Meeting called to order at 7:02pm
Roll Call – Jason Allen (Chair), Michael James, Marlene Freyler and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance via video conference.
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- Susan Moss appeared on behalf of the Bradford Gardeners. They would like to take over the garden maintenance, with the exception of mowing, at Lafayette Square to enhance the square’s appearance. The Board thanked the group for their service.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to have the Bradford Gardeners take over the garden maintenance at Lafayette Square.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Steve Hall, Town Road Agent, appeared on behalf of the Highway Department who will be overseeing the repair of a failing culvert, and doing some work on the road banks, to improve drainage at the intersection of High Street and Cochran Hill.
- Reconstruction for the failing culvert on Pleasant View Road started on Monday April 20th, 2020. The road will be closed for 2 weeks. Newbury will be responding to any medical emergency on the Newbury side of the road closure until the road reopens.
- Steve continued providing his weekly update on the activity being done by the Department. Jason raised the suggestion, based upon a review of the draft Rules & Procedures for the Select Board and comparisons to other Towns, that all the Department heads give a monthly report to the Select Board. This would replace the weekly update that the Highway Department has been providing.
- Steve discussed ditching work that is ongoing.
- A bond for logging activity on County Road will be secured in the amount of $10,000.
- An overage of approximately $5,500 has been identified on the Pleasant View Road culvert project.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to fund the overage from the Road & Bridge Expendable Trust.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board discussed a standard Road Use Agreement form to be used when an event requires consideration of impact to Town roads.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adopt the Road Use Agreement as a Town document.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Steve also made the Select Board aware that there was an inquiry regarding the Town taking over Maple View Drive. The Selectmen’s Office is aware of the request and has referred the requester to the Planning Board.
Regular Business:
- Account Payables and the Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- The Board reviewed the minutes from the March 30th, and April 2nd, 2020 meeting.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to approve the minutes March 30th, 2020 minutes.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the minutes April 2nd, 2020 minutes.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
- Karen had a request to send a bid package out for work at the cemeteries. Karen suggested that, based on the time frame to get bid packages out and returned, plus a concern that the 2020 budget has already been established which was based upon the 2016 bid process, the Selectmen’s Office hold off until fall and bid the activity out for 2021.
Motion: Jason Allen made a motion to continue with JJ’s Miscellaneous Home Repair for 2020 and rebid the Cemetery maintenance work for the 2021 season.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
- Modifications to Bradford Area Community Center kitchen appear to be more complicated than initially thought and the cost estimate to support upgrades to meet commercial kitchen requirements may exceed the amount discussed at the April 2nd, 2020 meeting. Bids are due back this week. Jason requested that updated numbers be provided by the next Select Board meeting.
- The Board discussed a draft Rules and Procedures document for the Select Board.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to hold a Public Hearing on May 4th, 2020 to review the adoption of the Rules & Procedures.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
- At the previous Select Board meeting a motion was made to appoint Walter Royal to the role of Town Facilities Supervisor. This role is a hired position rather than an appointed position.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to hire Walter Royal to the role of Town Facilities Supervisor.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
- The Board discussed having Walter review quotes for painting at the Town Hall to determine if window maintenance was included in the quotes. Jason suggested that another priority would be an inspection of the Bradford Area Community Center. Jason also suggested the Facilities Supervisor reach out to Department Heads to determine what concerns they may have to establish a priority list. Marlene raised a concern about an unsecured structure at Dunfield Road. They Board agreed they should post some type of Caution/No Trespassing warning signs at the site.
- The Board reviewed first quarter expenses and felt overall the expenditures were in line with 77% of the budget remaining. The Board will review revenue figures after April closes to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on revenues.
- The Board discussed proposals received for Independence Day fireworks. Marlene questioned whether the Board should be signing any agreement given the social distancing orders. Karen will explore whether a refundable deposit would be an option. Devin Pendleton outlined that one provider had stated any deposits would be fully refundable. Karen provided a brief update that other Towns are starting to make decisions around Parks & Rec programs and town parks to determine whether they will move forward this summer with their programs.
- Town email addresses have been established for all Select Board members. A discussion with the New Hampshire Municipal Association is pending to understand retention requirements.
- Michael was not able to follow up on signage at the Transfer Station. Jason will discuss posting signs with fee requirements with Lois Kilnapp, Manager of the Transfer Station.
- Karen shared an ATV limited use announcement for Mink Hills from the Town of Warner.
- Karen provided the Board with updates on payment plans regarding taxes in arrears.
- The Bradford Business Association provided a donation to the Scholarship Trust Fund in the amount of $201.69.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept the donation.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board approved an Abatement Request for Map 11 Lot 76 Site 29.
- The Board signed a six month review Personnel Action Request.
- It was noted the Board approved an advance of $100,000 from the Tax Anticipation Note (completed April 13th, 2020).
Public Input:
There was no public input.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned at adjourn at 8:00pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday May 4th, 2020 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center.
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary