Town of Bradford
Members – Carol Troy (Chair), Doug Southard, Pam Bruss, Justin Dohrn, and Karen Hambleton (Town Administrator) and Claire James (Present at 7:19 pm)
Members Absent – Laurie Colburn
The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm.
To Do:
- Review and consideration of August 3rd, 2020 minutes.
Motion: Pam Bruss motioned to approve the minutes as written.
Second: Doug Southard
Decision: Carol Troy- Aye, Doug Southard- Aye, Pam Bruss- Aye, Karen Hambleton- Aye, Justin Dohrn- Aye.
Fire Department Interview:
- New Fire Chief Jeff LeBlanc was present for the Fire Department interview. He noted that previous interim Fire Chief Chris Olsen submitted the application. Fire Chief Jeff LeBlanc reported that pump testing of engine number two recently failed. Jeff Leblanc has acquired estimates and briefly spoke in regards to the NFPA standards 1911. The pump is no longer operational, and does not pump to capacity. The fire department looked at replacing the pump the estimate is between $18k-60k. Due to the age of the truck, the part is no longer available and the pump may need to be retrofitted. The alternative is to replace the fire truck. Fire Chief Jeff LeBlanc provided an estimate and weighed out options to obtain a new fire truck. Pros and Cons were discussed pertaining to obtaining a new truck or repairing the existing pump.
Carol Troy asked if there are used fire trucks that are available for purchase. Jeff LeBlanc stated that it is possible but typically there maybe something wrong with a used truck. The idea of purchasing a used truck is not advised. Doug Southard asked about the efficiency of engine number two. Jeff LeBlanc explained that it does not pump to the NFPA standards. Pam Bruss asked if the new truck would fit in the current bay available. Chief LeBlanc confirmed that it would fit.
- Jeff LeBlanc discussed funding a mini pumper through federal grants; the mini pumper costs approximately $275k; federal grants usually require a 5 percent match. Costs and comparison shopping were discussed.
- Painting of the station and portable radios were discussed. The portable radios would be for firefighters to maintain safety and accountability of the firefighters. Current radios are out of compliance. Claire James asked that Chief LeBlanc confirm that the cost is a separate estimate from the police department radio request and also if he could look into grants through FEMA. Jeff LeBlanc will look into alternative funding.
- The repaving of the fire departments driveway was discussed. The fire department interview was finished at 7:45pm.
Highway Department Interview:
- Steve Hall, Road Agent, was present for the interview. The first item discussed was various ways to treat and maintain public roads in town. Costs pertaining to sealing options were discussed. Per mile, sand sealing costs approximately $30k, oil seal $20k and crack seal $2-3k. A road management plan was discussed to establish an idea of how often maintenance will need to be done. The deterioration of the Roads in town were discussed. Doug Southard asked what has been done in the past. Steve Hall explained that previous funds for paving went into the roads and bridges account, other funds for paving have been used for culverts and other unexpected maintenance. Pam Bruss asked the proximity of when this expense is targeted for. Steve expressed for 2020. Claire relayed a suggestion from the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission that a certain amount can be allocated and become a regular allocation for paving, so the funds do not go towards other projects such as culverts, etc. The CIP committee discussed the challenges the highway department faces between roads, signs, culverts, equipment and how to appropriately disburse funding and the time frames.
- Repairs and expenses to the vehicles and equipment were discussed. Various ideas of funding and savings were discussed for the years to come.
- The CIP committee asked for a targeted year to repair and maintain guardrails.
Steve expressed the importance of the guardrails and their maintenance and repair, for they are a safety concern. Steve does not have the funding in his operating budget. Karen Hambleton explained the differences between how funds are disbursed. Doug Southard asked if Steve is asking for the money from the CIP committee because the funding is not available in the highway department operating budget. Steve answered yes. Claire suggested creating a detailed list of equipment, and project costs and how it will be helpful for the town to really see what is really needed. It will help understand and create some sense of greater urgency. Carol Troy asked if there are any grants for maintenance and paving of rural roads. Karen Hambleton explained the Highway Block grant money received every year that helps offset the highway department budget. Doug Southard asked if there are federal standards and if we are in a similar situation as the fire department. Doug also asked as a town are, we out of compliance with our signs. Steve confirmed that we are.
- Steve shared that the state of Vermont trades in their trucks every 7 years and we suggested could possibly get one of the used trucks at the Vermont State Auction and proposed asking for $50k to get a newer truck.
- Steve also brought to attention the sand pit on Jones Road will most likely be depleted in a 2-3-year time frame. Once depleted sand will be an increased expense from the highway department operating budget. The Highway Department interview ended at 8:45pm.
Other Business:
- Pam is going to work on the spread sheet for the next meeting, grouping Highway Department expenses and embedding them into the spread sheet.
- The CIP Committee discussed upcoming dates to hold their meetings. The CIP Committee confirmed that the September meetings will be held on September 16th and the 29th, 2020 at 7:00pm.
CIP Committee Communications:
The next CIP Committee meeting will be held on September 16th, 2020 at 7:00 pm.
Motion: Justin Dohrn motioned to adjourn at 9:02 pm.
Second: Claire James
Decision: Carol Troy- Aye, Doug Southard- Justin Dohrn- Aye, Pam Bruss- Aye, Claire James-Aye, Karen Hambleton- Aye.
Adjourned at 9:02 pm
Draft Minutes submitted by Katie Olohan, Planning Board Secretary