TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 5, 2012
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 Sonny Harris, Barry Wheeler, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Robert Lincoln advised he has been hearing a lot of controversy around town about some ongoing investigations, and can you tell me if this is on going or not? Harry Wright, Chair stated it is not on going. Sonny Harris advised he has a correction about that, and his position all along as well as some of the rest of us, that this is an open case and currently in investigation, and I have confirmed that a couple of days ago with both the Deputy County Attorney and the Deputy County Sherriff, so it is still an open case.
Mr. Lincoln questioned how come he could buy information from the town? Sonny Harris advised he shouldn’t be able to, and I am quite upset about it, and we’re not allowed to discuss it any more than that, so nobody should ask any more questions. Mr. Lincoln thanked Mr. Harris.
Review and Consideration of the October 22, 2012 minutes:
It was pointed out that on page one, Harriet Harris should be Harriet Douglass.
Motion was made by Barry Wheeler to approve the minutes of October 22, 2012 with the above edit. Seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
Appearances:
Town Hall Restoration Committee:
Eileen Kelly, Chair of the Town Hall Restoration Committee introduced Rick Monahon, Architect who had presented the possibility of a Construction Manager to the THRC and would like to explain how it works and why it works. Eileen also explained the fee, which is over and above the original contract is for sixteen hundred dollars ($1600.00) and is available from Rural Heritage Connection thru the Cornerstone Account. Question from Eileen Kelly is how should the funds be handled?
Rick Monahon, Architect stated that he and Jim Bruss had raised the question as to how the project would be delivered were the town successful in voting in the bond, which would fund it. The normal way to do that would be to prepare an estimate for the bond vote, and then to do the completion of the architectural drawing and put that out for public bid.
Mr. Monahon advised they have had considerable experience in reconstruction rehabilitation work. Mr. Monahon went on to state that public bidding for that kind of work is fraught with a certain amount of peril, one of which the undisclosed conditions in any project are difficult to estimate. Rick advised that Jim Bruss has been enormous help in working with his office in regard to this project. Rick Monahon advised that he and Jim Bruss have had a great amount of experience with the use of Construction Managers process rather than the lump sum bidding process.
Rick suggested early in the process, like now, a Construction Manager be selected by a competitive negotiation interview process. Rick went on to explain how this is done.
Some example letters of qualifications were handed to the Selectmen for their perusal.
It was pointed out the Bruss Construction is not a candidate for the job. Rick advised that if the bond failed, most Construction Manager’s realize this is a risk they take and will not charge. It was reiterated that by having a Construction Manager, there is a guaranteed maximum price for the project.
Also discussed was the General Contractor – Project Superintendent is on the job constantly for continuity, who can also work as carpenter and part time administration. Rick said that it is a cooperative effort with Construction Manager, Architect and the owner.
Rick advised a copy of a bill would typically come from the Construction Manager to the Architect first for a review against progress on a monthly basis.
Rick Monahon, Architect stated one advantage of a Construction Manager is they would be on the team immediately with in two weeks. They would develop plans as a basis for a guaranteed maximum price. Present a schematic design level and show material choice and floor plan.
This is not the same as competitive with lump sum pricing, as every piece of the project receives bids.
Rick Monahon, Architect advised he has done both ways and wanted to give the choice to the town.
Michele Halsted thanked all the donors who made pledges of twenty seven thousand ($27,000) dollars. And also advised the Rural Heritage voted unanimously to give the $1600.00 from the Cornerstone Account for a Construction Manager.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to accept the Rural Heritage contribution of the sixteen hundred dollars for the purpose of obtaining a Construction Manager for the Town Hall Restoration project. Barry Wheeler seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Rick Monahon will write the first letter for the contractor and forward to the Selectmen for further scheduling.
The Forum scheduled for November 10, 2012 at the Kearsarge Elementary from 10:00am until 12:00 noon was mentioned as were the presentation of plans which will be presented by Rick Monahon and Jim Bruss.
Michele Halsted advised RSA 31:19 states that the Town may accept funds for public purpose, and this is for public purpose, and this is a pubic purpose.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to accept the sixteen hundred ($1600.) dollars from Rural Heritage Connection of Bradford with a 501c3 non profit, to pay Rick Monahon for working on obtaining a Construction Manager. Sonny Harris seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Library Budget:
Bea Howe came before the Selectmen with the Library Budget and advised the basic budget remains the same. Bea stated that SS rate is going from 4.2% to 6.2% in January and is requesting a 2% raise which amounts to $1,250 in salary increases. Also, an assistant librarian has been upgraded to a children’s librarian, who is doing a phenomenal job with the children’s program.
Motion was made to pass the budget as presented for the Library by Sonny Harris. Barry Wheeler seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Planning Board Letters to Selectmen from September 28, 2012:
Don Jackson, Planning Board, came before the Selectmen regarding a follow up on letters sent to the Selectmen on September 28th. In response to Harry Wright’s request for a refresher, Don Jackson allowed this is regarding an overall procedure of checks and balances. One was in regard to Map 8, Lot 29 for a building on 1.9 acres on East Washington Road when construction was underway two months ago.
A proposal made by the builder on April of 2007 was not approved by the Building Inspector as not meeting the building requirements for set-back. In April of 2012, the builder proposed another plan on the same acreage and was granted a Building Permit by the Building Inspector. The house was built to the 2007 plans that had been rejected by the Building Inspector. It was pointed out by Harry Wright that the 2007 veto could have gone to the ZBA for a Variance, but was not.
The second letter pertains to a Site Plan Review Notice that had been forwarded to Doug Jackson on Center Road with no acknowledgement of receipt. A Building permit in excess of more than 300 square feet require a Site Plan Review forwarded to the Planning Board. It was suggested that the Selectmen need to update and review for check and balance. A higher level of enforcement as far as building inspection process was suggested by Harry Wright, Chair.
Don Jackson suggested that the overall system needs to be made clearer to the patrons with respect of all departments.
Dick Keller advised the Building permit application for the town of Bradford does call for a sketch and does ask for the setbacks from the property lines as part of the application for the permit.
Marcia Keller stated on behalf of the planning board, they have gone through this issue many times in the past and the system we’ve worked out with the Selectmen was that when we sent out letters the Selectmen and Building Inspector is copied so they know initially what the issues are. When it comes down to the final decisions, the Selectmen are the only ones that can do anything, and this has been an issue for many years.
Regular Business:
Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
The shades for the preschool room in the Community Center were discussed for the price of $1377.00 to replace with roller shades. The senior room already has them.
After some discussion, the following motion was made.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris for the Town of Bradford to pay for the roller shades as requested by the pre-school for their room at the Community Center. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
It was brought up that the water is not drinkable in the Pre School room. Cheryl Behr advised she will check on this and let them know the results, and until then bottled water should be used. The water is tested quarterly.
Also mentioned was some problem with the ceiling in the senior room. Cheryl advised there is money available for contracted services for maintenance. It was also noted that any person hired needs to have their own insurance. Barry Wheeler brought up the question as to whether the person who did the work previously could be contacted to come back and fix it. Word will be put out for a maintenance person.
Two letters were received by the Selectmen that were not listed on the Agenda.
- A letter regarding a dead tree issue on East Washington Road from Donald and Juanita Jackson. (Letter following end of these minutes)
- A letter regarding a questionable petition from the Selectmen to close Craig Road from Edythe L. Craig.
Sonny Harris stated that he feels they have no intention of doing that or giving up our rights to anybody. Further discussion ensued.
A unanimous decision by the Selectmen is that a letter will be written to Edythe Craig stating that there is no problem and Craig Road will not be closed.
It was stated that the Secretary of State mandates that two Selectmen be present at the polls tomorrow by Erica Gross, Town Clerk.
Sidewalk update states that the cost estimate for drainage on Cilley property is as follows: Core machine $400.00 plus Drainage Inlet $500.00+pipe+mortar+trench+backfill+$250 grate/frame+stone+labor. Harry Wright, Chair advised the Contractor would charge to do the work for $2,000.00. Harry Wright, Chair advised it would be best if the contractor does the work, that would be a single source of responsibility.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to allow Barry Wheeler and the Town Crew to rectify the drainage problem on the Cilley property. Sonny Harris withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to have the Cilley property drainage problem corrected by the Construction Company, J. Parker and Daughter, who are doing the sidewalk project, and not to exceed the price of two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars. Seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
Survey of boundary for the Lois Knapton Lot on East Main Street is necessary. Sugar River Savings Bank sold the property to Lois Knapton and the town also sold a portion of the former Naughton property to Lois Knapton, for one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars, however it was never recorded. At this time it is needed to be surveyed and a stamped Mylar be provided to be recorded. The name of Ray Critch, Lake Sunapee Survey will be contacted to do the surveying and a price of $1600.00 was agreed upon.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to move forward with having Ray Critch, Lake Sunapee Survey do the surveying of the Lois Knapton property on East Main Street so there will be a signed, stamped Mylar for recording at Merrimack County Registry of Deeds. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Cheryl Behr requested some sort of sound proofing in the Selectmen’s office as she had a rather sensitive conversation today and not only Maureen was there as she works there, but Marge was sitting at the table and some other people were walking in and out at the same time. Harry Wright, Chair advised there were some panels at the town hall which could be used, not 100% sound proof, but quieter.
Also a Safety Department needs to be set up per Cheryl, which should be made up from all departments.
The Selectmen have set up a Public Hearing on November 19th for the Chivers Junk Yard, as they are the final permitting authority. (RSA236:15) Cheryl will set up questions to be asked.
Cheryl Behr stated there was an accident at Box Corner where a truck and trailer hit a guard rail, and pictures show substantial damage. The Selectmen considered using CWS Fence, Andover to do the repair with a quote coming.
Two intents to cut were reviewed and signed for Map 4, Lot 28, and Map 5, Lot 40 for Fantasia. And also for Map 5, Lot 93 – Palmitesta .
Cheryl Behr advised there was a bill received from the Town of Warner for street cleaning costs.
A copy of the Budget was given to the Selectmen for their review and comments or questions.
Meeting adjourned to Non-public meeting per RSA 91A:3IIa Employee Reviews – and schedule wage discussions and other personnel issues.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
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