TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 19, 2008
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerry McCarthy, Martin Gilman, Paula Proulx, Gail Ellis and Joan Funk.
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu, Water/Wastewater Department Head Dale Sprague, Parks & Rec. Director Donnie Gagnon and Police Chief Scott Roberge
Public Present: Charlie King and Ed Leonard of Wright-Pierce
Chairman Gerry McCarthy opened the meeting at 5:30 pm.
1. Work Session with Police Department on Hiring of Officer and Prosecutor Inquiries:
A. Police Chief Scott Roberge explained to the Board why the billing process of the prosecutor changed. Scott said that in October of 2004 a letter was sent to the town from the prosecutor requesting payment receipts because there were issues of payments not being received by the Town. In a meeting with the other participating towns and the prosecutor Scott made the decision that it would be easier if all payments went directly to the Sheriff’s office. Scott also explained that Farmington makes up 48% of the cases for the prosecutor and pays about $5160 less than the other participating towns. This $5160 is a credit to the town for supplying the office space for the prosecutor. There was a discussion on if this credit amount is sufficient or "fair" in
comparison to what is being provided. Joan asked what the Town would pay for prosecution if they pulled out of the collaboration and Tony replied about $50-$60,000. Scott also added that it is very convenient to have the prosecutor in town because they make 4-5 paperwork deliveries to him a day.
Gerry stated that when this collaboration started it was just the prosecutor and no secretary and then questioned why the town was not informed about the hiring of the secretary. Scott explained that about three years ago the secretary was hired because the secretarial workload became big. All the police departments involved in the collaboration met and discussed the needs and decided to hire a secretary. Scott explained that he did not feel it necessary to involve the selectmen at that point because there was no monetary effect and the services were being strengthened. Paula asked if Farmington's rate has stayed fairly constant and Scott replied it has only gone up about $500 over the past 5 years or so.
The Board was in consensus that they did not feel the compensation for providing the office space, heat, water, electricity, garbage disposal, etc. was not sufficient for the credit the town is getting and asked Scott to bring it up in the fall during budget discussions.
B. Scott informed the Board that he is looking to hire a replacement in late June or July to replace the officer who just moved. Gerry suggested that Scott look into part-time officers and Scott explained why he thought that was a bad idea.
Joan Funk motioned to go in non-public session under RSA91:A.3.II (b), 2nd Gail Ellis. Roll call - Gerry McCarthy (yes), Marty Gilman (yes), Paula Proulx (yes), Gail Ellis (yes) and Joan Funk (yes).
2. Discussion with Wright-Pierce:
Ed Leonard of Wright-Pierce provided the Board with a suggested work calendar for the development and construction of the new wastewater plant to meet the needs of the administrative order. He explained that Wright-Pierce has identified the site for the plant and now needs to quantify it to prove it meets the DES permitting requirements. Gerry asked if this boring was already done and Mr. Leonard explained that last year Wright-Pierce did a fair amount of drilling and boring on four sites to narrow down to the best site. He further explained that they now need to do more substantial testing by creating a model with monitoring wells so they can create and submit a report/application to the state for approval.
Gerry asked how a plant design would be ready for the 2009 Town Meeting when all this testing still needs to be completed. Mr. Leonard replied that an actual design will not be ready but the Town will want to request bonding authority or money for designing the plant with the intention of bringing the design to the 2010 Town meeting for approval. Mr. Leonard also explained that the Town would not be eligible for grant funding if they don't have a commitment from the town for construction.
Dale informed the Board he has approximately $30,000 left in his budget for contracted services and $249,375 in the wastewater CIP fund. He suggested taking $109,000 out of the CIP fund to meet the $139,895 Wright-Pierce contract total. Joan Funk motioned to approve the contract as presented by Wright-Pierce titled Amendment #4 for engineering report phase, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
Joan Funk motioned to take $109,000 out of the Wastewater CIP fund to pay for the afore mentioned contract, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
Dale Sprague explained he will call DES to request feedback on the flow rate for the plant site. Dale also asked the Board for their opinion on the letter he drafted to the senators and congressmen’s offices asking them for their support in locating funding for the new plant. The Boar agreed the letter looked good and commended Dale for his diligence.
The Board recessed at 7:48pm and reconvened at 7:53pm.
3. Water/Wastewater Ordinance Review:
Dale informed the Board that he has sent the drafted ordinance to legal for review and they are satisfied with the document. He further explained that he asked legal for advice as to the difference between an "ordinance" and a "regulation" and they responded that as far as they were concerned there was no difference. Tony recommended using the "ordinance" title and further informed the Board that they have the right to adopt the ordinance but it would be a good idea to hold a public hearing.
The Board reviewed the drafted ordinance. Gerry suggested that on page 13 under "I" the statement should reflect the Board of Selectmen "and the superintendent." Joan stated that on page 22 under 3.3 the word should be "shall" and not "may." Paula questioned if anywhere in the document is the need for an accidental discharge/sludge control plan asked for and Dale replied no but he can add it. It was discussed that page 32, section 6.3 might be a good place to add this requirement. Marty questioned how the 100-foot is measured that is discussed on page 13 under "I". Dale explained he reviewed RSA 147:8 and it reads the measurement should be to the closest part of the structure from the road. Gail suggested the ordinance cite the
RSA for support. The Board scheduled the public hearing for the water/wastewater ordinance for June 9, 2008 at 5:30pm in the Selectmen's Chambers.
4. Discussion with Parks & Rec. on Hiring of new Assistant:
Donnie Gagnon provided the Board with information on the top three candidates he chose for the assistant director position. The Board agreed to conduct interviews on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 5:30pm.
5. Other/Updates:
A. Marty asked for an update on the fence and Tony replied that Public Works is picking up the gates on Tuesday.
B. Gerry asked if there is handy-capped parking downtown and the Board discussed that there is such parking in the municipal parking lot and in front of the recreation center. The Board then asked Tony to look at the parking downtown and decipher where an additional spot(s) can be added on the street. It was also discussed that the Town needs to educate the downtown merchants to not utilize the on street parking for their employees so that patrons can use them.
Joan Funk motioned to adjourn, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27pm.
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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