TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, April 20, 2009
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Joan Funk, Gerry McCarthy and Charlie King.
Selectman Excused: Gail Ellis
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu, Fire Chief Rich Fowler, Fire Lt. Tim Robbins, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Police Chief Scott Roberge, Police Lt. Kevin Willey, Police Scott Ferguson, Code Enforcement Officer Dennis Roseberry and
Planner Dan Merhalski.
Public Present: Cindy Snowdon, Tracy Major, State Trooper Scott Carr, Rochester Police Chief Dave Dubois and Miranda Gowen
The Board met at 5:30 to review and sign the bills and manifest. Chairman Paula Proulx opened the meeting at 6:00pm.
1. 6:03pm – Public Hearing for Acceptance of Unanticipated Revenues:
Chairman Paula Proulx opened the public hearing at 6:03pm for acceptance of the unanticipated revenues from the 2008 ice storm. The town received two checks; one for $21,717.37 and the other for $45,556.59 for a total of $67,273.96. The finance administrator Pam Merrill forwarded a memo to the Board that broke down the expenses for the Ice Storm that need to be reimbursed to the town before any other funds are returned to town departments for a total of $11,167.23. These funds are for the generator expenses ($1473.98), shelter expenses ($1133.30), wood chipper ($910), tree services ($6600) and sand screening ($1050).
The fire department is requesting $6,996 of the funds to be used to purchase a Turbo Draft ($2,999), 100’ hose ($653.99), 50’ hose ($400.95), 600’ hose ($1031.70) and a Glitz Fire Monitor ($3041) with additional funds to come from their equipment line. Lt. Tim Robbins explained how the Turbo Draft works to pull water from rivers and water bodies for increased water supply and pressure for fire fighting. Gerry asked if this will take the place of the need for cisterns. Chief Fowler said no, because if there is not a water source nearby the Turbo Draft won’t do any good. Charlie asked why the department is not requesting the hoses suggested on the marketing sheet for the Turbo Draft. Chief Fowler explained that he is ordering these specific hoses so that he does not have
to couple the others. Gerry asked what the minimum depth is to use this apparatus and Rich replied 21/2 to 3’. Charlie asked if our trucks can output 175 psi and Lt. Robbins said yes, all the trucks have at least that. Next Rich explained that the Glitz Fire Monitor is a portable machine that will spray water on a fire without a person running it which frees up a fire fighter to do other work.
The Public Works department requested these funds for tree maintenance ($2000), cutting edges ($3000) and for a Village Center Storm Water Study ($35-$40,000). Joel noted that he did put an RFP out earlier in the year for the study and that he has three quotes. Charlie noted that he is not comfortable giving his assenting vote for the study until he can review the scope of work in the RFP. Joan stated that she is concerned with the throughways in and out of Farmington like Chestnut Hill Road that are in need of desperate repairs and questioned if this money couldn’t be used more wisely on those roads. Joel responded that Chestnut Hill Road is his top priority but that he has ongoing drainage and road repair work to do and that it will probably need to be updated to be built to state road
specs. Paula added that the EPA is concerned with infiltration levels and that Joel might want to look at responding to this as well. Joel will forward the RFP for the study and his work plan to the Board so that they can make a better informed decision.
The Police department requested these funds to refund their overtime line ($4980) and place the balance of $4500 in the police cruiser replacement fund so that tax dollars will not be needed at all to purchase a cruiser in 2011. Charlie asked what the average weekly overtime per officer is and Scott replied that it differs each week and for each officer. He noted that overtime is for court time and for extended work days when an officer had to complete paperwork, bookings, etc. at the end of the shift. Scott added that with the overtime line he would like to put in place a bike officer for the next few months and do some more drug enforcement. Paula commented that these funds could possibly go towards the facility repairs and questioned what is happening with the electrical repairs. Scott
replied that he received two bids but with the purchasing policy he will have to re-bid it and he is not sure how to go about that because he did a walk through with the other two companies. Charlie stated that the work needs to be advertised for and request sealed proposals and if the advertisement yields new contractors then a walk through would be appropriate. Scott asked if the Board wanted him to post the advertisement and Tony stated that he would take care of it. Scott added that the outside wall of the department and the heat issue still have to be addressed but he will have about $10,000 to do these projects after the electrical work is complete. He then stated that he has a skylight in need of repair, some roofing work and painting that also need to be completed though he is looking at a court program to get that work done so there will be no labor costs.
At 7:20pm, Chairman Proulx closed the public hearing. Paula asked Tony if three lines can be created for each department so that the funds can be expended after approval from the Board and Tony said yes. Charlie King motioned to accept the FEMA funds and have them deposited into three accounts for each department with expenditures for those funds to be approved by the Selectmen prior to them being used, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Discussion followed in which Joan asked how the department heads should move forward now and Paula replied that the department heads should fill out purchase orders for items they would like or request amounts from the Board and then the Board can approve. Motion carried with all in favor. Paula
instructed the department heads to prioritize their wants and submit them to the Board. Joel asked to be on the next agenda to discuss his funding.
Charlie King moved to table the review of the minutes until the end of the meeting, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
Joan Funk motioned to move the appointment of committee members to the end of the agenda, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
Joan Funk motioned to move the facility use requests to the end of the agenda, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
2. Campground License Renewals:
a. Code Enforcement Officer, Dennis Roseberry, informed the Board that he recommends the license renewals for Garland Campground and Beaver Pond Campground. He explained that Beaver Pond Campground has furnished the Town with a plat that shows nine year rounds sites and the supporting documents as the court ordered and that Mr. Zampieri has stated he is willing to work with the town further if needed. Charlie pointed out that the consent decree states there are 10 year round sites. The Board asked Dennis to follow up and confirm where the location of the tenth site is. Charlie King motioned to renew the license for Garland Campground, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
Charlie King motioned to renew the license for Beaver Pond Campground conditional upon the 10th year round site being identified on the plat and approved by the Code Enforcement Officer, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
3. Discussion with Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC):
a. Miranda Gowen, the transportation coordinator of SRPC, explained that she is working to establish the priorities for the 2011-2020 Statewide Ten-Year Plan and is looking for the Town’s input of their priorities. Dan Merhalski stated that he and Joel Moulton have been working on this priority list and they have established the Town’s top five choices for regional transportation projects for this plan and also a list of 14 wish list items for the Town. Joan asked why the sidewalks are a priority over the roads and Joel responded for the safety of the children and the costs. Paula asked Ms. Gowen if the order of the items on the wish list is important and she replied no, that many of the items are in different funding categories and if funding was to become available then SRPC would
contact the town to see where the priorities are at that time. The Board agreed with the regional priorities and asked Joel to delete #13 from the wish list (repetitive) and forward it to the Board and Ms. Gowen.
Charlie King motioned for a short recess, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried 8:20pm.
At 8:25 the Board reconvened. Charlie King motioned to move the Police Department ahead of the Public Works on the agenda, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
4. Police Department Recovery Act Monies:
a. NH State Troop Commander Scott Carr stated that he is here to support the Chief’s request for tazers. He explained that they are a useful tool that can aid an officer because it is like having a back-up officer with you at all times. He further explained that they are a tool that officers are trained with and are actually not as harmful as the baton they carry or the OC spray in which both generally need medical care after use. Charlie asked what the State police policy is on using the tazer on minors. Commander Carr replied that they try not to utilize them on elderly or minors but will if it means the safety of an officer. He then explained that the tazer does not attack the cardiac system and that it actually attacks the central nervous system with less voltage then a
defibrillator or a regular light socket.
Rochester Police Chief Dave Dubois explained that he is also looking at acquiring tazers for his department with this funding source as well. He has worked with Dr. Anthony of Frisbee Hospital, the public defenders office and members of the public to investigate the tazers and since has the City Councils and Police Commission’s approval and support to seek them.
Charlie asked Scott if he has a draft policy for the use of tazers for his department. Scott replied no, but he will have a comprehensive one. Charlie then asked if Scott has looked at other possible items for this funding and Scott replied yes. They also looked into purchasing an ATV to assist with getting into the wooded areas, trails, etc so that officers are not walking in. Gerry asked if he looked at in-car cameras and Scott explained the cost for those cameras is about $5300 and there are grants out there specifically for them. Charlie stated that in his opinion money should be sought for advanced training for domestic disputes and drug enforcement. Scott replied that his officers attend free trainings for these issues and do very well in these circumstances.
The Board was in consensus that they have no issue with getting a cruiser as part of the JAG proposal because the Chief has said he won’t need funding from taxation or details to purchase a cruiser in 2010. However, Gerry stated he would like to see the town not take ownership of the new cruiser until December 2009 so that two cruisers are not coming due for replacement in the future at the same time.
Scott then stated that he has learned the feds will not fund defibrillators through this funding so he will be taking them off, but that the SWAT team could use a few more firearms, plus the department could use a few officer weapons. Gerry suggested looking into getting an armor vault as well.
Gerry McCarthy moved to purchase a 2009 Crown Victoria with this funding and take ownership of it in December of 2009 if this allowed, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor. Scott requested that the Board wait on making a final decision on the tazers so that he can provide the Board with a comprehensive tazer policy and procedure and the training requirements. Paula said that is fine but she would also be willing to consider the purchase of tazers with the operating budget if the correct information was in place.
The Board then discussed purchasing cameras for the cruisers to protect the officers from liability. Scott replied that the cameras are not a priority for him because in his 12 years as Chief he has not received any complaints on how his officers respond and it is not a safety issue. Gerry noted that the cameras would not just be for the protection of citizens but also they would protect the officers from false allegations. The Board was in consensus that the Chief should look into a firearm vault, spare firearms and cameras for the cruisers with this funding.
5. Public Works Requests:
a. Street Sweeping – Joel stated that he received a bid from Granite State Sweeping at $98/hr which is the same as their 2008 price. Charlie asked what the town will provide and Joel said a place to fill-up with water, a dump truck and a man to run the truck. Gerry asked if the town recycles the sand and Joel said no, that they use it for fill in several places around town because it is full of leaves and trash and it is very fine. Gerry McCarthy motioned to contract with Granite State Sweeping, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
b. Crushed Gravel Bids – Joel explained that he received three sealed bids and would recommend going with K & B Rock Crushing. Bids were as follows; F.L. Merrill Construction, Inc ($3.45/ton and $2,000), Custom Crushing ($2.70/ton) and K & B Rock Crushing ($2.70/ton with no mobilization fees and four products created.) Joan Funk moved to accept the bid by K & B Rock Crushing, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
c. Sarah Greenfield Clearing – Joel explained that he received quotes to clear up to 2 acres of land for the purpose of establishing an area from which the town can crush bankrun gravel for the intent of producing viable materials to be utilized in road maintenance projects. Charlie asked what he will be doing with the stumps and Joel explained they are small (about 4-6inches) and he will either compost them on site to reclaim the pit or run them through the shredder at the landfill. Gerry asked Tony if there are any issues with this clearing with the Collins & Aikman agreement and Tony said no. Bids were as follows; Dave’s Tree Service and Logging ($3500) and Paul Gordon Logging and Land Clearing ($3000) Joan Funk motioned to go with the low bidder Paul Gordon Logging and Land
Clearing conditional upon no issue being found by Tony with the Collins & Aikman agreement, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with Charlie King opposed.
d. Catch Basin Clearing – Joel informed the Board that he put out an RFP but only received one bid from P& H Senesac who has historically worked for the town and that the rate will allow for spring and fall basin clearing. Gerry McCarthy moved to enlist the services of P & H Senesac for basin clearing, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
e. Wood Truss Proposals – Joel explained that he put out an RFP and received three bids. This is for the wood truss for the pole barn at the Highway garage. Joan Funk motioned to utilize Middleton Building Supply, Inc., 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Discussion followed in which it was noted that the town will be installing the trusses with assistance and the total cost for the project is at $10-$15,000 which is in the budget. Motion carried.
f. 500 Boys and Girls Club Request – Joel explained that the Club would like the town to assist with trucking sand from Paulson Road to the batting cages, fine grade the ground around the new building area and grade the two parking lots. Charlie asked how long this will take and Joel said ½ day for each parking lot and a day for the other work at an approximate cost of $3-4,000 to the town. Joan Funk motioned to allow Joel’s crew to assist the Club as noted, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Discussion followed in which Charlie noted the value of the service is at $3-$4000 and Gerry stated that they provide a valuable service to the community. Motion carried.
g. Vacancy – Joel informed the Board that he had 3-40 applications and he will narrow them down to the top five candidates with Tony. The Board agreed they would like copies of the applications at the municipal building so they can review them and that they will interview the top three candidates.
h. Campbell Commons Roads – Joel asked how the town stands with the maintenance responsibility of the roads in Campbell Commons because there are maintenance issues like sweeping that need to be done before fall. The Board told Joel to compile a list of items that need to be done for their review.
i. Joel stated that 5/2/09 is Household Hazardous Waste Day at the Turnkey Landfill. Gerry asked when Joel is having the free debris day at the landfill and Joel said he hasn’t picked the Saturday in May yet but he will.
j. Charlie asked Joel if he has set up any plan to take care of the metal scrap items at the garage and Joel replied he will.
6. Request for Sewer Connection:
a. Steve Roberts of NHDES, in an email, authorized the connection of this single-family residence to the town sewer on an emergency basis. Gerry asked who would pay for the 160’ of connection to the town pipe and Tony said the homeowner will be responsible for the connection fees and the materials and labor for the connection. Gerry McCarthy moved to approve the sewer connection as approved by NHDES contingent upon there being no cost to the town, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
7. Town Clock Agreement:
a. Paula stated that the only thing she noticed was missing was the insurance part. Tony replied that he will add that insurance needs to be purchased by the church with the town being the payee for the loss of the clock. Charlie said that the Board discussed improving the access for safety reasons to the clock and questioned if this is a one time thing or if the town will continue to maintain it. The Board was in consensus it would just be this once. The Board was also in consensus that the agreement looked good less the insurance statement.
8. Set Date for Purchasing Policies Workshop:
a. The Board decided to hold this workshop after meeting with Wright-Pierce next Monday, April 27, 2009. Tony reminded the Board that the meeting will have to be at the Old Town Hall (REC) because DRA is holding an assessing workshop in the Selectmen’s chambers.
9. Appointment Applications:
a. Joan Funk motioned to appoint Tracy Major to the Planning Board as a regular member for one year, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Discussion followed in which Charlie stated that he is not in favor of this appointment because Ms. Major is involved in ongoing litigation with the town regarding Campbell Commons. Motion carried with Charlie King opposed.
b. Joan Funk moved to reappoint Sylvia Arcouette to the Economic Development Committee for one year, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
10. Facilities Use Requests:
a. Gerry McCarthy motioned to approve the Senior Class Car Wash on 5/16/09 and 6/6/09 contingent upon a signature from a responsible party on the request and that there will be adult supervision the days of, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
b. Joan Funk moved to approve the car was for the Class of 2012 for 5/23/09 and 5/24/09 contingent upon an adult signing the application and supervision the day of, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
c. Joan Funk motioned to approve the Grid Iron Club assisting residents at the landfill on 5/23/09 contingent upon a signature on the application and supervision the day off, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
d. Joan Funk moved to approve the Grid Iron Club Car wash for 6/27/09 and 7/18/09, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
11. Review of Minutes:
Joan Funk moved to table the review of minutes of 3/23/09 public, 4/6/09 public and 4/6/09 non-public to the next meeting, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
12. Other Business:
a. Gerry stated that the Main Street park is in need of some work, especially the fencing. The Board was in agreement that an RFP should be put out for the fence repairs. Charlie suggested putting an ad on the CH. 25 for volunteers to do the work.
b. Paula stated that Kathy Seaver needs three Selectmen to sign after the elections Tuesday night.
c. Paula asked what the Board would like to do with the four checks received for the Tall Pine culvert. Charlie King motioned to return the four checks to the residents, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with Joan Funk abstaining.
d. Paula asked Tony if he got an answer about the phone minutes Marty Gilman questioned weeks ago and Tony said no.
e. Paula asked Tony why the wireless provider was changed. Tony explained that Nextell did not work during the ice storm and the departments changed to Verizon for the same costs as Nextell. Charlie stated that it does not appear the same, because there are lines at $197 and $400. Tony replied that he will research this and bring the information back to the board because he was not aware of this ahead of time. Paula said if there is a substantial change then it should have come to the Board first because the Board for example only approved a $50 stipend for the Fire Chief’s phone.
f. Paula commented that there was a cruiser with 20 day plates and when she asked Tony if he has seen a PO for the cruiser he said no. Paula asked who authorized the release of the funds for the purchase if the PO was not signed by Tony or the Selectmen. Charlie noted that he spoke with Pam about why the check was released without Selectmen approval and her response was that the purchase orders don’t always get signed by the Selectmen first. Charlie stated that he feels there needs to be some clarification on the purchasing policies. Tony stated that the town approved the purchase at town meeting and the Board disagreed stating the town voted to raise and appropriate the funds but that it is up to the Selectmen to approve all expenditures.
g. Paula stated that the next regular meeting is 5/11/09 and the Board will need to go over Tony’s evaluation with him.
Gerry McCarthy motioned to adjourn, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:12pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Paula Proulx Vice-Chairman, Gail Ellis
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Gerry McCarthy Charlie King
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Joan A. Funk
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