Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Roll Call – Andrew Pinard (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Jingle Bus – Parks and Recreation – Devin Pendleton stated that Parks and Recreation would like to rent a school bus to drive around town to view the Christmas lights. They would have Christmas music and drink hot cocoa as well. She is looking at Thursday, December 9 for this event to take place. The expense would be covered by the Parks and Recreation budget. The Board thanked Devin for informing them of this activity.
Steve Hall – Highway Department – Steve gave an update on activities in the Highway Department. Andrew asked for an update on the island at the bottom of Hogg Hill at the intersection of Cressy and Marshall Hill Roads. Discussion ensued. Both the Highway and Police Departments recommend removing the island for safety purposes.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to remove the island at the intersection of Hogg Hill and Cressy Road.
Second: Andrew Pinard seconded.
Decision: 3-0
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the November 8 meeting.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the November 18 meeting.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Covid Protocol Update – Andrew reported that the cases continue to increase. He said Bradford has 5 active cases currently. Warner has 22 active cases. Sutton has between 1- 4. Newbury has 5 active cases. New London has 22 active cases. Wilmot has 5 active cases. There were no recommendations for adjustment at this time.
- Town Meeting Schedule – Andrew suggests holding Town Meeting on the Wednesday following Town elections. Andrew said they will need to check the availability of the school. The suggested date is March 9.
- Moderator Position – Erica Gross said that Bruce Storm and Jason Gray both showed interest in taking over this position. Andrew said it would be beneficial if they were familiar with NH laws and RSAs and leadership qualities. The goal was to have people appointed by December 13. The Board will come up with a list of qualities that would be beneficial for the candidates to have.
- Fire Chief Position – Karen said six resumes have been received and they will be reviewed in the non-public session.
New Business:
- Budget 2022 – Karen pulled together a list of local communities and provided information on their 2022 cost of living adjustments. Karen would like to hold the discussion to a lump sum amount for budgeting purposes and later decide what would be merit and what would be COLA. Andrew recommends looking at a 5.9% COLA and 2% for merit.
- Warrant Articles – Discussion ensued about the potential of warrant articles in 2022 for the Police, Highway, and Fire Departments.
- Sign 2021 Second Issue Tax Warrant – Signed.
- Accept funds for the scholarship fund.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept funds in the amount of $150 for the 1964 Scholarship Fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Accept unanticipated healthcare revenue return of surplus in the amount of $24,071.47. Some of this amount will go to Town employees.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept unanticipated healthcare revenue return of surplus in the amount of $24,071.47.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Sign Bond Counsel Engagement Letter – Signed.
- Sign Sanders Searches Contract – Signed.
- Sign Timber Tax Warrants Map 6 Lot 103, Map 6 Lot 8 and Map 10 Lot 43 – Signed.
- Sign Personnel Action Forms (3) – Signed.
- Karen reported that the Bradford Area Community Center will be closed and electricity in the building turned off on the afternoon of December 10, to look at the electric control panel.
Upcoming Meetings:
- December 13, 2021
Motion: Marlene Freylermotioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (c) and
(l) at 7:29 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 9:09 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Decisions made in non-public:
An offer of employment was made for the full-time Police Chief position to commence January 1, 2022 at an agreed upon salary pending the completion of employment paperwork.
A settlement agreement was signed.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.