TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 1, 2008
6:00PM
Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Peter Fenton, Chair called the April 1, 2008 meeting to order with Andrew Pinard, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer present. Charles Meany was absent.
Review and Acceptance of minutes:
Motion was made by Andrew Pinard to accept the March 4, 2008 minutes as written. Peter Fenton, Chair seconded. Motion carried 2-0.
Motion was made by Andrew Pinard to accept the March 18, 2008 minutes with the following edits.
1. Item #2. – Steve Lucier met with the board to discuss the garage conditions. Bill Cote from the Local Government Risk Management Division will visit the garage on March 19th, to evaluate the compliance issues to be addressed and also discussed was gravel sourcing.
2. Item #3 – Mr. Fowler, building inspector, met with the Board to disucss the junkyard conditions on Route 114 and Bradford Center. The Building Inspector should speak to the Fire Chief regarding the proximity of the vehicles to the buildings.
Peter Fenton, Chair seconded the motion. Carried 2-0.
Motion was made by Andrew Pinard to accept the March 25, 2008 minutes as presented.
Peter Fenton, Chair seconded. Carried 2-0.
APPEARANCES:
Bradford Area Community Farmers’ Market, presented by Kate Dobrowski.
Kate Dobrowski, (Market Master) came before the Selectmen with a proposal to open a Farmers’ Market on the Community Center lawn this summer commencing on the first Thursday in June from 3:00pm to 7:00pm and continuing through the summer every Thursday and will include demonstrations and entertainment. It is hoped that there will be volunteerism, and the town budget will not be needed to operate this function. The vendor fee will be $3.00 for a 10 x 10 foot spot, with around 25 spaces anticipated. There will be one scale available certified by the State, and each Vendor will carry their own insurance. Chief Valiquet has been contacted regarding traffic.
Motion was made by Andrew Pinard to approve the Farmers’ Market with the suggestion the abutters be notified. Both Selectmen approved.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Accounts Payable:
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed for signature.
2. A letter from the Planning Board was mentioned regarding Safe Roads – Walking to School Grant.
Phil LaMoreaux, Chair Planning Board will see who is working on this which is due May 10, 2008.
3. Correspondence from Bill Cote re: Town Sheds.
Peter Fenton, Chair advised that the Selectmen had contacted the Local Government, Center to look at the Town Shed and prioritize the concerns, resulting in a response dated April 1, 2008 from Bill Cote. There is also a letter from Bruss Construction addressing Town Garage Concerns. Andrew Pinard advised it does provide some prospective as far as what the State recommends. He reiterated that the board has already agreed to have a meeting on April 19, 2008 at 9:00am at the Town Sheds to evaluate the area and open it up to anyone who is interested in participating in looking at rehabilitating the existing sheds.
Bill Cote, Local Government Center will be requested to be at the April 19, 2008 meeting.
Much conversation ensued.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that after this evenings meeting, the Selectmen can Petition the Superior Court for a Special Town Meeting. In 10 days, the petition will be filed to the court and at that point, they will decide whether we have a right to hold a special town meeting to raise and appropriate additional funds. If not, the Board of Selectmen is looking at the possibility of reclassifying an existing capital reserve, which is the highway building capital reserve. It was explained that for the court to approve a special Town Meeting, it has to be considered an emergency.
In reply to Phil Byfield’s question, Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that Article #37 in Town Meeting which had to do with withdrawing forty thousand ($40,000) from the Capital Reserve to continue exploration into a highway garage. Because of some wording that was amended to that, it may be overturned. If it is not overturned, then at the end of this year, there will be one hundred one thousand ($101,000) in that Capital Reserve Fund. The approximate cost of the special town meeting would be around Five thousand ($5,000) dollars, which would come out of the legal budget.
Paul Charbonneau questioned if at this point, we are only considering the renovation of the existing site, to which Peter Fenton, Chair advised that has not been determined as yet. A Warrant will be published. At this time the Selectmen may want to present more than one option.
Many more questions and comments were asked and given.
The Local Government Center advised the town falls under both the State Fire Code and the State Buildings Code, both of which specify, in great detail, the requirements to construct buildings, install energy systems, septic systems (NH Dept of Environmental Services). Steve Lucier, Road Agent presented undated stamped plans, probably from the 80’s from a Charles Hershberg, professional engineer.
When the existing building was built, it was no where near those standards. Steve reiterated that the building should be done correctly this time. Peter Fenton, Chair advised it will be done right this time whatever is done, with the intention of it being permanent.
Motion was made by Andrew Pinard for the town to apply to the Superior Court for a Special Town Meeting. Peter Fenton, Chair seconded. Motion carried 2-0.
Peter Fenton, Chair opened the floor for further discussion. It was stated again that the scheduled April 19, 2008 meeting at the Town Sheds will be posted for 9:00am. Peter Fenton, Chair advised the Selectmen want to start the procedure in motion, and they will keep everyone posted on what is going on. Cheryl Behr, Administrator stated if a Special Town Meeting is scheduled, the Budget Committee will also have to hold a meeting.
Sprinkler Ordinance:
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief met with the Selectmen, and there will be a Public Hearing regarding the Sprinkler Ordinance on April 15, 2008 at 7:00Pm. Moved, Seconded and approved. This Public Hearing will be posted.
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised the Fire House needs a new roof. The present roof has been there for 25 years. Original thought was for a metal, however because of cost are now are thinking of looking at shingles as well. There is about sixteen thousand ($16,000) in the Fire House repair fund. It will be put out for bids.
Junk Yard Permit:
Junk Yard permit for Larry McDonald was renewed.
An abatement was signed.
Motion for Meeting to Adjourn at 7:30pm by Andrew, Seconded by Peter. Carried 2-0.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley, Secretary
UNAPPROVED