TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
AUGUST 2, 2011
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair opened the Selectmen’s meeting at 5:34pm with Barry Wheeler, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Jack Meaney arrived at 6:25pm.
Public Meeting regarding discontinuance of the Road Bond for logging operations in Bradford:
Harry Wright, Chair advised a new piece of legislation has been received, SB 104, ruling dated July 15, 2011. Barry Wheeler stated the new ruling advised “no more picking on loggers”, meaning everyone has to be bonded, or no one has to get a road bond.
Jon Marden questioned if the bond requirement is eliminated, what recourse does the town have to anyone who might damage the road? Barry Wheeler suggested before and after pictures should be taken which has not been done.
Marcia Keller suggested that if no bond is to be required then they use the existing Town Ordinance as an avenue to look at some of the ordinances that are in the book. Marcia reiterated that no one should do anything on a class VI Road without the Board of Selectmen’s permission in writing.
Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer questioned what needs to be done with the cash bonds already received. Cheryl Behr, Treasurer advised they will need to be refunded to the individuals.
Harry Wright, Chair advised we already have the ordinance in place which provides the protection on a Class VI road and the means of reviewing the situation before and after as who ever wants to do the work has to have the approval from the Road Agent, who has the defining point of whether a bond is necessary or not,
Motion was made by Harry Wright to discontinue the automatic $10,000 bond and deal with each individual case per the existing Town Ordinance. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 2-0.
John Belanger-West Road Bridge – driveway issues:
John Belanger came before the Selectmen again regarding the road that was raised twice within ten years and has created a problem. Mr. Belanger advised he has contacted the State who stated they did not need to raise the road to bring it up to state specs. Mr. Belanger advised the responsibility falls to the Selectmen per RSA 321-75 which states if the town raises the road grade they are responsible for any results from that, and that is why I’m here. Mr. Belanger advised he had come in and complained to the Selectmen a week after they left the job, (December 7, 2010 minutes). Discussion ensued. John Belanger requested the Selectmen come out and check on the problem when it rains which the Selectmen agreed to do.
Planning Board:
Marcia Keller, Chair Planning Board came before the Selectmen and asked if the Selectmen had sent letters to The Lumber Barn and Carol Demers which Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised they had. Marcia requested a copy be sent to the Planning Board when letters are sent having been requested by the Planning Board.
Marcia Keller questioned who the current Selectmen representative was to the Planning Board and requested if that person cannot attend then an alternate attend.
Marcia Keller asked if when material comes in for the Planning Board, could it be date stamped. Cheryl Behr, Administrator stated she would ask Trudy to do this.
Regular Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifests were reviewed and signed.
Discussion ensued regarding having money in the NH Municipal Deposit Pool which takes two days to wire transfer funds or having it in a local bank for quicker access. The Selectmen signed a letter authorizing opening an account at Lake Sunapee Bank for this purpose by transferring funds from the General Account.
CAP lease was signed. There is an 8% increase this year.
Harry Wright, Chair advised the barricades are up again at the Bement Bridge on the Route 103 entrance due to a large hole in the pavement. The State will do an inspection tomorrow.
Bids on Bridge Roof opened:
1. A W Therrien $44,804.00
2. Three G Construction 21,400.00
3. Weathercheck 19,650.00
Griggs/Sanborn property:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised papers have been filed with the state to allow the town to take the building down if the owners have not had the building down by September 1, 2011.
Property Sales:
Barry Wheeler and Chris Frey have been listing town owned properties of which 17 cemeteries are included. About six other town properties are saleable. Barry Wheeler advised any property the town can sell is a plus to the town. Harry Wright suggested that any property that is deeded to an abutter at very little cost would be an increase in the tax roll. Bob Manchester stated that there is a ten year period in which the owner could come back. Cheryl Behr, Administrator stated there have been some changes in that now.
The Selectmen signed the letter for the Lake Massasecum sign for: Ryan E. Bishop at the boat launch which David Currier had forwarded.
An e-mail was forwarded to Barry Wheeler from Diane Ward requesting a couple of road signs for the junction of County Road and Craig Road.
Budgetary Issues-Jon Marden:
Jon Marden requested to review the benefit contracts of town employees prior to making decisions in the budget process. Cheryl Behr advised new rates are not available until late in October or early November. Currently it is with the Local Government Center and if you leave them, you cannot come back for three years per Cheryl.
Dick Keller advised the RSA for the Selectman Representative to the Budget Committee term is set for one year. Jack Meaney is the current Selectmen Representative.
Mark Goldberg questioned if the Bement Bridge could be closed for all other than foot traffic. Conversation suggested the public has discussed this previously and consensus is, it is a basic part of the town and should be maintained for vehicular traffic.
Mr. Goldberg advised the Rearing pool dredging is done however the gate is still open do to a leg of the pipe having rotted and the new PVC 6” pipe is not in yet.
Also discussed was nothing further has been done regarding the Henniker Rescue.
Davis Road work was questioned by Jon Marden. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised it is being finished up and the Road Agent, Jeff Remillard is in contact with DES.
Harry Wright is the Selectmen representative to the Highway Department.
Jack Meaney is the Selectmen representative to the Fire Department, Police Department and Rescue.
Barry Wheeler is the Planning Board representative.
Meeting Adjourned to a Non-Public session per RSA 91-A:3II(a) to discuss Personnel matters at 6:40pm.
Out of Non-Public at 7:00pm
Meeting adjourned to a Non-Public session per RSA 91-A:3II(c)
Decision was made regarding Budget issues for the Community Center.
Out of Non Public session at 7:25pm.
Bruce Edwards advised an air conditioner has been installed in the Senior Room at the Community Center. Showers and Central Air were discussed with the possibility of installing them in 2013.
Meeting adjourned 7:45pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary