TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
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 Barry Wheeler, Jack Meaney, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
APPEARANCES:
Marlene Freyler, Town Office Relocation Committee (TORC):
Marlene questioned what recommendations should be going on as a Warrant Article. Jack Meaney advised the recommendations; including what money would be involved would need to be looked at prior to decision to go on the Warrant. If the Selectmen are not in agreement with the committee’s recommendations to go on the Warrant, then it could be done by petition. Marlene also questioned if both committee’s are working at the same time, the TORC and the Town Hall Restoration Committee. Jack Meaney explained they are two different areas of concern with each group working at their area.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Accounts Payable manifest were reviewed and signed.
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief re: Engine II:
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief brought up Engine II and questioned what to do. It was explained that the pump failed on number II at a fire recently. This is 16 years old and needs total replacement of a pump impeller. Mark advised the parts will be furnished at cost. The total cost around $3,000.00 for about four day’s labor.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to replace the impeller on Engine II, seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
The Budget Committee has invited the Selectmen to meet with them at their meeting on Thursday November 10, 2011 at the Community Center at 6:00pm. for a preliminary discussion of the 2012 budget. The Secretary will post the notices.
BACC Operating Manual:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator had given the Selectmen a copy of the BACC Manual as discussed by the Town Attorney. Discussion ensued. There appears to be no problems with the way it is being handled at this time. Harry Wright, Chair suggested letting the Governance Board govern. It was stated that there needs to be a Warrant Article if they continue to lease to the same person year after year.
French’s Park:
A letter was received requesting the use of French’s Park for a Wedding to be held July 21, 2012 at French’s Park for about 1 ½ hours commencing at 1:30pm. Members of Parks and Rec were in attendance and they have no problem with the request.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to approve the request for the use of French’s Park for a wedding on July 21, 2012. Motion seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
Decision on Asbestos consultant:
Three estimates were procured regarding asbestos:
Mike Collins – not to exceed $1350.00
Scott Lawson Group – $1560.00
Heidi Frederick – $45.00 each sample.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to accept the estimate of Mike Collins of not to exceed $1350.00. Seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
Eileen Kelly – Town Hall Restoration Committee:
Eileen Kelly presented the Selectmen with a Mission Statement from the Town Hall Restoration Committee dated November 8, 2011. Cheryl Behr, Administrator read to the public. This included the list of members of the committee who are: John Greenwood, Marcia Keller, Dick Keller, Eileen Kelly, Michele Halsted, Beth Rodd, Audrey V. Sylvester, Caryl Walker, Phyllis Wilcox, and Sandra Wright.
Eileen also advised she had given Cheryl Behr, Administrator a packet for an Artplace Grant and asked the Selectmen if they would promote signing a letter of Inquiry and Intent stating they are interested in going ahead with the intent to apply for a Grant. The deadline is November 15, 2011 to forward the letter of intent. January 2, 2012 applicants will be selected and February 24, 2012 is the final proposal date. May 31, 2012 is the notification of recipients.
Audrey Sylvester stated that they would use Bradford talent, and this would increase the vibrancy of the town as well as add local and economic opportunities. The committee and Cheryl Behr, Administrator would draw up a letter. The Grant would be for a sprinkler system and elevator. Discussion ensued.
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to accept the Town Hall Restoration Committee’s Mission Statement. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to approve the request by the Town Hall Restoration Committee to write the letter of intent to apply for the Grant. Seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
Health Insurance rates information:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had been in contact with Stacy Highland from Granite Group who discussed a variety of policies and plans. After the Selectmen meet with employees, some changes will be made, and figures will be put together for employees to be able to compare plans.
Town Hall Moving:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Town Hall Offices are in the process of moving to the Community Center. Hopefully, they will be up and running for business on Monday, November 14, 2011.
Budgets have been handed out to the Selectmen for their perusal.
Comment was made that the youth Room does need to be cleaned out at the Community Center. Margaret Raymond advised they are working on getting this taken care of.
Marcia Keller questioned if the Town Hall can be gotten back into all winter. There will electric however heating is questioned. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised it is a grey area, and probably everything should be taken out. Marcia also requested two new letter size file cabinets for the Planning Board office to be at the Community Center, as the ones at the town hall are broken and are not functioning very well. In response to a question, Cheryl Behr advised the cost so far for the move to the Community Center is $5,000.00. Telephone, computers etc. are not in or included at this time.
Dick Keller questioned which Department budgets are in.
Checklist Budget #4140 is in and higher this year due to four elections coming up. There is currently $1750.00 left in 2011 budget but there is another $1100.00 invoice, leaving the actual balance at $650.00. $9689.00 is requested for 2012. Ruth Marden questioned the necessity of having two policemen on duty at voting. At overtime rates, one less would cut the expense considerably. Jack Meaney advised their rate is not overtime, but a detail rate.
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to approve #4140 for $9689.00 for the Checklist budget. Harry Wright, Chair seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Planning and Zoning #4191 – Just the Planning portion is in, so will hold until the Zoning budget request is received.
General Government Buildings – There will be less expense due to the electric and heating oil because of the offices being moved from the town hall to the Community Center.
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to approve #4194 General Government Buildings at $53,263.33 for the 2012 budget. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Police Dept. Budget: Budget has gone down, but will hold until additional information is in.
Building Department – $2500.00 was inserted into this account for software and fees to directly integrate all the building permits into the assessing software. It is now being done by hand which takes a longer period of time and chances of misplacing information. Cheryl will get additional information regarding the program.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator handed out spread sheets showing what the actuals were for the 2010 Budget plus 3% as is the Budget target being looked at by the Budget Committee.
Dick Keller questioned when the Highway Budget may be expected. Jack Meaney advised the Highway Department and Road Committee are meeting tomorrow then will be presented to the Budget Committee.
Motion was made, seconded and carried 3-0 to adjourn at 6:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary