TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
JUNE 17, 2013
5:30pm
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with John Pfeifle, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary. Sonny Harris was absent.
Marcia Keller, Chair Planning Board – several issues:
Sign Permits:
Marcia Keller, Chair Planning Board questioned the Selectmen if the Planning Board should go through the Selectmen first for permits for signs, or contact the Building Inspector directly. John Pfeifle stated the Selectmen are obligated to follow through on any Ordinances that are on the books. Decision is for the Selectmen to be informed of issues who in turn will be the ones who contact the Building Inspector.
Gravel Pit Permits:
The last communications from Mary Pinkam- Langer. DRA stated extending the Gravel Pit Permits to five years is fine as that would coincide with what the State requires for pit operators, however the inspections still need to be done annually. The Conservation Commission is willing to do this and Brooks McCandlish would look at the plan and pit visually with the amount removed being recorded. The danger concern was brought up and safety questioned. There are currently four pits in town of which one owner has two. Cheryl Behr advised one of the pits named has not been registered with the state, however it does have a town permit. At this time, the Selectmen opted to re-read the Ordinance and discuss at next weeks meeting.
The Planning Board has been responsible for the actual excavation permit, but the state is involved with the gravel tax. A pit operator has to file with the Selectmen every year.
Vehicle Recycle Permit:
Marcia Keller questioned the Selectmen as to who would do the actual inspection of the facility which is one of the conditions of the plan by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. It was discussed at length, and the thought is to consolidate all inspection activities to one position. There will be local inspection as well as State Inspections. This is basically to define creep around the area. The budget for this position was discussed, and adjustments be made accordingly for next year.
Thanks to Andrew Pinard:
Andrew Pinard was thanked for indexing the Ordinances on the Web Site.
CAP Lease:
The CAP lease was reviewed and signed by the Selectmen.
Town Hall Restoration – Mel Pfeifle:
Mel Pfeifle came before the Selectmen regarding getting the town hall cleaned up and sealed off so the Art Show could be held this year during the 4th of July Celebration. A hygienist would be brought in, negative air would be forced through the duct work. No exits would be blocked off. It was also discussed to be able to use the town hall during the year for other functions. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief stated that the alarm system would have to be reactivated if being used for more than just the one day.
Harry Wright stated he needs better proof of the stated needs. Cheryl Behr advised there is $8,000.00 remaining in the Town Hall budget from a prior year. Comments were that it would make sense to use this money.
Marcia Keller reminded everyone the Rural Heritage has given for several other Town Hall projects already.
Motion was made by John Pfeifle that the total budget to do this project is $1300.00 to be funded by the town, Rural Heritage will be asked for $500.00 and $500.00 from anticipated revenue from silent auction for a grand total of $2300.00. Seconded by Harry Wright.
Sonny Harris was called and was put on speaker phone and his vote was in the affirmative. Harry Wright voted no.
Motion carried 2-1.
Tom Dunn would be available to begin work on Wednesday on the Town Hall air quality and the sealing off of some sections as well as cleaning up the second floor from the pealing paint in preparation of the Art Show.
French’s Park:
Discussion took place regarding French’s Park and if it is being used as intended. Previously the Parks and Rec reported anything regarding the park to the Community Center Director. This does not happen now.
Community Garden:
John Pfeifle stated that the property owned by Dave Pickman on Route 114 would be available for any one wanting to use it for a community garden as suggested by the Main Street Revitalization committee. Consensus of the Selectmen was this would be acceptable.
Question was asked about a gun policy. The Selectmen stated the individual will refrain from carrying fire arms while on a job.
Health Officer Appointment:
A Health Officer Appointment letter was signed by the Selectmen for Paul Degeranimo.
Abatements were reviewed and signed.
Employee job descriptions and salary step scale:
Cheryl Behr brought up setting a deadline for any salary increase and job description by November, so they can go to the Budget Committee to be approved or disapproved.
Sample letters were reviewed by the Selectmen regarding tax sales.
It was stated that the last recorded address is sufficient per the Town Attorney.
A sample tax Auction notice was brought in by John Pfeifle for the Selectmen to approve. It was discussed if they could advertise the auction during the July 6 celebration with the Auction to be held on July 17th (correct date is July 27th -cb) with inspection the day before and to put minimum bids on Main Street. Advertising would be in the local papers.
The Secretary asked about results of the following which had been brought up at previous meetings.
Follow up of Doug Jackson from Planning Board letter dated February 18th.
John Pfeifle will take care of this and report back next week.
The March 4th letter concerning a safety issue on the corner house of Route 114 and Old Warner Road. This is being worked on by the owner at this time per the Building Inspector.
John Belanger’s driveway problem that Barry Wheeler was to check up on.
Results are that it is all organized to be taken care of by the end of the year.
Result of suggestion to have a telephone outside of the Police Station was the Police had done this once before and it would cost another telephone line.
Planning and Zoning notices reviewed:
Cheryl Behr read notices received from the Planning and Zoning Boards regarding:
Rob Messer – Building an inside riding arena.
John Gioldassis – Off premise sign.
Jim Bibbo – Variance property on Deer Valley Road
Federico Montanari-Building a garage
Ayer & Goss – Canopy over gas tanks on Route 114.
Bruce Edwards – Gravel Pits.
Marcia Keller again thanked Andrew Pinard for his putting info on the Web.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifests were reviewed and signed.
The Selectmen received a letter from the Rural Heritage Committee regarding their continued availability in handling the 501C3 for the Town Hall Restoration and will peruse it this week prior to next weeks meeting.
Review and Consideration of June 10, 2013
Motion was made by Harry Wright to approve the June 10th minutes as presented. Seconded by John Pfeifle. Motion carried 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley