Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 19, 2018
Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm
Roll Call- Jim Bibbo, Chairman; John Pfeifle; Michael James; Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator were in attendance.
Appearances:
- Public Hearing – Replace Pick-up Truck: The public hearing began at 5:01. The Town’s 2005 F350 diesel pick-up truck did not pass inspection. Currently there are estimates of $3000 to address the rust issues and $6700 to correct the leaking antifreeze issue. The truck has approximately 117,000 miles and is used primarily to plow and to haul the chipper. The Road Agent has received a price of $36,000 to buy a new, 2019 gas powered F350 pick-up truck, however, there would be a 3 month wait until delivery. Discussion revolved around the pros and cons of purchasing new versus repairing the current truck. There are funds available in the Highway Expendable Trust that could be used to purchase a new truck. There was concern expressed about the limited use the truck receives, as well as the potential for hidden or structural rust. The Select Board requested the Road Agent get a professional, 3rd party estimate regarding any hidden rust issues and get a second estimate for the repair of the antifreeze leak.
Regular Business:
- Town Hall Update: Karen spoke with Sunapee Granite Works and was told that the granite would not be ready this fall; that it would be next spring before it would be cut. It was suggested we could use new granite instead, however, that might be something we’d need to discuss with LCHIP. The Select Board decided to stay with the original plan to cut the original granite slabs. Concern was expressed about leaving the basement walls half-backfilled over the winter. Trumbull-Nelson has already stated they don’t feel this is a problem. There was discussion about the architect’s concerns about the choice for a temporary heating solution. There was also discussion about the roof leak that has been discovered. Karen will follow-up with Jay and Tony about that.
- Adopt Hazard Mitigation Plan: The Board adopted the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Bement Bridge Update: Karen reviewed where we are with the project. Preliminary plans were approved by the State in October and Hoyle Tanner (the engineering firm directing the project) is pressing forward with the goal of submitting the final plans on December 14th. Hoyle Tanner has advised that since the project has moved more slowly than first expected, costs could be expected to be up slightly (4% or so). Temporary easements and permission letters from the abutters are still needed before the project can move forward. Karen will follow up on the issues with the easements and the Town’s attorney. The Town was also given the proposed insurance requirements of project contractors. They were acceptable.
- Triangle at Marshall Hill and Hogg Hill Roads: Michael asked that the project be held off until next year citing concerns about what the intersection would look like after the triangle was removed.
- Health Insurance: Karen presented a new option to the current plan the Town offers employees for health insurance. This plan provides the same coverage, though it has a higher deductible and higher co-payments for a couple types of service. It is approximately the same cost as the town is paying now. Select Board requested additional information before making a decision.
- Conservation Commission Appointment: The Select Board agreed with the Conservation Commission and appointed Doug Southard to the Conservation Commission.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to appoint Doug Southard to the Conservation Commission
Second: Jim Bibbo
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- October Expense Report: The Board quickly reviewed the October Expenses. The same areas in the operating budget continue to be of concern, Legal being the furthest over budget. Code Enforcement is expected to go over slightly. The Highway Department will fall within their budget. John offered to speak to Highway and the Police Dept about holding back a bit on end of year spending. Michael was asked to talk to the Fire and Rescue Departments.
- Sign Tax Commitment: The Board signed the Property Tax Commitment for the second bill. Tax bills will go into the mail this week.
- December Meeting Schedule: Karen pointed out that both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Mondays this year. The Board agreed not to hold meetings those nights.
- Bob Bean asked for an update on the Agricultural Plate issue he’d brought a month or so ago. Karen relayed the conversation she had had with the Police Chief describing the difficulties in enforcement of the law. It was decided that the Chief should be invited to a meeting to explain and offer his thoughts.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Minutes from the October 22nd, October 29th and November 13th meetings were reviewed.
Motion: John Pfeifle motion to accept.
Second: Michael James
Decision: vote 3-0 in favor
After a 3 minute recess, the Board adjourned to Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A3II c at 7:08 pm.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to move to Non-Public session
Second: Michael James
Decision: vote 3-0 in favor
The Board adjourned to Public Session at 7:20pm
The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:21pm
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn
Second: Michael James
Decision: vote 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday November 26th, 2018 at the Bradford Area Community Center.
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton