TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 2010
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Jack Meaney, Acting Chair, opened the meeting with Harry Wright, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Peter Fenton arrived at 6:03pm.
Appearances:
Kate Dobrowski:
Kate Dobrowski, Community Center advised she is here as she was unable to attend the last two Selectmen’s meetings. In regard to the October 26, 2010 Selectmen’s minutes. Kate advised she had asked to have the meeting rescheduled which was not done. Jack Meaney stated that the Selectmen were aware that Kate did have another commitment. Kate also stated that in the same minutes, it stated that some large items belonging to the Parks and Rec were stored off premises, and for the record, she has no property for Parks and Rec stored anywhere else, nor in the Highway Garage. Jack Meaney advised there are trash barrels stored at the Highway Sheds that belong to Parks and Rec from Fun Day.
Also, an arrow board sign is there which had been donated to Parks and Rec.
At this time, Kate Dobrowski provided a Data Form, Inventory list for Parks and Rec and Income Statement to the Selectmen. Kate questioned room rates that should be charged at the Community Center and advised she is using what had been used four years ago by the former director. Discussion ensued regarding room rates. The Selectmen advised it should be standardized, the same as insurance, and Kate needs to contact Cheryl Behr, Administrator, for a time to meet with the Selectmen. Kate Dobrowski questioned her position at the Community Center and was advised by the Selectmen that a letter had been forwarded to her as well as one of the Selectmen had talked with her. She was advised that as of January 1, 2011, the position will be for a 20 hour week. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised there is a draft covering expectations which can be gone over with the Selectmen when they set up an appointment.
Jack Meaney, Acting Chair thanked Kate for coming in.
Lake Sunapee Bank – Marie Pelletier:
Marie Pelletier brought in forms for the Selectmen to sign for an increase in Tax Anticipation Note from two hundred thousand ($200,000) to three hundred thousand ($300,000) dollars which will be due on December 31, 2010. All the terms will stay the same, the form is the Governmental Certificate which states this is a Municipality and as Selectmen you can borrow money and execute the note. This is for cash flow. Statement was made that tax bills went out Saturday, which is late this year due to a procedural deficiency from Lake Todd District in posting their meeting.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had received a notice that 2 – 2000 Gallon Fuel Tanks are for sale from the Town of Hollis.
Saturday, November 6, 2010 Forum:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator mentioned the Town Forum held at the Highway Garage on Saturday, November 6, 2010 which was attended by over 100 residents. At this time the summary of results has not been received from Jeffrey Taylor, Facilitator. Interesting questions and concerns include keeping taxes as low as possible and different projects were addressed. At this time, Cheryl Behr, Administrator requested the Selectmen allow her to submit a CDBG Grant, due end of January for Handicapped accessibility to the town hall. On December 1, 2010, there is a Development Workshop in Concord that Cheryl is attending.
Marcia Keller advised there needs to be a correction in the Forum Minutes on November 6th, that being the BBB furnished the refreshments, not the BIA. The BIA however, did donate towards the event.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that Michael Bruss discussed some phasing of improvements for the town hall. His estimates and the ADA issues-limited use, limited access elevator, ADA entry, which would be the front door with a ramp, would be around one hundred thirty five thousand ($135,000) dollars. Broken down, that would be: eighty five thousand ($85,000) dollars for the lift, thirty five thousand ($35,000) dollars for the ramp and five thousand ($5,000) Dollars for the miscellaneous work. That would mean the town would need around thirty one thousand ($31,000) dollars for a match, as this Grant is 25/75. Cheryl Behr, Administrator suggested a Warrant Article in the amount of ten thousand ($10,000) would show the town is serious should the Grant be awarded to the town.
The Selectmen are in favor of Cheryl Behr, Administrator to persue this Grant.
A draft of the Energy Audit has been received, but final information is needed regarding what the final payback on each aspect of the project. 3200 Gallons of fuel oil, or ten thousand ($10,000) dollars is spent on heating the town hall, and conceivably six thousand ($6,000) dollars could be saved annually. Only the west wall is insulated in the building. The cost to insulate and retro-fit is seventy five ($75,000) dollars.
Accounts Payable Manifests were reviewed and signed.
A letter from the Budget Committee was mentioned, and this will be discussed at the next Selectmen’s meeting on November 23, 2010.
Timber warrant was signed .
BTLA settlement was signed, for an abatement processed in prior years for Lake Massasecum Campground, resulting from a reduction in assessment.
Cheryl read a letter from the Town Clerk which contained a list of individuals for abatements and refunds, and the Selectmen reviewed and signed the letter.
The Town Clerk advised there is a recount at the State Level, for a State Rep.
Paperwork for the town Health insurance was reviewed and signed. There is an increase in the dental portion only. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised they do review the benefit changes and discussed where the changes were in replying to a question asked by Jon Marden. Question was by Jon Marden that a concession was made last year due to the increases, and how is that cost sharing being handled this year? Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that is not covered by this, and would be determined by the Board of Selectmen. It was determined that there is no benefit to the town to grandfather the plan.
Cross Country Appraisals discussed and it was unanimous to keep Chris Frey on who has been doing the measuring and listing. Chris is certified, overseen by the Board of Selectmen and Department of Revenue. The cost for Cross Country Appraisals is approximately fourteen ($14,200) dollars, and Chris Frey is around five thousand ($5,000) dollars. Chris’ work has been reviewed by the Department of Revenue. Consensus by the Selectmen is to leave Chris Frey in that capacity.
CAP – that manages the Federal Program has requested nine thousand ($9,000) dollars again this year. Corporative Extension came in today and advised they will help with the fuel program, and stressed there is no cost as it is provided by taxation.
Steve Lucier came in to talk with the Selectmen regarding his Tax Bill, and questioned not being alerted when there was a check problem. Sue Pehrson, Town Clerk advised that it is not required by law to send out notices for an NSF check, and they never do. It was suggested that Steve discuss this with his bank first. Steve Lucier suggested that being a small town, everyone should help everyone out, and it would just be good business to notify a person if there was a problem. Harry Wright questioned Sue Pehrson, Town Clerk of how many NSF checks are received and Sue allowed probably 3 or 4 annually.
Property Liability insurance was discussed and a “no greater than” increase of 6% is expected and Workers Comp. has a “no greater than” 9% increase per WCT, per year.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator will check with other companies for rates. Upon checking higher deductibles, it was found that a $5,000 deductible would save $400.00 annually, and a $10,000 deductible would save $600.00 annually. It was thought that the cost savings would not be beneficial with this company, but perhaps other companies would be different.
Mention was made of the upstairs Curtain needing to be removed from the present location as there was some moisture found when the Energy Audit was done. All second floor vents had been closed except the one on the stage. Some duct work has been crushed upstairs as well as the cold air return in the Selectmen’s Office.
It was mentioned that there is no Building Maintenance person and the highway crew has been helping all they can when time allows. OEP suggested that day to day maintenance is needed or it would not work well.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator questioned the Selectmen if the Selectmen’s office could be closed on Friday, to which they agreed.
Jack Meaney mentioned that Jeff Remillard and Brian Houghton have made Road Scholar II and received their certificates today.
Pate Sweet-Brown questioned the ten hour day policy for the Highway Crew, and what is the time frame between spring and fall. Pate advised most towns go between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Peter Fenton advised next week is their last 10 hour day week.
Also a concern is the town policy on wood, to which he was advised wood is the land owners, or is offered to adjacent property if land owner does not want it. Otherwise, it is taken to the transfer station for a citizen of the town to take for firewood. Pate advised he had seen a town truck carrying wood. The Selectmen advised this has been addressed.
Culverts on West Road near Box Corner have been plugged per Pate Sweet-Brown. Jack Meaney suggested if there are any problems with roads to call the Highway Crew directly
3rd Quarter Expenses
4130 Executive
A list of wages was also handed out.
Selectmen’s budget will be an increase of approximately $11,637.00 from last year over $8500.00 for Payroll and Secretarial Services.
Town Reports about $300.00, Supplies up $200.00, Postage, $200 increase plus enough for mailing for Forum announcement if needed.
Computer $1,500.00 for one new computer.
2010 Softwear Support error- $7169- Should be $4,447.00.
4152 Revaluation of Property
By keeping Chris Frey at $5,000 would be about $19,000 next year.
Selectmen agreed to keep the way it now is.
4194 General Government Buildings
Special Repairs for the town hall $5,000
Insulation really needed. 3200 Gallons of heating oil Plus $1,000 propane for the town hall annually.
Duct insulation and fixing the crushed ducts could take close to 40% off the oil bills as discussed from the Energy Audit was stated by Harry Wright.
IAMNOW has to come in frequently for computer Service.
4199 Other Gen’l Government
Millfoil treatment for next year.
Testing at French’s Park, also bring in the sanitation units in June and pick up Sept. 30 suggested.
The figure in Emergency Management reflects the Plottner Relocation people. Mr. Plottner has been billed but has not paid at this time.
Building Inspector budget is about 12 hours a week.
Street Lights no significant difference. Parking lot lights for ballfield included in light bill.
Flu shots were not paid for this year for employees.
Next meeting the request for proposals for the pre school will be discussed.
The letter the Selectmen received from the Budget Committee will be discussed, and the second question concerning the sharing or grouping of services ie telephone, computer, copier etc. Peter Fenton, Chair advised the telephone has already been checked into, and it cannot be grouped per TDS. As far as the computer and copier, they seem to work better having their own equipment.
The next question concerns the departmental year-end expenditures, and December spending. Peter Fenton, Chair advised everyone who makes a purchase over $500 does require a purchase order. Jack Meaney advised any purchase the highway department makes goes through him for approval if $200.00 or more. Peter Fenton, Chair advised the Selectmen are aware of the spending in December. Further discussion will be held at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Next Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for:
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 5:30pm
Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 7:10pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary