TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 16, 2009
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectmen Present: Chairman Paula Proulx, Gerry McCarthy, Joan Funk, Gail Ellis and Charlie King.
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dale Sprague, Public Works Director Joel Moulton, Police Chief Scott Roberge, Fire Chief Richard Fowler
Public Present: Ed Leonard of Wright-Pierce
Chairman Paula Proulx opened the meeting at 5:36pm.
Joan Funk motioned to go in non-public session under RSA 91A:3.II (b) and (c), 2nd Gail Ellis. Roll Call – Paula Proulx (yes), Charlie King (yes), Gail Ellis (yes), Gerry McCarthy (yes) and Joan Funk (yes).
Paula opened the regular meeting at 6:24pm.
1. Police Department Cruiser:
Scott reminded the Board that the new cruiser is set to come in on December 1 and that the Board still needs to make a decision about how the Dodge Charger is going to be utilized. All the equipment is out of the detective vehicle and he would like to use the Dodge as the detective vehicle. Charlie asked what the cost is to outfit the Dodge. Scott replied it will be $700-$1000 but this will come from the PD fundraising; also the car will not have a cage nor will it be set-up as a full cruiser. Charlie asked what the estimated miles the vehicle will accrue if used in this manner. Scott replied the car has 30,000 miles on it now and if used as a detective’s car it would get 15-20,000 miles per year so it should last for about six years.
Joan asked Scott if he intends to mount a shotgun in the car and Scott replied no. Scott stated he would like to give the old detective car to Dale and have the Dodge take its place. Then the next oldest vehicle is his car which he would like to use as the animal control car because it has a cage in it already for Connor and then he would purchase a new cage for Connor out of the PD fundraising. Charlie King motioned to authorize Scott Roberge to use the Dodge Charger as the detective vehicle with utilizing $700-$1000 to outfit the car and give the current detective car to Dale and continue to use the red Animal Control car in the department, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried.
2. Christmas Lights:
Scott Roberge informed the Board that his department will begin to work on the Christmas lights on Wednesday after 1:30pm in the gym of the Rec and he would appreciate any town staff assistance. Also, the lights will be hung on Thursday at 8:30am. Paula commented that Bill Tsirois expressed that he would like to see the lights come down to the Municipal building as previously planned. Scott stated this is only an additional four strands of lights and they are already put together. Joan Funk motioned to extend the Christmas lights from Town Hall to Town Hall, 2nd Charlie King. Discussion followed in which Gerry stated a timer can probably be installed for about $40 for those additional four strands and he will look into it.
Motion carried with all in favor.
3. Bids for Town Vehicles and Equipment:
The following bids were received;
Scrap Price from Berwick Iron & Metal Passenger Veh. $175
6-wheel dump truck $600
1988 L800 Dump Truck Berwick Metal $600
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Norman Russell $276
James Ahlin $205
Michael Lord $200
Checkered Cab. Co. $100
2001 Ford Expedition Summer Scott $205
Keith Hussey $355
2001 Dodge 350 Van Berwick Metal $175
1999 Ford Crown Victoria Checkered Cab. Co. $200
Michael Lord $175
Snowmobile Trailer transfer to wastewater/water department
Joan Funk motioned to go with the high bidders on all vehicles, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried with all in favor.
4. Stipend for Fire Chief:
Paula informed the Board that in researching the minutes there was never a formal vote taken to discontinue the Emergency Management Director stipend though the safety committee chairman, welfare assistant and health officer stipends were all cut. Rich stated that the position is a huge undertaking which brings a large amount of extra work that is not within the normal work day. He also stated that he is not so much worried about the stipend as he is the recognition from the Board that this position carries a lot of extra work.
Joan commented that she really thought the Board cut all stipends and that she does not feel it is fair to continue just one. Rich replied that in retrospect all the other stipends were for tasks that was being completed during regular work hours where as his position is outside his daily Town work schedule. Gail then suggested not giving the Chief a stipend but adding the Emergency Management Director title to his job description and increasing his salary as long as he continues to fill the role.
Joan Funk motioned to create a separate budget line for the Emergency Management Director salary at $1500 and at this point of time Rich Fowler holds this position, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with Charlie King abstaining because the previous discussion on stipends was before he was a Selectman. The Board also concluded that this decision was for fiscal year 2009 as well, so the $1500 in the budget should be paid to Rich.
5. Fire Department Budget Review: (Gail left the meeting)
a. Rich presented his budget and informed the Board that he has been doing a lot of research and found that if the Town does away with the 3 part-time positions and goes to 2 full time positions there will be a $22,000 savings. Rich said the only issue he sees with this is with the Americorps staff because they have always filled the part time hours to give themselves decent pay checks each week. Rich stated he would like some more time to evaluate this more to see what will work for both his department staffing and the Town budget.
b. Gerry asked why the health insurance is $41,000 and Rich explained this was in anticipation of the 2 additional full time positions but he is not sure on that now. (a family plan is $16,000/yr)
c. Charlie asked when overtime kicks in and Rich replied it is for any hours over 53 hours.
d. Rich stated about 80% of his call volume has been for EMS and they have collected $98-$99,000 for those calls so far this year.
e. Rich explained he lowered the protective clothing line to $3000 because he put in for a grant. He also increased the medical supplies line because of the increase in EMS calls and lowered the equipment expense line because he bought a lot of equipment this year. Rich was able to lower the forestry equipment line because he was able to purchase a lot of equipment this year through a grant.
f. Rich stated that the radio repair line is up $1500 because he needs to start replacing the portable radio batteries that are $80 a piece. Also the air pac line is up $1500 to cover the maintenance.
g. Rich stated his truck expense line is up $2000 because the trucks have been up to the garage for repairs more often. Gerry asked how the new truck plays into the repairs and Rich replied that he might be able to decrease the line by $1000. Gerry then asked why Rich is budgeting so much for fuel even though historically he hasn’t been using it all. Rich replied that he would double check the line with Pam.
h. Gerry asked what Rich has planned for building maintenance. Rich replied he needs to do some painting on the inside and outside of the station, fix more cement cracks and rebuild the window frames in the ambulance bay.
i. Rich informed the Board the Americorp grant went up a little to $7000 a person.
j. Charlie stated that in 2009 only half of the uniform line was expended and questioned if the line has a legitimate number and if a better deal could maybe be found. Rich replied he always calls 3-4 companies for prices and he does not think the budget sheet has updated expenditures.
k. Charlie asked why the electric line is so high. Rich explained that last year he upgraded the lighting on the bay floor to energy efficient bulbs but the rest of the station needs to be upgraded still. He currently pays about $550 a month for the station electricity.
l. Charlie asked what line the dumpster is paid out of and Rich explained it is paid out of the building maintenance line two times a month. The dumpster is usually at least 2/3 full of hazardous waste from the ambulance each time.
6. Discussion on Wastewater Treatment Facility Project:
a. Mr. Leonard explained that at the Town’s request Wright-Pierce solicited a cost proposal from SUR Construction to change the effluent pump station motor starters from “soft starters” (as designed) to “variable frequency drivers” (VFD). The cost proposal was $6343.75; though the VFDs will each bring an $1125 rebate credit from PSNH. The annual operating and maintenance cost is $1200 a year for the VFDs and therefore the payback is about 2.5 years. Gerry McCarthy motioned to approve the change order for the effluent pump station motors to be changed from soft starters to variable frequency drivers at a cost of $6,343.75, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried with all in favor.
b. The Board discussed the different operations building layouts and the need for the counter and storage space in the lab so that lab work does not have to be outsourced. Charlie asked what the estimated cost difference is between the previous and PDR layout and Mr. Leonard replied about $25-$50,000. The Board was in agreement that the proposed previous layout is more efficient. Charlie King motioned to go with the previous layout for the operations building, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
c. Mr. Leonard stated that based on the 10/26/09 meeting with the Board regarding the site plan layout he has developed four additional site plan alternatives for comparative evaluation. He then had two NH general contractors look over the plans and one contractor was in favor of plan D while the other had no preference between A, D and E. The site work and sheeting/shoring system will drive the cost and the temporary construction for solid handling is also a cost factor.
Charlie asked what the cost benefits of plans D and E are versus the original plan. Mr. Leonard explained that the difference between plans D and A is minimal (in fact D is probably cheaper) however plan E would be more costly because there is more sheeting work. The construction cost difference between plans D and E is probably $50-$100,000 but the O & M costs would be slightly lower for plan E. The Board asked Mr. Leonard to work up a cost differential for plans D and E and then they will make a final decision on Monday, November 23.
7. Timber Cut Taxes:
Tony explained that the Collins & Aikman trustee would like to do a selective timber cutting on-site to raise money but they owe the Town taxes. The proposal is for about $40,000 worth of timber to be cut in which all the money would go directly into the trust. The Board discussed that they were concerned with the amount of timber being cut and that they did not want any type of clear cutting because it would diminish the aesthetics of the property. Charlie asked what standards they are setting for size and quality and Tony replied he was unsure but that he would get this information and relay the Board’s concerns. Joan Funk motioned to approve the timber cutting for Collins & Aikman with the understanding it is a selective timbering, 2nd
Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with Charlie King opposed.
8. Application for Downtown & Business Committee:
Joan asked if this applicant also serves on the EDC and Paula said no, Ms. Tisher was unable to join the EDC due to time constraints. Joan Funk motioned to accept Nicole Tisher to the Downtown and Business Committee. Discussion followed to have Megan define the length of term with Ms. Tisher. Motion carried with all in favor.
9. Updates and Other Business:
a. Speed Limit Change Proposal – Gerry stated he drove the area on Meetinghouse Road the PD is proposing to change and he agrees with the 30mph limit change and that the signage should be increased. Gerry McCarthy motioned to reduce the speed limit to 30mph from ½ mile below Dottie Bean’s property to Ten Rod Road and improve the signage, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
b. 2009 County Tax Apportionment – Tony informed the Board that this discussion could wait until next week.
c. Paula asked for an update on the lots for sale sign for the Sarah Greenfield Business Park and Tony replied it is being made.
d. Paula asked for an update on the generator for the Municipal Building and Tony replied he has an appointment on Tuesday to get another quote. Paula then asked if he got the chance to look at the RFP for clarification. Tony said he did but he already received a bid on the original proposal so he did not want to change it. Charlie asked if the intention for the generator is to power the essentials or the entire building. Tony replied just the essentials.
e. Paula asked Tony if he was able to check the budget for money for the old Courthouse egress renovations. Tony replied that there is not much money available. The Board directed Tony to search the budget this week to see exactly where the money can come from without disrupting the bottom line. Gerry also asked for an up-to-date budget sheet for Monday.
f. The Board scheduled budget reviews for Dale and the Police department for next Monday and Joel, administration and the health insurance discussion for the following week.
g. Tony informed the Board that he, Dale and the new planner will be going to the CDBG workshop on Wednesday.
h. Charlie asked if Tony can have the new planner review Mike’s drafted RFP for engineering services to see if she has any input.
i. Paula asked for an update on the Clock. Tony replied that he spoke with Langis and he is supposed to deal with it shortly.
j. Charlie asked if the Board is going to further discuss the request to rent the upstairs of the Old Courthouse. Tony replied that he is still waiting for more information from the CAP office.
k. Charlie stated that in looking at the health insurance quotes he was wondering if LGC has a quote with a different deductible base and Tony replied no. Paula asked Tony to create a summary sheet for the different insurance quotes.
Gerry McCarthy motioned to go in non-public session under RSA 91A:3.II (c) and (e), 2nd Joan Funk. Roll Call – Paula Proulx (yes), Gerry McCarthy (yes), Charlie King (yes), Gail Ellis (yes) and Joan Funk (yes).
Gerry McCarthy motioned to adjourn, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:38pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
__________________________ _________________________
Chairman, Paula Proulx Vice-Chairman, Gail Ellis
__________________________ _________________________
Gerry McCarthy Charlie King
__________________________
Joan A. Funk
| 
