Selectmen’s Minutes 07.15.19

Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm

Roll Call – Michael James, Chairman: John Pfeifle, Selectman: Jason Allen, Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator attended by phone; Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer.

Appearances:

  • Claire James appeared representing the Capital Improvement Program Committee. She introduced a revised Capital Project Form as well as a new form for “other anticipated expenses” that would not be covered under the General Budget Fund. She asked the Select Board to utilize these new forms for any new projects being submitted and requested the Board members work with the Department Heads to review the CIP items previously submitted along with the proposed timing of the expenditures prior to the August 14th CIP meeting. Claire will send the Board a copy of the forms as well as a link to the CIP Tracking document electronically.

Public Input:

  • Michael James read into record a letter received from Marge and George Cilley who are concerned about the proximity of the 2019 firework activity to their property. This was not an issue in previous years and the Select Board will review whether the launch location had changed and will follow up appropriately.
  • Karen paraphrased an email received from Devin Pendleton thanking the Town and its various Departments as well as the public for their support that made the Independence Day event a success. The email will be read into record at the next Board meeting.

Regular Business:

  • Minutes from the July 1st meeting were reviewed and accepted with an edit to the item in which querying committees regarding live-streaming was discussed.  The sentence reading “Jason will develop a list of committees that he feels should be Live Streamed for review with the other Board members.” will be replaced with “Jason asked Karen to reach out to the various committees to ask whether they would like to have their meetings Live Streamed.”

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to approved the minutes with an edit to last sentence; “Jason asked Karen to reach out to the various committees to ask whether they would like to have their meetings Live Streamed.”

Second: Jason Allen

Decision: 3-0 in favor

  • Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed. Marilyn Gordon expressed concern about the funding source and approval process regarding an expense for the fence at the Brown Shattuck field implemented by the Parks and Recreation Committee. Further follow up will be done. The Select Board did note that it is always a good idea to make the Board aware of planned expenditures.
  • The Board signed a CAP (Contribution Assurance Program) agreement with Primex. In exchange for Town’s agreement to use Primex for its Workers Compensation Insurance for the next 3 years, Primex agreed to cap the rate increase at 10% each year, regardless of what our actual increase may be. Michael had researched whether other risk pool solutions were available and there was no competitor identified beyond going through a private insurance provider. Marge Cilley asked whether Primex was the provider for other employee/municipal related insurance coverage and was told they are. Karen will follow up on a question whether the Town receives a discount as a multi service consumer.

Motion: Michael James motioned to approve the 3-year Primex Workers Compensation agreeement.

Second: John Pfeifle

Decision: 3-0 in favor

  • The Board reviewed 2nd quarter expenses. There is 56.6% remaining in the Operating Budget. No areas of significant concern were identified. John would like to review opportunities to remove waste volume and gain revenue at the Transfer Station during a future meeting. Karen did note that expenses related to the Fire Department, that were part of Warrant Article Twenty-One, will be posted against the General Operating Budget per the recommendation of the Town Auditor, but will still be funded by the Warrant item. Karen will also follow up on details in the Highway Departments account 3901.
  • The Board discussed a request to hold a wedding ceremony at the Brown Shattuck Memorial Field. An agreement would need to be executed to allow a private event.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned that the Board agree with any stipulations outlined by Parks & Recreation regarding issuing permission for the use of Brown Shattuck Field for a private event.

Second: Michael James

Decision: 3-0 in favor

  • The Board signed an Acceptance of the Audit results.
  • The Board signed a lease for use of the Bradford Area Community Center with the Community Action Program.
  • The Board signed an Intent to Cut for Map 7/Lot 21.
  • The Board signed a contract with Cintas to conduct safety equipment inspections for the Highway Department.
  • Marlene asked that the Board follow up with Lumber Barn to ensure only authorized purchasers are allowed to charge items. Jason will follow up.
  • The Board discussed adding an item, previously part of the Purchasing Policy, to the Personnel Handbook regarding the use of Town vehicles. Michael will follow up.
  • Claire James asked about an “Other Business” item on the agenda. Michael will add it back in.
  • Jason Allen provided an outline of the location where the Parks and Recreation Committee would like to place bike trails on the old Naughton Property. Parks and Rec will be hosting a meeting at the Community Center on August 10th, at 9:00am to review their plan which is open to the public.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to commend anyone who had worked on the Rail Trail across Lake Todd, stating it is a great addition to the Town.

Second: Michael James

Decision: 3-0 in favor

  • Claire James introduced Courtney Schusler to the Board who is interested in getting involved in the community.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn at 8:35pm.

Second: Michael James

Decision: 3-0 in favor

The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday July 29th, 2019 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Area Community Center

Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn