TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman, Paula Proulx and Joan Funk via telephone.
Town Personnel Present: Dale Sprague (Water/Wastewater Dept.) and Anthony Mincu (Town Administrator)
Public Present: Charlie King and George Carlson (NH DES)
Chairman Gerry McCarthy opened the meeting at 6:06pm and explained that this meeting is with the NH DES representative to get input on the Town's proposed Sewer Ordinance.
Chairman McCarthy informed the Board and the Public that Joan Funk would join tonight's meeting via the telephone over the speakerphone.
Mr. George Carlson began by explaining that the Sewer Ordinance the Town has now is a model that we can choose to use that follows RSA 45:A.
Gerry asked what is mandated in the draft that we currently have. Mr. Carlson replied that the requirements for industrial waste and how to deal with connections and construction standards are the basics.
Paula asked if the draft was adequate enough in that the Town would meet State Standards. Mr. Carlson replied that since he created the model he was quite sure of it.
Marty asked where the details for forced mains would be within the document. Mr. Carlson replied that they would be included in construction standards that don't necessarily have to be included in this document.
Gerry questioned the requirement of having to tie in to the sewer line if one is within100 feet of the line in 90 days. He wanted to know if this is a state requirement. Mr. Carlson answered that he was unsure but he would research the question and get back to the Board. Dale added that he believes the connection piece needs to be there but that the linear distance probably could be changed.
Gerry also questioned why only properly working septic approved after 1985 can be waived from connections. Mr. Carlson replied that he believes it is because this is when the state starting approving septic.
Gerry asked why the Board of Selectmen is not included in the appeal process. Dale agreed to add it to the document.
Paula questioned who establishes and monitors the categorical pre-treatment standards in section 4.6. She also asked if the EPA requires any kind of written reporting and where the permits are applied. Mr. Carlson replied that the permit is through the Town and that such industries would need to report to the EPA twice annually, though the Town could inflict stricter standards. He also added that DES would follow-up with the industries to make sure they are meeting EPA guidelines.
Paula stated that the would like the section dealing with Pollution Prevention Plans to read "the Superintendent shall require" instead of "may." Joan agreed and Dale will change the wording.
Gerry questioned who would own the lift stations cited in section 2.2h. Dale responded the Town would own to the curb.
Paula stated that a lot of places in Town would be non-compliant with the next section. Dale responded that he has corrected most of the problems already and that he only knows of 2 more and he working with the individuals. Gerry stated that maybe adding, "extenuating circumstances can be relieved with approval from the Superintendent." Dale will ad a line to allow for existing extenuating circumstances to be relieved under his digression.
Gerry questioned if section 4.9 would conflict with what the Town's new sewer plant will be doing. Dale responded yes and that this ordinance would have to be amended when the new plant is online.
Charlie King questioned if there is an RSA that allows that Board to adopt this ordinance. Mr. Carlson replied yes RSA 49.I. Charlie further asked if it would need to go before the legislative body for approval. The Board discussed that maybe changing the document to Sewer Regulations would be better wording so it would not have to wait until March meeting to be approved. Tony will check with legal counsel.
Charlie stated that this ordinance could have an impact on residents and wanted to know when a public hearing would be held. Gerry responded that when the Board is finished revising it then they will hold a public hearing.
Paula questioned what type of support the Town has in section 9.6 under cease and desist orders. Mr. Carlson replied that the Town should handle and orders first but the State would certainly be available for back up. Dale will add a line that says if there are further violations then the Town will refer them to the State.
Dale informed the Board that the Town flow is down to regular numbers that existed prior to all the flooding and that the department has fixed several leaks and sealed three manholes. Joan asked if these repairs would keep the numbers down. Dale responded no, this is not a permanent situation and completely dependent on the weather.
Dale added that he spoke with Wright-Pierce and everything looks great for a land-based discharge that might come in under budget.
Marty Gilman motioned to adjourn, 2nd Paula Proulx. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Gerald McCarthy Vice-Chairman, Martin Gilman
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Paula Proulx Joel Chagnon
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Joan Funk
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