Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review Minutes of June 12, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler made a motion to accept the minutes of May 22, 2023 as written.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Appearances:
Erica Gross – Tax Deed: Erica asked the Board to sign a deed waiver for a property that is likely to be sold in the next three weeks. The Town will take deed on August 6 if the sale is not closed by then. She also asked the Board to think about the disposition of a small parcel that is about to be deeded. Erica asked the Board to abate the taxes of two pieces of property donated to the Town. The taxes were incurred while the donation process was underway. The Board agreed to the abatement.
Ryan Cilley: Registered a complaint about speeding vehicles on East Main Street. The record from the digital speed recorder has just recently been made available to the Select Board. The Board encouraged Mr. Cilley to make an appointment with the Police Chief to discuss the results.
Gary Wall: Wanted to make the Board award of dangerous trees on Cilley Lane. The Board reported that the trees are scheduled to be taken down in the next two weeks. He also wanted to make the Board aware of the safety issues resulting from the faded lines on the road. The Road Agent reported that the lines are scheduled to be repainted in July.
Devin Pendleton: Appeared to ask the Board of it would be wise to book the fireworks display for 2026 as it will be the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. Fireworks companies are booking early. The sense of the Board was to go ahead and reserve the date. It can be changed later if necessary.
Lois Kilnapp – Transfer Station Update: Lois reported that all is running smoothly and on schedule at the Transfer Station. Karen asked about the Dept. of Environmental Services Permit and Operating Plan. It was decided that both needed to be updated.
There was a discussion about the use of the entrance to the Transfer Station off Route 103. The Highway Dept. uses this entrance often; others are accessing the burn pile and other areas while the gate is open. It was decided that the gate will stay open when the Highway Department needs to access the area. Lois will get clarification regarding signage at that entrance.
Steve Hall – Highway Update: The Road Crew has been working on wash outs since the June 10th weekend rain event. The sink hole at the Fire Station sidewalk has been an issue for some time, however, it is progressively getting worse. The Town is maneuvering to get out in front of the problem before there is a culvert failure. There is work to be done ahead of construction, including permitting and engineering. Our Engineer from Hoyle Tanner is working with us on the issues.
Other things the crew has been working on include cleaning up the old telephone pole fence at Brown Shattuck Field, prepping the Naughton Property for the 4th of July celebration, replacing culverts and other tasks prepping roads for paving. Chip sealing is scheduled to take place the week of June 26th on Old Warner Road, Breezy Hill Road and Sunset Hill Road. This will add life to the asphalt plus help protect it from the elements.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature: Signed previously
Town Hall Update: Easements for the electrical work are in place. Tree work will begin next week. The excavation for the cisterns, septic and underground electric conduit will take place mid-July. The interior painting continues; sheetrocking in the basement is underway; trim and baseboard heaters are being installed on the first and second floors. Contoocook Well has taken a preliminary look at the well and will be back to test the pump etc in a few weeks. The new main entrance design (at the side of the building) is complete. LCHIP has agreed to allow removal of the concrete wall to the West of the building to allow for placement of an underground propane tank.
Update on Select Board Goals:
Beth: Financial Policy for Bradford: Beth presented documents she has found that are similar to the financial guidelines she would like to implement for Bradford.
Marlene: More participation in Town Board and Committee activities: Marlene has spoken with Devin about getting some meetings together. Hazard Mitigation: Marlene has spoken with the Fire Chief about meeting to organize this.
Mel: Organizing a discussion about the Masonic Building: A committee has been formed and will begin meeting on June 28. Capital Improvement Plan: The annual process will begin in July.
BACC Maintenance Update:
Plumbing maintenance has been done with an expense of $457.
Generator maintenance to be done with an expense of $670.
New Business:
School Board/MBC Rep visit: Mel had asked for a visit from the School Board and Municipal Budget Committee Reps to talk about KRSD activities. Karen will reach out to the reps.
Letter from Mitchell Municipal Group: Is preparing to destroy Bradford case files that are 7 years or older and wrote to Karen asking if Bradford wanted them. The Board decided to have them send the files for their review.
Sign Freyler’s Driving School Lease: Marlene Freyler recused. Beth Downs and Mel Pfeifle signed the lease.
Sign Bingo Permit: Signed
Sign Raffle Permits (2): Signed
Previously Signed:
MS-232 – Report of Appropriations
Warrant for Unlicensed Dogs
Agreement for Tree Work at Town Hall
Trust Fund Deposit Letter
Sign Appointments for Masonic Building Committee
Sign Personnel Action Forms
Adjourn
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Next meeting: July 10, 2023
Respectfully Submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary