TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, April 23, 2007
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman, Paula Proulx, and Joel Chagnon. Chairman Funk arrived at 7PM.
Public Present: Sharon McKinney, Ilene Emery, Cindy Snowdon, Charlie King, Henry Martino, Bill Cameron, Barry Elliot, Butch Barron, Patience Taylor, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, John Terriault, Richard Smith, Dianna Smith, Wayne Jenness and Charles Wibel.
Chairman Gerry McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
Review of Minutes:
Paula Proulx moved to accept the public minutes of 4-9-07 as amended, Marty Gilman seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Public Comment:
Sharon McKinney presented the Board of photo images of her property where her slope has failed. She stated the last storm took down four large trees and sent them down river and most likely right into the Main Street Bridge. She has learned that the State agencies are willing to pay up to 75% of the cost but she would need to come up with the remaining $15,000 to stabilize the slope. Chairman McCarthy stated that the Town is in a tight place in this situation because how can they justify helping one citizen and not another. The other members of the Board agreed and would try to find some other resources to tap into.
Ilene Emery presented the Board with photos from the damages of her property on Charles Street. She stated she had similar damage last May and did not ask for any assistance but feels strongly a lot of the water damage is due to poor drainage. Chairman McCarthy reported that he agrees there definitely seems to be some drainage issues at the Y on Charles Street and that the Town agencies are currently working to find a solution to this problem. Ms. Emery asked if the Town might be willing to just donate some dirt to help her fill in her highly damaged driveway.
Cindy Snowdon, President of Campbell Commons, came back in front of the Board with several issues. First, after some research into Town records she found the paperwork that stated the back entrance from the mobile home park is suppose to be for emergency vehicles only. She also found in the records that the pump station is supposed to have a generator and an alarm that goes to the Town Wastewater Department. Ms. Snowdon questioned why RSA has trucks, piping, cars for sale, paving vehicles and a time clock at Campbell Commons when they are not working there. She stated the RSA employees come to work every morning and punch in and out at this location. She would like to know who is suppose to visit the site to make sure RSA is doing what they are suppose
to be doing on the site. Chairman McCarthy stated that he will have the Code Enforcer, Dennis Roseberry look into this as much as he can but now that legal is involved the Town is very limited in what they can do.
Lastly Ms. Snowdon questioned who would authorize RSA to park a vehicle so it blocking the entrance to Campbell Commons like it was during last Monday's flooding.. She had a very difficult time getting some to come back to the truck, who had a key, so it could be moved. Plus Chief Roberge opened the Winter St. gate during Monday's storm, so if the Police have the right to unlock this gate why can't they put a gate up between the Ridge and Campbell Commons. Chairman McCarthy stated that would be a question better answered by Dennis Roseberry. Charlie King added that he feels the Board should task the contract planner and the code enforcer to look into the many issues going on within the RSA development and then deal with the developer and the association accordingly. The Board
was in consensus to move forward with Mr. King's suggestion.
Patience Taylor presented the Board with a letter explaining the history of the drainage issues at the bottom of Russell Lane and her driveway (attached). Chairman McCarthy stated that the Town's policy is to not repair driveways unless the damage is due to Town negligence. The Board will instruct Joel Moulton, Public Works Director, to go up to the property and assess the situation.
Henry Martino questioned if RSA ever got a permit to remove the tons of rock and such from the Charles Street development. He believes that all the mining material probably got stockpiled at Campbell Commons.
Don Marble stated that it appears there is some deterioration to the wood on the sill on the bottom of the face of the clock and the face of the clock needs to be repainted. Marty stated that as of 11/8/2005 the clock trust fund was transferred to the Opera House per the Thayers. Mr. Marble stated that is true but he believes the clock can be taken care of through the Simpson-Cotton Fund. The Board will look into this fund to get the work done.
Board of Selectmen meeting recessed at 6:59pm.
Chairman McCarthy opened the Public Hearing on the Limited Weight Road Ordinance at 7pm.
Selectman Joan Funk joined the meeting.
Chairman McCarthy stated that the basic intent of this ordinance is to protect the roads from irresponsible loggers and developers. In general many of the businesses who work in the Town do a great job of respecting the roads but there are a few who are destroying what we are trying to rebuild.
Butch Barron stated he does not have a problem with the ordinance as long as it is carried out and enforced fairly.
Charlie King stated he has a few concerns. First with the wording of "occassional use" and that it might not be applied evenly. He pointed out that the 8 ton limit would include school buses, oil trucks, delivery trucks, etc.
Barry Elliot noted that he came to the Municipal offices to get a copy of the current ordinances and nothing was available. He had a few concerns as well, like in Section IV it states "until May 31st or as deemed necessary." This could be a very long time if someone wanted it to be. And under Section V-B Rte. 75 would need to be included as well.
Bill Cameron would like to back up the date on Section IV to May 1st from the 31st. The Board was in agreement to make this change.
Public Hearing closed at 7:40pm. Selectmen Public Meeting reconvened.
Road Acceptance Policy Review:
Chairman McCarthy opened the floor for comments on this policy.
John Terriault is concerned that this policy does not include roads like Holly Lane and Cherub Drive that were built up to Town and State specs. and that were approved during construction.
Charles Wibel stated that many other towns except roads with the understanding that the roads will not be updated or fixed.
Charlie King had a few suggestions. First he suggested that a $500 fee under Policy a be on roads that were not built with the past 5 years. Next, under Policy (b) maybe add a note that it is for documents that are not currently on file with the Town. Third, under Policy (c) and existing private roads (4) add that the requirements deemed as necessary by the Highway Agent or the Board of Selectmen. And that the bonding should be 2-5 years as deemed necessary by the Road Agent and Selectmen.
Chairman McCarthy asked for the Board's opinions on the suggestions. First on the 5 year bonding length the Board was in consensus to keep at the 5 years. Joel Moulton stated that the smaller private roads take a lot longer to show wear or issues because they are not traveled on nearly as much. Next the Board was in agreement to add the suggestion of "requirements as deemed necessary" from Charlie King. Plus the Board was in consensus to leave the $500 fee for all roads as written and to give an example of a betterment assessment in 2(b).
Requests for Road Waivers:
Richard and Dianna Smith would like to update a Class VI road (Pound Rd.) and obtain a building permit to build their home. In a letter dated June 14, 2005, Paul Esswein (previous Town Planner) stated that the Smiths could obtain a building permit once they improved the road. Paula Proulx moved to honor the conditions previous established by Paul Esswein regarding permits and waivers for Richard and Dianna Smith in June of 2005, Joel Chagnon seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Charles Wibel approached the Board on behalf of Mr. Sullivan, for permission to remove an existing mobile home on Places Crossing Lane and replace it with a new stick built home. Mr. Wibel stated that there are four other homes beyond this property of the road and the new home would not be increasing the road use at all. Marty and Joan were both concerned that a development on a Class VI road would force the road to be updated to current specs. Mr. Wibel responded that there is already an occupancy permit there. Charlie King added that this road is not a Class VI road but a "deeded right of way with a common at 16 feet wide." Paula Proulx motioned to allow Mr. Sullivan to remove the existing mobile and build a stick built home with the
conditions he files the appropriate documents regarding the Notice of Limits of Municipal Responsibility for the Class VI road access, Joan Funk seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Trustees of the Trust Fund Issues:
Joan Funk motioned to table the trustee discussion until the trustees are available, Marty Gilman seconded. Discussion followed that Paula Proulx would like to add the friendly amendment that the trustees not expend any funds until after they meet with this Board. Joan Funk and Marty Gilman both accepted the friendly amendment and the motion passed with all in favor.
Joel Chagnon moved for a five minute recess, Paula Proulx seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Chairman McCarthy reconvened the meeting at 9:01pm.
Public Works Department Discussion/Update:
Joel Moulton, Director of Public Works addressed the Board with the following issues;
He needs to purchase "Bridge Closed Signs"
He would like to be able to trade the old cruiser behind the garage to a licensed electrician in exchange for electrical work at the garage.
He would like to expend $3000 from his budget to purchase 30 bridge jersey barriers. (This should get reimbursed by FEMA)
He would like to expend $15,000-$20,000 on culvert piping which is in his budget. (This should get reimbursed by FEMA)
The engineer for the Ten Rod Road Bridge Replacement offered to drive around with Joel to look at the other bridges in town at no charge.
He would like to rent a roller to repair the roads, it is in his budget. (This should be reimbursed by FEMA.)
He will need to direct traffic to a single lane on the Ten Rod Road Bridge and the Bay Road Bridge for safety purposes. Also the River Road Bridge will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians for safety purposes.
He is currently working with Deb Lee, the EOP Manager, to work with residents along Sheepboro Rd because this road is closed to all vehicle traffic.
Marty questioned if Joel Moulton knew what the police department bought for emergency signage during the storm. Joel stated he is meeting with the Chief tomorrow to see just what he has. Marty Gilman motioned to expend the funds for the signs, culverts, jersey barriers and rental of the roller for the highway department, Joel Chagnon seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Joan Funk motioned to approve the engineering costs Joel Moulton might need to expend on the bridges to get them safe, Paula Proulx seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Marty Gilman moved to allow Joel Moulton to exchange the old cruiser for licensed electrical work, Joel Chagnon seconded. Motion passed with Gerry McCarthy abstaining.
Discussion of Transportation Grant with Cyndi Paulin, Director of Community Preservation Guild:
Cyndi Paulin informed the Board that the Safe Routes to School Grant has been reopened and can be used for infastructure this time. She suggests a committee of Town and School personnel to help put together the grant, she is willing to co-write the grant with someone else and has a parent, Mrs. King, who has already expressed interest in helping. The Board was in agreement this would be a great opportunity for the Town and will try to pull together a committee.
Application to the Planning Board:
Cindy Snowdon applied for a 3 year seat on the planning board as an alternate. Marty Gilman moved to appoint Cindy Snowdon to the Planning Board as an alternate for the 3 year seat, Joan Funk seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Economic Development Committee:
Approval of Marketing Plan for Sarah Greenfield Business Park - Paula Proulx and Cyndi Paulin asked the Board to approve a Marketing Plan that was created for the Sarah Greenfield Business Park, with the knowledge that it is a working document and can and will be updated as time passes. Joan noted that the high school is no longer accredited by the colleges and Joel added that Henry Wilson is two separate schools and should be listed that way. The Board was in concensus to approve the Marketing Plan but would like to see a final draft with the corrections before it is handed out to potential buyers.
Request for attendance of Contractual Planner to EDC Meeting - The EDC requested the contractual planner at their next meeting so that she could help them create a clear idea of where they should be going with the Sarah Greenfield Park, review the covenants and help with an overall plan. The Board was in concensus to allow the Planner to attend the next EDC meeting.
Discussion of Maintenance Issues for Municipal Office Building:
The Board was in consensus to schedule the air quality re-test for the Municipal Building. It was also noted that maintenance needs to be reminded to not use Town garbage bags within the Municipal building.
Review and Signing of Purchase Orders:
The Board was in consensus to have the following policies for Purchase Orders;
$250 and under - the Dept. head can sign
$250 - $750 - Dept. head and Town administrator sign
$750- $2500 - Dept. head, Town Administrator, BOS chair and 3 quotes to BOS
$2500 - Entire Board must approve
It was noted that pg. 46 of the Policy needs to be updated and under the F's the wording of the $2500 line to add that all contracts are awarded by the Board of Selectmen. Marty Gilman moved to amend F4 to add all contracts be awarded by the Board of Selectmen, Joan Funk seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Correspondence/Updates:
Review Contractual Planner Contract - Joel Chagnon moved to accept the Strafford Regional Planning Commission Contract, Marty Gilman seconded. Motion passed.
Preliminary Flood Damage Assessment - The board tabled this discussion until next week when they will have more information.
Billing for Fuel Tanks Fence - Pam Merrill sent out a memo to all the department heads that utilize the fuel tanks to let them know they will be sharing the costs for the fencing.
Proposed Fitness Reimbursement for Employees from Primex - The Board was in concensus to table this item until next week when they can get more information from Pam Merrill.
Peddler License Request:
Wayne Jenness requested a permit to run a lunch cart in Town. He has a 22 foot tagalong for this purpose that is fully self-contained and up to code. Marty asked what he would be doing for power and Mr. Jenness answered that he would hook up to PSNH. Mr. Jenness is looking for a spot in town to park this lunch cart and suggested by the Old Town Hall or beside MRO's and mentioned that he carries a million dollar liability. The Board would like to talk to the code enforcer about this situation and will get back to Mr. Jenness.
Marty Gilman moved to go in non-public session under RSA 91-A:2.3.c, Joan Funk seconded. Marty Gilman amended his motion to include section d, Joan Funk agreed. Roll Call - Martin Gilman (yes), Joan Funk (yes), Paula Proulx (yes), Joel Chagnon (yes) and Gerry McCarthy (yes).
Joel Chagnon motioned to adjourn, Marty Gilman seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 11:02pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Gerry McCarthy Vice Chairman, Martin Gilman
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Paula Proulx Joel Chagnon
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Joan A. Funk
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