Select Board Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call – Jason Allen (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Michael James (via Zoom) and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
- Lieutenant Edward Shaughnessy appeared to provide an update on Police Department activity. The department currently has 3 fulltime and 6 part-time resources on staff. Lieutenant Shaughnessy provided an update on the budget, no risks were identified. The department has responded to 2,990 calls year to date with 227 in September. He reviewed statistics for various functions and provided an update on training and vehicles.
- Lois Kilnapp, Transfer Station Manager, provided an update on activity at the Transfer Station. The demand for recycled plastic has diminished and the Transfer Station is determining the best course forward with plastic already collected. Going forward, plastic will be collected in the compactor and sent to Wheelebrator. She reviewed the options and current situation surrounding recycled plastics. Jason and Marlene expressed support for her decisions. The budget was discussed and no risks were identified. Lois reviewed property improvements that had been done at the site. Painting of the shed is underway and she believes it will be done by the weekend. Lois is working on writing a grant for the Used Oil Program to access funds to purchase some accessories needed at the station.
- Karen Hambleton provided an update for the Highway Department related to guard rails on Center Road. Steve and Karen visited the site with engineer Josif Bicja (Hoyle, Tanner & Associates) who will be providing options and corresponding cost estimates to correct the failing guard rails. Karen spoke with the insurance provider, Primex, as well as New Hampshire Municipal Association, who expressed that as long as the Town is taking steps to correct the issues there isn’t a concern about liability but the Town should look to address the issue sooner rather than later.
Regular and Old Business:
- Minutes from October 5th, 2020 meetings were reviewed.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes of October 5th, 2020.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Account Payables and the Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Jason provided an update on getting permanent power into the Town Hall. There are some trees that are not on Town Property that would need to be trimmed to traverse the preferred path. Jason will follow up with Eversource. Paul Flinkstrom is validating that there is no need to bring 3-phase power to the building. No update was available regarding record storage although Marlene asked whether there were any concerns from a fire safety inspection perspective. There are no concerns.
- Karen provided an update concerning insurance considerations regarding the placement of speed bumps near the school. Karen provided the recommendations made. She had also spoken to the insurance company regarding whether or not the use of dump stickers to identify Town residents violated the recreational use status of French’s Park. Liability is based upon the recreational use status and implementing parking passes for purchase would result in a change in the status. Karen also followed up with use of a Town vehicle which is not an insurance consideration but rather a policy decision. The Board agreed that employees should not take Town vehicles home unless they are on-duty.
- Fire Department truck repairs were discussed. Jason met with the Fire Chief and reviewed the situation with the vehicles and recommended having the Forestry truck repaired. Jason also reviewed several building repairs that have been proposed to the Capital Improvement Program Committee. The Fire Chief as well as the Road Agent have been asked to get quotes to be considered for funding from unanticipated funds. The Board also discussed Rescue One which is currently in the repair shop. Repairs are anticipated to be covered within the General Budget.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to allow up to $2,500 from the 2015 Town Vehicle Equipment & Repair Fund be used to repair the Forestry truck.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- The Select Board discussed attending the November 5th, Budget Committee meeting, where the CIP will be presented.
- Karen reviewed the 2021 health insurance rates. While costs are increasing by $22,000 in 2021, the Board will continue with the current provider and health plan.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move forward with the insurance renewal.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- Preliminary budget requests are due back to the Town Administrator by October 23, 2020.
- A request to trim trees at the Bradford Pines entrance was received from Tom Wilkins. The proposal included a donation of services but would also require an estimated cost of $1,000 to hire a bucket truck and laborer. The Board was supportive but did not feel that the 2020 budget could support the cost. The Board will add this suggestion to the Warrant Item List for 2021.
- The Board accepted a donation for new Town signs.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept a donation from Tyler Lawn Care for the Town Sign replacement project.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- The Board signed a Call to Vote declaration.
- The Board signed four Cemetery Deeds.
- Marlene announced, on behalf of the Cemetery Committee, that any loose memorial items should be picked up by November 15th or they will be removed.
- The Board discussed a write-up Jason had drafted requesting residents provide input on SB-2 (Official Ballot Referenda) as the Select Board considers placing it on the 2021 Warrant. Jason’s write-up will be sent for publication in The Bradford Bridge. Marlene expressed concern that the full context was not being explained in the article. She wants to ensure that voters understand the full implications that adoption of SB-2 would entail.
Public Input:
None
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move to adjourn to non-public session RSA 91-A:3II (c) at 7:50pm
Second: Michael James
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to Public Session at 8:27pm
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned at adjourn at 8:27pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday November 2nd, 2020 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center.
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary