Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:02 pm
Roll Call – Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Marlene welcomed Beth Downs to the Select Board.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to nominate Marlene Freyler as Chair.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
Appearances:
Tim Blagden – Tim gave an update on parking for the proposed race day. He said the Elementary School is allowing parking there. He would also like to ask permission to park at Brown Shattuck Field. Tim said he is working to see if he can have volunteers park in the old Colonial Stairway parking lot. Mel asked the Police Chief about parking. He stated parking should happen only in the school lot and not across the street at Warren Brook Park as BNSYS will be holding soccer practices. Parking at Brown Shattuck field is available only on one side of the road and can only accommodate 6-7 cars. Chief Shaughnessy said he does not have an issue with the race as long as they have volunteers throughout the racecourse. Beth asked for an update on the rail trail and Tim said they are continuing to look for grants.
Lois Kilnapp – Lois shared suggested pricing changes with the Select Board. Mel would like to thoroughly look at the proposed changes. Lois would like all demolition to go to Naughton. Beth would like signage with the changes to be put up at the Transfer Station. Karen asked Lois to put something in The Bradford Bridge.
The Transfer Station will continue to take area rugs, size 8 x 10 and smaller.
Demo, bulk plastics, insulation and fiber glass will no longer be accepted at the Transfer Station and instead can be taken directly to Naughton.
This will begin on May 1.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned that the Transfer Station will no longer accept demolition, waste, furniture, large carpeting, bulk plastic, insulation and fiber glass.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Steve Hall – Steve welcomed Beth to the Board. Steve said equipment repair costs are getting more expensive. He said a vendor is increasing their fuel surcharge to $12.00. Steve said he has RFQs out for generator hookup and a new well. He also is looking at vendors that do crack sealing. Steve said he has three bids for painting the office, bathroom and break area at the Highway Garage. The Board agreed with Steve’s recommendation to use a local painter (Albert LeBlanc) at a cost of $2,040. Steve passed around the gravel project at the Transfer Station. It is about three acres. He will contact crushers to crush the boulders. Mel wants to make sure that it is cost efficient.
Karen asked what the intentions were with the new truck. Steve said he is currently getting pricing.
Public Input:
Chief Shaughnessy said the new cruiser will be coming this summer.
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the February 21 meeting.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 2-0, 1 abstained
Karen would like to amend the February 14 minutes and clarify that the Board agreed that the Highway Department should move ahead with the purchase of the new dump body for the 2007 dump truck and that the monies will come out of the 2015 Town Equipment Repair and Purchase Fund.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to amend these minutes to read that the Board agreed that the Highway Department should move ahead with the purchase of the new dump body from the 2015 Town Equipment Repair and Purchase Fund.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Covid Protocol Update –The Board decided to eliminate the mask recommendation in town buildings.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to lift the mask recommendation mandate in town buildings.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
Fire Chief Contract – Karen distributed the updated Fire Chief contract for the Board to sign.
Wage Increases – There was discussion regarding COLA. Karen said it is a 5.9% increase with a 2% merit. Department heads will handle the merit.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to allow Department Heads to distribute the 5.9% increase with a 2% merit based on performance as they wish.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0
New Business:
- Meeting Schedule – Meetings will continue to occur every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
- Committee Assignments –
- Economic Development – Mel Pfeifle
- CIP – Mel Pfeifle
- Planning Board – Mel Pfeifle
- Budget Committee – Beth Downs
- Historic District Commission – Marlene Freyler
- Energy Committee – Marlene Freyler
- Fire Dept – Marlene Freyler
- Highway Dept – Beth Downs
- Cemetery – Marlene Freyler
- Transfer Station – Mel Pfeifle
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to allow Karen to find an interim person to help with work in the Town Office.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Town Meeting Debrief – Karen gave an update on the warrant articles that passed. She recommends the Board give her authorization to work on the Town Hall project on their behalf. Discussion ensued regarding starting some fundraising for the theater portion of the Town Hall. Karen said she will need to know what the future plans are before electrical is put in place. Mel asked if there is a chance to use local businesses. Karen asked the Select Board to send her any questions they have before her 10:00 a.m. meeting tomorrow.
- Bees in the Bog – The Board agreed to allow a grad student from Antioch University conduct a bee research project in the Bradford Bog this spring and summer.
- Bond Counsel Agreement – Karen said the application for a July bond is due by the end of April. By consensus, the Select Board permitted Karen to represent them when talking to Jay and discussing the bond agreement.
- Bement Bridge Close-out Doc – Signed.
- Accept Donation for Scholarship Fund
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the donation of $400 for the 1964 Scholarship Fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- Sign IamResponding Contract – Signed.
- Sign TAN Note – Hold off for corrected documents.
- Acknowledgements – Karen read two letters of acknowledgement/appreciation for the Police Department.
Upcoming Meetings:
- March 28, 2022
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.