Selectmen’s Minutes 06.17.19

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm

Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Michael James, Jason Allen, Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances: 

  • Sally Tanner, with Primex (New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange), the Town’s insurance provider, appeared to answer questions regarding their proposal for providing a CAP on their Worker’s Compensation Insurance Rates for the Town from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023. The agreement stipulates that Primex guarantees not to increase their rates more than 10% in a year if the Town commits to remain a Primex member for the same 3-year period. The Board requested an extension on the timing to make a decision which Primex granted. The Board will follow up by the July 1st, 2019 meeting.
  • Melissa Cloutier, Bradford Town Clerk/Tax Collector, appeared before the Board to present a list of unregistered dogs. A Warrant will be brought to the July 1st, 2019 meeting requesting the Board issue Civil Forfeitures.
  • Ann Eldridge, Doug Southard and Brooks McCandlish appeared on behalf of the Conservation Commission. The Commission had three agenda items to discuss:
  • Ann presented the Board with a mission statement for the Conservation Commission which outlined the Commission acting as an advisory body on natural resources and conservation matters in alignment with State RSA’s.
    • The Commission presented recommendations to the Board concerns the future management of Class VI roads. The recommendations were:
      1. The Select Board should designate Class VI roads as Emergency Lanes per RSA 231:59-a.
      2. ATV trails should not be authorized on Class VI roads.
      3. All wheeled vehicles should be prohibited on Class VI roads during “mud season” with exceptions issued by the Road Agent.
      4. Bradford should adopt a Heavy Equipment Ordinance similar to Warner.
      5. Regulations should be updated so that landowners, contractors, or others, must receive Road Agent approval prior to conducting any repair or maintenance work.
      6. The Town should place multi-use signs on Class VI roads to raise awareness of permitted uses and regulations.
    • The Commission requested the Town add a line to the appropriate permit and application documents that asks about conservation easements on the property.

The Commission asked for support and guidance from the Board in pursuing Regulations that support their suggestions.

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move forward with the items suggested, keeping the Select Board informed about the progress.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

  • Bruce Edwards, Town Health Officer, provided the Board with RSA 147 and draft regulations regarding public nuisance ordinances. Bruce will work with Karen to draft a final regulation proposal to be presented at a future Select Board meeting.
  • Andrew Pinard spoke with the Board regarding concerns he has, and recommendations he suggested, when a Town Employee works on property owned by a Select Board member. Andrew suggested that the Town adopt a clear Conflict of Interest Policy which clearly outlines separating public versus private interests.

Public Input:

  • Marlene Freyler appeared on behalf of the Freyler’s Driving School requesting an air conditioning solution for the upstairs rooms at the BACC. The BACC Governance Board has proposed that the Town purchase portable air conditioners.

Motion: Michael James motioned to approve the expenditure up to $1,000 for material needs for air conditioning units for the BACC.

Second: John Pfeifle

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

Regular Business: 

  • Minutes from the June 3rd, 2019 meeting were approved.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to approve the minutes.

Second: Jason Allen

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

  • Account payables and the payroll manifest were approved and signed.
  • The Town closed on the purchase of the Masonic Hall building. Andrew Pinard asked whether any analysis had been done on how the property will be used or if any short concerns had been raised. John replied no analysis has been done yet.
  • Karen asked the Board if they would sign a letter in support of Lafayette signs. The Board agreed. Karen will draft a letter for their signature. Marge Cilley thanked the Board and stated a local petition had 73 signatures.
  • Karen presented a lease renewal for the Community Action Program. The Select Board was supportive of the terms and Karen will draft a new lease.
  • Jason Allen outlined a request for support from the Parks and Recreation Committee who are interested in developing trails on the old Naughton property. The Committee requires Select Board approval to work on Town property. John requested they revisit the subject at the next meeting as there are some discussions underway concerning the use of the property. Andrew and Marlene provided input on previous initiatives and conditions on the property. Andrew also mentioned promoting existing trail networks in the downtown area. Steve Hall asked the Board to follow up with the roadway access. Karen will follow up on contacting the adjoining property owner concerning clearing access via the right-of-way.
  • Town Hall update: The granite placement is pending a schedule date from the mason. Bob Stewart has reviewed the final site drawings and is preparing the paperwork to resubmit the septic application. Andrew asked about plans for the exterior appearance and removal of the fence. John stated the Board intends to make the property “Handsome” once the planned work is completed.
  • The Board reviewed expense against the budget through the end of May. 65% of the overall operating budget remains. John expressed some concern discussed with the value received from selling solid waste but felt the budget was being well managed. Marlene Freyler expressed concern about funding the Recording Secretary position.
  • The Board signed the MS-232 report (Actual Appropriations) required by the NH Department of Revenue.
  • The Board signed an Intent to Cut for Map 6/Lot 8.
  • The Board signed an Application for Reimbursement for State/Federal Lands.
  • The Board received a request to payout Compensation Time.

Motion: Michael James motioned to authorize the payout of compensation time as requested.

Second: John Pfeifle

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

  • Marlene Freyler requested the Board’s support in requesting Cemetery related invoices be submitted with additional detail. The Board reinforced Marlene’s ability to oversee what she feels is required to manage Cemetery activity.
  • Overhead doors at the Town Garage have been repaired and are working well.
  • The trailers across from the Post Office appear to have been “buttoned up”. The status of moving the units is not known.
  • The owner of 18 Massasecum Ave has requested a 1 week extension to clean up the property which was granted as good progress has been made.
  • Michael James thanked Steve Hall for putting together a schedule for the Highway Department.

The Board took a 5 minute recess.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to non-public per RSA 91-A:3II (c) at 9:05pm.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to move to public session at 9:12pm.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:13pm.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary