Selectmen’s Minutes 08.24.20

Select Board Meeting called to order at 7:00pm

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call – Jason Allen (Chair), Marlene Freyler and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.

Michael James was absent

Appearances:

  • Melissa Cloutier, Town Clerk, appeared to discuss election protocol for September 8, 2020 at the Bradford Community Center. This will be published in The Bridge, the InterTown Record and on the Town website. She reviewed the traffic flow and roles that will support the election process. Polls will be open from 8:00am to 7:00pm and all voters will enter through the back of the building.
  • Sherry Gould and Darryl Peasley appeared to discuss the Abenaki Trail Project, which looks at the local history of Native Americans. Sherry spoke about the history of the project and indigenous people ties to Bradford. The Board discussed ways to engage the community in the project and look forward to hearing more about the project in the future.
  • Police Chief Jim Valiquet attended the meeting to provide an update on the Police Department. From May 1st, through August 24th, the department responded to 1,435 calls. The Chief discussed various areas of activity, speeding concerns and provided an update that a crosswalk will be painted at the school this week. The Chief also discussed use of the sign board as an option to display messaging in Town, such as raising concerns regarding speeding issues.
  • Jason provided an update that things were going well at the Transfer Station and improvements have been made around the property.

Regular and Old Business:

  • The Board reviewed the Minutes of the August 10th meeting.

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the Minutes of August 10th, 2020

Second: Marlene Freyler

Vote: 2-0 in favor

  • Account Payables and the Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
  • The Board also acknowledged the great level of volunteerism that has been happening around Town and would like to extend their appreciation.
  • The Board discussed updates being made to the French’s Park Ordinance. Marlene plans to have a draft available by November. The Board will have a Public Hearing prior to adoption, with the intent that it would be presented at Town Meeting, as appropriate, and implemented for next summer’s season.

New Business:

  • The Board discussed their upcoming meeting schedule. They will meet again on September 14th, then September 21st and continuing every other week after that.
  • A complaint was received concerning odors emanating from 11 Davis Road. The Town is working to determine if this is a health concern or a code ordinance concern. Marlene asked about violations on Massasecum Ave and Fairgrounds Road. Clean up and legal actions are moving forward.
  • The Board briefly discussed SB-2, which relates to a two session Town Meeting, and will review the subject further when a full Board is present.
  • The Board accepted $850 in donations for new Town signs.

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept $850 in donations for the Town Sign replacement project.

Second: Marlene Freyler

Vote: 2-0 in favor

  • The Board signed a personnel action form.
  • Intent to Cuts for Map 11/Lot 14 and 18, as well as Map 6/Lot 8 were signed.
  • The Board signed two abatement recommendations from the Assessor.
  • The Board signed a driveway permit.
  • The Town received a proposal of $7,213 to address audio issues in the meeting room. Karen will ask Andrew to attend the next meeting to review the scope of activity with the Board.
  • Rene Remodeling has finished the improvement work on the BACC kitchen, the improvements did come in $100 over the estimate due to additional fireproofing work that was needed.

Public Input:

None

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move to non-public session, per RSA 91-A:3:III (l) at 8:06pm

Second: Marlene Freyler

Vote: 2-0 in favor

Michael James briefly joined the meeting by phone.

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to Public Session at 8:17pm

Second: Marlene Freyler

Decision: 2-0 in favor

Motion: Jason Allen motioned at adjourn at 8:17pm.

Second: Marlene Freyler

Decision: 2-0 in favor

The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday September 14th, 2020 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Area Community Center.

Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary