Present: Jen Richardson (Chair), Kim Firth (Vice Chair) (arrived 6:34), Justin Dohrn, Tim McKenna, Dawn Gezelman, Laurie Colburn (via ZOOM), Beth Downs (Select Board Representative), Marlene Freyler (Select Board), Chip Meany (Select Board).
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Meeting called to order at 6:32 pm.
Review minutes from January 30, 2025 meeting
Motion: Justin Dohrn moved to approve the January 30, 2025 minutes as written.
Second: Laurie Colburn
Decision: 7-0, all in favor
Warrant Article Discussion: The Committee discussed and voted to recommend or not recommend the following warrant articles.
“Article Fourteen”
Motion: Justin Dohrn moved to recommend “Article Fourteen” as amended by the Select Board, “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the total sum of $375,000 to fund road maintenance, preservation and paving….”
Second: Laurie Colburn
Discussion: Pam Bruss spoke expressing her disappointment with the way the Budget Committee and Select Board has handled this proposed expense leaving the voters in a confused state. Many in the audience contributed to this discussion with the general agreement that the sum of $375,000 will not fully comply with the road maintenance and paving plan, but will be the best solution considering Bradford’s overall financial situation.
Decision: 7-0, all in favor of recommending
“Article Twenty-Seven”
Motion: Laurie Colburn moved that the Budget Committee recommend “Article Twenty-Seven,” “To see if the Town will vote to create the Efficiency Opportunity Committee for the purpose of identifying strategies to reduce Bradford’s unsustainable property tax growth while continuing to maintain quality services….”
Discussion: Marlene Freyler commented that the town could vote to establish a committee, however, the Select Board approves committees and committee members.
Second: Kim Firth
Decision: 4 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain, Budget Committee recommends Article Twenty-Seven.
“Article Twenty-Eight”:
Motion: Justin Dohrn moved to not recommend “Article Twenty-Eight”, “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $97,500 for the purpose of asbestos abatement and demolition of the form Masonic Lodge located at 89 West Main Street. …. By Petition. ….”
Discussion: Chip Meany and Bruce Gezelman spoke about the quotes already received and the work they are doing to move this project forward.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 7-0, All votes in favor of not recommending Article Twenty-Eight.
Adjourn:
Motion: Justin Dohrn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 7-0, all in favor
The meeting segued into the Budget Committee’s Public Hearing.
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary