TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MARCH 2, 2010
5:00PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Charles Meany, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00pm with Jack Meaney, Peter Fenton, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
No Appearances.
Review and Consideration of February 15, 2010 minutes:
Marge Cilley, Secretary advised that Andrew Pinard had changed the minutes for the Web, on page 2, 13th line down by the following: with the School District, being New London and Sutton (As clarified at the meeting, the actual sponsor applicants were to be New London & Springfield, the latter of which was not applying for one of these grants and would therefore not be competing for the funding.)
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to accept the minutes. Seconded by Charles Meany. Motion carried 3-0.
Review and Consideration of February 16, 2010 minutes:
Motion was made by Charles Meany,Chair to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Jack Meaney. Peter Fenton abstained as he was not present at this meeting. Motion carried 2-0.
Regular Business:
Signed the notice of the award on West Road.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifests were reviewed and signed.
Intent to cut for Goldberg and Starr Properties, Map 6, Lot 103 signed.
Intent to cut for Brooks McCandlish, Map 4, Lot 15, signed.
Alarm system papers signed.
A personnel letter was signed
KAP lease was signed.
It was discussed that the playground, which is used by the KAP at the Community Center, be taken care of outside of the regular contract as it is not included in that contract and is on town property. They have expressed that it not be available for use other than for KAP.
TDS:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator, advised she has received communication from TDS who wants to apply for the Stimulus to extend Broadband to the Lake Massasecum Area. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will check with TDS requesting just what the area encompasses. The following letter to TDS Telecom was signed by the three Selectmen in support of their working towards expanding their services.
March 2, 2010
TDS Telecom
c/o Legislative Affairs
525 Junction Road, Suite 7000
Madison, WI 53717
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of the Town of Bradford, we write this letter to strongly support TDS’ efforts to apply for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies to strengthen and expand broadband internet access in the Bradford/Merrimack County area.
Our organization’s mission is to attract, retain and expand businesses in the region. As we interact with companies, we see firsthand how important it is to have access to broadband internet and the impacts on their daily operations. They use it to identify new customers in new markets, communicate with partners and suppliers, and increase overall productivity. Frankly, it is now a necessity to have broadband internet access to be competitive in today’s global economy.
TDS is acting as a leader in expanding broadband internet services in our area, which is still considered underserved due to its rural nature. TDS’ efforts will certainly open up opportunities for more entrepreneurs to start and grow their business in our community.
We authorize TDS to include our feedback in applications that you may file with federal agencies administrating broadband stimulus programs.
For further questions, please contact Cheryl Behr, town administrator at 603-938-5900 ext 3.
Regards,
Bradford Board of Selectmen
_________________________________
Charles Meany, Chairman
_________________________________
Peter Fenton, Selectman
_________________________________
Jack Meaney, Selectman
Sue Pehrson, Town Clerk/Tax Collector gave a letter to Cheryl Behr, Administrator to read regarding HB 1335 – having to do with the charging and changing of Interest Rates. It was discussed that different towns can set their own tax rates. This was discussed and they will give this to the local Representative, Beth Rodd for her input. This is scheduled to be voted on, March 10, 2010.
It was stated that the computer is up and running at the Town Sheds however the program is not working as yet.
A tree did fall on the pick-up truck from the Highway Garage.
The Community Center was open for several days as a shelter during the power outage, but no one stayed overnight, and no meals were served. A dumpster was provided by George Naughton, at the dump site during the power outage.
An estimate of $2,644 was stated for the Town Hall furnace repair. Also stated was that since Mr. Wall’s man came over, the Town Hall now does have some heat.
Motor Vehicle Recycling Yards and Junk Yards:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had received some communication from Laura Hallihan regarding Motor Vehicle Recycling Yards and Junk Yards. The following is the information received.
TITLE XX
TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER 236
HIGHWAY REGULATION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL REGULATIONS
Motor Vehicle Recycling Yards and Junk Yards
Section 236:111-a
236:111-a Scope. –
I. Except as provided by paragraphs II and III, the provisions of this subdivision shall apply to all junk yards, as defined by RSA 236:112, I, including those approved under RSA 149-M and those subject to regulation under RSA 236:90-110.
II. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any junk yard that is also a type of solid waste management facility listed below and approved under RSA 149-M, including any such solid waste management facility approved prior to May 1, 1989:
(a) Landfills;
(b) Incinerators and other processing or treatment facilities, not including automotive recycling yards; and
(c) Transfer stations that collect, store, and transfer municipal solid waste, whether or not they also collect:
(1) Source separated waste derived from motor vehicles, such as tires, lead acid batteries, or used oil; and/or
(2) Common household or commercial machinery, such as appliances, office equipment, or lawn mowers.
III. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any noncommercial antique motor vehicle restoration activities involving antique motor vehicles over 25 years old, where the owner or lessee demonstrates that each of the following requirements are met:
(a) All antique motor vehicles kept on the premises are owned by the property owner or lessee; and
(b) All antique motor vehicles and parts of antique motor vehicles are kept out of view of the public and abutters by means of storage inside a permanent structure, or by suitable fencing which complies with the fencing requirements of RSA 236:123, or by trees or shrubbery sufficient to block visual access year round; and
(c) Any combination of antique motor vehicles or parts of antique motor vehicles that are not stored inside a permanent structure shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section and shall not exceed a total amount of 5 vehicles. For purposes of this section, the sum of the parts of antique motor vehicles that equal in bulk to one antique motor vehicle shall be counted as one antique motor vehicle; and
(d) All mechanical repairs and modifications are performed out of view of the public and abutters; and
(e) Not more than one unregistered and uninspected motor vehicle that is not over 25 years old shall be kept on the premises; and
(f) The use of the premises is in compliance with all municipal land use ordinances and regulations.
Source. 1989, 95:1. 2002, 27:2, eff. July 1, 2002; 228:1, 2, eff. July 1, 2002 at 12:01 a.m.
A complaint letter has been received by the Selectmen regarding many vehicles all over a property on Hogg Hill Road. Charles Meany, Chair advised fines do need to be set.
Charles Meany, Chair advised Ms. Tropeano had spoken with the office and advised she will be moving one of the vehicles from her West Main Street property and also advise the office as well as Charles Meaney, Chair that there is a boundary dispute between Tropeano and Harris properties. Charles Meany, Chair advised the town will have to weigh in on this somehow. Jack Meaney referred to the State Statute and it was decided a letter will be drawn up and sent to offenders.
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised they are working on vehicles for inspection, and things are bad, real bad. The work is being done in house and the actual inspection will be done at Valley’s. Some of the problems are windshields, springs etc. Peter Fenton inquired how this was going to affect the repair budget, and Jeff advised their budget is in big trouble, a lot of money has been spent in the past month. The hammer used on the skid steer is working well. At this time it has gone back to the dealer but can be brought back whenever they are ready to use it again. Charles Meany, Chair questioned Jeff Remillard, Road Agent if he is keeping records for time, over time and maintenance on equipment, to which Jeff replied yes, he has quite a list for them.
Posting signs for the roads have been gotten out and they will be set around the perimeters of the town. They are dated from March 1 to May 1.
Motion was made by Charles Meany to put the signs up. Seconded by Jack Meaney, Motion carried 3-0.
Peter Fenton questioned Jeff if they are looking into a different Uniform Company, and Jeff advised Cheryl Behr, Administrator has all the information.
A personnel letter was reviewed and signed.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator is requesting passwords for the security system at the Highway Garage as she received a call at 3:00AM on Sunday morning advising the alarm had gone off on Friday.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had checked back from October 1 and $20,000 has been spent for repairs for heavy equipment prior to this past week.
TE Grant:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she has received another e-mail and recommendation letters have gone out, with the recommendation that money be added to the Grant request for Historic Evaluation and Wetlands Permit. Our estimate did include Wetlands Permit, but not the Historic Evaluation and the request should be for another $15,000.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to change the figures for the TE Grant by an additional $15,000. Jack Meaney seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Peter Fenton questioned Jeff Remillard, Road Agent about how much money will be needed for equipment repairs. Jeff advised it could be near the $20,000 amount, however when we get there, it should level out. A little preventive maintenance goes along way. He also advised the backhoe will be expensive to repair if the new one is not voted in.
The Town Report, which is available to everyone now, was discussed.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator handed out Budget worksheets which included the account numbers, description, budgeted amount and the cost per $1,000. Also the Warrant Articles showing the cost per thousand was also presented to the Selectmen, and this schedule also showed the income offsetting the expenses.
Marlene Freyler presented the Selectmen with the 2010 fireworks information for the 4th of July. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Marlene also brought up the incidents regarding students living at NFI, and how they are being handled. Beth Rodd advised she is on the Advisory Board at NFI, and questioned if NFI has come before the Selectmen on a regular basis. This was answered in the negative. She suggested an agreement does need to be in writing between them and the town. Charles Meany, Chair advised it is being worked on. Discussion ensued.
Peter Fenton questioned if any of the Selectmen are interested in reducing on the floor the Sunset Hill Road Warrant to get the sidewalks going. Charles Meany, Chair advised the public should be able to vote their wishes.
Brewster Caswell asked the Selectmen if they would get up before town meeting and explain to the people the facts and figures in operating the town. The public does not understand the infrastructure of the town and how it operates.
George Cilley questioned when there was only a dusting of snow on the road, why the loader went to the sand pit and back three times followed by three dump trucks in a short period of time. Jeff Remillard advised they had to go back and forth to load the sand, followed by loading some salt on each truck at the town shed.
Charles Meaney, Chair left at 6:40pm
Jon Marden has worked on the audio/visual equipment and has it up and working. He will assist in setting it up for Town Meeting. Jon also advised a new monitor should be purchased. Peter Fenton thanked Jon for his volunteer work in getting the equipment up and running.
General topics of conversation were discussed for several minutes.
Next meeting will be held at 5:30pm
Meeting Adjourned 6:55pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary