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Town of Bradford
State of New Hampshire
Town Warrant of Town Meeting March 10, 2015
The Polls will open at 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on March 10, 2015.
To the inhabitants of the Town of Bradford in the County of Merrimack in said State qualified to vote in town affairs;
You are hereby notified to meet at the Kearsarge Regional Elementary School on the Old Warner Road in said Bradford, N.H. on Tuesday the tenth day of March next, at eight o’clock in the morning to act on the following articles:
Article One. To choose all necessary town officials for the ensuing year:
Selectman (3 years) – one opening
Sonny Harris: 199 Elected
Marlene Freyler: 114
Town Clerk/Tax Collector (3 years) – one opening
Erica Gross: 257 Elected
Beth Downs: 56
Town Treasurer (3 years) – one opening
Marilyn Gordon: 269 Elected
Supervisor of the Checklist (1 year) – one opening
Sandy Paul: 283 Elected
Trustee of the Trust Fund (3 years) – one opening
Tim Rodd: 285 Elected
Trustee of the Brown Memorial Library (3 years) – two openings
Sandy Wadlington: 272 Elected
Mary Chris Duncan: 268 Elected
Scholarship Committee (3 years) – one opening
Beth Rodd: 269 Elected
Budget Committee (3 years) – two openings
Kathy Rogers: 185 Elected
Beth Downs: 156
Christopher W. Mock: 170 Elected
Budget Committee (2 years) – one opening
G. Richard Keller: 254 Elected
Planning Board (3 years) – two openings
Jim Bibbo: 243 Elected
Garrett Bauer (write-in): 52 Elected
Zoning Board (3 years) – one opening
Denise T. Renk: 255 Elected
Cemetery Commission (3 years) – two openings
Diane M. Whalley: 270 Elected
Jane M. Lucas: 276 Elected
Kearsarge Regional School District (Bradford Results Only)
Official Ballot – Kearsarge Annual School District Election, March 10, 2015
Question 1: To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate the Municipal Budget Committee’s recommended amount of $39,927,378 for the support of schools, for the payment of salaries for the school district officials and agents, and for the payment for the statutory obligations of the District. The School Board recommends $39,927,378. This article does not include appropriations voted in other warrant articles. This warrant article asks the voters to raise and appropriate for the support of schools, the salaries of School District Officials and Agents, and for the statutory obligations of said District, and to authorize the application against said appropriation of such sums as are estimated to be received from the State sources, together with other income, the School Board to certify to the Selectmen of each of the Towns of Bradford, New London, Newbury, Springfield, Sutton, Warner, and Wilmot, the amount to be raised by taxation by said towns. (School Board Recommends 8-0) (Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 7-1)
Vote {X} for only one: A or B
A. $39,927,378 for the proposed Operating Budget recommended by the School Board:
Votes 189
B. $39,927,378 for the proposed Operating Budget recommended by the Municipal Budget Committee:
Votes 81
Question 2: To see if the School District will vote to approve the cost item included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement reached between the Kearsarge Regional School Board and the Para Educators Association of Kearsarge which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits:
| Year | Estimated Increase |
| 2015-16 | $143,300 |
| 2016-17 | $147,739 |
And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $143,300 for the 2015-16 fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels. (School Board Recommends 8-0) (Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 8-0) YES: 188 NO: 116
Question 3 To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to twenty-five thousand ($25,000) to be placed in the Special Education Expendable Trust Fund, established in 2008 within the provisions of RSA 198:20-c for the purpose of emergency funding of unforeseen Special Education costs incurred by the District, with such amount to be funded from surplus funds remaining on hand as of June 30, 2015. (School Board Recommends 8-0) (Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 8-0) YES: 208; NO: 98
Question 4 To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to one hundred thousand ($100,000) to be placed in the School Buildings Maintenance Fund for the purpose of repair, unanticipated utility costs, and maintaining the school buildings and equipment, with such amount to be funded from surplus funds remaining on hand as of June 30, 2015. (School Board Recommends 8-0) (Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 8-0) YES: 198; NO: 109
For Moderator for 1 Year: (Vote for One)
Brackett L. Scheffy: 291
(WRITE IN) Chuck Goodale: 1
Election officials present at the March 10th, 2015, Town Election were Brackett Scheffy, Moderator, Fred Hubley, Assistant Moderator, Harold Wright, John Pfeifle, Selectmen, Erica Gross, Town Clerk, Melissa Cloutier, Deputy Town Clerk, Judith Marshall, Jacqueline Pehrson, Sandy Paul Supervisors of the Checklist, Robert Toppi, Marge Cilley, George Cilley, Jane Johnsen, Caroline Verity, Harriet Douglas, Denise Renk, Marilyn Gordon, Geoffrey Hirsch, Steve Pierce, Thomas Marshall and Mary Keegan Dayton, Ballot Clerks, Eileen Kelly, Mary Keegan Dayton, Beth Rodd, Robert Toppi, Marilyn Gordon, Carey Rodd, Karen Hambleton, Geoffrey Hirsch, Paul Gross, Tandy Hartford, Thomas Marshall, Julie Leonard, Jane Johnsen, Harold Wright, Steve Pierce, Counters.
Article Two. To adjourn the meeting until Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Kearsarge Elementary School Bradford on 163 Old Warner Road, Bradford. Raising the money and remaining articles in the Warrant will be taken up at the adjourned meeting.
The count ended at 8:45pm. The Results were announced and emailed. The meeting reconvened on March 21, 2015 at Kearsarge Regional Elementary School on Old Warner Road. A total of 223 voters attended.
Please note: Due to the numerous amount of speakers, these notes have been abridged. A detailed audio account of Town Meeting is available online at the following http://www.bradfordnh.org/mp3/150321-000.
Brackett Scheffy opened the meeting at 10:04am with the Pledge of Allegiance done by Bob Selig. Brackett welcomed everyone to the 229th town meeting for the Town of Bradford. Brackett mentioned that this is the second time that we have met on a Saturday for Town Meeting and to get a general feeling for this he asked for a show of hands for a Saturday morning preference and then for a Wednesday night preference. The show of hands turned out fairly even. He then proceeded to thank all the people involved with the running of the Election including Barry Wheeler and the Road Crew for their part in setting up and cleaning up. Brackett read the results of the Town and School Elections.
Dick Keller introduced the Budget Committee and asked all present to address the yellow hand out that showed the operating budget and the warrant budget.
Brackett explained the rules for procedure are based on Roberts Rules of Order. For many years they have been considered fair and acceptable by most people. On the occasion where they don’t work, I will take the liberty to modify them a bit and make judgement.
Brackett explained that bond issues are always handled first and due to the fact that Article three is a bond issue it must be voted on with paper ballots and voting will be left open for 1 hour after the polls are open. The other difference with bond issues is that if someone moves for reconsideration of that bond article and the motion passes, then we have to adjourn the meeting for at least 7 days before we can take it up again.
Article Three. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Nine Hundred Fifty Five Thousand Dollars ($955,000.00) (gross budget) to renovate the Bradford Town Hall at map 16 lot 92 including a full workable foundation and to authorize the issuance of not more than Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($850,000.00) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33). Further to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes, to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. The balance of One Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($105,000.00) will be raised from donations and grants (currently awarded $105,000 from LCHIP), with work proceeding as commitments are made. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (2/3 ballot vote required) (passage of this article will not impact the tax rate until 2016)
John Pfeifle presented the Town Hall Restoration power point project showing the new schematic plans and some of the history of the building. John pointed out that offices do not get people excited but wanted to stress that the current offices are not safe not only for the workers but for the records that are kept there. The facility would be used not only by the Town Administrator, her assistant, the Town Clerk, her assistant but also by the Treasurer, the Selectmen and the committees. The current building has no room for meetings and scheduling a room is difficult whereas the new building will have space for all.
Harry Wright talked about the heavy expense that had added on to the project in prior years by having a construction manager, this year they have retained Kelly Gale, KLG Architecture of Sutton to head up the Architecture design and also be the Clerk of the Works to supervise all aspects of the project. This change of focus also puts the project responsibility back to the Town Hall Restoration Committee and then to Selectmen for final approval.
In 2014 the town approved the $95,000.00 (Ninety Five Thousand dollars) for roof repair. With that money a section of the roof was repaired, detailed Architectural plans designed, removal of the police station, asbestos removal and a State approved Septic design bringing the costs for restoration down to the $850,000.00 (Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars).
John Pfeifle stated that they believe it is a better plan by not only making it a functional building but also by reducing the costs. By going with a full basement, it reduces the heating cost, makes the building more stable and is better for moisture. The lift will also go all the way to the basement for easier access. The first floor will be 100% done. It will be safer for the Town workers and the committees that meet there. The second floor will be functional but not finished, with the lift, the sprinkler system and the back stairs in place. There will be seating for about 240 people so we could have Town Meeting there next year.
Both Harry Wright and John Pfeifle talked about the pledges for donations that are contingent upon this warrant passing which accumulates to $20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand dollars), The donations already made total $5,516.00 (Five Thousand Five Hundred and Sixteen dollars) combined with the LCHIP grant of $105,000.00 (One Hundred and Five Thousand dollars)
Marge Cilley added that the Rural Heritage Committee has collected close to $18,000.00 (Eighteen Thousand dollars).
John Pfeifle closed his presentation by stating that restoring the building will not be for just the Town Workers but for the people. It will provide a safe atmosphere for our town operations, a place for people to meet and will only affect the tax payers by $140.00 (One Hundred Forty dollars) which comes out to $3.00 (Three dollars) a month.
Brackett opened the article for questions.
Dawn Rich introduced herself as a Bradford Area Community Center Board Member and a member of the Parks and Recs Committee. Dawn stated that the Selectmen have said, in front of all of these people, that the Bradford Area Community Center is not a safe place. There is the Senior Center and the Preschool in that building still. For the past 15 years she has been involved with the BACC along with many other past and present volunteers. She is not against the town hall but she does not like to see 15 years of work be told that it is not a safe place anymore.
Harold Wright stated that they appreciate her sentiment but they are not speaking to the lack of safety in the entire Community Center although it does a fine job for the folks and am proud to have this as part of the town. This issue is space and egress from the Town Clerk and Administrator’s offices. There is no duel egress for these offices and the customer service area is an embarrassment with no privacy for private issues. As far as the upper floors with the preschool and seniors services, all codes have been met for the upper floors.
Chuck Goodale stated that he is not against the town hall by any means; in fact he and his wife got married there almost 50 years ago. As he sees it the idea is to tax the citizens of Bradford with $995,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand dollars) with a pledge that it will not impact taxes until 2016. One of my concerns with this article is that once again we are faced with nearly a million dollars to renovate not restore the Town Hall. This renovation is to provide office space for the town officers. The claim to be able to house large numbers in the building seems rather farfetched with a drastically limited amount of parking available and unless other parking is provided and at what cost, where will these large numbers that are attending park. From my point of view the original plans fell through because of the excessive cost so my question is how is this article different from the rest. The cost is very similar but again is not for a restoration but for a renovation. As seen throughout all the other articles that need to be voted on today it seems the needs of the citizens of Bradford are taking a back seat to the need of building offices for the town officers. I would question the need and the cost of these offices with regard to the tax base of this community. Do we really have to continue this constant attempt to wear the voters down until this costly renovation is passed?
John Pfiefle stated that he appreciated Mr. Goodale’s comments and the effort he put forth to analyze the opportunity. John pointed out that the upstairs is not usable anymore. We cannot go up there because there are too many of us to gather there without sprinklers. #1 the new plan includes sprinklers. We are also going to insulate upstairs so that it doesn’t cost as much to keep it going. We are going to provide egress, handicap access and provide a lift. We are going to do a lot upstairs so that it will be functional and operational. #2 It is important to understand that the offices that we have now are not safe; the ones being designed are safe. #3 We have gone from two years ago from $1,800,000.00 (One Million Eight Hundred dollars), Last year, we were at $1,500,000.00 (One Million Five Hundred dollars) and now we are at $800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand dollars). I think that’s a bit less money. We are $900,000.00 (Nine Hundred Thousand dollars) less then where we were before. I think $900,000.00 (Nine Hundred Thousand dollars less, is a big deal.
Marlene Freyler asked the Town Hall Committee if a project agreement has gone through the LCHIP yet.
Eileen Kelly answered – No
Marlene Freyler asked – So before any money can be disbursed you have to have a project agreement. LCHIP has to look at the Project Agreement and agree to what you are doing. There is also a Stewardship Agreement.
Eileen Kelly answered that she was correct on the Project Agreement and the Stewardship Agreement. None of this happened yet because they are waiting to see if we have the community support. We do not receive that money until there is community support behind their award.
Eileen then explained the meaning of LCHIP – Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. It is a highly competitive State program that has awarded $105,000.00 (One Hundred and Five Thousand dollars) to Bradford, which is more than 10% of the project total. There is a lot of work that goes into the application along with a lot of follow up work, so it is an honor for Bradford to receive this.
William Kranz asked how long will we be paying the increased tax rate.
John Pfeifle answered that they have been looking at about five different options and they run from 20 years to 30 years with many different ways of handling it. As of right now the Selectmen have not zeroed in on it, they were waiting to see if it passed but have started negotiations with a local bank where we have had bonds and so forth.
Bliss Dayton suggested that this project has no impact on our tax rate compared to what we are paying right now. The reason he says this, is because last year we approved an article that raised $95,000.00 (Ninety Five Thousand dollars) to repair the roof and other things to the town hall. If this article passes and we were to finance it for a period of ten years or more, even with interest, the amount we finance will be less than the $95,000.00 (Ninety Five Thousand dollars) that we raised last year. So on that sense we can pass this article and naturally have our tax rate drop compared to what we are paying with respect to just this project. He also feels that interest rates remain at historic lows this year and that they are not going to stay this low forever. This is a great time to do it.
Verne Clow had a concern with the overseeing of the construction efforts. He has been in construction development for over 35 years, his concern is having the Selectmen oversee the project as construction managers. He believes that we will run into problems when it comes to sub-contractors and fingers will be pointed at the Architect and the Selectmen. So don’t throw the possibility of using a construction manager out the window unless you are sure the Architect and the Selectmen are very familiar with construction and all the points that need to be covered.
Harry Wright responded by saying that there are a lot of talented and experienced people here and would like to ask for as many volunteers as possible to work with the committee and the Selectmen so that any problems can be minimized going forward.
Rob Steiz asked if these are the final plans.
Eileen Kelly explained that the plans shown are only schematic designs. The final plans will come once the article is passed.
Bracket closed discussion on the article. The ballot boxes were opened for voting at 11:12 and stayed opened for one hour. There were 223 registered voters and 223 ballots cast. A 2/3 vote of 148.5 was needed to pass the article. Yes Votes 144 No Votes 79
Article Did Not Carry
Article Four. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Million Nine Hundred Seventy Thousand Five Hundred Ten Dollars ($1,978,510.00) for general municipal operations. This article DOES NOT include amounts appropriated by other warrant articles. (Majority vote required). Selectmen recommend $1,983,562.00. Budget Committee recommends $1,978.510.00.
Please Note That Before This Article Was Taken Up It Was Corrected To Read That The Selectmen Recommend The Same Budget As The Budget Committee $1,978,510.00.
| 1. Executive | $182,000.00 | $182,000.00 | Carried |
| 2. Elections and Vital Records | 4,000.00 | 4,000.00 | Carried |
| 3. Financial Administration | 94,275.00 | 94,275.00 | Carried |
| 4. Revaluations | 18,152.00 | 18,152.00 | Carried |
| 5. Legal | 20,000.00 | 20,000.00 | Carried |
| 6. Planning | 10,299.00 | 10,299.00 | Carried |
| 7. General Government | 56,842.00 | 56,842.00 | Carried |
| 8. Cemetery | 26,125.00 | 26,125.00 | Carried |
| 9. Insurances | 79,003.00 | 79,003.00 | Carried |
| 10. Other General Gov | 8,800.00 | 8,800.00 | Carried |
| 11. Police Department | 475,052.00 | 470,000.00 | Carried |
| 12. Fire Department | 60,450.00 | 60,450.00 | Carried |
| 13. Rescue Services | 90,177.00 | 90,177.00 | Carried |
| 14. Building Code Dept | 14,790.00 | 14,790.00 | Carried |
| 15. Emergency Management | 2,750.00 | 2,750.00 | Carried |
| 16. Highway Department | 505,000.00 | 505,000.00 | Carried |
| 17. Bridge Account | 100.00 | 100.00 | Carried |
| 18. Street Lighting | 4,944.00 | 4,944.00 | Carried |
| 19. Solid Waste Collection | 76,958.00 | 76,958.00 | Carried |
| 20. Solid Waste Disposal | 35,100.00 | 35,100.00 | Carried |
| 21. Inoculations | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 | Carried |
| 22. Welfare Administration | 6,502.00 | 6,502.00 | Carried |
| 23. Welfare Payments | 34,688.00 | 34,688.00 | Carried |
| 24. Parks and Recreation | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | Carried |
| 25. Library | 67,400.00 | 67,400.00 | Carried |
| 26. Patriotic Purposes | 14,000.00 | 14,000.00 | Carried |
| 27. Community Center | 23,107.00 | 23,107.00 | Carried |
| 28. Other Conservation | 832.00 | 832.00 | Carried |
| 29. Long Term Notes | 65,716.00 | 65,716.00 | Carried |
| 30. Interest on Tan Notes | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | Carried |
| Total | $1,983,562.00 | $1,978,510.00 | |
Article Five. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Six Dollars ($30,646.00) for the purpose of a statistical revaluation of the Town and to withdraw Thirty Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Six Dollars ($30,646.00) from the existing Revaluation Capital Reserve account. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Beth Rodd asked for a definition
John Pfeifle stated that every five years the State mandates that the town in its entirety has to be reevaluated.
Chris Frey explained that the State every five years tries to bring into line, based upon sales of properties in town as to what the value of the properties is. He goes out and basically records what is there and then the State takes his card, goes out to the property and tries to determine what it is worth based on the sales for the Town of Bradford in the last five years. Then they come up with a new valuation for that property.
Article Carried
Article Six. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) to begin on the Master Plan update. This will be non lapsing per RSA 32:7, VI and will continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Seven. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($5,400.00) to work with the State of NH and treat the milfoil in Lake Massasecum. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI to continue until the money is used or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Jim Pickman asked if the milfoil expense was under another one of the budgeted expenses.
John Pfeifle answered that yes it is but last year the Lake Massasecum Association approached the town with a big project for dealing with the milfoil. It was agreed to split the cost between the two years. This is the second half of the commitment from last year.
Article Carried
Article Eight. To see if the Town will vote to correct the wording on the 2013 warrant to lease a police cruiser and authorize the Selectmen to continue the current lease and to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Dollars ($8,770.00) for the third year payment. This lease has a fiscal funding (escape clause). Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Nine. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to purchase a tanker truck for the Fire Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Hundred Forty Three Thousand Four Hundred and Twelve Dollars ($243,412.00) gross budget. Funding for this purchase will be withdrawn from the Fire Department Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve in the amount of Two Hundred Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Forty Dollars ($211,340.00) with the remaining to be raised by taxation. The remaining Thirty Two Thousand Seventy Two Dollars ($32,072.00) to be raised by taxation. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Nine was tabled to follow Article Thirteen after a request was handed in for a ballot vote and the ballot boxes were still in use for Article 3.
Tom Wadlington had three questions 1. Does this exhaust the capital reserve? 2. Do you have eminent need for more heavy equipment? 3. Will this procurement be the best return for our investment?
Mark Goldberg answered – first of all we will be replacing a 30 year old truck. As you know nothing lasts forever especially if it is used in high stress situations. NFPA says the truck should have been replaced 10 years ago. It was up for replacement back in 2010, certain things have been replaced but at a certain point things start to become dangerous. We have a fine group of volunteers who drop everything to come do a dangerous job and come do it right. In order for this to work we have to have trained manpower, trucks that pump the water and tankers that supply it because unfortunately we are not a hydrant town. All of our water for the initial attack comes on the pumper which is very little and the tanker behind it. So if we don’t have good tankers, things are going to burn down if we don’t have good water to fight it.
After the ballot count for Article 3 was concluded and the results read, the ballot boxes were returned and the voting for Article 9 was opened. Yes Votes 125 No Votes 28
Article Carried
Article Ten. To see if the town will vote to discontinue the Ambulance Capital Reserve created in 1993. Said funds, with accumulated interest to date of withdrawal, are to be transferred to the Town’s general fund. (majority vote required)
Sue Mckevitt wanted to know the amount of funds to be transferred.
John Pfeifle stated that these funds are from the ambulance rescue squad as we knew it and is about Seventy Thousand dollars ($70,000.00).
George Cilley felt that this article is a wrong thing. To take money and put it in to the general fund where it can be spent for anything is wrong; it should stay there till next year where we can have a warrant article on it for a specific purpose. He also added that this is not a Budget Committee Statement but a personal one.
Joan Perry asked that if this was about Seventy Thousand dollars ($70,000.00) and although we have tabled Article Nine but that article wants Thirty Two Thousand dollars ($32,000.00) by taxation, why it wasn’t considered to move some of that money into Article Nine instead of raising it by taxation.
John Pfeifle stated that if this money was put back into the general fund it can be used to reduce the taxes as we set the rate with the State next year.
Geoffrey Hirsch wanted to know if in having cooperation with Henniker Rescue if that requires any capital reserve contributions.
John Pfeifle said that the money that we give to them on a per diem or per month basis goes into their capital reserve fund and used for daily operations of their services.
Mark Goldberg stated that the Seventy Thousand dollars ($70,000.00) was a capital reserve fund established to replace the ambulance and since we are not going to need an ambulance it does not make sense to keep it in there. The second fund, Article 11 was established three years ago by the townspeople to be used per diem to help with staffing but since we have gone into the arrangement with Henniker that is no longer necessary.
Andrew Pinard had a questions as to whether there was, for Fire and Rescue, another fund established for revenue from insurance for the rescue squad and is that under discussion as part of these warrants as well or is that just being maintained.
Mark Goldberg stated that that was a third fund called the billing fund. That billing fund like the capital reserve fund was specifically worded to be used for rescue services. A portion of it came out this year and went to Henniker; a portion went towards replacing the ambulance with a smaller vehicle to be used as a response vehicle.
Andrew Pinard also asked if any additional revenue will be going into that fund.
Mark Goldberg answered no.
Brackett then called for a vote. The oral vote was so close that a hand vote was called for. It was very evident that the No’s had it.
Article Did Not Carry
Article Eleven. To see if the Town will vote to return the non lapsing funds raised by the town at the March 2012 meeting for per diem rescue services to the general fund. Said funds, with accumulated interest to date of withdrawal, are to be transferred to the Town’s general fund. (majority vote required).
Sue Mckevitt asked how much we were talking about.
John Pfeifle said $106,000.
This Article did not carry but was reconsidered.
Article Carried
Article Twelve. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,200,000.00 for the purpose of completing the replacement bridge on Breezy Hill Road (#161/145 – Wheeler Bridge at the Rte 103 end) with said funding to come from the NH Bridge Aid program which represents 80% of the total project. The town’s 20% share has been raised in prior years, special non-lapsing warrant articles and no new town money will be used to offset this appropriation. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Thirteen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) to shim and work on asphalt roads in Bradford. This is a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7,VI and continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Fourteen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to continue the repair of the Pond Bridge (Breezy Hill Road). This would be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2020 Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Fifteen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) for Bridge design and replacement. This will be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI to continue until the money is used or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Sixteen. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a lease purchase arrangement to acquire an International Six Wheel Dump Truck and plow for the Highway Department. (This agreement contains a fiscal funding non-appropriation clause). This is a five year lease with the total cost of the truck and plow One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000.00). The first payment of Thirty Two Thousand Dollars ($32,000.00) will be due in July of 2015. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Note: This is not an International Dump it is a Freightliner Dump.
Article Carried
Article Seventeen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) to purchase a road sander and to withdraw Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve for this purpose with the remaining Four Thousand dollars ($4,000.00) as trade in. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Eighteen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) to purchase a sand screen and to withdraw Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) from the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve for this purpose. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Nineteen. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) toward the 2016 reconstruction of Old Warner Road from Rte 114 to Ring Hill Rd. This will be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Note: Please listen to the audio recording regarding Article 19. Many amendments were made after this Article was defeated. After much discussion and reconsiderations Article 19 finally passed as stated above.
Article Carried
Article Twenty. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to study the cost of reopening Forest Street to Class V year round from Class V seasonal. This will be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI to continue until the money is used or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Garry Kalajian wanted clarification on the procedure. If the article is passed what would be the consideration in the Town upgrading the road, would it come before Town Meeting?
Brackett answered yes
John Pfeifle stated that Barry has estimated that the cost next year would be about Eighty Thousand dollars ($80,000.00) next year to improve Forest Street and turn it into a year round road. This would enable people to build on that end, also with having Henniker Ambulance Service in effect that would open up a whole section of Bradford and create a better response time.
Ann Eldridge asked if it was known what it would cost annually to maintain this road once it was upgraded.
John Pfeifle said it would be minimal.
The oral vote was hard to hear so the vote was done by a show of hands.
Yes Votes 75 No Votes 36 Article Carried
Article Twenty One. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to study obtaining ownership of a portion of the State owned Tall Pines property (map 2 lot 106) for future expansion of the Fire Station. This will be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI to continue until the money is used or December 31, 2020. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Geoffrey Hirsch had his eyes opened from the State Legislature regarding this property and its State protection. The processes involved with moving any portion of the land includes an immense amount of hoops and hurdles. He wanted to know if the Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) was enough.
John Pfeifle thought that the Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) would most likely go towards the legal fees. There is an area there that would enhance our fire department. There is a possibility that the State might be turning back to the Towns small parcels like the Tall Pines. If we get the whole thing, a small portion of it will go to the Fire Department and the rest will stay as they park. That is why we have the money there. He believes it is something we should leave open so if the State does continue this process we will have the money.
Article Carried
Article Twenty Two. To see if the Town will vote to establish a Highway Expendable Trust Fund per RSA 31:19-a, for the purpose of purchasing equipment and to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) to put in the fund; further to name selectmen as agents to expend from the fund. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Three. To see if the town will vote to increase the cap on the Transfer Station Special Revenue Fund from $15,000 to $25,000 and continue to allocate 30% of the annual Transfer Station revenue to this Special Revenue Fund. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Four. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to oversee the activities at the Boat Launch including certain safety regulations and milfoil inspection. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Five. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($2,750.00) to support the Bradford Newbury Sutton Youth Sports. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Six. To see if the Town will vote to establish a contingency fund as defined in RSA 31:98-a for the current year for unanticipated expenses that may arise and further to raise and appropriate Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) to put in the fund. This sum to come from taxation. Any appropriation left in the fund at the end of the year will lapse to the general fund. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Seven. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) to fund the following Capital Reserve Funds:
2015 request__
Fire Department Heavy Equipment 35,000.00
Fire Department Building Repairs 5,000.00
Town Buildings Emergency Repair 5,000.00
Town Facilities 5,000.00
Main Street Improvements/Sidewalks 10,000.00
Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (majority vote required).
Article Carried
Article Twenty Eight. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to fund the Gravestone Repair Expendable Trust. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee does not recommend. ( majority vote required)
Article Carried
Article Twenty Nine. To see if the Town will vote accept the reports of the Town Offices. To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
Article Carried
Bradford Board of Selectmen
John Pfeifle, Chairman
Delbert Harris III, Selectman
Harold Wright, Selectman
A true copy attests:
Official town warrant and minutes for the Election of March 10th and Meeting March 21st, 2015
Erica Gross
Town Clerk/Tax Collector
http://www.bradfordnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-Bradford-Town-Report.pdf