Meeting called to order at 10:03am
Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Michael James, Jason Allen and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator were in attendance
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 10:03am per RSA 91-A:3II(a).
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned to adjourn to public session at 11:01am.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The meeting recessed for a few minutes and resumed at 11:08.
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- Bruce Edwards appeared to discuss the Town adopting RSA 147 to provide support for the Health Officer position. The Select Board felt the RSA may be too broad for Bradford and asked that the RSA be reviewed to determine what components are appropriate for Bradford and to craft an ordinance utilizing the components of the RSA that are pertinent. Laurie Colburn will review and provide a recommendation.
Bruce also shared with the Board that the criteria used in Concord, Chichester and Loudon to determine Emergency Lanes on Class VI roads. Emergency Lane designation was determined as having a water source/access present for use in fighting fires.
The Board also discussed renewing Bruce’s designation as Health Officer.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to nominate Bruce Edwards as Health Officer.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Public Input:
- There was no public input.
Regular Business:
- Minutes from the October 7th, 2019 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the minutes.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Account Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Marilyn Gordon communicated an authorization to allow the Town Clerk’s office to conduct bank transfers. The Board initialed the request acknowledging their awareness of the authorization.
Motion: Michael James motioned to have a certified mechanic conduct a baseline assessment of Town equipment.
Amended Motion: Jason Allen amended the motion to obtain estimates to have a certified mechanic baseline town equipment based upon a specific list of items.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Michael will forward Karen the name of a resource he has identified. Karen will research other resources to obtain competitive bids and provide the Board with an equipment list for their review.
- Karen provided an update on work that is underway to make improvements to the Town website. The conversation moved into a discussion about a desire to have a policy about how the Town Website should be utilized that would guide the direction of future improvements. That conversation moved to a suggestion by Laurie Colburn to establish a standard Policy Committee as an advisory resource that would do the legwork to provide policy recommendations to the Select Board based upon best practices, subject matter expertise and compliance with State law. Laurie Colburn volunteered to head this up and will provide a goal summary, mission statement and proposed structure to the Board for their review.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move forward with developing a Policy Committee.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Steve Hall provided a follow up on Cochran Hill which has a water runoff concern. He is waiting for price estimates to correct the issue. Gravel deliveries have started to arrive. Work the Town committed to perform on the Tilly Wheeler Trail has been completed. The Town of Newbury will be painting a crosswalk across Old Warner Road by the Elementary School this week. Karen will speak to Newbury about painting one on West Main Street for the library as well. The Town will assess whether the crosswalk has slowed traffic or whether speed bumps might be needed. Signs to place in the middle of the road will be purchased as well. Steve shared that old unused equipment has been sent to auction.
Steve negotiated a price to rent a rock crusher for a week at a rate of $3,250. The equipment and the rental cost will be shared between the Town and Nate Kimball.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move forward with equipment rental.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Karen shared a quote from Nate Kimball for approximately $10,000 to backfill the Town Hall site. Nate would like to have the fence removed at the Town Hall prior to beginning the groundwork. The Board supported the removal of the fence and would like to have caution tape placed as appropriate until the backfill work is completed.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board discussed whether any updates had been received on a contract for waste disposal at the Transfer Station. John will talk with Naughton’s about the contract terms.
- The Board re-reviewed electric rate proposals for 2019-2020.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned move forward with Atlantic Energy/Nextera’s one-year proposal.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Town Hall update: Karen is trying to schedule the insulation of the basement. Quotes for the roof work are still pending. Resources have been asked to provide a cost for an immediate repair to address the leaking roof and loose shingles as well as a price for a new roof over the entire structure. Jay Barrett, Town Hall Architect is working with LCHIP to see if the Town can remove an old cement retaining wall prior to doing the backfill work. The Board would like to try and get the backfill work and fence taken down prior to October 31st.
- The Board signed a contract with Stryker for the Rescue Department who is a sole source provider.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the Stryker contract that was provided at the last meeting.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Bradford received $23,081.55 in unanticipated revenue as a result of House Bill 4 (HB4).
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept the unanticipated revenue.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Health Insurance rates for 2020 were provided to the Board which outlines an increase of $4,862 over last year. Karen will see if she can get additional quotes.
- The Board signed an Intent to Cut for Map 11/ Lot 49.
- The Board signed the annual Equalization Assessment Certificate.
- The Board signed an appointment for Seth Benowitz to the Conservation Commission.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public per RSA 91A:3II(c) reputation at 12:27pm.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned to adjourn to public session at 12:37pm.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned to adjourn to non-public session at 12:38pm per RSA 91-A:3II(a) personnel.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to public session at 1:17pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday November 4th, 2019 at 11:00am, at the Bradford Community Center
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary