Members: Scott McCaskill (Chair), Jim Bibbo, Stan Ovrevik, Barbara Bridgewater, Matt Monahan (Central New Hampshire Regional Planning).
Meeting was conducted via teleconference in accordance with Governor’s COVID-19 guidance in EO 2002-04.
The meeting was called to order at 6:34PM.
- Scott McCaskill read the following emergency declaration into the meeting minutes:
As Chair of the Bradford Economic Development Committee, I find that due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this public body is authorized to meet electronically. Please note that there is no physical location to observe and listen contemporaneously to this meeting, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Order. However, in accordance with the Emergency Order, I am confirming that we are:
a) Providing public access to the meeting by telephone, with additional access possibilities by video or other electronic means:
We are utilizing a telephonic conference call for this electronic meeting. All members of the [Board, Council, or Commission] have the ability to communicate contemporaneously during this meeting through this platform, and the public has access to contemporaneously listen and, if necessary, participate in this meeting through dialing the following phone # 1-866-866-2244 and password 48 856 466, or by clicking on the following website address: https://www.bradfordnh.org/.
b) Providing public notice of the necessary information for accessing the meeting:
We previously gave notice to the public of the necessary information for accessing the meeting, including how to access the meeting using Zoom or telephonically. Instructions have also been provided on the website of the Town of Bradford at https://www.bradfordnh.org/
c) Providing a mechanism for the public to alert the public body during the meeting if there are problems with access:
If anybody has a problem, please call 603-938-5900 or email at: administrator@bradfordnh.org.
d) Adjourning the meeting if the public is unable to access the meeting:
In the event the public is unable to access the meeting, the meeting will be adjourned and rescheduled.
Please note that all votes that are taken during this meeting shall be done by roll call vote.
Let’s start the meeting by taking a roll call attendance. When each member states their presence, please also state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required under the Right-to-Know law.
Discussion About Economic Development:
- Economic Development can impact the tax rate, jobs, quality of life, and community character – MM
- Need to look at ways to keep people in town – SM/SO
- We do have some things for kids/families and we also need to look at how to bring in something that can generate revenue; in the 60s, there were about 600 people year round and 1,000 in the summer. Now more people stay. Gas, convenience store, hardware, hotel, some restaurants, car dealership, ice cream shop (in hardware) some left though a lot seem to be coming back. – JB
- People may want to move to rural areas due to covid; could be an opportunity – MM
- Realtors are selling homes in Bradford now – JB
- Need things here – SO
- There were some attempts to start a farmer’s market or 2 about 20 years ago.
- In Sarnac Lake, NY a community market replaced an Ames Department Store recently – SM.
- Some buildings that can be reused for new uses – SM
- The next Economic Development Committee meeting will be held on July 9, 2020.
Meeting ended as Barbara had to leave at 7:05 PM
Draft minutes submitted by Matt Monahan, CNHRPC