Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Michael James, Jason Allen, Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- There were no appearances.
Public Input:
- Karen shared a request from Devin Pendleton, on behalf of Parks and Recreation, to close West Main Street from 5pm to 8pm on October 31st, 2019, for Trick-or-Treating. The Police Department supports this request.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to close West Main Street from 5pm to 8pm on October 31st, 2019, for Trick-or-Treating.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Karen discussed the process to collect Bradford’s General Budget requests for 2020 from the various department heads. A request will be sent out in early October with a due date of October 18th. A rolled-up version of all requests will be submitted to the Budget Committee and Select Board on November 1st for review.
- John Pfeifle requested that the meeting scheduled for October 21st be held at 11:00am. The other Selectmen agreed they could meet at that time.
- Karen shared a preliminary response from Sonny Harris regarding the qualifications needed to make a change to the tax map. A response from the Department of Revenue Assessing Office is pending and the Board will discuss what qualifications are needed at the next Board meeting.
- Marlene Freyler asked the Board if the process of selecting a new Fire Chief through Municipal Resources Inc., as approved at Town Meeting, had stopped and how much of the $35,000 Warrant had been expended. John responded that the Board has not determined how they will move forward and that the Fire Department is in charge of choosing the Chief through March of 2020. Karen estimated $8,000 had been spent with MRI on the selection process with another $4,000 to $5,000 spent in stipends.
- Steve Hall shared a complaint with the Select Board from the owners of 127 Pleasant View Road who live adjacent to a failed culvert that has a temporary steel plate over it. The owner stated there has been large truck traffic which results in a rumbling and vibration that extends into their home, causing concerns of potential structural damage to their house. The culvert is planned to be replaced and the Board felt this could only be of benefit to the situation but aren’t sure that it will impact the vibrations felt.
Regular Business:
- Minutes from the September 9th, 2019 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the minutes.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Account Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- The Economic Development Committee would like to have the Select Board formalize the committee. The Board discussed by-laws proposed and discussed appointing a 5-member Committee with 2 alternate positions. Karen had gathered names from member that had attended previous meetings who had interest in being appointed to a formalized Committee. Stan Ovrevik, Jim Bibbo and Scott McCaskill would like to continue as appointed members. Laurie Colburn also shared her interest in volunteering. Michael will speak with other folks in Town he feels may be interested and the Board will vote on appointments at the next Board meeting.
Motion: Jason Allen motion to accept the by-laws presented.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board discussed a complaint received from the Hopwood family, 1 Water Street, regarding water runoff which affects their basement and driveway. Steve Hall described the problem as water flowing down Cochran Hill is unable to get into the drainage pipes and culverts because the catch basins are full. The water is spilling over and flowing onto the Hopwood property. John felt the height of the driveway may need to reviewed and a potential a solution could involve work needed by the homeowner as well as the Town. Michael asked Steve to review the site and to contact Horizon Engineering to see if they could review the situation. Steve will follow up but did add that he felt the situation could be extremely costly to correct, in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range.
- The Board discussed the Conservation Commission’s recommendation to accept a potential property donation of Map 9, Lot 20 and Lot 22. The properties are primarily wetland and the Commission felt this would be an important resource to obtain. John expressed concern about expanding Town owned land assets but would support the other Selectmen’s opinion as the property tax generated annually was low at approximately $1,000 annually.
Motion: Michael James motioned to accept the Conservation Commissions recommendation and to move forward pursuing the land donation.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board reviewed a list of names authorized to make purchases on behalf of the Town at The Lumber Barn. The reconciliation process of matching purchase receipts to the monthly invoice as well as department head approval satisfied the Board as an appropriate spending control. The Board approved the list of authorized purchasers.
- Town Hall update: The mason is onsite finishing the granite work. Bob Stewart is still working on the septic design, changes in location will result in a new permit being needed from the State. Karen has received one quote to re-roof the building from the three proposal requests solicited. The quote was $101,000 plus $27,000 if a third layer of shingles need to be removed, plus $30,000 if plywood sheathing needs to be placed. Michael believes the RFP should be extended to residential roofers although Jason Allen expressed concerns that residential resources are not appropriate for the scope of work and would not be equipped to complete the job. Karen will seek additional quotes. Painting quotes have been received which varied from $82,000 to $24,000 (with no caulking). Karen will email these quotes to the Board for review. Insulation quotes received in 2018 were validated as still accurate. The Board had questions about how much fuel was used in 2018 and the R value on the quotes varied. Jason asked Karen to seek a recommendation from Jay Barrett as to what R value should be installed.
- The Board discussed the future of the Masonic Hall building. Although Jay Barrett had recommended heating the building Karen had verified with Chris Frey that the building has not been heated over the last several years. The Board decided not to heat the building. Jason expressed concern that the building is already showing signs of disrepair and feels with the lack of parking the building should be torn down. Michael felt the Town could make more money on the sale of the property. John felt parking could be resolved but other issues such as water and septic would need a solution. The Board would like input from others in Town regarding a path forward. Karen will follow up to determine what would be needed to change the property lines to eliminate concerns about the Fire Station which encroaches on the Masonic Hall lot.
- The Board reviewed bids for a new Police cruiser. Chief Valiquet and Officer Edward Shaughnessy were present and discussed with the Board a purchase of a hybrid vehicle versus a proposal to purchase an electric vehicle suggested by Michael.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to support the Hybrid Erwin Motors, Adamson Industries and Art Attack purchases as requested.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Karen shared a follow up of a meeting held at Old Mountain Road concerning maintenance of the road and any environmental impacts. The meeting was amicable and all parties were able to work out a solution that satisfy the concerns raised.
- The Board signed an Intent to Cut for Map 3 Lot 45.
- A Driveway Permit for Map 9 Lot 13 was signed.
- A Current Use Application was signed for Map 2 Lot 104-1, Map 5 Lot 18 and Map 5 Lot 21.
- An Elderly Tax Exemption was signed.
- A Veteran Tax Exemption was signed.
- The Board offered condolences on the passing of Bo Raymond. Appreciation was extended for his many positive contributions to community over the years.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 8:25pm per RSA 91-A:3II(a) personnel.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to public session at 8:27pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 8:28pm per RSA 91-A:3II(a) personnel.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to public session at 8:53pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 8:54pm per RSA 91-A:3II(a) personnel.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to public session at 9:38pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Steve Hall presented figures for the coring of Marshall Hill Road. Michael James made a motion to approve $1500 for the coring. After further discussion, the motion was withdrawn pending completion of roadwork prioritization. Steve was asked to evaluate Chestnut Hollow Road. Steve presented figures for dump truck repairs in the amount of $1620 and sander repairs in the amount of $2200.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the two expenses.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 9:52pm per RSA 91-A:3II(l) legal.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to public session at 10:11pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned that the minutes of the non-public session be sealed as the reputation of a person other than a member of the board would be adversely affected.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday October 7th, 2019 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary