Select Board Meeting called to order at 5:11 pm.
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler, Beth Downs
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) 5:11 pm.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 5:52 p.m.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0 in favor
The meeting recessed until 6:00 pm.
Select Board Meeting reconvened at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler, Beth Downs
Mel Pfeifle joined at 6:13 pm.
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review and approve minutes of May 1, 2023, May 8, 2023 and May 12, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to approve the minutes of May 1, May 8 and May 12, 2023.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0
Appearances:
Lois Kilnapp – Transfer Station Update
- Cleaning and sweeping are complete.
- Lois is transporting nonferrous waste to Concord.
- Pat Magistro and Rebecca Magistro appeared to get clarification of rules for residents using the Transfer Station. Beth reported that she had studied the State regulations and the law regarding the Transfer Station is old. Beth determined that the Transfer Station is in compliance with the law and residents previously approved to use the Transfer Station can continue to do so.
While appearing Pat Magistro commented on the deteriorating condition of Old Sutton Road and Patricia Magistro brought to the Board’s attention excessive speeding of traffic using Old Sutton Road as a shortcut. Marlene suggested the Police Chief be asked to put a speed indicator there.
Jenny Locke-Howley and Kathleen Bigford – Energy Committee report on Community Power Project
- The goal of pursuing Community Power is to save money and increase renewable energy. Community Power was made possible under a 2019 change in state law that allows municipalities like Bradford to buy electricity for their residents instead of traditional utility companies, giving customers another option for prices and other services. In Bradford’s case Eversource would still deliver electricity, and customers can opt out of community power programs and stay with their utility’s default service rate if they choose.
- Jenny and Kathleen are investigating the best way forward for Bradford. The process includes the formation of a Community Power Committee, choice of a consultant, designing a community power plan, approval by the Select Board, community hearings, approval by the Town by Warrant Article at a Town Meeting and executing the plan. All of this will take at least 18 months.
- So far, the Community Power Committee consists of Jenny and Kathleen. They will be informing the Board and asking for approval of the choice of a consultant.
Devin Pendleton – Parks & Recreation
- French’s Park cleanup on May 20 was successful. Families enjoyed the work and BBQ.
- Independence Day Celebration: July 1, July 2 rain date. Devin met with the Fire Chief to discuss closing East Main Street from the Cilley property east to Rt. 114 from 5 pm to 9:30. Marge and Dan Cilley appeared to voice objections about access to their property, and disturbance by dogs. Devin will reconsider the place on East Main Street that will be closed for the event.
- Flags for Main Street. Consensus is that the Parks and Rec budget line will cover approximately $200 needed for the flags.
Steve Hall – Road Agent
- Tree on Jones Road has been taken down.
- West Road, Rowe Mountain Road and Jones Road have been cleaned up where washouts occurred.
- Weatherization of the garage has been completed.
- A new well has been installed.
- Street sweeping is taking place.
- 400 yards of grindings from work on I89 have been purchased to add to gravel for roadwork.
- West Road/Box Corner culverts become plugged when there is heavy rain. Culverts are undersized and water flows on the road. Repair is on the list of projects needing to be done.
- Bridge on Center Road between Battle’s Farm and Bradford Center has been inspected by the State.
- West Main Street Culvert. Wetlands permitting costs $30K per bridge/culvert and needs to be done before anything can be done that impacts the river/stream.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were signed
Town Hall Update: Karen reported that:
- Sheet rocking is taking place.
- Transaction windows for the Selectmen’s Office and Town Clerk Tax Collector are being measured and the restored windows are coming back.
- Flooring is complete in much of the building.
- The Eversource easement has been signed by the Town. Second easement from property owners next door will be delayed by 2 weeks. When the private easement is signed, Eversource can move forward and schedule work.
Masonic Building – next steps
Karen asked the Board how it wants to move forward.
Marlene suggested a committee be formed. How many? Who? The Board decided that Karen will start reaching out to volunteers to form a formal committee of five people charged to identify the costs for tear down and other options. The Committee will schedule formal meetings, record minutes and report to the Select Board.
Town Signs: Five people have expressed an interest in the two remaining signs. Karen will have a drawing. Marlene asked about regulations for the sandwich board signs at the intersection of Route 103 and Main Street. Marlene will look into the State enforcement.
NFI Event: Beth reported that the NFI event held at the BACC was well attended and a success. The building was left in clean condition except for the Driver’s Ed room. The Board agreed that it needed cleaning and the $25 cleaning deposit should be paid to the cleaning person to cover the additional cleaning.
Hazard Mitigation – next steps. The Hazard Mitigation agreement was signed by the board. A coordinator needs to be appointed and a committee formed. Having a committee allows Bradford to receive emergency management funding. Central NH regional planning can organize the meeting. Marlene will be the Select Board representative. The Board will revisit this with consideration of who might be impacted.
New Business:
E-911 Use for Broadband Mapping: The Board signed a letter allowing NH Broadband Mapping initiative to use 911 data from Bradford.
Community Action Program (CAP) Lease: signed
Personnel Action Forms: signed
Intent to Cut Map 13 Lots 26 & 27: signed
Intent to Cut Map 4 Lot 15: signed
Sign Abatement Recommendation Map 11 Lot 64: Board agreed to ask the Assessor to revisit this.
Abatement Recommendation Map 3 Lot 27:
Motion: Beth Downs moved to abate the interest on Map 3 Lot 27
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Driveway Permit Map 14 Lot 8: signed
Driveway Permit Map 10 Lot 12-A1: signed
Raffle Permit for Kearsarge Food Hub: signed
Upcoming meeting: June 12, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Respectfully Submitted, by Kathleen Bigford