TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
September 20, 2011
5:00PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00pm with Barry Wheeler, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Jack Meaney was absent.
Harry Wright, Chair adjourned the meeting to the Selectmen’s office to hold a Non-public meeting regarding tax matter per RSA 91-A:3:II (d) followed by RSA-91:A:3II (a) police personnel issue.
A thirty day time frame was allotted to receive a final decision from the taxpayer prior to making any tax arrangements.
Discussion with Police Chief Valiquet regarding computers, keys, cameras at the Community Center. Also discussed were personnel issues which the Selectmen tabled until they had a three member board present to discuss the concerns.
Harry Wright, Chair closed the non-public meeting, and returned to the public meeting at 5:50pm.
APPEARANCES:
Dick Keller asked for an update on the contract for the Bement Bridge roof, if it has been awarded and when construction will start.
Harry Wright, Chair advised the hole in the road approach to the bridge has been put off again as the road crew has been able to continue to work on projects that will be part of FEMA funding from the storm damage from Irene. That is completed and FEMA is coming for an inspection tomorrow. The plan now is to begin cutting on Thursday and open up the hole Monday morning. Harry Wright, Chair advised he has spoken to Mike Mayo, Weathercheck last week, and he is pleased to hear they have the job, and would like to do the job in January. In response to a question regarding the roof money being available at that time, Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the actual contract will have to be signed in December or before, or the money will have to go back into the General Fund. Dick Keller questioned if that will be accomplished to which Harry Wright, Chair advised it certainly can be.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator stated that at Town Meeting, $22,500.00 was the total of the line item for the Bement Bridge new roof. When the bridge tipped and someone came in to fix it, that cost was $5,000.00 which came out of the original $22,500.00 for the roof, which left $17,500.00. The actual estimate for the roof was $19,600.00 making the shortage of $2100.00 for the roof.
A donation of $250.00 was given by Laura Hallahan from an event during the 4th of July.
Dick Keller requested the Selectmen keep the public advised of the funding issues as time moves on to which Harry Wright, Chair advised they will.
Nikki Dubaere, Pleasant Valley Road, came to the Selectmen’s Meeting being referred from the Planning Board to bring to their attention the water damage to their property due to run off from the Corsair Gravel Pit. Their wetland property is now filled with heavy sediment. At this time, Cheryl Behr, Administrator read into the minutes a letter from Council to Corsair Realty. (Letter on file).
At this time, Planning Board Chair, Marcia Keller gave a synopsis of the Corsair Realty Gravel Pit Application. The final extension was until September 13, 2011. There was no representative from Corsair Realty at that meeting, and after considerable discussion, the Planning Board unanimously moved to disapprove the Application and a letter was forwarded to Ms Hobbs, Manager Corsair Realty so stating. October 18, 2011 was the date Corsair Realty was given to either make new Application or begin reclamation.
Nikki Dubaere advised the entire parcel of the property has been logged which now has runways from the skidder trails coming down with the rainwater which adds to the damage coming onto their property. Harry Wright, Chair advised they will now stay on top of the problem. Ms. Dubaere will keep the Selectmen appraised of the situation.
Susan Pehrson, Town Clerk discussed the Boston Post Cane and when it is given out on October 16th, here in the Town Hall, it will be the 24th in Bradford. Sue Pehrson, Town Clerk advised someone is making a case to display the original Boston Post Cane, and all the names of people who have received it previously. It was stated that the first cane was made in 1909, and women were not allowed to receive it until 1930.
Sue Pehrson, Town Clerk advised with all the demolition and contaminants’ in the Police Station, the Town Clerk’s/Tax Collector’s office will be closed, beginning Friday, September 23, 2011. Dave Sullivan, Newbury will be doing the work.
BIA representative, Beth Rodd advised Carol Walker will be providing food at the Boston Post Cane presentation. Beth Rodd also advised there are many rumors about the Town Offices being moved to the Community Center to which she was advised there has been no substantive conversations at all by Harry Wright, Chair.
Beth Rodd also brought up the interest in the Community Center, being the one positive thing in town, and whether the Selectmen are going to be hiring a Director again or not, as there is no point person there at this time. Harry Wright, Chair suggested the Governance Board Committee needs more traction. The Governance Board is preparing a Budget to the town for next year per Cheryl Behr, Administrator.
Marcia Keller questioned the contract for the Pre-School at the Community Center and as of next June 30, 2012 the Learning Center was to take the space, is that still the plan? Harry Wright, Chair advised the Learning Center had until the end of June to respond to saying they wanted to, and they did not. KAP has until January 31, 2012 to inform the Selectmen if they will negotiate the lease per Cheryl Behr, Administrator.
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised they will meet tomorrow morning with FEMA.
Jeff Remillard advised there would be no issue with extending the plow route 100 feet on Blaisdell Lake Road as it would be a better turn around place. Harry Wright, Chair advised the Selectmen will take into consideration. Marcia Keller questioned the priority question, being on a Class V Seasonal Road. The Ordinance will be reviewed.
Regular Business:
Accounts Payable and payroll manifest were reviewed and signed.
Color of Bement Bridge Roof was discussed.
Heating system was discussed and the two responders will be invited in to discuss details with the Selectmen. Dave Pickman will be in at 5:00pm on September 27, 2011.
Schoch & Son will be contacted for date and time.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator discussed the present copier which is having problems, and they are not servicing this model anymore. Cannot get parts. A new lease/purchase copier price at this time would be $2479.00, and would be owned by the end of the 4th year. Service is included. They would take the old one away and set up a new one.
Motion was made by Barry Wheeler to lease/ purchase a new printer/ copier/fax. Harry Wright seconded. Motion carried 2-0.
Harry Wright, Chair advised of the Public Hearing Notice for Rte 114 improvements (10 year plan) on October 3, 2011 through CNHRPC at the City Council office. Further information will be forthcoming.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator reported on the Safe Route to School meeting, and there will an evaluation of the routes to school. A walkability audit on September 29, 2011 from 2:30 to 4:30 is scheduled and will begin at the Town Hall. Anyone is welcome. A bikeability will be done later.
Selectmen’s Meeting Change:
The Selectmen voted unanimously to meet weekly beginning September 27, 2011 at 5:30pm. Discussion ensued regarding holding the meetings at a later time so more working people could attend.
Regular Selectmen’s meeting closed at 7:10pm to go into Non public to discuss welfare issues per RSA 91:A3II c. The Secretary did not attend.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary