TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 24, 2008
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerry McCarthy, Martin Gilman, Paula Proulx, and Joan
Funk.
Selectman Excused: Gail Ellis
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu, Water/Wastewater Department
Head Dale Sprague and Public Works Director Joel Moulton.
Public Present: Cindy Snowdon, Charlie King, Sharon McKenney, Ed Leonard of
Wright-Pierce and Steve Dean.
Chairman Gerry McCarthy opened the meeting at 5:03 pm.
1. Discussion with Wright-Pierce:
Dale explained that the purpose of tonight's discussion is to prepare for Wednesday's meeting with the EPA to discuss the administrative order for the wastewater plant. Dale further explained that the EPA probably does not realize the Town is seriously trying to get out of the river completely so some of the draft action items may change as a result.
Marty questioned if the town needs to show the EPA that the Town is working on developing a new plant. Ed Leonard responded that he was surprised the EPA gave the town three years to come into compliance, so they must have some idea. Mr. Leonard then explained that he emailed the EPA on the town's behalf with different findings of fact; one being that the current system was never designed to do what they want it to do. The EPA responded that they understood this, which is in the town's benefit and they would only require reports on the items the facility is not designed to remove.
Mr. Leonard stated that he created a schedule of compliance that would have a new wastewater plant design ready for the 2009 Town meeting. Gerry asked what would happen if the design did not pass at town meeting. Mr. Leonard replied that the EPA could fine the Town $26,000/day per non-compliance issue (though they usually don't) and they would also require the Town to keep holding special meetings until they get a passing vote.
Marty questioned why there is a $4million difference between a plant that is land discharge only versus one that is land and river discharge. Mr. Leonard explained that he would have to review the document to answer correctly because he was not sure the numbers were comparable for size of the plant and such. Gerry reviewed the plant options and found the large difference was that one plant was designed for 350,000 gallon and the other 500,000.
Marty asked if the road to the proposed plant could be moved because the current site is full of materials the Town could utilize. Mr. Leonard replied that Wright-Pierce could certainly look for other options.
Paula asked if the Town needs to have a definite decision on what type of system they are going to have for the meeting on Wednesday. Mr. Leonard responded that he is not sure and Dale added that the Town should at least have one common opinion on the type of plant they are considering so they don't have four or five different opinions going forth.
Marty asked if the Town is in compliance with phosphorous and copper. Dale replied that in the latest report, his efforts to save electricity, resulted in the phosphorous and copper counts being compliant but he is unsure if the copper results can be consistent. Marty then asked if the metals are still present in the drying beds when they are dug. Dale replied yes and the materials would probably not be considered clean fill.
Dale commented that the Board needs to decide on the size of the wastewater plant they would like to build sometime in the near future, as well as, re-looking at the sewer rates so the Town can be eligible for a larger DES State Aid Grant. Dale also reminded the Board that there is State and Tribal Aid Grant money available but it would need to be started quickly and suggested the Board contact the congressmen and invite them to the Town to discuss the issues the town is facing to get their support for this grant. Mr. Leonard offered to bring an application for this grant on Wednesday. Dale then stated that PSNH also has grants available that the town can look into.
2. Discussion with Joel Moulton (Public Works Director):
A. Joel reviewed the bid results for the GMC 5500 4WD Cab and Chassis with dump body and spreader with the Board. Marty questioned if they make a four season body in stainless steel. Joel responded that they probably do but it would get beat up with the gravel and most likely costly with the price of steel going up. Joel stated that one of the options is to purchase the show truck, which is a 2007. This show truck is a pre-emissions truck so the town could take care of it and the distributor offered to paint the truck red, add timbering, lighting and hydraulics at no extra cost to the town, plus it would be ready in about a month versus in October. Marty Gilman motioned to purchase the 2007 GMC 4WD for $91,155, 2nd Joan Funk. Paula Proulx offered a friendly amendment to
include that the truck is painted and installed with timbering, safety lighting and hydraulics at no extra cost. Marty Gilman and Joan Funk both accepted the amendment. Motion carried ! with all in favor.
3. Legal RFPs:
Tony informed the Board that he received RFPs from Wadley, Stars & Peters and Mitchell & Bates and would like the Board to review them for consideration at the next meeting. Paula asked if the RFPs were sealed when they came in and Tony replied that the Mitchell & Bates RFP was sealed. The Board agreed to review and make a decision at the next meeting.
Marty Gilman motioned to adjourn, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 6:37pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Gerald McCarthy Vice-Chairman, Martin Gilman
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Paula Proulx Gail Ellis
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Joan A. Funk
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