Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2017
Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting called to order at 5:30pm
Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Chairman; Sonny Harris, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman
Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance
Appearances
Kearsarge Area Preschool-Lease: Did not attend.
Abatement Appeal Map23/Lot24: Fred Moreland and his wife met with the Board as part of the abatement appeal process. Fred feels that the property in question is worth $45,000.00. Sonny visited the property today and agrees that the building is not in good condition and that the abatement request for $45,000.00 is reasonable. The Select Board voted 3-0 to reduce the assessment on the property to $45,000.00.
Water Street Bridge: The Board, following the State’s recommendation, posted Water Street Bridge with a 3 ton weight limit. This has created a safety concern since fire trucks can no longer cross the bridge and as such there needs to be immediate action taken. Dave Eckman presented the Board with a plan to work with Cold River Bridges to replace the beams and decking of the bridge. Dave has determined that the abutments are not in need of replacement. Jim Bibbo spoke on behalf of the proposal M.A. Bean and Associates had shared with him (copies were not available at the meeting). There was another individual who had been expected to submit a proposal, however, he did not. The Board discussed both proposals and after much review, John made a motion to move forward with the Eckman/Cold River Bridges proposal, Sonny seconded, vote in favor 3-0.
Autocraft: Did not appear. After two failed attempts to meet with Autocraft, the Board voted 3-0 in favor of having Karen begin the process of having the property cleaned up.
Regular Business
- Warrant Articles: Town Hall Bond: Brackett Scheffy informed the Board that there has been an adjustment in the amount the Town Hall Restoration Oversight Committee feels is needed for this year’s bond. One of the bids had been submitted with an incorrect amount, thus, once corrected, the overall budget amount was reduced by $75,000. This reduces the total needed for the proposed scope of renovation on Town Hall to from $936,000 to $861,000.00. $186,000.00 has been raised by a grant and donations leaving the total needed to be raised by the bond as $675,000.00. The Select Board voted 3-0 in favor of supporting the Town Hall Restoration Bond at $675,000. John asked that it be noted on the record that the Historical Society is no longer requesting funding for their drilled well and hopes that this will focus more financial energy toward the bond for Town Hall.
- Revisit Abatement Recommendation Map23/Lot3: The Board discussed and signed the abatement request.
- Bement Bridge: The estimate for a complete repair of the bridge is approximately $500,000 over the $772,000 previously expected. It is expected that the State will cover 80% of the additional work. Karen asked if the Select Board wanted to put any money aside this year for the Town’s 20% portion of additional work. John made a motion to raise and appropriate $50,000.00 this year; Jim seconded and the vote was 3-0 in favor.
- The Board approved the Selectmen’s Commentary for the Town Report.
- Board signed Intent to Cut for Map 4/Lot 5 and Map 5/Lot 2.
- John signed the Cold River Bridges Contract.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest reviewed and signed.
Minutes of February 6, 2017 meeting were reviewed and accepted with no change.
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Bradford Community Center.
Meeting adjourned at 6:28pm.
Minutes submitted by Molly Hopkins