Meeting called to order at 12:59 pm
Roll Call – Jason Allen (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Michael James and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91:A:3II (b) at 1:00 pm for Fire Chief interviews
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 4:11 pm
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to seal the minutes as the information could adversely affect the reputation of someone other than a Board member.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to recess the meeting until 7:00 pm
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Continuation of Select Board Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
Roll Call – Jason Allen (Chair), Michael James (arrived at 7:02pm), Marlene Freyler and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
- Susan Moss, from the Bradford Gardening Group, spoke about the content of the Welcome to Bradford signs. She shared sentiments from other community members that expressed a concern that the existing sign indicates Bradford is just a pass through to the Sunapee area. The desire to put up a new sign, which promotes the features of Bradford was discussed. Don Moss, a graphic sign designer, put together a proposed graphic that represents the vision the Gardening Group would like to present of Bradford. This sign image was reviewed by the Board back in December of 2019. The recommendation was to replace the existing signs on Route 103 entering from Newbury, Route 114 entering from Henniker, Route 103 entering from Warner and the addition of a sign on Route 114 entering from Sutton. There has been a proposal to relocate some of the signs and those revised locations have been approved by DOT. The sign would be 42 inches wide. The cost estimate, per sign, is $1,100, installed, and the Gardening Group would like to raise private funds to move forward. Karen asked that the Town adopt a specific incorporation date as there is a conflict between 1781 and 1787. Claire James and Tracey Quigley advised that the dates represent two separate events, settlement of Bradford in 1781 and incorporation in 1787. Tracey Quigley will follow up to ensure the dates are understood. Clark Roberge commented on the placement of the sign entering from Warner as the proposed placement would receive wind and weather impact. The group will revisit the placement options.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to allow the Gardening Group move forward with raising private funds and revisiting the sign locations.
Second: Michael James
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- Jason and Melissa Carter, 28 South Ridge Road, appeared to discuss having the Town conduct grading and winging back the banks once a year at Solitude Ridge. These roads are private and maintenance is the responsibility of the Solitude Ridge Association. The residents pay $14,000 annually to maintain the road but the road is utilized by Town residents outside of the Solitude Ridge Association. Jason Allen outlined various considerations that the Town would need to review and felt any decision would need to be presented at Town Meeting. Jason Carter outlined the main difference between Solitude Ridge and other private roads is the fact that Solitude Ridge is a cutover road between West Road and Fairgrounds Road and others, outside of the Solitude Ridge residents, use the road. Karen suggested placing the road on the 2020 traffic study list to understand traffic volumes. Jason asked the Carters to put the request in writing, including specific tasks they are requesting the Town to assume.
- Chief Chris Olsen appeared on behalf of the Fire Department to provide a June update report. He provided the incident report for the month of June; the department responded to 26 calls between fire and EMS responses. A budget update was provided, the department has 42.79% of the budget remaining. Their budget is tight and they may need to defer some activity until the end of the year if funds remain available. 86.93% of the EMS budget remains. The Department also has about $2,000 in COVID-19 related expenses that are expected to be reimbursed by the State. The Chief announced a new Fire Department member, Andrew Pomeroy. The Department now has a total of 22 members. Chief Olsen discussed various training initiatives accomplished. He outlined that MRI has been working on the hiring process for a new Fire Chief and that the Department is reviewing resumes. He hopes to have a response from the Fire Department regarding the applicants shortly. He also reviewed policy documentation that is being established within the Department. An update on an inspection done in Town was also provided. All Fire Dept activity is being tracked in the Firehouse software application used by the Department.
- Steve Hall, Town Road Agent, provided a June Highway Department update. He is working on updating some of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning documentation with Karen. He asked that the Board follow up with a Thank You letter to Tyler’s Lawn Care for sweeping the sidewalks at no expenses to the Town. The culvert by the old Casino on Massasecum Lake Road continues to deteriorate. Steve expects to have a permit from the State by the end of the week. The project materials and resources are ready to complete the project once the DES permit is received. Steve outlined several concerns raised, caused by the significant rainfall events seen recently; 56 Marshall Hill Road was noted and the Department was asked to review what options could be implemented. Steve would like to dig out and place stone into the ditch. The Board was supportive of the work. 42 and 46 French’s Park Road had damage and a temporary water bar was placed to help direct runoff. The Department will revisit this site in the fall. A concern was raised at 16 Hogg Hill which has no culvert under the driveway. Unfortunately, heavy rain fall will continue to be an issue unless the property owner installs a culvert. The Board discussed work done at 2 Bacon Road, the Department has seeded exposed banking and will hay the area as well. The homeowner has placed stone in the right-of-way. Marlene and Steve expressed concern that an issue might be raised by the homeowner if there were any impact to the work done in the future. Jason and Michael both felt that it was not an issue. From a budget perspective the Department has 50% remaining. The Cochran Hill project is on hold until Eversource is able to relocate the power pole; this is currently prohibited due to COVID-19 policies. As of July 13th, Bement Bridge is closed for rehabilitation work.
- Devin Pendleton, on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Committee, appeared to discuss French’s Park ordinance regulations and requested enforcement of the existing ordinance regarding a fine amount of $50 and a Transfer Station sticker requirement.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to increase the fine to $50 as outlined in the ordinance.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Jason raised the subject of having volunteer enforcement. Devin asked for specifics regarding what the process and responsibilities would be. The Board asked that the Parks and Recreation lead the effort and determine the responsibilities. Devin outlined the suggestion of a volunteer support was sought as a quick temporary measure and the Committee would like to see a permanent Park Monitor resource hired to oversee the location from Friday through Sunday. Katie Olohan expressed concern that the police can’t always get to the park immediately and visitors come and go before they can be ticketed. She also expressed support for a Park Monitor resource. Marlene thought the sign should perhaps be relocated as it is not placed in a location where it is always noticed. Walter Royal suggested adding a second sign which outlines the regulations. Michael asked Devin to draft an outline of responsibility for a volunteer role. She is happy to coordinate a volunteer plan but would like the Town to pursue a more permanent position. Michael asked whether Parks and Recreation can take on responsibility for the role. Karen will follow up on the RSA’s and accounting suggestions to fund the role. Katie suggested letting the Parks and Recreation review the ability to have a fund that accepts donations as an option for a funding the role. Devin will pursue a volunteer option as well as a proposal for Town meeting to establish a Park Monitor position. Police Lieutenant Edward Shaughnessy outlined that the $15 fine was based upon legacy, pre-printed forms, and the Department will need to edit the ticket. He commented on observing similar situations in other Towns although he has observed that locations with parking monitors do send cars away. Jason asked that the Police Department get new tickets ordered and update the ticket for now to reflect the $50 fine. Lois Kilnapp commented that she has been issuing new stickers, based upon a tax payer verification, for folks that plan to use French’s Park.
Regular and Old Business:
- The Board reviewed the Minutes of the June 29th meeting.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the Minutes of June 29, 2020
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- The Accounts Payables and the Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Walter Royal, Town Facilities Supervisor, presented quotes for Town Hall Painting work. He recommended moving forward with a $38,000 quote from Ben Ainsley.
Motion: Michael James motioned to move forward with Ben Ainslie to paint the Town Hall for a quote of $38,000.
Second: Jason Allen
Vote: 3-0 in favor
- Town assigned emails and Fire Lane agenda items were deferred.
- Karen will reach out to Devin Pendleton requesting that the Town pursues a contract early for fireworks in 2021 to secure a Saturday, July 3, 2021 date.
- The Board reviewed revenues and the general operating expenses against the budget. Revenues appear to be on track and 54% of the operating budget remains. There were no areas of the budget that raised significant concerns.
- The Board accepted the 2019 audit results.
- The Board signed the PA-28, Inventory of Table Property Form, for the Department of Revenue.
Public Input:
There was no public comment.
Michael James asked about the hours of operation for Town Offices. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector Office is open Tuesdays 8-4 and Thursdays 9-6; Wednesdays 12-5 by appointment only. More information is available on the Town website, Bradfordnh.org.
Motion: Michael James motioned to move to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3:II (c) at 8:57 pm
Second: Jason Allen
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 9:22 pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91:A:3II (a) at 9:22 pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 9:45 pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to seal the minutes as the information could adversely affect the reputation of someone other than a Board member.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91:A:3II (l) at 9:48 pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 10:00 pm
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned at adjourn at 10:01 pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday July 27h, 2020 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center.
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary