The Farmington Boy Scout troop presented the flags and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Moderator, Emmanual Krasner opened the meeting at 7:10PM. He read the results of the voting on March 13th for both town and school. We then proceeded to Articles 5 and 6.
Article 1.
To choose two Selectman for three years; one Selectman for one year; one Town Clerk-Tax Collector for three years; one Treasurer for one year; one Trustee of the Trust Funds for three years; one Trustee of the Trust Funds for two years; one Trustee of the Trust Funds for one year; three Budget Committee positions for three years; two Budget Committee positions for one year and one Supervisor of the Checklist for three years. (Official Ballot)
Article 2.
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Farmington Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board as follows: Insert into Section 1:14 definitions for “Clubs or Lodges”, Heavy Equipment Sales”, and “Wind Generators”. (Official Ballot)
Article 3.
To see if the town will vote to amend the Town of Farmington Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board as follows: Make extensive changes to the Table of Permitted Uses that will revise which uses are permitted as a matter of right, which uses are permitted with review, which uses require a special exception, and which uses are not permitted in certain districts. (Official Ballot)
Article 4.
To see if the town will vote to amend the Town of Farmington Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Board of Selectmen as follows: Amend Table 2.04(B)-space and Bulk Standards-Urban Residential District to decrease permitted density where the lot is connected to both town water and wastewater from one dwelling unit per 5,000 square feet to one dwelling unit per 10,000 square feet. The Planning Board recommends this article. (Official Ballot)
Article 5.
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the provisions of RSA 31:95-c to restrict 100% of revenues from the collection of fees assessed to septage haulers who dispose of septage at the Farmington septage lagoons to expenditures for the purpose of operating and constructing new septage lagoons or other disposal alternatives and to defray any closure and post closure monitoring costs of the septage lagoons. The balance in the fund is $0.00. (Ballot Vote Required)
Article 6.
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the provisions of RSA 31:95-c to restrict 100% of revenues from the collection of Fire Inspection Fees to expenditures for the purpose of funding the position of Fire Inspector. The balance in the fund is $0.00. (Ballot Vote Required)
Emmanual Krasner, Moderator read articles 5 & 6. Arthur Capello made a motion to have the voting open for one hour, seconded by Rich Cilley. Mike Morin moved to take Articles 5 & 6 together, seconded by Paul Parker. Manny explained the procedure. There was no discussion and the motion was approved by a show of cards vote. Mike Morin made a motion to approve Articles 5 as written. This motion was duly seconded. Manny questioned why these accounts are empty and why they are being closed. It was explained that we no longer accept septage into the lagoons, therefore there is no income from that. A motion to approve Article 6 was made by Paul Parker, seconded by Mike Morin. Manny asked same question for this account. Paula Proulx, Chairman of the
Board of Selectmen, explained that fire inspections are now done through the full-time fire chief and we not paying for an inspector. The money now goes into the general fund. There was no more discussion and secret ballot voting began.
Article 7.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,559,890.00 (Five Million Five Hundred fifty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Dollars for the operation, expenses, and commitments of Town Government which represents the bottom line of column No. 8 (The Budget Committee’s Budget) in the posted budget (MS-7). This appropriation does not include any of the appropriations presented individually in Articles 8 through 19. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this article. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has a tax rate impact of
-$.28)
Brandon LaRoche made a motion to amend the motion to remove the town administrator line from the budget. His motion died for lack of a second. A motion to approve was made by Arthur Capello seconded by Michael Morin. Discussion followed. Manny questioned why the landfill budget is increased. Joel Moulton responded that lines were added to help with the disposal fees, preliminary costs of the landfill closure and upcoming engineering. Joel was questioned why so little was spent on paving of the roads and so little on gravel. Joel responded that in response to the flood much work was done to stabilize the roads and he would like to continue to stabilizee the roads before paving any more. The article was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 8.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500.00 (Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) to be added to the Public Buildings Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund previously established. This sum is to be raised by taxation. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.02)
Sylvia Arcouette made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Joe Pitre. Manny questioned how there can be a capital fund for maintenance. Paula Proulx responded that the money is used for big maintenance items like boilers, roofs, etc. for the Town buildings. Penny Morin asked what the balance of this account is now. On page 63 of the town report the balance is listed as $22,880. Article 8 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 9.
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $420,000.00 for the purchase of a 2007 Quint pumper/ladder truck and to authorize the withdrawal of $420,000.00 from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund established for this purpose. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has no tax rate impact)
Paul Parker made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Brandon LaRoche. Charles Doke questioned if the purchase has already been made yet and if there is a contract. Fire Chief responded there is a signed contract but the vehicle has not been purchased. Article 9 was approved by a show of cards vote. Rick Gladding made a motion to limit reconsideration of this article, seconded by Stephen Dean. The motion to limit reconsideration was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 10.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars) to be added to the previously established Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.10)
Richard Gladding made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Diane Carrier. Penny Morin asked if this money is going to be earmarked for a particular purpose.. Chief Fowler responded the money will be put away for future purposes that may come. Article 10 was approved by a show of cards vote. Richard Gladding made a motion to restrict reconsideration, seconded by Paul Carrier. This motion was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 11.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars) to be added to the previously established Highway Motorized Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.10)
Bill Tsiros made a motion to approve as written, duly seconded. Hearing no discussion, the article was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 12.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,300 for the purchase of a new excavator and to authorize the withdrawal of $125,300 from the Highway Motorized Equipment Capital Reserve Fund established for this purpose. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has no tax rate impact)
Mike Morin made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Ann Titus. Brandon LaRoche asked for the condition of the current excavator. Joel explained that we do not have one, we are renting one and that the Selectmen felt that their money would be better spent to purchase, vs. renting. Joel was asked if we have a flat bed to move it on by Manny to which Joel answered yes. There was no further discussion. Article 12 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 13.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $11,105.00 (Eleven Thousand One Hundred Five Dollars) to be added to the previously established Future Technology Improvements Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.03)
Steve Dean made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Arthur Capello. Questions about the warranties, etc. ensued. Steven Dean asked if the upgrade to Channel 26 could come from that. Ed Mullen explained that that is funded through franchise fees. Arthur Capello asked what the amount was in the account now. John Wingate said that the balance was $27,230.50. It was explained that the “odd” amount came from numbers in the old CIP plan. Article 13 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 14.
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 (Five Thousand Dollars) to be added to the Emergency Medical Motorized Equipment Capital Reserve Fund previously established. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.01)
A motion to approve was made by Steven Dean, duly seconded. Steven Dean said that he assumes that this is going to buy another ambulance or upgrade the ambulance build up for new one in 5 years. What do we have now? Fire Chief, Rich Fowler explained. Mike Morin asked what the going price would be another 5 years. Rich said it would be about 140,000. The current balance is $42,000 and change, so we will only have ½ in 5 years. Mike Morin made a motion to amend to increase by $10,000 to $15,000 so that we will have more than ½. This was seconded by Arthur Capello. (tax rate impact .03). Chief was asked what the the plan was to fund the rest. Chief explained that 5 years is a guess, decisions would be made as we go and the difference would come
from taxation. Penny Morin asked if the old ambulance would be used as a trade-in. Rich said it would be worth maybe couple of thousand dollars. Steven Dean asked the Chief why the amount was lower. Chief said that it was $28,000 in the past. Bill Tsiros said that it was lowered because this was a tough year for priorities. He said that we could raise more over the next years and spending will not be as much for other items. Arthur Capello understand the logic, but he felt that every year someone will need something, so it will always be a difficult year. Paul Parker said that the other part of the discussion was the development of the CIP. When that is complete the numbers will be adjusted as necessary. Ron Curtis asked what happens if the amendment is defeated and he was told that it would go back to the original motion. Discussion ended and the amendment was defeated by a show of cards vote. We were
then back to the original motion. There was no further discussion on the main motion, and the article was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 15.
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $43,750.00 (Forty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars) to be added to the Public Safety Building Capital Reserve Fund previously established. The Budget Committee does not recommend this appropriation. The Selectmen recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.10)
Bill Tsiros made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Gerry McCarthy. Arthur Capello made a motion to amend to $10,000 seconded by Mike Morin. A Capello said that the reason the Budget Committee didn’t recommend is that there is no concrete plan for putting something aside. Brandon LaRoche said that he was concerned that, if we don’t raise enough it would likely be raised through a bond. Manny Krasner said that it would be either a bond or taxation which would be decided by the Selectmen and Town Meeting. Lars Dore said that he believes it should stay at $43,750. He said that towns around always get shot down when they try to do it through taxation or bonding. He said that we do have a plan for the future, when you are probably talking over a million for a
building which will also be for the police department. Lars also said that he felt that the police are even in more need than the fire department. He said that the more we put aside now, the less we would have to bond later. Penny Morin said that she liked having it go down to $10,000 because we really don’t have a plan, so we should wait for a better tax year. A Capello agreed that it was a tough tax year. Bill Tsiros said that it was a tough year, but all of the decisions and projects had input and corporation of department heads. He thought it was important and should be continued. Rich Cilley said that he is for a public safety building. His concern was that, if we save too much money now without a plan in place then we cannot get a grant and he hopes we could get a matching grant. He felt we should get an architect and put together a committee. Scott Roberge explained that the building,
according to the old CIP plan was slated for 2010. As it is now, difficulty building a garage, let alone a police station. Last year $300,000 on highway department. Much discussion ensued on the space problems at the police station. Arthur Capello said that he was not questioning the need. He was concerned by the lack of any real plan. He questioned why it couldn’t be be earmarked to come from unanticipated revenues. Brandon Laroche asked that, if we were to bond it, what would we be paying to the bank for interest. Manny Krasner said that it depends on the interest rate that year and our bond rating. Paula Proulx said our undesignated fund balance got kicked down from 12% down to 8% last year and the Selectmen did not want to see it go any lower. There was no more discussion on the amendment. The amendment was opposed by a show of cards vote. Brandon Laroche made a motion to amend
to $60,000 to put more money away. There was no second, so the motion failed. Penny Morin made a motion to amend to $23,750, seconded by Joyce White. There was no discussion and the motion was opposed by a show of cards vote. Mike Morin made a motion to take the money from unexpended fund balance at the end of the year. This was duly seconded. It was asked if there was any guarantee that there would be extra money at the end of the year. Bill Tsiros liken it to taking off in an airplane with half a tank of fuel. The motion defeated by a show of cards vote. A motion to call the question was made by Brandon Laroche, duly seconded and approved by a show of cards vote. The original motion was approved by a show of cards vote. Richard Gladding made a motion to restrict reconsideration. This motion was duly seconded and approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 16.
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 (Three Thousand Dollars) to be added to the Recreation Department Capital Reserve Fund previously established. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.01)
Rich Cilley made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Ann Titus. There was no discussion and the article was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 17.
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $380,000.00 (Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars) for the design work and replacement of the Ten Rod Road Bridge project and to authorize the withdrawal of $76,000.00 (Seventy-Six Thousand Dollars) from the Bridge and Road Design Capital Reserve Fund previously established for this purpose for the town’s 20% share of participation cost in the NHDOT Municipal Bridge Aid Program. The balance of $304,000.00 shall be reimbursed to the town from the NHDOT Municipal Bridge Aid Program. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority vote required) (This article has no tax rate impact)
Bill Tsiros made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Martin Gilman. Arthur Capello asked if the engineering is done. Joel said that the Town;s 20% share goes to the design and engineering. Joel was asked where it is. He explained that it is just before Yonder Ridge development coming back from Rochester. It looks like a footbridge with no guardrails. Mike Morin asked if this was part of a bridge improvement plan. Joel replied that it was. Article 17 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 18.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $27,000 (Twenty-seven Thousand Dollars) for the purchase of one police cruiser and to authorize the withdrawal of $13,000 (Thirteen Thousand Dollars) of surplus funds from the Police Outside Details Special Revenue Fund to apply toward this purchase, with the balance of $14,000 (Fourteen Thousand Dollars) to come from general taxation. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) This article has a tax rate impact of $.03)
A motion and second to close the polls on Articles 5 and 6 was made and approved by a show of cards vote. The articles were approved as follows:
Article 5 98-7
Article 6 98-7
Bill Tsiros made a motion to approve Article 18 as written, seconded by Arthur Capello. Brandon Laroche asked how many vehicles the police department had and how much mileage was on them. Chief explained. We are replacing the Ford expedition which has 110,000 miles and is 7 years old. Arthur Capello asked if it will be replaced with a 4- wheel drive vehicle. Chief Roberge said that he is downscaling to a Ford Explorer. There was no further discussion and Article 18 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 19.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Dollars) for the purpose of painting of the exterior trim of the Goodwin Library. This amount is to come from general taxation. The Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. (Majority Vote Required) (This article has a tax rate impact of $.02)
Joan Funk made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Arthur Capello. Lars Dore said he would paint the trim on the library for 10,000. Arthur Capello stated that it also included capturing the lead paint from the building. It was asked if there was a fund in the library. Manny Krasner said he is on library trustees and that their funds are used up. He stated that the primary cost is for lead pain removal. There was no further discussion and Article 19 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 20.
To see if the town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint a Capital Improvement Program Committee, which shall include at least one member of the Planning Board, to prepare and amend a recommended program of municipal capital improvement projects projected over a period of at least 6 years. (Majority Vote Required)
Sylvia Arcouette made a motion to approve as written, seconded by Mike Morin. Arthur Capello asked if anyone from community would be selected. Gerry McCarthy explaied that the procedure is set by RSA and that they would have a citizen. Mike Morin asked if the school would be involved. It is hoped that they will. There was no further discussion and Article 29 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 21.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell to the highest bidder municipal vehicles and other equipment as determined by the Selectmen, with proceeds to go into the general fund. (Majority Vote Required)
A motion to approve Article 21 was made by Joan Funk, seconded by Penny Morin. There was no discussion, and Article 21 was approved by a show of cards vote.
Article 22.
To see if the Town will vote to accept the roads known as Holly Lane and Cherub Drive as Class V town roads. (By Petition) (Majority Vote Required)
Manny Krasner asked if the petitioners cared to make the motion. John Theriault made the motion to approve as written, seconded by Lisa Dore. Arthur Capello asked if the road agent had inspected it. Joel Moulton stated that he has some concerns with the underlying materials in phase 1 and 2. There are concerns to be addressed. Arthur Capello asked that if we accept it then does it becomes the town’s responsibility. Paul Parker added that the Planning Board is currently reviewing for compliance. Hiram Watson stated that the town is holding a $40,000 bond on the project. He questioned if that would cover. Joel was not sure. Brandon LaRoche asked what class road it was. It is a class 6 private road. Arthur Capello asked Paul Parker to elaborate
about the planning board review. Paul Parker said that they are holding a compliance hearing. They are reviewing this on Tuesday. Bill Tsiros stated that they had come to the board for their support. The board did not take any position, but they felt it would be premature to accept the road. He recommended waiting until Joel is satisfied and the Planning Board was done. John Theriault stated that an engineering firm was hired to confirm that it was done to specs. He felt that it was ready. There are some planning issues, but we should not release the bond until those problems are fixed. Those who bought were falsely told that the roads would be taken over by the town. They have no sense of security that it will continued to be maintained and plowed. He felt that the town has an obligation to get to them for emergency services. If it is not maintained, this cannot happen. Presently the school bus is not allowed
to go up the road. He urged that it was a safety issue and the road should be accepted now. He said that there was between $90,000 and $100,000 in taxes along those roads. A good portion of that money is supposed to be used to take care of roads. Arthur Capello said that many people who live on private roads and have associations. He felt that it was a civil matter dealing with the association. He also stated that they are taxed at a lesser rate. It was also stated that, if it was not plowed, the town would plow it and send the bill to them – in the case of an emergency. Lisa Dore said that it was a safety issue if the school buss cannot come into the sub-divisions. She asked if the police had the same presence on a private road as a public one. Chief Roberge said that they do patrol all roads, public and private. Lisa Dore asked if they would be eligible for an abatement if this does not pass. Kathy Seaver
said that they can apply. She also explained that assessments are driven by sales, so it is a catch 22. The sales are showing the same value as on a public road. Brandon LaRoche said that we are supposed to be providing for the common good. He stated that he lives on a private road and we should be accepting other roads as well. Jacqueline Capella said that we have some unknowns as to cost. We have a bond for $40,000 set aside. She asked if any estimates had been done to bring it up to current standards. She said that it sounds like it is a multi-year issue to get the estimates and to know what that is going to be. Joel said that he was only present for phase 3. They are going to do a site walk and do up a punch list for the cost. He was asked how long the road was and said that it was a little better than ½ mile. He also said that the contractor paved the road prior to the inspection so no one got to
observe the underlying materials. There are drainage issues as well as pedestrian issues. Brandon asked if it was possible to offer an amendment to have the concerns to be addressed and then be approved. Manny stated that it was not possible. James Spaulding said that he had not been up there, but he cannot see having it accepted if it is not up to standards and thus making the town liable. Gerry McCarthy stated that the town should require the developer to fulfill his obligations. Debbie Correia expounded on the condition of the roads and stated that the town should accept them. There was a motion to call the question, duly seconded and approved by a show of cards vote. Jeff Vaughn called for a point of order. Prior to the motion to call the question, the moderator had pointed out 3 people that he was going to allow to speak in turn. The first one made the motion to call the questions. He felt that we should
have more discussion. The moderator stuck with his decision. The vote on the main motion was unclear by a show of cards vote. The counted show of cards vote was Yes 42 No 63. Arthur Capello made a motion to restrict reconsideration. This was duly seconded and approved by a show of cards vote after an explanation that the restriction was only for reconsidering tonight.
Article 23.
To transact such other business as may legally come before this meeting. (Majority Vote Required)
Kathy Seaver made a motion to adjourn, duly seconded and approved by a show of cards vote at 9:30PM.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Kathy L. Seaver, Town Clerk
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