TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 8, 2008
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerry McCarthy, Marty Gilman, Paula Proulx, Gail Ellis (arrived at 7:35 pm) and Joan Funk.
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu, Police Chief Scott Roberge and Lt. Kevin Willey
Public Present: Norman Beaulieau, Cindy Snowdon, Steve Dean, Charlie King, Bill Snowdon, Packy Campbell, Doug Castonguay, Eric Bastianelli and Deb Christie.
At 5:30pm, Joan Funk motioned to go in non-public session under RSA 91A:3.II (e), 2nd Paula Proulx. Roll Call - Gerry McCarthy (yes), Marty Gilman (yes), Paula Proulx (yes), and Joan Funk (yes).
At 5:50pm, the Board came out of non-public session and Chairman Gerry McCarthy opened the public meeting at 6:00pm.
1. Review of Minutes:
The minutes were tabled until later in the meeting.
2. Public Comment:
A. Norman Beaulieau: Labrador Road and Cottontail Road – Mr. Beaulieau explained that the residents of Labrador and Cottontail Roads would like the town to take over the maintenance of their roads. He further explained that Joel Moulton visited the site and said the road was well installed and that the developer does have a bond on record with the town to do anything the town requires. Gerry explained that the town has a road acceptance policy for their use available and suggested that he obtain a copy from the town secretary and follow it. Mr. Beaulieau stated that he drafted a warrant article for the roads to be accepted and obtained the 25 signatures, but is not sure what to do now. Gerry informed him that he needs to turn that warrant into the town secretary who will file it
and post for town meeting and then the residents will vote on it at town meeting.
B. Doug Castonguay informed Paula that Joel Moulton has not contacted him in regards to the failed culvert at the end of his driveway at 613 Ten Rod Road and questioned what can be done to fix the problem. Paula informed the Board that the resident informed her of the situation and she contacted Joel to have him take a look at it. Mr. Beaulieau stated that it is his opinion that the failed culvert is due to development that has occurred over the past 6-8 years that has caused more run-off, which has consequently made the culvert inadequate and too small in size. Marty asked whose property the culvert is on and Mr. Beaulieau stated it should be on the town’s property because his lot line is 2 feet away. He then added that he did receive an email from Joel that the leaves are
blocking the culvert and that is why it is not working properly. Gerry replied that he will go out and visit the site with Joel and Tony to investigate the situation.
C. Cindy Snowdon informed the public that she and the Rec. department are looking for volunteers to participate and plan the next Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, with the money from this year’s contest being earmarked for recreation department field trips.
Mrs. Snowdon also informed the public that the CAP office is still seeking donations of turkeys and hams and gifts for children in need. On 12/18 the CAP office needs to hand-out 120 food baskets to seniors for Christmas and on 12/19 they need to pass out gifts to 185 families. Any donations can be dropped off at the CAP office from 7am to 1pm or at Snowdon Realty. Deb Christie, of the Library, said that the library has been collecting toys since November and has a box full to donate. Chief Scott Roberge said that his police department would be willing to donate $250 out of their fundraiser to assist with the project.
3. Police Budget Revised:
A. Scott informed the Board that he calculated the numbers and he pays about $1,700 to cover sick time and $20,000 on extended shifts out of the overtime line.
B. Scott reported that the court sent the town a check last week for $1045 for restitution, which was deposited into the general fund. Marty commented that he would like to know what accounts the restitution was paid for because he did not recognize any of the names on the reporting sheet.
C. Paula asked why the animal control officer line is not almost depleted and Scott explained that her hours changed and but that this year’s budget amount will all be used.
D. Marty asked if the cruiser are the same cars that can be bought on a lot and Scott said no, they are an ordered vehicle because they have things like bigger alternators, sway bars and such.
4. Police Hiring Status:
A. Joan stated that the full-time position was advertised and interviewed for and she feels it is not right for the Selectmen to hold off any longer. The Board decided they needed to wait and have this discussion with a full board when Gail arrived later in the meeting.
- Hawkers and Peddlers License – Eric Bastianelli informed the Board that he purchased the hot dog stand from Wayne Jenness that is located at the Watson Corner Service Station and that he is now looking for his Hawkers and Peddlers license. Joan asked if the property owner has any objections to having a Port-o-Potty on site and Mr. Bastianelli replied no. Marty asked him what he plans to do with his gray water and he explained that he plans to catch it in a bucket and then dump it inside the Service Station. Paula asked Mr. Bastianelli how he plans to address the abutters complaint of headlights and he explained that he looked into installing a fence but can not due it on the Service Station property, however he would be willing to install one on the abutter’s property if they so chose.
Paula Proulx motioned to approve the application for a Hawkers and Peddlers License by Eric Bastianelli contingent upon a fire and health inspection, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
6. Library Budget Review:
A. Paula asked if the Library received the November and December town payments and Deb Christie said yes.
B. Marty asked if the library is still using Fairpoint Communications and Deb said yes, they renegotiated with them for a lower rate though they do not have a locked in contract.
C. It was asked if the Building Renovation warrant was for the alarm system and Deb replied yes. Gerry asked who monitors the system and she said it is a contractor out of Massachusetts which cost $231 a year.
D. Paula asked how much more the library expects in expenditures. Deb explained that they have expended almost all the material lines to date and they really only have utilities and staff payments left. It was then asked what happens with any left over funds. Deb explained that the library had some unexpected expenditures, like a $7000 copier, but if there is anything left it goes into the operating account to carry the library through to March town meeting.
7. Boiler Repair: Opera House
Tony informed the Board that the boiler has spread a leak in the first two sections and is not heating the front of the building. Marty said the sections should just be repaired because the boiler is not that old. Tony explained that he put bids out and should have some in hand by Tuesday.
8. SAU Request to Break Lease:
Tony informed the Board that he received an email from School Board Representative Joe Pitre asking if the town would consider allowing the school to break their lease on the office space upstairs of the municipal building. Tony said that in further investigation he learned that the school department was offered the former CHANCES location at a reduced price of $20,000. Marty asked how much longer the lease is and Tony said the lease is good through August of 2010. Paula noted that if the lease is broke the taxpayers will have to pick-up the burden of the lost revenue in the amount of $42,000 plus whatever it costs for the new office space. Charlie King agreed with Paula’s statement that it would be a larger tax burden but also noted that the
office space agreement for $20,000 might only be for a one year period that will be raised after that. The Board was in consensus that they would not be amicable to approve a lease break because it is not in the taxpayers’ best interest.
Gail arrived at 7:35pm.
9. DRA Tax Rate Update:
Tony informed the Board that the tax rate will be set on 12/9/08 at 10am in the Selectmen’s Chambers, but it will be unofficial until DRA approves it. Charlie King asked how the tax rate can be set when the school has a meeting posted next week for their warrants. Tony explained that the school meeting is just to testify that the current warrants and budgets are the same that were voted on in March. It was then questioned if the taxpayers are suppose to vote during that meeting or if the vote is only for the school board members. Gail said she would try to have the Superintendent, Michelle Langa, review the process during the budget hearing on Tuesday night.
10. Police Hiring Status:
Joan stated that she believes the Board should answer the three people they interviewed for the full time officer position tonight and does not agree that a part-time officer would be a good choice for the town because the quality and consistency is not there. Scott added that his department felt so strongly about the full-time manpower that they gave up their step increases this year.
Gerry stated that he is in favor of part-time officers because he feels it would save the town a lot of money. Kevin Willey explained that it would cost $17,802 to train a part-time officer from scratch. Marty asked what it would cost for a certified officer. Kevin explained the cost to train and equip would be $16,473.52 and this amount includes; a ballistic vest, weapons, uniforms, radios, 320 hours of field training, hiring physicals, background checks, physical agility tests and 8 hours of firearms training with an additional ammunition cost. Kevin explained that all the training and tests are state mandated and not an option, nor should they be. He also added that both figures are for training and equipping only and do not include the salary the officer would
make.
Gail commented that she does not feel it would be beneficial to hire part-time officers noting the turn over rate and consistency for such positions is an issue. Paula stated she is still unsure of what kind of people would apply for this position and still has some questions she would like to work through. Joan Funk motioned to hire Colin Wheeler for the full-time police officer position based on the Chief’s recommendation, 2nd Gail Ellis. Discussion followed in which Paula stated she is not comfortable making a decision tonight and that she would like the opportunity to do a little further investigating. Motion failed – Joan Funk (yes), Gail Ellis (yes), Marty Gilman (no), Gerry McCarthy (no) and Paula Proulx
(abstain).
11. Other Police Issues:
A. Paula asked Scott if he received any solid budgetary numbers from the prosecutor’s office and he replied that he has not.
B. Paula asked what the status was with the mold issue at the police department. Kevin said he received one bid for $4,860 from Envirovantage and that he is awaiting the ServPro bid and should have it by the end of the week.
C. Kevin informed the public that the department is running their 6th Annual Santa’s Blue Light Special on Christmas Eve from 4-8pm. Residents can have Santa arrive at their home at a pre-scheduled time in a police car with lights glowing for a monetary or toy donation. All monies and toys will go to the CAP office for families in need. This is a popular event but there are a few time slots left.
D. Scott gave a formal thank you to his officers and Tom DeJulio for donating their time to repair and install all the downtown Christmas lights and Union Telephone for donating their truck and manpower to hang the lights.
12. Set Date for Layout Hearing for Campbell Commons:
The Board set the date for the roadway layout hearing for Campbell Commons for 2/23/08 at the regular Selectmen meeting. Packy Campbell requested the Board consider moving the meeting up and the Board was in consensus that this meeting was the earliest they could fit it on their schedule due to budget workshops. Mr. Campbell asked the Board members to review all the roadway conditions and paperwork prior to the meeting and gave the Board members permission to walk the premises for site review. Gerry, Gail and Marty agreed they would walk the roadway on Tuesday morning after their meeting.
13. Other:
A. Gail informed the Board that the school is proposing a 5.8% increase in salaries based on the Social Security COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) and that the budget committee questioned how the town would proceed. The Board was consensus that they have not discussed it yet and that they also need to look at the salary and wage adjustment study.
B. Gail informed the Board and the public that the public hearing for the school proposed budgets is set for 1/14/09 and 1/19/09 and that this night is when the budget committee will approve the school budget to go forward. Also, the deliberative session is on 1/31/09 at 1pm at the High School and it is very important for taxpayers to attend this meeting and voice their opinions.
C. Paula asked if Tony has heard anything from Wright-Pierce and Tony said no, but that Joel Moulton did approach CMA Engineers for an opinion on whether they thought the septage lagoons were a feasible idea. Their response was that if the town wanted their opinion, they would be glad to give it at a cost of $6,000. The Board agreed they were not willing to pay this fee.
D. Paula reminded the Board that Dale Sprague asked for the water CIP monies to be moved out of the operating budget. Paula Proulx motioned to transfer $10,000 from the Water Department operating budget to the Water CIP fund, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
E. Paula asked if anyone found out who Jeanette Greeley was. Tony said he did, but he forgot the specifics though he believes she was a long-time voting volunteer. He will check again.
F. Paula questioned when the leaking roof on the Rec. building is going to be repaired because it is going to ruin the inside of the new renovated building. Tony replied that he has been trying to get a hold of the Sullivan boys to take care of it. Paula said that it needs to be taken care of ASAP and Marty added that the antenna also needs to come down. The Board was in consensus that they would like information for the next meeting regarding the repairs. Paula added that the fans and light fixtures also need to be cleaned.
G. Marty noted that the window in the basement of the Municipal Building needs to be replaced.
H. Paula asked for an update on the Rec. building sprinkler system. Tony explained that Bergeron is putting the job out to bid with specs in January for phase one.
I. Paula asked Tony if he received the expenditure report from the Collins & Aikman trustee yet and he said no.
J. Marty asked if the check for the interest from the trust funds for the clock repair and two other funds has been deposited. Tony said he hasn’t seen any. Paula asked Tony to research what all three funds were and their status.
14. Review of Minutes:
A. The Board tabled the public minutes of 11-17-08 so they can review Brandy’s notes and see what potential changes might need to be made.
B. Gail Ellis motioned to approve the non-public minutes of 11-17-08 as written, 2nd Paula Proulx. Motion carried with all in favor.
C. Gail Ellis motioned to accept the public minutes of 11-21-08 as amended in 2F, 2nd Marty Gilman. Motion carried with all in favor.
D. Marty Gilman motioned to accept the non-public minutes of 11-24-08 as written, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
E. Gail Ellis motioned to accept the non-pubic minutes of 12-1-08 as written, 2nd Marty Gilman. Discussion followed in which Gail asked if the minutes were sealed. After research, the Board was unsure so Gail Ellis amended her motioned to seal the non-public minutes of 12-1-08 and then accept them as amended to reflect the sealing, Marty Gilman accepted the amendment. Motion carried with all in favor.
Marty Gilman motioned to adjourn, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Gerald McCarthy Vice-Chairman, Martin Gilman
__________________________ _________________________
Paula Proulx Gail Ellis
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Joan A. Funk
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