TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY - JUNE 23, 2008
356 MAIN STREET -FARMINGTON, NH
Selectmen Present: Chairman Gerald McCarthy, Martin Gilman, Joan Funk, Paula Proulx and Gail Ellis
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Tony Mincu, Police Chief Scott Roberge and Town Clerk Kathy Seaver.
Public Present: Ray Bower, Strafford County Sheriff, JoAnn Doke, Cindy Snowdon
Chairman McCarthy convened the meeting at 6:03pm and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Prosecution Services:
Mr. Bower provided the Selectmen with financial budget sheets for the prosecution office and noted that the County actually pays the largest portion of the budget without any benefit. The Sheriff commented that the five towns who share the prosecutor will see an increase in their share of the cost over the next few years so that eventually the County will not be funding this prosecution at all. Mr. Bower further noted that Farmington provides 36.6% of the prosecutor’s case load.
Gerry questioned how much the town is getting credited for providing the office space, electricity, water, cleaning, and etc. for the prosecutor. Mr. Bower responded that the town pays 10% less than the other town’s but that he is willing to credit the town what they feel is fair compensation for providing these things. Mr. Bower asked the Selectmen to discuss and come up with a figure that they feel is fair compensation and he will work the numbers from there and try to present all concerning towns with a new agreement.
Marty asked if the prosecutor handles the juvenile cases and Scott Roberge replied no that an officer handles the juvenile cases and that those numbers are not included in the county prosecution numbers. Marty subsequently questioned why this officer does not do all the prosecution and Scott responded that it would be a full-time job and that the officer would need regular schooling to keep up with all the new laws, plus it would not be fair to him to have to go against schooled lawyers in the court room.
Gerry commented that he also feels the towns involved in this partnership should have an input as to new personnel, wages, etc so that they have a clear picture of what they are funding.
2. Review of Minutes:
A. Joan Funk motioned to accept the non-public minutes of 5-12-08 as written, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with all in favor.
B. Marty Gilman motioned to table the public minutes of 6-9-08 so that all members had the opportunity to review them, 2nd Paula Proulx. Motion carried with all in favor.
C. Gail commented that the non-public minutes of 6-9-08 are missing from tonight’s packet.
3. Public Comment:
A. Cindy Snowdon brought it to the Board’s attention that the 5 computers that were paid for from the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser are still not installed and waiting for software codes from Donnie Gagnon. Tony stated he will talk with Donnie about this and get it take care of. Mrs. Snowdon also asked if it could be advertised that the computers are available for public use once they are installed and the Board agreed that it could be done.
4. Department Heads:
A. Police Department - It was discussed that on 6/30/08 the Board will meet to hold patrol officer candidate interviews at 7pm following a 5:30-7pm workshop for the mediation of Campbell Commons. Gerry commented that he would like to discuss the personnel hiring policy at the next regular meeting and that he would also like all the patrol officer applications/resumes available to review.
B. Planning -
1. Joan Funk motioned to appoint Charlie Doke to the Planning Board for 1 year, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
2. Paula Proulx motioned to appoint JoAnne Shompe to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for 1 year as a regular member, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
C. Town Clerk/Tax Collector-
1. Kathy Seaver requested the Board sign the Maps Compass Agreement which will allow online registrations with certain restrictions. Paula Proulx motioned to allow Gerry McCarthy to sign the Maps Compass Agreement, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
2. Kathy explained that there is a parcel of land the Town took in 2000 for unpaid taxes in which an abutter is now interested in purchasing. She put together figures and recommendations to the Board on this parcel and asked them to review the information.
5. New Business:
A. Tony informed the Board that the Rte. 153 paving from Webster Street to Silver Street will commence on Wednesday.
6. Old Business:
A. Tony informed the Board that he had plans to speak with the finance administrator from the SAU today for their projected fuel usage but couldn’t because Mr. McGillicuddy was out for the day. Joan asked Tony to meet with Ms. Langa the Superintendent and the library to discuss the pre-buy option with them.
7. Correspondence:
A. Deb Lee emailed the Board to let them know she is working on the Disaster Plan and then will schedule the LEOP meeting.
8. Other:
A. Paula spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and informed the Board that the committee has been working with Dan Merhalski to establish the right-of-way within the Sarah Greenfield Business Park (SGBP). They are proposing the Board approve a 50' right-of-way along the southern border of lot 22-81 where it connects to lot 22-5 and running the length of the property line. The EDC is requesting the Board to authorize town staff and Berry Survey and Engineering to establish this right-of-way and for it to be included in the pending survey of the SGBP. She s aid this would establish a way to get to the back of the SGBP and the possibility of creating a road that would eventually go out to Rte. 11. Paula further
explained that the pins used to mark the earlier proposed exit road to the park could be used to set this right-of-way so that the only additional cost would be the actual setting of the pins.
The Board was in agreement that the right-of-way is acceptable but they would like to have Dan contact Berry Survey and Engineering to make sure there is not a large additional cost. Marty Gilman motioned to have Berry Survey and Engineering survey the lines for the 50 foot right-of way along the southern border fo lot 22-81 where it connects to lot 22-5 and running the length of the property line., 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
B. Joan Funk asked for Paula to ask the EDC to reconsider their 7am meeting time so that more people can attend. Paula agreed to ask the committee again.
Marty Gilman motioned to go in non-public session under 91A. 3. II (b), 2nd Joan Funk. Roll Call - Gerry McCarthy (yes), Marty Gilman (yes), Paula Proulx (yes), Gail Ellis (yes) and Joan Funk (yes).
The Board came out of non-public session at 8:40pm.
Gail asked about the request by the Fire Chief to travel to the National Fire Fighters Conference in Florida that he has attended for the past several years. The Board discussed the request and came to the conclusion that due to the economy they do not think it is a good idea for any out-of-state trainings this year. Joan Funk motioned to restrict all employee travel to in-state, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
Joan Funk motioned to adjourn, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:48pm.
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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