BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007
Selectmen present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Vice Chairman Paul Parker, Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman and William Tsiros.
Also present: Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Fire Chief Richard Fowler, Water Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, Town Clerk Kathy Seaver, Finance Administrator Pamela Merrill.
Chairman Proulx called the meeting to order and asked everyone to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Proulx opened the meeting to Public Comment. Resident Jeannette Donovan came before the Board to request that her home on Perkins Avenue be exterminated the same time that the old Catalfo home which is owned by the town. The Catalfo house is infested with rats and mice, which may have invaded Ms. Donovan’s home. The Town has plans to burn the town building but Chief Fowler stated they must obtain an asbestos permit first. Bill Tsiros motioned to include the Donovan residence when they exterminate the town building. Gerry McCarthy seconded the motion and added that they would do the burn too. Rich Fowler stated that the money for the burn could come out of his training budget. All in favor. Ms. Donovan explained that she would like part of her home demolished as well. Paula told Ms. Donavan
that Joel Moulton will call the exterminators tomorrow and will contact her as soon as they know when it will occur
Conservation Commission application. Applicant Mickey Fisher came before the Board. The Board questioned him on his interest and experience. Mr. Fisher stated that he would like to contribute to the preservation of the ecosystems and watersheds through conservation. Bill Tsiros motioned to appoint Mickey Fisher to the Conservation Commission for a one-year alternate position. Marty seconded the motion. All in favor.
Trustee Issue: Trustee John Wingate came before the Board to discuss the past records of the Trustees. He stated that some of the records were in disarray making it difficult to track past deposits and withdrawals. They are working to remedy the situation. Kathy Seaver stated that the bookkeeper of the trustees could be paid a stipend. Paul Parker asked if the Leon Hayes Ball funds needs to be put in the budget. Bill answered no and that the director receives the funds. They should be used for an annual birthday ball in honor of Mr. Hayes.
Town Clock repairs. Gerry asked if the town clock fund was still active. There are several repairs needed including a replacement of the bulb, repair the sills and paint. A request came to the trustees for funding of these projects. There are no funds in the Town clock fund. Since the clock benefits the Town, maybe the repairs could be paid for with the Simpson Cotton funds. There is $200.00 in the maintenance fund. Gerry stated that the Town is responsible for the mechanicals and the lighting of the clock.
Budget review: Pam Merrill stated that the projected impact is a 31-cent increase plus a 57-cents increase from the school. This includes a 2.5 cost of living increase for employees.
The Board discussed the Public Works budget. Paul Parker motioned to cut $5,000 each out of lines 91-guardrail, 93-sidewalks and 74 – striping. Bill seconded the motion. Gerry asked Joel if he felt these cuts caused a safety issue and Joel answered yes and that he felt there is no room for any cuts, especially in the striping. Bill stated there could be some flexibility in where the money is cut from. Paul Parked amended the motion to cut $5,000 out of lines 93 and 91. Amended motion died for lack of second. Bill suggested that Joel only rent the roller for three months and Joel stated that it is needed longer that that to grade the roads; compaction is the key to road stability. Pam suggested postponing a full time planner until the summer, which would save $24,000. Bill
questioned the purchase of spring water for various departments.
Chances: Gerry questioned why other towns, which benefit from the Juvenile Diversion program, do not contribute; Farmington contributes $5,000. Director Catherine Howard came before the Board and explained that they are working on getting funds from other towns. Bill Tsiros motioned to have the department heads request funding form the other towns that benefit from their programs. Motion died for lack of a second. Paul Parker motioned to have the Recreation Department and the Preservation Guild seek funding from other towns for services provided from Farmington. Bill seconded the motion. All in favor.
Public Works: Paul Parker motioned to cut $5,000 out of lines 91, guardrails $5,000 out of line 93, sidewalks and then present a warrant article to take out $5,000 of Capital Reserves to put into line 93 sidewalks. Bill Tsiros seconded the motion. All in favor.
Police salaries: Paula stated that the PD gets the 2.5% COLA increase plus their 3% step. Increase. Gerry asked if the School was paying 80% of the School Resource Officer. Pam will bill the school. The Board will ask Chief Roberge to come before the Board to provide information on the Animal Control Officer position and other PD pay issues including holiday pay.
Fire Truck: Chief Fowler stated that if the warrant article is passed and they purchase the new truck, his maintenance line would go down. Fowler stated that he got a new quote of $420,000 for a Quint ladder truck. This truck has more amenities than the quote for the truck for $435,000. Fowler need permission of the Board to sign a contract with the seller that if the warrant is passed, we will buy the truck from them, no down payment needed and no penalty if the warrant does not pass. Bill Tsiros motioned to present the warrant article for purchase of the Quintt ladder truck for $420,000 and for the Chief to review the contract with the Chair and sign upon approval of the Chair. Paul Parker seconded the motion. All in favor.
Water/Wastewater:: Dale stated that the electric meters have been tested to try and find the reason for the surge in power usage. There were no problems that were identified. There could be a correlation with the increase in flow and PSNH has increased rates. Dale stated that he looked at the motors and checked the ampage and all is within range.
Dale suggested leaving $5,000 in the consultant and engineering in case needed for contractual agreements. Bill Tsiros motioned to leave $1.00 in line 249, consultant and engineering. Paula Proulx seconded the motion. All in favor.
Line 262: Dale stated that they would loop water mains this year for water system improvements. It will improve water quality and fire flow capabilities.
Line 238: the last payment for the backhoe is on 2009.
Uniforms: Dale stated that the employees have a stipend for boots, shirts and pants; there is a policy for uniforms.
Line 241: Bill asked why we need a consultant and Dale answered that it is recommended by Underwood to look at other water supply locations. The current location may be good for only the next 20 years. Bill stated that he thinks it is premature to designate a location now but Gerry and Paul disagreed stating that we should take steps now to find a new location and protect it.
Bill stated that the budget can go to the Budget Committee as is with the understanding that the Selectmen are still working on it, we will get a final budget to them once the salaries are finalized.
Updates:
Bill Tsiros motioned to authorize Joel Moulton to purchase the new E-911 street signs. Marty Gilman seconded the motion. Paul Parker stated that if we plan to bill the property owners for the signs, we should notify them first. 4 in favor, Paul parker opposed.
Town Liability Insurance: Bill Tsiros motioned to add a line to the budget of $1,000 for insurance deductibles. Marty Gilman seconded the motion. All in favor
Police Department weeping oil tanks: Marty will look at and inform Board of findings on Monday.
Municipal boiler: Paula updated the Board on the issue of the boiler going off several times in the past two weeks. Leigh Tarbox of Above and Beyond has been trying different things to isolate the problem. Paula asked the PD to check on the boiler in the middle of the night to see if it goes out to avoid freezing pipes.
Chairman Proulx presented a check form Charlie King for $400.00, which he donated to fund the Canine training.
Paul Parker handed out a draft of a road acceptance policy. The Board will ask Joel Moulton to review. Bill Tsiros motioned to accept the concept of a Road Acceptance Policy. Marty seconded the motion. All in favor.
At 11:20 Pm, Paul Parker motioned to go into Non Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 (a) (b).
Marty Gilman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Paua Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Marty Gilman – yes, Gerald McCarthy – yes, William Tsiros – yes.
At 11:30 PM, Paul Parker motioned to come out of Non Public Session. Marty Gilman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Paula Proulx – yes, Paul Parker – yes, Marty Gilman – yes, Gerald McCarthy – yes, William Tsiros – yes.
At 11:30PM, Marty Gilman motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gerry McCarthy. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________ ____________________________
Chairman Paula Proulx Vice Chair Paul Parker
_________________________ ____________________________
Gerald McCArthy Martin Gilman
________________________
William Tsiros
| 
