opened to 4:30 on Fridays. Bill motioned to change the hours at the landfill to 8-4 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting January 1, 2007. Marty seconded the motion. 4 in favor, Paul Parker opposed. Bill suggested making labels with the hours and putting them on each bag. Victor Lapierre spoke to say suggest that a sign for the landfill be posted at the end of the road and Joel stated that he is in the process of doing that.
Kathy Seaver again came before the Board and stated that she will encumber the $2,000 for the grant money received to repair/rebind the books. She will get the invoice to Pam. She is in the process of finishing up the 2nd grant for records retention and is also in the process of applying for a grant for restoration of the Municipal Building.
Parking Lot lease for Municipal Building. Pam explained that she brought this to the Boards attention because previously they discussed the expenditures from the school rent money ($aprox. 36,000.000 a year). The parking lot is for municipal use and the dentist’s office uses it everyday. It was determined that the lease is up at the end of 2010. Bill motioned to have 2 signs put up indicating municipal parking seconded by Paul Parker. All in favor. Joel spoke up to say that he can order the signs.
Loring Ave: Paul Parker stated that when he voted on 12-4 to waive the connection fees for the Arcouette’s, he though of it as an easy way out, as a compromise but that it does not solve the problem; there is still a question of where the lot line exists. He proposed an amendment to include a maintenance easement. Bill pointed out that in the motion it states that the road is to remain in its current usage. Gerry stated that many people have spoken to him on this issue since and they should reconsider what Joel advised which is that the land should be surveyed to resolve all question of where the property lines are. Gerry motioned to reconsider the motion made on December 4, 2006 on the Loring Ave. issue to waive the water/sewer connection fees. Marty seconded the motion. Discussion: Bill stated
that they made a decision which was a compromise and was based on the information available, that it could end up costing the town more money in surveys or legal fees.; the owners have a right to claim the property; this is a unique situation. Silvia spoke up to say that the burden of proof is with the Town and Paula disagreed and stated that if the Arocouetts sell the property, the agreement will not be binding. Silvia spoke up to say that she would have to have the land surveyed before she could sell it and added that she is looking into putting up guardrails along the road to protect her septic. A vote was taken for the motion on the table: 3 in favor, Gerry, Paula and Marty, 2 opposed, Paul and Bill. Joel stated that the only way to determine who owns the land is with a survey and this is the only way to begin to resolve this issue. Lapierre spoke up and stated that the Arcouettes has a plan and that would hold in court. Bill Tsiors motioned to seek the advise of the
town attorney on this matter. Marty seconded the motion. A vote was taken: All in favor. Ron Arocouette came in to the meeting and stated that Joel walked the property with him and told him that the current deed was accurate. Joel disagreed and stated that when they measured the pins, the dimensions of the lot did not match the plan. Ron disagreed and he and Silvia left stating for the record, ‘shame on the Selectmen’ for reversing their decision.
Encroachment on Town property on Trotting Park Road: Paula stated that there have been several correspondences with Mr. Dejager but he has not given an answer as to whether he is purchasing the parcel of town property on which his home is encroaching. Paul Parker stated that it is not unusual for someone interested in a property to request a meeting with the ZBA on the possibility of a variance. Doreen spoke up to say that he couldn’t apply for a variance unless he owns the property but can do a conceptual. Paula stated that he should come before the Board to negotiate a price. Bill stated that Dejager has to compensate for the land and should be sent a letter explaining the procedure. Bill asked if anyone was living there and that a certificate of occupancy should not have been issued. Doreen will check
on the status of the certificate of occupancy. Paula stated that they could pull the permit.
Chairman Proulx reminded the Board of the meeting on 12-20-06 at 2:00Pm with EPA representatives and Wright and Pierce to discuss the draft permit for the wastewater plant.
Reappointment of Richard Fowler as Fire Warden: Paul Parker motioned to reappoint Richard Fowler as Fire Warden seconded by Gerry McCarthy. All in favor.
Paul Parker asked Chief Fowler what the policy is for burning in the winter. Fowler responded that you can burn when there is one inch of snow on the ground. The department appreciates a courtesy call to let them know if you will be burning.
Correspondence:
Strafford Regional Planning Service Agreement for Contractual Planner. The Board received copies of the contract and Paula asked if there were any suggested changes. Paul Parker motioned to accept the agreement with the following amendment: If the Town should find the 10 hours per week insufficient to handle the amount of applications, the Town may terminate the agreement. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. All in favor.
Chairman Proulx informed the Board that Town received the updated Floodplain Management Handbook from the State of New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning and asked the Board if they would like to include a copy in the Emergency Operations Handbook. Megan will make copies for the Board for next meeting to discuss.
The Board agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
In regards to a power outage on Wednesday, 12-13-06. Chairman Proulx told the Board that in the
Municipal Building, the staff was without phones. Paula suggested implementing an Emergency Operations Plan for the building. Megan spoke up to inform the Board that since the incident, she contacted Clayton Randall who has since installed a power outage phone jack in the Selectmen’s Chambers and there will be a phone stored in the closet to plug into the jack for use during a power outage. She also contacted the custodian to check the emergency lights upstairs and will have flashlights ordered to keep for emergencies. Paula will talk with the Safety Committee on formulating a plan.
Gerry asked for the status of the Coast Bus Shelter and Joel said that he spoke with the mechanic at Coast and will arrange a date for pickup.
Victor laPierre stated that the lagoons at the plant legally require fencing around them.
At 9:35 PM, Paul Parker motioned to go into Non Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 (a, b & c). Bill seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Paula Proulx-yes, Paul Parker-yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes, Marty Gilman – yes and Bill Tsiros – yes.
The Board discussed several personnel issues and legal issues.
At 11:50PM Gerry McCarthy motioned to come out of Non Puvblic Session seconded by Marty Gilman. A roll call vote was taken. Paula Proulx-yes, Paul Parker-yes, Gerry McCarthy – yes, Marty Gilman – yes and Bill Tsiros – yes.
At 11:50PM. Marty Gilman motioned to come out of Non Public Session seconded by Gerry McCarthy. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Megan Taylor-Fetter
Selectmen’s Secretary
__________________________ ___________________________
Chairman Paula Proulx Vice Chairman Paul Parker
___________________________ ___________________________
Gerald McCarthy William Tsiros
___________________________
Martin Gilman
| 
