TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MAY 20, 2013
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair opened the meeting with Sonny Harris, John Pfeifle, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Mike Poirier regarding FEMA:
Mike Poirier advised he has been working with Homeland Security for about 29 years as well as Public Assistance Program which is a Federal program affiliated with FEMA.
This typically handles disasters. He indicated he does not know what the questions are tonight, but will discuss the process of handling a disaster. A Public Assistance Policy Digest (FEMA) book was given the three Selectmen by Mr. Poirier. A blizzard that occurred in February was brought up, and Mr. Poirier stated that there has to exceed or be a record snow event. Each town has to meet a monetary threshold per capita. The minimum fee required is $1,000.00 to be able to apply to FEMA. Reimbursement for expenses at 75% over a 48 hour period of time would include expenses of equipment and materials used and only overtime for full time employees or that of any part time.
Cheryl Behr stated that they do have invoices for material as well as time cards, but there is no accounting of actual materials used during that particular storm, but could be estimated. Mr. Poirier stated that cubic yards of material could be estimated, and if you are fairly close, FEMA is not going to be that picky on that.
Barry Wheeler stated that it came down to several questions asked:
1. How many times did you plow municipalities which he advised he does not remember.
2. How much salt did they use, and Barry Wheeler, Road Agent stated he does not know as a record was not kept for that storm particularly.
3. How many times did Center Road get plowed, which again was not recorded and he does not know.
Barry Wheeler, Road Agent stated that if they would take estimates, and state that on record, then he could estimate. However, he did not want someone to come back in six months and want the actual records so stating, because he does not have them. Barry stated emphatically that if they want records of that storm, he cannot produce it as they were never done.
Much discussion ensued.
Sonny Harris questioned if FEMA money is available to be used on un-maintained roads. Mr. Poirier stated that not on class VI unless it is for an emergency repair, such as a culvert wash out, but not for permanent work. Mr. Poirier also advised good records should be kept so if they do get a declaration, then the records would be available.
Barry Wheeler, Road Agent stated that he is not against receiving free money, but he does not want to lie to get it. Barry reiterated that if he writes up an estimate of what happened for that storm today, then they are ok with that. Mr. Poirier advised they would have to write down that this is our best estimate of that storm today. Harry Wright, Chair advised he would have no problem with the Selectmen attesting to the accuracy and honesty of this estimate. Barry Wheeler reiterated that the biggest problem with this is that six months or a year down the road they would come and want to see the records regarding this particular storm, and I do not have them. It was stated that he would have the estimate that was done as of now for that storm. Mr. Poirier advised there is a 60 day time frame to complete all the paperwork for a declared disaster.
Perry Teele stated this is a perfect example with no justification to try to take FEMA emergency money for a snow storm that had no more difficulty for one out of ten that we get year after year. You should be ashamed. I would be ashamed to take that money. That is not what it is for. FEMA should not even be offered for a snow storm like that. That is part of what is wrong with this country today.
Mike Durfor, Executive Director of NRRA:
Mike Durfor stated part of the reason he is here tonight for Northeast Resources is to try to help out all the members regarding recycling or solid waste etc. Mr. Durfor indicated the ultimate goal is to stop putting stuff in the ground. Mr. Durfor explained several options that will be available as well as what other town/cities are doing or looking into. There are only two burn facilities in New Hampshire, those being in Claremont and Penacook.
A spreadsheet was handed out with estimates regarding different options for consideration. A conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester on June 3 & 4 which Lois Kilnapp will be attending. Mr. Durfor stated it may behoove the town to wait to see what the numbers will be when Concord makes their decision. Mr. Durfor also stated that Bradford is fortunate to have a facility right in town, and they do need to get numbers from him. Advice is to do your homework, really figure out what is best for Bradford.
Mike and Claire James:
Mr. & Mrs. James came before the Selectmen regarding the possibility of making a proposal on the Sanborn property now owned by the town. They indicated they would like to clean up the lot, put in a parking lot and landscape and possibly putting in a small business, such as ice cream stand, farm stand. They also discussed merging the small piece (fire pond) that used to be part of the Marshall property to the Sanborn property.
Mr. & Mrs. James Robbins, abutters also stated they are interested in purchasing this lot and stated they do have a Right of Way to their back yard. The Selectmen do have to make some decisions regarding the property and it was stated that Cheryl Behr will get back to both parties interested in purchasing the property one way or the other.
Jim Bibbo stated he does need a map of all the town properties for the Economic Development upcoming meetings and will be provided same.
Marlene Freyler – flags:
Marlene stated that she has already spoken to Perry Teele and he will get them out for the 4th celebration.
Marcia Keller stated the flag at Bicentennial Park is a disgrace in its current condition. After some discussion regarding whose job it is under, Perry Teele volunteered to take it down, and was thanked.
Perry Teele – Tax Map Correction:
A piece of property that abuts Chris Mock’s property, which he has just purchased, has been incorrect on the Tax Map.
Jim Bibbo advised he has been to an Office of Energy work shop and found many towns have problems with their town halls. He also stated that there are many grants that can be applied for even though the town meeting vote was not sufficient to renovate the building. Many of these grants are not matching per Jim Bibbo.
John Pfeifle stated there is going to be a joint Main Street Revitalization and Economic Development meeting on Wednesday. Discussion regarding the peeling of the paint on the walls upstairs in the town hall with a $10,000.00 estimate to clean it up per Tom Dunn. Suggestion was that it would be nice to make some use available of the town hall as soon as possible.
Marcia Keller questioned if there is an e-mail address for all people who are interested in these committees to notify them of upcoming meetings? There will be a Town Hall restoration meeting on Thursday.
Welfare Budget error found by Cheryl Frey:
Cheryl Behr stated that Cheryl Frey had found an error in the Welfare Budget which has been corrected and they now have a balance of $7500.00 which reflects they have 39% balance as of this date.
Deed notices:
Erica Gross had notified the Selectmen of the deed notices going out soon.
Front and back door repairs of the community Center.
The new doors at the community center are being measured and installed. The front door will not be handicap accessible as there are steps to climb to get in.
A cover letter from Bernie Waugh, Town Attorney was received and reviewed by the Selectmen, and Cheryl Behr advised she had forwarded an e-mail to them with additional information.
Amendment #1 for sidewalk project engineering for signature
The Selectmen reviewed and signed Amendment #3 for the sidewalk project engineering. This was approved by NHDOT. This came in at $13,600 under contract.
Expense reports through May 18, 2013:
The expense report was received and perused by the Selectmen which includes the adjustment on the Welfare Budget.
Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
Comment was that the paving for Fairgrounds Road and Pleasant View Roads came in under estimate.
John Pfeifle advised he wanted to publically comment on the great job Barry Wheeler, Road Agent and the road crew and anyone who had anything to do with organizing it for the paving of Pleasant View Road and Fairgrounds Road, a very professional job, and is very happy with it.
John Pfeifle also stated he wanted to commend Barry Wheeler, that the contract for the paving came in $14,000 below, then was told by Pike that after the first two projects they are at another $14,000 below for a total of $28,000 less.
Cheryl Behr questioned what did the Selectmen wish to do about the FEMA money to which Sonny Harris responded his decision is waiting for Barry Wheeler’s response. Harry Wright stated he feels they should persevere as did John Pfeifle. Decision was to talk to Barry and vote on it next week. Sonny Harris called Barry Wheeler at this time, and the decision is: Barry wishes to meet with the Selectmen one more time, then they will vote again.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to approve the May 13, 2013 minutes as presented. Seconded by John Pfeifle. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion made and seconded to adjourn at 7:20pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary