TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 2013
5:30 PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with John Pfeifle, Sonny Harris, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
APPEARANCES:
Dan Craft came before the selectmen with a concern regarding the positioning and location of the electronic sign the town owns. It is currently on the corner of East Main Street and Route 103, where someone had put in considerable time with the little park there, and the sign deters from the area and it is poor judgment. Could it be moved to other locations and be more creative questioned Mr. Craft. The Selectmen advised they will speak to Police Chief, Jim Valiquet to re-locate the equipment. It was also acknowledged that the sign is and can be used for notifying of town functions.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Budgets:
Discussion ensued regarding the Expense printout that was handed out to the selectmen by Cheryl Behr. Harry Wright, Chair advised his issues are with wages at 2% step across the board is what he would be in favor of, and then the health 8% contribution is what he would favor. Another topic was the milfoil and Cheryl advised she had not heard from Dave Currier regarding this. Selectmen agreed the same number as last year should be used, and continue to support this project. Suggestion was made to forward current budget information to the Budget Committee as the selectmen are very close to completing the budget.
John Pfeifle acknowledged that a salary range has been put into place for each position in town which will go into perpetuity, with ranges to be changed as required.
Motion was made by John Pfeifle to approve the salary range as presented in the November 20, 2013 document and used for not only this year, but for future use. Seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
This year, all step increases will be effective in January 2014. not COL or Merit increases. Next year all reviews and increases will be implemented April 1, 2015, after Town Meeting.
The Selectmen agreed to pass on the information to the Budget Committee tomorrow morning with the stipulation the Selectmen are going to review the Budget as it relates to the wage increases.
Police Chief, Jim Valiquet stated that they got rid of the pagers completely. Discussion of salaries and how they have been changed was explained to the Chief. Also the Police Department telephone budget was reduced.
Discussion was held relating to having the Highway Department help move the electronic sign in the winter time.
Mention was made that there will be a CIP meeting December 3, 2013.
Breezy Hill Bridge:
John Pfeifle stated that the anticipated amount is between $6,000 and $8,000 for the metal only, on the Breezy Hill Road, (off Route 114) bridge repair with the rest being 100% provided by local individuals.
Trees between Community Center and Peter Brigham property:
Cheryl Behr read a letter the Selectmen signed to Peter Brigham regarding a 50/50 split to remove the trees between the Community Center and Mr. Brigham’s property. The bill is estimated to be $1500.00, with Mr. Brigham’s portion to be $750.00. John Pfeifle stated there are eight trees that do need to come down in town. George Cilley suggested they look at the 4th tree that is dying as well as long as they are in that area of the Community Center building. The Selectmen will also look at the 4th tree as well. Barry Wheeler, Road Agent will oversee getting this done.
Motion was made by John Pfeifle to appoint and empower Perry Teele and John Mock as co-chairs to oversee 4th of July Celebration for the town of Bradford, including the fireworks and parade. Motion seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
John Pfeifle requested the Administrator write a letter to the Town of Newbury stating that we would like to be your transfer station for your garbage. John went on to say he attended the shared service meeting in Webster. It was also suggested and agreed that a letter would also be written to the Town of Sutton regarding talking about joint services.
A letter has been received from the Town of Warner regarding sharing services which was read. (Letter on file.)
The Grant notice for the Generator was received and the town will receive the amount of $18,810 per Cheryl Behr.
There was a fender bender with the ambulance and the insurance amount received was $3,220.00.
Intent to cut was signed for M. Bourque, Center Road- Map 6, Lot 95.
The Fire Alarm System at the Community Center is in need of repair with an estimate of $2399.00. Discussion ensued regarding checking out new system or repair.
Cheryl Behr advised the CountyTax and Capital Reserve Payments are due next week for a combined amount of $965,000.
The Selectmen initialed a letter that will be going out to all employees dated December 2, 2013 showing the new deduction amounts.
The bridge design contest was discussed and applications need to go to the school soon.
Accounts payable and Payroll Manifests were reviewed and signed.
Review and Consideration of November 18, 2013 and November 25, 2013 minutes:
Motion was made by John Pfeifle to approve the minutes from both meetings as presented. Motion seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned 6:30 pm
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary