Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:01 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Mel Pfeifle, Marlene Freyler
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Review Minutes of September 11, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the September 11, 2023 minutes as written
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Appearances:
Jenny Locke Howley – Energy Committee, appeared to request that the Board make the necessary motions to approve Bradford’s membership in the Community Power Coalition of NH.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to authorize the Town Administrator to enter into the “Joint Powers Agreement” of Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire under the provisions of New Hampshire RSA 53-A for the purpose of supporting member municipalities and counties in developing and implementing electric aggregation plans, pursuant to RSA 53-E, as well as related statutory authorities.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Marlene moved to appoint Jenny Locke Howley to serve as Bradford’s primary representative to CPCNH and Kathleen Bigford to serve as an alternate representative.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to establish an Electric Aggregation Committee and appoint Jenny Locke Howley and Kathleen Bigford to the Electric Aggregation Committee pursuant to RSA 53-E:6 to oversee the development of a plan for an electric aggregation program.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Sherry Gould, NH State Representative, appeared to inform that Board of NH legislative activities. Mixed seating of members rather than by party was something Sherry favored and the Legislature voted to implement. Her experience has been bi-partisan as evidenced by the passage of the budget by voice vote. Sherry sits on the Executive Departments and Administration Committee which oversees licensing, and funding of the NH Retirement System. On big issue was regulation of chemicals used in firefighting. Another was regulations for organic farm certification. Sherry learned that Sweet Beet Farm is a model organic farm in NH and that Bradford is one of two model towns in NH that have demonstrated ways to attract and keep young people in the community.
Beth asked if Sherry was involved in the funding NH education as funding for public schools is insufficient and now private schools are also publicly funded. Sherry is working with Sen. Dan Innis on this.
Sherry said she is always available to help with issues the town has with state agencies.
Walter Royal – Building Inspector, appeared to get signatures from the Board for permits. The Board appreciates this process as it keeps them informed of building activities in town.
Lois Kilnapp – Transfer Station, appeared to give an update on the Transfer Station. Beth remarked that the Transfer Station looks very clean and organized. The road has been repaired. Steve Hall spoke with a recommendation that the whole road be given an inch and a half pavement in the next year or so at a cost of about $38K. Tractor repairs will also be added to the Transfer Station budget. Lois has received many compliments; firewood availability has been very popular.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Dept, appeared with an update of Fire and Rescue activities:
Computer Aided Dispatch Contract, Bryan asked the Board to sign a contract for dispatch data reporting to ensure accuracy. The cost is $1,000 per year and is available in the department budget.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to authorize the Fire Chief to enter into a contract with Image Trends LLC of Minnesota for the purpose of fire reporting, computer aided dispatch system.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Federal Homeland Security has been in touch with the department to get cost data from damage during the July storms in Merrimack County. Bryan will follow up to see if funds are available.
Incidents since August 14: Fire and EMS incidents: 28 incidents since 8/14 for a total of 147 incidents YTD. 20 EMS, 8 Fire. There were a total of 157 calls in 2022.
Other Department Activities: Meeting with Masonic Building Committee; SCBA testing scheduling with vendor in October; CIP meeting; Town Hall inspections are on-going; Capital Area Mutual aid and Forest Fire Warden Association meetings; Kearsarge Mutual Aid meeting Henniker; Boater Certification training took place in September; Joint training with Newbury FD on PPE and SCBA scheduled for early December; Preparing the station for energy improvements; Preparing for FD open house and Trick or Treating at the station.
Department Budget as of 8/31/2023: Fire and Rescue had a combined remainder of 50.98% with some invoices still outstanding.
The Fire Department received $8,714.28 as a result of a FEMA grant. The town matches 5%, or $435.72. Gear purchased with grant funds is starting to be received.
Devin Pendleton – Parks and Recreation, appeared to confirm the closing of West Main Street on Halloween, 5:00 – 7:30. All agreed. Devin will work with Highway and Police for barricades, etc. Devin asked about a dead tree at Brown Shattuck Park that needs to be removed. Mel will look into having this done. Fencing at Brown Shattuck Park: Devin has an estimate for split rail to run from the chain link fence to the end of the park. Devin will get estimates from other sources.
Steve Hall – Highway Dept
Culverts and Pipes: Quotes for West Road at Box Corner, for the permitting and structure, would be about $27K. Deer Valley Road, permitting and structure, $111K not inclusive of contractor costs. He is still waiting for quotes for West Main Street at the Fire Station and East Shore Drive.
Three bridges are red-listed by the State.
Steve is investigating brine material to put on the roads in winter for melting and in summer for dust control.
Steve and the Board discussed the road plan and costs per year.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature. Completed.
Town Hall Update: The Bradford Community Gardeners have decorated the front of the building with two barrels bursting with fall plantings by the flagpole. The tin ceiling and crown molding on the first floor has been installed and will be painted soon. The finishing touches of the main entrance porch are nearly complete. Jason Allen, Merrimack County Customs, is fabricating the railings for the ramp and stairs. He is also doing the counter for the office kitchenette. We are still working on getting permanent power to the building. The work to run phone lines to the building has been scheduled with TDS. The piping from which lights will hang over the stage has been installed. The well pump was tested, failed and subsequently replaced.
Credit Card, Purchasing Policies: Board reviewed drafts. Karen will have final drafts for approval at the next meeting.
Update on Community Forum: Marlene would like to have forums to inform people about Town board and committee positions.
Police Department Basement: Discussion of damage repair due to flooding.
New Business:
Henniker Perambulation: Henniker has requested Bradford’s participation in walking our shared town line. Representatives from Bradford are needed to do the walk. Andrew Pinard and Laurie Buchar have volunteered. George Beaton, Brooks McCandlish, Sonny Harris and Phil Hall were mentioned as folks who might be willing to participate.
Center Meetinghouse Mowing: The mystery volunteer mower has not yet been identified.
Sign Driveway Permit Map 4 Lot 21-1: Steve has signed; the Board signed.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn the meeting
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Meeting adjourned: 8:05 pm
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford
Upcoming meetings: October 10, 2023, October 23, 2023